This bill amends existing New Jersey law to prohibit certain non-disclosure and non-disparagement provisions in employment contracts. Specifically, it establishes that any provision in an employment contract that waives rights or remedies related to discrimination, retaliation, or harassment claims, including non-disclosure or non-disparagement clauses, is deemed against public policy and unenforceable. Additionally, the bill mandates that any settlement agreement resolving such claims must include a clear notice indicating that confidentiality provisions are unenforceable if the employee publicly discloses sufficient details about the claim.

Furthermore, the bill removes a previous exception that allowed non-disclosure agreements to be included in collective bargaining agreements between employers and employee representatives. This change aims to strengthen protections for employees by ensuring that they cannot be compelled to waive their rights through such provisions in any employment-related agreements. The act will take effect immediately and apply to all contracts and agreements entered into, renewed, modified, or amended after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 10:5-12.7, 10:5-12.8