New Jersey Expands Age Discrimination Protections

New Jersey Expands Age Discrimination Protections

On October 5, 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed a new law (A681), which amends the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) to expand age discrimination protections for New Jersey workers who are 70-plus years old. The legislation passed both houses of the Legislature without any no votes.

 

While NJLAD already prohibited age discrimination, an exception existed, allowing employers to decide not to hire or promote workers over 70 based on their age. The new law eliminated this exception and further repealed the mandatory retirement age of 70 for tenured professors. The legislation additionally makes it more difficult for a government employer to set a mandatory retirement age.

 

Contrarily, the law leaves in place the mandatory retirement age of 70 for Supreme Court Justices and state court judges. Likewise, the law does not change anything with respect to the Police and Fireman’s Retirement System.

 

Conclusion

If you believe you have a claim concerning age discrimination and wish to discuss the wide range of legal remedies provided by this new law, Farrell & Thurman, P.C., offers a variety of convenient ways to schedule a free, no-pressure consultation. You may do so directly on our website (Schedule A Consult), via phone (609-924-1115), or by email (Contact Us).