On March 19, 2015, the New Jersey State Assembly Labor Committee approved a bill (A3912) that would allow New Jersey counties and municipalities to set a minimum wage for private sector employees within their borders at an amount higher than the state’s minimum wage. To become law, the bill must still be approved by the full state Senate and Assembly, as well as the governor. Should the bill become law, it would present obvious concerns for New Jersey employers, who would not only have to ensure that their New Jersey employees are paid minimum wage in accordance with federal and state law, but also in accordance with the laws of the counties and municipalities in which their employees are employed, which could differ substantially. On March 26, 2015, Republican representatives countered by introducing a new bill (A4363), which would not only prohibit local government units from adopting increased minimum wage rates, but would also prohibit the passing of mandatory paid sick leave ordinances.
