Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) has reintroduced a bill that would extend leave protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to employers with more than 25 employees, a lower threshold than the current 50 or more employee requirement. The Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2014 (H.R. 3999) would also permit covered employees to avail themselves of up to 24 hours per year of unpaid Parental Involvement and Family Wellness leave to attend parent-teacher conferences or take their children, grandchildren or other family members to regular medical or dental appointments. The measure would require employees to provide at least seven days' notice "or as much notice as is practicable" before taking such parental involvement and family wellness leave.
According to a press release, the bill's introduction is timed to coincide with the 21st anniversary of the FMLA's enactment. Given the current makeup of Congress, this bill is not expected to advance this term.
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