The bill seeks to enhance support for individuals applying for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificates by amending existing laws related to employment and medical leave. It introduces provisions that allow employees to take leave during the application process, administrative review period, and while additional medical records are being reviewed by the FAA, specifically for medical certificates related to mental and neurologic standards. Additionally, the bill amends the definition of "serious health condition" to encompass these leave scenarios, ensuring that employees are not penalized in their employment status while navigating medical evaluations.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies conditions qualifying for paid family and medical leave, particularly regarding treatment for substance abuse and cosmetic procedures. It specifies that leave for substance abuse treatment is allowed, but not for the employee's use of the substance itself. New provisions ensure that employees can receive at least 50% of their normal hourly compensation during the application or reconsideration processes for medical certificates related to mental and neurological standards, after exhausting their paid leave. The bill also includes several insertions and deletions to refine eligibility criteria for leave, establish penalties for false statements made to obtain benefits, and ensure that penalties collected are deposited into a designated enforcement account, ultimately aiming to bolster employee protections while maintaining workplace standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 50A.05.010, 50A.10.010
Substitute Bill: 50A.05.010, 50A.10.010