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Read. Follow. Verify.New Jersey bill permits lower two-thirds minimum training wage for minor employees aged 14 to 16
Last action · October 1, 2026: Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor CommitteeSponsors: Douglas J. Steinhardt and 1 other
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What This Bill Would Do
This bill permits employers to pay a of not less than two-thirds of the standard minimum wage to employees aged 14 to 16. Under existing law, the training wage is set at not less than 90 percent of the minimum wage for workers in an approved training program.
The change alters labor cost structures and earning potentials for teenage workers aged 14 to 16 enrolled in training programs, modifying the previous 90 percent threshold to a two-thirds rate for this specific age group.
Who It Would Affect
Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.
Minor employees aged 14 to 16
Minor employees aged 14 to 16 may be paid a training wage of not less than two-thirds of the minimum wage during their initial 120 hours of work.
Employers
Employers gain the option to pay a lower training wage rate for minor workers aged 14 to 16 subject to training program standards and anti-displacement rules.
Key Facts
You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the reduced training wage under this bill?
How long can an employer pay the training wage to an employee?
What else do you want to know?
News Coverage
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Votes, people, money & the original sourceWhere This Stands
Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.
Procedural history
1 action- Oct 1, 2026SenateIntroducedIntroduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee
Version history
Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.
View official text →Lobbying Activity
No state lobbying filings in our records match this bill. Federal lobbying reports (LDA) cover Congress, so they are not listed on state bills.
Full breakdown
Who this bill affects and the strongest case for and against it, written only from the bill’s own text.
Sponsors
Connected Entities
Sources
njleg.state.nj.us
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance45How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy40Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment10Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz30Current news / social attention level
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