Bill > A4501

This bill directs the State Agriculture Development Committee to establish an agricultural management practice for housing resident farm employees on commercial farms, and extends "Right to Farm" legal protections to such housing. Specifically, the bill defines a "resident farm employee" as a person employed full-time on a commercial farm for agricultural production, excluding farm owners, their descendants, and equine-related employees. The bill requires that the housing's amount correlate to the farm's labor needs, must comply with state construction codes and labor protection laws, and cannot be denied a certificate of occupancy by municipalities if it meets the established standards. Importantly, the bill mandates that resident farm employees cannot be charged rent for such housing. The legislation aims to support agricultural operations by providing a clear legal framework for housing farm workers and protecting farmers' ability to provide essential employee accommodations. By adding this housing provision to existing "Right to Farm" protections, the bill seeks to support agricultural businesses and ensure appropriate living conditions for farm workers.

Business and Industry, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A4501