Relates to flexible working arrangements for parents and legal guardians when day care centers and schools are closed during a state or local disaster emergency

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Cunningham

Bill A 4048 requires employers to provide flexible work options for parents during school or daycare closures due to state or local disaster emergencies, supporting family needs.

REFERRED TO LABOR

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4048 aims to provide flexible working arrangements for parents and legal guardians when day care centers and schools are closed due to a state or local disaster emergency. The bill recognizes the challenges faced by families during such emergencies and seeks to ensure that parents can balance their work responsibilities with the need to care for their children.

Key Provisions

Flexible Work Arrangements: The bill mandates that employers offer flexible working options to parents and legal guardians during periods when day care centers and schools are closed due to a declared disaster emergency.

Definition of Emergency: The bill specifies that a "state or local disaster emergency" includes any situation that leads to the closure of educational institutions or child care facilities.

Eligibility: The provisions apply to all parents and legal guardians of children enrolled in day care centers or schools affected by the emergency.

Employer Obligations: Employers are required to accommodate requests for flexible work arrangements, which may include options such as remote work, adjusted hours, or modified duties.

Who Would Be Affected

Parents and Legal Guardians: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are parents and guardians who need to care for their children during emergencies when traditional child care options are unavailable.

Employers: Businesses and organizations will need to adapt their policies and practices to comply with the new requirements for flexible work arrangements.

Educational Institutions: Schools and day care centers will play a critical role in informing parents about closures and the implications for their work arrangements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduced Date: The bill was introduced on January 31, 2025.

Current Status: As of the introduction date, the bill has been referred to the Labor Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills A 8095 and A 7886, as well as companion bill S 515, which may address similar issues regarding parental leave and work flexibility.

Conclusion

Bill A 4048 seeks to address the needs of working parents during emergencies by ensuring they have access to flexible work arrangements. By mandating these provisions, the bill aims to alleviate the stress on families and support their ability to manage both work and caregiving responsibilities during times of crisis.

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