New Jersey Senate Bill S130

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires certain employers with State contracts to pay their employees their usual compensation for each day of jury service.

Impact

If enacted, S130 would amend the existing law (N.J.S.2B:20-17) that already prohibits penalizing employees for attending jury duty. By establishing a compensation requirement for a specific category of employers—those that contract with the state and employ a sizable workforce—the bill would reinforce employee rights and improve the conditions surrounding jury service. This change aims to ensure that civic obligations do not affect individual financial stability, thereby fostering a more robust participation in the judicial process.

Summary

Senate Bill 130 (S130) aims to enhance protections for employees required to attend jury duty by mandating that certain employers with state contracts continue to pay their employees their usual compensation during such service. Specifically, the bill requires these employers to provide full pay for each day of jury service, deducting only the per diem fee that jurors receive. The eligibility criteria for employees include having worked for the employer for at least 12 months and having a minimum of 1,000 hours of base employment in the previous year. This measure seeks to alleviate financial burdens on employees who fulfill a civic duty without losing income.

Contention

Notably, the bill has generated discussions regarding the implications for employers who may face increased labor costs due to the mandated compensation during jury service. Proponents argue that this law is a necessary step in safeguarding civic duties while ensuring fairness in employment practices. In contrast, some critics might view this obligation as a potential deterring factor for companies considering state contracts, as it could impose additional financial burdens on businesses that are required to comply with state regulations. The balance between supporting civic engagement and protecting employer interests represents a central point of contention in the discussions around S130.