The "New Hampshire Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act" (HB 1761-FN) seeks to enhance the state's existing paid family and medical leave program by establishing a new publicly administered Family and Medical Leave Insurance (FMLI) program. The bill introduces key definitions, such as "covered individual" and "family and medical leave insurance benefits," and outlines eligibility criteria for benefits, which will commence on January 1, 2027. Eligible reasons for leave include childbirth, adoption, and serious health conditions affecting the individual or a family member. The bill allows for a maximum of 26 weeks of benefits for personal health issues and family leave related to childbirth, while other qualifying leaves are limited to 12 weeks. It also mandates that benefits be payable from the start of the covered leave, with the first payment due within four weeks of filing a claim.

Additionally, the bill establishes a framework for calculating weekly benefits, stipulating that 90% of the average weekly wage will be replaced for lower-income individuals, while 60% will be replaced for higher-income earners, with a cap at the statewide average weekly wage. The program will be funded through employee payroll contributions, and the Department of Administrative Services will oversee its administration, including claims processing and public education. The bill includes provisions for job protection, penalties for non-compliance, and ensures that leave under this program runs concurrently with federal and state Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave. Overall, HB 1761-FN aims to provide comprehensive support for employees taking family and medical leave while establishing clear guidelines for employers.