Bill > HB2490

This bill creates the Firefighter Paid Family Leave Act, which provides 6 weeks of paid family leave for firefighters (including full-time firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians) who have been employed by an employer for at least one year. The leave can be used for three primary purposes: caring for a newborn child, caring for a newly adopted or foster child under 18 (or older if the child has a disability), and caring for a family member with a serious health condition (defined as an illness requiring inpatient care or ongoing medical treatment). Employers must compensate firefighters at their regular rate of pay during this leave and are required to restore the employee to their original or an equivalent position upon return. The bill includes strong protections against discrimination, preventing employers from taking adverse actions against firefighters who use this leave, and allows firefighters to voluntarily waive the leave. The law applies to all employers and limits home rule units from creating more restrictive regulations, ensuring consistent application across the state. Importantly, the bill does not interfere with existing collective bargaining agreements and takes effect immediately upon becoming law.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2490&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104