The proposed bill amends the "Family Leave Act" and the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" to establish protected leave for bereavement in cases of a child's death, miscarriage, stillbirth, or related circumstances. It introduces new definitions and provisions that allow employees to take up to 21 days of bereavement leave for situations not covered by existing leave types, and up to 7 days for circumstances that qualify under current laws. The bill also clarifies eligibility criteria for family leave, including a minimum hours worked requirement, and specifies that benefits for bereavement leave will be provided as family temporary disability leave benefits.

Additionally, the bill expands the definitions of "covered individual" and "family temporary disability leave" to include bereavement leave for various pregnancy-related losses and unsuccessful fertility treatments. It updates the definition of "division" to include the Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance and broadens the definition of "disability" to cover illnesses related to communicable diseases during emergencies. Importantly, the bill does not increase the maximum amount of leave or benefits available under existing laws, ensuring that employees are informed of their options while maintaining the current framework of family leave provisions. The act is set to take effect one year after its enactment.

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