The New Jersey legislature has enacted a paid family leave act as part of the State’s temporary disability benefits law, joining California and Washington as the third state to do so.  The most recent version of the bill is here, which passed on April 7, 2008.

The law covers all New Jersey employers regardless of size.  If signed by the Governor, it goes into effect on July 1, 2009.  The benefit will be funded by additional payroll taxes.

Unlike the FMLA, the law does not provide for mandatory reinstatement of employment following leave.  Employers covered by the FMLA would continue to be obligated to provide reinstatement if the absence was occasioned by a qualifying condition.