The New Jersey Paid Prenatal Personal Leave Act mandates that all employers in the state provide eligible employees with a minimum of 20 hours of paid prenatal personal leave each calendar year. This leave is specifically designated for health care services related to an employee's pregnancy, including medical appointments, examinations, and discussions with health care providers. Both full-time and part-time employees are eligible for this leave, which can be taken in one-hour increments at the employee's regular rate of pay. Importantly, employers are prohibited from penalizing or retaliating against employees for taking or requesting this leave, and they are not required to compensate employees for any unused leave upon separation from employment.

The bill also empowers the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish rules and regulations for its implementation, including penalties for non-compliance by employers. The provisions of the act are set to take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for necessary administrative preparations. Overall, this legislation aims to support employees during their pregnancy by ensuring access to paid leave for essential health care services.