"New Jersey Jobs Protection Act"; requires verification of employment.

S 1689, the "New Jersey Jobs Protection Act," requires all New Jersey employers to verify the work authorization of employees using the federal E-Verify system. It prohibits employers from intentionally or knowingly hiring individuals without legal work authorization in the U.S., directly affecting businesses across the state. Key provisions include imposing a $10,000 penalty per unauthorized worker for first violations, mandating quarterly E-Verify reports during a three-year probation period, and requiring investigations by the Attorney General or county prosecutors for complaints. The bill aims to prevent job competition with unauthorized workers and protect state unemployment funds, though it explicitly relies on federal verification systems rather than state enforcement. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Labor Committee.