An act relating to expanding employee access to unpaid leave

H 461 expands Vermont's unpaid leave protections by updating definitions to include more family relationships and caregiving situations. It specifically broadens eligibility for family leave to cover individuals standing "in loco parentis" (day-to-day caregivers without legal ties), domestic partners meeting specific cohabitation requirements, and nontraditional family structures. The bill also clarifies safe leave for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including specific protections for estate administration during bereavement. These changes directly affect Vermont workers who care for extended family members, LGBTQ+ partners, or victims of violence, ensuring they qualify for leave under the same standards as traditional family situations. The law, signed by the Governor on May 22, 2025, aligns state policy with inclusive standards for low-income workers and nontraditional households.