Stuart Expands Paid Family Leave for Firefighters, Emergency Medical Workers

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, is expanding paid family leave for firefighters and emergency medical professionals by passing a bill that provides six weeks of paid family leave for firefighters and emergency medical personnel at their regular pay rate.

“Firefighters and emergency medical personnel have been taking care of our communities for a long time and they deserve to be taken care of when they become parents,” Stuart said. “Whether they became a parent through birth, foster care, or adoption, they should be able to spend this crucial time at home with their child and family without having to worry about their job or income.”

Stuart’s House Bill 2490 creates a paid family leave program for firefighters and emergency medical professionals that provides them with six weeks of paid family leave at their regular pay rate. Firefighters and emergency medical personnel may use this leave for the birth or care of a newborn, adoption or foster care of a minor or an adult with a disability, or the care of a family member with a serious health condition. 

“Illinois does not have a dedicated paid family leave program but by passing this bill through the House, we are taking the first steps to making sure that new parents and those with a family member with a serious health condition can take paid time away from their emergency service job to care for their family,” said Stuart. “I am proud to support our emergency service workers and their families through this bill. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to pass this great bill.”

Stuart’s bill was passed in the House on April 8 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.