As we enter into 2026, a number of state, local, and federal employment law changes are taking effect which impact employer compliance and expand employee rights. These developments create new obligations that employers should be aware of as they review workplace postings, leave policies, hiring practices, scheduling procedures, and anti-discrimination safeguards for the year ahead.
New Jersey
On April 3rd, 2025, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development proposed new rules, which are designed to clarify the application of the “ABC test.” The ABC test is a legal standard used to determine whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee for purposes of various New Jersey laws, including the Unemployment Compensation Law, the Wage Payment Law, and the Earned Sick Leave Law.
On May 5th, 2025, the proposed rules were published, triggering a 60-day review and comment period. This proposal is significant for businesses and independent contractors as it seeks to codify the department’s very broad application of the statutory ABC test.
Prongs of the ABC Test
Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. Firm News & Events