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, allowing for paid, unpaid, or a combination of both leave, and introducing provisions for intermittent leave. The act also establishes certification requirements for leave related to serious health conditions and public health emergencies, while ensuring economic protections for employees during their leave.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to unemployment insurance laws, focusing on employer contribution rates and the calculation of these rates based on benefit experience. It establishes fixed contribution rates for specific fiscal years and outlines conditions for adjusting these rates based on the employer's reserve ratio. The bill also clarifies the process for transferring employment experience during business transfers and amends the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to enhance the Family Temporary Disability Leave Account. Notably, it increases weekly benefit rates for family temporary disability leave and allows for extended leave under certain conditions. Overall, the CRADLE Act aims to provide greater support for families during critical bonding periods and improve the administration of temporary disability benefits.

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