Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3384: Institutes State contract set-aside program for union business enterprises.

Bill S 3384 establishes a state program requiring New Jersey contracting agencies to set aside certain state contracts (for goods, equipment, construction, or services) so that only businesses with union workforces can bid on them. To qualify, a business must have a union workforce, be based in New Jersey, hire apprentices, and make a good-faith effort to maintain a diverse workforce. The bill sets a goal that contracting agencies award at least 22% of their contracts to these "union business enterprises," either through direct awards or by requiring subcontracting portions of contracts. The Department of the Treasury will administer the program and verify business qualifications, with contracting agencies needing to ensure at least three qualified bidders are available before setting aside a contract.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

AJR 63: Urges United States Department of Defense and New Jersey Civil Service Commission to permit civil service examinations during deployment.

AJR 63 is a joint resolution urging the U.S. Department of Defense and New Jersey Civil Service Commission to coordinate so deployed military service members can take civil service examinations during their deployment. It directly affects New Jersey military members who are deployed, enabling them to participate in exams while serving, which would maintain their eligibility for civil service jobs upon return. The resolution does not change existing rules but requests collaboration to allow exams during deployment, helping veterans secure public-sector employment faster by keeping them on hiring eligibility lists.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Public Employees National Guard & Reserve Veteran Education Veteran Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3874: Permits State employees not covered by collective negotiations agreements to enroll in certain negotiated health care plans.

This bill allows New Jersey state employees without a union representative (due to lack of majority representation) to enroll in specific health care plans under the State Health Benefits Program. Starting January 1, 2025, these employees must choose between the CWA Unity DIRECT or CWA Unity DIRECT2019 plans (or their successors), based on their hire date, for their health coverage. The bill sets the state's and employee's payment obligations for these plans to match the terms of existing collective bargaining agreements that would apply if the employee had union representation. It directly affects state employees without a majority union representative, ensuring they access standardized health plan options.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Insurance Collective Bargaining Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3444: Requires employers to report certain allegations of sexual assault.

This bill requires New Jersey employers to report certain sexual assault allegations to local law enforcement or county prosecutors within 24 hours of receiving a report from a consumer or employee about an assault involving another consumer or employee. Employers who fail to report face a $10,000 civil penalty. If a county prosecutor receives such a report, they must appoint a victim advocate (via the Sexual Assault Response Team) upon the accuser's request to provide information about medical, legal, and counseling services during the employer's investigation. The law applies to all employers in New Jersey, including those managing employee or consumer interactions.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Victims' Rights Violent Crime

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2854: Requires SHBP commission to use funds from 2025 False Claims Act settlement with Horizon to lower local public employee health care contribution costs.

This bill directs the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) to use $78 million from a 2025 False Claims Act settlement with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield to lower health care contribution costs for public employees (and their dependents) covered under the State Health Benefits Program. It specifically applies to employees working for local governments, school districts, and other public employers *other than* the State itself or independent State authorities. The funds will reduce the amount these employees pay toward their health coverage, with the settlement requiring Horizon to pay $100 million total, $78 million of which goes to the SHBC. The bill takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1832: Concerns requirements for operation of on-demand micro transit programs.

This bill establishes requirements for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, affecting agencies like NJ Transit, county transit authorities, and other operators. It mandates that drivers hold commercial licenses and receive equal pay and benefits as directly employed drivers, prohibits replacing existing transit services with new micro transit, and requires programs to expand service to "transit deserts" (areas with limited public transit access). Operators must certify compliance with these rules through a new Micro Transit Oversight Committee, which includes representatives from transit agencies, the legislature, and labor unions. Programs cannot begin until this committee certifies they meet all requirements.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination Gig Economy Public Transit

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

A 3762: Establishes "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act;" appropriates $1.5 million.*

This bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public projects or home improvements) to register with the Department of Labor. To register, contractors must submit business details, proof of required licenses, worker's compensation insurance, and disclose compliance with state and federal labor laws (like wage laws and safety regulations). Contractors must also disclose past labor law violations or criminal offenses related to their work. Exemptions apply to contractors already registered under New Jersey’s public works registration system.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1992: Extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees.

This bill extends accidental death benefits to survivors of retired New Jersey State Police officers who died from health conditions related to 9/11 rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. It modifies eligibility rules by removing the requirement for a "written and sworn statement" that was previously needed to prove the retiree qualified for an accidental disability benefit. Surviving spouses, children, or legal guardians may now receive a lump-sum benefit equal to 3.5 times the retiree’s final compensation, provided they submit documentation showing the retiree would have qualified for such a benefit. The change applies to deaths occurring before July 8, 2019, and simplifies the process for survivors seeking these benefits.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2467: Creates "Manufacturing Reboot Program" in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain manufacturing businesses; makes $10 million appropriation to EDA.

This bill creates a $10 million "Manufacturing Reboot Program" through New Jersey's Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide financial assistance to qualified manufacturing businesses affected by the pandemic. It targets businesses meeting specific criteria (e.g., paying above-average wages, providing health benefits, operating facilities with >50% manufacturing equipment) and prioritizes those retooling for healthcare products like PPE, medical devices, or vaccines. Grants of $25,000-$150,000 per business cover equipment, payroll, training, or expansion costs, with $5 million allocated specifically for vaccine production and $5 million for other healthcare products. Recipients must report quarterly on employment and spending, and the EDA must annually report program outcomes to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3143: Requires certain candidates for employment with DOE to undergo criminal history background check.

This bill requires candidates for New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) positions involving access to school facilities to undergo criminal history background checks. Applicants must provide fingerprints with written consent and pay for the check, which the Commissioner of Education will process using the same standards applied to public school employees under existing law (P.L.1986, c.116). The DOE cannot hire applicants with disqualifying criminal convictions for offenses listed in that law, and must terminate employees if new convictions for those offenses arise after hire. The bill implements a recommendation from a state auditor's report to align DOE hiring practices with public school safety protocols.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics School Safety

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