Senate Bill 223 - Caregiver Relief Act Summary

• Adds Article 24 to Chapter 95 of North Carolina General Statutes to expand family and medical leave protections for caregivers beyond those available under federal law.

• Requires employers subject to federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to provide the same leave protections to employees caring for grandchildren, siblings, domestic partners, civil union partners, grandparents, and individuals with close family-equivalent relationships.

• Guarantees eligible employees taking caregiver leave receive the same protections as FMLA leave, including protection from discrimination and interference, right to reinstatement, and continuation of health care benefits.

• Adds protections to G.S. 95-241(a)(1) to prohibit employer discrimination or retaliation against employees who file claims or complaints related to the Caregiver Relief Act.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2019, and applies to all covered employers and eligible employees on or after that date.