New Jersey Assembly Bill A3373

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Concerns bereavement leave for miscarriage and stillbirth.

Impact

If enacted, A3373 would significantly impact state employment regulations by specifically recognizing miscarriage and stillbirth as valid reasons for family leave. This modification not only creates a more inclusive leave policy but also aligns New Jersey's laws with the growing recognition of perinatal loss as a matter of public concern. The bill mandates that leave taken under these circumstances would be considered on par with other family health issues, hopefully reducing the stigma surrounding reproductive loss and encouraging the support of affected families.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3373 aims to amend existing state laws to allow employees in New Jersey to take family leave when they experience the loss of a child due to miscarriage or stillbirth. Specifically, the bill expands the provisions of the New Jersey Family Leave Act and the Temporary Disability Benefits Law to include such circumstances, acknowledging the emotional toll associated with these events. The intent is to provide employees who suffer such losses the necessary time to grieve without the worry of losing their job or income.

Contention

While there is broad support for enhancing bereavement leave, potential points of contention could arise around the specific provisions of how much leave is appropriate and how it might be funded. Critics may express concerns about the potential burden on employers, particularly small businesses, to accommodate the increases in leave duration or the financial implications associated with offering benefits to employees under these new regulations. Additionally, discussions surrounding the adequacy of existing provisions for emotional support and healthcare access for grieving parents may also be contentious.