The bill amends the General Laws regarding Temporary Disability Insurance Contributions and Benefits, significantly increasing the taxable wage base from $38,000 to $100,000 or the annual earnings needed for individuals to qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount. Additionally, the bill modifies the employee contribution rate calculation, establishing a new framework for determining the weekly benefit rate, which will increase from 4.62% for benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, to 5.38% for benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2028, and to 5.77% for benefit years beginning on or after January 1, 2029.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a temporary caregiver insurance program, expanding eligibility to include care for siblings, in addition to existing family members such as children, parents, grandparents, spouses, and domestic partners. It outlines the conditions under which employees can claim temporary caregiver benefits, including a waiting period and the requirement for written notice to employers before taking leave. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
974: 28-40-1
974  as amended: 28-40-1