U.S. Congress - Text of H.R.3047 as Introduced in House Balancing Act of 2009
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Donate NowH.R.3047 - Balancing Act of 2009
To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.
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HR 3047 IHCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
111th CONGRESSCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
1st SessionCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
H. R. 3047CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
June 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
June 25, 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Ms. WOOLSEY (for herself, Mr. HARE, Ms. DELAURO, Ms. LEE of California, Mr. OLVER, Mr. SERRANO, Mr. BISHOP of New York, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. STARK, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California, Mrs. MALONEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. KUCINICH, Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. PAYNE, Ms. WATSON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. FARR, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. WATERS, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Ms. HIRONO, and Mr. HONDA) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, Armed Services, Ways and Means, and House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concernedCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
A BILLCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
To improve the lives of working families by providing family and medical need assistance, child care assistance, in-school and afterschool assistance, family care assistance, and encouraging the establishment of family-friendly workplaces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title- This Act may be cited as the ‘Balancing Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Table of Contents- The table of contents of this Act is as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 2. Findings.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--PAID LEAVE FOR NEW PARENTS AND FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009
Subtitle A--Paid Leave for New Parents
Sec. 101. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 102. General definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Part 1--Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
Sec. 111. Program definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 112. Establishment of program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 113. Program benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 114. Voluntary employer plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 115. Additional benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 116. Prohibited acts by employer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 117. Enforcement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 118. Penalties.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 119. Education programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 120. Regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 121. Effective date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Part 2--Civil Service Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program
Sec. 131. Program definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 132. Establishment of program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Part 3--Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund
Sec. 141. Establishment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 142. Board of trustees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 143. Investment of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 144. Payments from Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 145. Administrative expenses.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 146. Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009
Sec. 151. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 152. Eligible employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 153. Entitlement to additional leave under the FMLA for parental involvement and family wellness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 154. Entitlement of Federal employees to leave for parental involvement and family wellness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Domestic Violence Leave Act
Sec. 161. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 162. Entitlement to leave for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 163. Inclusion of same-sex spouses and domestic partners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 164. Entitlement to leave for Federal employees for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 165. Inclusion of same-sex spouses and domestic partners for leave for Federal employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Healthy Families Act
Sec. 171. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 172. Purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 173. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 174. Provision of paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 175. Posting requirement.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 176. Prohibited acts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 177. Enforcement authority.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 178. Collection of data on paid sick time and further study.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 179. Effect on other laws.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 180. Effect on existing employment benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 181. Encouragement of more generous leave policies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 182. Regulations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 183. Effective dates.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009
Sec. 191. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 192. Eligible employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 193. Entitlement to additional leave under the FMLA for parental involvement and family wellness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 194. Entitlement of Federal employees to leave for parental involvement and family wellness.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--CHILD CARE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT
Subtitle A--Education Begins at Home
Sec. 201. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 202. Purposes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 203. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 204. Grants for early childhood home visitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 205. Targeted grants for early childhood home visitation for families with English language learners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 206. Targeted grants for early childhood home visitation for military families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 207. Evaluation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 208. Reports to Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 209. Supporting new parents through hospital education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Care for Young Children
Sec. 215. Expanding child care for young children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Improving Child Care Quality Through Teacher Incentives
Sec. 221. Purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 222. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 223. Funds for child care provider development and retention grants, scholarships, and health benefits coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 224. Allotments to States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 225. Application and plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 226. Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 227. Child Care Provider Scholarship Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 228. Child care provider health benefits coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 229. Annual report.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 230. Evaluation of health benefits programs by Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 231. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child Care Facilities Financing
Sec. 241. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 242. Technical and financial assistance grants.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 243. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 244. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Business Child Care Incentive Grant Program
Sec. 251. Business child care incentive grant program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--PRE-SCHOOL, IN-SCHOOL, AND AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANCE
Subtitle A--Universal Prekindergarten Act
Sec. 301. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 302. Purpose.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 303. Prekindergarten grant program authorization.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 304. State requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 305. Local requirements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 306. Professional development set-aside.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 307. Reporting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 308. Federal funds supplementary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 309. Definitions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 310. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Universal Free School Breakfast Program
Sec. 311. Universal free school breakfast program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Free Lunch Eligibility
Sec. 321. Free lunch eligibility.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child and Adult Care Food Program
Sec. 331. Reimbursements for afterschool dinners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Afterschool Education Enhancement Act
Sec. 341. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 342. Amendments regarding 21st Century community learning centers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE IV--IMPROVING THE WORKPLACE FOR FAMILIES
Subtitle A--Part-Time and Temporary Workers Benefits
Sec. 401. Treatment of employees working at less than full-time under participation, vesting, and accrual rules governing pension plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 402. Treatment of employees working at less than full-time under group health plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 403. Expansion of definition of employee to include certain individuals whose services are leased or contracted for.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 404. Effective dates.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--United States Business Telework Act
Sec. 411. Short title.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 412. Telework pilot program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 413. Report to Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 414. Definition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 415. Termination.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Sec. 416. Authorization of appropriations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Currently in 2/3 of married families with children in the United States, both parents work full-time. Seventy-one percent of mothers with children under age 18 work full-time, and another 29 percent work part-time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The National Study of the Changing Workforce found that 70 percent of employed parents indicated that they don’t have enough time with their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3)(A) A survey conducted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America found that more than half of the respondents indicated that they had little or no time to spend in physical activities with their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) Parents in 3,500,000 households, representing 7,000,000 children, spend an hour or less a week doing physical activities with their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The primary obstacle cited by the parents to engaging in physical activities with their children was their work schedules.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Nearly 2/3 of employees who need to take family or medical leave do not take such leave because they cannot afford to forgo the pay.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Nearly every industrialized nation other than the United States, and most developing nations, provides parents with paid leave for infant care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) In the United States, more than half of all mothers of children under the age of one now work. Yet parents of infants and toddlers face acute problems finding child care, and child care that is available is often of mediocre quality.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) The cost of child care averages $4,000 to $6,000 per year in the United States, and families with younger children or with more than one child face even greater costs. For example, the average annual cost of child care for a 4-year-old in an urban area center is more than the average annual cost of public college tuition in all but one State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) The average annual child care teacher salary is $15,430, a wage so low that many programs find it extremely challenging to recruit fully qualified teachers and to retain them. High turnover rates make it more difficult to provide quality and continuity of care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) Only 12 percent of eligible children receive child care assistance through the Child Care Development Block Grant, and only about 3 out of 5 eligible preschoolers are able to participate in the Head Start program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) Among needy students, school nutrition programs often provide the primary opportunity for consumption of nutritionally valuable foods.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(11) Breakfast is a critical meal for children and provides the nutrition necessary to optimize their learning capacities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(12) According to the Bureau of the Census, nearly 7,000,000 children in the United States are left alone after school each week without adult supervision or structured activities of any kind.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(13) Violent juvenile crime peaks between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and teens are more likely to be victims of serious violent crime in the hour after school lets out than any other time of the day.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(14) The Nation’s communities can benefit from teleworking, which give workers more time to spend at home with their families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(15) Companies with telework programs have found that telework can boost employee productivity 5 percent to 20 percent, thereby saving businesses valuable resources and time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(16) More United States families are working more hours than ever. In 2000, the average American worker worked 36 hours more, almost a full week, than in 1990. A recent AFL-CIO poll found that nearly three-quarters of working adults indicated that they have little or no control over their work schedules.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(17) The AFL-CIO’s ‘Ask a Working Woman’ survey for 2002 reported that 63 percent of working women work more than 40 hours a week, 30 percent of working women work 20 to 39 hours a week, and 7 percent of working women work less than 20 hours a week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--PAID LEAVE FOR NEW PARENTS AND FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE I--PAID LEAVE FOR NEW PARENTS AND FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Paid Leave for New ParentsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Paid Leave for New ParentsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 102. GENERAL DEFINITIONS.
(a) In General- The definitions provided by section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(b) Additional Definitions- In this subtitle, the following additional definitions shall apply:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) BOARD OF TRUSTEES- The term ‘Board of Trustees’ means the Board of Trustees of the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) COVERED AGENCY- The term ‘covered agency’, when used with respect to a State, means the State agency referred to in paragraph (1) of section 112(b), or the Commissioner of Social Security if the Commissioner is carrying out the State Family and Medical Insurance Program in the State under paragraph (2) of such section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) DOMESTIC PARTNER- The term ‘domestic partner’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the person recognized as the domestic partner of the employee under any domestic partner registry or civil union laws of the State or political subdivision of a State where the employee resides;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) a same-sex spouse as determined under the applicable law of the State or political subdivision of a State where the employee resides; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) in the case of an unmarried employee who lives in a State where a person cannot marry a person of the same sex under the laws of the State, a single, unmarried adult person of the same sex as the employee who is in a committed, intimate relationship with the employee, is not a domestic partner to any other person, and who is designated to the employer by such employee as that employee’s domestic partner.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) INSURANCE FUND- The term ‘Insurance Fund’ means the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund established under section 141.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) MANAGING TRUSTEE- The term ‘Managing Trustee’ means the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) SON OR DAUGHTER- The term ‘son or daughter’ means a biological, adopted, or foster child, a stepchild, a legal ward, a child of a person’s domestic partner, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, who is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) under 18 years of age; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
PART 1--FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 111. PROGRAM DEFINITIONS.
In this part:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE- The term ‘eligible employee’ means any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) An employee who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) earned wages with a covered employer for a minimum of 6 months prior to filing an application for leave benefits under this part; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) has been employed by the employer with respect to whom paid leave is requested for at least 625 hours of service during the previous 6 months.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) An employee--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) of a small employer that has elected to participate in the Program under this part in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) who meets the requirements of subparagraph (A), but is not an employee of the Federal Government.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) A self-employed individual who has--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) elected to participate in the Program under this part in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) self-employment income while a covered employer for 6 of the last 12 months prior to filing an application for leave benefits under this part; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) paid premiums under section 1401(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to such self-employment income.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) EMPLOYER-RELATED DEFINITIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) COVERED EMPLOYER- The term ‘covered employer’ means a person--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) that is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) an employer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) a small employer that has elected to participate in the Program under this part in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary shall prescribe; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) a self-employed individual who has elected to so participate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) that is not a voluntary plan employer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) EMPLOYER- The term ‘employer’ shall have the meaning given that term in section 101(4) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(C) SMALL EMPLOYER- The term ‘small employer’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) means any person engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce who employs not less than 2 and not more than 19 employees for each working day during each of 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) any person who acts, directly or indirectly, in the interest of an employer described in clause (i) to any of the employees of such employer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) any successor in interest of an employer described in clause (i); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) any public agency, as defined in section 3(x) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(D) VOLUNTARY PLAN EMPLOYER- The term ‘voluntary plan employer’ means an employer for which the Secretary has approved a voluntary plan under section 114 for the period involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) LEAVE BENEFIT- The term ‘leave benefit’ means a family and medical leave insurance benefit described in section 113.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) VOLUNTARY PAID BENEFIT- The term ‘voluntary paid benefit’ means a family and medical leave insurance benefit provided under a voluntary plan approved under section 114 for the period involved.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 112. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.
(a) Federal Program- The Secretary of Labor shall establish a Family and Medical Insurance Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) State Programs- In carrying out the Federal Program established under subsection (a), the Secretary may--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) enter into a contract with a State under which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the State agrees to establish, or expand a State program in effect at the date of the enactment of this Act to include, a State Family and Medical Insurance Program that provides the benefits described in this part; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the Secretary agrees to instruct the Managing Trustee of the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund, established under section 141, to provide the State funds for such benefits from the Insurance Fund; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) at the request of the Governor of a State, enter into an interagency agreement with the Commissioner of Social Security under which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the Commissioner of Social Security agrees to establish a State Family and Medical Insurance Program in such State to provide the benefits described in this part in such State; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the Secretary agrees to instruct the Managing Trustee of the Insurance Fund to provide the Commissioner of Social Security funds for such benefits from the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) State Application- To be eligible to receive a contract under subsection (b)(1), a State shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. At a minimum, the application shall include information identifying the State agency to carry out the State Family and Medical Insurance Program under subsection (b)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 113. PROGRAM BENEFITS.
(a) Entitlement- Subject to subsections (b), (d), and (e), an eligible employee of a covered employer shall be entitled to a family and medical leave insurance benefit for a total of 12 workweeks of leave during any 12-month period for 1 or more of the following reasons:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Because of the birth of a son or daughter of the employee and in order to care for such son or daughter.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Because of the placement of a son or daughter with the employee for adoption or foster care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) In order to care for a child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandchild, grandparent, or sibling of the employee and who has a serious health condition.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Because of a serious health condition that makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the position of such employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Because of any qualifying exigency (as the Secretary of Labor shall, by regulation, determine) arising out of the fact that the spouse, or a son, daughter, or parent of the employee is on active duty (or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty) in the Armed Forces of the United States in support of a contingency operation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) In order to care for a child, parent, spouse, domestic partner, grandchild, grandparent, sibling, or next of kin of the employee who is a covered servicemember as such term is defined in section 101(16) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(b) Waiting Period- During each 12-month period described in subsection (a), each eligible employee shall be subject to a waiting period of 5 workdays of leave described in subsection (a) (but not more than 7 calendar days), during which a leave benefit shall not be paid to the employee. The waiting period shall not reduce the 12 workweeks of leave benefits available under subsection (a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Benefit Amount-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Subject to paragraph (2), an eligible employee’s leave benefit for any workday on which the employee takes leave as described in subsection (a) shall be calculated as--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in the case of an employee with an annual income of not more than $20,000, an amount equal to 100 percent of that employee’s daily earnings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the case of an employee with an annual income of more than $20,000 and not more than $30,000, an amount equal to the greater of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) 75 percent of that employee’s daily earnings; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) 100 percent of the daily earnings of an employee with an annual income of $20,000;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) in the case of an employee with an annual income of more than $30,000 and not more than $60,000, an amount equal to the greater of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) 55 percent of that employee’s daily earnings; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) 75 percent of the daily earnings of an employee with an annual income of $30,000;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) in the case of an employee with an annual income of more than $60,000 and not more than $97,000, an amount equal to the greater of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) 40 percent of that employee’s daily earnings; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) 55 percent of the daily earnings of an employee with an annual income of $60,000; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) in the case of an employee with an annual income of more than $97,000, an amount equal to 40 percent of the daily earnings of an employee with an annual income of $97,000.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) INDEXING OF ANNUAL INCOME CATEGORIES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall index the annual income amounts specified in paragraph (1) for each calendar year, using the national average wage index, as determined under section 209(k) of the Social Security Act (
(B) PUBLICATION- Not later than the November 1 preceding each calendar year, the Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register the indexed amount determined under subparagraph (A) for that calendar year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- To be eligible to receive a family and medical insurance benefit under this part in a State, an eligible employee shall submit an application to the covered agency for the State at such time, in such manner, and containing the information specified in paragraph (3) and such additional information as the agency may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) IRREVOCABILITY FOR SELF-EMPLOYED INDIVIDUALS- An election by a self-employed individual to participate in the Program shall be irrevocable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS- The covered agency shall require each of the following, as part of the application for benefits under this section in connection with any leave:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) A certification, submitted in a timely manner, issued by the health care provider of the eligible employee or of the child, spouse, parent, domestic partner, grandchild, grandparent or sibling of the employee, as appropriate, and similar to the certification described section 103(b) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(B) In any case in which the covered agency has reason to doubt the validity of the certification provided under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may require, at the expense of the covered agency, that the eligible employee obtain the opinion of a second health care provider designated or approved by the agency concerning any information certified under subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) In any case in which the second opinion described in subparagraph (B) differs from the opinion in the original certification provided under subparagraph (A), the covered agency may require, at the expense of the agency, that the employee obtain the opinion of a third health care provider designated or approved jointly by the agency and the employee concerning the information certified under subparagraph (A). The opinion of the third health care provider concerning such information shall be considered to be final and shall be binding on the agency and the employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Payment of Benefits-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) PAYMENT FROM INSURANCE FUND- Payments of benefits required to be made under this section shall be made only from the Insurance Fund established under section 141.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CERTIFICATION AND PAYMENT- On the final decision of a covered agency or on the final judgment of any court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to paragraph (3) that any person is entitled to any payment under this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the covered agency shall certify to the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Insurance Fund the name and address of the person entitled to receive such payment, the amount of such payment, and the time at which such payment shall be made;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the Managing Trustee shall pay the certified amount from the Insurance Fund to the covered agency; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the covered agency shall make the payment to the person.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) REVIEW- Any eligible employee dissatisfied with any initial determination under this section shall be entitled to reconsideration of the determination, and a hearing on the determination, by the Secretary to the same extent as is provided in section 205(b) of the Social Security Act (
(4) WITHHOLDING OF CERTIFICATION- In any case in which a review of the covered agency’s decision is or may be sought under paragraph (3), the covered agency may withhold certification of payment pending such review.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) OTHER COMPENSATION- Except as provided in section 115, no employee shall be eligible to receive paid leave benefits under this part for any period during which--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the employee is receiving worker’s compensation or compensation through unemployment insurance in connection with the event for which the employee is taking the leave; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the employee is receiving paid leave benefits from an employer under a voluntary employer plan approved under section 114.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Regulations- The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out this section, including the determination of benefits for leave taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule, or for leave taken by a part-time, seasonal, or intermittent employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 114. VOLUNTARY EMPLOYER PLAN.
(a) In General- Any employer may submit an application to the Secretary for approval of a voluntary plan. The Secretary may require the employer to resubmit the plan for approval on a annual basis. During a period for which the Secretary has approved a plan, the applicant shall provide a voluntary paid benefit under the plan rather than participating in the Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Approval- The Secretary shall approve the voluntary plan of the applicant if the Secretary finds each of the following with respect to the applicant:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The rights afforded to the employees covered under the plan are equal to or greater than the rights afforded through the Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The plan has been made available to all of the employees of the applicant employed in the United States or to all employees at any 1 distinct, separate establishment maintained by the applicant in the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) A majority of the employees of the employer employed in the United States or a majority of the employees employed at any one distinct, separate establishment maintained by the employer in the United States have consented to the plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) The plan provides for insurance to be issued by an admitted disability insurer approved by the Secretary or equivalent insurance (which may be self-insurance).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) The applicant has consented to the plan and has agreed to make the premium contributions required, if any, and transmit the proceeds to the disability insurer, if any.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) The plan provides for the inclusion of future employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7)(A) The plan will be in effect for a period of not less than 1 year and, thereafter, continuously unless the Secretary finds that the applicant has given notice of intent to terminate the plan, as described in subparagraph (B), and that the fee described in subparagraph (C) has been paid.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) The notice shall be filed in writing with the Secretary and shall be effective--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) on the anniversary of the effective date of the plan next following the date of the filing of the notice; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) if such anniversary would occur less than 30 days after the date of the filing of the notice, on the next anniversary of that effective date.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The applicant shall pay a fee to the Secretary in such amount as the Secretary determines to be adequate to provide leave benefits under this part to all eligible employees of the applicant for a period of at least 4 months, plus an amount to pay administrative costs related to processing and paying such benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) Amounts received by the Secretary under this paragraph shall be deposited in the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) The amount of deductions from the wages of an employee that is in effect for the plan shall not be increased on any date other than on the date of an anniversary of the effective date of the plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Orders and Withdrawal of Approval- If the Secretary finds that a voluntary plan employer is not paying voluntary paid benefits required under the voluntary plan to the employees under the plan, the Secretary may order the employer to make the payments. If the Secretary finds that a voluntary plan employer is not complying with the provisions of the plan, including by not paying voluntary paid benefits required under the plan, the Secretary may revoke the Secretary’s approval for the plan, and require the employer to participate in the Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 115. ADDITIONAL BENEFITS.
(a) Additional Employer Benefits-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) COVERED EMPLOYERS- Nothing in this part shall be construed to discourage a covered employer from providing an additional benefit in conjunction with leave described in section 113(a) to an eligible employee, in addition to the leave benefit provided to that employee. The additional employer benefit shall not reduce the amount of the leave benefit that an eligible employee receives under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) VOLUNTARY PLAN EMPLOYERS- Nothing in this part shall be construed to discourage a voluntary plan employer from providing an additional benefit in conjunction with leave described in section 113(a) to an employee, in addition to the voluntary paid benefit provided to that employee. The additional employer benefit shall not reduce the amount of the voluntary paid benefit that an employee receives under a voluntary plan described in section 114.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Collective Bargaining-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) MORE PROTECTIVE- Nothing in this part shall be construed to diminish the obligation of a covered employer or voluntary plan employer to comply with any collective bargaining agreement or any employment benefit program or plan that provides greater paid leave rights to employees than the rights established under this part (including rights established under a plan described in section 114).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) LESS PROTECTIVE- The rights established for employees under this part (including rights established under a plan described in section 114) shall not be diminished by any collective bargaining agreement or any employment benefit program or plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 116. PROHIBITED ACTS BY EMPLOYER.
(a) Interference With Rights- It shall be unlawful for any covered employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of or the attempt to exercise, any right provided under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Discrimination- It shall be unlawful for any covered employer to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any individual for opposing any practice made unlawful by this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Interference With Proceedings or Inquiries- It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against any individual because such individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) has filed any charge, or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this part;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) has given, or is about to give, any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this part; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) has testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 117. ENFORCEMENT.
(a) Civil Action by Employees-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) LIABILITY- Any covered employer who violates section 116 shall be liable to any eligible employee affected--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) for damages equal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the amount of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost to such employee by reason of the violation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) in a case in which wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation have not been denied or lost to the employee, any actual monetary losses sustained by the employee as a direct result of the violation, such as the cost of providing care, up to a sum equal to 8 weeks of wages or salary for the employee;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the interest on the amount described in clause (i) calculated at the prevailing rate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) an additional amount as liquidated damages equal to the sum of the amount described in clause (i) and the interest described in clause (ii), except that if a covered employer who has violated section 116 proves to the satisfaction of the court that the act or omission which violated section 116 was in good faith and that the employer had reasonable grounds for believing that the act or omission was not a violation of section 116, such court may, in the discretion of the court, reduce the amount of the liability to the amount and interest determined under clauses (i) and (ii), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) for such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) RIGHT OF ACTION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in paragraph (1) may be maintained against any covered employer (including a public agency) in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by any 1 or more employees for and on behalf of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the employees; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the employees and other employees similarly situated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) LIMITATION- The right provided by subparagraph (A) to bring an action by or on behalf of any employee shall terminate--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under subsection (b)(3) in which restraint is sought of any further delay in the payment of the amount described in paragraph (1)(A) to such employee by an employer responsible under paragraph (1) for the payment; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) on the filing of a complaint by the Secretary in an action under paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) in which a recovery is sought of the damages described in paragraph (1)(A) owing to an eligible employee by an employer liable under paragraph (1),CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
unless the action described in clause (i) or (ii) is dismissed without prejudice on motion of the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) FEES AND COSTS- The court in an action brought under this subsection shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorneys’ fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Actions by the Secretary-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION- The Secretary shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of section 116 in the same manner that the Secretary receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections 6 and 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(2) CIVIL ACTION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) RIGHT OF ACTION- The Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in subsection (a)(1)(A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) SUMS RECOVERED- Any sums recovered by the Secretary pursuant to this paragraph shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to each employee affected. Any such sums not paid to an employee because of inability to do so within a period of 3 years shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) ACTION FOR INJUNCTION BY THE SECRETARY- The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, in an action brought by the Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) to restrain violations of section 116, including the restraint of any withholding of payment of wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation, plus interest, found by the court to be due to eligible employees; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) to award such other equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) SOLICITOR OF LABOR- The Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary on any litigation brought under this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Limitation-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), an action may be brought under subsections (a) or (b) not later than 2 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) WILLFUL VIOLATION- In the case of such action brought for a willful violation of section 116, such action may be brought within 3 years of the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) COMMENCEMENT- In determining when an action is commenced by the Secretary for the purposes of this subsection, it shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Investigative Authority-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- To ensure compliance with the provisions of this part, or any regulation or order issued under this part, the Secretary shall have, subject to paragraph (3), the investigative authority provided under section 11(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(2) OBLIGATION TO KEEP AND PRESERVE RECORDS- Any covered employer shall make, keep, and preserve records pertaining to compliance with this part in accordance with section 11(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(3) REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS GENERALLY LIMITED TO AN ANNUAL BASIS- The Secretary shall not under the authority of this subsection require any covered employer or any plan, fund, or program to submit to the Secretary any books or records more than once during any 12-month period, unless the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe there may exist a violation of this part or any regulation or order issued pursuant to this part, or is investigating a charge pursuant to subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) SUBPOENA POWER- For the purposes of any investigation provided for in this section, the Secretary shall have the subpoena authority provided for under section 9 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
SEC. 118. PENALTIES.
(a) Penalties for Submission of False Certifications- If the Secretary finds that any individual submits a false certification of the health condition of any person in order to obtain leave benefits under this part with the intent to defraud, the Secretary shall assess a penalty against the individual in an amount up to 100 percent of the benefits paid as a result of the false certification. Penalties collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Insurance Fund, notwithstanding the provisions of title 31, United States Code and used to reimburse the covered employers involved for the amount of the leave benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Criminal Penalties for False Statements and Solicitations- Whoever--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) makes or causes to be made any false statement in support of an application for leave benefits under this part;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) knowingly presents or causes to be presented any false written or oral material statement in support of any claim for leave benefits under this part;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) knowingly solicits, receives, offers, pays, or accepts any rebate, refund, commission, preference, patronage, dividend, discount, or other consideration, whether in the form of money or otherwise, as compensation or inducement for soliciting a claimant to apply for leave benefits under this part, except to the extent authorized by a law of the United States; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) knowingly assists, abets, solicits, or conspires with any person to engage in an act that is prohibited under paragraph (1), (2), or (3),CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
shall be guilty of a felony and upon conviction shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, or imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 119. EDUCATION PROGRAMS.
(a) Authority- The Secretary shall develop and maintain a program of education concerning the rights and leave benefits under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Notice to Employers- The Secretary shall provide to each covered employer a notice informing employees of the rights and leave benefits available under this part. The notice shall be given by every covered employer to each employee hired, and to each employee taking leave as described in section 113(a).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 120. REGULATIONS.
The Secretary shall issue regulations to carry out this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 121. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This part shall take effect on January 1, 2011, and apply to periods of leave that commence on or after January 1, 2012.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
PART 2--CIVIL SERVICE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 131. PROGRAM DEFINITIONS.
In this part:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AGENCY- The term ‘agency’ means an agency covered under subchapter V of chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AGENCY EMPLOYEE- The term ‘agency employee’ means an employee who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) meets the requirements of paragraph (1) of
(B) has earned wages with an agency for 12 of the last 18 months, prior to filing an application for leave benefits under this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 132. ESTABLISHMENT OF PROGRAM.
(a) In General- The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall establish a Civil Service Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program, and shall issue regulations providing for the implementation of the program. In issuing the regulations, the Director shall require that the Director shall provide, or that the agencies shall provide, family and medical leave insurance benefits described in section 113 to agency employees. The regulations issued under this subsection shall include provisions that are the same as regulations issued by the Secretary to implement the statutory provisions of sections 113, 115, 119, and 120, except insofar as the Director may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulations, that a modification of the regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections under those sections. The regulations shall provide for appropriate remedies and procedures for violations of this part.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Payment- At the direction of the Director or the head of an agency, as specified in the regulations, the Managing Trustee shall pay funds from the Insurance Fund for the leave benefits.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
PART 3--FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE FUND
SEC. 141. ESTABLISHMENT.
(a) In General- There is created in the Treasury of the United States a trust fund to be known as the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Fund. The Insurance Fund shall consist of such amounts as may be deposited in, or appropriated to, such fund as provided in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Appropriations to Insurance Fund-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AMOUNTS APPROPRIATED- There is appropriated to the Insurance Fund for fiscal year 2011 and each fiscal year thereafter, out of any moneys in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, amounts equivalent to 100 percent of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the family and medical leave premiums imposed by sections 3101(c) and 3111(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 with respect to wages (as defined in section 3121 of such Code) reported to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s delegate under subtitle F of such Code after December 31, 2009, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by applying the applicable rates of premium payment under such sections to such wages, which wages shall be certified by the Commissioner of Social Security;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) on the basis of the records of wages established and maintained by the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration in accordance with such reports;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the family and medical leave premiums imposed by section 1401(c) of such Code with respect to self-employment income (as defined in section 1402 of such Code) reported to the Secretary of the Treasury or the Secretary’s delegate on tax returns under subtitle F of such Code after December 31, 2009, as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury by applying the applicable rate of premium payment under such section 1401(c) to such self-employment income, which self-employment income shall be certified by the Commissioner of Social Security; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) on the basis of the records of self-employment income established and maintained by the Commissioner of Social Security in accordance with such returns.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) TRANSFERS- Such appropriated amounts shall be transferred from time to time from the general fund of the Treasury to the Insurance Fund. Such amounts shall be determined on the basis of estimates by the Secretary of the Treasury of the premiums, specified in paragraph (1), paid to or deposited into the Treasury, and proper adjustments shall be made in amounts subsequently transferred to the extent prior estimates were in excess of or were less than such premiums.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) INVESTMENTS- All amounts transferred to the Insurance Fund under paragraph (2) shall be invested by the Managing Trustee referred to in section 312(c) in the same manner and to the same extent as the other assets of the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 142. BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
(a) Establishment and Membership- With respect to the Insurance Fund, there is established a body to be known as the Board of Trustees of the Insurance Fund which shall be composed of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Labor, the Commissioner of Social Security, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, all ex officio, and of two members of the public (both of whom may not be from the same political party), who shall be nominated by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Terms and Vacancies- Members of the Board of Trustees shall serve for a period of 4 years. A member of the Board of Trustees nominated and confirmed as a member of the public to fill a vacancy occurring during a term shall be nominated and confirmed only for the remainder of such term. An individual nominated and confirmed as a member of the public may serve in such position after the expiration of such member’s term until the earlier of the date on which the member’s successor takes office or the date on which a report of the Board is first issued under paragraph (2) after the expiration of the member’s term.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Managing Trustee and Secretary- The Secretary of the Treasury shall be the Managing Trustee of the Board of Trustees. The Secretary of Labor shall serve as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Basic Duties of the Board of Trustees- The Board of Trustees shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar year. It shall be the duty of the Board of Trustees to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) hold the Insurance Fund;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) report to Congress not later than April 1 of each year--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) on the operation and status of the Insurance Fund during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is made; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) on the expected operation and status of the Insurance Fund during the fiscal year in which the report is made and the next 2 fiscal years;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) report immediately to Congress whenever the Board is of the opinion that the amount in the Insurance Fund is unduly small; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) review the general policies followed in managing the Insurance Fund, and recommend changes in such policies, including necessary changes in the provisions of law that govern the way in which the Insurance Fund is to be managed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Requirements Relating to Annual Report- The report provided for in subsection (d)(2) shall include a statement of the assets of, and the disbursements made from, the Insurance Fund during the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the report is made, an estimate of the expected income to, and disbursements to be made from, the Insurance Fund during the fiscal year in which the report is made and each of the next two fiscal years, and a statement of the actuarial status of the Insurance Fund. Such report shall also include an actuarial opinion by an appropriate employee of the Department of Labor certifying that the techniques and methodologies used for the report are generally accepted within the actuarial profession and that the assumptions and cost estimates used for the report are reasonable.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Liability- A person serving as a member of the Board of Trustees shall not be considered to be a fiduciary and shall not be personally liable for actions taken in such capacity with respect to the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 143. INVESTMENT OF THE FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE FUND.
(a) Obligations- It shall be the duty of the Managing Trustee to invest such portion of the Insurance Fund as is not, in the trustee’s judgment, required to meet current withdrawals. Such investments may be made only in interest-bearing obligations of the United States or in obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Acquisition- The obligations referred to in subsection (a) may be acquired--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) on original issue at the issue price; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by purchase of outstanding obligations at the market price.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Obligations Issued for Purchase by Fund- The purposes for which obligations of the United States may be issued under chapter 31 of title 31, United States Code, are extended to authorize the issuance at par of public debt obligations for purchase by the Insurance Fund. Such obligations issued for purchase by the Insurance Fund shall have dates of maturity fixed with due regard for the needs of the Insurance Fund. Such obligations shall bear interest at a rate equal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), the average market yield (computed by the Managing Trustee on the basis of market quotations as of the end of the calendar month preceding the date of such issue) on all marketable interest-bearing obligations of the United States forming a part of the public debt that are not due or callable until after the expiration of four years from the end of such calendar month; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in a case in which such average market yield is not a multiple of 0.1 percent, the multiple of 0.1 percent nearest such market yield.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Other Obligations- The Managing Trustee may purchase interest-bearing obligations of the United States that are not described in subsection (c) or obligations guaranteed as to both principal and interest by the United States, on original issue or at the market price, only in cases in which the trustee determines that the purchase of obligations described in this paragraph is in the public interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Disposition and Redemption of Obligations- Any obligations acquired by the Insurance Fund (except public debt obligations issued exclusively to the Insurance Fund) may be sold by the Managing Trustee at the market price, and such public debt obligations may be redeemed at par plus accrued interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Crediting of Interest and Proceeds- The interest on, and the proceeds from the sale or redemption of, any obligations held in the Insurance Fund shall be credited to and form a part of the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 144. PAYMENTS FROM FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE INSURANCE FUND.
The Managing Trustee shall pay from time to time from the Insurance Fund such amounts as the Secretary of Labor certifies are necessary to make the payments provided for by section 113, and payments with respect to administrative expenses under section 145.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 145. ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
(a) Availability of Insurance Fund- Under regulations that shall be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, funds shall be made available from the Insurance Fund in connection with the administration of this subtitle and the administration of related provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 in the same manner and extent as funds are made available from the trust funds referred to in section 201(g) of the Social Security Act (
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be made available for expenditure such amounts as Congress may determine to be appropriate to pay the costs of the part of the administration of this subtitle (including start-up costs, technical assistance, and costs for small employers electing to participate in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program) for which the Secretary of Labor is responsible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Gifts and Bequests- The Managing Trustee may accept on behalf of the United States money gifts and bequests made unconditionally to the Insurance Fund for the benefit of the Insurance Fund or any activity financed through the Insurance Fund and such gifts and bequests shall be deposited into the Insurance Fund.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Processing of Tax Data- Section 232 of the Social Security Act (
SEC. 146. AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986.
(a) Employee Premiums- Section 3101 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax on employees) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Family and Medical Leave Premiums-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- In addition to the taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b), there is imposed on the income of every individual a family and medical leave premium equal to the applicable percentage of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) received by the individual with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE- For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) 0.1 percent with respect to periods of employment by a small employer (as defined in section 103(b) of the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009) electing to participate in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (established under section 112 of such Act); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) 0.2 percent with respect to all other periods of employment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYMENT- Paragraph (1) shall not apply with respect to a period of employment--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) by an employer during which the Secretary of Labor determines the employer has in effect a plan which is equivalent to or better than the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (established under section 112 of the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009); orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) by a small employer (as so defined) who has not elected to participate in such Program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
For purposes of the preceding sentence, the Secretary of Labor shall prescribe such regulations as may be appropriate or necessary, including regulations requiring documentation of employer programs.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Employer Premiums- Section 3111 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to tax on employers) is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Family and Medical Leave Premiums-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- In addition to the excise taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b), there is imposed on every employer a family and medical leave premium, with respect to having individuals in such employer’s employ, equal to the applicable percentage of the wages (as defined in section 3121(a)) paid by such employer with respect to employment (as defined in section 3121(b)).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE- For purposes of paragraph (1), the applicable percentage is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) 0.1 percent with respect to small employers (as defined in section 103(b) of the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009) electing to participate in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (established under section 112 of such Act); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) 0.2 percent with respect to all other employers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYERS- Paragraph (1) shall not apply for any period with respect to an employer to whom paragraph (1) of section 3101(c) does not apply by reason of paragraph (3) thereof.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Self-employed Premiums- Section 1401 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Family and Medical Leave Premiums-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- In addition to the taxes imposed by subsections (a) and (b), there is imposed for each taxable year, on the self-employment income of every individual, a family and medical leave premium equal to 0.4 percent of the amount of the self-employment income for such taxable year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) EXCEPTION FOR CERTAIN EMPLOYERS- Paragraph (1) shall not apply for any period with respect to an employer who has not elected to participate in the Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (established under section 112 of the Family Leave Insurance Act of 2009).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Conforming Amendments to Social Security Act- Section 201 of the Social Security Act (
(1) by striking ‘sections 3101(b) and 3111(b)’ both places it appears in subsection (a)(3) and inserting ‘sections 3101(b), 3101(c), 3111(b), and 3111(c)’, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by striking ‘section 1401(b)’ both places it appears in subsection (a)(4) and inserting ‘sections 1401(b) and 1401(c)’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Effective Date-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) EMPLOYMENT PREMIUMS- The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (d)(1) shall apply to wages paid after December 31, 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) SELF-EMPLOYMENT PREMIUMS- The amendments made by subsections (c) and (d)(2) shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 151. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 152. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE.
Section 101(2)(B)(ii) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
SEC. 153. ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL LEAVE UNDER THE FMLA FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement- Section 102(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
‘(5) ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL LEAVE FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B) and section 103(g), an eligible employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) meet routine family medical care needs, including for medical and dental appointments of the employee or a son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee, or to attend to the care needs of elderly individuals who are related to the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) LIMITATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) IN GENERAL- An eligible employee is entitled to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) COORDINATION RULE- Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) DEFINITIONS- As used in this paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) SCHOOL- The term ‘school’ means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
20 U.S.C. 7801 )), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), or a child care facility.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(ii) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION- The term ‘community organization’ means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 101(12), such as a scouting or sports organization.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Schedule- Section 102(b)(1) of such Act (
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave- Section 102(d)(2) of such Act (
‘(C) PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LEAVE AND FAMILY WELLNESS LEAVE- An eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or family leave of the employee for any leave under subsection (a)(5). In addition, an eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid medical or sick leave of the employee for leave provided under clause (ii) of subsection (a)(5)(A) for any part of the leave under such clause, except that nothing in this title shall require an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid medical leave in any situation in which such employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. If the employee elects or the employer requires the substitution of accrued paid leave for leave provided under subsection (a)(5)(A), the employer shall not restrict or limit this substitution or impose any additional terms and conditions on such leave that are more stringent on the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this Act.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Notice- Section 102(e) of such Act (
‘(4) NOTICE RELATING TO PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS LEAVE- In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) provide the employer with not less than 7 days’ notice or as much notice as is practicable before the date the leave is to be taken, of the employee’s intention to take leave under such paragraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subparagraph (A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Certification- Section 103 of such Act (
‘(g) Certification Related to Parental Involvement and Family Wellness Leave- An employer may require that a request for leave under section 102(a)(5) be supported by a certification issued at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Definition of Grandchild- Section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
‘(14) GRANDCHILD- The term ‘grandchild’ means a son or daughter of an employee’s son or daughter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 154. ENTITLEMENT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO LEAVE FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement-
‘(5)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B)(i) and section 6383(f), an employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) meet routine family medical care needs, including for medical and dental appointments of a son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee, or to attend to the care needs of elderly individuals who are related to the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B)(i) An employee is entitled to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) For the purpose of this paragraph--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) the term ‘school’ means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act, and a child care facility licensed under State law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) the term ‘community organization’ means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 6381(6), such as a scouting or sports organization.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Schedule- Section 6382(b)(1) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by inserting after the second sentence the following new sentence: ‘Leave under subsection (a)(5) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ‘involved,’ and inserting ‘involved (or, in the case of leave under subsection (a)(5), for purposes of any 30-day or 12-month period),’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave- Section 6382(d) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by inserting ‘(1)’ after the subsection designation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) An employee may elect to substitute for leave under subsection (a)(5), any of the employee’s accrued or accumulated annual or sick leave under subchapter I. If the employee elects to substitute accumulated annual or sick leave for leave provided under subsection (a)(5), the employing agency shall not restrict or limit this substitution or impose any additional terms and conditions on such leave that are more stringent on the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this subchapter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Notice- Section 6382(e) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) provide the employing agency with not less than 7 days’ notice, before the date the leave is to be taken, of the employee’s intention to take leave under such paragraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subparagraph (A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Certification- Section 6383(f) of such title is amended by striking ‘6382(a)(3)’ and inserting ‘paragraph (3) or (5) of section 6382(a)’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Definition of Grandchild-
(1) in paragraph (10), by striking ‘and’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; and’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(12) the term ‘grandchild’ means a son or daughter of an employee’s son or daughter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Domestic Violence Leave ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Domestic Violence Leave ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 161. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Domestic Violence Leave Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 162. ENTITLEMENT TO LEAVE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING.
(a) Authority for Leave- Section 102(a)(1) (
‘(F) In order to care for the family member of the employee, if such family member is addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(G) Because the employee is addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, the employee is unable to perform any of the functions of the position of such employee.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Definitions- Section 101 (
‘(20) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE- The term ‘domestic violence’ has the meaning given such term in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
42 U.S.C. 13925 ), and includes dating violence, as such term is defined in such section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(21) SEXUAL ASSAULT- The term ‘sexual assault’ has the meaning given that term in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
42 U.S.C. 13925 ).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(22) STALKING- The term ‘stalking’ has the meaning given such term in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
42 U.S.C. 13925 ).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(23) ADDRESSING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING AND THEIR EFFECTS- The term ‘addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) seeking medical attention for or recovering from injuries caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) seeking legal assistance or remedies, including communicating with the police or an attorney, or participating in any legal proceeding related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) attending support groups for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) obtaining psychological counseling related to experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(E) participating in safety planning and other actions to increase safety from future domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including temporary or permanent relocation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(F) participating in any other activity necessitated by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking which must be undertaken during hours of employment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(24) FAMILY MEMBER- The term ‘family member’, used with respect to a person, means an individual who is a spouse, domestic partner, parent, son or daughter (including an adult son or daughter) of that person.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Intermittent or Reduced Leave- Section 102(b) (
(d) Paid Leave- Section 102(d)(2)(B) (
(e) Notice- Section 102(e) (
‘(4) NOTICE FOR LEAVE DUE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING- In any case in which the necessity for leave under subparagraph (F) or (G) of subsection (a)(1) is foreseeable based on a scheduled appointment or planned activity to address domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, the employee shall provide such notice to the employer as is reasonable and practicable.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Certification and Confidentiality- Section 103 (
(1) in the title, by adding before the period the following: ‘; confidentiality’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(g) Certification Related to Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- In determining if an employee meets the requirements of subparagraph (F) or (G) of section 102(a)(1), the employer of an employee may require the employee to provide written certification. Certification under this paragraph shall be sufficient if it includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) documentation of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as police or court records, or documentation of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking from a shelter worker, attorney, clergy, or medical or other professional from whom the employee or family member of the employee has sought assistance in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) other corroborating evidence, such as a statement from any other individual with knowledge of the circumstances which provide the basis for the claim, or physical evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as photographs, or torn or bloody clothes; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) at the election of the employee, where documentation described in subparagraph (A) and corroborating evidence described in subparagraph (B) is not available, a written statement describing the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) CONFIDENTIALITY- All evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking provided to an employer under this subsection, including an employee’s statement, any corroborating evidence, and the fact that an employee has requested leave for the purpose of addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employer, except to the extent consented to by the employee where disclosure is necessary to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) protect the safety of the employee or family member of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) assist in documenting domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking for a court or law enforcement agency.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Table of Contents- The table of contents in section 1(b) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (29 U.S.C. prec. 2601) is amended by striking the item relating to section 103 and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘103. Certification; confidentiality.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 163. INCLUSION OF SAME-SEX SPOUSES AND DOMESTIC PARTNERS.
(a) Definitions-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) INCLUSION OF SAME-SEX SPOUSES- Section 101(13) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(2) INCLUSION CHILDREN OF A DOMESTIC PARTNER- Section 101(12) of such Act (
(3) INCLUSION DOMESTIC PARTNERS- Section 101 of such Act (as amended by section 162) is further amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(25) DOMESTIC PARTNER- The term ‘domestic partner’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) the person recognized as the domestic partner of the employee under any domestic partner registry or civil union laws of the State or political subdivision of a State where the employee resides; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of an unmarried employee who resides in a State where a person cannot marry a person of the same sex under the laws of the State, a single, unmarried adult person of the same sex as the employee who is in a committed, intimate relationship with the employee, is not a domestic partner to any other person, and who is designated to the employer by such employee as that employee’s domestic partner.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Leave Requirement- Section 102 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(C), by striking ‘spouse,’ both places it appears and inserting ‘spouse or domestic partner,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (a)(1)(E), by striking spouse, and inserting ‘spouse or domestic partner,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘spouse,’ and inserting ‘spouse or domestic partner,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) in subsection (e)(3), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) in subsection (f)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in the subsection heading, by inserting ‘or Domestic Partners’ after ‘Spouses’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘a husband and wife’ and inserting ‘both spouses or both domestic partners’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ‘that husband and wife’ and inserting ‘spouses or both domestic partners’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking ‘the husband and wife’ and inserting ‘both spouses or both domestic partners’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Certification- Section 103 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (b)(4)(A), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’ both places it appears; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in subsection (b)(7), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Employment and Benefits Protection- Section 104(c)(3) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
(1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subparagraph (C)(ii), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 164. ENTITLEMENT TO LEAVE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING.
(a) Authority for Leave-
‘(E) In order to care for the family member of the employee, if such family member is addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(F) Because the employee is addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, the employee is unable to perform any of the functions of the position of such employee.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Definitions-
(1) at the end of paragraph (10), by striking ‘and’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (11), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(12) the terms ‘domestic violence’, ‘sexual assault’, and ‘stalking’ all have the meaning given such terms in section 40002 of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
42 U.S.C. 13925 ), and the term ‘domestic violence’ includes dating violence, as such term is defined in such section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(13) the term ‘addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) seeking medical attention for or recovering from injuries caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) seeking legal assistance or remedies, including communicating with the police or an attorney, or participating in any legal proceeding related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) attending support groups for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(D) obtaining psychological counseling related to experiences of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(E) participating in safety planning and other actions to increase safety from future domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, including temporary or permanent relocation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(F) participating in any other activity necessitated by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking which must be undertaken during hours of employment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(14) the term ‘family member’, used with respect to a person, means an individual who is a spouse, domestic partner, parent, son or daughter (including an adult son or daughter) of that person;’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Intermittent or Reduced Leave-
‘(3) Leave under subparagraph (E) or (F) of subsection (a)(1) may be taken by an employee intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule. The taking of leave intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule pursuant to this paragraph shall not result in a reduction in the total amount of leave to which the employee is entitled under subsection (a) beyond the amount of leave actually taken.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Other Leave-
(e) Notice-
‘(3) In any case in which the necessity for leave under subparagraph (F) or (G) of subsection (a)(1) is foreseeable based on a scheduled appointment or planned activity to address domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, the employee shall provide such notice to the employing agency as is reasonable and practicable.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Certification-
‘(f) In determining if an employee meets the requirements of subparagraph (E) or (F) of section 6382(a)(1), the employing agency of an employee may require the employee to provide written certification. Certification under this subsection shall be sufficient if it includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) documentation of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as police or court records, or documentation of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking from a shelter worker, attorney, clergy, or medical or other professional from whom the employee or family member of the employee has sought assistance in addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) other corroborating evidence, such as a statement from any other individual with knowledge of the circumstances which provide the basis for the claim, or physical evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, such as photographs or torn or bloody clothes; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) at the election of the employee, where documentation described in paragraph (1) and corroborating evidence described in paragraph (2) is not available, a written statement describing the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Confidentiality-
(1) in the section heading, by adding before the period the following: ‘; confidentiality’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(g) All evidence of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking provided to an employing agency under this subsection, including an employee’s statement, any corroborating evidence, and the fact that an employee has requested leave for the purpose of addressing domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking and their effects, shall be retained in the strictest confidence by the employing agency, except to the extent consented to by the employee where disclosure is necessary to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) protect the safety of the employee or family member of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) assist in documenting domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking for a court or law enforcement agency.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Table of Sections- The table of sections for chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 6383 and inserting the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘6383. Certification; confidentiality.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 165. INCLUSION OF SAME-SEX SPOUSES AND DOMESTIC PARTNERS FOR LEAVE FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES.
(a) Definitions-
(1) in paragraph (6), by inserting ‘a child of an individual’s domestic partner,’ after ‘a legal ward,’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(15) the term ‘spouse’ means a husband or wife, as the case may be, and, notwithstanding
section 7 of title I, United States Code , includes a spouse of the same sex as the employee as determined under applicable State law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(16) the term ‘domestic partner’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) the person recognized as the domestic partner of the employee under any domestic partner registry or civil union laws of the State or political subdivision of a State where the employee resides; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of an unmarried employee who resides in a State where a person cannot marry a person of the same sex under the laws of the State, a single, unmarried adult person of the same sex as the employee who is in a committed, intimate relationship with the employee, is not a domestic partner to any other person, and who is designated to the employing agency by such employee as that employee’s domestic partner.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Leave Requirement-
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(C), by striking ‘spouse,’ both places it appears and inserting ‘spouse or domestic partner,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (a)(3), by striking ‘spouse,’ and inserting ‘spouse or domestic partner,’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) in subsection (e)(2)(A), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Certification-
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in subsection (b)(4)(A), by inserting ‘domestic partner,’ after ‘spouse,’ both places it appears.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Healthy Families ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Healthy Families ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 171. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Healthy Families Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 172. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this subtitle are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to ensure that all working Americans can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families by requiring employers to permit employees to earn up to 56 hours of paid sick time including paid time for family care;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to diminish public and private health care costs by enabling workers to seek early and routine medical care for themselves and their family members;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) to assist employees who are, or whose family members are, victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, by providing the employees with paid time away from work to allow the victims to receive treatment and to take the necessary steps to ensure their protection;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) to accomplish the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (3) in a manner that is feasible for employers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) consistent with the provision of the 14th amendment to the Constitution relating to equal protection of the laws, and pursuant to Congress’ power to enforce that provision under section 5 of that amendment--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) to accomplish the purposes described in paragraphs (1) through (3) in a manner that minimizes the potential for employment discrimination on the basis of sex by ensuring generally that paid sick time is available for eligible medical reasons on a gender-neutral basis; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) to promote the goal of equal employment opportunity for women and men.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 173. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CHILD- The term ‘child’ means a biological, foster, or adopted child, a stepchild, a legal ward, or a child of a person standing in loco parentis, who is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) under 18 years of age; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 18 years of age or older and incapable of self-care because of a mental or physical disability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) DOMESTIC VIOLENCE- The term ‘domestic violence’ has the meaning given the term in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
(3) EMPLOYEE- The term ‘employee’ means an individual who is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A)(i) an employee, as defined in section 3(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(ii) an employee of the Government Accountability Office;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) a State employee described in section 304(a) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991 (
(C) a covered employee, as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(D) a covered employee, as defined in
(E) a Federal officer or employee covered under subchapter V of chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) EMPLOYER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- The term ‘employer’ means a person who is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i)(I) a covered employer, as defined in subparagraph (B), who is not covered under subclause (V);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) an entity employing a State employee described in section 304(a) of the Government Employee Rights Act of 1991;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) an employing office, as defined in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(IV) an employing office, as defined in
(V) an employing agency covered under subchapter V of chapter 63 of title 5, United States Code; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) is engaged in commerce (including government), or an industry or activity affecting commerce (including government), as defined in subparagraph (B)(iii).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) COVERED EMPLOYER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) IN GENERAL- In subparagraph (A)(i)(I), the term ‘covered employer’--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) means any person engaged in commerce or in any industry or activity affecting commerce who employs 15 or more employees for each working day during each of 20 or more calendar workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(aa) any person who acts, directly or indirectly, in the interest of an employer to any of the employees of such employer; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(bb) any successor in interest of an employer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) includes any ‘public agency’, as defined in section 3(x) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(IV) includes the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) PUBLIC AGENCY- For purposes of clause (i)(III), a public agency shall be considered to be a person engaged in commerce or in an industry or activity affecting commerce.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) DEFINITIONS- For purposes of this subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) COMMERCE- The terms ‘commerce’ and ‘industry or activity affecting commerce’ mean any activity, business, or industry in commerce or in which a labor dispute would hinder or obstruct commerce or the free flow of commerce, and include ‘commerce’ and any ‘industry affecting commerce’, as defined in paragraphs (1) and (3) of section 501 of the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (
(II) EMPLOYEE- The term ‘employee’ has the same meaning given such term in section 3(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(III) PERSON- The term ‘person’ has the same meaning given such term in section 3(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(C) PREDECESSORS- Any reference in this paragraph to an employer shall include a reference to any predecessor of such employer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS- The term ‘employment benefits’ means all benefits provided or made available to employees by an employer, including group life insurance, health insurance, disability insurance, sick leave, annual leave, educational benefits, and pensions, regardless of whether such benefits are provided by a practice or written policy of an employer or through an ‘employee benefit plan’, as defined in section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (
(6) HEALTH CARE PROVIDER- The term ‘health care provider’ means a provider who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A)(i) is a doctor of medicine or osteopathy who is authorized to practice medicine or surgery (as appropriate) by the State in which the doctor practices; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) is any other person determined by the Secretary to be capable of providing health care services; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) is not employed by an employer for whom the provider issues certification under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) PAID SICK TIME- The term ‘paid sick time’ means an increment of compensated leave that can be earned by an employee for use during an absence from employment for any of the reasons described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of section 5(b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) PARENT- The term ‘parent’ means a biological, foster, or adoptive parent of an employee, a stepparent of an employee, or a legal guardian or other person who stood in loco parentis to an employee when the employee was a child.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) SECRETARY- The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Labor.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) SEXUAL ASSAULT- The term ‘sexual assault’ has the meaning given the term in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
(11) SPOUSE- The term ‘spouse’, with respect to an employee, has the meaning given such term by the marriage laws of the State in which the employee resides.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(12) STALKING- The term ‘stalking’ has the meaning given the term in section 40002(a) of the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (
(13) VICTIM SERVICES ORGANIZATION- The term ‘victim services organization’ means a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking or advocates for such victims, including a rape crisis center, an organization carrying out a domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking prevention or treatment program, an organization operating a shelter or providing counseling services, or a legal services organization or other organization providing assistance through the legal process.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 174. PROVISION OF PAID SICK TIME.
(a) Accrual of Paid Sick Time-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- An employer shall permit each employee employed by the employer to earn not less than 1 hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked, to be used as described in subsection (b). An employer shall not be required to permit an employee to earn, under this section, more than 56 hours of paid sick time in a calendar year, unless the employer chooses to set a higher limit.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) EXEMPT EMPLOYEES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in paragraph (3), for purposes of this section, an employee who is exempt from overtime requirements under section 13(a)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(B) SHORTER NORMAL WORKWEEK- If the normal workweek of such an employee is less than 40 hours, the employee shall earn paid sick time based upon that normal work week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) DATES OF ACCRUAL AND USE- Employees shall begin to earn paid sick time under this section at the commencement of their employment. An employee shall be entitled to use the earned paid sick time beginning on the 60th calendar day following commencement of the employee’s employment. After that 60th calendar day, the employee may use the paid sick time as the time is earned. An employer may, at the discretion of the employer, loan paid sick time to an employee in advance of the earning of such time under this section by such employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) CARRYOVER-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), paid sick time earned under this section shall carry over from 1 calendar year to the next.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) CONSTRUCTION- This subtitle shall not be construed to require an employer to permit an employee to accrue more than 56 hours of earned paid sick time at a given time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) EMPLOYERS WITH EXISTING POLICIES- Any employer with a paid leave policy who makes available an amount of paid leave that is sufficient to meet the requirements of this section and that may be used for the same purposes and under the same conditions as the purposes and conditions outlined in subsection (b) shall not be required to permit an employee to earn additional paid sick time under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) CONSTRUCTION- Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring financial or other reimbursement to an employee from an employer upon the employee’s termination, resignation, retirement, or other separation from employment for earned paid sick time that has not been used.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) REINSTATEMENT- If an employee is separated from employment with an employer and is rehired, within 12 months after that separation, by the same employer, the employer shall reinstate the employee’s previously earned paid sick time. The employee shall be entitled to use the earned paid sick time and earn additional paid sick time at the recommencement of employment with the employer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) PROHIBITION- An employer may not require, as a condition of providing paid sick time under this subtitle, that the employee involved search for or find a replacement worker to cover the hours during which the employee is using paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Uses- Paid sick time earned under this section may be used by an employee for any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) An absence resulting from a physical or mental illness, injury, or medical condition of the employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) An absence resulting from obtaining professional medical diagnosis or care, or preventive medical care, for the employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) An absence for the purpose of caring for a child, a parent, a spouse, or any other individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the employee is the equivalent of a family relationship, who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) has any of the conditions or needs for diagnosis or care described in paragraph (1) or (2); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in the case of someone who is not a child, is otherwise in need of care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) An absence resulting from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, if the time is to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) seek medical attention for the employee or the employee’s child, parent, or spouse, or an individual related to the employee as described in paragraph (3), to recover from physical or psychological injury or disability caused by domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) obtain or assist a related person described in paragraph (3) in obtaining services from a victim services organization;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) obtain or assist a related person described in paragraph (3) in obtaining psychological or other counseling;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) seek relocation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) take legal action, including preparing for or participating in any civil or criminal legal proceeding related to or resulting from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Scheduling- An employee shall make a reasonable effort to schedule a period of paid sick time under this subtitle in a manner that does not unduly disrupt the operations of the employer.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Procedures-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Paid sick time shall be provided upon the oral or written request of an employee. Such request shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) include the expected duration of the period of such time;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in a case in which the need for such period of time is foreseeable at least 7 days in advance of such period, be provided at least 7 days in advance of such period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) otherwise, be provided as soon as practicable after the employee is aware of the need for such period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CERTIFICATION IN GENERAL-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) PROVISION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (C), an employer may require that a request for paid sick time under this section for a purpose described in paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (b) be supported by a certification issued by the health care provider of the eligible employee or of an individual described in subsection (b)(3), as appropriate, if the period of such time covers more than 3 consecutive workdays.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) TIMELINESS- The employee shall provide a copy of such certification to the employer in a timely manner, not later than 30 days after the first day of the period of time. The employer shall not delay the commencement of the period of time on the basis that the employer has not yet received the certification.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) SUFFICIENT CERTIFICATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) IN GENERAL- A certification provided under subparagraph (A) shall be sufficient if it states--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) the date on which the period of time will be needed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) the probable duration of the period of time;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) the appropriate medical facts within the knowledge of the health care provider regarding the condition involved, subject to clause (ii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(IV)(aa) for purposes of paid sick time under subsection (b)(1), a statement that absence from work is medically necessary;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(bb) for purposes of such time under subsection (b)(2), the dates on which testing for a medical diagnosis or care is expected to be given and the duration of such testing or care; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(cc) for purposes of such time under subsection (b)(3), in the case of time to care for someone who is not a child, a statement that care is needed for an individual described in such subsection, and an estimate of the amount of time that such care is needed for such individual.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) LIMITATION- In issuing a certification under subparagraph (A), a health care provider shall make reasonable efforts to limit the medical facts described in clause (i)(III) that are disclosed in the certification to the minimum necessary to establish a need for the employee to utilize paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) REGULATIONS- Regulations prescribed under section 182 shall specify the manner in which an employee who does not have health insurance shall provide a certification for purposes of this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) CONFIDENTIALITY AND NONDISCLOSURE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION- Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to require a health care provider to disclose information in violation of section 1177 of the Social Security Act (
(ii) HEALTH INFORMATION RECORDS- If an employer possesses health information about an employee or an employee’s child, parent, spouse or other individual described in subsection (b)(3), such information shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) be maintained on a separate form and in a separate file from other personnel information;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) be treated as a confidential medical record; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) not be disclosed except to the affected employee or with the permission of the affected employee.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) CERTIFICATION IN THE CASE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, OR STALKING-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- An employer may require that a request for paid sick time under this section for a purpose described in subsection (b)(4) be supported by 1 of the following forms of documentation:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) A police report indicating that the employee, or a member of the employee’s family described in subsection (b)(4), was a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) A court order protecting or separating the employee or a member of the employee’s family described in subsection (b)(4) from the perpetrator of an act of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or other evidence from the court or prosecuting attorney that the employee or a member of the employee’s family described in subsection (b)(4) has appeared in court or is scheduled to appear in court in a proceeding related to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) Other documentation signed by an employee or volunteer working for a victim services organization, an attorney, a police officer, a medical professional, a social worker, an antiviolence counselor, or a member of the clergy, affirming that the employee or a member of the employee’s family described in subsection (b)(4) is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) REQUIREMENTS- The requirements of paragraph (2) shall apply to certifications under this paragraph, except that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) subclauses (III) and (IV) of subparagraph (B)(i) and subparagraph (B)(ii) of such paragraph shall not apply;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the certification shall state the reason that the leave is required with the facts to be disclosed limited to the minimum necessary to establish a need for the employee to be absent from work, and the employee shall not be required to explain the details of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking involved; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) with respect to confidentiality under subparagraph (D) of such paragraph, any information provided to the employer under this paragraph shall be confidential, except to the extent that any disclosure of such information is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) requested or consented to in writing by the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) otherwise required by applicable Federal or State law.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 175. POSTING REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General- Each employer shall post and keep posted a notice, to be prepared or approved in accordance with procedures specified in regulations prescribed under section 182, setting forth excerpts from, or summaries of, the pertinent provisions of this subtitle including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) information describing paid sick time available to employees under this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) information pertaining to the filing of an action under this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the details of the notice requirement for a foreseeable period of time under section 174(d)(1)(B); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) information that describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the protections that an employee has in exercising rights under this subtitle; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) how the employee can contact the Secretary (or other appropriate authority as described in section 177) if any of the rights are violated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Location- The notice described under subsection (a) shall be posted--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) in conspicuous places on the premises of the employer, where notices to employees (including applicants) are customarily posted; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in employee handbooks.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Violation; Penalty- Any employer who willfully violates the posting requirements of this section shall be subject to a civil fine in an amount not to exceed $100 for each separate offense.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 176. PROHIBITED ACTS.
(a) Interference With Rights-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) EXERCISE OF RIGHTS- It shall be unlawful for any employer to interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right provided under this subtitle, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) discharging or discriminating against (including retaliating against) any individual, including a job applicant, for exercising, or attempting to exercise, any right provided under this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) using the taking of paid sick time under this subtitle as a negative factor in an employment action, such as hiring, promotion, or a disciplinary action; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) counting the paid sick time under a no-fault attendance policy or any other absence control policy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) DISCRIMINATION- It shall be unlawful for any employer to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against (including retaliating against) any individual, including a job applicant, for opposing any practice made unlawful by this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Interference With Proceedings or Inquiries- It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge or in any other manner discriminate against (including retaliating against) any individual, including a job applicant, because such individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) has filed an action, or has instituted or caused to be instituted any proceeding, under or related to this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) has given, or is about to give, any information in connection with any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this subtitle; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) has testified, or is about to testify, in any inquiry or proceeding relating to any right provided under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Construction- Nothing in this section shall be construed to state or imply that the scope of the activities prohibited by section 105 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
SEC. 177. ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) DEFINITIONS- In this subsection:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the term ‘employee’ means an employee described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 173(3); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the term ‘employer’ means an employer described in subclause (I) or (II) of section 173(4)(A)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) INVESTIGATIVE AUTHORITY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- To ensure compliance with the provisions of this subtitle, or any regulation or order issued under this subtitle, the Secretary shall have, subject to subparagraph (C), the investigative authority provided under section 11(a) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(B) OBLIGATION TO KEEP AND PRESERVE RECORDS- An employer shall make, keep, and preserve records pertaining to compliance with this subtitle in accordance with section 11(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(C) REQUIRED SUBMISSIONS GENERALLY LIMITED TO AN ANNUAL BASIS- The Secretary shall not require, under the authority of this paragraph, an employer to submit to the Secretary any books or records more than once during any 12-month period, unless the Secretary has reasonable cause to believe there may exist a violation of this subtitle or any regulation or order issued pursuant to this subtitle, or is investigating a charge pursuant to paragraph (4).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) SUBPOENA AUTHORITY- For the purposes of any investigation provided for in this paragraph, the Secretary shall have the subpoena authority provided for under section 9 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(3) CIVIL ACTION BY EMPLOYEES OR INDIVIDUALS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) RIGHT OF ACTION- An action to recover the damages or equitable relief prescribed in subparagraph (B) may be maintained against any employer in any Federal or State court of competent jurisdiction by one or more employees or individuals or their representative for and on behalf of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the employees or individuals; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the employees or individuals and others similarly situated.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) LIABILITY- Any employer who violates section 176 (including a violation relating to rights provided under section 174) shall be liable to any employee or individual affected--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) for damages equal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) the amount of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(aa) any wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation denied or lost by reason of the violation; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(bb) in a case in which wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation have not been denied or lost, any actual monetary losses sustained as a direct result of the violation up to a sum equal to 56 hours of wages or salary for the employee or individual;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) the interest on the amount described in subclause (I) calculated at the prevailing rate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) an additional amount as liquidated damages; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) for such equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) FEES AND COSTS- The court in an action under this paragraph shall, in addition to any judgment awarded to the plaintiff, allow a reasonable attorney’s fee, reasonable expert witness fees, and other costs of the action to be paid by the defendant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) ACTION BY THE SECRETARY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION- The Secretary shall receive, investigate, and attempt to resolve complaints of violations of section 176 (including a violation relating to rights provided under section 174) in the same manner that the Secretary receives, investigates, and attempts to resolve complaints of violations of sections 6 and 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (
(B) CIVIL ACTION- The Secretary may bring an action in any court of competent jurisdiction to recover the damages described in paragraph (3)(B)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) SUMS RECOVERED- Any sums recovered by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (B) shall be held in a special deposit account and shall be paid, on order of the Secretary, directly to each employee or individual affected. Any such sums not paid to an employee or individual affected because of inability to do so within a period of 3 years shall be deposited into the Treasury of the United States as miscellaneous receipts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) LIMITATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), an action may be brought under paragraph (3), (4), or (6) not later than 2 years after the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which the action is brought.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) WILLFUL VIOLATION- In the case of an action brought for a willful violation of section 176 (including a willful violation relating to rights provided under section 174), such action may be brought within 3 years of the date of the last event constituting the alleged violation for which such action is brought.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) COMMENCEMENT- In determining when an action is commenced under paragraph (3), (4), or (6) for the purposes of this paragraph, it shall be considered to be commenced on the date when the complaint is filed.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) ACTION FOR INJUNCTION BY SECRETARY- The district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction, for cause shown, in an action brought by the Secretary--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) to restrain violations of section 176 (including a violation relating to rights provided under section 174), including the restraint of any withholding of payment of wages, salary, employment benefits, or other compensation, plus interest, found by the court to be due to employees or individuals eligible under this subtitle; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) to award such other equitable relief as may be appropriate, including employment, reinstatement, and promotion.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) SOLICITOR OF LABOR- The Solicitor of Labor may appear for and represent the Secretary on any litigation brought under paragraph (4) or (6).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE AND LIBRARY OF CONGRESS- Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, in the case of the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress, the authority of the Secretary of Labor under this subsection shall be exercised respectively by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Librarian of Congress.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Employees Covered by Congressional Accountability Act of 1995- The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(c) Employees Covered by Chapter 5 of Title 3, United States Code- The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in chapter 5 of title 3, United States Code, to the President, the Merit Systems Protection Board, or any person, alleging a violation of section 412(a)(1) of that title, shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this subtitle provides to the President, that Board, or any person, respectively, alleging an unlawful employment practice in violation of this subtitle against an employee described in section 173(3)(D).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Employees Covered by Chapter 63 of Title 5, United States Code- The powers, remedies, and procedures provided in title 5, United States Code, to an employing agency, provided in chapter 12 of that title to the Merit Systems Protection Board, or provided in that title to any person, alleging a violation of chapter 63 of that title, shall be the powers, remedies, and procedures this subtitle provides to that agency, that Board, or any person, respectively, alleging an unlawful employment practice in violation of this subtitle against an employee described in section 173(3)(E).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Remedies for State Employees-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) WAIVER OF SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY- A State’s receipt or use of Federal financial assistance for any program or activity of a State shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity, under the 11th amendment to the Constitution or otherwise, to a suit brought by an employee of that program or activity under this subtitle for equitable, legal, or other relief authorized under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) OFFICIAL CAPACITY- An official of a State may be sued in the official capacity of the official by any employee who has complied with the procedures under subsection (a)(3), for injunctive relief that is authorized under this subtitle. In such a suit the court may award to the prevailing party those costs authorized by section 722 of the Revised Statutes (
(3) APPLICABILITY- With respect to a particular program or activity, paragraph (1) applies to conduct occurring on or after the day, after the date of enactment of this subtitle, on which a State first receives or uses Federal financial assistance for that program or activity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) DEFINITION OF PROGRAM OR ACTIVITY- In this subsection, the term ‘program or activity’ has the meaning given the term in section 606 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (
SEC. 178. COLLECTION OF DATA ON PAID SICK TIME AND FURTHER STUDY.
(a) Compilation of Information- Effective 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commissioner of Labor Statistics shall annually compile information on the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The number of employees who used paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The number of hours of paid sick time used.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The number of employees who used paid sick time for absences necessary due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) The demographic characteristics of employees who were eligible for and who used paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) GAO Study-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Comptroller General of the United States shall annually conduct a study to determine the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A)(i) The number of days employees used paid sick time and the reasons for the use.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) The number of employees who used the paid sick time for periods of time covering more than 3 consecutive workdays.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) The cost and benefits to employers of implementing the paid sick time policies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The cost to employees of providing certification to obtain the paid sick time.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) The benefits of the paid sick time to employees and their family members, including effects on employees’ ability to care for their family members or to provide for their own health needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) Whether the paid sick time affected employees’ ability to sustain an adequate income while meeting needs of the employees and their family members.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) Whether employers who administered paid sick time policies prior to the date of enactment of this Act were affected by the provisions of this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) Whether other types of leave were affected by this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) Whether paid sick time affected retention and turnover and costs of presenteeism.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) Whether the paid sick time increased the use of less costly preventive medical care and lowered the use of emergency room care.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) Whether the paid sick time reduced the number of children sent to school when the children were sick.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AGGREGATING DATA- The data collected under subparagraphs (A) and (D) of paragraph (1) shall be aggregated by gender, race, disability, earnings level, age, marital status, family type, including parental status, and industry.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) REPORTS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning the results of the study conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) and the data aggregated under paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) FOLLOWUP REPORT- Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall prepare and submit a followup report to the appropriate committees of Congress concerning the results of the study conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) and the data aggregated under paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 179. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS.
(a) Federal and State Antidiscrimination Laws- Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to modify or affect any Federal or State law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) State and Local Laws- Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to supersede (including preempting) any provision of any State or local law that provides greater paid sick time or leave rights (including greater paid sick time or leave, or greater coverage of those eligible for paid sick time or leave) than the rights established under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 180. EFFECT ON EXISTING EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.
(a) More Protective- Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to diminish the obligation of an employer to comply with any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or any employment benefit program or plan that provides greater paid sick leave or other leave rights to employees or individuals than the rights established under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Less Protective- The rights established for employees under this subtitle shall not be diminished by any contract, collective bargaining agreement, or any employment benefit program or plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 181. ENCOURAGEMENT OF MORE GENEROUS LEAVE POLICIES.
Nothing in this subtitle shall be construed to discourage employers from adopting or retaining leave policies more generous than policies that comply with the requirements of this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 182. REGULATIONS.
(a) In General-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AUTHORITY- Except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subtitle with respect to employees described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 173(3) and other individuals affected by employers described in subclause (I) or (II) of section 173(4)(A)(i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS- The Comptroller General of the United States and the Librarian of Congress shall prescribe the regulations with respect to employees of the Government Accountability Office and the Library of Congress, respectively and other individuals affected by the Comptroller General of the United States and the Librarian of Congress, respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Employees Covered by Congressional Accountability Act of 1995-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AUTHORITY- Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance shall prescribe (in accordance with section 304 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 (
(2) AGENCY REGULATIONS- The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this subtitle except insofar as the Board may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1), that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections involved under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Employees Covered by Chapter 5 of Title 3, United States Code-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AUTHORITY- Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the President (or the designee of the President) shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subtitle with respect to employees described in section 173(3)(D) and other individuals affected by employers described in section 173(4)(A)(i)(IV).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AGENCY REGULATIONS- The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this subtitle except insofar as the President (or designee) may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1), that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections involved under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Employees Covered by Chapter 63 of Title 5, United States Code-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) AUTHORITY- Not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this subtitle with respect to employees described in section 173(3)(E) and other individuals affected by employers described in section 173(4)(A)(i)(V).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AGENCY REGULATIONS- The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall be the same as substantive regulations promulgated by the Secretary to carry out this subtitle except insofar as the Director may determine, for good cause shown and stated together with the regulations prescribed under paragraph (1), that a modification of such regulations would be more effective for the implementation of the rights and protections involved under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 183. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) Effective Date- This subtitle shall take effect 6 months after the date of issuance of regulations under section 182(a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Collective Bargaining Agreements- In the case of a collective bargaining agreement in effect on the effective date prescribed by subsection (a), this subtitle shall take effect on the earlier of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the date of the termination of such agreement; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the date that occurs 18 months after the date of issuance of regulations under section 182(a)(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 191. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Family and Medical Leave Enhancement Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 192. ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEE.
Section 101(2)(B)(ii) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
SEC. 193. ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL LEAVE UNDER THE FMLA FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement- Section 102(a) of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
‘(5) ENTITLEMENT TO ADDITIONAL LEAVE FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) IN GENERAL- Subject to subparagraph (B) and section 103(g), an eligible employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) meet routine family medical care needs, including for medical and dental appointments of the employee or a son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee, or to attend to the care needs of elderly individuals who are related to the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) LIMITATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) IN GENERAL- An eligible employee is entitled to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) COORDINATION RULE- Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) DEFINITIONS- As used in this paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) SCHOOL- The term ‘school’ means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
20 U.S.C. 7801 )), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.), or a child care facility.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(ii) COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION- The term ‘community organization’ means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 101(12), such as a scouting or sports organization.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Schedule- Section 102(b)(1) of such Act (
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave- Section 102(d)(2) of such Act (
‘(C) PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LEAVE AND FAMILY WELLNESS LEAVE- An eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or family leave of the employee for any leave under subsection (a)(5). In addition, an eligible employee may elect, or an employer may require the employee, to substitute any of the accrued paid medical or sick leave of the employee for leave provided under clause (ii) of subsection (a)(5)(A) for any part of the leave under such clause, except that nothing in this title shall require an employer to provide paid sick leave or paid medical leave in any situation in which such employer would not normally provide any such paid leave. If the employee elects or the employer requires the substitution of accrued paid leave for leave provided under subsection (a)(5)(A), the employer shall not restrict or limit this substitution or impose any additional terms and conditions on such leave that are more stringent on the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this Act.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Notice- Section 102(e) of such Act (
‘(4) NOTICE RELATING TO PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS LEAVE- In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) provide the employer with not less than 7 days’ notice or as much notice as is practicable before the date the leave is to be taken, of the employee’s intention to take leave under such paragraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subparagraph (A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Certification- Section 103 of such Act (
‘(g) Certification Related to Parental Involvement and Family Wellness Leave- An employer may require that a request for leave under section 102(a)(5) be supported by a certification issued at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may by regulation prescribe.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Definition of Grandchild- Section 101 of the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (
‘(14) GRANDCHILD- The term ‘grandchild’ means a son or daughter of an employee’s son or daughter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 194. ENTITLEMENT OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES TO LEAVE FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND FAMILY WELLNESS.
(a) Leave Requirement-
‘(5)(A) Subject to subparagraph (B)(i) and section 6383(f), an employee shall be entitled to leave under this paragraph to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) participate in or attend an activity that is sponsored by a school or community organization and relates to a program of the school or organization that is attended by a son or daughter or a grandchild of the employee; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) meet routine family medical care needs, including for medical and dental appointments of a son, daughter, spouse, or grandchild of the employee, or to attend to the care needs of elderly individuals who are related to the eligible employee, including visits to nursing homes and group homes.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B)(i) An employee is entitled to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) not to exceed 4 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 30-day period; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) not to exceed 24 hours of leave under this paragraph during any 12-month period.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) Leave under this paragraph shall be in addition to any leave provided under any other paragraph of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(C) For the purpose of this paragraph--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) the term ‘school’ means an elementary school or secondary school (as such terms are defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965), a Head Start program assisted under the Head Start Act, and a child care facility licensed under State law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) the term ‘community organization’ means a private nonprofit organization that is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community and provides activities for individuals described in subparagraph (A) or (B) of section 6381(6), such as a scouting or sports organization.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Schedule- Section 6382(b)(1) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by inserting after the second sentence the following new sentence: ‘Leave under subsection (a)(5) may be taken intermittently or on a reduced leave schedule.’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in the last sentence, by striking ‘involved,’ and inserting ‘involved (or, in the case of leave under subsection (a)(5), for purposes of any 30-day or 12-month period),’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Substitution of Paid Leave- Section 6382(d) of such title is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by inserting ‘(1)’ after the subsection designation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) An employee may elect to substitute for leave under subsection (a)(5), any of the employee’s accrued or accumulated annual or sick leave under subchapter I. If the employee elects to substitute accumulated annual or sick leave for leave provided under subsection (a)(5), the employing agency shall not restrict or limit this substitution or impose any additional terms and conditions on such leave that are more stringent on the employee than the terms and conditions set forth in this subchapter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Notice- Section 6382(e) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) In any case in which an employee requests leave under paragraph (5) of subsection (a), the employee shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) provide the employing agency with not less than 7 days’ notice, before the date the leave is to be taken, of the employee’s intention to take leave under such paragraph; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) in the case of leave to be taken under subparagraph (A)(ii), make a reasonable effort to schedule the leave so as not to disrupt unduly the operations of the employer, subject to the approval of the health care provider involved (if any).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Certification- Section 6383(f) of such title is amended by striking ‘6382(a)(3)’ and inserting ‘paragraph (3) or (5) of section 6382(a)’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Definition of Grandchild-
(1) in paragraph (10), by striking ‘and’ at the end;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end and inserting ‘; and’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(12) the term ‘grandchild’ means a son or daughter of an employee’s son or daughter.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--CHILD CARE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE II--CHILD CARE EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENTCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Education Begins at HomeCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Education Begins at HomeCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Education Begins at Home Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 202. PURPOSES.
The purposes of this subtitle are as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) To enable States, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, territories, or possessions to deliver quality programs of early childhood home visitation to pregnant women and parents of children from birth until entry into kindergarten in order to promote positive outcomes for children and families including: readiness for school, improved child health and development, positive parenting practices, reductions in child maltreatment, and enhanced parenting abilities to support their children’s optimal cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) To expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation so as to more effectively reach and serve families with English language learners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) To expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation so as to more effectively reach and serve families serving in the military.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) To establish a public education and awareness campaign concerning the importance of the proper care of infants and young children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 203. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) ELIGIBLE FAMILY- The term ‘eligible family’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) a woman who is pregnant and the father of the child if the father is available; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) a parent or primary caregiver of a child under the age of entry into kindergarten, including grandparents or other relatives of the child, and foster parents (including kinship caregivers), who are serving as the primary caregiver, including a noncustodial parent who has an ongoing relationship with and, at times, provides physical care for such child.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER- The term ‘English language learner’, used with respect to an individual, means an individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) who--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) was not born in the United States or whose native language is a language other than English;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii)(I) is a Native American (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
(II) comes from an environment where a language other than English has had a significant impact on the individual’s level of English language proficiency; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) is migratory, whose native language is a language other than English, and who comes from an environment where a language other than English is dominant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) whose difficulties in speaking or understanding the English language may be sufficient to deny such individual--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the ability to successfully achieve in a classroom in which the language of instruction is English; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the opportunity to participate fully in society.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) HOME VISITATION- The term ‘home visitation’ means services provided in the permanent or temporary residence, or in a mutually agreed upon location in the community, of the individual receiving such services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) INDIAN TRIBE- The term ‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given such term in section 4(e) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(5) SECRETARY- Except as provided in section 206, the term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) STATE- The term ‘State’ means each of the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS- The term ‘territories and possessions’ shall include American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION- The term ‘tribal organization’ has the meaning given the term in section 4(l) of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
SEC. 204. GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITATION.
(a) Authorization- The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall make grants to States, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, territories and possessions to enable States, Indian tribes, tribal organizations, territories and possessions to establish or expand quality programs of early childhood home visitation as specified under subsection (e). Each grant shall consist of the allotment determined under subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Determination of Reservations; Amount of Allotments; Authorization of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) RESERVATIONS FROM APPROPRIATIONS- From the total amount made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall reserve--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 3 percent for an independent evaluation of the activities carried out under this title, as specified in section 207;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) not more than 3 percent for Federal administrative costs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) not more than 2 percent of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year for payments to Indian tribes or tribal organizations with an approved application under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) not more than 1/2 of 1 percent of the funds appropriated for any fiscal year for payments to territories and possessions with an approved application under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) 2 percent for training and technical assistance for States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) STATE ALLOTMENTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITATION-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- In accordance with subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall allot among each of the eligible States the total amount made available to carry out this section for any fiscal year and not reserved under paragraph (1), to support early childhood home visitation programs in accordance with this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) DETERMINATION OF STATE ALLOTMENTS- The Secretary shall allot the amount made available under subparagraph (A) for a fiscal year among the eligible States in proportion to the number of children, aged from birth through 5 years from families whose income is below the poverty line, who reside within the State, compared to the number of such individuals who reside in all such States for that fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) PAYMENTS TO TRIBES AND TERRITORIES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) Out of the funds reserved under paragraph (1)(C), the Secretary shall provide funds to each Indian tribe or tribal organization with an approved application under this section in accordance with the respective needs described in that application.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) Out of the funds reserved under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary shall provide funds to each territory or possession with an approved application under this section in accordance with the respective needs described in that application.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) APPLICATIONS OF INDIAN TRIBES, TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS, TERRITORIES, OR POSSESSIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) Subject to subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall approve an application of an Indian tribe, tribal organization, territory, or possession based on the quality of the application.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) The Secretary may exempt an application submitted by an Indian tribe, tribal organization, territory, or possession from any requirement of this section that the Secretary determines would be inappropriate to apply taking into account the resources, needs, and other circumstances of the Indian tribe, tribal organization territory, or possession with the exception of the provision of quality early childhood home visitation and participation in the independent evaluation outlined in section 207.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $150,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Grant Applications- A State, Indian tribe, tribal organization, territory, or possession that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. For the purposes of this subsection, the term ‘State’ includes Indian tribes, tribal organizations, territories, or possessions. The application shall contain the following information:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) An assurance that the Governor of the State has designated a lead State agency, such as the State educational agency or the State health and human services agency, to carry out the activities under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) An assurance that the State will reserve 3 percent of such grant for evaluation and will participate in the independent evaluation under section 207.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) An assurance that the State will reserve 10 percent of the grant funds for training and technical assistance to programs of early childhood home visitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) An assurance that the State will authorize child care resource and referral agencies to refer parents seeking home visitation services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) An assurance that in supporting early childhood home visitation programs under this section the State shall identify and prioritize serving communities that are in high need of such services, such as communities with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) low student achievement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) high rates of teen pregnancy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) high proportions of families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) high incidences of child abuse;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) high rates of children with developmental delays or disabilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) large concentrations of individuals who are English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) large concentrations of individuals currently serving in the Armed Forces; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) large concentrations of individuals who formerly served in the Armed Forces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) The results of a statewide needs assessment that describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the quality and capacity of existing programs of early childhood home visitation in the State;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the number and types of eligible families who are receiving services under such programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the gaps in early childhood home visitation in the State, including identification of communities that are in high need of such services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) A State plan containing the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) A description of the State’s plan to prioritize establishing or expanding high quality programs of early childhood home visitation programs in communities that are in high need of such programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) A description of the high quality programs of early childhood home visitation that will be supported by a grant under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) A description of how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will promote positive parenting skills and children’s early learning and development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) A description of how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will incorporate the authorized activities described in subsection (e).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) How the lead State agency will build on and promote coordination among existing programs of early childhood home visitation in an effort to promote an array of home visitation programs to ensure more eligible families are being served and are getting the most appropriate services to meet their needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) How the lead State agency will promote collaboration among a broad range of child- and family-serving programs, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) early childhood home visitation programs, including targeted grants awarded under sections 205 and 206;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) early childhood care and education programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) activities carried out under part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (
(iv) child abuse prevention and treatment programs, and State and local child protection systems;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) Medicaid and State Children’s Health Insurance programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) nutrition assistance programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vii) parental substance abuse and mental health prevention and treatment programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(viii) domestic and family violence prevention programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ix) child support enforcement programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(x) workforce development programs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(xi) the State Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(xii) early childhood intervention programs, such as mental health prevention and treatment services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(xiii) State and local educational agencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(xiv) other appropriate child-serving programs in the State in order to facilitate the coordinated delivery of services for eligible families.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) How the lead State agency will provide for the training and technical assistance to programs of early childhood home visitation involved in activities under this section to more effectively meet the needs of the eligible families served, with sensitivity to cultural variations in attitudes toward formal support services and parenting norms.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) How the lead State agency will evaluate the activities supported under this section in order to assess outcomes including, but not limited to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) parental outcomes related to child health and development, including parent knowledge of early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) child health, cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) child maltreatment;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) school readiness; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) links to community services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) A description of how the lead State agency will ensure home visitation programs prioritize outreach activities to target fathers and include fathers in the program where safe and appropriate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) A description of how the lead State agency will ensure that services are made available under the program to grandparents, other relatives or foster parents, of a child from birth through age 5 who serve as the primary caregiver of the child.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) Such other information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Approval of Applications-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall approve an application under this section based on the recommendations of a peer review panel, as described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PEER REVIEW PANEL- The peer review panel shall include individuals with experience in varying models of home visitation, including not fewer than--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 3 individuals who are experts in the field of home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 2 individuals who are experts in early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 1 individual with expertise implementing a statewide program of early childhood home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 1 individual who is a board certified pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) 1 individual with experience in administering public or private (including community-based) child maltreatment prevention programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) RECOMMENDATIONS- The panel shall recommend applicants to the Secretary based on the quality of their applications. In addition to ensuring that the application is complete, the panel shall consider--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the quality of the statewide needs assessment, described in subsection (c)(6);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the quality of the programs to be funded by the grant, described in subsection (c)(7)(B), and the capacity of such programs to establish or expand high quality home visitation services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the plan to enhance and improve services in the State through collaboration described in subsections (c)(7)(E) and (c)(7)(F);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) the State’s plan to prioritize serving communities in high need of home visitation programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) the State’s plan for delivering effective training and technical assistance.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) State Uses of Funds- Each State that receives a grant under this section shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) provide to as many eligible families in the State as practicable, voluntary early childhood home visitation, on not less frequently than a monthly basis with greater frequency of services for those eligible families identified with additional needs, through the implementation of high quality programs of early childhood home visitation that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) adopt a clear, consistent model that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) is research-based;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) is grounded in empirically based knowledge related to home visiting and child health or child development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) is linked to program-determined outcomes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) is associated with a national organization or institution of higher education (as defined under section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965), that has comprehensive home visitation program standards, including standardized training and ongoing professional development, that ensure high quality service delivery and continuous program quality improvement;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) has been evaluated, and the results of the evaluation have been published in a peer-reviewed journal; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) has been in existence at least 3 consecutive years prior to the program being funded under this title;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) employ well-trained and competent staff, as demonstrated by education or training, and the provision of ongoing and specific training on the model being delivered;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) maintain high quality supervision that supports home visitor competencies;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) show strong organizational capacity to implement the program involved;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) establish appropriate linkages and referral networks to other community resources and supports;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) monitor fidelity of program implementation to assure that services are delivered according to the specified model;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) establish procedures to promote participation of fathers, where safe and appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) are research-based and provide parents with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) knowledge of age-appropriate child development in cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor domains (including knowledge of second language acquisition, in the case of English language learners);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) knowledge of realistic expectations of age-appropriate child behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) knowledge of health and wellness issues for children and parents;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) modeling, consulting, and coaching on parenting practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) skills to interact with their child to enhance age-appropriate development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) skills to recognize and seek help for issues related to health, developmental delays, and social, emotional, and behavioral skills;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vii) activities designed to help parents become full partners in the education of their children; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(viii) relevant information, consistent with State child welfare agency training, concerning child welfare and protective services resources if appropriate;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) ascertain what health and developmental services the family receives and works with providers of such services to eliminate gaps in service by offering annual health, vision, hearing, and developmental screening for children from birth to entry into kindergarten, when not otherwise provided;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) provide referrals for eligible families, as needed, to additional resources available in the community, such as center-based early education programs, child care services, health or mental health services, family literacy programs, employment agencies, social services, fatherhood programs, and child care resource and referral agencies; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) offer group meetings (at program discretion) for eligible families that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) further enhance the information, activities, and skill-building addressed during home visitation; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) offer opportunities for parents to meet with and support each other.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) reserve 10 percent of the grant funds to provide training and technical assistance, directly or through contract, to early childhood home visitation programs relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) effective methods of implementing parent education, conducting home visiting, and promoting positive early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the relationship of health and well-being of pregnant women to prenatal and early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) early childhood development with respect to children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) methods to help parents promote emergent literacy, including second language acquisition for English language learners, in their children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) health, vision, hearing, and developmental screenings;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) strategies for helping eligible families with special needs or those eligible families coping with crisis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) recruiting, supervising, and retaining qualified staff;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) increasing services for underserved populations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) methods to help parents effectively respond to their children’s needs and behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) implementation of ongoing program quality improvement and evaluation of activities and outcomes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) relevant issues related to child welfare and protective services, with information provided being consistent with State or local child welfare agency training;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(L) effective methods of successfully engaging fathers in programs for parents; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(M) the relationship of father involvement to the health and well-being of pregnant women and to prenatal and early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) ensure representatives from high quality programs of early childhood home visitation operating in the State are included in an existing State-level early childhood coordinating body, such as the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Care and Education (as defined in section 642B(b) of the Head Start Act), that meets regularly to address policy and implementation issues that will improve the coordination and effectiveness of a range of services for children and families; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) use not more than 5 percent of the amount of grant funds received under this section for the administration of the grant, including planning, administration, and annual reporting.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Maintenance of Effort- A State is entitled to receive its full allotment of funds under this section for any fiscal year if the Secretary finds that the aggregate expenditures within the State for quality programs of early childhood home visitation for the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made was not less than 100 percent of such aggregate expenditures for the second fiscal year preceding the fiscal year for which the determination is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g)(1) State Match- In order to receive an allotment under subsection (b)(2), a State shall match the amount of such allotment with funds not derived from other Federal sources on the following basis:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 10 percent of such allotment for fiscal year 2011;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 20 percent of such allotment for fiscal year 2012; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 30 percent of such allotment for fiscal year 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Match Requirement- The funds resulting from the requirement in paragraph (1) shall be exported in accordance with the requirements of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Reporting Requirements- Each State that receives a grant under this section shall submit an annual report to the Secretary regarding the State’s progress in addressing the purposes of this subtitle. Such report shall include, at a minimum, a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) actual service delivery provided under the grant including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) program characteristics, including descriptive information on the service model used and actual program performance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provider characteristics, including staff qualifications, work experience, and demographic characteristics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) recipient characteristics, including number, demographic characteristics, and family retention;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) recipient outcomes that are consistent with program goals, including, where appropriate given the program being evaluated--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) parent knowledge of early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) child health, cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical developmental indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) child maltreatment indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) school readiness indicators; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) links to community services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the research-based instruction, materials, and activities being used in the activities funded under the grant;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) the training and technical assistance, including ongoing professional development, provided to programs supported under the grant;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) beginning at the end of the second year of the grant, the results of evaluations described in subsection (c)(7)(H); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) the annual program implementation costs, including the cost per family served under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 205. TARGETED GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITATION FOR FAMILIES WITH ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS.
(a) In General- The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible applicants to enable such applicants to support and expand local efforts to deliver services through quality programs of early childhood home visitation to eligible families with English language learners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Eligible Applicant- In this section, the term ‘eligible applicant’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) 1 or more local educational agencies (as defined in section 9101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
(2) 1 or more public or private community-based organizations or agencies that serve eligible families and are capable of establishing and implementing high quality programs of early childhood home visitation.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Applications- An eligible applicant that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. The application shall include a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the results of a communitywide needs assessment that demonstrates the need for services to eligible families with English language learners and describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) community demographics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the quality and capacity of existing programs of early childhood home visitation for eligible families with English language learners in the community;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the gaps in programs of early childhood home visitation for eligible families with English language learners in the community; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) the type of program of early childhood home visitation necessary to address the gaps identified;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the program of early childhood home visitation that will be supported by the grant under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will promote positive parenting skills and children’s early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will incorporate the authorized activities described in subsection (e);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) how services provided through a grant under this section will use materials that are appropriate for eligible families with English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) how the activities under this section will build on and promote coordination among existing programs of early childhood home visitation, if such programs exist in the community, in an effort to promote an array of home visitation that ensures more eligible families with English language learners are being served and are getting the most appropriate services to meet their needs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) how the program will ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) where appropriate to the program goals of the home visiting model, families participating in early childhood home visitation programs with English language learners will be introduced to and connected with their local schools to encourage ongoing parental involvement in their children’s education; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the activities under this section will support the preparation of children for school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) how channels of communication will be established between staff of programs of early childhood home visitation and staff of other early childhood education programs, such as Head Start programs carried out under the Head Start Act (
(9) how eligible families with English language learners will be recruited and retained to receive services under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) how training and technical assistance will be provided to help the staff of programs of early childhood home visitation involved in activities under this section to more effectively serve eligible families with English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(11) how the eligible applicant will evaluate the activities supported under this section in order to demonstrate outcomes related to the--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) number of eligible families with English language learners served by programs of early childhood home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) parental knowledge of early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) positive parenting practices related to early learning and development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(12) how the proposed program will conduct outreach activities to target both mothers and fathers and increase father involvement where safe and appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(13) such other information as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Approval of Applications-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall select applicants for funding under this section based on the quality of the applications and the recommendations of a peer review panel, as described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PEER REVIEW PANEL- The peer review panel shall include not fewer than--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 2 individuals who are experts in the field of home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 2 individuals who are experts in early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 2 individuals who are experts in serving eligible families with English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 1 individual who is a board certified pediatrician or a developmental pediatrician; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) 1 individual with expertise in administering public or private (including community-based) child maltreatment prevention programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Authorized Activities- Each eligible applicant that receives a grant under this section shall carry out the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Providing to as many eligible families with English language learners as practicable, voluntary early childhood home visitation, on not less frequently than a monthly basis, through the implementation of quality programs of early childhood home visitation that are research-based that provide parents with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) knowledge of age-appropriate child development in cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor domains;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) knowledge of realistic expectations of age-appropriate child behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) knowledge of health and wellness issues for children and parents;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) modeling, consulting, and coaching on parenting practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) skills to interact with their child to enhance age-appropriate development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) skills to recognize and seek help for issues related to health, developmental delays, and social, emotional, and behavioral skills; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) activities designed to help parents become full partners in the education of their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Ascertaining what health and developmental services the family receives and working with these providers to eliminate gaps in service by offering annual health, vision, hearing, and developmental screening for children from birth to entry into kindergarten, when not otherwise provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Providing referrals for participating eligible families with English language learners, as needed, to additional resources available in the community, such as center-based early education programs, child care services, health or mental health services, family literacy programs, employment agencies, social services, and child care resource and referral agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Offering group meetings (at program discretion), on not less frequently than a monthly basis, for eligible families with English language learners that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) further enhance the information, activities, and skill-building addressed during home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) offer opportunities for parents to meet with and support each other; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) address challenges facing eligible families with English language learners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Providing training and technical assistance to early childhood home visitation staff relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) effective service to eligible families with English language learners, including skills to address challenges facing English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) effective methods of implementing parent education, conducting home visiting, and promoting quality early childhood development, with sensitivity to cultural variations in parenting norms and attitudes toward formal support services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the relationship of health and well-being of pregnant women to prenatal and early child development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) early childhood development with respect to children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) methods to help parents promote emergent literacy in their children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) implementing strategies for helping eligible families with English language learners coping with a crisis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) recruiting, supervising, and retaining qualified staff;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) increasing services for underserved eligible families with English language learners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) methods to help parents effectively respond to their children’s needs and behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) implementation of ongoing program quality improvement and evaluation of activities and outcomes; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) the relationship of father involvement to the health and well-being of pregnant women and to prenatal and early childhood development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) Coordinating existing programs of early childhood home visitation in order to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of more eligible families with English language learners.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Reporting Requirements- Each applicant that receives a grant under this section to carry out a program shall submit an annual report to the Secretary, and the lead State agency as described in section 204(c)(1), regarding the progress of such program in addressing the purposes of this subtitle. Such report shall include, at a minimum, a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) actual service delivery provided under the grant including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) program characteristics including descriptive information on the service model used and actual program performance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provider characteristics including staff qualifications, work experience, and demographic characteristics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) recipient characteristics including number, demographic characteristics, and rates of family retention in programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) an estimate of annual program implementation costs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) recipient outcomes that are consistent with program goals including, where appropriate given the program being evaluated--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) parental practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) child health and development indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) child maltreatment indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) school readiness indicators; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) links to community services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the research-based instruction, materials, and activities being used in the activities funded under the grant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) the training and technical assistance, including ongoing professional development, provided to programs supported under the grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Supplement Not Supplant- Grant funds provided under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, Federal and non-Federal funds available for carrying out the activities described in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Authorization of Appropriations- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 206. TARGETED GRANTS FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITATION FOR MILITARY FAMILIES.
(a) In General- The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall make grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible applicants to enable such applicants to support and expand efforts to deliver services through high quality programs of early childhood home visitation to eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Eligible Applicant- In this section, the term ‘eligible applicant’ means any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) A local educational agency that receives payments under title VIII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
(2) A school of the defense dependents’ education system under the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 (
(3) A school established under
(4) A community-based organization serving families with a family member in the Armed Forces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Applications- An eligible applicant that desires to receive a grant under this section shall submit an application to the Secretary of Defense at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of Defense may require. The application shall include a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the results of a communitywide needs assessment that demonstrates the need for services to eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces and describes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) community demographics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the quality and capacity of existing programs of early childhood home visitation for eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the gaps in programs of early childhood home visitation for eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) the type of program of early childhood home visitation necessary to address the gaps identified;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the program of early childhood home visitation that will be supported by the grant under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will promote positive parenting skills and children’s early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) how the proposed program of early childhood home visitation will incorporate the authorized activities described in subsection (f);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) how services provided through a grant under this section will use materials that are appropriate toward eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) how the activities under this section will build on and promote coordination with existing programs of early childhood home visitation, if such programs exist in the community, in an effort to promote an array of home visitation that ensures more eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces are being served and are getting the most appropriate services to meet their needs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) how the program will ensure that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) where appropriate to the program goals of the home visiting model, families participating in early childhood home visitation programs with a family member in the Armed Forces will be introduced to and connected with their local schools to encourage ongoing parental involvement in their children’s education; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the activities under this section will support the preparation of children for school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) how channels of communication will be established between staff of programs of early childhood home visitation and staff of other early childhood education programs, such as Head Start programs carried out under the Head Start Act (
(9) how eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces will be recruited and retained to receive services under this section;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) how training and technical assistance will be provided to help programs of early childhood home visitation involved in activities under this section to more effectively serve eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(11) how the eligible applicant will evaluate the activities supported under this section in order to demonstrate outcomes related to the--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) number of eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces served by programs of early childhood home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) parental knowledge of early learning and development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) positive parenting practices related to early learning and development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) children’s cognitive, language, social-emotional, and physical development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(12) how the proposed program will conduct outreach activities to target both mothers and fathers and increase father involvement where safe and appropriate; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(13) such other information as the Secretary of Defense may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Approval of Local Applications-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The Secretary of Defense shall select applicants for funding under this section based on the quality of the applications and the recommendations of a peer review panel, as described in paragraph (2).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PEER REVIEW PANEL- The peer review panel shall include not fewer than--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) 2 individuals who are experts in the field of home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) 2 individuals who are experts in early childhood development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) 2 individuals who are experts in family support for military families;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) 1 individual who is a board certified pediatrician or developmental pediatrician; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) 1 individual with expertise in administering public or private (including community-based) child maltreatment prevention programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Authorized Activities- Each eligible applicant that receives a grant under this section shall carry out the following activities:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Providing to as many eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces as practicable, voluntary early childhood home visitation, on not less frequently than a monthly basis, through the implementation of quality programs of early childhood home visitation that are research-based and that provide parents with--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) knowledge of age-appropriate child development in cognitive, language, social-emotional, and motor domains;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) knowledge of realistic expectations of age-appropriate child behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) knowledge of health and wellness issues for children and parents;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) modeling, consulting, and coaching on parenting practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) skills to interact with their child to enhance age-appropriate development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) skills to recognize and seek help for issues related to health, developmental delays, and social, emotional, and behavioral skills; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) activities designed to help parents become full partners in the education of their children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) Ascertaining what health and developmental services the family receives and working with these providers to eliminate gaps in service by offering annual health, vision, hearing, and developmental screening for children from birth to entry into kindergarten, when not otherwise provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) Providing referrals for participating eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces, as needed, to additional resources available in the community, such as center-based early education programs, child care services, health or mental health services, family literacy programs, employment agencies, social services, and child care resource and referral agencies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) Offering group meetings (at program discretion), on not less frequently than a monthly basis, for eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) further enhance the information, activities, and skill-building addressed during home visitation;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) offer opportunities for parents to meet with and support each other; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) address challenges facing eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Providing training and technical assistance to early childhood home visitation staff relating to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) effective service to eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) effective methods of implementing parent education, conducting home visiting, and promoting quality early childhood development, with sensitivity to cultural variations in parenting norms and attitudes toward formal support services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) the relationship of health and well-being of pregnant women to prenatal and early child development;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) early childhood development with respect to children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) methods to help parents promote emergent literacy in their children from birth until entry into kindergarten;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) implementing strategies for helping eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces coping with crisis;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) recruiting, supervising, and retaining qualified staff;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) increasing services for underserved eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) methods to help parents effectively respond to their children’s needs and behaviors;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(J) implementation of ongoing program quality improvement and evaluation of activities and outcomes; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(K) the relationship of father involvement to the health and well-being of pregnant women and to prenatal and early childhood development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) Coordinating existing programs of early childhood home visitation in order to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of more eligible families with a family member in the Armed Forces.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Reporting Requirements- Each applicant that receives a grant under this section to carry out a program shall submit an annual report to the Secretary, and the lead State agency as described in section 204(c)(1), regarding the progress of such program in addressing the purposes of this subtitle. Such report shall include, at a minimum, a description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) actual service delivery provided under the grant including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) program characteristics including descriptive information on the service model used and actual program performance;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provider characteristics including staff qualifications, work experience, and demographic characteristics;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) recipient characteristics including number, demographic characteristics, and family retention; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) an estimate of annual program implementation costs;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) recipient outcomes that are consistent with program goals including, where appropriate given the program being evaluated--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) parental practices;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) child health and development indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) child maltreatment indicators;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) school readiness indicators; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) links to community services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) the research-based instruction, materials, and activities being used in the activities funded under the grant; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) the training and technical assistance, including ongoing professional development, provided to programs supported under the grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Supplement Not Supplant- Grant funds provided under this section shall be used to supplement, and not supplant, Federal and non-Federal funds available for carrying out the activities described in this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2010 and such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2011 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 207. EVALUATION.
(a) In General- From funds reserved under section 204(b)(1)(A), the Secretary shall conduct, through grant or contract, an independent evaluation of the effectiveness of home visitation programs carried out under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Reports-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) INTERIM REPORT- Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall submit an interim report on the evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (a) to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) FINAL REPORT- Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall submit a final report on the evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (a) to the committees described in paragraph (1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Study- The independent evaluation conducted under this section shall examine the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The effect of home visiting programs on child and parent outcomes, consistent with program goals, including, where appropriate given the program being evaluated, parental outcomes related to child health and development, parenting practices, child health and development, child maltreatment, school readiness, and links to community services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The effectiveness of early childhood home visitation on different populations, including the extent to which variability exists in program ability to improve outcomes across programs and populations.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 208. REPORTS TO CONGRESS.
(a) In General- The Secretary shall annually provide a report to the Committee on Education and Labor in the House of Representatives and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Senate, information on the activities carried out under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Content- The reports submitted under this section shall, at a minimum, include information about the programs carried out under this subtitle, including information on the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) descriptions of the high need communities targeted by States for programs carried out under this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) the service delivery models funded under this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) program characteristics, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) staff qualifications and demographic characteristics; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) recipient characteristics including the number of families served, the demographic characteristics of the families served, and family retention and duration of services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) program-reported outcomes;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) the findings from State evaluations;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) the research-based instruction, materials, and activities being used in the activities funded under the grant;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) the training and technical activities, including ongoing professional development, provided to programs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) the annual program implementation costs, including the cost per family served under the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 209. SUPPORTING NEW PARENTS THROUGH HOSPITAL EDUCATION.
(a) In General- The Secretary shall develop and implement a public information and educational campaign to inform the public and new parents about the importance of proper care for infants and children under 5 years of age, including healthy parent-child relationships, the demands and stress associated with caring for infants, positive responses to infants’ challenging behaviors including awareness of their social, emotional, and physical needs, awareness of the vulnerability of young children to abusive practices, and the signs and treatment of post-partum depression.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Elements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- The campaign developed under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) The dissemination of educational and informational materials in print, audio, video, electronic, and other media.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) The use of public service announcements and advertisements.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The dissemination of effective child abuse prevention practices and techniques, including information about research-based home visiting programs, respite care, crisis nurseries, and parent support networks, to parents, caregivers, maternity hospitals, children’s hospitals, pediatricians, child care centers, organizations providing prenatal and postnatal care, and organizations providing parenting education and support services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) Connection to existing parental involvement programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) EXISTING PROGRAMS- The Secretary, in implementing and executing the public information and educational campaign under this section, should seek collaboration with and referrals to existing parental involvement programs that specialize in strengthening children’s cognitive skills, early literacy skills, social or emotional and physical development and existing prenatal and early childhood home visitation programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) EXISTING STATE REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary, in implementing and executing the public information and educational campaign under this section, shall consider with pre-existing State requirements to ensure that no unnecessary burdens are placed on hospitals, military hospitals, and birth centers receiving educational materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary for fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Care for Young ChildrenCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Care for Young ChildrenCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 215. EXPANDING CHILD CARE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
(a) Goals- Section 658A(b) of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ‘and’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period and inserting ‘; and’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) to assist States in improving child care services for young children.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Authorization of Appropriations- Section 658B of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(1) by striking ‘There’ and inserting ‘(a) In General- There’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Child Care Activities for Young Children- In addition to amounts appropriated under subsection (a), there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out child care activities for young children under this subchapter $500,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2008, 2009, and 2010.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Child Care Activities for Young Children- The Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
‘SEC. 658H. CHILD CARE ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
‘Child care activities for young children for which funds under this subchapter may be used include activities that are designed to accomplish the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) Increase the availability of child care services for young children with disabilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) Provide support services for networks of family child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) Provide or support programs that provide training, services, materials, equipment, or other support to caregivers, eligible child care providers, and family child care providers that provide child care to young children. Such support may include the purchase of equipment such as cribs and high chairs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) Provide funds to increase compensation offered and provide bonuses to caregivers, eligible child care providers, and family child care providers who provide child care to children under the age of 3 years, especially those caregivers and providers who have formal education in early childhood development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) Provide and support networks between health care providers and caregivers, eligible child care providers, and family child care providers that provide child care to young children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) Provide child care services for young children who are enrolled in Head Start programs under the Head Start Act (
42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink(d) Definitions- Section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
42 U.S.C. 9858n ) is amended by adding at the end the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(15) YOUNG CHILDREN- The term ‘young children’ means eligible children who are less than 3 years of age.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Improving Child Care Quality Through Teacher IncentivesCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Improving Child Care Quality Through Teacher IncentivesCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 221. PURPOSE.
The purposes of this subtitle are--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to establish the Child Care Provider Development and Retention Grant Program, the Child Care Provider Scholarship Program, and a program of child care provider health benefits coverage; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to help children receive the high quality child care and early education the children need for positive cognitive and social development, by rewarding and promoting the retention of committed, qualified child care providers and by providing financial assistance to improve the educational qualifications of child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 222. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CHILD CARE PROVIDER- The term ‘child care provider’ means an individual who provides a service directly to a child on a person-to-person basis for compensation for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) a center-based child care provider that is licensed or regulated under State or local law and that satisfies the State and local requirements applicable to the child care services provided;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) a licensed or regulated family child care provider that satisfies the State and local requirements applicable to the child care services provided; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) an out-of-school time program that is licensed or regulated under State or local law and that satisfies the State and local requirements applicable to the child care services provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) FAMILY CHILD CARE PROVIDER- The term ‘family child care provider’ has the meaning given such term in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(3) INDIAN TRIBE- The term ‘Indian tribe’ has the meaning given such term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
(4) LEAD AGENCY- The term ‘lead agency’ means the agency designated under section 658D of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(5) SECRETARY- The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) STATE- The term ‘State’ means any of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) TRIBAL ORGANIZATION- The term ‘tribal organization’ has the meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (
SEC. 223. FUNDS FOR CHILD CARE PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS, AND HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE.
(a) In General- From amounts appropriated to carry out this subtitle, the Secretary may allot and distribute funds to eligible States, and make payments to Indian tribes and tribal organizations, to pay for the Federal share of the cost of carrying out activities under sections 226, 227, and 228 for eligible child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Allotments- The funds shall be allotted and distributed, and the payments shall be made, by the Secretary in accordance with section 224, and expended by the States (directly, or at the option of the States, through units of general purpose local government), and by Indian tribes and tribal organizations, in accordance with this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 224. ALLOTMENTS TO STATES.
(a) Amounts Reserved-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) TERRITORIES AND POSSESSIONS- The Secretary shall reserve not more than 1/2 of 1 percent of the funds appropriated under section 231(a), and not more than 1/2 of 1 percent of the funds appropriated under section 232(b), for any fiscal year for payments to the Virgin Islands of the United States, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be allotted in accordance with their respective needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) INDIAN TRIBES AND TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- The Secretary shall reserve not more than 3 percent of the funds appropriated under section 231(a), and not more than 3 percent of the funds appropriated under section 231(b), for any fiscal year for payments to Indian tribes and tribal organizations with applications approved under subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Allotments to Remaining States-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) GENERAL AUTHORITY- From the funds appropriated under section 231(a) for any fiscal year and remaining after the reservations made under subsection (a), and from the funds appropriated under section 231(b) for any fiscal year and remaining after the reservations made under subsection (a), the Secretary shall allot to each State an amount equal to the sum of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of the appropriate remainder as the product of the young child factor of the State and the allotment percentage of the State bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all States; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) an amount that bears the same ratio to 50 percent of such remainder as the product of the school lunch factor of the State and the allotment percentage of the State bears to the sum of the corresponding products for all States.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) YOUNG CHILD FACTOR- In this subsection, the term ‘young child factor’ means the ratio of the number of children under 5 years of age in the State to the number of such children in all the States, as determined according to the most recent annual estimates of population in the States, as provided by the Bureau of the Census.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) SCHOOL LUNCH FACTOR- In this subsection, the term ‘school lunch factor’ means the ratio of the number of children who are receiving free or reduced price lunches under the school lunch program established under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (
(4) ALLOTMENT PERCENTAGE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subparagraph (B), for purposes of this subsection, the allotment percentage for a State shall be determined by dividing the per capita income of all individuals in the United States, by the per capita income of all individuals in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) LIMITATIONS- For purposes of this subsection, if an allotment percentage determined under subparagraph (A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) is more than 1.2 percent, the allotment percentage of that State shall be considered to be 1.2 percent; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) is less than 0.8 percent, the allotment percentage of the State shall be considered to be 0.8 percent.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) PER CAPITA INCOME- For purposes of subparagraph (A), per capita income shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) determined at 2-year intervals;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) applied for the 2-year period beginning on October 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after the date such determination is made; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) equal to the average of the annual per capita incomes for the most recent period of 3 consecutive years for which satisfactory data are available from the Department of Commerce at the time such determination is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Payments to Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) RESERVATION OF FUNDS- From amounts reserved under subsection (a)(2), the Secretary may make grants to or enter into contracts with Indian tribes and tribal organizations that submit applications under this subsection, to plan and carry out programs and activities--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) to encourage child care providers to improve their qualifications;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) to retain qualified child care providers in the child care field; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) to provide health benefits coverage for child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) APPLICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS- To be eligible to receive a grant or contract under this subsection, an Indian tribe or tribal organization shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. The application shall provide that the applicant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) will coordinate the programs and activities involved, to the maximum extent practicable, with the lead agency in each State in which the applicant will carry out such programs and activities; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) will make such reports on, and conduct such audits of the funds made available through the grant or contract for, programs and activities under this subtitle as the Secretary may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Data and Information- The Secretary shall obtain from each appropriate Federal agency, the most recent data and information necessary to determine the allotments provided for in subsection (b).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Reallotments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Any portion of an allotment under subsection (b) to a State for a fiscal year that the Secretary determines will not be distributed to the State for such fiscal year shall be reallotted by the Secretary to other States in proportion to the original corresponding allotments made under such subsection to such States for such fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) LIMITATIONS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) REDUCTION- The amount of any reallotment to which a State is entitled under this subsection shall be reduced to the extent that such amount exceeds the amount that the Secretary estimates will be distributed to the State to carry out corresponding activities under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) REALLOTMENTS- The amount of such reduction shall be reallotted to States for which no reduction in a corresponding allotment, or in a corresponding reallotment, is required by this subsection, in proportion to the original corresponding allotments made under subsection (b) to such States for such fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) AMOUNTS REALLOTTED- For purposes of this subtitle (other than this subsection and subsection (b)), any amount reallotted to a State under this subsection shall be considered to be part of the corresponding allotment made under subsection (b) to the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) INDIAN TRIBES OR TRIBAL ORGANIZATIONS- Any portion of a grant or contract made to an Indian tribe or tribal organization under subsection (c) that the Secretary determines is not being used in a manner consistent with the provisions of this subtitle in the period for which the grant or contract is made available, shall be used by the Secretary to make payments to other tribes or organizations that have submitted applications under subsection (c) in accordance with their respective needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Cost-Sharing-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CHILD CARE PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of carrying out activities under sections 226 and 227, with funds allotted under this section and distributed by the Secretary to a State, shall be--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) not more than 90 percent of the cost of each grant made under such sections, in the first fiscal year for which the State receives such funds;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) not more than 85 percent of the cost of each grant made under such sections, in the second fiscal year for which the State receives such funds;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) not more than 80 percent of the cost of each grant made under such sections, in the third fiscal year for which the State receives such funds; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) not more than 75 percent of the cost of each grant made under such sections, in any subsequent fiscal year for which the State receives such funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) IN GENERAL- The State may provide the non-Federal share of the cost in cash or in the form of an in-kind contribution, fairly evaluated by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION- In this subparagraph, the term ‘in-kind contribution’ means payment of the costs of participation of eligible child care providers in health insurance programs or retirement programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CHILD CARE PROVIDER HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) FEDERAL SHARE- The Federal share of the cost of carrying out activities under section 228, with funds allotted under this section and distributed by the Secretary to a State, shall be not more than 50 percent of such cost.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) NON-FEDERAL SHARE- The State may provide the non-Federal share of the cost in cash or in kind, fairly evaluated by the Secretary, including plant, equipment, or services. The State shall provide the non-Federal share directly or through donations from public or private entities. Amounts provided by the Federal Government, or services assisted or subsidized to any significant extent by the Federal Government, may not be included in determining the amount of such share.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Availability of Allotted Funds Distributed to States- Of the funds allotted under this section for activities described in sections 226 and 227 and distributed by the Secretary to a State for a fiscal year--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) not less than 67.5 percent shall be available to the State for grants under section 226;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) not less than 22.5 percent shall be available to the State for grants under section 227; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) not more than 10 percent shall be available to pay administrative costs incurred by the State to carry out activities described in sections 226 and 227.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Definition- For the purposes of subsections (a) through (e), the term ‘State’ includes only the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 225. APPLICATION AND PLAN.
(a) Application- To be eligible to receive a distribution of funds allotted under section 224, a State shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require by rule and shall include in such application--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) a State plan that satisfies the requirements of subsection (b); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) assurances of compliance satisfactory to the Secretary with respect to the requirements of section 228.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Requirements of Plan-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) LEAD AGENCY- The State plan shall identify the lead agency to make grants under this subtitle for the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION OF CHILD CARE PROVIDERS- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will encourage both the recruitment of qualified child care providers who are new to the child care field and the retention of qualified child care providers who have a demonstrated commitment to the child care field.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) NOTIFICATION OF AVAILABILITY OF GRANTS AND BENEFITS- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will identify all eligible child care providers in the State and notify the providers of the availability of grants and benefits under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTS- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will make grants under sections 226 and 227 to eligible child care providers in selected geographical areas in the State in compliance with the following requirements:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) SELECTION OF GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS- For the purpose of making such grants for a fiscal year, the State shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) select a variety of geographical areas, determined by the State, that, collectively--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) include urban areas, suburban areas, and rural areas; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) are areas whose residents have diverse income levels; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) give special consideration to geographical areas selected under this subparagraph for the preceding fiscal year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) SELECTION OF CHILD CARE PROVIDERS TO RECEIVE GRANTS- In making grants under section 226, the State may make grants only to eligible child care providers in geographical areas selected under subparagraph (A), but may give special consideration in such areas to eligible child care providers--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) who have attained a higher relevant educational credential;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) who provide a specific kind of child care services;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) who provide child care services to populations who meet specific economic characteristics; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) who meet such other criteria as the State may establish.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) LIMITATION- The State shall describe how the State will ensure that grants made under section 226 to child care providers will not be used to offset reductions in the compensation of such providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) REPORTING REQUIREMENT- With respect to each particular geographical area selected under subparagraph (A), the State shall provide an assurance that the State will, for each fiscal year for which such State receives a grant under section 226--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) include in the report required by section 229, detailed information regarding--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) the continuity of employment of the grant recipients as child care providers with the same employer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) with respect to each employer that employed such a grant recipient, whether such employer was accredited by a recognized national or State accrediting body during the period of employment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) to the extent practicable and available to the State, the rate and frequency of employment turnover of qualified child care providers throughout such area,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
during the 2-year period ending on the deadline for submission of applications for grants under section 226 for that fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) provide a follow-up report, not later than 90 days after the end of the succeeding fiscal year that includes information regarding--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) the continuity of employment of the grant recipients as child care providers with the same employer;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) with respect to each employer that employed such a grant recipient, whether such employer was accredited by a recognized national or State accrediting body during the period of employment; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) to the extent practicable and available to the State, detailed information regarding the rate and frequency of employment turnover of qualified child care providers throughout such area,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the grant to the State was made under section 226.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) CHILD CARE PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION GRANT PROGRAM- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will determine the amounts of grants to be made under section 226 in accordance with the following requirements:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) SUFFICIENT AMOUNTS- The State shall demonstrate that the amounts of individual grants to be made under section 226 will be sufficient--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) to encourage child care providers to improve their qualifications; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) to retain qualified child care providers in the child care field.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) AMOUNTS TO CREDENTIALED PROVIDERS- Such grants made to eligible child care providers who have a child development associate credential (or equivalent) and who are employed full-time to provide child care services shall be in an amount that is not less than $1,000 per year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) AMOUNTS TO PROVIDERS WITH HIGHER LEVELS OF EDUCATION- The State shall make such grants in amounts greater than $1,000 per year to eligible child care providers who have higher levels of education than the education required for a credential such as a child development associate credential (or equivalent), according to the following requirements:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) PROVIDERS WITH BACCALAUREATE DEGREES IN RELEVANT FIELDS- An eligible child care provider who has a baccalaureate degree in the area of child development or early child education shall receive a grant under section 226 in an amount that is not less than twice the amount of the grant that is made under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who has an associate of the arts degree in the area of child development or early child education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) PROVIDERS WITH ASSOCIATE DEGREES- An eligible child care provider who has an associate of the arts degree in the area of child development or early child education shall receive a grant under section 226 in an amount that is not less than 150 percent of the amount of the grant that is made under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who has a child development associate credential (or equivalent) and is employed full-time to provide child care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) OTHER PROVIDERS WITH BACCALAUREATE DEGREES-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) IN GENERAL- Except as provided in subclause (II), an eligible child care provider who has a baccalaureate degree in a field other than child development or early child education shall receive a grant under section 226 in an amount equal to the amount of the grant that is made under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who has an associate of the arts degree in the area of child development or early child education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) EXCEPTION- If an eligible child care provider who has such a baccalaureate degree obtains additional educational training in the area of child development or early child education, as specified by the State, such provider shall receive a grant under section 226 in an amount equal to the amount of the grant that is made under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who has a baccalaureate degree specified in clause (i).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) AMOUNTS TO FULL-TIME PROVIDERS- The State shall make a grant under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who works full-time in a greater amount than the amount of the grant that is made under section 226 to an eligible child care provider who works part-time, based on the State definitions of full-time and part-time work.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) AMOUNTS TO EXPERIENCED PROVIDERS- The State shall make grants under section 226 in progressively larger amounts to eligible child care providers to reflect the number of years worked as child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) DISTRIBUTION OF CHILD CARE PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIPS- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will make grants for scholarships in compliance with section 227 and shall specify the types of educational and training programs for which the scholarship grants made under such section may be used, including only programs that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) are administered by institutions of higher education that are eligible to participate in student financial assistance programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (
(B) lead to a State or nationally recognized credential in the area of child development or early child education, an associate of the arts degree in the area of child development or early child education, or a baccalaureate degree in the area of child development or early child education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION- The State plan shall describe how the lead agency will encourage employers of child care providers to contribute to the attainment of education goals by eligible child care providers who receive grants under section 227.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) SUPPLEMENTATION- The State plan shall provide assurances that amounts received by the State to carry out sections 226, 227, and 228 will be used only to supplement, and not to supplant, Federal, State, and local funds otherwise available to support existing services and activities (as of the date the amounts are used) that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) encourage child care providers to improve their qualifications and that promote the retention of qualified child care providers in the child care field; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provide health benefits coverage for child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 226. CHILD CARE PROVIDER DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) In General- A State that receives funds allotted under section 224 and made available to carry out this section shall expend such funds to pay for the Federal share of the cost of making grants to eligible child care providers in accordance with this section, to improve the qualifications and promote the retention of qualified child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Eligibility To Receive Grants- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a child care provider shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) have a child development associate credential (or equivalent), an associate of the arts degree in the area of child development or early child education, a baccalaureate degree in the area of child development or early child education, or a baccalaureate degree in an unrelated field; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) be employed as a child care provider for not less than 1 calendar year, or (if the provider is employed on the date of the eligibility determination in a child care program that operates for less than a full calendar year) the program equivalent of 1 calendar year, ending on the date of the application for such grant, except that not more than 3 months of education related to child development or to early child education obtained during the corresponding calendar year may be treated as employment that satisfies the requirements of this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Preservation of Eligibility- A State shall not take into consideration whether a child care provider is receiving, may receive, or may be eligible to receive any funds or benefits under any other provision of this subtitle for purposes of selecting eligible child care providers to receive grants under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 227. CHILD CARE PROVIDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General- A State that receives funds allotted under section 224 and made available to carry out this section shall expend such funds to pay for the Federal share of the cost of making scholarship grants to eligible child care providers in accordance with this section, to improve their educational qualifications to provide child care services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Eligibility Requirement for Scholarship Grants- To be eligible to receive a scholarship grant under this section, a child care provider shall be employed as a child care provider for not less than 1 calendar year, or (if the provider is employed on the date of the eligibility determination in a child care program that operates for less than a full calendar year) the program equivalent of 1 calendar year, ending on the date of the application for such grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Selection of Grantees- For purposes of selecting eligible child care providers to receive scholarship grants under this section and determining the amounts of such grants, a State shall not--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) take into consideration whether a child care provider is receiving, may receive, or may be eligible to receive any funds or benefits under any other provision of this subtitle, or under any other Federal or State law that provides funds for educational purposes; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) consider as resources of such provider any funds such provider is receiving, may receive, or may be eligible to receive under any other provision of this subtitle, under any other Federal or State law that provides funds for educational purposes, or from a private entity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Cost-Sharing Required- The amount of a scholarship grant made under this section to an eligible child care provider shall be less than the cost of the educational or training program for which such grant is made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Annual Maximum Scholarship Grant Amount- The maximum aggregate dollar amount of a scholarship grant made by a State to an eligible child care provider under this section in a fiscal year shall be $1,500.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 228. CHILD CARE PROVIDER HEALTH BENEFITS COVERAGE.
(a) Short Title- This section may be cited as the ‘Healthy Early Education Workforce Grant Program Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Definition- In this section, the terms ‘dependent’, ‘domestic partner’, and ‘spouse’, used with respect to a State, have the meanings given the terms by the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) General Authority- A State that receives funds allotted under section 224 and made available to carry out this section shall expend such funds to pay for the Federal share of the cost of providing access to affordable health benefits coverage for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) eligible child care providers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) at the discretion of the State involved, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Permissible Activities- In carrying out subsection (c), the State may expend such funds for any of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) To reimburse an employer of an eligible child care provider, or the provider, for the employer’s or provider’s share (or a portion of the share) of the premiums or other costs for coverage under group or individual health plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) To offset the cost of enrolling eligible child care providers in public health benefits plans, such as the medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (
(3) To otherwise subsidize the cost of health benefits coverage for eligible child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Eligibility Criteria for Health Benefits Coverage- The State may establish criteria to limit the child care providers who may receive benefits through the allotment.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Selection of Grantees- For purposes of selecting eligible child care providers to receive benefits under this section for a fiscal year, a State shall give--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) highest priority to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) providers that meet any applicable criteria established in accordance with subsection (e) and received such assistance during the previous fiscal year; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) at the State’s discretion, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) second highest priority to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) providers that meet any applicable criteria established in accordance with subsection (e) and are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children or the National Association for Family Child Care; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) at the State’s discretion, the spouses, domestic partners, and dependents of such providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 229. ANNUAL REPORT.
A State that receives funds appropriated to carry out this subtitle for a fiscal year shall submit to the Secretary, not later than 90 days after the end of such fiscal year, a report--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) specifying the uses for which the State expended such funds, and the aggregate amount of funds (including State funds) expended for each of such uses; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) containing available data relating to grants made and benefits provided with such funds, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the number of eligible child care providers who received such grants and benefits;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the amounts of such grants and benefits;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) any other information that describes or evaluates the effectiveness of this subtitle;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) the particular geographical areas selected under section 225 for the purpose of making such grants;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) with respect to grants made under section 226--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the number of years grant recipients have been employed as child care providers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the level of training and education of grant recipients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) to the extent practicable and available to the State, detailed information regarding the salaries and other compensation received by grant recipients to provide child care services before, during, and after receiving such grants;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) the number of children who received child care services provided by grant recipients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) information on family demographics of such children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) the types of settings described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 222(1) in which grant recipients are employed; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vii) the ages of the children who received child care services provided by grant recipients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) with respect to grants made under section 227--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the number of years grant recipients have been employed as child care providers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the level of training and education of grant recipients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) to the extent practicable and available to the State, detailed information regarding the salaries and other compensation received by grant recipients to provide child care services before, during, and after receiving such grants;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) the types of settings described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of section 222(1) in which grant recipients are employed;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) the ages of the children who received child care services provided by grant recipients;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) the number of course credits or credentials obtained by grant recipients; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vii) the amount of time taken for completion of the educational and training programs for which such grants were made; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) such other information as the Secretary may require by rule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 230. EVALUATION OF HEALTH BENEFITS PROGRAMS BY SECRETARY.
(a) Evaluation- The Secretary shall conduct an evaluation of several State programs carried out with grants made under section 228, representing various approaches to raising the rate of child care providers with health benefits coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Assessment of Impacts- In evaluating State programs under subsection (a), the Secretary may consider any information appropriate to measure the success of the programs, and shall assess the impact of the programs on the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The rate of child care providers with health benefits coverage.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The take-up rate by eligible child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The turnover rate in the child care field.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) The average wages paid to a child care provider.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Report- Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this subtitle, the Secretary shall prepare and submit a report to Congress containing the results of the evaluation conducted under subsection (a), together with recommendations for strengthening programs carried out with grants made under section 228.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 231. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
(a) Child Care Provider Development, Retention, and Scholarships- There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities described in sections 226 and 227 $500,000,000 for fiscal year 2008 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Child Care Provider Health Benefits Coverage- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out the activities described in section 228 $200,000,000 for fiscal year 2007 and such sums as may be necessary for each of fiscal years 2008 through 2012.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child Care Facilities FinancingCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child Care Facilities FinancingCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 241. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Child Care Facilities Financing Act of 2009’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 242. TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS.
(a) Grant Authority- The Secretary may make grants on a competitive basis to eligible entities in accordance with this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Application-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- To be eligible to receive a grant under subsection (a), an eligible entity shall submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the Secretary may require by rule.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) REQUIREMENTS- The Secretary shall issue rules that take into account the experience and success of eligible entities in attracting private financing and carrying out the types of activities for which grants under subsection (a) are made.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Priority- In making grants under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give priority to an applicant--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) that has demonstrated experience--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) providing technical or financial assistance for the acquisition, construction, or renovation of child care facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) providing technical, financial, or managerial assistance to eligible child care providers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) securing private sources of capital financing for child care or other low-income community development; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) whose application proposes to assist eligible recipients that serve--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) low-income areas, including--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) a community that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) is in a metropolitan area; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) has a median household income that is not more than 80 percent of the median household income of the metropolitan area; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) a community that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) is not in a metropolitan area; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) has a median income that is not more than 80 percent of the median household income of the State in which the community is located; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) low-income individuals, including eligible children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CAPITAL FUND- Each eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) shall deposit the grant amount into a child care capital fund established by the eligible entity.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) PAYMENTS FROM FUNDS- Each eligible entity shall provide technical or financial assistance (in the form of loans, grants, investments, guarantees, interest subsidies, and other appropriate forms of assistance) to eligible recipients from the child care capital fund it establishes to pay for--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) the acquisition, construction, or improvement of child care facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) equipment for child care facilities; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) technical assistance to eligible child care providers to help them undertake facilities improvement and expansion projects.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) LOAN REPAYMENTS AND INVESTMENT PROCEEDS- An eligible entity that receives a loan repayment or investment proceeds from an eligible recipient shall deposit such repayment or proceeds into the child care capital fund of the eligible entity for use in accordance with this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) APPLICATION- To obtain assistance from an eligible entity, an eligible recipient shall prepare and submit an application to an eligible entity at such time, in such form, and containing such information as the eligible entity may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 243. DEFINITIONS.
As used in this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CHILD CARE FACILITY- The term ‘child care facility’ means a structure used for the care and development of eligible children.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CHILD CARE SERVICES- The term ‘child care services’ means child care and early childhood education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTION- The term ‘community development financial institution’ has the meaning given such term in section 103(5) of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (
(4) ELIGIBLE CHILD CARE PROVIDER- The term ‘eligible child care provider’ has the meaning given such term in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(5) ELIGIBLE CHILD- The term ‘eligible child’ has the meaning given such term in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (
(6) ELIGIBLE ENTITY- The term ‘eligible entity’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) a community development financial institution certified by the Department of Treasury; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) an organization that--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) has demonstrated experience in--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) providing technical or financial assistance for the acquisition, construction, or renovation of child care facilities;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) providing technical, financial, or managerial assistance to eligible child care providers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(III) securing private sources of capital financing for child care or other low-income community development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) ELIGIBLE RECIPIENT- The term ‘eligible recipient’ means--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) an eligible child care provider that provides child care services to an eligible child;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) an organization seeking to provide child care services to an eligible child; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) an organization providing or seeking to provide child care services to low-income children as determined by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) EQUIPMENT- The term ‘equipment’ includes--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) machinery, utilities, and built-in equipment, and any necessary structure to house them; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) any other items necessary for the functioning of a child care facility, including furniture, books, and program materials.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) METROPOLITAN AREA- The term ‘metropolitan area’ has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (
(10) SECRETARY- The term ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of Health and Human Services.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 244. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle $50,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2010 through 2014.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Business Child Care Incentive Grant ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Business Child Care Incentive Grant ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 251. BUSINESS CHILD CARE INCENTIVE GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment- The Secretary of Health and Human Services (referred to in this section as the ‘Secretary’) shall establish a program to award grants to States, on a competitive basis, to assist States in providing funds to encourage the establishment and operation of employer operated child care programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Application- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section, a State shall prepare and submit to the Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require, including an assurance that the funds required under subsection (e) will be provided.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Amount of Grant- The Secretary shall determine the amount of a grant to a State under this section based on the population of children less than 5 years of age in the State as compared to the population of all States receiving grants under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Use of Funds-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- A State shall use amounts provided under a grant awarded under this section to provide assistance to businesses located in the State to enable the businesses to establish and operate child care programs. Such assistance may include--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) technical assistance in the establishment of a child care program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) assistance for the startup costs related to a child care program;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) assistance for the training of child care providers;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) scholarships for low-income wage earners;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) the provision of services to care for sick children or to provide care to school aged children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(F) the entering into of contracts with local resource and referral or local health departments;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(G) assistance for care for children with disabilities; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(H) assistance for any other activity determined appropriate by the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) APPLICATION- To be eligible to receive assistance from a State under this section, a business shall prepare and submit to the State an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the State may require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) PREFERENCE-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- In providing assistance under this section, a State shall give priority to applicants that desire to form a consortium to provide child care in a geographic area within the State where such care is not generally available or accessible.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) CONSORTIUM- For purposes of subparagraph (A), a consortium shall be made up of 2 or more entities that may include businesses, nonprofit agencies or organizations, local governments, or other appropriate entities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) LIMITATION- With respect to grant funds received under this section, a State may not provide in excess of $100,000 in assistance from such funds to any single applicant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(e) Matching Requirement- To be eligible to receive a grant under this section a State shall provide assurances to the Secretary that, with respect to the costs to be incurred by an entity receiving assistance in carrying out activities under this section, the entity will make available (directly or through donations from public or private entities) non-Federal contributions to such costs in an amount equal to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) for the first fiscal year in which the entity receives such assistance, not less than 50 percent of such costs ($1 for each $1 of assistance provided to the entity under the grant);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) for the second fiscal year in which the entity receives such assistance, not less than 66 2/3 percent of such costs ($2 for each $1 of assistance provided to the entity under the grant); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) for the third fiscal year in which the entity receives such assistance, not less than 75 percent of such costs ($3 for each $1 of assistance provided to the entity under the grant).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(f) Requirements of Providers- To be eligible to receive assistance under a grant awarded under this section a child care provider shall comply with all applicable State and local licensing and regulatory requirements and all applicable health and safety standards in effect in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(g) Administration-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) STATE RESPONSIBILITY- A State shall have responsibility for administering a grant awarded for the State under this section and for monitoring entities that receive assistance under such grant.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) AUDITS- A State shall require each entity receiving assistance under the grant awarded under this section to conduct an annual audit with respect to the activities of the entity. Such audits shall be submitted to the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) MISUSE OF FUNDS-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) REPAYMENT- If the State determines, through an audit or otherwise, that an entity receiving assistance under a grant awarded under this section has misused the assistance, the State shall notify the Secretary of the misuse. The Secretary, upon such a notification, may seek from such an entity the repayment of an amount equal to the amount of any such misused assistance plus interest.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) APPEALS PROCESS- The Secretary shall by regulation provide for an appeals process with respect to repayments under this paragraph.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(h) Reporting Requirements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) 2-year STUDY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 2 years after the date on which the Secretary first awards grants under this section, the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) the capacity of entities to meet the child care needs of communities within States;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) the kinds of partnerships that are being formed with respect to child care at the local level to carry out programs funded under this section; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) who is using the programs funded under this section and the income levels of such individuals.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) REPORT- Not later than 28 months after the date on which the Secretary first awards grants under this section, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) 4-year STUDY-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) IN GENERAL- Not later than 4 years after the date on which the Secretary first awards grants under this section, the Secretary shall conduct a study to determine the number of child care facilities funded through entities that received assistance through a grant awarded under this section that remain in operation and the extent to which such facilities are meeting the child care needs of the individuals served by such facilities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) REPORT- Not later than 52 months after the date on which the Secretary first awards grants under this section, the Secretary shall prepare and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the results of the study conducted in accordance with subparagraph (A).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) Definition- In this section, the term ‘business’ means an employer who employed an average of at least 2 employees on business days during the preceding calendar year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(j) Authorization of Appropriations-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section, $60,000,000 for the period of fiscal years 2008 through 2010.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) EVALUATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION- With respect to the total amount appropriated for such period in accordance with this subsection, not more than $5,000,000 of that amount may be used for expenditures related to conducting evaluations required under, and the administration of, this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(k) Termination of Program- The program established under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2011.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--PRE-SCHOOL, IN-SCHOOL, AND AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANCECommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE III--PRE-SCHOOL, IN-SCHOOL, AND AFTER SCHOOL ASSISTANCECommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Universal Prekindergarten ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Universal Prekindergarten ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Universal Prekindergarten Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 302. PURPOSE.
The purpose of this subtitle is to ensure that all children 3, 4, and 5 years old have access to a high-quality full-day, full-calendar-year prekindergarten program by providing grants to States to assist in developing a universal prekindergarten program that is voluntary and free-of-charge.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 303. PREKINDERGARTEN GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, shall provide grants to an agency designated by each State (hereafter in this subtitle referred to as the ‘designated State agency’) for the development of high-quality full-day, full-calendar-year universal prekindergarten programs for all children 3, 4, and 5 years old in the State.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 304. STATE REQUIREMENTS.
(a) State Matching Funds- Federal funds made available to a designated State agency under this subtitle shall be matched at least 20 percent by State funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) State Application- To be eligible to receive funds under this subtitle, a designated State agency shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary of Health and Human Services may require. The application shall include the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) How the designated State agency, in overseeing the State’s universal prekindergarten program, will coordinate with other State agencies responsible for early childhood education and health programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) A State plan to establish and implement a statewide universal prekindergarten program, in accordance with subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) State Plan- The State plan required under subsection (b)(2) shall include each of the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) A description of the universal prekindergarten program that will be established and how it will support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) A statement of the goals for universal prekindergarten programs and how program outcomes will be measured.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) A description of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) how funding will be distributed to eligible prekindergarten program providers based on the need for early childhood education in each geographical area served by such providers; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) how the designated State agency will involve representatives of early childhood program providers (including child care providers, Head Start programs, and State and local agencies) that sponsor programs addressing children 3, 4, and 5 years old.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) A description of how the designated State agency will coordinate with existing State-funded prekindergarten programs, federally funded programs (such as Head Start programs), public school programs, and child care providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) A description of how an eligible prekindergarten program provider may apply to the designated State agency for funding under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) A plan to address the shortages of qualified early childhood education teachers, including how to increase such teachers’ compensation to be comparable to that of public school teachers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) How the designated State agency will provide ongoing professional development opportunities to help increase the number of teachers in early childhood programs who meet the State’s education or credential requirements for prekindergarten teachers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) A plan to address how the universal prekindergarten program will meet the needs of children with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and other special needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(9) A plan to provide transportation to children to and from the universal prekindergarten program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(10) A description of how the State will provide the 20 percent match of Federal funds.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(d) Administration- A designated State agency may not use more than 5 percent of a grant under this subtitle for costs associated with State administration of the program under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 305. LOCAL REQUIREMENTS.
(a) In General- An eligible prekindergarten program provider receiving funding under this subtitle shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) maintain a maximum class size of 20 children;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) maintain a ratio of not more than 10 children for each member of the teaching staff;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3)(A) ensure that all prekindergarten teachers meet the requirements for teachers at a State-funded prekindergarten program under an applicable State law; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) document that the State is demonstrating significant progress in assisting prekindergarten teachers on working toward a bachelor of arts degree with training in early childhood development or early childhood education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4)(A) be accredited by a national organization with demonstrated experience in accrediting prekindergarten programs; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) provide assurances that it shall obtain such accreditation not later than 3 years after first receiving funding under this subtitle; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) meet applicable State and local child care licensing health and safety standards.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Local Application- Eligible prekindergarten program providers desiring to receive funding under this subtitle shall submit an application to the designated State agency overseeing funds under this subtitle containing the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) A description of the prekindergarten program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) A statement of the demonstrated need for a program, or an enhanced or expanded program, in the area served by the eligible prekindergarten program provider.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) A description of the age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate educational curriculum to be provided that will help children be ready for school and assist them in the transition to kindergarten.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) A description of how the eligible prekindergarten program provider will collaborate with existing community-based child care providers and Head Start programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) A description of how students and families will be assisted in obtaining supportive services available in their communities.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) A plan to promote parental involvement in the prekindergarten program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) A description of how teachers will receive ongoing professional development in early childhood development and education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(8) An assurance that prekindergarten programs receiving funds under this subtitle provide the data required in section 7(c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 306. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SET-ASIDE.
(a) In General- A designated State agency may set aside up to 5 percent of a grant under this subtitle for ongoing professional development activities for teachers and staff at prekindergarten programs that wish to participate in the universal prekindergarten grant program under this subtitle. A designated State agency using the set-aside for professional development must include in its application the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) A description of how the designated State agency will ensure that eligible prekindergarten program providers in a range of settings (including child care providers, Head Start programs, and schools) will participate in the professional development programs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) An assurance that, in developing its application and in carrying out its program, the professional development provider has consulted, and will consult, with relevant agencies, early childhood organizations, early childhood education experts, and early childhood program providers.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) A description of how the designated State agency will ensure that the professional development is ongoing and accessible to educators in all geographic areas of the State, including by the use of advanced educational technologies.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) A description of how the designated State agency will ensure that such set-aside funds will be used to pay the cost of additional education and training.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) A description of how the designated State agency will work with other agencies and institutions of higher education to provide scholarships and other financial assistance to prekindergarten staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(6) A description of how the State educational agency will provide a financial incentive, such as a financial stipend or a bonus, to educators who participate in and complete such professional development.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(7) A description of how the professional development activities will be carried out, including the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) How programs and educators will be selected to participate.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) How professional development providers will be selected, based on demonstrated experience in providing research-based professional development to early childhood educators.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) The types of research-based professional development activities that will be carried out in all domains of children’s physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development and on early childhood pedagogy.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) How the program will train early childhood educators to meet the diverse educational needs of children in the community, especially children who have limited English proficiency, disabilities, and other special needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) How the program will coordinate with and build upon, but not supplant or duplicate, early childhood education professional development activities that exist in the community.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Uses of Funds- Funds set aside under this section may be used for ongoing professional development--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) to provide prekindergarten teachers and staff with the knowledge and skills for the application of recent research on child cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, including language and literacy development, and on early childhood pedagogy;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) to provide the cost of education needed to obtain a credential or degree with specific training in early childhood development or education;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) to work with children who have limited English proficiency, disabilities, and other special needs; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) to select and use developmentally appropriate screening and diagnostic assessments to improve teaching and learning and make appropriate referrals for services to support prekindergarten children’s development and learning.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 307. REPORTING.
(a) Report by Secretary- For each year in which funding is provided under this subtitle, the Secretary of Health and Human Services shall submit an annual report to the Congress on the implementation and effectiveness of the universal prekindergarten program under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Report by Designated State Agency- Each designated State agency that provides grants to eligible prekindergarten program providers under this subtitle shall submit to the Secretary an annual report on the implementation and effectiveness of the programs in the State supported under this subtitle. Such report shall contain such additional information as the Secretary may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Report by Grant Recipient- Each eligible prekindergarten program provider that receives a grant under this subtitle shall submit to the designated State agency an annual report that includes, with respect to the program supported by such grant, the following:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) A description of the type of program and a statement of the number and ages of children served by the program, as well as the number and ages of children with a disability or a native language other than English.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) A description of the qualifications of the program staff and the type of ongoing professional development provided to such staff.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) A statement of all sources of Federal, State, local, and private funds received by the program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) A description of the curricula, materials, and activities used by the program to support early childhood development and learning.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) Such other information as the designated State agency may reasonably require.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 308. FEDERAL FUNDS SUPPLEMENTARY.
Funds made available under this subtitle may not be used to supplant other Federal, State, local, or private funds that would, in the absence of such Federal funds, be made available for the program assisted under this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 309. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) The term ‘eligible prekindergarten program provider’ means a prekindergarten program provider that is--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) a school;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) supported, sponsored, supervised, or carried out by a local educational agency;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) a Head Start program; orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) a child care provider.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) The term ‘prekindergarten program’ means a program serving children 3, 4, and 5 years old that supports children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development and helps prepare those children for the transition to kindergarten.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) The term ‘local educational agency’ has the meaning given that term in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
(4) The term ‘prekindergarten teacher’ means an individual who has received, or is working toward, a bachelor of arts degree in early childhood education.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 310. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this subtitle--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) $10,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2009;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) $20,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) $30,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2011;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) $40,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2012; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(5) $50,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2013.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Universal Free School Breakfast ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--Universal Free School Breakfast ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 311. UNIVERSAL FREE SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM.
(a) Free Breakfast and Universal Eligibility- Section 4 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (
‘SEC. 4. SCHOOL BREAKFAST PROGRAM AUTHORIZATION.
‘(a) Authorization of Appropriations- There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as are necessary to enable the Secretary to carry out a program to assist States and the Department of Defense to initiate, maintain, or expand nonprofit breakfast programs to provide free breakfasts to school children without regard to family income in all schools which make application for participation and agree to carry out a nonprofit free breakfast program in accordance with this Act. Appropriations and expenditures for this Act shall be considered Health and Human Services functions for budget purposes rather than functions of Agriculture.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Apportionment to States-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1)(A) IN GENERAL- The Secretary shall make breakfast payments to each State educational agency each fiscal year, at such times as the Secretary may determine, from the sums appropriated for such purpose, in an amount equal to the product obtained by multiplying--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) the number of breakfasts served free during such fiscal year to children in schools in such States which participate in the school breakfast program under agreements with such State educational agency; byCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) the national breakfast payment as prescribed in paragraph (2) of this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) AGREEMENTS- The agreements described in subparagraph (A)(i) shall be permanent agreements that may be amended as necessary. Nothing in the preceding sentence shall be construed to limit the ability of the State educational agency to suspend or terminate any such agreement in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) NATIONAL BREAKFAST PAYMENT- The national payment for each breakfast shall be $1.40 (as adjusted each July 1 pursuant to section 11(a)(3)(B) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (
42 U.S.C. 1759a(a)(3)(B) )).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink‘(3) LIMITATION- No breakfast payment may be made under this subsection for any breakfast served by a school unless such breakfast consists of a combination of foods which meet the minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary under subsection (e) of this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(4) NUTRITION QUALITY ADJUSTMENT- The Secretary shall increase by 6 cents the annually adjusted payment for each breakfast served under this Act and section 17 of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act. These funds shall be used to assist States, to the extent feasible, in improving the nutritional quality of the breakfasts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(5) AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, whenever stocks of agricultural commodities are acquired by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation and are not likely to be sold by the Secretary or the Commodity Credit Corporation or otherwise used in programs of commodity sale or distribution, the Secretary shall make such commodities available to school food authorities and eligible institutions serving breakfasts under this Act in a quantity equal in value to not less than 3 cents for each breakfast served under this Act.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(6) EFFECT ON EXPENDITURES- Expenditures of funds from State and local sources for the maintenance of the breakfast program shall not be diminished as a result of funds or commodities received under paragraph (4) or (5).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) State Disbursement to Schools- Funds paid to any State during any fiscal year for the purpose of this section shall be disbursed by the State educational agency, in accordance with such agreements approved by the Secretary as may be entered into by such State agency and the schools in the State, to those schools in the State which the State educational agency, determines are eligible to participate in the school breakfast program.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Participation by Schools-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION- To be eligible to participate in the school breakfast program under this section, a school food authority shall--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) agree to serve all breakfasts at no charge to all students who wish to participate without regard to family income in all participating schools; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) meet all other requirements that the Secretary may reasonably establish.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) START-UP ASSISTANCE- The Secretary is authorized to provide additional assistance to schools not participating in the school breakfast program prior to the enactment of the Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2009 in order to assist such schools to begin participation in the school breakfast program under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) STATE EDUCATIONAL AGENCY ASSISTANCE- Each State educational agency shall assist schools not participating in the school breakfast program prior to the enactment of the Family and Workplace Balancing Act of 2009 to enter into agreements with such agencies in order to participate in the school breakfast program under this section.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(e) Nutritional and Other Program Requirements-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) MINIMUM NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS- Breakfasts served by schools participating in the school breakfast program under this section shall consist of a combination of foods and shall meet minimum nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary on the basis of tested nutritional research, except that the minimum nutritional requirements shall be measured by not less than the weekly average of the nutrient content of school breakfasts.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING- The Secretary shall provide through State educational agencies technical assistance and training, including technical assistance and training in the preparation of foods high in complex carbohydrates and lower-fat versions of foods commonly used in the school breakfast program established under this section, to schools participating in the school breakfast program to assist the schools in complying with the nutritional requirements prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (1) and in providing appropriate meals to children with medically certified special dietary needs.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(3) OPTION VERSUS SERVE- At the option of a local school food authority, a student in a school under the authority that participates in the school breakfast program under this Act may be allowed to refuse not more than one item of a breakfast that the student does not intend to consume. A refusal of an offered food item shall not affect the amount of payments made under this Act to a school for the breakfast.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Technical Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) CHILD NUTRITION ACT OF 1966- Section 20 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (
42 U.S.C. 1789 ) is amended by striking subsection (b) and redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (b) through (d), respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink(2) RICHARD B. RUSSELL NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH ACT- The Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in section 11(a)(1)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘or breakfasts’ each place it appears;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) in subparagraph (C)(i)(I), by striking ‘or in the case of a school’ and all that follows through ‘4 successive school years’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iii) in subparagraph (D)(iii), by striking ‘, or for free and reduced price lunches and breakfasts,’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(iv) in subparagraph (D)(iv), by striking ‘or school breakfast’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(v) in subparagraph (E)(i)(I), by striking ‘or in the case of a school’ and all that follows through ‘4 successive school years’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(vi) in subparagraph (E)(i)(II)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(I) by striking ‘or breakfasts’ both places it appears; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(II) by striking ‘or school breakfast’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) in section 11(a)(3)(A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) by striking clause (iii); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by redesignating clause (iv) as clause (iii);CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(C) in section 13(a)(1)(C), by striking ‘or breakfasts’;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(D) in section 17--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) in subsection (c), by striking paragraph (2), and redesignating paragraphs (3) through (6) as paragraphs (2) through (5), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) in subsection (f)(3)(E)(ii)(I), by striking ‘meals’ and inserting ‘lunches’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(E) in section 18, by striking subsection (e) and redesignating subsections (f) through (k) as subsections (e) through (j), respectively.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Free Lunch EligibilityCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle C--Free Lunch EligibilityCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SECTION 321. FREE LUNCH ELIGIBILITY.
Section 9(b)(1) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (
‘(C) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, a child who is eligible for reduced price lunches for any school year as determined in accordance with the income guidelines set forth in this subsection shall be deemed to be eligible for free lunches for that school year.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child and Adult Care Food ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle D--Child and Adult Care Food ProgramCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 331. REIMBURSEMENTS FOR AFTERSCHOOL DINNERS.
Section 17(r) of the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (
Subtitle E--Afterschool Education Enhancement ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle E--Afterschool Education Enhancement ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 341. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘Afterschool Education Enhancement Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 342. AMENDMENTS REGARDING 21ST CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS.
Part B of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (
(1) in subsection (a) of section 4203--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) by striking paragraph (3); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (14) as paragraphs (3) through (13), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) in section 4204--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) in paragraph (2) of subsection (b)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(i) by striking subparagraph (F); andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(ii) by redesignating subparagraphs (G) through (N) as subparagraphs (F) through (M), respectively; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) by amending paragraph (1) of subsection (i) to read as follows:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- In awarding grants under this part, a State educational agency shall give priority to applications submitted jointly by eligible entities consisting of not less than--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) 1 local educational agency receiving funds under part A of title I; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) 1 community-based organization or other public or private entity.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE IV--IMPROVING THE WORKPLACE FOR FAMILIESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
TITLE IV--IMPROVING THE WORKPLACE FOR FAMILIESCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Part-Time and Temporary Workers BenefitsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle A--Part-Time and Temporary Workers BenefitsCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 401. TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES WORKING AT LESS THAN FULL-TIME UNDER PARTICIPATION, VESTING, AND ACCRUAL RULES GOVERNING PENSION PLANS.
(a) Participation Rules-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 202(a)(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (
‘(E)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, in the case of any employee who, as of the beginning of the 12-month period referred to in subparagraph (A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) has customarily completed 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily constitutes 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
completion of 500 hours of service within such period shall be treated as completion of 1,000 hours of service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the extent to which employment in any type of position customarily constitutes less than 1,000 hours of service per year shall be determined with respect to each pension plan in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe providing for consideration of facts and circumstances peculiar to the work-force constituting the participants in such plan.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 204(b)(1)(E) of such Act (
(b) Vesting Rules-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) IN GENERAL- Section 203(b)(2) of such Act (
‘(E)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, in the case of any employee who, as of the beginning of the period designated by the plan pursuant to subparagraph (A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) has customarily completed 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily constitutes 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
completion of 500 hours of service within such period shall be treated as completion of 1,000 hours of service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the extent to which employment in any type of position customarily constitutes less than 1,000 hours of service per year shall be determined with respect to each pension plan in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe providing for consideration of facts and circumstances peculiar to the work-force constituting the participants in such plan.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) 1-year BREAKS IN SERVICE- Section 203(b)(3) of such Act (
‘(F)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, in the case of any employee who, as of the beginning of the period designated by the plan pursuant to subparagraph (A)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) has customarily completed 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily constitutes 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
completion of 250 hours of service within such period shall be treated as completion of 500 hours of service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, the extent to which employment in any type of position customarily constitutes less than 1,000 hours of service per year shall be determined with respect to each pension plan in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe providing for consideration of facts and circumstances peculiar to the work-force constituting the participants in such plan.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Accrual Rules- Section 204(b)(4)(C) of such Act (
(1) by inserting ‘(i)’ after ‘(C)’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following new clauses:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) For purposes of this subparagraph, in the case of any employee who, as of the beginning of the period designated by the plan pursuant to clause (i)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(I) has customarily completed 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(II) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily constitutes 500 or more hours of service per year but less than 1,000 hours of service per year,CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
completion of 500 hours of service within such period shall be treated as completion of 1,000 hours of service.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(iii) For purposes of clause (ii), the extent to which employment in any type of position customarily constitutes less than 1,000 hours of service per year shall be determined with respect to each pension plan in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe providing for consideration of facts and circumstances peculiar to the work-force constituting the participants in such plan.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 402. TREATMENT OF EMPLOYEES WORKING AT LESS THAN FULL-TIME UNDER GROUP HEALTH PLANS.
(a) In General- Part 2 of subtitle B of title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 is amended--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) by redesignating section 211 (
(2) by inserting after section 210 (
‘SEC. 211. TREATMENT OF PART-TIME WORKERS UNDER GROUP HEALTH PLANS.
‘(a) In General- A reduction in the employer-provided premium under a group health plan with respect to any employee for any period of coverage solely because the employee’s customary employment is less than full-time may be provided under such plan only if the employee is described in subsection (b) and only to the extent permitted under subsection (c).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(b) Reductions Applicable to Employees Working Less Than Full-time-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) IN GENERAL- An employee is described in this subsection if such employee, as of the beginning of the period of coverage referred to in subsection (a)--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) has customarily completed less than 30 hours of service per week, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) is employed in a type of position in which employment customarily constitutes less than 30 hours of service per week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) REGULATIONS- For purposes of paragraph (1), whether employment in any type of position customarily constitutes less than 30 hours of service per week shall be determined with respect to each group health plan in accordance with such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe providing for consideration of facts and circumstances peculiar to the work-force constituting the participants in such plan.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(c) Amount of Permissible Reduction- The employer-provided premium under a group health plan with respect to any employee for any period of coverage, after the reduction permitted under subsection (a), shall not be less than a ratable portion of the employer-provided premium which would be provided under such plan for such period of coverage with respect to an employee who completes 30 hours of service per week.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(d) Definitions- For purposes of this section--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(1) GROUP HEALTH PLAN- The term ‘group health plan’ has the meaning provided such term in section 607(1).CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(2) EMPLOYER-PROVIDED PREMIUM-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(A) IN GENERAL- The term ‘employer-provided premium’ under a plan for any period of coverage means the portion of the applicable premium under the plan for such period of coverage which is attributable under the plan to employer contributions.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) APPLICABLE PREMIUM- For purposes of subparagraph (A), in determining the applicable premium of a group health plan, principles similar to the principles applicable under section 604 shall apply.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Conforming Amendments-CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) Section 201(1) of such Act (
29 U.S.C. 1051(1) ) is amended by inserting ‘, except with respect to section 211’ before the semicolon.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink(2) The table of contents in section 1 of such Act is amended by striking the item relating to section 211 and inserting the following new items:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘211. Treatment of part-time workers under group health plans.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘212. Effective date.’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 403. EXPANSION OF DEFINITION OF EMPLOYEE TO INCLUDE CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS WHOSE SERVICES ARE LEASED OR CONTRACTED FOR.
Paragraph (6) of section 3 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (
(1) by inserting ‘(A)’ after ‘(6)’; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(B) Such term includes, with respect to any employer, any person who is not an employee (within the meaning of subparagraph (A)) of such employer and who provides services to such employer, if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(i) such person has (pursuant to an agreement with such employer or any other person) performed such services for such employer (or for such employer and related persons (within the meaning of section 144(a)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986)) for a period of at least 1 year (6 months in the case of core health benefits) at the rate of at least 500 hours of service per year, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
‘(ii) such services are of a type historically performed, in the business field of the employer, by employees (within the meaning of subparagraph (A)).’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 404. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) In General- Except as provided in subsection (b), the amendments made by this subtitle shall apply with respect to plan years beginning on or after January 1, 2007.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Special Rule for Collectively Bargained Plans- In the case of a plan maintained pursuant to 1 or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and 1 or more employers ratified on or before the date of the enactment of this Act, subsection (a) shall be applied to benefits pursuant to, and individuals covered by, any such agreement by substituting for ‘January 1, 2007’ the date of the commencement of the first plan year beginning on or after the earlier of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) the later of--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(A) January 1, 2007, orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(B) the date on which the last of such collective bargaining agreements terminates (determined without regard to any extension thereof after the date of the enactment of this Act), orCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) January 1, 2009.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(c) Plan Amendments- If any amendment made by this subtitle requires an amendment to any plan, such plan amendment shall not be required to be made before the first plan year beginning on or after January 1, 2007, if--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) during the period after such amendment made by this Act takes effect and before such first plan year, the plan is operated in accordance with the requirements of such amendment made by this subtitle, andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) such plan amendment applies retroactively to the period after such amendment made by this subtitle takes effect and such first plan year.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
A plan shall not be treated as failing to provide definitely determinable benefits or contributions, or to be operated in accordance with the provisions of the plan, merely because it operates in accordance with this subsection.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--United States Business Telework ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
Subtitle B--United States Business Telework ActCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 411. SHORT TITLE.
This subtitle may be cited as the ‘United States Business Telework Act’.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 412. TELEWORK PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Program- In accordance with this subtitle, the Secretary of Labor shall conduct, in not more than 5 States, a pilot program to raise awareness about telework among employers and to encourage such employers to offer telework options to employees.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(b) Permissible Activities- In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary is encouraged to--CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(1) produce educational materials and conduct presentations designed to raise awareness of the benefits and the ease of telework;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(2) conduct outreach to businesses that are considering offering telework options;CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(3) acquire telework technologies and equipment to be used for demonstration purposes; andCommentsClose CommentsPermalink
(4) ensure that expectant and new mothers who are employed by businesses that participate in the pilot program are given the option to telework during the 1-year period after the date of birth.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 413. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than 2 years after the first date on which funds are appropriated to carry out this subtitle, the Secretary shall transmit to the Congress a report containing the results of an evaluation of the pilot program and any recommendations as to whether the pilot program, with or without modification, should be expanded.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 414. DEFINITION.
In this subtitle, the term ‘telework’ means the performance of any portion of work functions by an employee outside the normal place of business under circumstances which reduce or eliminate the need to commute.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 415. TERMINATION.
The pilot program shall terminate 2 years after the first date on which funds are appropriated to carry out this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
SEC. 416. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There is authorized to be appropriated $5,000,000 to carry out this subtitle.CommentsClose CommentsPermalink
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