Maryland has enacted legislation (House Bill 56) that expands the state's Flexible Leave Act to also cover bereavement. House Bill 56 takes effect on October 1, 2021.
Background:
The Maryland Flexible Leave Act (MFLA) requires employers that provide paid leave to their employees to allow an employee to use the leave to care for a child, spouse, or parent with an illness. The MFLA applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
For the purposes of family-care leave, child is defined as an adopted, biological, step, or foster child or legal ward who is either:
- Younger than 18, or
- At least 18 years old and incapable of self-care due to a mental or physical disability.
House Bill 56:
Under House Bill 56, employers that have 15 or more employees and provide paid leave must also allow an employee to use the leave after the death of a child, spouse, or parent. For the purposes of this bereavement leave, the definition of child also includes adult children.
Compliance Recommendations:
Covered employers should review their leave policies and practices to ensure compliance with House Bill 56. Please contact your dedicated service professional with any questions.