New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5549

Introduced
4/10/25  

Caption

Requires election workers to be paid hourly rate for mandatory training programs.

Impact

The implementation of A5549 will require adjustments to state laws concerning the compensation of election workers, specifically amending R.S.19:45-6 and P.L.2001, c.245. As a result, counties will be responsible for providing this hourly compensation during training. Moreover, counties can apply for reimbursement from the state for these expenses, making it financially manageable for localities to comply with the new stipulations. This not only addresses the financial concerns of counties but also emphasizes the necessity of having adequately trained personnel for the execution of state elections.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5549 aims to establish mandatory hourly compensation for election workers attending required training programs. Previously, the payment for such training was at the discretion of the county, leading to inconsistencies in compensation across different regions. The bill mandates that all election workers be compensated at least at the state minimum wage for their time spent in mandatory training, ensuring that personnel involved in the electoral process receive fair remuneration for their preparatory efforts. This change is significant in promoting equity and recognizing the importance of proper training in maintaining election integrity.

Contention

While the bill has been generally well-received as a step towards fairness for election workers, discussions may have raised concerns regarding the potential financial burden it could place on county budgets, particularly in smaller or financially constrained counties. Some may argue about the feasibility of the reimbursement process and how efficiently it would work in practice. Additionally, these changes could prompt discussions on how counties allocate their resources towards election management and training, and whether they would seek additional funds from the state to cover ongoing costs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A208

Raises pay for election workers to $300 per day; permits counties to provide additional compensation to election workers; appropriates $7,000,000 to Department of State.

NJ A4407

Increases daily compensation for election workers and increases additional compensation rate for election workers managing signature copy registers.

NJ S1290

Raises pay for election workers to $300 per day; permits counties to provide additional compensation to election workers; appropriates $7,000,000 to Department of State.

NJ A3823

Requires enhanced review of death records two months prior to election; permits remote training for certain election workers; exempts election worker compensation from taxation and remuneration.

NJ S2867

Requires enhanced review of death records two months prior to election; permits remote training for certain election workers; exempts election worker compensation from taxation and remuneration.

NJ A4301

Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.

NJ HB1284

School boards; method of selection, election required.

NJ SB1404

School boards; method of selection, election required.

NJ HB4503

Elections: challengers; training requirements for election challengers; provide for, and provide for comprehensive election challenger training for county clerks, political parties, and other organizations. Amends secs. 31, 683 & 730 of 1954 PA 116 (MCL 168.31 et seq.) & adds sec. 730a.

NJ A4100

Requires automatic recount for local elections with vote difference of 10 votes or less at candidate's request; provides for geographic regions for judges to adjudicate election recounts and contests; establishes certain adjudication and hearing timelines.

Similar Bills

CA AB1062

Pupil instruction: community emergency response training.

CA SB1130

Electricity: Family Electric Rate Assistance program.

NJ A208

Raises pay for election workers to $300 per day; permits counties to provide additional compensation to election workers; appropriates $7,000,000 to Department of State.

NJ S1290

Raises pay for election workers to $300 per day; permits counties to provide additional compensation to election workers; appropriates $7,000,000 to Department of State.

NJ A4407

Increases daily compensation for election workers and increases additional compensation rate for election workers managing signature copy registers.

CA AB747

Planning and zoning: general plan: safety element.

CA SB254

Electricity: wildfire mitigation: rate assistance: Policy-Oriented and Wildfire Electric Reimbursement (POWER) Program.

NJ A1450

Concerns information security standards and guidelines for State and local government.