Allowing the enactment of family and medical leave ordinances. (FE)
Impact
If passed, AB478 could lead to a patchwork of family and medical leave policies across Wisconsin, as different municipalities may choose to enact varying standards. This decoupling from state-wide regulation could benefit employees in more progressive areas looking for robust family leave options. However, it could also create challenges for employers who operate across jurisdictions, as compliance could become more complex when faced with differing local laws on employee benefits.
Summary
Assembly Bill 478 proposes significant changes to existing labor laws in Wisconsin by allowing local governments—cities, counties, towns, and villages—to enact ordinances that require employers to provide family and medical leave to their employees. Currently, state law prohibits local governing bodies from implementing such mandates, meaning statewide standards govern employee leave policies. The bill aims to empower local jurisdictions to address the unique needs of their communities regarding employee benefits, making family and medical leave more accessible to workers at a local level.
Contention
The proposed bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Proponents argue that local governments should have the authority to determine benefits that best suit their populations, advocating for increased local control. Conversely, opponents express concern over the potential for inconsistency and confusion in employment regulations statewide. They believe that a state-wide standard is necessary to maintain equitable treatment of employees across different regions and to simplify compliance for businesses.
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)
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)
Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee's compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee's compensation and from restricting an employee's right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)
Prohibiting an employer from relying on information about a prospective employee's compensation when making employment decisions or inquiring about a prospective employee's compensation and from restricting an employee's right to disclose compensation information, allowing actions in circuit court, and providing a penalty. (FE)