Labor & Employment (Workforce Development) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3480: Concerns outreach and training for minorities and women in the construction industry.

This bill requires public bodies in New Jersey to set aside 0.5% of state or public funds used for construction projects over $1 million (or any project funded by the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) to support outreach and training programs for minorities and women in the construction industry. The funds must be used to create apprenticeships, provide job training, and offer supportive services to help these groups enter and advance in construction trades, including engineering and management roles. Programs will be implemented through grants to community organizations, labor groups, educational institutions, and other local partners. Public bodies must annually report on fund usage and outcomes, such as employment rates, earnings, and retention for participants in these programs.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 3564: Establishes "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act."

This bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public work or home improvement projects) to register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before starting work. It mandates registration with specific details including business information, licenses, and disclosures about labor law violations. The registration process includes providing tax IDs, unemployment insurance numbers, and documentation showing compliance with state business requirements. Contractors already registered for public works projects are exempt from these new requirements. The bill directly affects businesses engaged in private construction work who must register to legally operate in the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2717: Encourages local unit sharing of services; makes appropriations.

This bill requires local governments in New Jersey to create employment plans when sharing services (like waste management or IT) to protect workers' rights. It mandates that any job transfers or terminations due to shared service agreements must follow civil service rules, including terminal leave payments for affected employees and placement on special reemployment lists. The Civil Service Commission reviews these plans to ensure compliance, directly impacting local government employees in civil service positions and the municipalities entering shared service agreements. The bill also includes funding for these operational changes.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees Workforce Development

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

A 1760: Directs DOLWD to identify, and post on website, employment opportunities with minimal barriers to entry for persons returning to workforce after imprisonment.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to identify and publicly post on its website employment opportunities with minimal entry barriers for people returning to work after incarceration. It directly affects formerly incarcerated individuals who face employment challenges like employer stigma and lack of educational opportunities. The key mechanism is DOLWD's ongoing duty to list jobs that have low barriers to entry and high demand. The bill aims to improve reintegration into the workforce by making accessible job listings available to this population, without specifying how employers will be engaged or how success will be measured.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3462: Establishes Office for Women's Advancement in DOLWD to facilitate full and equal participation of women in workplace; makes an appropriation.

This bill establishes the Office for Women’s Advancement within New Jersey’s Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will directly support women in New Jersey workplaces by collecting data on issues like the gender pay gap, hiring practices, and work-family balance; collaborating with state agencies and groups like the Advisory Commission on the Status of Women; reviewing legislation for gender equity; and publishing reports and hosting events. It creates a dedicated "Women's Advancement Fund" to receive annual state appropriations and eligible federal or private funding for the office’s operations. The policy change creates a permanent state office focused on advancing gender equity in employment, career development, and workplace culture across New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2466: Allocates $200 million to Department of Labor and Workforce Development to improve unemployment insurance infrastructure technology.

Bill A2466 allocates $200 million to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to upgrade technology for the unemployment insurance (UI) system. The funds will be used to modernize the Division of Unemployment Insurance's infrastructure, which faced significant strain during the pandemic-era surge in claims. If federal pandemic relief funds are unavailable, the state will use money from its "Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund" instead. The department must submit an implementation plan to the Legislature within 60 days detailing how the funds will improve UI service delivery for residents filing claims.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 2, 2026

S 3283: Requires DOLWD to make initial unemployment claim determination within two weeks of filing; establishes claimant hotline for pending unemployment claims.

This bill (S 3283) requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to make an initial determination on unemployment claims within two weeks of filing. It directly affects individuals filing for unemployment benefits by speeding up the decision process. The bill also establishes a dedicated claimant hotline to provide updates on pending claims. These changes aim to reduce delays for people waiting to receive unemployment benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1763: Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

This bill establishes New Jersey's Second Chance Program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program provides career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals by partnering with labor organizations to identify and create employment pathways in local trades. It directly affects people recently released from prison who face significant barriers to stable work. The key mechanism requires labor organizations - defined as per federal law - to collaborate with the state in developing job placement plans, aiming to reduce recidivism through meaningful employment. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3589: Revises registered apprenticeship requisites of public works contractors and creates opt-out from participation in registered apprenticeship program for public works projects.

This bill allows public works contractors in New Jersey to opt out of participating in registered apprenticeship programs by paying an annual $1,000 fee per craft classification. Contractors choosing this option must still pay all craftworkers at least the prevailing journeyman wage rate. The opt-out fees are split equally: 50% funds workforce development programs for underserved communities, and 50% provides micro-grants to female, minority, and veteran-owned construction firms. Contractors not opting out must register with the state, verify their apprenticeship program meets federal standards (29 C.F.R. sections), and provide documentation of compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3646: Establishes Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a 5-year Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, funded with $1 million. It provides grants to eligible entities like colleges, unions, and businesses that operate or plan nuclear energy apprenticeships approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, with a focus on underserved communities and nuclear waste workers. To receive funding, applicants must partner with industry, demonstrate financial commitment, and show how the program addresses workforce gaps. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department of Labor will evaluate the program's effectiveness yearly. The program aims to train workers for nuclear energy infrastructure, utilities, and related sectors through structured apprenticeships.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Apprenticeships Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills