SENATE LABOR COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 1019

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 25, 2024

      The Senate Labor Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 1019.

      This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to establish a program to connect persons with disabilities with qualified organizations providing job training for the disabled community and with employers with employment needs.

      The bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to:

      1.   establish and maintain the program in collaboration with qualified organizations, defined as nonprofit organizations, or organizations working with nonprofit organizations, which have at least five years of experience working with persons with disabilities;

      2.   request community-based and nonprofit organizations to provide job training, education, and outreach services, making the organizations responsible for developing in, consultation with the department, on-the-job training and outreach materials;

      3.   develop an online resource hub to provide employment and training information for persons with disabilities, a list of qualified organizations providing job training, education, and outreach services to persons with disabilities, and a database which permits employers to post job openings and provides information on State labor laws and fair employment guidelines; and

      4.   issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature reviewing the implementation of the program.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.