New Jersey Senate Bill S295

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires employers to provide paid leave to employees to vote in certain circumstances.

Impact

This bill is designed to enhance voter participation by removing one of the barriers that may prevent employees from casting their votes. By requiring companies to allow time off to vote, the legislation promotes civic engagement among workers and reflects a commitment to democratic processes. Compliance is also mandated through the provision of clear guidelines, including the requirement for employers to inform their staff about their rights and obligations associated with this new law.

Summary

Senate Bill 295 requires employers in New Jersey to provide each employee with two hours of paid leave annually for the purpose of voting at general elections. This legislation aims to ensure that employees have adequate time to participate in the electoral process without financial penalty. The bill mandates that the leave must be fully paid and can be utilized either at the start or end of an employee's work shift on election day. Furthermore, employees must notify their employers two business days prior to the election if they need to take this leave.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding this bill involve its applicability to certain worker categories. While it generally covers employees in all sectors, exceptions are made for those in specific roles, such as construction workers under collective bargaining agreements, per diem health care employees, and public employees already receiving compensated leave. Critics may argue that these exclusions could limit the bill's effectiveness and intent to provide equitable access to voting for all workers.