New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3451

Introduced
2/1/24  
Refer
2/1/24  
Refer
2/5/24  
Report Pass
2/8/24  
Engrossed
2/12/24  
Refer
2/12/24  
Report Pass
12/15/25  
Engrossed
12/22/25  
Enrolled
1/12/26  
Chaptered
1/17/26  

Caption

Revises law concerning family leave to extend protection by reducing employee threshold from 30 employees to 15 employees in definition of employer.

Impact

The amendments will impact various segments of the workforce and are intended to improve the overall workplace culture in New Jersey by ensuring that more employees have access to family leave without fear of retaliation from their employers. By acknowledging the need for job security and benefits related to unpaid family leave, A3451 seeks to build a healthier work-life balance, particularly benefiting smaller businesses and non-traditional work environments as they adapt to these new regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3451 revises New Jersey's family leave laws by lowering the threshold for which employers are required to provide family leave from 30 employees to 15. This significant adjustment is designed to extend protections for a larger number of employees, ensuring that more workers are eligible for family leave benefits when caring for a newly born or adopted child, or dealing with a family member's serious health condition. The amendment aims to foster a more inclusive approach to family leave, recognizing the growing importance of supporting families in times of need.

Sentiment

The sentiment around A3451 seems generally positive among advocates of worker rights, including labor unions and family advocacy groups. They argue that the bill is a necessary step toward modernizing family leave policies and making them more equitable. However, some business groups and conservative lawmakers have expressed concern that lowering the employee threshold could impose additional burdens on small businesses, potentially leading to unintended consequences such as reduced hiring or layoffs.

Contention

A point of contention within the discussions surrounding A3451 revolves around the balance of protecting employee rights while also considering the operational feasibility for businesses with fewer employees. Critics worry about the potential for increased litigation as employees may be more inclined to assert their rights under the revised laws. Supporters argue that job security during critical personal circumstances is paramount and that the benefits outweigh the potential challenges posed to smaller employers.

Companion Bills

NJ S2950

Same As Revises law concerning family leave to extend protection by reducing employee threshold from 30 employees to 15 employees in definition of employer.

NJ A5166

Carry Over Revises law concerning family leave to extend protection by reducing, over time, employee threshold from 30 employees to five employees in definition of employer.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1972

Revises law concerning family leave to extend protection by reducing, over time, employee threshold from 30 employees to five employees in definition of employer.

VA HB670

Labor & employment provisions; application of law, protection of employees, definition of employer.

VA HB2098

Labor & employment provisions; application of law, protection of employees, definition of employer.

NJ A986

Revises law on extended employment programs for persons with disabilities.

NJ A3638

Provides family leave for employee to attend certain events of child of employee; establishes tax credits for employer that provide full paid family leave benefits.

NJ S2095

"Government Reality Check Act"; prohibits public employers from providing certain benefits to public employees; restricts gifts to public employees; restricts travel by public employees; imposes post-employment restriction on public contracting employees.

NJ A2179

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

AL HB290

Employment; employers required to provide location and break time for employees to express breast milk

TX HB5164

Relating to parental leave for certain employees paid by employers or insurance policies maintained by employers.

NJ A1041

Requires employers to post information concerning veterans' benefits and services.

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Chaptered