New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5840

Introduced
12/7/23  
Refer
12/7/23  
Report Pass
12/18/23  
Engrossed
12/21/23  
Enrolled
1/8/24  
Chaptered
1/12/24  

Caption

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

Impact

The proposed changes in A5840 would amend various parts of the statutory law regarding economic development programs in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill allows businesses that had entered into incentive agreements before the pandemic to request alterations to their commitments, enabling them to adapt to current economic challenges. The legislation emphasizes maintaining a minimum number of retained full-time jobs, and if requirements are not met, tax credits may be forfeited. This flexibility aims to assist businesses in preserving jobs while making necessary operational adjustments.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5840 seeks to extend certain accommodations enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses involved in State economic development programs. This legislation aims to provide ongoing support to businesses by allowing adjustments to existing tax credit programs as they navigate the lingering impacts of the pandemic. It is designed to help preserve jobs and encourage further employment opportunities in a state still reeling from economic disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Sentiment

Sentiment around A5840 appears to be generally positive, as it reflects an acknowledgment of the unique difficulties faced by businesses during the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. Supporters of the bill argue that it provides crucial relief and necessary flexibility for businesses to maintain employment levels. However, the bill could face scrutiny from those who feel that extending these accommodations might create an ongoing dependence on government support or that it may lead to less stringent accountability measures for businesses.

Contention

One point of contention regarding A5840 could be the threshold for the retention of jobs and the criteria set for claiming tax credits. Legislators may debate the appropriateness of the standards needed to secure these incentives, as some stakeholders argue that the pandemic should not serve as an indefinite reason for leniency in job retention requirements. Critics may worry that the bill does not ensure sufficient accountability from the applicants, potentially leading to improperly awarded credits if businesses do not maintain their commitments.

Companion Bills

NJ S4217

Same As Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

Previously Filed As

NJ S4217

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A2077

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A4929

Concerns accommodations related to COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in certain State economic development programs.

NJ S3379

Concerns accommodations related to COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in certain State economic development programs.

NJ A4046

Extends certain accommodations for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ S3303

Extends certain accommodations for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A5286

Modifies employee health benefits requirements under certain economic development programs.

NJ S3718

Modifies employee health benefits requirements under certain economic development programs.

NJ A1083

"Economic Emergency Investment Stabilization Act"; allows EDA to invest in businesses impacted by major economic emergencies.

NJ A2925

"Economic Emergency Investment Stabilization Act"; allows EDA to invest in businesses impacted by major economic emergencies.

Similar Bills

NJ S4217

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A2077

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A4046

Extends certain accommodations for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ S3379

Concerns accommodations related to COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in certain State economic development programs.

NJ A4929

Concerns accommodations related to COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in certain State economic development programs.

NJ S3303

Extends certain accommodations for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

NJ A3433

Increases remote work flexibility for EDA tax credit award recipients.

NJ A5687

Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation.