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Illinois expanding access to family and medical leave for educational support staff

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pritzker bill signing
By Kenzie Dillow

(WSIL) -- Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 12 into law which expands access to family and medical leave for educational support staff in school districts, public universities, and community colleges.

HB 12 will allow a school district, public university, or community college district employee who has been employed for at least 12 months and who has worked at least 1,000 hours in the previous 12-month period to be eligible for family and medical leave under the same terms and conditions as the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. Previously, an employee must have worked 1,250 hours during the previous year.

“It’s enormously important to ensure that all of Illinois� education professionals have not only what they need to support the students and families they serve, but also to care for themselves and their own families, too,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I’m proud to be signing an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act that will cover thousands of education support professionals across the state. This is another way Illinois is shaping our policies to reflect our values � a critical aspect of ensuring ours is a state where all working families can thrive.�

While family and medical leave is more widely known for its use to care for a newborn, adopted or foster child, FMLA can also be used if an employee needs time to recuperate from a serious health condition, care for a family member with a serious health condition, or care for a family member who has sustained injuries while on active service duty for the military.

“The ability to take family or medical leave is a right and not a privilege,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. “This legislation is about compassion in policy making because it is important that everyone has access to leave that allows for selfcare or the care of a loved one. Extending the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to include education support professionals across the state gives these essential workers the support they need and deserve.�

HB 12 is effective January 1, 2022.