Senate Bill 539 proposes to repeal existing prohibitions that prevent local governments in Wisconsin—such as cities, counties, towns, and villages—from enacting and administering ordinances that require employers to provide family or medical leave to employees. The bill seeks to amend several sections of the statutes, including the definitions of "employee" and "employer," and it renumbers a specific provision related to employment benefits. Notably, the bill removes the entire subsection that previously restricted local governments from establishing such leave ordinances.

In addition to the repeal of the prohibition, the bill amends definitions to clarify the roles of employees and employers, including the inclusion of state government entities as employers. The amendments also adjust the language regarding the enforcement of existing ordinances related to employment benefits, ensuring that any such ordinances in effect prior to April 18, 2018, are no longer applicable or enforceable. Overall, this legislation aims to empower local governments to create their own family and medical leave policies, thereby enhancing employee rights at the local level.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 103.10(1)(b), 103.10, 103.10(1)(c), 103.12(3)(a), 103.12, 103.12(3)(b), 165.68(1)(a)3, 165.68