Bill > HB425

This bill establishes a comprehensive paid family leave program for state and county employees, allowing qualified employees to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave within a 12-month period for specific reasons, including the birth or placement of a child, or to care for a family member with a serious health condition. A "qualified employee" is defined as someone who has worked at least 1,250 hours over 12 months. The bill specifies that employees must provide advance notice of leave, and in some cases, may be required to provide medical certification. Employees are generally entitled to be restored to their original or an equivalent position upon return, and their health insurance coverage will continue during the leave period if they continue to pay their contributions. The leave can be taken as 12 administrative workweeks of paid family leave, and employees may also use additional accrued leave. To receive the full 12 weeks of paid leave, employees must agree to work for the employer for at least 12 weeks after returning, though there are exceptions for serious health conditions. The law includes protections against coercion or intimidation and is designed to complement existing federal and state leave policies. The program will take effect on January 1, 2026, and applies to state and county government employees.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=425&year=2026