“No worker should ever be compelled to sit through meetings where their employer pressures them on how to think, act, or organize,” said Senator Joe Lagana (D-Bergen). “This bill sends a clear message: all employees deserve a respectful and inclusive workplace, free of political intimidation or retribution from those in positions of power.” 

“This bill protects a basic freedom: the right to do your job without intimidation, coercion, or fear of retaliation," said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth). It ensures that no one is pressured into political, religious, or other deeply personal conversations in order to keep their job and reinforces that workplace rights should never depend on personal beliefs or views.”

The bill, S-3302, revises the Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, initially enacted in 2006, to expand the types of employer-mandated meetings and communications that are prohibited under state law. It broadens the definition of political matters to include electioneering communications and decisions about joining or supporting political parties, labor organizations, or civic groups. Employers would be prevented from requiring employees to attend meetings or engage in communications that convey the employer’s opinion on these matters.

The bill that required job-related communications, anti-harassment training, academic instruction, and certain types of government or nonprofit political speech remains permissible under specific exemptions. To protect workers from retaliation, employers won’t be able to discipline, threaten, or penalize employees who refuse to attend a meeting or accept a communication covered under the Act. Employees will be allowed to bring civil actions if their rights are violated, including the ability to seek reinstatement, injunctive relief, lost wages, and attorneys’ fees.

Several states, including Connecticut, Oregon, Maine, Minnesota, and New York, have enacted similar protections.

The bill passed in an 38-1 vote.