Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 5, 2026

S 3368: Establishes Office of Labor Law Enforcement.

This bill establishes the Office of Labor Law Enforcement within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The office will oversee, evaluate, and coordinate enforcement of state labor laws covering wages, benefits, worker classification, and recordkeeping. Key provisions require the Attorney General to assign deputy attorneys general to support enforcement when requested, mandate an annual public report detailing enforcement activities and costs, and direct all fines collected from labor law violations to fund enforcement operations. The office directly affects state enforcement agencies and workers whose rights under wage, unemployment, disability, and workers' compensation laws are protected.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Gig Economy Labor Standards

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 19, 2026

S 3534: Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations.

This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their gross income when filing state taxes. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (such as unions or employee representation groups) that negotiate on issues like wages, hours, or working conditions. To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide proof of dues paid to the state tax authority. The bill defines "union dues" broadly to include all required membership fees, assessments, or charges paid to these organizations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Collective Bargaining

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

A 2309: Establishes long-term services and supports workforce engagement and sustainability program in DOH.

This bill establishes a program within New Jersey's Department of Health to address shortages in the long-term care workforce. It requires the department to implement specific strategies - including reviewing Medicaid payment policies, creating standardized training, offering tuition support, streamlining certification, and developing career advancement paths - to increase the supply of direct care workers in nursing homes and community settings. The program also mandates an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on progress and needed changes. These provisions directly affect long-term care workers, their employers, and future workers entering the field through new educational pathways.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Healthcare Workforce Long-Term Care Medicaid Professional Licensing

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

AR 54: Urges President and Congress of US to enact legislation requiring certain delivery vehicles to have air-conditioning unit.

This non-binding New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 54) urges Congress to require air-conditioning in box-style delivery vans and trucks under 18 feet used for commercial deliveries. It specifies that existing vehicles must be retrofitted with AC within three years of enactment, and all new vehicles must include AC from the date of law. The resolution cites the 2018 heat-related death of USPS worker Peggy Frank as motivation, though it applies broadly to all commercial delivery drivers in affected vehicles. It does not create new law but formally requests federal action.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

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

A 2410: Establishes New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship.

This bill creates the New Jersey Workforce Industry Needs Scholarship to cover tuition, fees, and required course materials for New Jersey residents enrolled in career-focused programs at county colleges or vocational schools. It directly affects students pursuing certificates, diplomas, or degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and education, as identified by the state's Labor Demand Occupation List. The scholarship covers costs after other aid is applied, up to $5,000 annually, with eligibility requiring residency, enrollment in an approved program, and either employment or completion of a financial literacy course. Students in associate degree programs may receive support for up to three years, while others get up to two years, all subject to maintaining a 2.0 GPA.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Higher Education Student Financial Aid

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

A 2394: Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to employers that hire certain individuals through One-Stop Career Centers.

This bill provides New Jersey employers with tax credits of up to $3,000 per qualified employee hired through One-Stop Career Centers. To qualify, employees must have been unemployed for at least 60 days, completed required training at a career center, and earned an industry-recognized credential during that unemployment period. Employers must retain employees for a minimum of 90 days to claim the credit, which applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax liabilities. The credits cannot exceed 50% of a taxpayer’s liability and may be carried forward for up to seven years if unused. This directly affects New Jersey employers hiring eligible job seekers who completed workforce training programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Income Tax Unemployment Workforce Development

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

A 953: Requires certain State employees receive mental health first aid training.

This bill requires all State employees with "director" status - defined as those with authority to direct other employees or take corrective action - to complete mental health first aid training. The training must cover recognizing early signs of mental health issues, common disorders, and proper intervention and referral strategies. The Civil Service Commission will oversee implementation, working with State employers to identify eligible directors and establish training requirements. It directly affects State directors across all government branches, aiming to improve workplace support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Mental Health Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Feb 9, 2026

S 3452: Establishes protection from adverse employment action for authorized medical cannabis patients.

This bill, S 3452, protects New Jersey employees who are registered medical cannabis patients from employment discrimination. It prohibits employers from taking adverse actions like firing, refusing to hire, or denying promotions based solely on medical cannabis use or a positive drug test, unless the employer proves the use impaired job performance. Employers must allow employees to explain a positive test with medical documentation (such as a healthcare recommendation or registry card) and offer a retest at the employee’s expense within three business days. The law does not override employer policies against intoxicating substances during work hours or federal law requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

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

A 1809: Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations.

This bill would allow New Jersey taxpayers to deduct union dues paid to labor organizations from their state gross income tax. It directly affects workers who pay dues to labor organizations (defined as groups addressing workplace issues like wages or conditions). To claim the deduction, taxpayers must provide verification of dues paid to the state tax division. The bill is currently pending in the Assembly Labor Committee and would apply to tax years starting after its enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Collective Bargaining

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

A 1973: Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD.

This bill establishes a state standard to protect New Jersey workers from heat-related illnesses and injuries by requiring employers to implement specific safety measures. It directly affects all employers and employees in New Jersey, including those in high-risk outdoor jobs (like construction and agriculture) and indoor settings without climate control. Key provisions mandate written prevention plans that include providing cool water (under 59°F), paid rest breaks in shaded or cooled areas, monitoring heat exposure, and activating a heat alert system during forecasted heat waves - requiring adjustments like shifting work schedules or increasing rest breaks. Employers must develop these plans within 30 days of the law's effective date, with the Department of Labor setting the heat stress standard by June 1, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Labor Standards Workplace Safety

All labor & employment bills