Labor & Employment (Workforce Development) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5083: Concerns skilled and trained workforce requirements at certain high-hazard industrial facilities.

This New Jersey bill mandates that contractors working at high-hazard industrial facilities, such as chemical plants and refineries, must employ a skilled workforce to improve public safety. The law requires outside workers to either be paid at least the prevailing journeyperson wage or be enrolled in registered apprenticeship programs to ensure they have the necessary training and experience. Additionally, the bill stipulates that at least 60 percent of journeypersons working for a contractor must be graduates of an approved apprenticeship program, with a phase-in period included to avoid industry disruption. By enforcing these standards, the legislation aims to reduce the risk of accidents caused by untrained personnel while promoting workforce development through formal training pathways.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4255: Establishes five-year youth workforce readiness grant pilot program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program to help young people aged 12 to 19 prepare for jobs through grants totaling $5 million. The funds will be given to nonprofit community groups that partner with local businesses and schools to offer training and career guidance during after-school and summer hours. These programs aim to teach youth the skills needed by employers while connecting them to future job opportunities. The initiative is designed to improve workforce quality and support economic mobility for young people in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4850: Concerns financial need policy used to determine costs to clients to participate in certain vocational rehabilitation services.

This bill directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to update the financial need requirements that determine how much clients must pay for certain vocational rehabilitation services. Specifically, it mandates an initial review within one year and requires annual adjustments to income and asset thresholds for services related to postsecondary education, credential attainment, and career training. The commissioner must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing these standards and any proposed changes. These updates aim to ensure that the cost-sharing rules for eligible individuals with disabilities remain current without altering existing eligibility criteria or affecting other services.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4844: Establishes "Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act"; appropriates $12 million.

This bill, known as the Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act, aims to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health in New Jersey by investing $12 million in workforce development for midwives. The legislation is based on findings that Black women and infants in the state face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and infant mortality compared to white residents. To tackle these issues, the act appropriates funds to expand training and education opportunities for midwives, thereby increasing access to culturally competent care and helping to close the gap in prenatal care and birth outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Children's Health Women's Health Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4085: Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

This bill creates a new Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help people who have been released from prison find jobs. The program will work directly with labor unions to identify job openings and create plans for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. By partnering with these organizations, the initiative aims to provide stable career paths and reduce the likelihood of re-offending. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Corrections Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 16, 2026

A 4683: Establishes "New Jersey Union-Led Semiconductor Innovation and Security Program."

This bill creates the New Jersey Union-Led Semiconductor Innovation and Security Program, which is designed to support semiconductor manufacturing and workforce development in the state. The program will be managed by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in collaboration with state agencies, universities, and labor unions. Key provisions include funding apprenticeship opportunities that prioritize veterans, women, and underserved communities, providing financial assistance for research and production initiatives, and requiring recipients to follow prevailing wage rules and use apprenticeship programs. The bill also mandates that applicants disclose any foreign funding sources to ensure transparency.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Technology ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4008: Requires certain school districts to partner with union apprenticeship programs for development of career exploration program.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts with high schools to partner with local labor union apprenticeship programs to create career exploration programs for 11th and 12th grade students. The partnerships must develop informational materials and a minimum 25-hour program that includes orientation sessions on career pathways and practical trade skills training. Each district must ensure at least 2% of its graduating class completes the program and submit annual reports to the state education commissioner. Funding for implementation may come from state aid, grants, workforce development funds, or private sponsorships, with the education commissioner requesting necessary budget allocations annually.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4630: Establishes program in DOLWD to address jobs lost due to automation.

This bill establishes a new program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help workers who lose their jobs due to automation. It creates a dedicated account within the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund that will receive 2% of annual program revenues to support training and employment services for displaced workers. The program aims to provide grants and customized training opportunities to help affected workers gain new skills and find employment in other industries.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

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

A 4771: Creates "Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program."

This bill establishes a three-year pilot program in New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to study how recording customer service calls to the Division of Unemployment Insurance can improve the timely delivery of benefits. Under the program, a representative sample of intake calls will be recorded and analyzed to measure resolution rates, response times, and any relationship between call duration and benefit amounts. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development will submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature based on survey results, and the program will expire after the third report is submitted.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

A 4567: Requires certain school districts to partner with union apprenticeship programs for development of career exploration program.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts with high schools to partner with local union apprenticeship programs to create career exploration programs for students in grades 11 and 12. The partnerships must develop informational materials about available career pathways and a structured program with at least 25 hours of instruction, including orientation sessions and hands-on trade skill training. School districts must ensure that at least two percent of their graduating 12th-grade class completes the program and submit annual compliance reports to the Commissioner of Education. Funding for implementation may come from state aid, grants, workforce development funds, or private sponsorships, with the Commissioner of Education requesting necessary budget allocations annually.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Career & Technical Education Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills