Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 28, 2026

S 3211: Reduces threshold cost, from $5 million to $3 million, of public works projects which may include project labor agreements.

S 3211 lowers the cost threshold for public works projects that may include project labor agreements from $5 million to $3 million. This means projects costing $3 million or more - instead of $5 million - will now be eligible for project labor agreements, which are pre-hire contracts between contractors and labor groups setting wages and working conditions for a specific project. The bill affects public entities like state agencies, counties, and municipalities planning construction projects that require prevailing wages under New Jersey law. It amends existing public works law to expand the range of projects subject to this provision, taking effect immediately.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2860: Establishes Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program and artificial intelligence apprenticeship tax credit program.

This bill establishes a new Artificial Intelligence Apprenticeship Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor to create training opportunities in AI technology, data analytics, and automation. It also creates a tax credit for employers hiring qualified AI apprentices, allowing them to claim up to $5,000 per apprentice (half of wages paid, capped at $5,000) for taxable years beginning in 2026. To qualify, employers must hire unskilled or semi-skilled apprentices for at least 20 weeks in a program meeting state and federal standards, covering roles like generative AI development. The program will partner with AI companies and educational institutions to design training pathways. The tax credit applies to both corporate business tax and gross income tax.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Apprenticeships Artificial Intelligence

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1138: Requires DMVA assist discharged service members who have diagnosed service-connected mental health condition with petitions to change discharge designation.

New Jersey's S 1138 requires the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to assist former service members who received an "other than honorable," bad conduct, or dishonorable discharge and have a diagnosed service-connected mental health condition (linked to military service by a licensed professional). The DMVA must provide free help with federal forms to petition for a discharge redesignation as "honorable," including creating uniform processes and distributing information to public agencies. Former service members whose discharge is changed will gain access to state benefits available to honorably discharged veterans, and all related information will remain confidential. This expands existing DMVA assistance - which previously covered discharges based on sexual orientation or gender identity - to include mental health conditions.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SCR 62: Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

SCR 62 is a concurrent resolution (not a bill) declaring the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's proposed rules for applying the ABC test inconsistent with legislative intent. The resolution targets specific proposed rule changes (e.g., N.J.A.C. 12:11-1.3(c)(2)(i)(3), 12:11-1.5(h)) that would make it harder for workers, particularly in the gig economy (like ride-share drivers), to qualify as independent contractors by redefining standard business practices (e.g., using apps or insurance) as indicators of employer control. It asserts these rules contradict the original ABC test’s purpose - establishing clear, consistent standards for worker classification under unemployment compensation law (R.S.43:21-19) - by creating an unintended presumption of employee status. The Legislature has formally instructed the Department to withdraw or revise the rules within 30 days.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Unemployment Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1856: Extends "whistleblower" protections to employee disclosure of governmental mismanagement, waste and abuse.

This bill (S 1856) expands whistleblower protections in New Jersey to cover government employees who report mismanagement, waste, or abuse of authority by their employer. It prohibits government employers (including all state, county, municipal, school district, and agency entities) from retaliating against employees who disclose such issues to supervisors or public bodies. Protected disclosures include violations of law, fraud, substantial waste of public funds, abuse of authority, or gross mismanagement by government employers. The law aims to safeguard employees who report problems affecting public resources, operations, or public safety without requiring them to prove the disclosure was "correct" first.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 283: Provides comparable salary increases and performance advancement adjustments for certain State employees assigned to titles with no range or rate.

This bill (S 283) ensures that approximately 13,000 New Jersey state employees in the Executive Branch with "no-range" job titles - positions lacking established salary scales - receive salary increases comparable to those given to other state workers. It mandates that these employees get raises based on the average increase for employees in the state’s 50 "Aligned Employee Relations Groups" (ERGs), but not exceeding that percentage. Additionally, performance-based pay adjustments for these employees cannot be withheld unless they receive a formal "unsatisfactory" performance rating. The law takes effect July 1, 2024, addressing a longstanding gap where these workers previously missed automatic step increases.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1587: Modifies laws regarding compensation and leaves of absence for certain public employees who served in the military; requires public employers follow certain policies and procedures for leaves of absence.

This bill (S 1587) modifies New Jersey law to provide enhanced leave and compensation protections for public employees who serve in the military reserves or National Guard. It directly affects state, county, school district, and municipal employees who are active or retired military members. Key provisions require public employers to grant up to 30 paid workdays of leave annually for military service (including travel days and transitional leave), maintain retirement/health benefits during leave, and cover pay for service exceeding 30 days through collective bargaining agreements or employer discretion. The bill also clarifies that "active duty" includes medical appointments related to military service. It is currently pending in the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (introduced January 13, 2026).

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Paid Leave Public Employees National Guard & Reserve Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1637: Establishes Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a 5-year Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Pilot Program under New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund accredited apprenticeship programs in nuclear energy sectors. It provides grants to eligible organizations (like businesses, schools, or nonprofits) that partner with industry to train workers in nuclear infrastructure, utilities, and radioactive waste handling, with priority for programs serving underserved communities. Grantees must demonstrate industry partnerships, financial contributions, and outreach plans, and must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement. The program requires the Department to evaluate outcomes yearly and recommend renewal or expansion based on workforce gap data.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 2136: Requires employers to include in job posting whether posting is for existing position and sets additional job posting requirements.

S 2136 requires New Jersey employers and third-party job posting platforms to include clear disclosures in all public job ads. Specifically, they must state whether a position is for an existing vacancy (with an estimated fill timeframe) or not (using a disclaimer that expires after 90 days and requires prior posting history). The bill mandates removing filled positions within 30 days of original posting or two weeks after hiring, whichever comes later, and requires employers to notify applicants within the ad’s stated timeframe about application status. Violations incur civil penalties up to $600 per offense, with the Department of Labor empowered to conduct compliance audits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 863: Revises factors for determining employment or independent contractor status under certain State labor laws.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Gig Economy Labor Standards Unemployment

All labor & employment bills