Labor & Employment

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 22, 2026

A 1516: Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation.

This bill exempts wages earned by poll workers during election cycles from being counted when calculating an individual's unemployment benefits. It directly affects poll workers who may otherwise have their unemployment compensation reduced due to income earned from temporary election work. The key provision amends New Jersey's unemployment law to exclude poll workers' wages from the "annual payroll" calculation used to determine benefit eligibility. This change ensures poll workers can receive full unemployment benefits without their election-season earnings affecting their claim. The bill focuses solely on adjusting the calculation method for this specific group of workers.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExempts poll worker wages from unemployment calculation, protecting temporary workers' benefits without reducing compensation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 2746: Provides seniority service credit to educational support professionals for military service.

This bill provides educational support professionals (non-teaching school staff) with up to four years of seniority credit for active military service they completed, including service before starting their school job. To qualify, a professional must be declared eligible for federal veterans' benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The credit counts as if the professional were employed full-time during their military service, directly affecting their seniority calculations for school district benefits and job protections. The bill aligns seniority treatment for these staff with existing provisions for teaching staff.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides seniority credit for military service to school support staff, strengthening retention and job security within educational institutions.92% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentProvides seniority credit for military service, protecting employment rights and benefits for educational support professionals under Labor & Employment standards.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides seniority credit for military service, directly supporting veteran employment benefits in educational roles.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5053: Permits retired municipal code officials to return to part-time employment after bona fide severance period without reenrollment in PERS.*

This bill allows retired municipal code officials in New Jersey to return to part-time work without losing their retirement benefits or needing to rejoin the pension system. Specifically, it permits these officials to resume employment as long as they wait at least 90 days after retiring, have reached the required service retirement age, and work no more than 20 hours per week. The legislation creates an exception to the usual rules that would otherwise cancel retirement allowances and require pension re-enrollment upon returning to work. This change directly affects retired code officials who wish to take on limited part-time roles while maintaining their existing pension status.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill allows retired officials to return to part-time work without losing benefits, expanding employment flexibility and protecting retirement security.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 936: Waives certain professional and occupational licensing fees for veterans and spouses of veterans.

This bill waives initial application and issuance fees for professional and occupational licenses in New Jersey for veterans and their spouses, domestic partners, or civil union partners who already hold a current, equivalent license in another state. It applies when the applicant resides in New Jersey and the out-of-state license meets the board's equivalent or substantially equivalent requirements. The exemption covers all licenses issued by professional boards under the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill does not affect renewal fees or licenses obtained through other pathways.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentWaives licensing fees for veterans, reducing barriers to employment in licensed professions and aligning with employment standards support.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransWaives licensing fees for veterans and spouses, removing financial barriers to employment in NJ. Directly supports veteran workforce integration and service recognition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 2205: Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO.

Bill A 2205 requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Health (working with the Attorney General) to create clear, easily understandable signs for emergency rooms. These signs must display VCCO services/benefits, contact details, and how to file a compensation claim. The bill mandates posting these signs in all general hospital emergency departments and satellite emergency departments, with electronic displays permitted. It aims to make VCCO information more accessible to individuals who may qualify for victim compensation after crimes. The bill takes effect four months after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates accessible victim compensation info in ERs, supporting victims' rights and services within criminal justice system, aligning with reform indicators.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires ER signs for VCCO benefits access, improving patient awareness of healthcare-related compensation services.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill mandates clear signage for VCCO (workers' compensation) benefits access, ensuring workers can easily file claims - directly supporting workers' compensation rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 2, 2026

A 2078: Establishes registry of out-of-state contractors who are awarded public works contracts in this State.

This bill requires New Jersey to create a public online registry listing out-of-state contractors awarded public construction contracts that require prevailing wages. It directly affects contractors whose main business is outside New Jersey, excluding satellite offices or temporary locations. The registry, maintained by the State Treasurer, will include project details, contractor trade names, and business addresses, and must be accessible on the Treasury Department’s website. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires prevailing wages for public construction contractors, directly protecting worker pay standards through mandatory registry enforcement.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Labor & Employment

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