In New Jersey, an employer generally cannot require an employee to attend mandatory meetings on political or religious matters. This is what is commonly referred to as a ban on “captive audience” meetings, where employers might express anti-union sentiments.
The state has now passed a bill that expands on these prohibitions. The phrase “political matters” has been made to be more inclusive, and now means matters which relate to an electioneering communication (as defined in section 3 of P.L.1973, c.83 (C.19:44A-3)) and the employee’s decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal, or labor organization or association.
Employers may not discharge, discipline or otherwise penalize or threaten to discharge, discipline or otherwise penalize any employee because they refused to participate in a meeting or accept a communication.
Additionally, employers are now required to post a notice of employees’ rights under the law in a conspicuous place reserved for employment-related notices and in a place commonly frequented by employees.
The changes are effective on December 2, 2025. You can access the enacted bill here.