This New Jersey bill prohibits the sale, manufacture, and distribution of apparel containing intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) starting two years after it takes effect. It defines "apparel" broadly to include most clothing for regular wear - such as athletic wear, swimwear, school uniforms, and work uniforms - but excludes personal protective equipment, military clothing, and motorcycle safety gear. Violations would be treated as consumer fraud under state law, resulting in fines up to $20,000 per offense and potential additional penalties like cease-and-desist orders. The law directly affects retailers, manufacturers, and distributors of apparel within New Jersey that use PFAS in their products.
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.
This bill requires all scrap metal businesses in New Jersey to implement specific safety measures. Businesses must conduct quarterly record audits to ensure prohibited items aren't present and take fire safety steps, including hiring trained fire suppression personnel and installing remotely operable fire suppression systems. The fire system requirement has a 5-year phase-in period, with full compliance due within 60 months of enactment. The law directly affects all scrap metal businesses operating in the state, focusing on preventing fires and ensuring proper recordkeeping.
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 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.
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.
This bill allows retired municipal code officials in New Jersey to return to part-time work without losing their retirement benefits or needing to rejoin the pension system. Specifically, it permits these officials to resume employment as long as they wait at least 90 days after retiring, have reached the required service retirement age, and work no more than 20 hours per week. The legislation creates an exception to the usual rules that would otherwise cancel retirement allowances and require pension re-enrollment upon returning to work. This change directly affects retired code officials who wish to take on limited part-time roles while maintaining their existing pension status.
This bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public projects or home improvements) to register with the Department of Labor. To register, contractors must submit business details, proof of required licenses, worker's compensation insurance, and disclose compliance with state and federal labor laws (like wage laws and safety regulations). Contractors must also disclose past labor law violations or criminal offenses related to their work. Exemptions apply to contractors already registered under New Jersey’s public works registration system.
This bill requires all New Jersey firefighters and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to complete specific training about the risks and safe management of electric vehicle (EV) fires. Firefighters must finish the training within 36 months of the law's effective date, while EMTs must complete it before initial certification or within 36 months if already certified. The training covers EV fire risks and safe response procedures, developed by the Division of Fire Safety (for firefighters) and the Commissioner of Health (for EMTs). It directly affects all current and future firefighters engaged in fire suppression/rescue and EMTs certified in basic life support. The law mandates implementation through new rules and regulations by the responsible agencies.
This bill waives initial application and issuance fees for professional and occupational licenses in New Jersey for veterans and their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners who already hold a current, equivalent license in another state. It applies when the applicant resides in New Jersey and the out-of-state license meets the board's equivalent or substantially equivalent requirements. The exemption covers all licenses issued by professional boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill does not affect renewal fees or licenses obtained through other pathways.
