New Jersey Assembly Bill A1256

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires DOLWD to track and maintain information on job loss due to automation.

Impact

The introduction of this bill responds to the urgent need for data on employment trends, especially in light of reports indicating that a significant portion of jobs in New Jersey are at high risk of automation. Specifically, studies have shown that approximately 84% of jobs that pay less than $20 per hour are at risk. By systematically tracking job loss due to automation, this bill aims to provide insights that can inform policy and workforce development strategies, thus assisting individuals at risk for job loss in transitioning to alternative positions.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1256 mandates that the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) track and maintain records pertaining to job loss triggered by automation and other technological advancements. This legislation aims to address a growing concern as more jobs become susceptible to automation, effectively impacting employment across various sectors. The bill requires individuals applying for unemployment benefits to disclose whether their job loss was related to technological advancements submitted to the DOLWD without including personal identifying information.

Contention

While the bill generally aims to provide a framework for addressing job growth and loss as a result of advancing technology, there may be concerns about how the tracking system will operate and how effectively it can offer meaningful support to individuals affected by job losses in the face of technological change. Critics may argue regarding the adequacy of resources allocated to address the needs of displaced workers or the sufficiency of the data collected to shape effective labor policies. Furthermore, ensuring that the collected data serves to improve the workforce environment while maintaining privacy will also be an area of scrutiny.