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