Lakewood , NJ – Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill Thursday designed to safeguard minor league baseball in New Jersey by limiting the state’s authority over player labor rules, a move lawmakers say will help preserve the sport’s future in the Garden State.
The legislation, sponsored by Senator Robert Singer (R-30), prevents New Jersey from interfering with collective bargaining agreements that cover wages and working conditions for minor league players. Under the new law, players employed under such agreements are exempt from state wage and hour statutes as well as wage payment recordkeeping rules.
“Minor League Baseball is more than just entertainment, it’s part of what makes summers in New Jersey so special,” Singer said at the signing. “This bill ensures the State doesn’t overstep where collective bargaining already governs, keeping America’s pastime alive here in New Jersey.”
Why supporters say it’s good:
- Lawmakers argue the measure will help keep minor league baseball alive in New Jersey by easing potential legal conflicts between state and federal labor rules.
- Senator Singer said the bill ensures the state doesn’t “overstep” in areas already covered by national collective bargaining, giving teams more stability.
- Teams such as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws could avoid costly compliance battles that might otherwise threaten operations.
Why critics say it may be bad:
- By exempting players from state wage protections, the law could weaken worker rights, since minor leaguers are historically among the lowest-paid professional athletes.
- Opponents say collective bargaining agreements do not always guarantee fair pay and working conditions, and the law removes an additional safeguard.
- Labor advocates warn it sets a precedent for carving out exceptions to wage laws, potentially affecting other industries.
The measure, S-4506, comes as Major League Baseball continues reshaping its minor league system, with several teams around the country shut down in recent years. Singer, a season ticket holder for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, has positioned the law as key to keeping the game in local communities.
Singer, a longtime supporter of the sport and a season ticket holder for the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, championed the measure as Major League Baseball continues to restructure its minor league system nationwide.
The bill, S-4506, is intended to give teams more stability by recognizing existing labor agreements as the primary framework for employment terms, rather than layering on additional state-level requirements.
Key Points
- Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation exempting minor league baseball players from certain NJ wage laws if covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
- The measure is meant to protect minor league teams by preventing state interference in labor negotiations.
- Sen. Robert Singer, the bill’s sponsor, is a vocal supporter of the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.
Lawmakers say the law will help keep baseball a fixture of New Jersey summers.