TRENTON, N.J. — Bipartisan legislation that would expand New Jersey family leave protections and benefits for parents grieving the loss of a child advanced from the state Senate Labor Committee on Thursday.
The bill, S-2046, is sponsored by state Sen. Vince Polistina, R-Atlantic, and state Sen. Raj Mukherji, D-Hudson. It would expand protected leave under the New Jersey Family Leave Act and family temporary disability leave benefits to cover certain forms of bereavement.
“Few experiences are more painful than losing a child, and grieving parents should not have to choose between taking time to heal and being able to put food on the table,” said Senator Polistina. “This legislation recognizes the profound impact of such a loss and ensures families have the flexibility and support they need during an incredibly difficult time.”
Under the legislation, eligible employees could take family leave following the death or stillbirth of a child. The bill also addresses certain circumstances involving miscarriage or the termination of a pregnancy for medical reasons.
The legislation would also provide leave in connection with an unsuccessful adoption that had been pending and planned by an employee or an unsuccessful fertility treatment, including intrauterine insemination and assisted reproductive technology.
The bill would allow qualifying employees to receive family temporary disability leave benefits for covered bereavement circumstances. It would not increase the maximum amount of leave available under the Family Leave Act or the maximum benefits available under family temporary disability leave.
For certain bereavement circumstances in which an employee would not otherwise qualify for another type of disability or family leave or benefits, the bill provides for up to 21 days of leave and benefits immediately following the event. In circumstances where an employee would otherwise qualify for disability or family leave or benefits, the bill provides for up to seven days immediately following the event.
“I am proud to advance this important legislation to support families at a time when they need it most,” said Senator Polistina.
