SUMMARY:

Provides leave for parents to attend school conferences and medical appointments.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Eligible employees could utilize up to 24 hours of leave, paid or unpaid, during any 12 month period for the following purposes:
  • School conferences initiated by the school or parent, when the appointment cannot be reasonably be scheduled during the employee's non work hours
  • Medical appointments for the employee, employee's spouse, or employee's child
  • Medical appointments for an elderly relative
• Leave may consist of unpaid leave, annual leave, sick leave, compensatory leave, or other such leave
• Employers must annually notify employees of eligibility to request leave
• Employers may  not penalize an eligible employee because of a leave request; violators are liable for actual damages to the employee and attorney's fees
• Employers who violate the provisions are subject to fine
• The employee must:
  • Give reasonable notice of the leave request 
  • Plan the absence so as not to unduly disrupt the operations of the employer
• The employer may:
  • Require a written request at least 48 hours before the planned absence
  • If 10 or fewer employees, may reasonably limit the number of employees allowed to be absent on leave on the same day
  • Require written verification of a medical appointment or school conference
  • Require employees to take leave in not less than 2 hour increments
• School officials are obligated to provide written verification of attendance at school conferences
• Schools are required to provide written notice to parents/guardians of a school conference at least three days in advance

POINTS TO CONSIDER:

• Requires substantial records keeping for employers and schools/districts and potential increased costs
• Procedural violations may result in litigation for employers and schools/districts

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Upon signing by the Governor or upon becoming law without such signature.