NJ A5889

Establishes a State contract set-aside program requiring contracting agencies to award at least 22% of their contracts to union business enterprises, defined as businesses with union workforces, principal places of business in New Jersey, apprenticeship programs, and documented diversity hiring efforts

Department of Treasury will administer the program, maintain lists of designated union business enterprises, and establish procedures for businesses to request inclusion and for annual review of eligibility

Contracts designated as set-asides will only accept bids from qualified union business enterprises, with advertisements indicating the set-aside status and bids from non-qualifying businesses rejected

Contracting agencies must submit annual reports detailing total dollar value and number of contracts awarded to union businesses, types of businesses receiving awards, and efforts to promote the program

Businesses found to have provided false information to obtain union business enterprise classification face penalties including repayment of contract cost differences, fines up to 10% of contract value, and debarment from State contracts for 3-24 months