Parental Bereavement Act of 2026

The Parental Bereavement Act of 2026 amends the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) to establish a new category of leave for employees. This legislation allows eligible individuals to take FMLA leave specifically because of the death of a son or daughter . A significant provision removes any age restriction for the deceased child when taking this particular type of leave, broadening its applicability to parents of children of any age. This new bereavement leave must be utilized within a 12-month period beginning on the date of the child's death. While generally not permitted to be taken intermittently or on a reduced schedule, employers and employees can mutually agree to such arrangements. The bill also clarifies that employees must provide reasonable and practicable notice to their employer when the need for this leave is foreseeable. Furthermore, the Act allows for the substitution of accrued paid leave for this bereavement leave, similar to other FMLA entitlements. Employers are granted the ability to require certification, such as a death certificate, to support a request for this leave, as prescribed by future regulations. These amendments also extend comparable bereavement leave provisions to federal civil service employees, ensuring consistent application across different employment sectors.