State Personnel - Paid Family and Medical Leave

HB 1503 creates a paid family and medical leave program for Executive Branch state employees in Maryland. It requires the Secretary of Budget and Management to adopt regulations governing this leave, replacing older parental leave rules. The bill defines "family member" broadly (including domestic partners, extended family, and individuals who acted as parents when the employee was a minor) and establishes parameters like the "application year" (12 months starting Sunday after approval). It directly affects all Executive Branch state employees who qualify for leave due to a serious health condition, childbirth, adoption, or caring for a covered family member. The law repeals previous provisions (Section 9-1108) and sets new standards for paid leave eligibility and administration.