This bill creates a five-year pilot program in New Jersey to fund workforce readiness activities for youth aged 12 to 19. The $5 million appropriation will be distributed through competitive grants to community-based organizations and partnerships that offer out-of-school time programs, such as after-school or summer activities. These programs aim to provide education and training that help young people develop the skills needed for employment while also engaging local employers in addressing workforce needs. The legislation defines eligible partners as nonprofit groups with proven expertise in career pathways and data tracking to measure student progress.
This bill prohibits employers in New Jersey from paying subminimum wages to workers based on age, disability, injury, or status as an apprentice, learner, or student. It directly affects individuals who previously could be hired under special licenses issued by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to work for less than the state minimum wage. The key mechanism is the removal of the legal authority for the Wage and Hour Division to issue these special permits, ensuring all covered workers receive at least the standard minimum wage. Additionally, the bill amends existing tax credit provisions related to sheltered workshops by removing references to special licenses that authorize below-minimum pay.
This bill creates a five-year pilot program to help young people aged 12 to 19 prepare for jobs through grants totaling $5 million. The funds will be given to nonprofit community groups that partner with local businesses and schools to offer training and career guidance during after-school and summer hours. These programs aim to teach youth the skills needed by employers while connecting them to future job opportunities. The initiative is designed to improve workforce quality and support economic mobility for young people in New Jersey.
This bill (A 2286) revised New Jersey's child labor laws specifically for minors working in theatrical productions. It established age-based daily work hour limits: minors aged 6-9 could work up to 6 hours per day (with no more than 8 hours on set), those aged 9-16 up to 7 hours (max 9 hours on set), and those aged 16-18 up to 8 hours (max 10 hours on set). The bill also required medical certification, schooling during work hours (3 hours per missed school day), and employer-supervised care, while creating a new permit registration system separate from general child labor databases. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it had been approved as P.L. 2025, c. 382.
This bill amends New Jersey's labor laws to increase age restrictions for minors working in agriculture. It prohibits minors under 12 from agricultural work until December 31, 2024, after which the minimum age rises to 14. It also limits agricultural work hours for minors: 10 hours per day before 2025, then aligning with general minor labor rules (c.34:2-21.3) after that date. The bill directly affects minors under 18 working on farms in New Jersey, requiring employer authorization and restricting work hours to protect their health and education.
This bill strengthens New Jersey's child labor law by increasing penalties for violations and requiring employer registration. It creates tiered fines: $500-$2,000 for basic violations (up to $4,000 for repeat offenses), $1,000-$2,000 for employing unregistered minors or violating school-hour rules, and $4,000 minimum for cases involving minor injuries or death. Employers must register with the Department of Labor, acknowledge written rules about penalties, and face registration suspension (1-2 years) or 3-year hiring bans for violations. The law directly affects employers hiring minors, particularly those in unsafe occupations, during school hours, or without proper authorization.
This bill establishes the Office of Labor Law Enforcement within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will oversee, evaluate, and coordinate enforcement of state labor laws covering wages, benefits, worker classification, and recordkeeping. Key provisions require the Attorney General to assign deputy attorneys general to support enforcement when requested, mandate an annual public report detailing enforcement activities and costs, and direct all fines collected from labor law violations to fund enforcement operations. The office directly affects state enforcement agencies and workers whose rights under wage, unemployment, disability, and workers' compensation laws are protected.
This bill protects working parents and legal guardians of school-aged children (Kindergarten through 12th grade) during school closures caused by state or public health emergencies. It prohibits employers from requiring these employees to work in person if their job can be done remotely, unless the employer proves remote work would cause an undue hardship to business operations. The law includes a rebuttable presumption that remote work is feasible if an employee has already worked remotely for two consecutive pay periods, and employers cannot penalize staff for requesting or using remote work. Violations carry escalating fines: $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation.
New Jersey's Bill A1284 bans public agencies from purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) or their components if they might involve forced labor or child labor. It requires manufacturers to provide sworn certifications confirming no forced labor or child labor was used in production or material sourcing. Public entities like schools, state colleges, and local governments must obtain these certifications before buying EVs, with penalties of up to $10,000 per false statement or 50% of the purchase price for false claims. The law applies to all public EV procurement but excludes cases conflicting with federal law or funding terms.
This bill requires employers to pay New Jersey minors aged 16-18 the state minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay (1.5x regular rate) for hours exceeding 40 in a week. It specifically applies to minors working in most non-exempt roles, excluding farm labor, certain sales positions, and seasonal amusement jobs. The bill codifies existing exemptions (like farm work and some sales roles) and sets a minimum wage schedule that increases annually, with separate phased-in rates for small employers and seasonal workers. It affects minor workers in covered industries, ensuring they receive standard minimum wage and overtime protections under New Jersey law.
