President Obama signed an amendment to the Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA) on October 28, 2009, that expands exigency leave and caregiver leave for military families.

Under the legislation, employees with a family member who is either an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces will be entitled to 12 weeks of exigency leave (expanded from only being available to National Guard or Reserves).

The new law also entitles employees to take up to 26 weeks of caregiver leave to care for a family member who is a servicemember or veteran undergoing treatment for a serious injury or illness that occurred during active duty at any time during the five-year period preceding the date of treatment (expanded to include veterans).

As you are aware, FMLA is applicable to employers with 50 or more employees; company policies should be updated to include the new legislative requirements.

Please contact HR Precision at 208.846.7888 with any questions.