ASSEMBLY HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3590

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Assembly Health Infrastructure Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3590.

      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.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.