WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

36-0086

An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act

2025-2026 Regular Session

Amends the Caregivers Leave Act to broaden eligibility and strengthen job protections for employees who care for seriously ill family members, clarifying leave duration and rights.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0086

Summary: Bill 36-0086 – An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act

Overview

Bill 36-0086 proposes amendments to the Caregivers Leave Act by amending Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 25, Section 590b. The bill is currently in the introduction/legislative process with actions moving from initial receipt to assignment and referral to the Senate.

Purpose and Intent

  • The stated aim of the bill is to modify the existing Caregivers Leave Act. While the exact textual changes are not provided in the summary, such bills typically seek to improve protections and/or benefits for employees who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member or loved one, or to address caregiving needs more broadly under local law.

Legislative History and Status

  • Received: February 25, 2025
  • Assigned: February 26, 2025
  • To Senate: April 3, 2025
  • Introduced: May 8, 2025
  • Status: Introduced (in the process of becoming law; not yet enacted)

Key Provisions (What is typically addressed in Caregivers Leave updates)

Note: The exact text of 36-0086 is not provided here. The following outlines common areas such bills modify. The actual bill should be consulted for precise language and numbers.

  • Eligibility and scope
    • Which employees qualify (e.g., full-time, part-time, duration of employment prior to leave).
    • Eligible caregiving scenarios (care for a family member with a serious health condition, caregiving for a newborn/child with special needs, etc.).
  • Leave duration and structure
    • Length of permitted leave (days or weeks) and whether leave is paid, unpaid, or partially paid.
    • Accrual or advance leave requirements.
  • Job protection and reinstatement
    • Reinstatement rights to the same or equivalent position after leave.
    • Protections against retaliation for taking leave.
  • Interaction with other leave laws
    • Coordination with federal FMLA and any existing Virgin Islands leave acts.
    • Potential stacking or carve-outs when multiple leave provisions apply.
  • Documentation and notice
    • Certification requirements, medical or caregiving documentation, and notice timelines.
    • Requirements for employer recordkeeping and privacy protections.
  • Funding and administration
    • How leave is funded (employer-funded, state-funded, or a combination) and which agency administers the program.

Affected Parties

  • Employees who provide caregiving for a seriously ill family member or dependent (potentially broadened definitions).
  • Employers within the Virgin Islands, including private sector and covered employers under the act (scope may vary by size or sector).
  • Possibly health care providers and social services entities involved in caregiving arrangements.
  • State administrative agencies responsible for enforcement, compliance, and recordkeeping.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill has progressed from introduction to Senate referral within the current session.
  • If advanced, it may undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Senate, followed by steps in the House (as applicable in Virgin Islands law).

Potential Impacts

  • Greater protections and clarity for caregivers seeking leave.
  • Possible cost implications for employers if paid leave is expanded or mandated.
  • Changes could affect workforce planning, staff coverage, and human resources policies.
  • Alignment with or divergence from federal standards (FMLA) and existing local leave laws.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Obtain the full bill text to review exact amendments to Section 590b.
  • Monitor committee hearings and floor actions in the Senate for any amendments or changes.
  • Assess how the bill would interact with current employer policies and any related local or federal leave requirements.

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

Sign in to ask a question.