OH HB491

Creates a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program administered by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, providing up to 12 weeks of paid benefits (14 weeks for pregnancy-related conditions) per 12-month period for serious health conditions, new child care, family caregiving, military exigencies, or miscarriage/stillbirth

Weekly benefit amounts range from 66% to 95% of average weekly wage based on income level, with a maximum of $1,000 per week (adjusted annually for inflation starting July 1, 2024)

Funded through employee payroll premiums deducted by employers, with employers permitted to pay contributions on employees' behalf; employees must work 680 hours during base period and have premiums paid for at least one year to qualify

Requires employers to provide 10 days of paid bereavement leave for stillbirth or death of a child under 21, with state employees receiving an additional 10 days beyond existing 3-day bereavement leave for immediate family deaths

Includes job protection provisions prohibiting employers from discharging or discriminating against employees using benefits, with civil penalties up to $3,000 per violation and private right of action for damages including lost wages and liquidated damages