The Comprehensive Reimbursement and Duration of Leave Expansion Act, or CRADLE Act, seeks to enhance family leave insurance benefits and extend the duration of leave for child bonding in New Jersey. The bill emphasizes the importance of comprehensive parental leave policies, aligning New Jersey's family leave standards with international norms that typically offer 26 to 52 weeks of leave. Key amendments include increasing the family leave entitlement to a minimum of 12 weeks within any 24-month period, allowing for paid, unpaid, or a combination of both leave, and introducing provisions for intermittent leave. The act also modifies contribution limits for the State disability benefits fund and establishes certification requirements for leave related to serious health conditions or public health emergencies.

Additionally, the bill amends existing unemployment insurance laws, focusing on employer contribution rates and the transfer of employment experience during business transfers. It sets fixed contribution rates for employers from fiscal years 2011 through 2024 and allows for voluntary additional contributions to adjust experience rates. The act also clarifies the responsibilities of employers regarding contributions to the State disability benefits fund and introduces new provisions for family temporary disability leave, including longer benefit periods and increased weekly benefit rates. Overall, the CRADLE Act aims to improve support for families and enhance the management and transparency of the State disability benefits fund while ensuring that both employers and workers understand their obligations.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11B-4, 43:21-39, 43:21-40, 43:21-45.2