Labor & Employment in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5179: Prohibits payment of subminimum wage due to age, disability, injury, or status as apprentice, learner, or student through special license issued by DOLWD.

This bill prohibits employers in New Jersey from paying subminimum wages to workers based on age, disability, injury, or status as an apprentice, learner, or student. It directly affects individuals who previously could be hired under special licenses issued by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to work for less than the state minimum wage. The key mechanism is the removal of the legal authority for the Wage and Hour Division to issue these special permits, ensuring all covered workers receive at least the standard minimum wage. Additionally, the bill amends existing tax credit provisions related to sheltered workshops by removing references to special licenses that authorize below-minimum pay.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Labor Standards Minimum Wage Tags People with Disabilities

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4255: Establishes five-year youth workforce readiness grant pilot program; appropriates $5 million.

This bill creates a five-year pilot program to help young people aged 12 to 19 prepare for jobs through grants totaling $5 million. The funds will be given to nonprofit community groups that partner with local businesses and schools to offer training and career guidance during after-school and summer hours. These programs aim to teach youth the skills needed by employers while connecting them to future job opportunities. The initiative is designed to improve workforce quality and support economic mobility for young people in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Child Labor Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5017: Removes exclusion of certain institutions of higher education under "Responsible Collective Negotiations Act."

This bill amends the Responsible Collective Negotiations Act to include certain New Jersey institutions of higher education, such as Rutgers, Kean, Montclair State, Rowan, and NJIT, in the law's coverage. Previously, these colleges were excluded from specific rules that apply to other public employers, meaning their labor negotiations and employee data sharing were handled differently. The change removes this exclusion, bringing these universities in line with requirements regarding negotiation subjects, confidentiality of union communications, and the periodic sharing of employee contact information. Ultimately, the legislation ensures that state colleges and universities follow the same collective bargaining standards as other public agencies in the state.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4146: Requires certain employers to provide certain employees with notifications concerning federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

This bill requires employers in New Jersey who qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to inform new employees about the program during their initial benefits explanation. The notification must cover eligibility criteria, such as working at least 30 hours per week, holding federal Direct Loans, being on an income-driven repayment plan, and making 120 qualifying payments. The law applies immediately to any qualifying employer hiring new staff and aims to ensure workers are aware of potential loan forgiveness opportunities from the start of their employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5161: Revises certain portions of law related to criminal history record check for school employees.

This bill updates New Jersey laws to require criminal history record checks for all paid school employees and volunteers who have regular contact with students. It mandates that schools verify these records through state and federal databases before hiring or utilizing individuals in positions involving student interaction. The legislation specifies that candidates are permanently disqualified if their records show convictions for serious crimes, including violent offenses, drug-related crimes, and certain lesser felonies or crimes involving minor victims. Additionally, the bill ensures that individuals have the right to challenge the accuracy of any disqualifying information found in their criminal history checks.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4211: Increases amount of allowable New Jersey earned income tax credit from 40 percent to 50 percent of federal benefit amount.

This bill proposes to increase the New Jersey earned income tax credit from 40 percent to 50 percent of the federal earned income tax credit amount, effective for tax years beginning in 2026. The change directly affects New Jersey residents who qualify for the federal earned income tax credit, allowing them to receive a larger refundable state tax credit based on their federal eligibility. By amending the state tax code, the legislation ensures that eligible working individuals and families will calculate their state tax benefit using the new higher percentage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5069: Requires NJT to adopt nondiscrimination policy and requires annual training on nondiscrimination policy.

This bill mandates that the New Jersey Transit Corporation create a written nondiscrimination policy that aligns with federal and state laws against employment discrimination and harassment. The policy must be distributed to all current employees within 60 days of the bill's effective date and to new hires within five days of starting their jobs. Each employee is required to sign a written acknowledgment of receiving the policy, and the corporation must provide annual training on these nondiscrimination standards to all staff.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Employment Discrimination

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4850: Concerns financial need policy used to determine costs to clients to participate in certain vocational rehabilitation services.

This bill directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to update the financial need requirements that determine how much clients must pay for certain vocational rehabilitation services. Specifically, it mandates an initial review within one year and requires annual adjustments to income and asset thresholds for services related to postsecondary education, credential attainment, and career training. The commissioner must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing these standards and any proposed changes. These updates aim to ensure that the cost-sharing rules for eligible individuals with disabilities remain current without altering existing eligibility criteria or affecting other services.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4844: Establishes "Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act"; appropriates $12 million.

This bill, known as the Targeted Midwifery Workforce Development Act, aims to address racial disparities in maternal and infant health in New Jersey by investing $12 million in workforce development for midwives. The legislation is based on findings that Black women and infants in the state face significantly higher risks of pregnancy-related death and infant mortality compared to white residents. To tackle these issues, the act appropriates funds to expand training and education opportunities for midwives, thereby increasing access to culturally competent care and helping to close the gap in prenatal care and birth outcomes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Children's Health Women's Health Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4086: Authorizes PANYNJ employees to take military leave.

This bill allows employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to take paid leave when performing military duties or attending required military training. It covers all types of workers, including full-time, part-time, temporary, and probationary staff, ensuring they do not lose seniority, vacation time, or promotion opportunities while on leave. Employees will receive their regular pay for up to 30 days or 22 working days in a calendar year for active duty, with additional provisions for those serving in combat zones to access healthcare services. The legislation also ensures that pension contributions continue during military leave, with options for employees to make up any shortfall in payments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Paid Leave National Guard & Reserve

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