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Bill

Bill

S 1520

Requires payment of minimum wage to minors; requires payment of overtime to minors in certain circumstances; codifies certain exemptions to overtime payment requirements.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Cryan

New Jersey bill requires employers to pay minors state minimum wage and overtime in certain situations while codifying existing overtime exemptions.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1520

Legislative bill overview

S 1520 would require New Jersey employers to pay minors the state minimum wage and, under certain conditions, overtime compensation. The bill also formally codifies existing exemptions from overtime requirements, establishing clearer legal standards for when employers are not obligated to pay overtime to minor workers.

Why is this important

Currently, federal law permits minors to be paid below minimum wage in some circumstances, and state overtime protections for minors vary. This bill would establish a uniform floor for minor worker compensation in New Jersey and provide regulatory clarity about which categories of minor workers are exempt from overtime rules—affecting an estimated tens of thousands of young workers in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers, particularly in retail, food service, and agriculture, may face increased labor expenses that could affect hiring practices for teen workers or increase consumer prices
  • Definition of "certain circumstances" for overtime: The bill's language on when minors qualify for overtime is not fully detailed in the summary, potentially leaving ambiguity about agricultural workers, family businesses, or other traditionally exempted categories
  • Competitive disadvantage: New Jersey could become less attractive to businesses relocating or expanding compared to neighboring states with less stringent minor wage protections

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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