A bill strongly supported by NJBIA that makes permanent new working hours for minors and vastly improves the process for teens to obtain working papers may be heard by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on Monday.
“The time is now to get this bill to the finish line,” said NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Christopher Emigholz. “This bill will improve workforce capacity at summer tourism locations, local restaurants, grocery stores and other places this summer and beyond.
“We hope the Senate will follow the Assembly’s lead and pass this bill and get it to Governor Murphy’s desk before the Legislature goes away for its summer break.”
Bill A-4222 (Freiman, D-16) passed the full Assembly last week by a 74-4 vote.
The bill’s provisions include:
- Permanently expanding the work week for 16- and 17-year-olds from 40 to 50 hours
- Allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to work up to 10 hours per day in the summer instead of up to 8 hours per day
- Adding more flexibility to break requirements
- Allowing a one-time parent opt-out from working late summer hours
- Making some of these requirements take effect immediately
The bill also replaces a cumbersome and antiquated working paper process per job with a one-time, online authorization system that is easier for minors and employers to navigate.
It removes school and doctor permission requirements, as New Jersey is the only state that requires both. It also creates an advisory council with parents and employers to oversee the new process.
Emigholz, who provided input on the bill, said that, if passed, it would help consumers who have dealt with longer lines and wait times at their favorite summer locations.
