This bill amends the New Jersey Family Leave Act to expand the definition of "family leave" to include bereavement leave specifically for the loss of a child. Employees are now entitled to take leave for bereavement due to the death or stillbirth of a child, miscarriage (including various types), termination of a pregnancy for medical reasons, and failed fertility treatments. The legislation allows for up to 21 days of leave for bereavement circumstances not covered by other leave types, and up to 7 days for situations that qualify for existing leave benefits. Additionally, it simplifies the certification requirements for bereavement leave, requiring only the date of the event for the death, miscarriage, or stillbirth of a child.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to clarify definitions and eligibility for "covered employers" and "covered individuals." It allows employers to opt into being "covered employers" for benefits during an employee's disability, with a minimum two-year commitment. The definition of "covered individual" is broadened to include state employees and those from governmental entities, with conditions regarding sick leave exhaustion. The bill also introduces family temporary disability leave for bereavement related to child loss or unsuccessful adoption, and it expands the definition of "disability" to include illnesses from communicable diseases during emergencies. Significant changes include the deletion of references to the "Division of Unemployment and" and the insertion of the "Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development."

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