Bill > SB1670

This bill amends the Family Bereavement Leave Act to provide employees with the right to take unpaid leave specifically for grieving the loss of a companion animal. Under the new provisions, employees can take up to one week (5 work days) of unpaid bereavement leave when a covered companion animal dies, with the option to take up to two weeks (10 work days) total if multiple companion animals die within a 12-month period. A "covered companion animal" is defined broadly as an animal owned by the employee that is commonly considered a pet, including dogs, cats, horses, and other specialty pets. The bill allows employees to use this leave to grieve the animal's death, and employers may request reasonable documentation, such as verification from a veterinarian. This leave must be taken within 60 days of receiving notice of the animal's death, and employees are required to provide at least 48 hours' advance notice when possible. The bill expands upon existing bereavement leave provisions that previously only covered human family members, recognizing the emotional impact of losing a pet on employees.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1670&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104