SENATE LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 3121

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 5, 2023

      The Senate Labor Committee reports favorably, with committee amendments, Senate Bill No. 3121.

      This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Department of Health and healthcare stakeholders, to establish a program and standards to identify and recruit unemployed individuals to work in healthcare facilities.  The identification process shall include:

      (1)  an evaluation of the practicality of training an individual for a specific position;

      (2)  the proximity of relevant positions to the individual’s residence, and an individual’s transportation options to the position; and

      (3)  what, if any, barriers exist preventing the individual from commencing work immediately for a specific position, even if the position is probationary until the individual completes relevant or required training.

      The bill appropriates $250,000 from the general fund for the purpose of funding training programs and providing resources for eligible individuals.

      The amendments adopted by the committee move the appropriation to a new appropriations section of the bill without changing the amount or source of the appropriation, but indicate that the use of the funds will be coordinated with existing training programs.