S 1520 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Requires payment of minimum wage to minors; requires payment of overtime to minors in certain circumstances; codifies certain exemptions to overtime payment requirements.

This bill requires employers to pay minors (under age 18) the state minimum wage and overtime pay (1.5x regular rate) for hours worked beyond 40 in a week, directly affecting minor workers in most non-exempt jobs. It establishes a minimum wage schedule that increases annually (with specific rates for 2019-2028) and formalizes existing exemptions to overtime requirements, such as for farm labor, certain seasonal work, and employees in executive roles. Key provisions include mandatory overtime pay for minors (except in exempted categories like agricultural work or specific professional roles) and maintaining minimum wage rates for small employers and seasonal workers. The bill does not change overtime exemptions for adult workers but explicitly extends overtime protections to minors in covered positions.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Committee
0
Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Joe Cryan
Joe Cryan
DDemocratic
NJ
20