News
December 24, 2024

New Jersey 2025 Laws: Minimum Wage Increase & More

Caroline Raffetto

Several new laws will take effect in New Jersey starting in 2025, impacting wages, data protections, housing, and education.

Minimum Wage & Unemployment Insurance Increases

Effective January 1, the minimum wage in New Jersey will increase by $0.36 per hour, bringing it to $15.49 per hour. Additionally, the maximum weekly Unemployment Insurance benefit will rise by $21, reaching a total of $875 per week. The state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development adjusts these rates based on the Consumer Price Index provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Freedom to Read Act

The Freedom to Read Act, effective in 2025, aims to prevent book bans in schools and libraries, ensuring students, parents, and communities have free access to age-appropriate books. The law also provides legal protection for librarians and staff against civil and criminal lawsuits related to book access.

New Data Protection Law

Starting January 15, the New Jersey Data Protection Act will require businesses to notify consumers about the collection and sharing of their personal data. Consumers will also gain the right to opt-out of such data practices.

Affordable Housing Expansion

A new law will overhaul the affordable housing process in New Jersey. It establishes a new system for municipalities to meet their affordable housing obligations, replacing the now-defunct Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and streamlining the process for building affordable housing. This change aims to reduce delays and litigation related to new housing developments.

News
December 24, 2024

New Jersey 2025 Laws: Minimum Wage Increase & More

Caroline Raffetto
Labor
Compliance
New Jersey

Several new laws will take effect in New Jersey starting in 2025, impacting wages, data protections, housing, and education.

Minimum Wage & Unemployment Insurance Increases

Effective January 1, the minimum wage in New Jersey will increase by $0.36 per hour, bringing it to $15.49 per hour. Additionally, the maximum weekly Unemployment Insurance benefit will rise by $21, reaching a total of $875 per week. The state's Department of Labor and Workforce Development adjusts these rates based on the Consumer Price Index provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Freedom to Read Act

The Freedom to Read Act, effective in 2025, aims to prevent book bans in schools and libraries, ensuring students, parents, and communities have free access to age-appropriate books. The law also provides legal protection for librarians and staff against civil and criminal lawsuits related to book access.

New Data Protection Law

Starting January 15, the New Jersey Data Protection Act will require businesses to notify consumers about the collection and sharing of their personal data. Consumers will also gain the right to opt-out of such data practices.

Affordable Housing Expansion

A new law will overhaul the affordable housing process in New Jersey. It establishes a new system for municipalities to meet their affordable housing obligations, replacing the now-defunct Council on Affordable Housing (COAH) and streamlining the process for building affordable housing. This change aims to reduce delays and litigation related to new housing developments.