New Jersey Assembly Bill A868

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24
• Refer: 3/4/24

Caption

Requires bidder on State contract to be evaluated on report of its gender-based pay equity and job equality standards for its employees.

Impact

This legislation will have significant implications for state contracting practices, as it will create a formalized process for assessing gender equity for potential contractors. The Division of Purchase and Property will take charge of developing reporting criteria and offering technical assistance to ensure compliance. Contracts will be awarded based not only on price but also on the bidders' ratings concerning pay equity and job segregation. This approach aims to incentivize contractors to address and rectify any inequalities within their organizations, promoting broader adoption of equitable employment practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A868, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that all bidders on state contracts must provide reports detailing gender-based pay equity and job equality standards for their employees. The bill aims to assess and improve the conditions of men and women performing comparable work within state-affiliated organizations by measuring discrepancies in pay and job title representation. By requiring a systematic evaluation of gender-related disparities, the bill seeks to promote equality in the workplace for bidders supplying goods or services to the state.

Contention

However, the bill does include specific exemptions, such as contracts necessitating immediate service delivery due to public exigency and those partially funded by federal sources that could affect eligibility. These exclusions have raised some concerns regarding the effectiveness of the legislation in creating a more equitable contracting environment. The dialogue around A868 may involve discussions on balancing prompt procurement needs with the goals of promoting gender equality.