On September 3, 2025, Governor Murphy signed a new law that prohibits employers from requiring employees to attend meetings or communications about political or religious matters. “Political matters” are defined very broadly to include electioneering and an employee’s decision to join or support a political party, civic group, community organization, fraternal association or labor union. The law bars mandatory meetings on religious topics; however, religious organizations may still require employees to attend meetings about their own beliefs or practices. 

The law further protects employees from retaliation for refusing to attend or for reporting violations and creates a private right of action in New Jersey Superior Court.

Key Exceptions: Employers may still hold voluntary meetings, provided that employees are clearly told that they can refuse to attend without penalty; Employers may still require anti-harassment or anti-discrimination training that covers these topics; and public employers may require meetings about proposed legislation, regulations or policy. 

The law goes into effect on December 2, 2025.