MS SB2581

Establishes the Mississippi Paid Family Leave Act to be administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security, providing eligible employees with 12 workweeks of paid leave during any 12-month period.

Qualifying reasons for paid leave include birth or adoption/foster placement of a child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or the employee's own serious health condition.

Applies to employers with 50 or more employees and requires employees to have worked at least 12 months with 1,250 hours of service to be eligible.

Protects employees taking leave from retaliation, discrimination, or termination and requires restoration to original or equivalent position with equivalent pay and benefits upon return.

Employers who violate the act are subject to civil penalties of at least $1,000 per violation, and employees may pursue civil action for damages including lost wages, interest, liquidated damages, and attorney's fees.