Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2927: Requires certain boards of education to select minimum number of financial institutions or pension management organizations to provide tax sheltered annuity plans.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts offering a tax-sheltered annuity plan (a retirement savings plan for school employees) to select a minimum of six financial institutions or pension management organizations to provide investment options. Smaller districts with fewer than 1,000 students may select fewer than six, but must still ensure employees have sufficient investment choices and self-directed options. The selection process must be negotiated with employee unions, and chosen providers must disclose all fees and investment data electronically. The bill clarifies that school boards and unions are not liable for investment losses or underperformance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Retirement Benefits

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2003: Requires preservation of employee benefits and contractual rights as condition of sale of Atlantic City International Airport.

This bill requires the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to preserve all employee benefits and rights as a condition if the authority sells or leases Atlantic City International Airport. It mandates that employees retain existing collective bargaining agreements, civil service status, pension credits, and accumulated benefits (like sick leave) when transferred to a new owner or operator. The bill also requires maintaining current employee representatives until workers elect new ones. These provisions apply specifically to SJTA employees working at the airport during any sale, lease, or management transfer. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining Public Employees

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 707: Eliminates salary reference for retired members of PERS returning to employment in teaching staff positions.

S 707 eliminates a $10,000 annual salary threshold for retired Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) members returning to teaching positions at public institutions of higher education. Currently, such retirees were exempt from having retirement benefits canceled only if their salary exceeded $10,000 per year, but this bill removes that requirement entirely. The change ensures retired PERS members returning to teaching roles at public colleges or universities are fully exempt from retirement re-enrollment rules regardless of their salary. This update aligns the law with legislative intent to exempt these retirees without salary conditions, removing an outdated reference to prior legislation.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Pensions

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2346: Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older.

S 2346 extends health insurance coverage for adult children with disabilities beyond the typical age limit of 26. It requires health plans to continue coverage for individuals 26 or older who have an intellectual disability or physical handicap and are chiefly dependent on their parent for support. The law prohibits health plans from denying coverage based on factors like marriage, having a child, or not living with the parent. This applies to hospital, medical, and health service corporation contracts in New Jersey, ensuring continuous coverage for a specific group of disabled adults who rely on parental support.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Hospitals Insurance

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2658: "Homeless Bill of Rights."

This New Jersey bill establishes the "Homeless Bill of Rights," prohibiting discrimination against homeless individuals in public spaces, services, and employment. It guarantees specific rights including free movement in public areas (sidewalks, parks, transit), equal treatment by government agencies, protection from employment discrimination due to lacking a permanent address, access to emergency medical care and voting without housing status bias, and privacy for shelter records. The bill also ensures homeless individuals can use service dogs in shelters and allows legal action for violations, with remedies including damages and attorney fees. It directly affects all homeless residents interacting with public services or spaces across New Jersey. The bill is pending in the Senate Health Committee.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Homelessness Employment Discrimination

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2846: Establishes two-generational school readiness and workforce development pilot program for certain low-income households.

S 2846 establishes a five-year pilot program in New Jersey's Department of Education to support low-income households through integrated services for both parents/caregivers and children. The program will operate in municipalities with poverty rates at least twice the statewide average, providing bundled services like early learning, adult education, job training, childcare, housing assistance, and health services - all coordinated at a single location. It requires a long-term plan for statewide expansion, partnerships with philanthropic organizations, and a workforce liaison to align services with employer needs. An interagency working group will oversee implementation and report on outcomes - including family economic stability, school readiness, and workforce success - within four years.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Property Development Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 1135: Requires institutions of higher education and government employers to provide certain students and employees with information about Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

New Jersey's S 1135 requires colleges and government employers to inform specific people about the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Public and private colleges must provide this information to students with outstanding federal student loans during their final academic semester and when applying for graduation. Government employers must share the same information with employees at hiring and annually thereafter. The details include eligibility requirements (like 120 qualifying payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer) and the program's website, but do not change loan terms or forgiveness eligibility.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Student Financial Aid

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 2581: Establishes "Recovery Tax Credit Program"; incentivizes hiring and continued employment of certain individuals in recovery from substance use disorder.

S 2581 establishes a tax credit program in New Jersey to incentivize employers to hire and retain individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. Employers must become "certified" by partnering with treatment providers, offering qualifying health insurance, and meeting other criteria to qualify for the program. Certified employers can claim a tax credit of $1 per hour worked by eligible employees, up to $2,000 per employee annually, for part-time or full-time employment. The program, administered by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services, allocates up to $2 million yearly and requires employers to verify employee eligibility and recovery status. This bill directly affects New Jersey employers seeking tax incentives and individuals with substance use disorder seeking stable employment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Insurance Mental Health Substance Abuse

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 69: Prohibits discrimination against individuals who have not received COVID-19 vaccine.

This New Jersey bill (S 69) prohibits requiring or asking about COVID-19 vaccination status as a condition for accessing common services and activities. It directly affects all residents and visitors by making it unlawful for businesses, schools, employers, healthcare providers, and government entities to demand vaccine proof or discriminate against unvaccinated individuals. Key provisions ban such requirements for things like employment, education, healthcare access, business entry, public spaces, and professional licenses. Violators face $25,000 in civil damages plus attorney fees for affected individuals. The law takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Public Health

died · New Jersey · Senate Jan 13, 2026

S 727: Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

This bill allows partnerships and joint ventures to bid on New Jersey public works projects (like roads, bridges, and water treatment facilities) and contracts requiring prevailing wages, provided every member of the partnership is independently registered. It requires such groups to register with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before winning a contract and name a primary manager to oversee compliance. All parties in the partnership or joint venture become equally responsible for fulfilling the contract or facing penalties, including contract cancellation. The change specifically applies to heavy infrastructure projects, such as transit systems and environmental remediation, expanding bidding opportunities for collaborative business structures.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills