The bill amends various sections of the General Laws related to Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) and introduces new provisions aimed at expanding benefits and eligibility for self-employed individuals. It establishes a temporary caregiver insurance program that provides wage replacement benefits for employees taking leave to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. The definitions of eligible family members are expanded to include "grandchild" and "care recipient." Additionally, the maximum duration of temporary caregiver benefits will increase incrementally, reaching ten weeks in 2027 and twelve weeks in 2028.

The bill allows self-employed Rhode Island residents to opt into the TDI program by filing an enrollment form. However, they will not be eligible for benefits until they have made twelve months of contributions. It also stipulates that self-employed individuals who fail to meet quarterly reporting or contribution requirements will be ineligible for benefits until outstanding payments are settled. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for penalties for employers and self-employed individuals who fail to comply with reporting and contribution requirements, ensuring that penalties are collected and added to the temporary disability insurance reserve fund. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2737: 28-39-26