Labor & Employment

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.

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.