Senate passes Cano’s bill which increases parental or family leave for Rhode Islanders
STATE HOUSE – The Senate today passed legislation (2024-S 2467) sponsored by Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket) that increases the amount of parental or family leave available to an employee from 13 weeks to 24 weeks in any two calendar years.
“This is the right thing to do for our families with newborns and those that are taking care of sick or incapacitated loved ones. As the pandemic taught us all, spending time with, supporting and caring for our loved ones is perhaps the most important thing one can do and this legislation will not only give these caregivers more time with their loved ones, it will support entire families going through difficult times,” said Senator Cano.
The bill applies to every employee who has been employed by the same employer for 12 consecutive months. The employee shall give at least 30 days’ notice of the intended date upon which parental leave or family leave shall commence and terminate, unless prevented by medical emergency from giving the notice.
The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration where Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) has introduced a similar bill (2024-H 7793).
Federal officials are announcing a cutback in the number of flights in U.S. airspace starting Friday morning. It's a result of staffing shortages during the federal government shutdown. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford announced Wednesday the agency will reduce air traffic by ten percent at 40 high-volume airports if there's no deal to end the shutdown. 
