ESP, Paraprofessional, and Education Support Staff Family Leave Act

This legislation aims to broaden eligibility for family and medical leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 for a specific group of educational employees. It amends the existing law to establish new criteria for "hours of service" for covered educational employees, including paraprofessionals and various education support staff members . Under the proposed changes, these employees would be considered eligible for FMLA leave if they have worked a minimum of 60 percent of the total monthly hours expected for their job description and duties during the preceding school year. Employers would be required to maintain records of these expected monthly hours. The bill defines "education support staff member" broadly to encompass roles such as clerical, transportation, food, custodial, health, technical, and skilled trades personnel within educational agencies or institutions. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the Secretary of Labor develop specific methodologies for calculating the leave entitlement for these newly covered educational employees, ensuring their access to the benefits of the Family and Medical Leave Act.