New Jersey Assembly Bill A4802

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/19/24
• Refer: 9/19/24

Caption

Requires Civil Service Commission establish mentoring program for certain civil service firefighter applicants.

Impact

The mentoring program will encompass a variety of supportive structures, including workshops, group discussions, and the dissemination of resourceful information regarding civil service practices. Such initiatives are aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively compete with those from better-resourced communities that may have access to private study groups. The program will serve participants throughout the duration of the exam cycle until they successfully complete the hiring process, thus significantly enhancing their employment prospects.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4802, introduced during the 221st Legislature of New Jersey, mandates the Civil Service Commission to create and sustain a mentoring program aimed at civil service firefighter candidates. This program is specifically designed for applicants hailing from municipalities with median incomes that do not exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty level. Its goal is to facilitate these applicants as they navigate the often complex civil service application, examination, and selection processes, which frequently pose unique challenges due to their socioeconomic circumstances.

Contention

There are stipulations that prevent monetary compensation for mentors or any fees for mentees involved in the program, ensuring it remains accessible to all eligible participants. Furthermore, eligibility criteria for both mentors and mentees will be established by the Civil Service Commission, with consideration given to race and ethnicity for mentor-mentee pairing when possible. The bill allows a mentee to participate a maximum of three times over a ten-year span, which could be a point of discussion or contention regarding its capacity and long-term support for applicants in need.