Bill > SB1054

This bill establishes a comprehensive paid family and medical leave insurance program in Hawaii that will provide financial support and job protection for workers who need to take leave for various personal and family health-related reasons. Starting January 1, 2027, the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will begin collecting payroll contributions from employers and employees to fund the program, with contributions calculated as a percentage of employee wages and varying slightly based on company size. By January 1, 2028, the program will begin paying benefits, offering eligible workers up to 12 weeks of family leave and 26 weeks of medical leave per application year, with wage replacement calculated on a sliding scale that provides higher percentages of wage replacement for lower-income workers. To qualify, individuals must have worked for at least 14 weeks, earning at least $400 per week during the previous 52 weeks, and can take leave for reasons including caring for a new child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, addressing domestic violence, or addressing a family member's military service-related needs. The bill includes strong employment protections, ensuring that workers who use these benefits cannot face retaliation and must be reinstated to their previous or equivalent position upon return, and requires employers to maintain health benefits during the leave period. The program will be funded through a trust fund, with the state initially providing a loan to help establish the program, and the Department of Labor is tasked with conducting public education efforts to inform employees and employers about the new benefits.

Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1054&year=2025