NJ A3451

Lowers the employer size threshold for New Jersey Family Leave Act coverage from 30 employees to 15 employees, expanding family leave protections to workers at smaller businesses.

Reduces the employee eligibility requirements from 12 months of employment and 1,000 base hours to 3 months of employment and 250 base hours in the preceding 12-month period.

Establishes an explicit right to job reinstatement for employees who take temporary disability benefits or family temporary disability leave, entitling them to return to their same or equivalent position.

Prohibits employer retaliation against employees who request or take temporary disability or family temporary disability leave benefits, with civil penalties of $1,000-$2,000 for first violations and up to $5,000 for subsequent violations.

Takes effect six months following enactment.