TRENTON, N.J. — Imagine getting two additional days off from your job each year to attend your child’s student-teacher conferences, meetings, and other school programs.
In New Jersey, that could soon be a reality.
A bill advancing through the New Jersey Legislature would create a voluntary program allowing businesses to offer paid leave to employees for school-related activities, with employers receiving a tax credit in return.
The Senate Labor Committee approved Senate Bill No. 172, which would grant companies a tax credit if they provide up to two full days of paid leave for employees to attend school functions related to their children. Eligible events include conferences, meetings, or school programs.
The program is optional and does not mandate employers to provide the benefit. However, those that participate and pay employees for time off used under the program would qualify for a tax incentive equal to the wages paid during that leave.
The bill was introduced for the current 2024-2025 legislative session and includes changes following a technical review. The amendments clarify that the proposed leave is separate from family leave and would be a fully paid benefit.
Bill clarifies employee rights and employer benefits
Key committee amendments specify that employees are not required to use other forms of leave before accessing the school event leave and remove earlier references to family leave provisions to avoid confusion. Technical language in the bill was also revised for consistency and clarity.
The legislation, if passed, would give employers a new option to support workers with school-aged children while receiving a tax benefit for doing so.
