Bill > SB1464

This bill, titled the "Arizona Thriving Families Act," establishes a family and medical leave insurance program in Arizona, providing wage replacement benefits to eligible individuals for various qualifying reasons. These reasons include caring for a new child, a family member with a serious health condition, or a family member on active military duty, as well as for the employee's own serious health condition, recovery from childbirth, or in cases of domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking (referred to as "safe leave"). The program defines key terms like "covered individual," "average weekly wage," and "serious health condition," with benefits calculated based on a percentage of the individual's average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $1,000 per week initially, with adjustments planned annually. Contributions to fund the program will be collected from both employers and employees starting January 1, 2028, with the rate determined by the Industrial Commission of Arizona (the "commission"). The bill also outlines provisions for job protection, continuation of health benefits during leave, and prohibits retaliatory personnel actions against employees who exercise their rights under the act. The commission is responsible for administering the program, establishing rules, and conducting a public education campaign to inform both employees and employers about their rights and responsibilities, with benefits becoming payable beginning January 1, 2029.

Budget and Finance

https://apps.azleg.gov/BillStatus/BillOverview/85052