WI AB1012

Creates a family and medical leave insurance program administered by the Department of Workforce Development, providing up to 12 weeks of paid benefits beginning January 1, 2028, for covered individuals earning at least $1,000 in the prior calendar year

Expands family leave eligibility from 8 weeks to 12 weeks for birth/adoption/foster care and up to 14 weeks total for all family leave purposes, including care for family members with serious health conditions, military deployment exigencies, and victims of domestic abuse, sexual abuse, or stalking

Funds the program through mandatory wage contributions beginning January 1, 2027, split equally between employees and employers with more than 50 employees, with tiered reduced rates for smaller employers and $258.5 million transferred from the general fund for startup costs

Weekly benefit amounts equal 90% of average weekly earnings up to 50% of state average weekly wages, plus 50% of earnings above that threshold, capped at state average weekly wages

Allows local governments to enact leave ordinances more generous than state law, prohibits retaliation against employees exercising leave rights, and authorizes 243 new DWD staff positions to administer the program