Labor & Employment in New Jersey

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

A 3541: Concerns prevailing wage payments in residential construction projects.

This bill requires construction entities working on residential projects (like townhouses, single-family homes, or small apartment buildings) that receive financial assistance from state or local governments to pay workers the federal prevailing wage rate, as set by the Davis-Bacon Act. It applies when the entity would otherwise not be required to pay the state's prevailing wage under existing law. Financial assistance includes tax incentives, grants, loans, or other public funding. The bill ensures these projects follow federal wage standards, aligning with the Davis-Bacon Act, even when using state/local funds. The requirement takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 3593: "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.

S 3593, the "New Jersey Works Act," allows businesses to earn tax credits for creating paid pre-employment training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of training covering skills like math, communication, resume writing, and job readiness, targeting individuals from low- and moderate-income households. Businesses in non-construction industries can apply for tax credits after their programs are approved by the Department of Labor. The bill specifically excludes construction trade businesses from eligibility for these credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

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

A 3286: Requires employers to provide paid leave to employees to vote in certain circumstances.

This bill would require most private employers in New Jersey to provide two hours of paid leave annually to employees for voting in general elections. Employees must give two business days' notice, and employers must display written notices about this right 10 days before elections. It excludes construction workers under union contracts, per diem healthcare employees, and public employees already receiving paid voting leave or holidays. Employers must pay for this leave at the employee’s regular rate (minimum wage if lower), with violations treated as wage law violations under New Jersey’s wage and hour law.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Labor Standards Paid Leave

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

A 3054: Requires establishment of grant programs to provide workforce shuttles and cover transportation costs; appropriates $10 million in federal funds.

This bill creates a state-funded grant program to help local governments, nonprofits, and small businesses (under 50 employees) cover costs for workforce shuttle services. Grants can be used to purchase or lease shuttles, operate shuttle services in high-traffic areas, or partner with employers to provide employee transportation. Applicants must demonstrate employer funding commitments and show sufficient resources to cover operating costs. The program is funded by an annual $10 million state appropriation, with priority given to areas experiencing rapid population growth or traffic congestion.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations

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

A 2238: Provides certain employment protections for certified doulas.

This bill (A2238) protects certified doulas in New Jersey from workplace retaliation when they miss work to attend births for clients in active labor. It prohibits employers from firing, harassing, or discriminating against doulas who provide at least one hour’s advance notice (or as soon as possible if not feasible) for such absences. Employers aren’t required to pay for missed work, but doulas may use accrued vacation or sick days. Violations allow employees to sue for damages, reinstatement, lost wages, or fines up to $5,000 per violation. The bill defines "certified doula" as a state-approved professional providing support before, during, and after childbirth.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

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

A 2228: Establishes Direct Care Worker Support Program in DOH; makes appropriation.

This bill creates the Direct Care Worker Support Program within New Jersey's Department of Health to assist direct care workers, including certified nurse aides and home health aides, with childcare and transportation costs. It requires the Department to provide financial aid for these expenses through an application process with commissioner-set eligibility rules. The bill also mandates a one-year study examining wage gaps among different direct care worker roles, requiring the Department to submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. Funding for the program is provided through an appropriation from the General Fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Healthcare Workforce

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

A 4194: Provides certain employment protections for working parents due to school closure during state of emergency and public health emergency.

This bill protects working parents and legal guardians of school-aged children (Kindergarten through 12th grade) during school closures caused by state or public health emergencies. It prohibits employers from requiring these employees to work in person if their job can be done remotely, unless the employer proves remote work would cause an undue hardship to business operations. The law includes a rebuttable presumption that remote work is feasible if an employee has already worked remotely for two consecutive pay periods, and employers cannot penalize staff for requesting or using remote work. Violations carry escalating fines: $1,000 for the first offense, $5,000 for the second, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Child Labor Paid Leave

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

A 2289: Establishes certain protections for health care professionals who receive behavioral health care and apply for State licensure.

This bill prohibits New Jersey licensing boards from asking healthcare professionals (like doctors, nurses, and therapists) about their past mental health treatment during license applications or renewals. It allows boards to ask only about current conditions that impair safe practice, with strict confidentiality and guarantees that treated conditions won't lead to license denial. The law requires boards to limit questions to safety-related impairments and ensures responses about past care remain confidential if no impairment exists. This directly affects all healthcare workers seeking or renewing state licenses in New Jersey, aiming to reduce stigma and encourage seeking mental health support.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Medical Licensing Mental Health Professional Licensing

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

A 3378: Eliminates salary reference for retired members of PERS returning to employment in teaching staff positions.

This bill removes a $10,000 salary threshold for retired Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) members returning to teaching positions at public institutions of higher education in New Jersey. Currently, the exemption from having retirement benefits canceled applied only if such employment exceeded $10,000 annually; the bill eliminates this requirement entirely. As a result, retired PERS members returning to teaching roles at public colleges or universities will automatically retain their retirement benefits, regardless of their salary amount. The change aligns with legislative intent to fully exempt these retirees from standard retirement benefit cancellation rules.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

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

A 1564: Concerns eligibility for unemployment compensation benefits for certain seasonal employees.

This bill amends New Jersey's unemployment compensation law to clarify eligibility for seasonal workers who are on unpaid vacation (not due to their own action) or attending state-approved job training programs. It ensures these workers remain eligible for benefits without being deemed "unavailable for work." Key provisions require training programs to be full-time, for high-demand occupations, and approved by the state, while also adding clarifications for jury duty and funerals. The changes directly affect seasonal employees and others in similar situations, focusing on concrete policy adjustments to maintain benefit access during specific life or work circumstances.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Unemployment Workers' Compensation Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills