Labor & Employment (Unemployment)

This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment insurance law (R.S.43:21-19) by revising definitions related to benefit calculations, not employment classification. It updates how "base years" are determined for unemployment claims, including rules for alternative base years when standard criteria aren't met (e.g., due to disability or military service), and clarifies payroll calculations for determining benefit eligibility. The changes directly affect individuals filing for unemployment benefits and the Division of Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance in processing claims. The bill focuses on procedural adjustments to benefit eligibility rules, not worker classification as suggested by its title.

This bill extends the time window from 7 to 10 days for workers who leave a job for a new one that later gets rescinded. It prevents disqualification from unemployment benefits if a worker accepts a new job offer starting within 10 days of leaving their current position, provided the new job’s pay and hours match or exceed their previous role, and the rescission wasn’t their fault. The change specifically applies when a worker gives notice to their first employer about a planned departure date, and the second job offer is withdrawn. This adjustment aims to protect workers who face unexpected loss of new employment opportunities after voluntarily leaving their prior job.

This bill exempts wages earned by poll workers during elections from being counted when calculating unemployment benefits in New Jersey. It amends the state's unemployment law (R.S.43:21-19) to exclude these wages from "annual payroll" calculations that determine benefit eligibility. This directly affects election workers who may later qualify for unemployment benefits, ensuring their temporary election work does not reduce their compensation. The policy change prevents poll workers' election wages from impacting their unemployment benefit amount under current law.

This bill (S 1160) requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to allow unemployment claimants to schedule appointments at One Stop Career Centers by phone or internet, not just online. It directly affects individuals applying for or receiving unemployment benefits who need to meet with career center staff. The key provision expands current scheduling options - currently only internet appointments are permitted - to include telephone scheduling, defined as meetings related to unemployment benefits. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and is procedural in nature, focusing on improving access to appointment systems.