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AB

Bill

A 1763

Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Al Barlas and 13 co-sponsors

Establishes the Second Chance Program to expand sustainable, labor-backed career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through collaboration with labor organizations.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Labor Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 1763

Summary of New Jersey Bill A-1763 (Session 222)

Title

Establishes the Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Main purpose and intent

  • To create a state-supported program aimed at expanding employment opportunities for individuals returning to work after imprisonment.
  • The program, run through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (in coordination with the State Employment and Training Commission), seeks to reduce recidivism by offering real, lasting career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • The bill emphasizes leveraging the involvement and insights of labor organizations to identify and develop these opportunities within their trades.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment of the Second Chance Program

    • Created within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD), specifically tied to the State Employment and Training Commission.
    • Purpose: Provide real and lasting career opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals through consultation with labor organizations.

  • Definition of labor organization

    • For purposes of the act, “labor organization” is defined as a labor organization as set forth in section 3 of 29 U.S.C. § 402. This aligns the program with recognized labor organizations in federal labor law.

  • Scope and activities (inference from text)

    • While not detailing specific activities in the text provided, the program’s design anticipates:
    • Collaboration with labor organizations to identify suitable job opportunities.
    • Development or attraction of opportunities within trades represented by those labor organizations.
    • A focus on career pathways that lead to sustainable employment and reduced likelihood of re-offending.

  • Effective date

    • The act is stated to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Formerly incarcerated individuals: Primary beneficiaries who would gain access to targeted employment opportunities and career pathways.
  • Labor organizations: Partners in identifying and creating opportunities within their trades.
  • New Jersey DLWD and the State Employment and Training Commission: Administrative leads responsible for implementing and overseeing the program.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred: January 13, 2026; referred to Assembly Labor Committee.
  • Sponsors: A broad group of legislators serving as co-sponsors, indicating cross-chamber or cross-issue support within the Assembly.

Notable considerations

  • The bill articulates a clear rationale linking employment to reduced recidivism and integration into civil society, highlighting challenges faced by individuals with lower educational attainment.
  • The use of labor organizations suggests a focus on industry-specific pathways and potentially employer-driven placement or apprenticeships.
  • Specific funding levels, performance metrics, program administration details, and evaluation criteria are not included in the provided text and would be expected in subsequent committee amendments or fiscal notes.

This summary covers the bill’s core purpose, structure, affected parties, and immediate procedural status based on the text provided. If you have access to the fiscal note or amended language, I can incorporate those details for a fuller briefing.

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

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