Labor & Employment (Workforce Development)

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 3700: Requires employer of volunteer first responder to provide employee with one additional paid sick day per benefit year for healthcare diagnostic testing.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAdds paid sick day benefit for volunteer first responders, expanding worker benefits under Labor & Employment protections95% confidence

Sub-Topics Paid Leave Workforce Development Tags Public Safety

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 3593: "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.

S 3593, the "New Jersey Works Act," allows businesses to earn tax credits for creating paid pre-employment training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of training covering skills like math, communication, resume writing, and job readiness, targeting individuals from low- and moderate-income households. Businesses in non-construction industries can apply for tax credits after their programs are approved by the Department of Labor. The bill specifically excludes construction trade businesses from eligibility for these credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credits to businesses for job training programs targeting low-income individuals, using fiscal incentives to fund workforce development.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides tax credits for employer-funded job training targeting low-income workers, enhancing workforce readiness and employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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

A 1564: Concerns eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits for certain seasonal employees.

This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to clarify eligibility for seasonal workers who are on unpaid vacation (not due to their own action) or attending state-approved job training programs. It ensures these workers remain eligible for benefits without being deemed "unavailable for work." Key provisions require training programs to be full-time, for high-demand occupations, and approved by the state, while also adding clarifications for jury duty and funerals. The changes directly affect seasonal employees and others in similar situations, focusing on concrete policy adjustments to maintain benefit access during specific life or work circumstances.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentClarifies unemployment eligibility for seasonal workers on unpaid leave/approved training, preventing denial of benefits. Protects access to worker benefits under employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workers' Compensation Workforce Development

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

A 2464: Requires DOLWD and DHS to conduct assessment of community rehabilitation programs and community businesses.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) and Department of Human Services (DHS) to assess whether employment opportunities through community rehabilitation programs and businesses - such as call centers, work crews, AbilityOne contracts, and rehabilitation facility programs - meet federal "competitive integrated employment" standards under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). It directly affects people with disabilities seeking jobs in these settings by ensuring their employment options are evaluated for compliance with WIOA's criteria, including interaction with non-disabled coworkers in typical work environments. The law mandates case-by-case assessments to determine if programs qualify as "competitive integrated employment," while prohibiting disqualification solely based on program type (e.g., AbilityOne or rehabilitation facility contracts). This creates a formal process for agencies to verify that employment options provide equitable opportunities aligned with federal guidelines.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires assessment of rehabilitation programs meeting federal employment standards, promoting reentry opportunities for people with disabilities - a key component of criminal justice reform to reduce recidivism.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires assessment to ensure disability employment programs meet federal WIOA standards, advancing workers' rights for people with disabilities in competitive integrated employment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Tags People with Disabilities

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

A 1467: Establishes "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" for students enrolled at county colleges.

This bill creates a grant program to connect New Jersey county college students with paid manufacturing internships through partnerships with local manufacturers. County colleges applying for grants must partner with approved manufacturers, prioritize internships in high-demand occupations, and use 85% of grant funds for student stipends while reserving 15% for program administration and career counseling. Students who complete these internships earn academic credit toward their associate's degree and may receive job offers from participating manufacturers. The program requires annual reporting on participation numbers, skills gained, job placements, and fund usage to track outcomes.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants with 85% for student stipends and academic credit for manufacturing internships at county colleges, directly funding higher education access and workforce development programs.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds paid manufacturing internships with 85% stipends for students, prioritizing high-demand occupations and connecting workers to employment opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Workforce Development

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

A 1434: Requires DOLWD to take measures to ensure State unemployment offices reopen immediately and remain open during and after public health emergency.

This bill (A-1434) mandates that New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) reopen all state unemployment offices by March 1, 2022, and keep them open during the public health emergency. It directly affects the DOLWD commissioner and senior leadership, who face salary cuts (5% every two weeks for the first month, then 10% monthly) if offices remain closed past the deadline. Funds from these salary reductions will go into a new "Unemployed Workers Compensation Fund." The bill requires a report on compliance within 90 days and expires once all offices reopen.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates reopening unemployment offices and creates Unemployed Workers Compensation Fund, directly expanding access to benefits during public health emergency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workers' Compensation Workforce Development

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

A 1769: Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water-sector apprenticeships (e.g., wastewater workers), supporting environmental protection through workforce training for pollution control and infrastructure maintenance.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds water-sector apprenticeships via DOLWD, advancing workforce training and employment opportunities for workers in accredited programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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

A 3116: Establishes nurse aide workforce development program.

This bill establishes a New Jersey nurse aide workforce development program to support individuals seeking certification. It requires the Department of Health to provide clear information on certification benefits, requirements, and cost-free competency evaluations for nurse aides employed by or offered jobs at long-term care facilities. The program also details employer reimbursement rules: facilities must cover training costs for new hires within 12 months, and employers cannot charge for training if an aide leaves voluntarily or involuntarily. A separate one-year pilot reimburses up to 25% of training costs for completed courses. All resources will be posted on a dedicated Department of Health website.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates employer reimbursement for nurse aide training, provides cost-free competency evaluations, and supports certification - directly strengthening healthcare workforce development in long-term care facilities.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires employers to cover training costs and provides cost-free evaluations, reducing financial barriers for nurse aides seeking certification and supporting workforce development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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

ACR 73: Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

ACR 73 is a New Jersey legislative resolution declaring that proposed Department of Labor rules modifying the ABC test for independent contractor classification are inconsistent with the Legislature's intent. The resolution states the Department's proposed rules - such as redefining digital app usage as control evidence or devaluing standard business practices like liability insurance - undermine the original ABC test's purpose. This procedural resolution, filed under constitutional review authority, gives the Department 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules before the Legislature could seek to invalidate them. It directly affects the Department of Labor's rulemaking process and the classification of workers under New Jersey's unemployment compensation law.

Topics ✗ Labor & EmploymentOpposes Labor & EmploymentBill opposes proposed rules that would weaken ABC test for independent contractor classification, undermining existing worker protections under legislative intent.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Unemployment Workforce Development

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

A 812: Establishes construction workforce recruitment and training program in DOLWD.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Go Build" program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect residents with construction careers. It requires the program to provide training for construction trades, recruit workers for jobs and training, and promote opportunities through public education, marketing, and partnerships with construction companies and schools. The program must also consult with similar initiatives in Alabama and Georgia, and the department must submit a five-year evaluation report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents seeking construction jobs, training providers, and the state's construction industry. It is a proposed program (not yet enacted) focused on expanding access to construction careers through structured recruitment and training.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates workforce training program to connect residents with construction careers, promoting job opportunities and skills development in the sector.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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