New Jersey Assembly Bill A1955

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes recruitment and referral program for certain individuals and extends certain provisions of law concerning affirmative action in public works contracts to workers with disabilities.

Impact

The proposed changes would extend affirmative action requirements to cover individuals with disabilities, mandating that all bidders for public works contracts include provisions in their affirmative action programs which guarantee employment opportunities for these individuals. This shift not only aims to equalize the employment landscape but also reinforces the State's commitment to inclusivity in its workforce policies, effectively mandating that employers take proactive measures to recruit and retain employees with disabilities.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1955 seeks to establish a recruitment and referral program for individuals with disabilities in New Jersey, thereby enhancing their employment prospects in public works projects. The bill introduces revisions to existing laws governing affirmative action in public contracts, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are included in the equal employment opportunity statutes that apply to public works. Supporters assert that this legislative change is necessary to provide equitable opportunities for disabled individuals, which has been overlooked in the current legal framework focused on racial and ethnic minorities.

Contention

Despite the intention of the bill, some points of contention may arise regarding the practicality of implementing such provisions. Opponents might argue that imposing additional requirements on contractors could complicate the bidding process, particularly for small businesses that may struggle to meet expanded compliance criteria. There may also be concerns regarding the viability of the recruitment and referral programs, including who would manage and oversee these initiatives, and how successful they might be in truly connecting disabled individuals to employment opportunities within the public works sector.