Draft Family and Medical Leave Regulations Due March 29^th.

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) recently concluded a series for listening sessions across Massachusetts to collect feedback from the public on pre-draft regulations for the state’s new Family and Medical Leave Program.  EOLWD will now review all public comments, revise the proposed regulations, and on March 29^th publish official draft regulations for public comment and hearing (date to be determined).  RAM will update members once the revised draft regulations have been published and the hearing date scheduled.

The Department of Revenue has also announced that employers interesting in opting out of the state run Family and Medical Leave Program through the adoption of a private plan may begin applying for an exemption starting April 29^th.  Exemption requests will be processed through MassTaxConnect and be accepted on a rolling basis.  However, without final regulations, there are few details available about the application process at this time.  RAM’s comments to EOLWD include a request for the final regulations to provide additional detail and guidance for employers interested in this compliance option.    

For more information regarding the new family and medical leave law please visit the DFML website.