New Jersey's S 1204 creates tax credits for businesses hiring veterans. Companies can claim up to $1,200 per qualified veteran annually (10% of their wages) if they hire at least 25% veterans among new employees, maintain 50% retention of previously hired veterans, and provide workplace veteran support services. The credit applies to wages paid between 2020-2024 for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. It directly affects New Jersey businesses and veterans who are honorably discharged post-1965 with proof of service (e.g., DD-214 form). The bill does not cover wages already used for other state tax credits or grants.
This bill (S 2506) proposes limits on retirement payments for unused sick leave for New Jersey public employees. It caps payments at $15,000 for unused sick leave accrued before specific dates, prohibits payments for leave earned after those dates, and requires documentation for sick leave use. Additionally, it would suspend payments if an employee is indicted for certain serious crimes (like those listed in P.L.2007, c.49) and forfeit payments if convicted of such crimes. The bill applies to public employees covered by state or local retirement systems and would amend existing sick leave payment rules. It is currently pending in the New Jersey Senate.
S 2731 grants civil service status to police officers employed in Rutgers University's Division of Administration and Public Safety, placing them under New Jersey's civil service system (Title 11A of the statutes). Officers with at least one year of service before the bill's effective date will receive permanent career status and retroactive seniority from their original hire date. The bill takes effect three months after enactment, applying to all current and future officers in this division.
S 1055 requires government agencies awarding public construction contracts over $1 million to set aside 0.5% of the contract funds for outreach and training programs. The funds support minority group members and women in construction trades, including apprenticeships, supportive services, and training for management roles. Programs must partner with community groups, labor organizations, and educational institutions to facilitate entry and long-term employment. Annual reports will track program outcomes, including workforce participation and employment results, for public transparency. (Introduced in 2026; focuses on concrete policy changes, not outcomes.)
S 2058 would amend New Jersey's tax code to exclude tips from gross income tax calculations. The bill removes tips from the list of taxable income categories in the state's definition of gross income, meaning tips earned by workers would no longer be subject to state income tax. This change would directly affect individuals who rely on tips for income, such as restaurant servers, bartenders, and hospitality workers. As a result, these workers would have a lower taxable income and potentially pay less in state income tax.
This bill (S 2593) prevents New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) from denying child care subsidies to teachers and school employees based on their work hours during periods when schools are not in session for students (e.g., summer break or holidays). It directly affects eligible teachers and school staff who might otherwise lose subsidies due to reduced hours during non-school weeks. The key provision requires DHS to disregard non-school-week work hours when determining eligibility, while still requiring participants to undergo standard redetermination processes. The bill defines "school year" as the period when schools are actively in session for students.
S 110 creates legal immunity for New Jersey businesses against lawsuits claiming injury from COVID-19 exposure on their premises or during their operations. This protection applies to all businesses covered under the bill’s definition of "employer" (including corporations, partnerships, and groups managing activities), but excludes cases involving reckless or intentional harm. The law adds this immunity to existing state and federal protections, meaning businesses cannot be sued for accidental exposure-related claims unless they acted recklessly or intentionally.
This bill establishes a three-year, $1 million-per-district grant program through New Jersey's Department of Education to help school districts extend the school day or year. It prioritizes districts with high academic need (based on test scores, graduation rates, and dropout data), selecting up to 20 districts across regional groups. Funds cover costs like staff pay increases (with union agreement), transportation, and support services for extended learning time, requiring detailed applications and annual reports on participation and attendance. The program aims to support learning recovery and academic achievement, with a final evaluation report due after the pilot ends.
This bill requires New Jersey's State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee to include specific first responder job titles in its primary care medical home program. It expands coverage to police, firefighters, emergency medical staff, dispatchers, correctional officers, investigators, and similar personnel (and their dependents) already enrolled in the state health benefits program. The program must provide comprehensive care, including routine check-ups, medications, mental health services, urgent care, and coordination with specialists. This mandate applies whenever the committee creates or modifies such a program for first responders.
This bill prohibits New Jersey employers from paying subminimum wages to workers based on age, disability, injury, or status as an apprentice, learner, or student. It eliminates the special permit system previously allowing employers to pay below the state minimum wage through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). The law directly affects workers with disabilities, students, apprentices, and others who were previously eligible for subminimum wages under these special permits. Employers must now pay all covered workers the full state minimum wage, ending the practice of authorizing lower pay through DOLWD licenses. The bill revises existing statutes to remove provisions that permitted this exception.
