Paid family leave expands to more workers under new law

The bill cuts the time someone has to work for a company to be eligible for family leave, from 1,000 hours in 12 months to 250 in three months.

By: New Jersey Monitor Staff

Outlets: New Jersey Monitor

Published: January 19, 2026

Words: 501

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill over the weekend that will expand family leave benefits to workers at smaller companies, just days before he leaves office after two terms.

Murphy, a Democrat, called the legislation “historic.” It allows workers at firms with as few as 15 employees to take job-protected paid family leave, down from 30 workers in the state’s prior family leave law.

“By amending the eligibility requirements for …

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