Institutes State contract set-aside program for union business enterprises.

Bill S 3384 establishes a state program requiring New Jersey contracting agencies to set aside certain state contracts (for goods, equipment, construction, or services) so that only businesses with union workforces can bid on them. To qualify, a business must have a union workforce, be based in New Jersey, hire apprentices, and make a good-faith effort to maintain a diverse workforce. The bill sets a goal that contracting agencies award at least 22% of their contracts to these "union business enterprises," either through direct awards or by requiring subcontracting portions of contracts. The Department of the Treasury will administer the program and verify business qualifications, with contracting agencies needing to ensure at least three qualified bidders are available before setting aside a contract.