The proposed bill amends the "Family Leave Act" and the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law" to establish protected leave for bereavement related to the death of a child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and other specific circumstances. It expands the definition of "family leave" to include bereavement leave for these events and specifies that employees may take up to 21 days of leave for bereavement in cases not covered by other leave types, and up to 7 days for circumstances that are otherwise eligible for leave under existing laws. The bill mandates that benefits for bereavement leave will be paid as family temporary disability leave benefits, ensuring that employees have access to necessary leave while maintaining job security.

Additionally, the bill clarifies eligibility criteria for employees seeking family leave, including a minimum hours worked requirement, and outlines conditions for taking leave, such as the need for certification from a healthcare provider in certain situations. It also updates definitions related to the Division of Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance and expands the definition of "disability" to include illnesses related to communicable diseases during a declared state of emergency. Overall, the bill aims to provide comprehensive support for employees facing the loss of a child or related circumstances while adhering to the existing framework of leave and disability benefits.

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