This bill aims to enhance the enforcement of New Jersey's child labor laws by introducing stricter penalties for violations and establishing clearer guidelines for employers. Key provisions include increasing minimum fines for knowingly violating the child labor law to $500 for an initial offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses. It also categorizes certain violations as third-degree crimes, with minimum fines of $1,000 for employing unregistered minors or violating work hour restrictions, and second-degree crimes with a minimum fine of $4,000 if a minor suffers injury or death while employed in violation of the law. Employers convicted of these crimes will face suspension of their registration to employ minors for one to two years, depending on the severity of the offense.

Additionally, the bill introduces measures to protect employees from retaliation for reporting violations of the child labor law. Employers who retaliate against employees for making complaints or participating in investigations will be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, facing fines and potential imprisonment. They will also be required to reinstate affected employees and compensate them for lost wages, with liquidated damages of up to 200% of the wages due. The bill mandates that employers acknowledge and affirm their understanding of the child labor law requirements before being authorized to employ minors, and it establishes a Child Labor Law Enforcement Trust Fund to support enforcement efforts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34:2-21.19