Caring for All Families Act

This proposal, called the Caring for All Families Act, would expand who counts as “family” for family and medical leave. It lets workers take leave to care for a domestic partner; in-laws; an adult child; a grandparent, grandchild, or sibling; an aunt or uncle; a nephew or niece; or another person with a close, family-like relationship. The same updates would apply to federal employees.

It would also add a small amount of extra “parental involvement and family wellness” leave. You could use this time to attend a child’s or grandchild’s school or community activities; go to routine medical or dental appointments for yourself, a child, spouse or domestic partner, or grandchild; or visit and support an elderly person you care for, including at nursing or group homes. This leave is capped at up to 4 hours every 30 days and up to 24 hours each year, on top of other leave. Employers could let you use your paid time off for this leave, may ask for up to 7 days’ notice when possible, and may require a simple certification. Federal employees would get a matching set of benefits and could use their accrued annual or sick leave for this time.

• Who is affected: Workers covered by the Family and Medical Leave Act and federal employees.
• What changes: Expands covered family members to include domestic partners, in-laws, adult children, grandparents, grandchildren, siblings, aunts/uncles, nephews/nieces, and close family-like relationships.
• Extra leave added: Up to 4 hours per 30 days and up to 24 hours per year, in addition to other leave.
• What it can be used for: School/community events for children or grandchildren; routine medical/dental visits; visits to nursing or group homes to support an elderly person you care for.
• Pay and notice: You can substitute accrued paid time off; up to 7 days’ notice may be required; an employer may ask for a simple certification.