Senate Majority Leader Stephen Sweeney recalled how his daughter required 75 days in neonatal intensive care after being born at 2 pounds. The Democrat said his employer was understanding, but others aren't so fortunate.
But Republican Anthony Bucco said the law would hit small businesses hard amid a sagging economy and force them to go without key workers for more than a month.
The bill is expected to be considered by the Assembly in the coming weeks.
And if both houses pass it, Governor Corzine has said he would sign it.
