ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2463

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: NOVEMBER 7, 1996

      The Assembly Labor Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 2463, with committee amendments.

      This bill increases penalties imposed by P.L.1987, c.458 (C.34:6-144 et seq.) for violations in the apparel industry of certain laws setting workplace standards.

      In the case of a manufacturer or contractor in the apparel industry who fails to comply with that law’s requirements related to registration, civil penalties are increased from up to $1,000 for a first violation and up to $2,000 for a subsequent violation to not less than $1,000 and not more than $2,000 for a first violation and not less than $2,000 and not more than $4,000 for a subsequent violation. In such cases the administrative penalties are increased from up to $250 for a first violation and up to $500 for a subsequent violation to not less than $250 and not more than $500 for a first violation and not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 for a subsequent violation.

      In the case of a manufacturer or contractor in the apparel industry who violates other State labor laws, including laws concerning wages, overtime compensation, unemployment and temporary disability insurance, workers' compensation, child labor and industrial homework, the administrative penalties are increased from up to $250 for a first violation and up to $500 for a subsequent violation to not less than $250 and not more than $500 for a first violation and not less than $500 and not more than $1,000 for a subsequent violation.

      In sum, the bill establishes, in each case subject to its provisions, a minimum penalty equal to the current maximum penalty and increases the maximum penalty to an amount twice as large as the current maximum penalty.

      The committee amendments are technical in nature. They delete a duplicative reference regarding the jurisdiction of the apparel industry unit in these matters.