Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1156

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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)

Impact

If enacted, AB1156 would significantly alter the landscape of employee rights and benefits in the state. It lowers the threshold for employers required to provide family and medical leave, previously applicable to those with at least 50 employees, thus extending protections to smaller establishments. The introduction of a state-sponsored family and medical leave insurance program also implies a financial mechanism through which employees can receive support while on leave, making it a crucial provision for working families. This program will start collecting contributions in 2025, with benefits available from 2026, suggesting a phased implementation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1156 aims to establish a comprehensive family and medical leave insurance program in the state. The bill mandates employers to provide employees with up to 12 weeks of family leave for the birth or adoption of a child and up to 14 weeks of total family leave for other reasons, including caregiving for family members with serious health conditions. Additionally, it stipulates that employees requiring leave due to domestic violence or related issues are also covered under this program. Employers are expected to maintain health benefits during such leaves, further strengthening job security for employees on leave.

Contention

There are notable points of contention regarding the bill. Critics argue that imposing such mandates could burden small businesses that are barely managing overhead costs. Supporters counter that offering family leave is essential for ensuring the health and well-being of families, ultimately benefiting the workforce as a whole. Furthermore, the bill allows local governments to enact stricter ordinances, which some fear could lead to a fragmented system of regulations that vary widely across the state, complicating compliance for employers.