Bill Expanding FMLA Leave Introduced in the House
Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NJ) introduced a bill (H.R. 824) on February 3, 2009, that would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow private and federal employees to take additional leave under the Act for parental involvement and family wellness. Called the Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009, the bill would allow eligible employees under the FMLA to take time off from work to participate in or attend their children’s or grandchildren’s school or community organization activities ( i.e., parent/teacher conferences, scouting or sports events) and meet routine family medical care needs, including medical and dental appointments of the employee’s son, daughter, spouse or grandchild or to attend to the care needs of elderly individuals who are related to the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.
The Act would also expand the definition of "eligible employee" to apply to employer's 25 or more employees within a 75 mile radius, not 50 or more as it is under current law. In addition, an eligible employee would be permitted to take parental involvement or family wellness leave under Act for up to four hours of leave in any 30-day period, not to exceed 24 hours during any 12-month period. This leave is in addition to other types of permissible leave. An eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of their accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or family leave for parental involvement and family wellness leave under the Act. In addition, an employee would be required to provide their employer with at least seven days notice or as much notice as is practicable before the date the leave is to be taken. An employer may require certification. The bill has been referred to House Committees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform and Administration.
Reprinted with permission. © CCH
(Submitted Feb. 10, 2009)
<p>Bill Expanding FMLA Leave Introduced in the House  Representative Carolyn Maloney (D NJ) introduced a bill (H.R. 824) on February 3, 2009, that would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to allow private and federal employees to take additional</p>