ASSEMBLY PUBLIC SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 5076

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 27, 2025

      The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 5076.

      As reported by the committee, this bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to establish a maternity policy applicable to troopers who present proof of pregnancy. The bill requires the maternity leave policy, at a minimum, to:

     (1)   establish at least eight weeks of continuous recovery leave after giving birth, with full pay and benefits, without the recovery leave being considered sick leave or deducted from sick leave balances; and

     (2)   not subject a trooper to residency restrictions or integrity checks, which may be applicable to sick or other medical leave, during the period of maternity recovery leave.

      Under the bill, the superintendent is required to make available information concerning the maternity policy on the intranet maintained by the Division of State Police. The information is required to include, at a minimum, applicable policies and forms that are required to be completed before and after a period of maternity recovery leave is taken; frequently asked questions; and contact information that allows a trooper to inquire about the division’s maternity policy.