This bill amends the New Jersey Family Leave Act to expand the definition of "family leave" to include bereavement leave for specific circumstances related to the loss of a child. It allows employees to take leave for bereavement due to the death or stillbirth of a child, miscarriage (including chemical, ectopic, and molar pregnancies), termination of a pregnancy for medical reasons, and failed fertility treatments. Employees may take up to 21 days of leave for bereavement not covered by other leave types, and up to 7 days for situations that qualify for family leave benefits. The bill also outlines certification requirements for bereavement leave, simplifying the process by only requiring the date of the event for cases of death, miscarriage, or stillbirth.

Additionally, the bill amends the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to clarify definitions and eligibility criteria for "covered employers" and "covered individuals." It allows employers to elect to become "covered employers" for providing benefits during an employee's own disability, with the election lasting at least two years. The definition of "covered individual" is expanded to include employees of the State of New Jersey and other governmental entities, with conditions regarding the exhaustion of sick leave before receiving benefits. The bill also specifies that "disability" includes illnesses related to communicable diseases during a declared state of emergency and introduces provisions for family temporary disability leave. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance support for employees facing personal loss and reproductive health challenges.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11B-3, 34:11B-4, 43:21-27