Substitute Senate Bill No. 1427 seeks to expand the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (PFML) in Connecticut by including employees of local and regional boards of education, as well as nonpublic elementary and secondary schools, specifically targeting non-certified positions. The bill modifies the definition of "covered public employee" to explicitly include these individuals, thereby broadening eligibility for benefits. It also clarifies that nonpublic schools are considered employers under the program. Key changes include the repeal and replacement of existing statutes related to the PFML, updates to definitions, and the establishment of written procedures for program implementation, including budget approvals and grievance processes.

Furthermore, the bill enhances the operational framework of the PFML by ensuring that contributions from employees and self-employed individuals are used solely for compensation and operational costs. It introduces a secure website for public notices, policies for determining eligibility, and mandates the sharing of state administrative data to improve service delivery. The bill also expands the definition of "family member" and removes previous limitations on leave benefits for specific employee categories, allowing all eligible employees to access leave. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 31-49e
LAB Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr
File No. 542: 31-49e, 31-49h, 31-51kk, 31-51rr