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MD

Bill

A 5183

Directs DOLWD to develop and maintain industry-valued credential list.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchelle Drulis and 7 co-sponsors

DOLWD must create and annually update a state-wide, publicly accessible list of industry-valued credentials based on labor market data and employer input.

Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 5183

Summary: Assembly Bill A-5183 – Directs DOLWD to Develop and Maintain Industry-Valued Credential List

Purpose and intent

  • Requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to develop and maintain a state-wide list of industry-valued credentials.
  • The list identifies credentials offered in New Jersey for which employers are most interested, using analysis of state labor market data and feedback from employers.
  • The list must be updated annually and published on the DOLWD website in both a list format and a downloadable document.

Key provisions

  • Section 1a: DOLWD shall identify and maintain a list of industry-valued credentials, based on state labor market data and employer feedback. The list must be updated annually and made available on the department’s website as both a list and a downloadable document.
  • Section 1b: DOLWD shall adopt rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to implement the act.
  • Section 2: Effective date is the 90th day after enactment, with authority for the Commissioner to take anticipatory administrative action as necessary for implementation.
  • Definitions: An “industry-valued credential” is a recognized degree, diploma, certificate, or certification awarded for an occupation that is valued and demanded by employers, with transferable skills that offer broad opportunities and may lead to further training, higher wages, career advancement, or increased job security.

Procedural status and timeline

  • Introduced: February 12, 2025.
  • Assembly actions: Reported favorably by the Assembly Higher Education Committee (February 10, 2025); Passed the Assembly (February 27, 2025; 71-4-0).
  • Senate actions: Reported favorably by the Senate Labor Committee (May 12, 2025) and listed as “Reported out of Senate Committee, 2nd Reading” (status at time of summary).
  • Related/bicam: The bill is identical to Senate Bill No. 4009 (companion). Related prior-session bills include A-764, A-10231, and A-953.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), which would implement and maintain the credential list and related regulations.
  • Stakeholders: Employers and industry groups (whose input informs the list), workforce development entities, educational institutions (community colleges, training providers), and job seekers/workers in New Jersey seeking credentials with demonstrated labor market value.

Potential impact

  • Aligns credential offerings with employer demand, potentially guiding students and workers toward credentials with higher return on investment.
  • Improves transparency about which credentials are most valued in the New Jersey labor market.
  • Could influence funding, program development, and career pathways in education and workforce programs.
  • Requires ongoing data analysis and employer engagement to keep the list current.

Additional notes

  • The act emphasizes annual updates and public accessibility (online list and downloadable format), ensuring ongoing usefulness as labor market conditions evolve.
  • The bill authorizes regulatory action under the APA, enabling formal rules to govern methodology, data sources, and updating processes.

Sponsors

  • Primary: Assembly member Jonathan Jacobson
  • Cosponsor: Assembly member Christopher Eachus

This summary reflects the bill as introduced and reported through the latest committee actions, focusing on the substantive changes and their likely practical effects.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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