Senate sponsor offers narrow 'FMLA light' for small employers; amendment adopted and bill circled for further work

Senator Hemmert presented Senate Bill 186, described on the floor as a narrow, state‑level unpaid‑leave measure for employers with operations in Utah that employ between 30 and 50 people. The sponsor characterized the proposal as a "FMLA light" aimed at providing some job protection for lower‑skilled, hourly workers — particularly women — who currently lack protections when working for smaller employers.

On the floor the sponsor moved an amendment that reduced the period from three weeks to two weeks and added an exemption from the federal FMLA's record‑keeping and notice requirements for the affected employers. "This bill is FMLA light for companies between 30 and 50 employees," the sponsor said, adding that the amendment changes the time period from three to two weeks and inserts the record‑keeping exemption. The Senate approved the amendment on voice vote.

Several senators asked substantive questions about the bill's scope and practical effects: whether state agencies would be covered, whether the statute would act as a ceiling rather than a floor for leave, and why no fiscal note appeared on the file. The sponsor replied the bill would apply to private and public employers with 30–50 employees in the state, that federal FMLA coordination rules still apply, and acknowledged that two weeks is limited but is more than zero.

After discussion the sponsor moved to "circle" SB186 for further consideration; the motion to circle carried. The body did not take final action on the substantive bill on this floor day; circling preserves the bill for additional committee or sponsor work.

Next steps: SB186 was circled for additional drafting and possible future consideration. The sponsor indicated willingness to work further on details such as coordination with federal procedures and fiscal implications.