On December 1, two bills that would impact New Jersey businesses, previously scheduled for consideration in the Senate Labor Committee, were pulled from the agenda.

S-2950/A-3451 (Moriarty/Zwicker/Quijano/Reynolds-Jackson/Coughlin) would gradually lower the size threshold for employer coverage under the state’s Family Leave Act (FLA) until it ultimately applies to employers with as few as five employees. While CCSNJ understands and respects the sponsors’ goal of ensuring workers can take needed family leave without fear of job loss, we remain extremely concerned about the substantial and disproportionate impact this proposal would have on small employers.

S-4385 (Lagana/Cryan) would prohibit non-compete clauses, with limited exceptions, and ban no-poach agreements. CCSNJ is concerned that the bill would restrict important tools businesses rely on to protect trade secrets, safeguard client relationships, and ensure returns on significant training investments. It would also introduce considerable compliance challenges for employers.

 Although neither bill advanced today, both may return to the committee for consideration before the end of the legislative session. CCSNJ will continue to closely monitor these proposals and should you have any feedback on either of these bills, please reach out to Hilary Chebra, Director, Government Affairs at hchebra@chambersnj.com.