Senate committee releases bill expanding bereavement family leave to cover pregnancy loss

The Senate Labor Committee on Oct. 1 voted to release S-2046, an amended bill that expands New Jersey Family Leave Act protections to include bereavement after miscarriage, stillbirth, or termination of pregnancy for medical reasons and extends the statutory bereavement leave allowance to 21 days. Chairman Johnson presided over the unanimous committee action to release the bill for further consideration on the floor.

Supporters framed the expansion as a public-health and workplace-justice issue. "Extending family leave to people who experience pregnancy loss recognizes the emotional and physical toll of such an event," Sarah Best, legislative and policy director for Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey, told the committee. She cited research showing pregnancy loss and related mental-health effects are common and said the change would help affected workers care for themselves and their families. A National Employment Lawyers Association representative also backed the measure, calling it "an important loophole to close."

Committee members noted the bill was amended to remove certain adoption- and IVF-related provisions and to fix internal citations. After the testimony and discussion, the chair asked for a motion to release the bill; the committee voted to release S-2046 "as amended." The bill now moves toward further floor consideration and possible additional amendments.