Bill > HB755

This bill establishes a comprehensive Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program in Hawaii, beginning January 1, 2028, that will provide financial support and job protection for workers needing time off for various personal and family health-related reasons. The program will be funded through payroll contributions shared by employers and employees, with employers with five or more employees contributing 100% of the determined payroll contribution and smaller employers contributing 50%. Eligible workers can receive up to 12 weeks of family leave and 26 weeks of medical leave per benefit year, with wage replacement benefits calculated on a sliding scale based on the employee's average weekly wage, ranging from 90% for lower-wage workers to 55% for higher-wage workers. The bill covers a wide range of leave scenarios, including birth or adoption of a child, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, addressing domestic violence, military-related exigencies, and an individual's own serious health condition. Employees are guaranteed job protection, continued health benefits, and protection from retaliation when using these benefits. The Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will administer the program, establish an appeals process, and conduct public education campaigns to inform workers and employers about the new benefit. The bill also repeals some existing statutory sections and makes consequential amendments to other laws to implement this new program.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=755&year=2026