Panel advances bill offering employers tax credit for brief paid leave to attend school events

The Senate Labor Committee amended and released S-172, a bill that would create a permissive tax credit for employers that provide up to two full paid work days for employees to attend school‑related conferences, meetings or functions for their children.

Supporters included the New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA). Chris Schummeholtz, head of government affairs for NJBIA, said the association supports incentives rather than mandates and described the credit as a ‘‘win‑win’’ that encourages employers to offer parental engagement time. Several business groups and chambers filed slips in support and did not ask to testify.

New Jersey Citizen Action, represented by Yara Wilman Cole, opposed the bill. Cole said the tax credit could cost the state an estimated $10,000,000, risk undermining New Jersey’s earned sick leave law (which already covers time off to attend a child’s school event), and raise administrative and equity concerns, including the potential for larger employers to disproportionately benefit and for smaller or frontline workers to remain excluded.

Sponsor remarks acknowledged the need for further conversations with educational stakeholders and said the program is voluntary; the sponsor also said any needed clean‑up amendments—such as ensuring the benefit is offered broadly to all employees of an employer—would be considered.

On roll call, Senators Paulistina, Steinhardt, Moriarty, Vice Chair Zwicker and Chairman Johnson voted yes and the committee released the bill as amended.