MS SB2585

Establishes the Mississippi Paid Family Leave Act to provide eligible employees with 12 workweeks of paid leave per 12-month period for birth or adoption of a child, care of 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 12 months with at least 1,250 hours of service to qualify; administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Permits intermittent or reduced-schedule leave when medically necessary, with employers able to require employees to temporarily transfer to an alternative position that better accommodates recurring leave periods.

Protects employees from retaliation and requires restoration to the same or equivalent position upon return from leave; employers may continue to require certification from health care providers regarding serious health conditions.

Establishes civil penalties of at least $1,000 per violation, allows employees to sue for damages up to 12 weeks of wages plus interest and liquidated damages, and requires employers to post notice about the leave rights; effective July 1, 2022.