NC H818

Enacts the "Eligible Leave for Employee Caregiving Time Act" allowing employees to use personal sick leave for absences related to illness, injury, or medical appointments of immediate family members (spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, or grandchild).

Permits employers to limit family caregiver sick leave usage to an amount not less than sick leave accrued during six months at the employee's current rate of entitlement.

Clarifies that the new caregiver leave rights are cumulative with other leave benefits and do not extend maximum leave periods under other state or federal law.

Adds G.S. 95-28.5 to the list of labor laws protected under the state's anti-retaliation provisions, prohibiting employers from discriminating against or retaliating against employees for asserting caregiver leave rights.

Becomes effective January 1, 2016, and applies to sick leave used on or after that date.