New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A5840

Introduced
12/7/23  
Refer
12/7/23  
Report Pass
12/18/23  
Engrossed
12/21/23  
Enrolled
1/8/24  
Chaptered
1/12/24  

Caption

Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

Impact

The proposed changes in A5840 would amend various parts of the statutory law regarding economic development programs in New Jersey. Specifically, the bill allows businesses that had entered into incentive agreements before the pandemic to request alterations to their commitments, enabling them to adapt to current economic challenges. The legislation emphasizes maintaining a minimum number of retained full-time jobs, and if requirements are not met, tax credits may be forfeited. This flexibility aims to assist businesses in preserving jobs while making necessary operational adjustments.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5840 seeks to extend certain accommodations enacted during the COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses involved in State economic development programs. This legislation aims to provide ongoing support to businesses by allowing adjustments to existing tax credit programs as they navigate the lingering impacts of the pandemic. It is designed to help preserve jobs and encourage further employment opportunities in a state still reeling from economic disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Sentiment

Sentiment around A5840 appears to be generally positive, as it reflects an acknowledgment of the unique difficulties faced by businesses during the ongoing recovery from the pandemic. Supporters of the bill argue that it provides crucial relief and necessary flexibility for businesses to maintain employment levels. However, the bill could face scrutiny from those who feel that extending these accommodations might create an ongoing dependence on government support or that it may lead to less stringent accountability measures for businesses.

Contention

One point of contention regarding A5840 could be the threshold for the retention of jobs and the criteria set for claiming tax credits. Legislators may debate the appropriateness of the standards needed to secure these incentives, as some stakeholders argue that the pandemic should not serve as an indefinite reason for leniency in job retention requirements. Critics may worry that the bill does not ensure sufficient accountability from the applicants, potentially leading to improperly awarded credits if businesses do not maintain their commitments.

Companion Bills

NJ S4217

Same As Extends certain accommodations implemented during COVID-19 public health emergency for businesses participating in State economic development programs.

Previously Filed As

NJ A606

"Economic Emergency Investment Stabilization Act"; allows EDA to invest in businesses impacted by major economic emergencies.

NJ S313

Requires businesses that violates State environmental laws to forfeit economic development subsidies under certain circumstances.

NJ A726

Extends pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during 2020 public health emergency declared by Governor.

NJ S131

Extends pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during 2020 public health emergency declared by Governor.

NJ A2400

Authorizes imposition of penalties and forfeiture of economic development subsidies for certain businesses that violate State environmental laws.

NJ A4525

Extends deadline for submission of temporary certificate of occupancy for certain qualified residential projects or mixed-use parking projects under Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program to June 30, 2032.

NJ S3116

Extends deadline for submission of temporary certificate of occupancy for certain qualified residential projects or mixed-use parking projects under Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program to June 30, 2032.

NJ A171

Establishes Main Street Economic Growth Program to encourage business development in certain small municipalities.

NJ S1779

Establishes Downtown Economic Growth Program to encourage business development in certain small municipalities.

MA H62

Relative to extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.