Bill > S01921

This bill amends the New York Workers' Compensation Law to expand the definition of "family leave" to include bereavement leave for specific pregnancy-related losses. The bill adds a new provision allowing employees to take leave due to fetal death, stillbirth, or when a physician declares an infant medically not viable to survive. The legislation modifies existing requirements for notice and documentation, allowing fetal death certificates, stillbirth certificates, or death certificates as acceptable proof for such leave. The bill also adjusts administrative provisions related to medical examinations and notice requirements, specifically noting that in cases of fetal death or stillbirth, certain examination requirements may be waived. Importantly, the changes will apply to all insurance policies or contracts issued, renewed, modified, altered, or amended on or after January 1, 2025, providing employees with additional supportive leave options during difficult and emotionally challenging times of pregnancy loss.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S1921