New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2035

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Allows for sharing of family leave benefits between covered individuals under certain circumstances.

Impact

If enacted, A2035 would modify existing family temporary disability leave statutes, which currently limit benefits to one individual per leave event. By allowing for the sharing of benefits, the bill is set to provide families greater financial support and time off to bond with new children. This legislative change aligns with contemporary family dynamics and the recognition that caregiving roles may not solely rest on one partner's shoulders.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2035, which has been pre-filed for the 2024 session, aims to facilitate the sharing of family temporary disability leave benefits among covered individuals in a marriage, domestic partnership, or civil union. The bill proposes that these individuals could share up to 12 weeks of benefits to support them during the time they are eligible to take leave for the birth or adoption of a child. This sharing could occur at the discretion of the covered individuals, allowing for flexibility in how they manage their family leave.

Contention

A notable point of contention may arise regarding the specifics of benefit calculations outlined in the bill. Under A2035, the maximum benefit payable during the first six weeks of leave would be based on the higher-earned individual’s weekly benefit amount, while the subsequent six weeks would reference the lesser-paid individual. Concerns about equitable access to these benefits could emerge, particularly regarding how the benefits are determined and the implications this may have for lower-income families or those where financial dynamics might be more complex.

Additional_info

Overall, A2035 aims to modernize and enhance state laws around family leave. However, the implementation of such a policy could spark discussions about its economic viability and broader societal implications as it navigates the balance between supporting families and potential financial burdens on state programs.

Companion Bills

NJ A1220

Carry Over Allows for sharing of family leave benefits between covered individuals under certain circumstances.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1220

Allows for sharing of family leave benefits between covered individuals under certain circumstances.

NJ A3505

Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances.

NJ S2978

Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances.

NJ A5084

Concerns bereavement leave for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances.

NJ S4054

Concerns temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance benefits.

NJ S1070

Concerns temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance benefits.

NJ A623

Concerns temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance benefits.

NJ A5703

Concerns temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance benefits.

NJ S303

Concerns family leave and gestational carriers.

NJ S1940

Concerns family leave and gestational carriers.

Similar Bills

CA AB196

Workers’ compensation: COVID-19: essential occupations and industries.

CA AB2167

Unemployment insurance: disability: paid family leave.

CA AB123

Paid family leave: weekly benefit amount.

CA AB518

CalFresh: data.

NJ A1220

Allows for sharing of family leave benefits between covered individuals under certain circumstances.

VA HB808

State psychiatric hospitals; temporary detention orders, delayed admission to determine med. needs.

CA SB951

Unemployment insurance: contribution rates: disability insurance: paid family leave: weekly benefit amount.

CA AB1224

Disability insurance: paid family leave program.