AJR 13 establishes a 7-member "Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion" in New Jersey. The commission, appointed by state leaders and agency heads, will study effective ways to promote apprenticeship programs to high school students, focusing on demonstrating the value of the skills gained and resulting economic opportunities. It must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of formation, after which the commission will dissolve. The bill does not create new programs or funding but directs a study on improving outreach to students. This procedural resolution affects high school students and stakeholders in apprenticeship programs by initiating a formal review of promotion strategies.
This New Jersey bill (S 3263) requires employers using AI to analyze video job interviews to first inform applicants about the AI's role, explain how it evaluates candidates, and obtain written consent. Employers must delete applicant videos upon request within 30 days and cannot share videos except with necessary service providers. The bill also mandates employers to collect and report race/ethnicity data on applicants who receive in-person interviews or job offers to the Department of Labor, which will annually assess for racial bias in AI hiring. If passed, it would directly affect job seekers and employers in New Jersey using AI for video interviews.
This bill changes how New Jersey temporary disability and family leave benefits are calculated for workers. Starting July 1, 2020, it increases the weekly benefit rate from two-thirds (66%) to 85% of an individual's average weekly wage, with a new cap of 70% of the statewide average wage (up from 53%). It also clarifies that daily benefits will be calculated based directly on the weekly rate, rather than using a one-seventh fraction. This directly affects workers in New Jersey who qualify for temporary disability or family leave benefits after the effective date. The change increases potential benefit amounts for eligible workers.
This bill expands accidental death benefits for survivors of New Jersey Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) members. It allows a "companion" (defined as an unmarried, cohabiting partner meeting specific criteria) to receive the 70% pension benefit - previously reserved for surviving spouses - when no spouse exists. The bill also requires adjusting the deceased member’s final retirement pay to calculate benefits for all survivors, including spouses, companions, and children. It applies to deaths occurring on or after January 1, 2023, with retroactive payments for eligible companions if approved within six months of the bill’s effective date. The bill is pending before the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
This bill allocates $50 million in existing federal pandemic relief funds to New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The funds will directly improve the unemployment insurance (UI) program's ability to process claims faster, addressing delays caused by the pandemic-era surge in filings. Key mechanisms include using the money for technology upgrades and hiring temporary staff to handle the backlog. The department must submit an implementation plan to the Legislature within 20 days of the bill taking effect. The bill does not change UI eligibility or benefit amounts, only the processing capacity.
This bill prohibits New Jersey cities, counties, and their agencies from enacting minimum wage increases or mandatory paid sick leave requirements for private employers, including contractors and vendors working with local governments. It declares any local ordinance on these employment conditions "null and void," requiring the state to set uniform standards instead of allowing local variations. The bill does not change the existing state minimum wage (currently set at $15.00/hour for most workers by 2028), but prevents local governments from imposing higher rates or additional paid leave rules. It directly affects local governments' authority and private employers operating within the state.
Bill A4197 requires all New Jersey state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to create written pregnancy policies for female officers who have completed probation. The bill ensures officers can continue full-duty work until medical concerns arise, mandates non-hazardous "maternity duty" assignments (like report writing or clerical work) instead of mandatory leave, and prohibits assignments involving firearms training, patrol, toxic chemicals, or physical risks. It also requires agencies to accommodate uniform needs while maintaining safety protocols like body armor use during field activities. The policy directly affects female law enforcement officers in New Jersey.
This bill requires New Jersey's public colleges and universities to provide tuition-free job training courses to workers who lost their jobs due to automation. To qualify, workers must have been in the workforce for at least two years, be unemployed or have a layoff notice from an automated workplace, and not receive other state or federal financial aid. Institutions may charge a $20 registration fee per term but cannot require tuition, and courses must have available space with a minimum number of paying students. The bill expands an existing program that previously covered job losses from factory or plant closings.
This bill provides tax credits to New Jersey businesses that hire and retain neurodiverse employees in STEM/AI roles. Businesses receive credits of up to $9,000 per full-time employee (or $4,500 for part-time) annually, increasing with each consecutive year of employment. To qualify, employees must earn at least minimum wage, work in eligible STEM/AI positions (not as contractors), and be certified by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation as neurodiverse. The credits reduce corporate and gross income tax liability, capped at 50% of tax owed, and require employers to submit certification applications for eligible workers.
This bill requires employers to pay New Jersey minors aged 16-18 the state minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay (1.5x regular rate) for hours exceeding 40 in a week. It specifically applies to minors working in most non-exempt roles, excluding farm labor, certain sales positions, and seasonal amusement jobs. The bill codifies existing exemptions (like farm work and some sales roles) and sets a minimum wage schedule that increases annually, with separate phased-in rates for small employers and seasonal workers. It affects minor workers in covered industries, ensuring they receive standard minimum wage and overtime protections under New Jersey law.
