The proposed bill establishes a family leave and medical leave insurance program in Iowa, which will provide eligible employees with paid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons. To qualify, employees must have worked for a covered employer for at least twelve consecutive months and a minimum of 1,250 hours during that time. The bill outlines the conditions under which leave can be taken, including caring for a family member with a serious health condition, bonding with a newborn or adopted child, or addressing qualifying exigencies related to a family member's military service. Employees are required to provide at least 30 days' notice before taking leave, and the minimum duration of leave is eight consecutive hours.

Funding for the program will be sourced from employee and employer contributions, with a premium rate set at four-tenths of a percent of an employee's weekly wages. Employers are responsible for collecting and remitting these premiums, and self-employed individuals may opt into the program. The bill ensures that employees who take leave are entitled to job restoration and that health benefits are maintained during the leave period. It also includes protections against discrimination based on protected categories and mandates the director of the Department of Workforce Development to oversee the program, ensuring compliance and providing annual financial reports.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7E.5, 84A.1