Maryland expands flexible leave act to cover bereavement

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.