NJ
New Jersey Assembly Bill A1795

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A1795

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Provides that definition of minority business enterprise include persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent for State certification and assistance purposes; revises definition for school board and local government contract set-aside purposes.

Impact

The inclusion of MENA individuals as minorities within this classification is expected to enhance economic opportunities for diverse business owners who have long faced challenges in accessing contracts and financial assistance. This change addresses the systemic issues related to discrimination and lack of representation in state contracts and programs. By enabling these businesses to qualify for set-asides and financial aid, the bill could potentially lead to increased competition and diversity in the state's economic landscape.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1795 aims to revise the definition of minority business enterprises (MBE) within New Jersey's business regulations by explicitly including individuals of Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) descent. Under previous legislation, these small business owners were excluded from the statutory definitions of MBEs, which impeded their ability to certify as minority businesses. This bill seeks to rectify this exclusion by ensuring that businesses owned by MENA individuals are recognized and can thus access various state and local assistance programs intended for minority enterprises.

Contention

Though the bill is designed to promote inclusivity and economic equity, there may be points of contention regarding its implementation. Some legislators and stakeholders may question whether expanding the definition of minority business enterprises could dilute the intended benefits for historically marginalized groups. There may also be discussions around resource allocation and the criteria for program eligibility, ensuring that all disadvantaged communities have equitable access without compromising the benefits designed for other minority groups.

Companion Bills

NJ A4123

Carry Over Provides that definition of minority business enterprise include persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent for State certification and assistance purposes; revises definition for school board and local government contract set-aside purposes.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4123

Provides that definition of minority business enterprise include persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent for State certification and assistance purposes; revises definition for school board and local government contract set-aside purposes.

NJ S4237

Includes Jewish persons with definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business."

NJ A5543

Includes Jewish persons with definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business."

NJ A5062

Revises definition of women's business enterprise and minority business enterprise.

NJ S3013

Revises definition of women's business enterprise and minority business enterprise.

NJ S07686

Includes Middle Eastern and North African persons in the definition of "minority group member" for purposes of participation by minority group members and women with respect to state contracts.

NJ SB00429

An Act Concerning The Set-aside Program And The Percentage Of Contracts Reserved For Minority Business Enterprises.

NJ A4586

Establishes "Minority and Women-Owned Businesses State Contractor Remedies Act."

NJ HB05792

An Act Concerning The Set-aside Program And The Percentage Of Contracts Reserved For Minority Business Enterprises.

NJ S907

Provides that disability-owned businesses be included in certain businesses development programs, direct loan programs, and certification processes; requires Chief Diversity Officer compile information on awarding of State contracts to disability-owned businesses.

Similar Bills

NJ A4123

Provides that definition of minority business enterprise include persons of Middle Eastern and North African descent for State certification and assistance purposes; revises definition for school board and local government contract set-aside purposes.

NJ S1103

Authorizes local contracting units to establish joint venture and set-aside programs.

NJ A3198

Authorizes local contracting units to establish joint venture and set-aside programs.

NJ A3510

Authorizes local contracting units to establish joint venture and set-aside programs.

NY A08529

Replaces instances of the words or variations of the words American Indian with the words Indigenous peoples or a variation thereof.

NJ A4831

Creates certain assistance and set-aside programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, by persons with a disability, and by veterans.

NJ A3936

Requires Chief Diversity Officer in Department of Treasury to develop and implement programs to increase utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State.

NJ S1330

Creates certain assistance and set-aside programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, by persons with a disability, and by veterans.