This bill creates the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Workforce Transition Act to help workers whose jobs are lost or changed due to the adoption of artificial intelligence. It defines an "AI-displaced worker" as someone involuntarily separated from their job because an employer implemented AI systems that eliminated or reduced their role. The legislation establishes a dedicated funding account within the existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support transition programs. A key provision is the creation of an "adaptive capacity index" that measures a worker's ability to handle job loss based on factors like age, savings, location, and skill transferability. The act aims to prioritize support for workers with high AI exposure and low adaptive capacity, such as older administrative staff in rural areas, rather than treating all affected workers equally.
This bill creates the New Jersey Earn and Learn Program to encourage employers to hire individuals into structured apprenticeships and paid internships that lead to permanent employment. Under the program, businesses can receive tax credits against state taxes of $3,000 for each enrollee, with additional $1,000 credits available for hiring from underrepresented groups or for retaining workers who complete their training and stay employed for six months. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development will manage the program, certify eligible employers, and ensure that participants receive combined classroom and on-the-job training or supervised practical experience. The total tax credit an employer can claim in a single year is capped at $500,000, and the program is designed to run for a three-year period per individual participant.
This bill creates a three-year pilot program called Jersey Protein Pro to train New Jersey residents for jobs in the meat processing industry, aiming to solve local labor shortages that currently force farmers to ship livestock out of state. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development will administer the program by awarding grants to county colleges and vocational schools to offer short-term courses in meat cutting, food safety, sanitation, and plant maintenance. Participating schools can use the $3 million appropriation to develop curricula and provide tuition assistance to students who agree to stay employed in the state for at least two years after finishing their training. The bill also requires regular reporting on how the funds are used and includes a final evaluation to determine if the program should be made permanent.
This bill creates a new workforce development program and advisory council to support long-term care workers in New Jersey. It establishes a grant program that can provide up to $5,000 to help certified nursing assistants, home health aides, and personal care assistants pursue certification or continuing education, while also offering a state tax credit of $1,200 to $2,000 for qualified workers. Additionally, the legislation directs community colleges to develop standardized elder care certificate programs tailored to local industry needs, allowing students to begin working with employers before fully completing their training.
This bill allows construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors in New Jersey to sue one another for specific wrongful acts such as wage theft, employee misclassification, tax or insurance fraud, and bid manipulation. To initiate such a lawsuit, the plaintiff must notify the potential defendant at least 30 days in advance and inform the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. If the plaintiff wins the case, the court is required to award reasonable attorney fees and costs, including expert witness fees. The legislation defines these terms broadly to include various business entities involved in building, renovating, or maintaining structures within the state.
This bill creates a ten-year exemption from new state and local rules and regulations for specific manufacturing facilities in New Jersey. Under the law, agencies cannot apply new or amended regulations to these facilities unless federal law requires it, though facilities can choose to waive this protection on a case-by-case basis. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development is tasked with establishing the criteria for eligibility and the process for applying for this exemption. The measure directly affects existing and future manufacturing operations by shielding them from regulatory changes for a decade.
This bill allows construction companies, contractors, and subcontractors in New Jersey to sue other firms in the industry for specific wrongful acts such as wage theft, employee misclassification, tax or insurance fraud, and bid manipulation. The law requires the company filing the lawsuit to provide at least 30 days' notice to the accused party and to notify the Department of Labor and Workforce Development before initiating legal action. If a company wins the lawsuit, the court must award them reasonable attorney fees and costs, including expenses for expert witnesses. These provisions aim to create a legal mechanism for private enforcement of construction industry standards while ensuring transparency through mandatory notifications.
This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create a new program and standard aimed at preventing heat-related illnesses and injuries in the workplace. It requires employers to develop and maintain a prevention plan and mandates specific actions when environmental heat levels exceed safe limits for workers. The regulations will apply to all employees, including those in agriculture, construction, and indoor settings without climate control, with rules to be finalized by June 1, 2027.
This New Jersey bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to find and list jobs with few entry barriers for people returning to the workforce after imprisonment. The department must post these opportunities on its website and collect quarterly reports from reentry programs about employment partnerships and data. The law aims to help formerly incarcerated individuals find work by providing a centralized resource for available positions.
This bill creates the Employment First Commission within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to improve job opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The commission will consist of 17 members, including state officials and representatives from disability advocacy groups, who will work to analyze data and provide input on employment policies. Its main duties include gathering information on service needs, coordinating efforts across different state agencies, and developing a dedicated webpage to share employment resources. The commission will meet regularly to ensure that competitive, integrated employment remains a priority in public services for people with disabilities.
