'Seinfeld' Law, 4 Other NJ Measures Now In Effect

NEW JERSEY - Though it’s already a month into 2024, a spate of new laws already went into effect in the Garden State in the new year.

From a so-called ‘Seinfeld’ telemarketer law to measures addressing pricey out-of-pocket payments for Epi-Pens and police officer licensing, here are five new laws that have gone into effect so far:

Minimum Wage Increases

The statewide minimum wage increased by $1 from $15.13 per hour for most employees on Jan. 1, while seasonal and small employers were given until 2026 to reach $15 per hour. The minimum hourly wage for those employees will increase to $13.73/hour on Jan. 1, up from $12.93. Tipped workers cash wage will remain at $5.26/hour, with employers able to claim a $9.87 tip credit (a $1 increase).

The minimum wage increase for most workers surpasses Gov. Phil Murphy’s February 2019 goal to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2024 for most employees.

“As we approach this long-awaited benchmark, I am hopeful that New Jersey workers will be able to improve their quality of life and secure a better future for their families in the middle class,” Murphy said in a statement. “Our administration will continue to prioritize our workers, who are the backbone of our economy.”

NJ Now Licensing Police Officers

Current and future police officers across the Garden State must now pass a standardized psychological exam and regular trainings implemented by the state’s Police Training Commission.

Under the new law, which went into effect Jan. 1, officers are barred from joining groups that advocate for “the violent overthrow of the government or for discrimination” against protected classes under the state’s anti-discrimination laws.

“Sadly, we know that even one instance of abuse of authority from one officer can taint the honest efforts of an entire department,” Murphy said during the bill’s signing in 2022.

“Being a member of New Jersey’s law enforcement family is a privilege. It’s not a right.”

Epi-Pen, Asthma Inhaler Out-Of-Pocket Cap

Starting Feb. 1, New Jersey will start to cap some out of pocket health costs for residents, including $35 per month insulin out of pocket cap to state-regulated markets and public employee plans. Out of pocket costs for EpiPens and asthma inhalers will also be capped at $25 and $50 respectively for a month’s supply.

“Far too many New Jerseyans have experienced the stress of affording the price of a medication, often cutting back on groceries, putting off bills, and even rationing or skipping doses,” Shabnam Salih, Director of the Governor’s Office of Health Care Affordability and Transparency, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, prescription drug costs are just one factor pushing health care out of reach for many residents.”

Expanded Eligibility For Pharmaceutical Payment Assistance For Seniors, People With Disabilities

Under a new law, seniors in New Jersey with income up to 400% of the federal poverty level are eligible for the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program, which helps seniors and people with disabilities front health care costs.

As of Jan. 1, single New Jerseyans with an income of $52,142 or less and married couples with an income of $59,209 or less may qualify.

Seinfeld Law

Inspired by a 1992 episode of the sitcom “Seinfeld,” this new law requires telemarketers in New Jersey to provide their name, the name and telephone number of the person on whose behalf the call is being made, and the purpose of the call. Violating the bill’s provisions would result in a disorderly persons offense.

Telemarketers also won’t be able to make any unsolicited telemarketing sales call to anyone between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. local time at the call receiver’s location.

“There’s an overwhelming number of scams targeting seniors by phone,” Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty said of the bill, which took effect Jan. 1. “This new law will clearly alert seniors that a telemarketer is seeking to sell them something and the law will provide them with a level of protection. It’s important to do what we can to protect our seniors from falling victim to scams. This may also help cut down on the overwhelming number of calls seniors receive at home.”