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Bill > A728


NJ A728

NJ A728
Directs DOLWD to establish "Entry-Level Driver Training Grant Program."


summary

Introduced
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to establish an "Entry-Level Driver Training Grant Program." Commercial motor vehicle drivers are a vital and growing part of New Jersey's economy, with an estimated 44,800 heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in the State as of May 2021. The costs associated with meeting federal and state requirements remain a barrier to entry for many who wish to obtain a commercial driver license, or CDL. On February 7, 2022, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration began implementing new Entry-Level Driver Training regulations that entry-level drivers must complete before being permitted to take certain CDL skills or knowledge tests. These additional requirements place further burdens on new commercial motor vehicle drivers. By implementing a reimbursement program, the State will encourage employers to pay for their employees' Entry-Level Driver Training and remove the burden from the drivers. This bill also allocates sufficient monies received by the State under the federal "American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021," Pub.L.117-2, and "Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)," Pub.L.113-128, to fund this program.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to establish an "Entry-Level Driver Training Grant Program." The program will provide reimbursements to State-based employers, employer consortiums, and non-profits that offer entry-level, commercial driver training or that partner with certified, third-party training providers. The bill sets requirements for applicants to receive reimbursement, including being certified with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Training Provider Registry and providing training that meets federal standards. The necessary funding for the program will be allocated from federal assistance available for workforce development under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

Committee Categories

Labor and Employment

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee (on 01/09/2024)

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