Bill > S4118

Introduced Session

This bill establishes the Inclusive Workplaces Program ("program") within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ("EDA) to encourage investments in inclusive workspaces that accommodate neurodivergent employees. Under the bill, the program would consist of two distinct components, including: (1) the issuance of grants to eligible small-business employers to support the development of neurodiversity-friendly workspaces; and (2) the issuance of tax credits to eligible large-business employers that have implemented workplace adjustments that foster neurodiversity-friendly workspaces. Notably, the bill allows the EDA to award up to $2.5 million in grants annually and to award up to $2.5 million in tax credits annually to eligible employers that undertake certain capital investments and workforce investments intended to create a working environment that accommodates a neurodiverse workforce. Capital investments and workforce investments that employers may undertake include, but are not limited to: (1) sensory-friendly workspace layouts, such as quiet zones and lighting adjustments; (2) adaptive equipment and technologies, such as noise-cancelling headphones and organization tools; and (3) workforce training programs, such as staff mentorships and management seminars focused on neurodiversity. Under the bill, eligibility for grants would be limited to employers that have their headquarters or base of operations in this State, employ fewer than 150 full-time employees, employ at least one full-time employee who identifies as neurodivergent; and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive workplaces with a focus on neurodiverse inclusion are eligible to apply for a grant under the program. Eligible small-business employers may apply to the EDA to receive a grant of up to $25,000 to fund qualified capital investments and workforce investments incurred after the date of the application. The bill appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to the EDA for grants. Eligibility for tax credits would be limited to employers that have their headquarters or base of operations in this State, employ 150 full-time employees or greater, employ at least three full-time employees who identify as neurodivergent, and demonstrate a commitment to inclusive workplaces with a focus on neurodiverse inclusion are eligible to apply for a tax credit under the program. Eligible large-business employers may apply to the EDA to receive tax credits in an amount equal to the lesser of $25,000 or 50 percent of the qualified capital investments and workforce investments incurred by the employer before the date of the application. Under the bill, the EDA would be permitted to prescribe the form and manner in which applications would be submitted for both program components. The bill also permits the EDA to approve applications on a rolling basis, subject to the annual limitations in grant awards and tax credit issuances for each program component. The bill also appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to the EDA to support the provisions of grants under the program.

Committee Categories

Andrew Zwicker (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 01/30/2025)

Official Document