Work-life balance is challenging for parents, but if a new bill passes through the state government, you will be able to use paid time off to attend your kid’s school events.
Senate Bill 172, with its Assembly counterpart A126, would provide family leave for an employee to attend certain events for their child, and also establish tax credits for the employer that’s paying those family leave benefits.
Though a program from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, parents could get up to two full working days paid back to them, in addition to earned sick leave. This would apply if mom or dad wanted to go to a school-related conference, meeting, function or other event.
Right now, the general rule in New Jersey is that employers of all sizes must provide full-time, part-time, and temporary employees with up to 40 hours of earned sick leave per year so they can care for themselves or a loved one. This new bill would let parents play hooky from work without dipping into their sick pay accrual.
The idea was proposed by Senator Vince Polistina, Atlantic County, and is co-sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Essex County. The bill has been discussed as recently as a few weeks ago, but the committee hearing hasn’t been set yet. To become a law, the bills must be approved by both the state Senate and Assembly, and then be signed by Gov. Phil Murphy.
Read More:
New Jersey Has the Best Education in the U.S., Says U.S. News & World Report
The Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey, According to a 2025 Ranking
Popular Now:
The Best Free Beaches in New Jersey
The Best Cities to Live in New Jersey (2025-26), According to U.S. News & World Report
This is New Jersey’s Most Underrated Town, Travel Site Says
These 30 Towns Are the Top Places to Live in New Jersey, According to Niche
The Best High Schools for Athletes in New Jersey, According to a 2025 Ranking
These NJ High Schools Send the Most Grads to Harvard, Princeton & MIT
This NJ Gem Was Just Named One of the Best New Hotels on the Planet
The Country’s Best Boardwalk is in New Jersey, According to USA Today Readers
