MT SB325

Creates the Montana Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, establishing an enterprise fund financed by contributions from covered employers and employees not exceeding 1% of monthly wages, with costs split equally between employers and employees

Provides up to 480 hours of paid leave benefits per year for employees with serious health conditions, caring for a new child (birth, adoption, or foster placement), caring for a family member with a serious health condition, or military family qualifying exigency leave

Weekly benefit amounts are calculated based on wages, capped at $1,000 or the average weekly wage (whichever is greater), with higher wage replacement rates (1.92%) for lower-income workers earning up to 50% of average annual wage

Requires employers to restore employees to their prior position (or equivalent) after leave, continue health and pension benefits during leave, and prohibits retaliation against employees exercising leave rights

Effective July 1, 2026, with self-employed individuals able to elect coverage starting January 1, 2027 for an initial 3-year commitment period