Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4164: Establishes "Employment First Commission."

This bill creates the Employment First Commission within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to improve job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The commission will consist of 17 members, including state officials and representatives from disability advocacy groups, who will work to analyze data and provide input on employment policies. Its main duties include gathering information on service needs, coordinating efforts across different state agencies, and developing a dedicated webpage to share employment resources. The commission will meet regularly to ensure that competitive, integrated employment remains a priority in public services for people with disabilities.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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

A 4932: Establishes five-year Tri-Share Child Care Pilot Program; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey that helps working families pay for child care by splitting the cost three ways between the employer, the employee, and the state. Using $15 million in state funding, the program covers one-third of eligible child care expenses for approved participants who work for participating employers and do not already receive subsidized care. To manage the initiative, the state will select local partnerships in different regions to handle applications and distribute funds, with priority given to low- or moderate-income workers, essential employees, and public sector staff. The legislation also ensures that joining the program does not reduce any existing child care benefits an employer already provides.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 28, 2026

A 5127: Establishes child care stabilization and operation grant program in DHS.

This bill creates a new grant program within the Department of Human Services to provide financial support to licensed child care centers and family day care homes in New Jersey. The program aims to help providers cover operating expenses and workforce needs, particularly those facing challenges such as facility closures, high numbers of low-income families, or revenue losses from the state's preschool expansion. To receive funding, providers must apply and meet specific criteria, with priority given to facilities in child care deserts, areas with many low-income families, and those impacted by recent policy changes. The bill establishes a dedicated fund to hold the money appropriated for these grants, ensuring resources are available to stabilize the child care industry.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

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

A 4982: Extends membership in TPAF to 15 years after discontinuance of service.

This bill extends the period during which teachers can remain members of New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund to 15 years after leaving their job, increasing the previous limit of 10 years. Under the new rules, if a teacher stops working for more than 15 consecutive years, their membership in the pension system will end, and they will lose the ability to return to service or claim certain retirement benefits. The legislation also updates how service time is calculated for retirement purposes, ensuring that credits are finalized unless the member leaves the workforce for over 15 years without returning. These changes directly affect educators who take extended breaks from teaching and wish to maintain their eligibility for future pension benefits.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Teachers

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

A 5031: Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes.

This New Jersey bill requires that pay for extracurricular activities be counted as compensation when calculating contributions to the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund. It directly affects teachers who earn additional money for duties outside the regular school day or year, such as coaching sports, leading clubs, or participating in performances. By including this extra pay in the definition of compensation, the bill ensures these earnings are used to determine pension benefits and retirement contributions. The change applies to teachers joining the retirement system on or after July 1, 2007, and does not include salary adjustments made primarily in anticipation of retirement.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4141: Allows certain third parties to bring suit against public works project bidders that violate certain laws.

This New Jersey bill allows unsuccessful bidders on public works projects to sue contractors who win contracts while breaking prevailing wage laws or failing to pay required taxes and benefits. The law specifically targets losing bidders whose offers were close to the winning bid, giving them the right to seek financial damages and attorney fees in court. To prevent multiple lawsuits over the same contract, the bill requires losing bidders to notify each other of their intent to sue, ensuring only one case proceeds per project. If a court finds the winning contractor violated the rules, it must pay the losing bidder for their lost costs and potential profits, with higher penalties for intentional violations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5083: Concerns skilled and trained workforce requirements at certain high-hazard industrial facilities.

This New Jersey bill mandates that contractors working at high-hazard industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and refineries, must employ a skilled workforce to improve public safety. The law requires outside workers to either be paid at least the prevailing journeyperson wage or be enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs to ensure they have the necessary training and experience. Additionally, the bill stipulates that at least 60 percent of journeypersons working for a contractor must be graduates of an approved apprenticeship program, with a phase-in period included to avoid industry disruption. By enforcing these standards, the legislation aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by untrained personnel while promoting workforce development through formal training pathways.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4215: Limits resale of certain real property formerly owned by public body in certain circumstances; bans deed restrictions limiting use of commercial real property in certain circumstances.

This bill requires that private buyers of real property formerly owned by a public body in New Jersey agree to pay prevailing wages for construction and maintenance work for a period of 10 years after purchase. If a buyer fails to include this wage agreement in a formal contract, the property cannot be resold during that decade. Additionally, the legislation declares void any deed restrictions that prevent commercial real estate from being used for the same business purpose as the original owner utilized it. These changes aim to ensure fair labor compensation on public assets and remove barriers to the commercial use of such properties.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4381: Exempts election worker compensation from taxation.

This bill proposes to exempt compensation paid to election workers from state taxation in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who work during elections and the employers who pay their wages. The key provision amends existing unemployment compensation laws to remove tax liability for these specific workers. This change aims to provide financial relief to those involved in election duties without altering other parts of the state's tax code.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4316: Requires businesses receiving financial assistance from EDA be prohibited from any gender gap payment practice to their employees.

This bill requires businesses in New Jersey that receive financial aid from the Economic Development Authority to stop paying employees of different genders different rates for similar work. To comply, these companies must follow new rules and submit written proof to the Authority verifying they do not discriminate based on sex in their pay or benefits. The law specifically defines gender discrimination as paying one gender less than the other for jobs requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility. It applies to various business types, including corporations, partnerships, and non-profits, that accept loans, grants, or tax incentives from the state agency.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

All labor & employment bills