ASSEMBLY OVERSIGHT, REFORM AND FEDERAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 3199

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 20, 2025

      The Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 3199 (1R).

      The bill establishes the New Jersey-Haiti Commission in the Department of State.  The commission shall advise the Governor and Legislature on ways to improve economic and cultural links between the State and Haiti and on steps that may be taken to address the economic challenges within the State’s Haitian-American community.

      The commission will have 13 members.  The Secretary of State, will serve as chairperson, and 12 members of the public will be appointed to represent a variety of different professional sectors across the State, including non-profit organizations in serving the Haitian community.  The commission will hold one or more meetings on a quarterly basis.

      The commission may conduct studies, reports, and research projects to further its objectives, and consult with State agencies, the Haitian government, and international and local organizations working on political, economic, and cultural issues related to Haiti.  The commission will make recommendations for policies, legislation, and initiatives related to the economic challenges of the Haitian-American community in the State and identify areas for economic collaboration and partnership between New Jersey and Haiti.  The commission will report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature annually.

      As reported by the committee, Senate Bill No. 3199 (1R) is identical to Assembly Bill No. 4343 (1R), which was also reported by the committee on this date.