Bill > A5327

This bill prohibits public entities in New Jersey, including state government, state colleges, local governments, and public schools, from procuring electric vehicles or their components unless the manufacturer or seller provides a sworn certification that no forced labor or child labor was used in the production process. The bill defines forced labor broadly, encompassing work obtained through force, fraud, coercion, or exploitation of a protected class, and work that is not voluntarily provided. Child labor is defined by specific existing state labor laws. If a manufacturer or seller provides false or misleading information about their labor practices, they will be subject to a civil penalty of either $10,000 per false statement or 50 percent of the total vehicle purchase price, whichever is greater. These penalties will be paid to the State Treasurer and can be recovered through a summary legal proceeding. The bill includes an exemption for circumstances where enforcing these provisions would violate federal law or funding conditions, and it takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5327