Attention: New Jersey Employers

New Jersey Lawmakers Approve Paid Family Leave Bill

New Jersey lawmakers have approved legislation that would allow private and government employees to take up to six weeks of partially paid family leave per year to care for newborn children or seriously ill family members.  The state Senate passed the bill (S-786) on Monday, April 7, 2008 and has sent it to Governor Jon Corzine, who is expected to sign it.  The bill would go into effect sometime next year.

Under the legislation, employees could take leave anytime during the first year after a child’s birth or adoption or to attend to an ill relative receiving in-patient care in a health care facility or one under continuing supervision of a health care provider.

Employees who take leave will receive two thirds of their salary, up to a maximum of $524 a week.  Lawmakers expect employees to collect weekly benefits of $415 per week on average.

The program would be funded entirely using employee payroll deductions, the size of which would be based on salary, with a maximum annual contribution of about $33 per employee per year.

Once the bill is signed, New Jersey will become the third state with a paid family leave law. 

If you have questions on the legislation and how it may affect your company, please contact me.

  
Denise Angleman
Senior Vice President, Employee Benefits
201.845.6600, Ext. 1259
dangleman@niagroup.com