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Bill

AB

Bill

A 4724

Establishes sheltered market program for certain business enterprises seeking State contracts.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Al Barlas and 8 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill creates exclusive state contract opportunities for designated sheltered market businesses, prioritizing procurement access for specific enterprise categories.

Reported and Referred to Assembly Labor Committee
#stcontracts
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Bill Summary · A 4724

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4724 establishes a sheltered market program in New Jersey that reserves certain state government contracts exclusively for designated business enterprises. The program aims to provide preferential procurement opportunities for qualifying businesses, likely those owned by minorities, women, veterans, or other disadvantaged groups. The bill sets up a framework for identifying eligible enterprises and directing state contract awards to them.

Why is this important

Sheltered market programs can help level the playing field for historically underrepresented business owners by guaranteeing access to government contracts without competing against larger, established firms. This can generate wealth-building opportunities and economic growth in underserved communities. However, such programs also affect the broader state procurement process and how taxpayer dollars are allocated.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of eligible businesses: Disagreement over which business categories qualify (minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, disadvantaged, etc.) and how eligibility is verified and maintained
  • Market distortion concerns: Arguments that reserving contracts reduces competition, may increase costs to the state, or could disadvantage non-sheltered businesses competing for remaining contracts
  • Program administration and oversight: Questions about enforcement mechanisms, fraud prevention, compliance monitoring, and the bureaucratic costs of running the program

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

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