Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4744: Permits payment of unused sick leave earned by certain local government officers and employees under certain circumstances.

This bill allows certain local government officers and employees in New Jersey to receive cash payments for unused sick leave under specific conditions. It applies to political subdivisions and agencies that have adopted Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes, but excludes local school boards. Key provisions limit payments to a maximum of three weeks of unused sick leave per year, ensure employees retain at least 100 working days of sick leave annually, and cap the payment rate at 60 percent of their daily pay. Local governments must decide whether to offer these payments at their discretion, without requiring collective bargaining agreement approval, and cannot use emergency funds to cover the costs.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4617: Concerns certain workers' compensation supplemental benefits and funding method.

This bill creates a new supplemental weekly benefit for New Jersey workers receiving disability or death compensation for injuries or deaths that occurred after December 31, 1979, starting July 1, 2026. The additional payments are funded by the state General Fund rather than employers and are calculated to maintain the same proportion of the maximum benefit rate as the worker's original award. Payments begin at 33.3% of the base amount in 2027, increase to 66.7% in 2028, and reach 100% in 2029, with adjustments to ensure total benefits do not exceed federal Social Security limits. Employers must notify the Division of Workers' Compensation within 60 days if supplemental benefits are needed, or they become responsible for paying those benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics State Budget Workers' Compensation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 5, 2026

S 3779: Prohibits workplace discrimination based on menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause.

This bill amends New Jersey's existing anti-discrimination laws to explicitly prohibit workplace discrimination based on menstruation, perimenopause, and menopause. It directly affects employers, employment agencies, and labor organizations by expanding the legal protections available to individuals who may face bias related to these biological conditions. The key mechanism involves updating the definitions within the state's civil rights statute to ensure these specific health-related factors are recognized as protected categories under current employment discrimination rules. The legislation applies to private and public employers, including state agencies and public schools, while maintaining existing exemptions for certain private religious institutions.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4735: Clarifies that amateur sports official is independent contractor for purposes of State employment laws.

This bill clarifies that amateur sports officials, such as referees and umpires, are classified as independent contractors rather than employees under New Jersey State employment laws. The legislation explicitly exempts these officials from various state protections and obligations, including unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, wage and hour laws, and income tax withholding requirements. By establishing this classification, the bill ensures that individuals who enforce rules, manage games, and ensure participant safety in amateur athletic events are not subject to standard employee status for any and all purposes covered by state statutes. The change applies immediately and retroactively to any pending audits or legal proceedings regarding the classification of amateur sports officials.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Unemployment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 8, 2026

S 4058: "Construction Containment and Pollution Prevention Act"; requires contractors to use containment devices to prevent release of certain pollutants outside of worksites.

This bill requires construction contractors in New Jersey to use containment devices like vacuums, tarps, and enclosures to prevent dust, debris, and microplastics from escaping worksites and entering the environment. It mandates daily cleanup, proper waste disposal, and the installation of stormwater filters, while also requiring contractors to educate their employees on these requirements. The Department of Community Affairs or local officials will inspect worksites for compliance, and violators face escalating fines starting with a warning for the first offense.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Waste Management Water Quality

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4567: Requires certain school districts to partner with union apprenticeship programs for development of career exploration program.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts with high schools to partner with local union apprenticeship programs to create career exploration programs for students in grades 11 and 12. The partnerships must develop informational materials about available career pathways and a structured program with at least 25 hours of instruction, including orientation sessions and hands-on trade skill training. School districts must ensure that at least two percent of their graduating 12th-grade class completes the program and submit annual compliance reports to the Commissioner of Education. Funding for implementation may come from state aid, grants, workforce development funds, or private sponsorships, with the Commissioner of Education requesting necessary budget allocations annually.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4704: Requires employer to provide certain accommodations to employee who is breast feeding.

This bill requires employers in New Jersey to provide accommodations to employees who are breastfeeding, adding breastfeeding to the list of protected characteristics under state employment discrimination laws. The legislation amends existing statutes to prohibit employers from discriminating against employees based on breastfeeding status, ensuring they receive the same protections against unfair treatment as those afforded to other protected groups. By updating the Law Against Discrimination, the bill aims to support working parents by legally mandating workplace accommodations for breastfeeding needs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

introduced · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

AJR 168: Designates April 10 of each year as "Dolores Huerta Day."

This bill designates April 10 of each year as "Dolores Huerta Day" in New Jersey to honor the legacy of Dolores Huerta, a prominent labor activist and civil rights leader. The resolution formally recognizes Huerta's contributions to organizing farm workers, advocating for social justice, and advancing equality for women and Latinos. It requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through appropriate activities and programs. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Immigration ✓ Labor & Employment

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

A 4804: Creates "New Jersey Workplace Skills Savings Program"; appropriates $25 million.

This bill establishes the New Jersey Workplace Skills Savings Program, a state-funded initiative designed to help employees save money for job training and skills development. The program creates individual accounts where eligible workers can contribute up to $1,000 annually, with the state providing a dollar-for-dollar match on those contributions. Administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the program allows funds to be used for apprenticeships, licensing exams, and certification fees, while protecting account balances from creditor claims. The legislation appropriates $25 million to fund the program and requires that any unused state matching funds be returned to the general fund if an individual withdraws from the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics State Budget Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

AJR 158: Designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day."

This bill designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day" in New Jersey to raise public awareness about workplace safety. It directly affects employers, workers, government agencies, and communities by encouraging them to collaborate on maintaining safe working environments. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling for appropriate activities and programs to observe the day. The bill does not create new regulations or funding but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of preventing occupational injuries and fatalities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

All labor & employment bills