Job Protection Act

S. 408, the Job Protection Act, would expand protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover more American workers. Currently, the FMLA only applies to companies with 50 or more employees, leaving many workers at smaller businesses without job protection when they need to take time off for family or medical reasons. If enacted, this bill would lower the employer threshold to cover any employer with just one or more employees, significantly broadening who qualifies for these protections.

The bill would also extend FMLA protections to workers returning to the workforce and those who have reduced their hours due to caregiving or medical concerns. These changes would apply to any leave taken after the bill becomes law. Supporters argue this expansion is necessary because millions of workers currently lack FMLA coverage, and many avoid taking needed leave out of fear of losing their jobs. The bill is currently under consideration by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.