The proposed bill establishes the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act in West Virginia, creating a new article in the state code that will provide family and medical leave insurance benefits starting January 1, 2027. It defines eligibility criteria for individuals seeking these benefits, which can be claimed for reasons such as caring for a new child, a family member with a serious health condition, or a covered service member. The bill allows for a maximum of 12 weeks of leave, with benefits set at 67% of the individual's average weekly wages, capped at $1,000. To fund the program, it mandates payroll contributions from both employers and employees and requires employers to maintain health care benefits during the leave period.

Additionally, the bill includes protections against retaliatory actions by employers for employees exercising their rights under the act and mandates that employers inform employees about their rights and the claims process. It establishes a special revenue account for funding, requires annual reports to the Legislature on program participation and fund status, and tasks the Insurance Commissioner with administering the program and ensuring compliance. The bill also includes provisions for appeals in case of denied benefits, confidentiality of claims information, and allows self-employed individuals to opt into the coverage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 16-2S-1, 16-2S-2, 16-2S-3, 16-2S-4, 16-2S-5, 16-2S-6, 16-2S-7, 16-2S-8, 16-2S-9, 16-2S-10, 16-2S-11, 16-2S-12, 16-2S-13, 16-2S-14, 16-2S-15, 16-2S-16, 16-2S-17, 16-2S-18, 16-2S-19, 16-2S-20