This bill (S 208) requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Community Affairs (with input from Corrections) to create specific standards for publicly-funded transitional housing programs helping formerly incarcerated people reenter communities. The standards mandate safety measures, emergency and long-term housing options, and comprehensive support services - including substance abuse treatment, job training, medical care, and assistance securing permanent housing. It directly affects returning residents in transitional housing programs by setting minimum quality requirements for their care and housing. The bill, introduced in January 2026 and referred to committee, would establish these rules immediately upon enactment.
This bill creates a tax incentive program for New Jersey manufacturers. It allows qualifying manufacturers (those with 50 or fewer employees in good tax standing) to deduct up to $100,000 annually from their taxable income for deposits into a special "manufacturing reinvestment account." Funds in the account earn tax benefits: if used for machinery/equipment or workforce training at their New Jersey facility, the earnings are taxed at half the standard rate. The program applies for five consecutive years, with unused funds taxed at full rate after that.
This bill creates a program to cover high school equivalency exam fees for low-income individuals in New Jersey. It requires the State Board of Education to establish the program within six months, defining "low-income" as household income at or below 185% of federal poverty guidelines. The program will pay for one exam per person, with applicants needing to verify income through specified documentation. It directs 5% of the Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support this initiative, but does not change existing fee structures or eligibility for other programs.
This bill creates the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to support the state's offshore wind industry. The Institute will focus on workforce training, education, research, and innovation - prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion - to help New Jersey meet its goal of generating 7,500 megawatts of offshore wind energy by 2035. Governed by a nine-member board (including state agency heads and appointed public members with relevant expertise), the Institute will operate independently within the Department of the Treasury. It directly affects workers, educational institutions, and clean energy businesses in New Jersey by developing skills and resources for the growing offshore wind sector.
S 1675 establishes New Jersey's Advanced Transmission Technologies Workforce Development Program (ATT Program) within the Department of Labor. The program trains electrical engineers and utility workers to install and manage advanced transmission systems, directly affecting these workers and students in career technical education. Key provisions include creating job training linked to infrastructure projects, using community agreements to connect training with jobs, and retraining existing workers to meet industry demands. The program will leverage state and federal funds while requiring annual reports on its effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature starting in 2027.
S 2181 establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts in New Jersey. The pilot program, operating for three years, requires joint development of workforce training with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, integrated funding planning, and performance tracking using metrics like employment rates and credential attainment. It designates community colleges and vocational schools as preferred providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs, targeting job seekers, workers, and public assistance recipients. The bill appropriates state funds from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund and Supplemental Workforce Fund to support the pilot, with annual progress reports required to the Governor and Legislature. (Note: This bill was withdrawn as approved under P.L.2025, c.375.)
New Jersey's S 1983 requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a multimedia advertising campaign promoting healthcare careers as engaging and rewarding, with specific focus on available scholarships and financial support. The campaign must target underrepresented racial groups and high-demand healthcare fields, using digital, TV, radio, and print media. The bill appropriates $1 million from federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to implement this initiative, which directly affects healthcare job seekers and employers facing workforce shortages.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create and annually update a public list of industry-valued credentials - such as certificates, diplomas, or certifications that employers actively seek. The list would identify credentials most in demand based on state labor market data and direct employer feedback, aiming to help workers choose training that aligns with job opportunities. DOLWD must publish the list online in both display and downloadable formats. The bill directly affects workers seeking career advancement and employers looking for qualified candidates, with no new funding or mandates for businesses. (Note: This bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.372.)
S 1055 requires government agencies awarding public construction contracts over $1 million to set aside 0.5% of the contract funds for outreach and training programs. The funds support minority group members and women in construction trades, including apprenticeships, supportive services, and training for management roles. Programs must partner with community groups, labor organizations, and educational institutions to facilitate entry and long-term employment. Annual reports will track program outcomes, including workforce participation and employment results, for public transparency. (Introduced in 2026; focuses on concrete policy changes, not outcomes.)
New Jersey's S 1841 creates the "Workplace Skills Savings Program," allowing eligible workers to save for job training. Employees earning wages subject to New Jersey income tax can contribute up to $1,000 annually to a personal account, with the state matching each dollar contributed. Funds can be used for apprenticeships, licensing exams, retraining, or approved job-related education at schools or unions. The program is funded by a $25 million state appropriation from the General Fund, administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with the Department of the Treasury managing the trust. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
