Bill > S3341

Introduced Session

Under current law, food and service stands such as cafes and newsstands operated in State, county, and municipal buildings, grounds, and premises are operated by blind persons under the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. When such stand ceases to operate, the stand may be operated by another blind person; however, at times, the stand may be vacant for an extended period of time. Under this bill, where a stand is operated by a blind person and: (1) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least three calendar months, such stand will be made available to be operated by a disabled person-owned business with a license to operate such stand. (2) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least six calendar months, such stand will be available to be operated by a veteran-owned business with a license to operate such stand. (3) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least nine calendar months, such stand will be available to be operated by any business with a license to operate such stand. No license fee, rental, or other charge will be required by a disabled person-owned business or a veteran-owned business. When an operator other than a blind person ceases to operate such stand, the stand will revert to the control of the commission and priority and preference for the further operation of the stand will be returned to the commission for operation by a blind person. The provisions of the bill will not impair any contract in effect on the effective date of the bill. Under the bill, "disabled person-owned business" means a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated and at least 51% of the business is owned and controlled by a person with a disability. "Veteran-owned business" means a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated and at least 51 percent of the business is owned and controlled by persons who are veterans.

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Jim Beach (D)*,  Mike Testa (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 06/03/2024)

Official Document