Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5029: Prohibits for 10 years applicability of new State and local rules and regulations to certain manufacturing facilities.

This bill creates a ten-year exemption from new state and local rules and regulations for specific manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. Under the law, agencies cannot apply new or amended regulations to these facilities unless federal law requires it, though facilities can choose to waive this protection on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development is tasked with establishing the criteria for eligibility and the process for applying for this exemption. The measure directly affects existing and future manufacturing operations by shielding them from regulatory changes for a decade.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4295: Allows certain parties to sue construction company for commission of or alleged commission of various actions.

This bill allows construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors in New Jersey to sue other firms in the industry for specific wrongful acts such as wage theft, employee misclassification, tax or insurance fraud, and bid manipulation. The law requires the company filing the lawsuit to provide at least 30 days' notice to the accused party and to notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before initiating legal action. If a company wins the lawsuit, the court must award them reasonable attorney fees and costs, including expenses for expert witnesses. These provisions aim to create a legal mechanism for private enforcement of construction industry standards while ensuring transparency through mandatory notifications.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4891: Increases benefit amounts and expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program.

This bill increases the percentage of the federal earned income tax credit that New Jersey residents receive, raising the state match to 45% for tax years starting in 2026. It also expands eligibility by allowing adults aged 18 and older who are ineligible for the federal credit due to age requirements to still qualify for the state program. Additionally, the legislation permits married individuals who are victims of domestic abuse to file separately while still receiving the credit, removing the usual requirement to file jointly.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 28, 2026

S 4346: Increases daily compensation for election workers and increases additional compensation rate for election workers managing signature copy registers.

This bill increases the daily pay for election workers in New Jersey from $300 to $400 for each primary, general, or special election they serve on. It also raises the extra compensation for workers who manage signature copy registers from $12.50 to $20 if one person handles the task, or from $6.25 to $10 if two people share the duty. The state will cover the additional $100 daily cost and $100 extra fee through increased reimbursements to counties, while counties retain the responsibility for paying the remaining portion of the higher wages.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5022: "New Jersey Human Rights Accountability Act;" establishes Human Rights Commission to review State human rights situation; authorizes State participation in interstate compact in furtherance of participation in U.N. Universal Periodic Review process.

This bill creates a new, independent New Jersey Human Rights Commission to periodically review the state's human rights situation and address issues like bias and discrimination. The commission would be made up of ten public members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker, along with legislative members, ensuring diverse representation from various community organizations. It authorizes the state to join an interstate compact that allows New Jersey to participate in a U.N.-style review process, even after the federal government stopped participating, and enables the commission to develop human rights standards for state contracts.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4976: Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters.

This bill requires New Jersey to reimburse volunteer firefighters for periodic cancer screenings that are not covered by their personal health insurance. Starting five years after beginning service, eligible firefighters can receive up to $1,250 every three years for exams covering various cancers, with the amount adjusted annually for inflation. The law ensures there are no out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles or copayments, and treats volunteer firefighting as an occupational condition for reimbursement purposes. Funding for these payments will come from the state's general fund, and firefighters must provide appropriate records to claim the benefits.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Insurance

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SJR 138: Designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day."

This bill designates April 18 of each year as "Worker Safety Day" throughout New Jersey to raise public awareness about workplace safety. It directly affects employers, employees, government agencies, and community members by encouraging them to collaborate on maintaining safe working environments. The key mechanism involves the Governor issuing an annual proclamation to call for appropriate activities and programs on this day. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws or regulations but serves to highlight the importance of preventing work-related injuries and fatalities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4137: Establishes "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" and occupational heat stress standard in DOLWD.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create a new program and standard aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries in the workplace. It requires employers to develop and maintain a prevention plan and mandates specific actions when environmental heat levels exceed safe limits for workers. The regulations will apply to all employees, including those in agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control, with rules to be finalized by June 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workforce Development Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4269: Concerns skilled and trained workforce requirements at certain high-hazard industrial facilities.

This New Jersey bill mandates that outside contractors working at high-hazard industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and refineries, must employ a skilled and trained workforce to improve public safety. To achieve this, the legislation requires contractors to pay workers at least the prevailing journeyperson wage or ensure they are enrolled in approved apprenticeship programs that include advanced safety training. Additionally, the bill specifies that a significant portion of journeyperson workers must be graduates of these registered apprenticeship programs to guarantee they have received proper classroom instruction and on-the-job supervision. These measures aim to reduce risks associated with accidents by ensuring that personnel handling hazardous materials possess the necessary expertise and experience.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4185: Provides certain employment protections for certified doulas.

This bill establishes employment protections in New Jersey for certified doulas who must leave work to attend births. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against doulas who miss shifts due to active labor clients, provided the doula gives at least one hour's notice. While employers are not required to pay for this unpaid time off, doulas may use vacation or sick days to be compensated for their absence. If an employer violates these rules, the doula can sue for reinstatement, lost wages, and civil fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 per violation.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

All labor & employment bills