Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) (1993)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (29 U.S.C. § 2601 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
Congress enacted FMLA to provide eligible employees with job-protected, unpaid leave for family and medical reasons, recognizing the need to balance work demands with family responsibilities.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Before FMLA, there was no federal requirement for family or medical leave. Some states and employers had policies, but coverage was inconsistent and limited.