New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4006

Introduced
3/7/24  
Refer
3/7/24  
Report Pass
4/10/25  
Engrossed
12/22/25  
Enrolled
12/22/25  
Chaptered
1/12/26  

Caption

Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

Impact

If enacted, A4006 would impact existing statutes concerning contractor registration under P.L.1999, c.238, particularly under provisions relevant to public works contracts. By permitting joint ventures to participate in bidding, the bill could increase competition and potentially lower bid prices for state contracts. The requirement for each party in the joint venture to be registered aims to maintain standards and accountability, ensuring that all parties involved meet the necessary legal requirements to perform public work.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4006 aims to amend New Jersey's public works and prevailing wage contracts regulations by allowing partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works contracts. The bill stipulates that to qualify for bidding, each entity within the partnership or joint venture must be independently registered. This amendment is designed to facilitate increased participation in public work projects, particularly for heavy infrastructure projects, by making it easier for groups of contractors to collaborate and share resources.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around A4006 is cautiously optimistic among supporters. Proponents argue that the bill will empower partnerships that lack the capacity to compete individually, thus fostering a more inclusive economic environment in the construction sector. Conversely, there are concerns about the potential for liability issues whereby all parties in a joint venture could be held jointly liable for failures, raising fears about accountability and risk adverse behavior among smaller contractors who may hesitate to enter such agreements.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential risks associated with joint liability for all parties within a partnership or joint venture. Critics fear this may discourage smaller firms from participating in public works if they are uncertain about the reliability of their partners. Additionally, debates may arise surrounding the effectiveness of the registration requirement in maintaining quality outcomes in projects, as well as concerns about whether the changes will significantly enhance or dilute the quality of public infrastructure projects.

Companion Bills

NJ S4281

Same As Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1527

Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

NJ S727

Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

NJ H160

To promote equity joint venture partnerships

NJ SB494

Procurement Contracts and Public-Private Partnerships - Project Labor Agreements, Community Benefit Agreements, and Use of Registered Apprentices

NJ AB963

Public works: prevailing wages: access to records.

NJ SB518

Public works contracts; prevailing wage rate, definitions, civil penalty.

NJ HB569

Public works contracts; prevailing wage rate, definitions, civil penalty.

NJ S156

Revises law concerning partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies.

NJ SB370

Prevailing wage rate for public works contracts; civil penalties.

NJ H7674

Defines public-private partnerships and provides the framework to encourage the use of public-private partnerships for proposals for state purchases.

Similar Bills

NJ A1527

Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

NJ S727

Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered.

NJ A1348

Concerns enforcement of public work project requirements; establishes penalties for failure to submit payroll records.

NJ S3131

Establishes registry of out-of-state contractors who are awarded public works contracts in this State.

RI S2932

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.

RI H7961

Makes construction contractors civilly liable and/or jointly civilly liable for any claims of wage theft or nonpayment from an employee against the contractor, its subcontractors and any subcontractor.

RI H5366

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.

RI S0069

Provides employees with civil administrative remedies against contractors, subcontractors involved in the contract with joint/severable liability imposed on contractors or subcontractors. Effective 9/1/2025.