FAIR Leave Act

Overview: HR 3404, the FAIR Leave Act, was introduced in the House on May 14, 2025.

Purpose and Intent: The FAIR Leave Act aims to establish a national paid family and medical leave program, providing workers with up to 12 weeks of paid leave for qualifying life events, such as the birth or adoption of a child, a personal or family member's serious health condition, or military caregiving and leave.

Key Provisions:
- Requires employers to provide eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of paid leave per year for qualifying family and medical events
- Establishes a new Office of Paid Family and Medical Leave to administer the program
- Provides wage replacement benefits of up to $4,000 per month, with a cap of 90% of the employee's average weekly earnings
- Allows self-employed individuals to opt into the program
- Prohibits employers from interfering with or discriminating against employees who exercise their leave rights

Affected Parties and Impacts: The FAIR Leave Act would impact all private-sector employers and their eligible employees. It is intended to provide workers with financial security and work-life balance during critical life events, while also supporting businesses in retaining talented staff.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The FAIR Leave Act has been introduced in the House and is currently awaiting further legislative action and consideration.