Senate Bill 1001 aims to expand family and medical leave provisions in Wisconsin by establishing a comprehensive family and medical leave insurance program. The bill allows employees to take up to 12 weeks of family leave for various reasons, including caring for a family member, the birth or adoption of a child, and addressing issues related to domestic abuse. It lowers the threshold for employers required to provide leave from 50 to a smaller number of employees, thereby increasing access to leave benefits. The bill also introduces a family and medical leave insurance program, which will provide financial support to eligible individuals during their leave, starting January 1, 2028.

Key provisions of the bill include the creation of a family and medical leave insurance trust fund, which will be financed through contributions from employees and employers. The bill outlines the eligibility criteria for receiving benefits, the calculation of benefit amounts, and the process for appealing denied claims. Additionally, it mandates that employers must reinstate employees returning from leave to their previous or similar positions and maintain their health insurance coverage. Local governments are also empowered to enact ordinances that provide more generous leave benefits than those established by state law.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 103.10(1)(a)1, 103.10, 103.10(1)(a)2, 103.10(1)(b), 103.10(1)(c)