Labor & Employment (Labor Standards)

S 2782 clarifies that certain licensed or regulated professionals in New Jersey may be treated as independent contractors under state law if they have a written agreement designating them as such. It directly affects insurance producers, securities professionals (broker-dealers, agents, investment advisers), freight drivers at marine terminals/rail facilities meeting specific unemployment exemption criteria, and others meeting defined criteria under unemployment law. The bill prevents these professionals from being classified as employees for any purpose under state law during the term of their written agreement and eliminates the need for them to satisfy additional tests (like those under wage and hour laws) to maintain independent contractor status. It applies retroactively to all existing written agreements for these professionals.

This bill (S 108) allows minors aged 14-15 to work until 11 p.m. instead of 9 p.m. during the summer period from Memorial Day through October 1, with written permission from a parent or guardian. It specifically applies to retail settings like restaurants and supermarkets, as well as roles like little league umpires. The bill does not change total weekly work hours, prohibited occupations, or required rest periods for minors. Current law already permits 14-15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. during this timeframe, so this amendment extends the evening window by two hours. It affects minor workers in seasonal retail and service jobs during summer months, with no broader policy changes to labor regulations.