Labor & Employment

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 22, 2026

A 1516: Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.

This bill exempts wages earned by poll workers during election cycles from being counted when calculating an individual's unemployment benefits. It directly affects poll workers who may otherwise have their unemployment compensation reduced due to income earned from temporary election work. The key provision amends New Jersey's unemployment law to exclude poll workers' wages from the "annual payroll" calculation used to determine benefit eligibility. This change ensures poll workers can receive full unemployment benefits without their election-season earnings affecting their claim. The bill focuses solely on adjusting the calculation method for this specific group of workers.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExempts poll worker wages from unemployment calculation, protecting temporary workers' benefits without reducing compensation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5324: Establishes fee on certain employers that employ individuals who receive health benefits coverage through State Medicaid program.

This New Jersey bill introduces a new fee for employers who have at least 50 employees receiving Medicaid health coverage. The fee amount varies based on company size, charging $325, $525, or $725 per covered employee and their dependents depending on whether the employer has between 50-249, 250-499, or 500 or more Medicaid recipients. Employers with employees who have developmental, intellectual, or permanent physical disabilities are exempt from paying this charge. The revenue generated from these fees is intended to help cover the costs of the State Medicaid program.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill imposes new fees on employers, increasing the tax burden on businesses and potentially reducing funds available for other state services.95% confidence ✗ HealthcareOpposes HealthcareBill imposes a fee on employers for Medicaid recipients, effectively increasing costs for providing health coverage and potentially restricting access or funding.85% confidence ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill imposes a fee on employers with Medicaid-covered employees, increasing labor costs and potentially restricting hiring or benefits.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

passed both · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5016: Establishes program in EDA to encourage employee ownership awareness and provide funding and advisory support.

This bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to create a program that helps businesses understand and adopt employee ownership models, such as worker cooperatives or stock ownership plans. To support this goal, the program will offer funding for feasibility studies, provide expert consulting advice, and publish educational resources online for both employers and employees. Eligible businesses must be located in New Jersey, have at least 20 full-time employees, and maintain good standing with state agencies to receive these services. Additionally, the authority will partner with educational institutions to offer early-stage technical assistance to smaller companies that may not yet be ready for a transition.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds employee ownership programs and cooperatives, strengthening worker rights and economic participation.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed both · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 4072: Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract.

This bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires minimum qualifications for public works workers, strengthening employment standards through verified training/experience requirements.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed both · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 2962: Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service.

This New Jersey bill (S 2962) gives educational support professionals (like cafeteria workers, bus drivers, and administrative staff) who served in the U.S. military and qualify for VA benefits up to four years of seniority credit. The credit counts military service completed before or during their school district employment, treating it as equivalent to actual work time for seniority purposes. It expands an existing benefit currently only available to teaching staff. The policy takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands seniority benefits to educational support staff (e.g., cafeteria workers, bus drivers) for military service, strengthening school workforce retention and recognition within K-12 education.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands seniority benefits for educational support staff (e.g., cafeteria workers) by crediting military service, strengthening employment rights and benefits for non-teaching workers.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands seniority benefits for veterans in education roles, recognizing military service as equivalent to work time for career advancement.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 18, 2026

A 5288: Expands employer provided commuter transportation benefit to include micromobility-sharing arrangements and transportation network company services.

This bill expands New Jersey's existing commuter transportation benefit program to include micromobility-sharing services, such as bike and scooter rentals, and transportation network company rides like those from ride-hailing apps. By updating the legal definition of "alternative means of commuting," the legislation allows employers to offer these specific services as pre-tax benefits to their employees without increasing their taxable income. The law includes specific conditions for ride-hailing services, permitting them as benefits only during late-night hours, for individuals with disabilities, or when shared rides are unavailable. This change directly affects employers in the state who wish to provide modern transportation options and employees who may utilize these services for their daily commute.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands employer-provided commuter benefits to include micromobility and ride-hail services, increasing worker benefits and reducing taxable income.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill expands commuter benefits to include micromobility and ride-hailing, promoting sustainable transportation options.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 2205: Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO.

Bill A 2205 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Health (working with the Attorney General) to create clear, easily understandable signs for emergency rooms. These signs must display VCCO services/benefits, contact details, and how to file a compensation claim. The bill mandates posting these signs in all general hospital emergency departments and satellite emergency departments, with electronic displays permitted. It aims to make VCCO information more accessible to individuals who may qualify for victim compensation after crimes. The bill takes effect four months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates accessible victim compensation info in ERs, supporting victims' rights and services within criminal justice system, aligning with reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires ER signs for VCCO benefits access, improving patient awareness of healthcare-related compensation services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates clear signage for VCCO (workers' compensation) benefits access, ensuring workers can easily file claims - directly supporting workers' compensation rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 23, 2026

A 1514: Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.

This bill requires new flooring installations in schools, community centers, and licensed child care centers to be certified mercury-free by the manufacturer. It applies to all facilities using identified mercury-risk flooring materials, including existing buildings where such flooring was installed before current occupancy. Key provisions mandate certification for permits, require air quality testing if mercury is detected, and obligate owners to implement mitigation or remove unsafe flooring within six months if tests exceed safety thresholds. Violations by manufacturers issuing false certifications carry civil penalties of $10,000 for first offenses.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires mercury-free flooring in schools, improving safety and infrastructure - directly advancing school environmental health standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates mercury-free flooring certification to prevent toxic mercury pollution in public facilities, directly advancing environmental protection through pollution control.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill reduces mercury exposure in public facilities, preventing health risks like neurological damage - directly protecting public health through environmental safety measures.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires mercury-free flooring certification in facilities where workers are present, directly improving workplace safety standards by preventing hazardous exposure.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 2, 2026

A 2078: Establishes registry of out-of-state contractors who are awarded public works contracts in this State.

This bill requires New Jersey to create a public online registry listing out-of-state contractors awarded public construction contracts that require prevailing wages. It directly affects contractors whose main business is outside New Jersey, excluding satellite offices or temporary locations. The registry, maintained by the State Treasurer, will include project details, contractor trade names, and business addresses, and must be accessible on the Treasury Department’s website. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires prevailing wages for public construction contractors, directly protecting worker pay standards through mandatory registry enforcement.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 434: Prohibits SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications for chronic conditions for covered persons solely because of change in health benefits plan or pharmacy benefits manager.

This bill prevents New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications treating chronic conditions when a person's health plan or pharmacy provider changes. It requires coverage continuity if a patient was taking the medication before the plan change and the new plan covers that specific drug class. The law applies to state employees, school staff, and Medicaid recipients who rely on ongoing medication for conditions like diabetes or hypertension. It ensures these individuals won't lose access to essential medications due solely to administrative shifts in their health coverage plans.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill ensures health coverage continuity for school staff (including teachers) under SEHBP, supporting educator well-being and stability in education workforce.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents coverage denials for chronic maintenance meds during plan changes, ensuring continuity of care for SHBP/SEHBP/Medicaid beneficiaries. Protects patient access to essential medications.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentEnsures healthcare coverage continuity for state employees and school staff (covered under SHBP/SEHBP), protecting employment-related benefits and preventing disruptions in chronic medication access.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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