Bill

Bill > A2174


NJ A2174

NJ A2174
Provides that disability-owned businesses be included in certain business development programs, direct loan programs, and certification processes; requires Chief Diversity Officer compile information on awarding of State contracts to disability-owned businesses.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill provides that disability-owned businesses be included in certain State programs, the certification process by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and for monitoring by the Chief Diversity Officer of the State. The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses within the Office of Minority, Disabled Veterans, and Women Medical Cannabis Business Development The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses into the requirement that, when the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) undertakes direct loans to certain qualified businesses located in certain urban centers, the EDA include disability-owned businesses within such an undertaking if the business is unable to obtain funding from conventional sources. The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses into the certification process managed by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury. Finally, the bill incorporates disability-owned businesses within the requirement that the Chief Diversity Officer of the State monitor the State's public contracting process for the purpose of compiling information on the awarding of contracts to minority-owned, disability-owned, and women-owned business enterprises, the total value of all contracts and the percentage of the value of those contracts awarded to minority-owned, disability-owned, and women-owned business enterprises.

AI Summary

This bill expands existing business development programs, direct loan programs, and certification processes to include disability-owned businesses, which are defined as businesses owned and controlled by individuals with disabilities. Specifically, it incorporates these businesses into the Office of Minority, Disabled Veterans, and Women Medical Cannabis Business Development, and ensures they are considered for direct loans from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) when they cannot secure conventional funding. The bill also designates the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury as the sole entity responsible for certifying businesses as disability-owned, alongside minority-owned and women-owned businesses, to streamline the process and reduce duplication of effort. Furthermore, it requires the Chief Diversity Officer to compile and report on the awarding of State contracts to disability-owned businesses, similar to how information is already collected for minority-owned and women-owned businesses, providing greater transparency and accountability in State contracting.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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