Labor & Employment

This bill requires employers in New Jersey to provide accommodations to employees who are breastfeeding, adding breastfeeding to the list of protected characteristics under state employment discrimination laws. The legislation amends existing statutes to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on breastfeeding status, ensuring they receive the same protections against unfair treatment as those afforded to other protected groups. By updating the Law Against Discrimination, the bill aims to support working parents by legally mandating workplace accommodations for breastfeeding needs.

This New Jersey bill expands protected bereavement leave under the Family Leave Act to cover specific personal losses: death of a child (including stillbirth), miscarriage (including chemical pregnancy), termination of pregnancy for medical reasons, and failed fertility treatments. It directly affects employees who experience these events, granting them up to 21 days of job-protected leave for situations not covered by other leave types, or 7 days if other leave applies. The bill amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.261 and P.L.1948, c.110) to define "bereavement" broadly, including losses related to adoption plans, gestational carriers, and fertility treatments. It ensures eligible employees can take time off without losing their jobs or benefits during these difficult circumstances.

This bill requires New Jersey to create a public online registry listing out-of-state contractors awarded public construction contracts that require prevailing wages. It directly affects contractors whose main business is outside New Jersey, excluding satellite offices or temporary locations. The registry, maintained by the State Treasurer, will include project details, contractor trade names, and business addresses, and must be accessible on the Treasury Department’s website. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.