Bill > SB1465

This bill enacts significant changes to Arizona employment law, primarily by establishing new standards for heat illness prevention and creating a statewide family and medical leave insurance program. For heat illness, the Industrial Commission of Arizona (ICA) is mandated to create rules for various industries, including agriculture, construction, and delivery services, requiring employers to provide adequate potable water, access to shade or climate-controlled environments, and implement high-heat procedures like monitoring employees for heat illness symptoms and ensuring effective communication for emergencies. Employees will have a private right of action to sue employers for violations, seeking damages or injunctions. The bill also introduces a comprehensive Family and Medical Leave Insurance program, effective January 1, 2030, which will provide partial wage replacement for eligible individuals caring for a new child, a family member with a serious health condition, recovering from childbirth, dealing with military family exigencies, or needing safe leave due to domestic violence, abuse, or stalking; this program will be funded by employer and employee payroll contributions and will offer up to 24 or 26 weeks of leave depending on the reason. Additionally, the bill clarifies that existing remedies for violations of certain statutes are exclusive, repeals a section related to the right to work, and establishes criteria for occupational regulating authorities to recognize apprenticeship programs for licensure, certification, or registration.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85053