S 4045 New Jersey Senate · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Clarifies that amateur sports official is independent contractor for purposes of State employment laws.

This bill clarifies that amateur sports officials, such as referees and umpires, are classified as independent contractors rather than employees under New Jersey state employment laws. The legislation directly affects individuals who are paid to enforce rules, manage games, and ensure participant safety in amateur athletic events. Key provisions exempt these officials from various state protections and obligations, including unemployment compensation, workers' compensation, wage and hour laws, and certain tax requirements. The law applies retroactively to any pending legal or administrative proceedings that might have previously classified these workers as employees.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 23, 2026 Last action Mar 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
1
Key actions
0
Committee
0
Mar 23, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
upper
2 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors