This non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 54) urges Congress to require air-conditioning in box-style delivery vans and trucks under 18 feet used for commercial deliveries. It specifies that existing vehicles must be retrofitted with AC within three years of enactment, and all new vehicles must include AC from the date of law. The resolution cites the 2018 heat-related death of USPS worker Peggy Frank as motivation, though it applies broadly to all commercial delivery drivers in affected vehicles. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action.
This bill creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and required course materials for New Jersey residents enrolled in career-focused programs at county colleges or vocational schools. It directly affects students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, as identified by the state's Labor Demand Occupation List. The scholarship covers costs after other aid is applied, up to $5,000 annually, with eligibility requiring residency, enrollment in an approved program, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Students in associate degree programs may receive support for up to three years, while others get up to two years, all subject to maintaining a 2.0 GPA.
This bill provides New Jersey employers with tax credits of up to $3,000 per qualified employee hired through One-Stop Career Centers. To qualify, employees must have been unemployed for at least 60 days, completed required training at a career center, and earned an industry-recognized credential during that unemployment period. Employers must retain employees for a minimum of 90 days to claim the credit, which applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax liabilities. The credits cannot exceed 50% of a taxpayer’s liability and may be carried forward for up to seven years if unused. This directly affects New Jersey employers hiring eligible job seekers who completed workforce training programs.
This bill requires all State employees with "director" status - defined as those with authority to direct other employees or take corrective action - to complete mental health first aid training. The training must cover recognizing early signs of mental health issues, common disorders, and proper intervention and referral strategies. The Civil Service Commission will oversee implementation, working with State employers to identify eligible directors and establish training requirements. It directly affects State directors across all government branches, aiming to improve workplace support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill, S 3452, protects New Jersey employees who are registered medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination. It prohibits employers from taking adverse actions like firing, refusing to hire, or denying promotions based solely on medical cannabis use or a positive drug test, unless the employer proves the use impaired job performance. Employers must allow employees to explain a positive test with medical documentation (such as a healthcare recommendation or registry card) and offer a retest at the employee’s expense within three business days. The law does not override employer policies against intoxicating substances during work hours or federal law requirements.
This bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their state gross income tax. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (defined as groups addressing workplace issues like wages or conditions). To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide verification of dues paid to the state tax division. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee and would apply to tax years starting after its enactment.
This bill establishes a state standard to protect New Jersey workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries by requiring employers to implement specific safety measures. It directly affects all employers and employees in New Jersey, including those in high-risk outdoor jobs (like construction and agriculture) and indoor settings without climate control. Key provisions mandate written prevention plans that include providing cool water (under 59°F), paid rest breaks in shaded or cooled areas, monitoring heat exposure, and activating a heat alert system during forecasted heat waves - requiring adjustments like shifting work schedules or increasing rest breaks. Employers must develop these plans within 30 days of the law's effective date, with the Department of Labor setting the heat stress standard by June 1, 2025.
AR 62 is a New Jersey Assembly Resolution (not a bill) urging the U.S. President and Congress to enact legislation granting amnesty and creating a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. It specifically references the need for 11 million undocumented immigrants to gain legal status, citing economic benefits and historical precedent from the 1986 Immigration Reform Act. The resolution does not create new law but formally requests federal action, emphasizing that current policies prevent immigrants from fully participating economically and socially. It was introduced in the Assembly on January 13, 2026, and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.
This bill allocates $1.5 million annually from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. (NJMEP) or its successor. NJMEP is a nonprofit organization that helps New Jersey manufacturers improve competitiveness, productivity, and efficiency through customized training and technical assistance. The funding is designated as a permanent, dedicated source within the broader workforce development fund, separate from other allocations for worker training programs. This provision ensures consistent financial backing for NJMEP's services to manufacturers across the state.
This bill requires employers with at least 25 employees to provide one additional paid sick day per benefit year to employees who serve as volunteer first responders (such as firefighters, EMTs, or emergency squad members). The extra day must be used specifically for healthcare diagnostic testing recommended by a provider to prevent or diagnose conditions related to the volunteer’s duties. Employers must provide this benefit after the employee completes their first calendar year of service. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development will establish rules to implement the policy, aiming to support volunteer recruitment and retention by reducing conflicts between paid work and emergency service responsibilities.
