Bill > A3541

This bill establishes a legislative internship program for students attending accredited higher education institutions in New Jersey, with some key provisions. The program will be open to full-time and part-time undergraduate and graduate students (excluding law and PhD students), with preference given to New Jersey residents or students attending New Jersey schools. Legislators must obtain approval from their House's presiding officer before employing an intern, and interns will be required to complete one work period in a district office, with the possibility of an additional period if both parties agree. Instead of providing a fixed stipend, the bill now directs the Legislature to seek federal grant funds, such as those from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, to support the internship program. The previous version of the law, which allocated $10,000 annually per legislator for intern employment and offered a $1,000 per work period stipend, has been eliminated. The bill also removes the specific $1,200,000 appropriation from the State General Fund, replacing it with a provision for "such funds as shall be necessary" to support the program. The legislation is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Government Affairs, Labor and Employment

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A3541