Bill expands FMLA to cover leave after a child's death

What does this do?

This bill adds the death of a son or daughter to the list of reasons an employee can take job-protected unpaid leave under federal law. The leave must be used within 12 months of the child's death and is generally taken all at once, though an employee and employer can agree to a different schedule. Employees may choose to use accrued paid leave, such as vacation or sick time, in place of the unpaid leave.

Who does it affect?

This applies to private-sector employees already covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act and to federal government workers. Employers may ask for documentation to support the leave request.

Why does it matter?

Without this bill, federal law does not specifically guarantee leave when a child dies, even though it covers leave for a child's serious illness. Adding this protection means employees in these covered groups would have a clear legal right to take that time without risking their job.

Where does it stand?