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Bill

Bill

A 5252

Establishes "New Jersey Earn and Learn Program;" provides tax credits for employers providing structured apprenticeships and paid internships.

2026-2027 Regular Session

Establishes the New Jersey Earn and Learn Program to fund and promote structured paid internships and apprenticeships, with employer tax credits and oversight.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5252

Summary of Bill A 5252 (New Jersey, 222nd Session)

Purpose and Intent

  • Establishes the New Jersey Earn and Learn Program (the “program”) intended to expand access to work-based learning experiences for students and job seekers.
  • Aims to strengthen connections between education and employment by fostering structured apprenticeships and paid internships, thereby supporting workforce development and skill attainment.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Program Establishment: Creates the New Jersey Earn and Learn Program to coordinate, promote, and fund structured apprenticeship and paid internship opportunities within the state.

  • Employer Tax Credits: Provides tax incentives for qualifying employers that offer structured apprenticeships and paid internships. The specifics typically include:

    • Eligibility criteria for employers (e.g., program structure, duration, compensation standards).
    • Credit amount (e.g., a percentage of wages paid, a flat amount per participant, or tiered credits based on program type or duration).
    • Cap on total credits claimed per year, and any carryover provisions if credits exceed tax liability.

  • Program Administration: Designates responsibilities for administering the program, which may include:

    • State or state-designated agency oversight.
    • Requirements for participating employers (documentation, reporting of participant progress, wage records, and program compliance).
    • Partnerships with educational institutions, workforce development boards, or training providers.

  • Participant Eligibility and Participation:

    • Defines who can participate in earn-and-learn opportunities (e.g., high school students, postsecondary students, career-changers, or unemployed/underemployed workers).
    • Specifies required elements of an apprenticeship or internship (e.g., paid wage, skills training, mentorship, defined learning objectives, completion criteria).
    • Possible age and eligibility restrictions and minimum duration of placement.

  • Program Funding:

    • Identifies funding sources (potentially state general funds, grants, or public-private partnerships) to support the tax credits and program administration.
    • May establish annual funding limits or appropriation requirements.

  • Reporting and Evaluation:

    • Establishes reporting requirements for employers and participating entities (participant outcomes, wage data, training hours).
    • Sets performance metrics to assess program effectiveness (e.g., employment placement rates, wage progression, credential attainment).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Employers: Eligible businesses offering structured apprenticeships and paid internships could receive state tax credits, reducing after-tax costs for participating in workforce development.
  • Educational and Training Providers: Schools, colleges, vocational programs, and approved training providers collaborating with employers to design and supervise earn-and-learn experiences.
  • Participants: Students and job seekers engaged in paid, graded training experiences with defined learning outcomes and potential credential attainment.
  • State Agencies: Administrative bodies responsible for program administration, compliance monitoring, and reporting.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Assembly Labor Committee (as of 2026-06-15). This indicates initial committee review, potential amendments, and a path toward floor consideration.
  • Policy Development Timeline: Typical processes would include committee hearings, stakeholder input, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly and Senate, followed by gubernatorial action. Specific dates would depend on subsequent committee schedules and legislative calendars.

Notes

  • The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent and typical features commonly associated with earn-and-learn programs and employer tax-credit mechanisms. Exact numerical details (credit rates, caps, eligibility criteria, funding amounts) are not provided in the available information and would be clarified in the bill’s full text or subsequent amendments.

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

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