Bill
Bill > S917
NJ S917
NJ S917Modifies requirements for operation of certain food and service stands in State, county, and municipal buildings, grounds, and premises.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the rules for operating food and service stands, such as cafes and newsstands, in state, county, and municipal buildings. Currently, these stands are primarily operated by blind individuals under the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The bill introduces a tiered system for making these stands available to other businesses if a blind operator ceases to run them. Specifically, if a stand is vacant for at least three months, it can be operated by a "disabled person-owned business," defined as a business where at least 51% is owned and controlled by a person with a disability. If the vacancy extends to six months, it can be operated by a "veteran-owned business," defined as a business where at least 51% is owned and controlled by veterans. After nine months of vacancy, any licensed business can operate the stand. Importantly, disabled person-owned businesses and veteran-owned businesses will not be charged license fees, rentals, or other fees. If an operator other than a blind person leaves, the stand reverts to the control of the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, with priority given back to blind operators. The bill also clarifies that no fees are charged when a stand is operated by a blind person under the commission's supervision and that existing contracts will not be affected.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/S917 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/917_I1.HTM |
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