Title
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A Resolution Adopting a New Appendix XV (“Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Leave Policy”) to the Village of Oak Park Personnel Manual
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Introduction
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The State of Illinois’s Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act took effect June 1, 2026. The law grants employees of the Village of Oak Park up to 20 days of unpaid, job-protected leave following the exhaustion of FMLA leave (if applicable) if their child is hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution
Prior Board Action
There is no prior Board action associated with this item.
Background
In the summer of 2025, the State of Illinois passed the Family Neonatal Intensive Care Leave Act (“NICLA”) to expand job-protected leave rights for employees whose child is hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (“NICU”). The law took effect June 1, 2026. Under the law, the Village, as an employer with 51+ days, must provide up to 20 days of unpaid, job-protected leave to eligible employees following the exhaustion of their FMLA benefits. Such leave can be used intermittently and incrementally.
Timing Considerations
This law went into effect on June 1, 2026.
Financial Impact
There is no budget impact associated with this item.
Operations Impact
There is no operating impact associated with this item. The item aligns with the department’s core service delivery.
DEI Impact
This policy provides consistent, job-protected leave for employees experiencing a significant family medical crisis and may be particularly beneficial for employees with limited access to accrued leave, or in positions that offer less scheduling flexibility. The unpaid nature of the benefit may limit its practical value for lower-wage employees.
Community Input
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Advantages:
• Aligns the Village’s personnel policies with state law.
• Communicates and clarifies NICU leave benefits for employees in need.
Disadvantages:
• There are no disadvantages to this action.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Village Board could expand or enhance NICU Leave Benefits
Advantages:
• Could provide more financial certainty for an employee who is experiencing a child in the NICU.
Disadvantages:
• Enhanced benefits may not align with the Village’s other state and federal leave benefits.
Anticipated Future Actions
There are no anticipated future actions in relation to this item.
Prepared By: Kira Tchang, Assistant Village Manager/HR Director
Reviewed By: Jack Malec, Assistant to the Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Draft Appendix XV - NICU Policy