NJ S1753

Contracting agents using digital marketplace networks must contribute at least 15% of worker earnings monthly to individual portable benefits accounts for workers providing 40+ hours of services per month to New Jersey consumers.

Workers must receive workers' compensation or occupational accident insurance, plus options to choose from health insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, or other benefits—or receive half the contribution as direct compensation if declining optional benefits.

Qualified benefit providers must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least half their board composed of gig workers or their representatives, independent from conflicting financial interests, and meeting financial sufficiency requirements set by the Department of Labor.

Workers may select and change their qualified benefit provider once annually during open enrollment, and may bring private legal action against contracting agents who fail to make required contributions.

The bill explicitly states that compliance with these portable benefits requirements cannot be used to determine or reclassify a worker's employment status under state unemployment law.