Bill > A1256

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to track and maintain records on job loss due to automation or other technological advances that eliminated the need for a person to perform the duties required of the position. The department will require applicants for unemployment benefits to note on the application whether the job loss was due to automation or other technological advances that eliminated the need for a person to perform the position. The information collected from the unemployment application will be maintained without personal identifying information: (1) to identify industries and positions that are vulnerable to job loss; (2) to provide resources for individuals at risk for job loss and who may be qualified for alternative positions with or without training, education, or other experience; and (3) for any other purpose that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development deems appropriate to address employment concerns within the State. The department will make the records available to any State department or agency, upon that department or agency's request. On a semi-annual basis, the department will submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature that addresses employment trends, areas of concern, or any other issues that the commissioner deems appropriate based on the information contained in those records. According to a 2020 ALICE report from United Way of New Jersey, 84 percent of jobs paying less than $20 per hour and 42 percent of jobs paying more than $20 per hour in the State are at high risk of becoming automated, based on data from 2018.

Committee Categories

Alex Sauickie (R)*, 

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

Official Document