Bill
Bill > A2820
NJ A2820
NJ A2820"Invest in New Jersey First Act;" requires preference in awarding certain contracts for critical infrastructure projects.
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
This bill attempts to respond to the need for an economic stimulus in New Jersey and an increase in employment in the State by requiring State departments and agencies, or political subdivisions of the State, to give a limited preference to qualified businesses located within the State of New Jersey that employ New Jersey residents when awarding or making public contracts on critical infrastructure projects financed from State funds. A critical infrastructure project is a transportation or highway project; sewerage project; water supply project; or building project constructed by the State or political subdivision thereof, including but not limited to, a school district, which is sited, recommended, or promoted by the Executive Branch as a project of economic necessity. Under the bill, the Department of the Treasury is to be responsible for identifying qualified businesses and establishing preference limits on the amount of preference granted to New Jersey businesses. The Governor has stated in his address to a joint session of the Legislature that there exists an economic emergency in the State, and that these public projects are necessary to revive and advance New Jersey's economy. The hiring of New Jersey firms employing New Jersey residents is vital to achieving that goal.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Invest in New Jersey First Act," aims to stimulate the state's economy and boost employment by requiring state departments, agencies, and political subdivisions to give preference to qualified New Jersey-based businesses that hire New Jersey residents when awarding contracts for critical infrastructure projects funded by the state. A "critical infrastructure project" is defined as a transportation, highway, sewerage, water supply, or building project that the Executive Branch deems economically necessary, especially during an economic downturn, to increase employment. The Department of the Treasury is tasked with establishing criteria to identify these qualified businesses and determining the specific limits on the preference that can be granted, ensuring that the preference is applied according to rules and regulations that will be developed under the "Administrative Procedure Act." The bill takes effect immediately, but the preference provision will only become active once the necessary rules and regulations are in place.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development 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/A2820 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2820_I1.HTM |
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