HB 1173 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Declares it to be in the public interest to establish a program that: (1) Allows parents to bond with a newborn or newly placed child, and workers to care for seriously ill family members or recover from their own serious health condition;

(2) Is in addition to those programs offered by employers;

(3) Provides limited income support for a reasonable period while an individual is away from work on family leave; and

(4) Reduces the impact on state income support programs by increasing an individual's ability to provide caregiving services for family members while maintaining an employment relationship.

Requires that, beginning July 1, 2007, the department shall report to the legislature by July 1st of each year on projected and actual program participation, premium rates, fund balances, and outreach efforts.