Labor & Employment (People with Disabilities) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5179: Prohibits payment of subminimum wage due to age, disability, injury, or status as apprentice, learner, or student through special license issued by DOLWD.

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.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards Minimum Wage Tags People with Disabilities

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

A 1477: Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for employers of certain persons with disabilities.

This bill creates a tax credit for New Jersey employers who hire qualified individuals with disabilities. Employers can claim a 15% credit on wages paid to these employees (up to $2,000 per employee annually), provided the worker meets ADA criteria, works at least 35 hours weekly at $15+ per hour, and is not an independent contractor. To qualify, employers must apply for certification through the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which must approve applications within 90 days. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax returns, with limits preventing credits from reducing tax liability below the statutory minimum.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Gig Economy Professional Licensing Tags People with Disabilities

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

A 1776: Allows credit against corporation business tax and gross income tax liability for employing persons with a developmental disability.

This New Jersey bill allows businesses to claim a tax credit equal to 10% of wages paid to employees with developmental disabilities (verified by the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities). The credit is capped at $3,000 per employee and $60,000 total per business annually for both corporation business tax and gross income tax. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim credits under existing disability employment programs. The credit applies to wages paid for any employment setting, not just specialized workshops.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Tags People with Disabilities

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

A 2955: Provides employers with various tax incentives for hiring persons with disabilities under insurance premiums tax, corporation business tax and gross income tax.

This bill (A 2955) proposes tax incentives for New Jersey employers who hire individuals with disabilities. It would allow employers to claim credits against insurance premiums tax, corporation business tax, and gross income tax, including: 30% of the first $6,000 in wages for a new employee with a disability during their first year (20% in the second year), up to $600 for work-related transportation costs, and small business access improvement credits. The credits would apply only to employees certified by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services as meeting the federal ADA definition of disability. The bill is pending before the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 19, 2026

A 4435: Establishes "Employment First Commission."

This bill establishes the "Employment First Commission" within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The commission, made up of 17 members including state agency heads and representatives from disability organizations, individuals with disabilities, and advocates, will focus on improving employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Its key duties include analyzing employment data, identifying service gaps, making recommendations to state agencies, and developing an online resource hub for disability employment information. The commission directly affects individuals with disabilities seeking competitive integrated employment - meaning work in regular workplaces at fair wages - and the state agencies that provide related services.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Tags People with Disabilities

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 Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1124: Permits exemption from certain civil service examinations for person with disability.

This bill allows people with disabilities to request exemption from civil service examinations when applying for state jobs, if they can perform the job duties. It directly affects qualified job seekers with disabilities who would otherwise need to pass standard exams. Key provisions require hiring agencies to accept medical professional letters or proof of participation in specific disability programs (like Social Security Disability or vocational rehabilitation) as verification. Disability records related to the exemption request must remain confidential, except for administrative or statistical purposes. The policy removes a barrier to employment while ensuring applicants meet job requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2112: Requires State employees to be trained in disability law and etiquette.

S 2112 requires all New Jersey state employees (in career, senior executive, or unclassified service) to complete training on disability law and etiquette. The training, developed by the State Treasurer and Commissioner of Human Services, covers the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, and proper interaction techniques with people with disabilities. Existing employees must complete the training within 180 days of implementation (no later than one year after the bill takes effect) and every two years thereafter; new hires must complete it within 180 days of starting. Employees must certify completion to their employer, who retains records and provides copies to state officials upon request.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2515: Allows credit against corporation business tax and gross income tax liability for employing persons with a developmental disability.

S 2515 creates a tax credit for New Jersey businesses that hire employees with developmental disabilities. Employers can claim a credit equal to 10% of wages paid to qualifying employees, capped at $3,000 per employee and $60,000 total per business annually. To qualify, employees must be certified by New Jersey’s Division of Developmental Disabilities as eligible for its services. Businesses cannot claim this credit for the same employee if they also claim a separate credit for employment at a sheltered workshop or occupational training center.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Tax Credits Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1120: Establishes "Commission on People with Disabilities."

S 1120 establishes a 25-member "Commission on People with Disabilities" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services. The commission, with 13 voting members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker (requiring at least 3 disability community members total), and 12 non-voting ex-officio members from state agencies, will advise on policies, coordinate services, and prevent employment discrimination for people with disabilities. Its key duties include suggesting legislation, serving as a government-contact point for disability communities, and ensuring state agencies meet disability needs. The commission must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature on its findings and recommendations.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Tags People with Disabilities

All labor & employment bills