The Comprehensive Reimbursement and Duration of Leave Expansion Act, or CRADLE Act, seeks to enhance family leave insurance benefits in New Jersey by extending the duration of leave for child bonding from 12 to 24 consecutive weeks. The bill emphasizes the importance of comprehensive parental leave policies for family well-being and aligns New Jersey's policies with international standards. Key amendments include a flexible leave entitlement that allows employees to choose the number of weeks for which they receive benefits, as well as provisions for both paid and unpaid leave. The act also introduces new certification requirements for leave related to serious health conditions and public health emergencies, and it specifies that the limit on wages subject to contributions for the Family Temporary Disability Leave Account will not apply starting January 1, 2026.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws regarding employer contributions to the unemployment compensation fund and temporary disability benefits. It establishes fixed contribution rates for employers for specific fiscal years and allows for exceptions based on fund reserve ratios. The bill also clarifies the processes for transferring employment experience during business transfers and outlines the calculation of benefits for family temporary disability leave, increasing the weekly benefit rate to 100% of a worker's average weekly wage for claims starting on or after July 1, 2026. Furthermore, it mandates collaboration between the Department of Labor and the Department of Health to survey individuals who have taken child bonding leave, aiming to gather data on the impacts of parental leave on families. Overall, the CRADLE Act aims to strengthen family leave policies and improve health outcomes for families in New Jersey.

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