Committee approves revision to extended illness policy to expand family and parental paid leave uses

The Kane County Human Services Committee approved a resolution Oct. 15 to revise parts of the county personnel policy handbook governing extended-illness leave, expanding the types of paid leave uses available to employees and aligning certain provisions with state statute and federal FMLA protections.

Jamie described the changes as non-budgetary adjustments to allowable uses of already-accrued paid time. Key revisions include increasing the number of days an employee may use for a family member from 3 to 6 per year and adding parental leave language that allows both parents to use accrued paid time for nonmedical portions of parental leave. Jamie said, "Mothers have always been able to use it for the medical portion of their leave. This allows it to be used up to the full 12 weeks that is currently the absence is already protected under FMLA."

Committee discussion clarified that the change does not alter accrual rates or create new paid time; employees must have accrued time to receive pay during leave. A committee member asked whether the leave must be used within a specific timeframe; staff said it mirrors FMLA and must be used within one year of birth or placement.

Wright moved the resolution and Linder seconded. The committee voted in favor; recorded aye responses included Allen, Garcia, Greipe, Lewis, Tarver, Bender and Serges. The committee noted the change is administrative in scope and would not require additional budget appropriation because salary costs remain budgeted.

Next steps: The resolution will proceed according to county procedures; HR will update policy documents and notify employees of the expanded allowable uses.