On Tuesday, June 25, 2019, Governor Ned Lamont signed the Act Concerning Family and Medical Leave, S.B.1, making Connecticut the 7th state in the nation (plus Washington D.C.) to enact their version of state-mandated paid family leave insurance.
Bill SB1 provides partial wage replacement to eligible employees with a serious health condition or that of a covered family member, or family leave for following childbirth, adoption, or placement of a child in foster care.
Here are some highlights of the new legislation:
- This act provides job protection for employees who work for at least three months with the same employer, with no minimum amount of hours required.
- Employee contribution begins on January 1, 2021, and is yet to be determined.
- Connecticut’s benefits become effective on January 1, 2022.
- The definition of Family Member includes siblings, grandparents and “family equivalent” relationships.
- Similar to the approved private plans in place by New Jersey’s Temporary Disability Benefits (TDB) law the bill also provides for a private plan option. However, Connecticut requires a majority of employees elect the private plan, and the private plan must provide equal or better benefits, conditions and costs to the state plan.
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