This bill amends the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law to increase penalties for employers who violate wage and hour regulations. Specifically, it establishes that an employer who willfully obstructs the enforcement of the law or fails to maintain required records will be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. For a first violation, the minimum fine is raised from $100 to $500, while the maximum remains at $1,000. For a second violation, the minimum fine is increased from $500 to $1,000, with a maximum of $2,000. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that classifies a third or subsequent violation as a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by a fine ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 or imprisonment for up to 18 months.

Furthermore, the bill grants the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development the authority to assess administrative penalties for violations, with a maximum of $250 for a first violation and $500 for subsequent violations. The commissioner must notify the alleged violator of the violation and the penalty amount, providing an opportunity for a hearing. If no hearing is requested, the notice becomes a final order after 15 days. The collected penalties will be allocated towards the enforcement and administration costs of the Division of Workplace Standards in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:11-56