Families First Coroanavirus Response Act: Two New Forms of Job-Protected Paid Leave to Be Enacted

By Esra A. Hudson, Partner, Employment and Labor | Michael E. Olsen, Associate, Employment and Labor

In the early morning hours of March 14, 2020, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (the Act), which provides various forms of relief to those affected by COVID-19. As it pertains to employers and their workforces, the bill expands the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), creating a new form of mostly paid job-protected leave for affected employees. It also creates a new form of immediately available, short-term paid sick leave. These provisions are to take effect within the next 15 days after it is signed by the President. Employers should contact their counsel immediately to revise their policies and ensure compliance with all new provisions. Read more