ASSEMBLY HOMELAND SECURITY AND STATE PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3847

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2020

      The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3847.

      As reported by the committee, this bill provides that an employee of a political subdivision of the State would receive fully paid leave, without having to utilize any accumulated leave time, if the absence is related to COVID-19.

      An employee subject to the provisions of the bill would have to provide documentation to that verifies the employee is, or is caring for an immediate family member who is:

      (1)  diagnosed with COVID-19;

      (2)  directed by a medical professional or government agency to self-isolate or quarantine due to a suspicion of exposure to or diagnosis with COVID-19; or

      (3)  undergoing a period of self-quarantine or isolation pursuant to public health assessment recommendations.

      An employee subject to the provisions of the bill also would receive fully paid leave, without having to utilize any accumulated leave time, if the employee is absent in order to stay home with a child due to the closure of a preschool program, elementary or secondary school, or child care center that is related to COVID-19. 

      If the employee does not provide documentation, as required under the bill, then the employee would have to utilize accumulated leave time.