Bill 118 hr 10200, also known as the "Military Parental Leave Modernization Act," aims to improve parental leave benefits for members of the Armed Forces. The bill proposes to increase the amount of parental leave available to service members following the birth or adoption of a child.
Currently, service members are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, this bill seeks to provide up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers in the military. This would allow service members to take time off to bond with their new child without having to worry about financial strain.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to ensure that service members are not penalized for taking parental leave, such as maintaining their eligibility for promotions and other benefits. It also aims to provide flexibility in how the leave can be taken, allowing service members to use it in increments rather than all at once.
Overall, the Military Parental Leave Modernization Act seeks to support service members in balancing their military duties with their responsibilities as parents. By providing paid parental leave and protections against discrimination, the bill aims to improve the well-being of military families and strengthen retention rates within the Armed Forces.