New Jersey's S 1841 creates the "Workplace Skills Savings Program," allowing eligible workers to save for job training. Employees earning wages subject to New Jersey income tax can contribute up to $1,000 annually to a personal account, with the state matching each dollar contributed. Funds can be used for apprenticeships, licensing exams, retraining, or approved job-related education at schools or unions. The program is funded by a $25 million state appropriation from the General Fund, administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with the Department of the Treasury managing the trust. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Jersey's S 2195 provides tax credits to businesses that hire apprentices in U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered programs. Businesses can claim a $1,000 base credit per apprentice per tax period, with an additional $2,000 for veterans, displaced workers, those from underrepresented groups, or individuals previously incarcerated. To qualify, apprentices must be employed for at least seven months during the tax period, and credits cannot exceed four tax periods per apprentice. The bill prohibits using these credits to displace existing workers or undermine collective bargaining agreements.
This bill establishes minimum wage standards and regulates working conditions for warehouse employees in New Jersey. It directly affects large warehouse employers (those with 100+ employees at a single facility or 1,000+ across multiple facilities) by defining "fair wage" as one sufficient for basic needs and prohibiting "oppressive wages" tied to unrealistic productivity quotas. Key provisions include requiring employers to pay fair wages, restricting the use of quotas that violate wage standards, and defining "employee work speed data" to prevent misuse of productivity tracking. The law aims to ensure wages reflect the value of work and meet basic living costs, targeting large distribution centers where such practices are common.
S 3184 removes a requirement from New Jersey's Fiscal Year 2026 state budget that the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) achieve $100 million in cost savings within the first six months of 2026. This eliminates a complex process involving the State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee (SHBPDC), actuarial reviews, and multiple deadlines for negotiating cost-saving proposals. The bill directly affects the SHBP funding structure by removing mandatory savings targets and associated timelines. It was introduced but withdrawn after the requirement was already addressed through another approved law (P.L.2025, c.395).
This bill (S 1402) provides disability insurance coverage instead of disability retirement benefits for new members of New Jersey's Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) who become disabled. It creates a special fund to pay for group disability insurance premiums, replacing the previous system. Covered members receive 60% of their base salary (minimum $50/month) if totally disabled for six+ months, with benefits ending at age 70 or when returning to work. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.370, meaning the policy changes are now law.
This bill (S 2767) modifies New Jersey's earned sick leave law to create a new compliance option for employers in the ready-mix concrete industry covered by collective bargaining agreements. It allows these employers to satisfy the sick leave requirement by providing existing fully paid time off (including personal/vacation/sick days) totaling at least 40 hours per benefit year, instead of tracking separate sick leave accruals. The paid time off must be usable for the same purposes as sick leave under the law and must be fully paid. This provision specifically applies to employees under collective bargaining agreements in the ready-mix concrete industry and does not affect employees already excluded from the law.
This bill requires large employers (250+ global employees) in covered sectors like restaurants, hotels, and retail chains to provide employees with advance notice of work schedules. It mandates 14 days' notice for schedule changes and prohibits last-minute shifts without a valid business reason (such as staffing shortages or legal requirements). Employees can request schedule adjustments through a good-faith discussion with their employer, and employers must provide written notice of schedule changes. The law applies to establishments including chains with 30+ restaurants worldwide or 250+ total employees.
This bill requires short-term farm labor housing - defined as temporary housing for seasonal agricultural workers for up to three months - to include fire safety measures like fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and proper exit routes. It directly affects farm labor camps providing housing to seasonal workers under New Jersey's existing labor camp definition. The bill mandates that such housing automatically complies with the State Uniform Construction Code if these fire safety provisions are met. The Commissioner of Community Affairs must update construction rules within six months of the bill's enactment to implement these requirements.
S 910 establishes the "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program" to help New Jersey employers recruit veterans by covering relocation costs. The program reimburses participating employers up to $5,000 per veteran for eligible expenses (like moving costs), provided veterans accept a job with the employer and work there for at least 12 months. Veterans must create profiles through a contracted nonprofit to connect with employers, and employers must pay relocation costs upfront before seeking state reimbursement. If a veteran leaves before 12 months due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g., layoff or family emergency), the state may forgive part or all of the repayment. This directly affects New Jersey employers who join the program and veterans relocating to work in the state.
This bill ensures safety inspections for New Jersey's transportation infrastructure continue during a state emergency declared due to the state's failure to pass its annual budget by the constitutional deadline. It applies to both existing roads, bridges, and newly constructed projects funded by the Transportation Trust Fund Authority. The law requires ongoing funding for these inspections and designates inspection staff as essential personnel who cannot be furloughed. This prevents safety checks from halting during budget impasses.
