Bill > S1156

This bill aims to ensure bereavement leave for workers in Massachusetts. The key provisions are: 1. Expanding the definition of "family leave" under the state's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program to include leave to cope with the death of a family member, such as attending the funeral, making necessary arrangements, or grieving the loss. 2. Providing covered individuals (employees eligible for PFML benefits) with up to 8 weeks of family leave upon the death of each family member, with 2 of those weeks being eligible for weekly PFML benefits. 3. Allowing the bereavement leave to be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule. 4. Specifying that the 8 weeks of bereavement leave are in addition to the other PFML leave entitlements, and that the covered individual will receive PFML benefits for those 8 weeks. 5. Prohibiting employers from requiring an eligible employee to take multiple periods of bereavement leave concurrently if more than one family member dies during a single benefit year. 6. Outlining the acceptable forms of certification an employee can provide to support their need for bereavement leave, such as a death certificate or documentation from a mental health provider.

Labor and Employment

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1156