ASSEMBLY LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4809

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  OCTOBER 24, 2024

      The Assembly Labor Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 4809.

      As amended, 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, home care services, and hospice services.  The bill requires the identification process to 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 barriers exist preventing the individual from commencing work immediately for a specific position.

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

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to include home care and hospice services in addition to healthcare facilities and make technical corrections.