Bill > SB1213

This bill establishes a state-administered family and medical leave insurance program, overseen by the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, to provide paid leave benefits to eligible workers across the state. Under the legislation, "covered individuals"—defined generally as workers who have earned at least $3,000 during a base period or who are self-employed and opt into the system—can take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave annually (phasing in from 5 weeks in the first year and 10 weeks in the second year) for reasons including welcoming a new child, addressing their own or a family member's serious health condition, handling military-related exigencies, seeking safety from domestic violence or other qualifying acts of violence, bereavement, or dealing with emergencies arising from declared disasters or public health crises. To fund these benefits and program administration, the bill requires employers and employees to make payroll contributions to a newly created Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund, with contribution rates adjusted annually by the state, though employers with approved private plans that offer equal or better benefits are exempt from state fund contributions. Additionally, the legislation protects workers by guaranteeing job restoration and health care benefit continuation during leave, prohibiting retaliation or discrimination against employees who exercise their leave rights, and allowing employers to fulfill their obligations through self-insured or third-party private plans approved by the state.