New Jersey Assembly Bill A2829

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ formerly incarcerated individuals.

Impact

The implementation of A2829 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws relating to employment and taxation. By offering these tax credits, the bill encourages employers to adopt more inclusive hiring practices and thus aid in reducing recidivism rates among formerly incarcerated individuals. The bill sets clear guidelines for employers, requiring that at least 25% of new hires for the taxable year must be formerly incarcerated individuals, and outlines the minimum conditions of sustained employment necessary to qualify for the credit.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2829 aims to incentivize businesses in New Jersey to hire formerly incarcerated individuals by providing them with tax credits. Specifically, the bill offers a corporation business tax credit and a gross income tax credit, which equal 10% of the qualified wages paid to a former inmate, capped at $1,200 per individual per year. This initiative is designed to facilitate the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the workforce by making it financially advantageous for employers to hire them.

Contention

There could be points of contention regarding the effectiveness and fairness of the tax incentives prescribed in A2829. Critics may argue that while the bill's intentions are noble, it may not adequately address the systemic issues that lead to recidivism or job discrimination against formerly incarcerated individuals. Additionally, potential misuse of the credits could arise, prompting the bill to include strict measures to prevent abuse, such as prohibiting the simultaneous use of the same wages for other tax credits. This requirement underscores the delicate balance between encouraging employment opportunities and ensuring fair labor practices.