Bill Would Extend FMLA Benefits and Protections to Additional Family Members

Legislation that would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to permit eligible employees to take up to twelve weeks of unpaid leave to care for a same-sex spouse, domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, parent-in-law, son- or daughter-in-law, child of a domestic partner, or adult child or sibling who has a serious health condition has been reintroduced in both chambers. The Family and Medical Leave Inclusion Act (H.R. 2364, S. 1283) would not change the terms of the FMLA, but rather expand its coverage to the aforementioned additional family members.

In a statement, the bill’s chief Senate sponsor Dick Durbin (D-IL) said: “Regardless of the make-up of one’s family, all employees should be given the same rights to care for a sick loved one in a time of need,” adding, “For 20 years, we have had a law that provides unpaid leave for families in crisis. As families change, so should the laws designed to help them.”

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