2 New Laws Now In Effect In NJ Impact Workers, Public Safety

Two new laws are now in place in New Jersey. The first establishes increased penalties for fighting in public and the second mandates clear compensation for employees.

The new penalties for public fighting were established in response to recent large gatherings that resulted in arrests at the Jersey Shore.

The New Jersey Pay and Benefit Transparency Act mandates workers applying for roles in New Jersey know how much they will be paid if hired.

Here are more details on the two new laws:

Public Brawl Law

Governor Phil Murphy signed a public brawl bill on Monday, immediately going into effect to keep large gatherings of people safer. Under the new law, it is now a criminal offense to incite a public brawl, making it a fourth-degree crime punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Seaside Heights alone saw nearly 90 arrests during this past Memorial Day weekend, spurred by multiple stabbings and fights that shut the boardwalk down for hours.

The events prompted sharp criticism of Gov. Phil Murphy and state Attorney General Matthew Platkin by the Aberdeen Police Benevolent Association, which called the behavior "the predictable result of policies that have handcuffed law enforcement, empowered lawbreakers, and ignored the safety and quality of life of our communities."

"Once again, the streets of Seaside Heights are being turned into a battleground of chaos, disorder, and disrespect — and once again, police officers are left to clean up the mess with nothing more than lip service from the leaders in Trenton," the Aberdeen PBA statement said. "Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin — your failure to act decisively in the face of growing lawlessness is an insult to the men and women who wear the badge and to every resident and business owner in Seaside Heights and throughout this state."

Seaside already had a curfew for anyone under 18 that prohibits them from being out around the borough without a parent or guardian from 10 p.m. through 5 a.m., with a few exceptions.

State legislators from New Jersey’s 4th legislative district were instrumental in constructing and promoting the bill that became a law a year after it was written. The need for tighter, clearer penalties was heightened shortly after 20 people were arrested for fighting during last year’s family-friendly Gloucester Township Day festivities. Most of those arrested were juveniles.

New Jersey Pay and Benefit Transparency Act (NJPBTA)

The New Jersey Pay and Benefit Transparency Act law that went into effect on Sunday has been highly anticipated for months. This law states that workers have the right to more details about pay, benefits and other forms of compensation before applying for a new role or transfer opportunity

According to the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, the law requires employers to detail this information in job postings, and to “make reasonable efforts to make current employees aware of promotional opportunities.”

The NJPBTA applies to any person or organization that employs 10 or more workers for at least 20 calendar weeks and conducts business, employs workers or takes applications for roles within New Jersey.

The law also states that any pay ranges must have a top and bottom number to reference.

“Nobody deserves to be overlooked when it comes to promotional opportunities and this legislation is about ensuring fairness in the workplace,” said Assemblywomen Annette Quijano (D-Union), a prime sponsor of the bill. “A4151 will help level the playing field by protecting employees from favoritism and assisting them in understanding their potential for growth from the start.”

New Jersey joins 14 other states, and Washington DC, in enacting pay transparency measures. There are currently no federal laws in place.

For more information on the New Jersey Pay and Benefit Transparency Act, and to file a complaint online, visit the NJ Department of Labor website.