summary
Introduced
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
In Committee
01/28/2026
01/28/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill establishes in the Department of State a paid service program to be known as the New Jersey Skills Service Corps. The program will provide adult volunteers alternatives to gain credentials while serving their communities. The program will connect volunteers with State entities to provide workforce experience and credentialing. The program will be administered by the Office of Volunteerism in the Department of State. The Director of the Office of Volunteerism will establish the necessary procedures and standards for the successful implementation of the program and ensure that all program participants meet the requirements established pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, the director will ensure that, at a minimum, the program: provides participants with training and free credential certification upon completion of the program; includes volunteer work in areas including, but not limited to, State infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, education support, and community development needs; includes only industry-valued credentials, such as apprenticeship hours, that an eligible individual can complete within 12 to 24 months; prioritizes participants in underserved communities; and expands credentialing opportunities for underserved communities. Under the bill, any resident of this State who is 18 years or older, shall be eligible to volunteer with a State entity and be paid for that service for up to two years. The participant will be expected to volunteer at least 15 hours per month to continue receiving their payments, and the participating State entity will be responsible for certifying that the volunteer has completed those hours. The bill creates a special fund to pay for the volunteer stipends. The bill defines State entity to mean a department, agency, institution, commission, or board of State government, including a State university or college, or an authority created by the State.
AI Summary
This bill establishes the New Jersey Skills Service Corps within the Department of State, a paid program designed to offer adult volunteers, aged 18 and older, opportunities to gain valuable workforce experience and industry-recognized credentials while serving their communities. Administered by the Office of Volunteerism, the program will connect participants with "State entities" – which include any department, agency, institution, commission, board, State university or college, or authority of the State government – for volunteer work in areas like infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, education support, and community development. Participants must commit at least 15 hours per month for up to two years to receive a monthly stipend, and their volunteer hours will be certified by the participating State entity. The program prioritizes individuals from "underserved communities," defined as school districts where at least 75% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, and aims to expand credentialing opportunities for these populations, offering free certification upon program completion. A dedicated New Jersey Skills Service Corps Fund will be established to finance these stipends, drawing from legislative appropriations, federal grants, investment earnings, and private contributions, with the Treasury Department managing these funds. The bill also appropriates funds from the General Fund to support the program's objectives and takes effect immediately.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S3213 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3213_I1.HTM |
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