Improves Workers’ Comp Laws for Small Startups

Senator Anthony Bucco’s legislation to assist New Jersey entrepreneurs and reform workers’ compensation laws has advanced in the Senate Labor Committee.

Sen. Anthony Bucco’s legislation to assist entrepreneurs and reform workers’ compensation laws has advanced. (©iStock)

“For a one-person business or partnership just staring out, acquiring worker’s compensation insurance solely for themselves is an onerous and pricey mandate,” said Bucco (R-25). “Starting a business in New Jersey is expensive as it is, so we should look for every opportunity to lower unnecessary costs for those creating businesses from the ground up. Giving new businesses owners this option will allow them to use more of their money as they see fit.”

Bucco’s legislation, S-967, revises the definition of “employer” within the workers’ compensation law to make certain exceptions.

Under the bill, an S corporation that has one sole employee, who is also the sole shareholder, may choose whether or not to obtain workers’ compensation coverage.

The legislation also provides that a partnership is not subject to the workers’ compensation law if there are only two partners, and if there is no other individual or individuals that perform services for the partnership.

Senator Bucco and his father, the late Senator Anthony R. Bucco, introduced this legislation in the last session after speaking with a constituent concerning the high costs of doing business.

“A local business owner was the sole employee of a startup operating out of his home. He had yet to earn any revenue with his new company, and he was stunned when he was threatened with a penalty for not obtaining workers’ compensation for himself,” added Bucco. “I am thankful this constituent came forward to tell me about this predicament. New Jersey can and must do more to create a business-friendly environment.”