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Bill

A 2489

Relates to paid family leave and bereavement for fetal death, still birth, and an infant being medically not viable to survive

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Bendett and 6 co-sponsors

Bill A 2489 expands paid family leave to include bereavement for fetal death, stillbirth, and non-viable infants, supporting grieving parents during tough times.

REFERRED TO LABOR
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 2489

Summary of Bill A 2489

Bill Number: A 2489
Title: Relates to paid family leave and bereavement for fetal death, stillbirth, and an infant being medically not viable to survive
Status: Referred to Labor
Introduced: January 17, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 2489 aims to expand the scope of paid family leave provisions to include specific circumstances surrounding fetal death, stillbirth, and cases where an infant is determined to be medically non-viable. The intent of the bill is to provide support and recognition for families experiencing these tragic events, allowing them time to grieve and manage their affairs without the added stress of financial insecurity.

Key Provisions

  • Paid Family Leave Expansion: The bill proposes to amend existing paid family leave laws to explicitly include:

    • Bereavement leave for parents following a fetal death or stillbirth.
    • Leave for parents of infants who are diagnosed as medically non-viable.
  • Eligibility Criteria: The bill outlines eligibility requirements for parents seeking to utilize this leave, ensuring that those affected can access the benefits without undue barriers.

  • Duration of Leave: While specific durations are not detailed in the provided information, the bill is expected to align with existing family leave policies, which typically offer a set number of weeks for paid leave.

  • Job Protection: The bill would likely include provisions to protect the job status of individuals taking this leave, ensuring they can return to their positions after the leave period.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Parents: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be parents who experience fetal death, stillbirth, or have an infant deemed medically non-viable. This legislation seeks to provide them with necessary time off to cope with their loss.

  • Employers: Businesses and organizations would need to adapt their leave policies to comply with the new provisions, which may involve administrative adjustments to accommodate the expanded definitions of family leave.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Current Status: As of January 17, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Labor Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: The bill is related to prior-session bills A 4560 and A 3737, as well as companion bill S 1921, indicating ongoing legislative interest in this area of family leave policy.

Conclusion

Bill A 2489 represents a significant step towards recognizing and supporting families during some of the most challenging times in their lives. By expanding paid family leave to include bereavement for fetal death and stillbirth, the bill aims to provide essential support for grieving parents, ensuring they have the time and resources needed to navigate their loss. The bill is currently under consideration by the Labor Committee, and its progress will be closely monitored by advocates and stakeholders in the realm of family leave policies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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