TRENTON, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy recently enacted three pivotal bills, enhancing New Jersey’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity, especially when it comes to the influx of migrants coming to the state from the southern border.
These legislative measures aim to support immigrant families and diverse communities, recognizing their contributions to the state’s cultural, social, and economic identity.
The New Jersey Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights Act establishes comprehensive rights and protections for domestic workers, addressing a long-standing issue of exclusion from many labor laws.
This act not only grants anti-discrimination and anti-harassment rights but also mandates health, safety, and privacy protections. Additionally, it revises the New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law to include domestic workers, demanding written contracts, and setting standards for rest, meal breaks, and termination notice.
“In New Jersey, our greatest strength lies in our diversity,” said Governor Murphy. “These bills recognize that our state’s immigrant families and diverse communities enrich our cultural, social, and economic identity. I am proud to sign legislation that supports New Jerseyans in achieving the American Dream, accessing government services, and being appropriately represented in data and analytics that may inform our work.”
Another significant law requires State government entities to provide vital documents and translation services in at least seven common non-English languages. This initiative aims to dismantle language barriers, facilitating better access to government programs and services for New Jersey’s immigrant communities.
The state has been directed to update demographic data collection methods. This effort focuses on residents from diverse backgrounds, including those of Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Indian Diaspora origins.
Officials have lauded these measures as crucial steps toward making New Jersey more inclusive and equitable. They emphasize the importance of bridging language barriers, safeguarding civil rights, and recognizing the essential roles of domestic workers in supporting New Jersey families.
“Domestic workers support roughly a third of New Jersey families, and demand for their work is only expected to increase as the country ages. Despite their critical services, they have been carved out of many labor protection laws, allowing many of New Jersey’s roughly 50,000 domestic workers to fall victim to wage theft, employer intimidation, as well as the denial of basic rest and meal breaks,” said former Governor Codey. “The signing of this legislation will give these essential workers the legal protections and rights that every worker deserves, and help prevent the employer abuse they often face.”
With these laws in effect, New Jersey sets a precedent for other states in embracing diversity and ensuring equitable treatment for all residents, particularly those from immigrant communities and underserved populations.