S4468A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would extend family leave protections to parents who experience stillbirth, addressing a gap in current law that leaves thousands of grieving families without support. Senate Print 4468A, sponsored by Sen. Mayer, amends the Workers' Compensation Law to make parents who have paid into the Family Leave Program eligible for benefits following a stillbirth. Mayer noted that approximately 3,000 families experience stillbirth annually in New York State, yet these parents are currently ineligible for leave protections and often must return to work within days of their loss. "Parents who have paid into the system for family leave should be entitled upon a stillbirth," Mayer said during floor debate. The bill passed on a 59-0 vote and takes effect 90 days after becoming law.