With 2025 here, New Jersey residents can expect significant changes across various sectors, including wages, healthcare, teacher certification, and more:
- Effective January 1, 2025, New Jersey’s minimum wage will see an increase for most employees, rising by 36 cents to $15.49 per hour. The change extends to several other categories:
Seasonal and small business employees (fewer than six workers) will receive an 80-cent increase, raising their minimum wage to $14.53 per hour. Agricultural workers, including those paid hourly or by piece-rate, will see their wages increase by 59 cents to $13.40 per hour. Direct care staff in long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes, will earn an additional 36 cents, bringing their hourly wage to $18.49. Tipped employees, including restaurant servers, bartenders, and hotel workers, will see their base wage rise by 36 cents to $5.62 per hour.
- Consumers burdened by healthcare debt are benefiting from new protections under the Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act. Since July 2024, medical creditors and debt collectors have been barred from reporting certain medical debts to consumer reporting agencies. Debts incurred after the bill’s enactment cannot be reported, and all debts under $500 are exempt, regardless of when they were incurred.
Additional provisions of this act will take effect in July 2025, including: A cap on interest rates for medical debts, limiting them to 3% annually; Restrictions on wage garnishment for individuals earning less than 600% of the federal poverty level; and enforcement of penalties for violations, with oversight by the State Attorney General.
- Starting May 2025, New Jersey healthcare providers will be required to create comprehensive postpartum care plans for new mothers. These plans will cover follow-up appointments, tests for ongoing health issues, mental health support, breastfeeding assistance, contraception options, and guidance on other postpartum concerns.
The mandate also extends to patients who experience stillbirths or pregnancy losses, ensuring equitable access to necessary care.
- The ability to enjoy alcohol outdoors has been formalized, with restaurants and certain beverage retailers now eligible to apply for permits allowing sales in designated public areas, such as sidewalks. While some aspects of this law have been in effect since November 2024, further provisions concerning municipal authority and permit specifics will be implemented by May 2025.
- Beginning January 1, victims of assault will have the right to be notified about updates in their cases, including progress on forensic evidence. The measure aims to enhance transparency and support for survivors.
- Starting January 1, most prospective teachers in New Jersey will no longer be required to pass a basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics to obtain certification.