New Jersey Assembly Bill A653

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Require business seeking to perform State contract to disclose certain labor and employment law violations.

Impact

If enacted, A653 will significantly impact the procurement process for state contracts. State agencies will have the authority to review disclosed violations and may disqualify bidders if their past violations indicate a significant risk to employee health and safety or an overall disregard for the law. By instituting stricter disclosure requirements, the bill aims to foster a more competitive and responsible contracting environment while ensuring the safety and welfare of workers.

Summary

Assembly Bill A653 mandates that businesses seeking state contracts must disclose any violations of labor and employment laws from the past two years. This includes federal, state, and local regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Act and wage and hour laws. The intent of this legislation is to ensure that the state contracts with responsible entities that maintain compliance with employment laws, thereby protecting employee rights and safety.

Contention

While supporters of A653 argue that increased transparency regarding labor law violations will lead to better practices among businesses and enhance the safety of employees, opponents may contend that such strict disclosure requirements could deter businesses from applying for state contracts. Critics could argue that this may disproportionately affect smaller businesses that may face challenges in compliance or have a higher incidence of violations, which could impede their ability to compete for state contracts.