Bill > A02489

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. Specifically, the bill adds a new category of family leave for employees who experience fetal death, stillbirth, or have an infant declared medically not viable by a licensed physician. The bill modifies several existing provisions of the law to accommodate this new type of leave, including requirements for notice, documentation, and medical examinations. Under the new provisions, employees would need to provide notice "as soon as practicable" for bereavement leave, and can use a fetal death certificate, stillbirth certificate, or death certificate as proof of need for leave. The bill also includes provisions that modify medical examination requirements when the family member is unable to be examined due to death or pregnancy loss. These changes aim to provide additional support and legal protection for employees experiencing traumatic pregnancy-related losses, recognizing the emotional and psychological impact of such events. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2025, and will apply to all insurance policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

Labor and Employment

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2489