Bill Summary for S 223 (2019-2020)

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Summary date: 

Mar 12 2019

Bill Information:

View NCGA Bill Details2019-2020 Session
Senate Bill 223 (Public) Filed Tuesday, March 12, 2019
AN ACT AMENDING THE LABOR LAWS TO PROVIDE RELIEF FOR CAREGIVERS IN THIS STATE.
Intro. by Robinson, Foushee, Garrett.

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Bill summary

Includes whereas clauses.

Adds new Article 24, Caregiver Relief Act, to GS Chapter 95. Provides under state law for caregivers who provide direct care to certain family members to take leave time in instances where leave would not be available to the caregivers under federal law. Provides that the following definitions apply under this proposed Article: (1) Department is the Department of Labor; (2) FMLA--the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993; (3) eligible employee--as defined in the FMLA; (4) grandchild--the child of a biological, adopted, or foster child, stepchild, legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis to the employee; and (5) grandparent--the parent of a parent. Under federal law, the FMLA specifies the family members for which an eligible employee may take leave to provide care; this act provides that an employer required to comply with the FMLA is to provide the same leave to an eligible employee for certain family members in need of care as would be provided under the FMLA, including care for a grandchild, sibling, domestic partner, civil union partner, or grandparent of an employee; or a spouse, domestic partner, or a civil union partner of a parent or grandparent of the employee; or any other individual related by blood to the employee or whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship. Provides that an eligible employee who takes leave under this provision is entitled to the same protections and rights that an eligible employee is entitled to under the FMLA. Provides that any right or obligation under this proposed Article is enforceable by a civil action in addition to any other remedies at law or equity. Provides that the Article applies to all employers in the state who are subject to the FMLA. Makes a conforming change to GS 95-241(a). Effective July 1, 2019, and applies to covered employers and eligible employees on or after that date.