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SF 109

A bill for an act relating to a family leave and medical leave insurance program that provides for paid, job-protected leave for certain family leave and medical leave reasons for eligible employees of specified employers.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Bennett and 14 co-sponsors

Self-employed may elect a paid family and medical leave program, paying 100% of premiums; eligibility after 1,250 hours in 12 months, with a 3-year initial participation.

Subcommittee: Driscoll, Sires, and Wahls.
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Bill Summary · SF 109

Summary of SF 109 — Family Leave and Medical Leave Insurance Program (Self-Employed Provisions)

Overview

SF 109 proposes creating a paid, job-protected family leave and medical leave insurance program for eligible employees of specified employers. The version content provided focuses on requirements for self-employed individuals to participate in elective coverage, including eligibility, participation periods, premium payment, and cancellation rules. The bill was introduced on January 22, 2025, and is currently in subcommittee with Driscoll, Sires, and Wahls. Major sponsors include a broad slate of primary sponsors listed in the bill.

Key Provisions (Self-Employed Elective Coverage)

  • Initial participation period (self-employed): At least 3 years.
  • Subsequent participation periods: Each must be at least 1 year.
  • Coverage requirement: A self-employed person electing coverage must participate in both family leave and medical leave.
  • Premiums: The self-employed person pays 100% of all premiums assessed by the department under section 96A.12.
  • Election: A self-employed person must file a written notice of election of elective coverage with the department, per director’s requirements.
  • Eligibility for benefits: After working at least 1,250 hours in the state during the 12-consecutive-month period immediately following the date the written notice is filed, the self-employed person becomes eligible for family leave and medical leave benefits.
  • Withdrawal: A self-employed person who elects coverage may withdraw within 30 calendar days after the end of each participation period (for periods defined in a/b above), by filing a written withdrawal notice as required by the director’s rules. Withdrawal becomes effective no sooner than 30 calendar days after filing.
  • Nonpayment/cancellation: If a self-employed person fails to submit required premium payments, the department may cancel elective coverage. Cancellation takes effect no sooner than 30 days after the department issues written notice of impending cancellation and collects all due premiums.

Note: The language references the department’s authority and rules, and cites premiums under a referenced section (96A.12). The text provided focuses on self-employed participation and funding mechanics; other provisions for non-self-employed participants or employer-sponsored coverage are not included in the excerpt.

Eligibility and Affected Parties

  • Primary focus in the text: Self-employed individuals electing coverage under the program.
  • Broader scope (as described in bill title/subject): Eligible employees of specified employers would have access to paid, job-protected family and medical leave. The self-employed provisions outlined here are part of the overall framework.

Funding and Administration

  • Funding: Premiums for elective self-employed coverage are paid entirely by the self-employed individual.
  • Administration: The department administers elective coverage, collects premiums, and enforces withdrawal and cancellation rules through director-approved rules and notices.

Timeline and Procedural Aspects

  • Introduction date: January 22, 2025.
  • Subcommittee date: January 23, 2025.
  • Election window: Written notice required to elect elective coverage (timing governed by director’s rules).
  • Withdrawal window: 30 days after end of each participation period.
  • Cancellation window: At least 30 days after written notice of cancellation for nonpayment.

Practical Implications

  • Self-employed individuals would face long initial commitment periods (minimum 3 years) for the first participation, with shorter subsequent periods (minimum 1 year).
  • Full premium costs would rest on the self-employed participant, potentially affecting decisions to participate.
  • Eligibility tied to hours worked (1,250 hours in a 12-month period) aligns benefits with a workload threshold.
  • Administrative processes (election, withdrawal, cancellation) are date-sensitive and governed by department rules.

Next Steps

  • Monitor committee action in subcommittee (Driscoll, Sires, Wahls) and any amendments to:
    • Extend or clarify eligibility for non-self-employed participants.
    • Define the “specified employers” and coverage scope for general employees.
    • Establish premium calculation mechanics, funding sources, and long-term sustainability.
  • Review sponsor statements and fiscal impact analyses as they become available.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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