WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 695

Georgia Student Finance Authority; establish a needs based financial aid program to award grants to eligible students who have not yet received their financial aid award

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Arlene Beckles and 5 co-sponsors

Bill HB 695 establishes a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, providing paid leave for employees to care for family or medical needs without losing income.

House Second Readers
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 695

Summary of Bill HB 695: Relating to Paid Family Leave

Overview

Bill HB 695 aims to establish and enhance paid family leave provisions within the state, focusing on the creation of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. This legislation is designed to provide financial support to individuals who need to take time off work for family or medical reasons.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 695 is to ensure that employees have access to paid family leave, enabling them to care for themselves or their family members without the fear of losing income. This bill seeks to promote family well-being and workforce stability by allowing individuals to take necessary leave for significant life events.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of a Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program: The bill proposes the creation of a state-managed program that provides financial benefits to eligible employees who take leave for family or medical reasons.

  • Eligibility Criteria: While specific eligibility requirements are not detailed in the current version, the program is expected to cover a range of situations, including:

    • Birth or adoption of a child
    • Serious health conditions of the employee or a family member
    • Other qualifying family emergencies

  • Benefit Amounts: The bill outlines that benefits will be provided at a percentage of the employee's regular wages, although specific percentages and maximum benefit amounts will need to be defined in subsequent legislative discussions.

  • Funding Mechanism: The bill may include provisions for funding the program, potentially through employee payroll contributions or employer assessments, although these details are not yet specified.

Affected Parties

  • Employees: Workers across various sectors who require time off for family or medical reasons will benefit from the financial support provided by the program.

  • Employers: Businesses will need to adapt to the new requirements for paid family leave, which may involve administrative changes and potential financial implications depending on the funding structure.

  • Department of Labor and Industrial Relations: This department will be responsible for implementing and managing the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 17, 2025
  • First Reading: January 21, 2025
  • Referral to Committees: The bill has been referred to the Labor and Employment (LAB), Consumer Protection and Commerce (CPC), and Finance (FIN) committees for further consideration.

Related Legislation

  • SB 1054: A companion bill that may address similar issues related to paid family leave, indicating a broader legislative interest in this area.

Conclusion

HB 695 represents a significant step towards providing paid family leave in the state, aiming to support employees during critical life events. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, further details regarding eligibility, benefit amounts, and funding mechanisms will be crucial for understanding its full impact.

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

Sign in to ask a question.