Bill > SB325

This bill creates the Montana Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, establishing a state-run insurance program that provides paid leave benefits for eligible employees and self-employed individuals. The program will be funded through contributions from employers and employees, with contribution rates not exceeding 1% of monthly wages. Eligible individuals can receive up to 480 hours of benefits in a benefit year for reasons including personal serious health conditions, caring for a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, military-related exigency leave, and other federally recognized leave reasons. The weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on the individual's wages, with a maximum of $1,000 per week. The bill provides job protection for employees using these benefits, prohibits employer retaliation, and establishes an enterprise fund managed by the Department of Labor and Industry to administer the program. The legislation includes provisions for self-employed individuals to opt into the program, detailed eligibility requirements, privacy protections, and mechanisms for appealing benefit decisions. The program is set to become effective on July 1, 2026, with self-employed individual enrollment beginning January 1, 2027, and aims to provide financial support and job security for Montana workers during significant life and health events.

Business and Industry

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1835