New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR177

Introduced
12/8/25  

Caption

Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

Impact

The bill reinforces the legislative framework surrounding independent contractor classifications by potentially invalidating any proposed regulations that deviate from the ABC test, as historically codified. This could have profound implications for how independent work is defined and regulated in the state, impacting not only independent contractors but also businesses that engage these workers. By mandating a rigorous review process of such regulations, ACR177 emphasizes the need for regulatory compliance in alignment with legislative intent, thus ensuring that workers' rights are safeguarded.

Summary

ACR177 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey, primarily focused on declaring new rules proposed by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding the employment status test for independent contractors to be inconsistent with legislative intent. The bill aims to uphold the established ABC test, which is used to determine whether a worker is classified as an independent contractor or an employee in relation to unemployment compensation eligibility. The legislation asserts the need for clarity and consistency concerning the definitions and standards that adjudicate independent contractor status under New Jersey's labor laws.

Contention

The proposed changes by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development have been met with contention, primarily because they may lower the threshold for what constitutes an independent contractor. Stakeholders argue that the new rules could lead to misclassification, infringing upon workers' rights and benefits under the law, which could, in turn, force businesses to reevaluate their operational practices. Critics of the proposed regulations highlight that they may favor a presumption of employment status, thereby undermining the independent contracting framework that many workers rely on for flexibility and autonomy in their professional engagements.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR138

Same As Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR73

Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR62

Declares Department of Labor and Workforce Development new rules concerning employment status test for independent contractors inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR77

Declares Division of State Lottery's new rule concerning online lottery sales inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR63

Declares Division of State Lottery's new rule concerning online lottery sales inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR69

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ A1184

Revises test for employment or independent contractor status under certain State labor laws.

NJ SCR82

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Trucks" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR86

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ ACR87

Determines that DEP rules and regulations to implement "Advanced Clean Cars II" program are inconsistent with legislative intent.

NJ SCR106

Determines that DEP's "Protecting Against Climate Threats" rules, adopted January 20, 2026, are inconsistent with legislative intent.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.