New Jersey Assembly Bill A1963

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires certain employers to provide paid leave to employees serving in elective office.

Impact

The provisions of A1963 are designed to enhance the participation of employees in public service roles by providing them the necessary time to perform their duties without the fear of sacrificing their employment benefits. The bill states that any leave taken will not impact an employee's net credited services, privileges, and benefits at their place of employment. However, employers are not required to continue paying for the employer's share of benefits during any leave of absence granted under this act, although they must cover benefits during the use of paid leave days.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1963 aims to mandate that certain employers provide paid leave to employees who serve in elective office at the municipal, county, or state level. This bill entitles eligible employees, specifically those working for a company with 20 or more full-time employees, or public employers, to receive up to 15 days of paid time off per calendar year. The intention behind this legislation is to ensure that individuals fulfilling public duties are not unduly burdened by their employment obligations while serving their communities.

Contention

While supporters of A1963 argue that this bill fosters greater civic engagement among employees by enabling them to fulfill their electoral roles, there are potential points of contention regarding the financial implications for employers. Critics may voice concerns about the burden such leave mandates could place on smaller businesses and public agencies, particularly regarding the management of workforce resources and overall operational costs. Additionally, clarity around how this bill will ensure that employees serving in elected positions are safeguarded from retaliation by their employers may also be crucial for maintaining workplace fairness.