A bill introduced in the House seeks to amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) by abolishing the hours of service requirement for benefits. The Family Fairness Act of 2009 (H.R. 389), introduced by Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc) would eliminate the stipulation that employees must have worked at least 1,250 hours during the previous 12-month period to qualify for FMLA benefits. An employee would still be required to have worked for the employer for at least 12 months to be eligible for FMLA leave. The practical effect of this bill is the expansion of the pool of employees – especially those working part-time – covered under the FMLA.

This bill was referred to the House Committees on Education and Labor, Oversight and Government Reform and Administration.