Bill > HB128

This bill amends Delaware's Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program by making several key changes. The bill establishes a new Paid Leave Advisory Committee consisting of 9 members appointed by the Secretary, including representatives from the Delaware Paid Leave Division, four employee representatives, and four employer representatives (with at least one from a small business). The committee will advise on program implementation, administration, rulemaking, and financial matters, meeting monthly until December 31, 2028, and quarterly thereafter. The bill modifies rules around leave benefits, preventing employers from requiring employees to use accrued paid time off before accessing family and medical leave benefits, though employees and employers can mutually agree to supplement benefits with paid time off. The legislation also adds provisions for handling child support obligations, allowing the Department to withhold and redirect benefits to child support enforcement agencies. Additionally, the bill outlines new enforcement mechanisms for the Department, including the ability to issue warrants, garnish wages and bank accounts, and assess penalties for non-compliance. The bill becomes effective immediately, with the Advisory Committee able to begin meetings after certain administrative conditions are met, specifically when the Delaware LaborFirst system is fully functional and its steering committee dissolved.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142151