This bill makes several amendments to the General Laws related to temporary disability insurance. It adds new definitions for terms such as "Average weekly wage," "Benefit," and "Sickness." It also clarifies the definition of "Taxes" and specifies that an individual shall not be denied benefits if their employer continues to pay them regular wages while they are unemployed due to sickness. The bill also specifies the amount of employee contributions and the weekly benefit rate allowances for individuals eligible for unemployment benefits due to sickness.

Additionally, the bill establishes a temporary caregiver insurance program within the state's temporary disability insurance program. This program provides wage replacement benefits to workers who take time off work to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child. The bill sets limits on the number of weeks of benefits available and includes provisions for the restoration of the employee's position and maintenance of health benefits during the leave. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
139: 28-39-2, 28-40-1, 28-41-5