New Jersey Senate Bill S289

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22
• Report Pass: 3/7/22
• Refer: 3/7/22

Caption

Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

Impact

Under this program, loan funds can be allocated for various purposes such as capital purchases, employee training, and salaries for new positions that directly relate to improving indoor air quality. This financial assistance is designed to support businesses in meeting EPA standards and creating a healthier work environment. Conditions for loan approval require businesses to demonstrate eligibility and the necessity of their applications, ensuring that loans are issued at terms that promote affordability and sustainability.

Summary

Senate Bill S289 aims to establish the 'New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program.' This initiative will provide loans to eligible small businesses to enhance indoor air quality. The program is intended to benefit small businesses that are independently owned, operate primarily within New Jersey, and have 100 or fewer full-time employees. The administration of the program will be overseen by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Protection, focusing on setting applicable indoor air quality standards.

Contention

A notable aspect of the bill includes provisions for businesses that receive loans to apply for a New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Certification, which necessitates successful inspections based on the EPA's Indoor Air Quality Management Checklist. This certification process may raise questions about the feasibility and requirements for small businesses, as it obligates them to not only improve air quality but also to pass annual inspections, potentially imposing additional layers of regulation on small enterprises that could be burdensome.