HB 2945 establishes Arizona's first state-administered family and medical leave insurance program, effective January 1, 2029. It provides wage replacement benefits for eligible workers needing time off for reasons including childbirth/adoption, caring for a family member with a serious health condition, pregnancy recovery, military family needs, or safe leave due to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. The program guarantees up to 26 weeks of benefits for pregnancy or inpatient health conditions and up to 24 weeks for other qualifying reasons, with employers required to provide at least 12 weeks of leave. Benefit payments must begin within two weeks of a claim and continue every two weeks, applying to both employees and self-employed individuals who meet the defined eligibility criteria.
HB 2663 clarifies and strengthens protections for Arizona employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It ensures these workers can take paid leave for training, drills, or active duty without losing vacation time, seniority, or pay - state employees get up to three times their weekly scheduled hours annually (or six times over two years) for military leave. The bill prohibits employers from penalizing service members for training absences, aligns with federal laws like USERRA, and specifies that leave days don’t count against scheduled work. It directly affects Arizona military reservists, National Guard members, and their employers across public and private sectors.
HB 2812 allows Arizona state and county employees in specific retirement systems (like the Arizona State Retirement System or public safety plans) to receive cash payments for unused sick leave upon retirement. Payments are calculated as 25% of an employee’s hourly rate for 500-750 hours, 33% for 750-1,000 hours, and 50% for 1,000+ hours (capped at $57,600 total). Employees may choose to receive payments as a lump sum or over three years, and the law specifies these payments do not count toward retirement benefits or salary calculations. The bill applies retroactively to certain university employees under the Arizona Board of Regents but excludes those receiving federal sick leave payments.
Arizona's SB 1464 creates a state-run family and medical leave insurance program starting in 2029. It provides eligible workers with up to 26 weeks of paid benefits for pregnancy, serious health conditions requiring hospitalization, or 24 weeks for caring for a newborn, family member with a serious health condition, military family leave, or "safe leave" related to domestic violence, sexual violence, abuse, or stalking. To qualify, workers must meet specific wage requirements during their base period (e.g., earning at least $390 per week in a qualifying quarter). Employers must provide at least 12 weeks of leave, with benefits paid biweekly after a claim is filed.
