Montana 2023 Regular Session

Montana House Bill HB651

Introduced
2/17/23  

Caption

Establish the Montana family and medical leave insurance act

Impact

The implementation of HB 651 will significantly impact labor laws in Montana by mandating employers to support family and medical leave insurance benefits. It ensures that employees can access up to 480 hours of leave annually, with benefits determined based on their earnings. Employers will be responsible for maintaining health and pension benefits during the leave period, which aligns with existing legal protections while enhancing job security for employees taking leave.

Summary

House Bill 651 introduces the Montana Family and Medical Leave Insurance Act, which aims to provide paid family and medical leave benefits to eligible employees in Montana. The bill establishes an insurance fund that will be financed by contributions from both employers and employees, including self-employed individuals who choose to participate. Upon establishing the fund, eligible employees will be able to apply for insurance benefits when facing qualifying circumstances such as serious health conditions or caring for new children or family members with health issues.

Contention

While the bill is generally well-received, debates around it reveal concerns about the financial implications for small businesses and the overall sustainability of the fund. Some lawmakers worry about the potential burden of contributions and the administrative complexities involved in managing the fund. Additionally, there may be further scrutiny regarding the stipulations on benefit eligibility, especially concerning self-employed individuals, and how that could affect their economic stability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MT SB491

Establishing Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act

MT HB4434

Establishing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act

MT HB3277

Establishing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act

MT HB4489

Establishing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act

MT HB2900

Establishing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Benefits Act

MT HB496

Labor and Employment - Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program - Establishment (Time to Care Act 2022)

MT SB00881

An Act Establishing A Paid Family And Medical Leave Program.

MT HB8

Labor and Employment – Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program – Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2022)

MT SB275

Labor and Employment – Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program – Establishment (Time to Care Act of 2022)

MT HB710

Establishing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program and the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

Similar Bills

WI SB1064

The establishment of a family and medical leave insurance program; family leave to care for a family member and for the active duty of a family member; the employers that must allow an employee to take family or medical leave; allowing a local government to adopt ordinances requiring employers to provide leave benefits; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from rule-making procedures; granting rule-making authority; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI AB1156

The establishment of a family and medical leave insurance program; family leave to care for a family member and for the active duty of a family member; the employers that must allow an employee to take family or medical leave; allowing a local government to adopt ordinances requiring employers to provide leave benefits; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; providing an exemption from rule-making procedures; granting rule-making authority; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty. (FE)

HI HB236

Relating To Family Leave.

HI SB360

Relating To Family Leave.

HI HB236

Relating To Family Leave.

HI HB5

Relating To Family Leave.

HI HB1506

Relating To Family Leave.

HI SB2312

Relating To Family Leave.