Friday, January 09, 2009
Bill to Clarify the Flexible Leave Act
Corrective legislation to clarify the Flexible Leave Act (MFLA) is expected to be introduced during the 2009 legislative session by Sen. Rob Garagiola (D-Dist. 15), the sponsor of the original bill.
The Maryland Chamber and other interested business groups worked throughout the interim to develop clarifying legislation to address the vagueness and broad scope of the original bill passed last year, which requires employers with 15 or more employees that provide paid leave to allow the employee to use any type of accrued paid leave to care for the illness of an immediate family member (child, spouse, or parent). Garagiola will sponsor the corrective legislation with the support of last year’s House sponsor, Del. Ann Marie Doory (D-Dist. 43) and the MFLA’s primary proponent, Job Opportunities Task Force.
The corrective legislation does not alter the intent or purpose of the Flexible Leave Act, but simply offers detailed definitions of key terms, and clarifying language regarding certain clauses and provisions that were not clearly expressed in last years bill. The legislation is designed to help employers and employees appropriately implement and use flexible leave. For more information, contact me at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
