All Updates

New Jersey is launching a strategic initiative to advance artificial intelligence solutions for public good and innovation. The AI Innovation Challenge recognizes AI's potential to enhance government services, address complex challenges, and drive technological advancement across sectors.

Teams of students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and residents can apply alongside early-stage companies with fewer than 225 employees. Eligible applicants must have at least three members (including one AI expert) with 50%+ NJ residents and establish operations in New Jersey. New publicly-available datasets have been added to the NJOIT Open Data Center (data.nj.gov) to help applicants.

Applications close January 19, 5:00 PM ET. Up to ten winners will receive a total of $1M for product development, with an additional $2.34M available based on progress and commercialization readiness demonstrated by March.

Maximum weekly benefit rates for Unemployment Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance, Family Leave Insurance, and Workers' Compensation increased on January 1, 2026.

The unemployment insurance taxable wage base rose to $44,800 (from $43,300). The Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance taxable wage base increased to $171,100 (from $165,400).

Maximum weekly benefits are now: $905 for Unemployment Insurance, $1,119 for Temporary Disability and Family Leave Insurance, and $1,199 for Workers' Compensation. Businesses should update payroll withholding and benefit calculations.

The minimum wage in New Jersey increased to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026, up from $15.49.

The increase applies to most employees, with some exceptions for specific worker categories. Businesses should update payroll systems and wage calculations immediately.

Restaurants, bars, and other hospitality small businesses can apply for reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of purchasing an inactive liquor license, up to $100,000. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Small Business Liquor License Grant Program supports businesses that purchased an inactive Class C Plenary Retail Consumption License within the past 12 months.

To qualify, businesses must be open and operating for at least 12 months, meet SBA's definition of a small business, and have proof the license was previously inactive (verified by the NJ Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control). Nonprofits are also eligible.

A $500 approval fee is required. Forty percent of funding is reserved for businesses in eligible Opportunity Zone census tracts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for three years or until funds are exhausted.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) launched NJDEP DocMiner, a free online tool that provides quick access to environmental public records without filing formal records requests. Search by regulated entity name, DEP identification numbers, or address to find remediation records, air/water/land use permits, and compliance documents.

Small businesses, contractors, and real estate professionals can use NJDEP DocMiner to research site history,  and review enforcement records. The tool supports multiple file types (PDF, Excel, Word, email) and integrates with DEP's mapping tools and DataMiner database. NJDEP welcomes feedback during the current testing phase.

New Jersey employers must report all employee separations electronically through the Employer Access portal as of December 8, 2025. This requirement applies to all separations regardless of reason: layoffs, terminations, resignations, or retirements.

Employers must provide separation information immediately when an employee becomes unemployed. The law requires electronic reporting to enable faster unemployment benefit determinations. Employers who fail to report separations face penalties for willful failure to furnish reports.

If you haven't registered for Employer Access yet, your authorization code is included in the annual assessment bill mailed mid-August. You must register with a valid email address to comply with the new reporting requirements.

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The Asset Activation Planning Grant provides up to $100,000 to help organizations develop plans that demonstrate how to revitalize under-utilized public assets—vacant buildings, distressed land, or underused infrastructure owned by municipalities, counties, or public agencies.

Eligible applicants include New Jersey municipalities, counties, redevelopment agencies, independent authorities, nonprofit organizations, and for-profit entities. Proposals may include conceptual design, feasibility studies, economic analysis, market research, and redevelopment assessments that show how the project will strengthen the regional economy and community.

Applications are open now. Applications require a $1,000 fee. Grant recipients receive 50% of funds upon agreement execution, then 25% each upon mid-way and final progress reports. Eligible projects typically focus on new business sectors, economic equity, public asset innovation, transportation access, workforce attraction, or sustainable land use.

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection urges businesses to reduce water use immediately following a statewide Drought Warning issued December 5. Persistent below-average precipitation has strained water supplies across all six state regions.

Mandatory restrictions may become necessary if drought conditions worsen. Landscapers, car washes, food service, manufacturing, and other water-intensive businesses should review current usage and conservation options now. DEP is monitoring conditions closely and working with water suppliers to manage supplies across affected regions.

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The New Jersey Department of Labor has released an updated Family Leave Insurance workplace poster (PR-2, dated 9/25) that employers must display in a place noticeable to all employees.

The poster informs employees about their rights to paid family leave benefits for bonding with a new child, caring for a loved one, or addressing domestic violence situations.

Employers must display this updated version to remain in compliance.

New Jersey employers must register for an Employer Access account to view their 2026 Unemployment Insurance contribution rates. The state is eliminating mailed rate notices as part of a paperless transition.

Most employers will pay lower UI contributions for Fiscal Year 2026 as the Experience Rating Table drops from "D" to "C". To access your new rates, you must register with a valid email address.

Your authorization code is included in the annual assessment bill mailed mid-August. Employers must also report all employee separations electronically, regardless of reason.

Registration is required to remain compliant with state reporting requirements.