Bill

Bill > S1748


NJ S1748

NJ S1748
Increases certain penalties for violations of wage and hour law.


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill increases certain penalties for violations of the "New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law," P.L.1966, c.113 (C.34:11-56a et seq.). Current law states that for a first violation of that law, an employer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense and may be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,000, by imprisonment for not less than 10 and not more than 90 days, or both. The bill increases the fines for a first violation to an amount not less than $500, but maintains the maximum fine of not more than $1,000. Current law also states that for a second or subsequent violation, an employer is guilty of a disorderly persons offense and may be punished by a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000, by imprisonment for not less than 10 and not more than 100 days, or both. The bill increases the fines for a second violation to an amount not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000. Finally, the bill adds to the law that a third or subsequent violation constitutes a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000, by imprisonment for up to 18 months, or both.

AI Summary

This bill increases penalties for violations of the "New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law," which governs minimum wage and overtime pay. For a first violation, the minimum fine for an employer will rise from $100 to $500, while the maximum fine remains $1,000. For a second violation, the minimum fine will increase from $500 to $1,000, and the maximum fine will double to $2,000. Crucially, a third or subsequent violation will now be considered a crime of the fourth degree, carrying a significantly higher potential penalty of $2,000 to $10,000 in fines, up to 18 months in jail, or both. The bill also clarifies that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development can assess administrative penalties for violations, with specific amounts for first and subsequent offenses, and outlines the process for notification and hearings for these penalties.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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