H597 - NC Paid Family Leave Insurance Act

• Establishes a paid family and medical leave insurance program effective January 1, 2022, with benefits beginning January 1, 2023, administered by the Division of Employment Security.

• Provides covered individuals with up to 18 weeks of leave for serious health conditions, 12 weeks for newborn care or family member care, and 26 weeks for caring for covered service members, with benefits replacing 90% of wages up to 100% of state average weekly wage and 50% above that threshold, with a minimum of $100 per week.

• Requires employers to remit contributions to a Paid Family and Medical Leave Fund starting January 1, 2022, with contribution rates set annually by the Assistant Secretary based on sound actuarial principles to maintain fund balance at 140% of previous year's expenditures.

• Prohibits retaliation against employees for requesting or using benefits, requires job restoration to equivalent positions upon return from leave, and mandates continued employer-sponsored health insurance during leave periods.

• Permits self-employed individuals to elect coverage for a minimum three-year period and requires employers to provide written notice of rights and procedures to employees upon hiring and annually thereafter in multiple languages.