WeVote
Log In

Bill

TM

Bill

A 4134

Establishes State Commission on Minority Affairs within Department of State.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Tennille McCoy and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a permanent State Commission on Minority Affairs to study, promote, and advise on minority welfare, access to services, and minority entrepreneurship.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 4134

Overview

Assembly Bill 4134 (A-4134), introduced in the 222nd New Jersey Legislature, would establish the State Commission on Minority Affairs within the Department of State. The commission would focus on assessing and promoting the social and economic welfare of minority communities in New Jersey, improve access to services, and advise the Governor on minority concerns. It would also foster collaboration between majority- and minority-owned businesses and promote awareness of anti-discrimination laws.

Main purpose and intent

  • Create a permanent State Commission on Minority Affairs within the Department of State.
  • Monitor, study, and report on issues affecting minority residents’ social and economic welfare.
  • Facilitate public information about anti-discrimination laws and avenues for filing complaints.
  • Promote minority entrepreneurship and networking across the business community.
  • Advise the Governor on minority-related matters and propose relevant legislation.

Key provisions and changes

  • Establishment and composition:

    • The commission would include:
    • The Secretary of State (chair) or designee
    • The Attorney General or designee
    • The Chief Diversity Officer or designee
    • The Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development or designee
    • The Commissioner of the Department of Education or designee
    • Eight public members from the general population (diverse political and geographic representation)
    • Four public members appointed by the President of the Senate (no more than two from the same party)
    • Four public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly (no more than two from the same party)
    • Eight public members appointed by the Governor (no more than four from the same party)
    • Terms:
    • Public members serve three-year terms, with staggered initial term lengths (one, two, or three years) to ensure continuity.
    • Public members may serve up to two consecutive terms.
    • Compensation: Members serve without pay but may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
    • Governance: The Secretary of State serves as chair; a public member is elected annually as vice-chair; the commission may hire an executive director and staff or work with volunteers/consultants.
    • Meetings: The commission must meet quarterly and as designated by the chair; a majority of members constitutes a quorum.

  • Duties and responsibilities:

    • Study matters affecting minority social and economic welfare in New Jersey.
    • Collect and disseminate information on programs and services for minorities.
    • Examine minority employment trends and opportunities; study barriers to employment.
    • Explore avenues to help minorities start and manage businesses successfully.
    • Assess availability of affordable housing for minorities.
    • In coordination with the Division on Civil Rights, promote information on discriminatory practices and procedures for filing complaints.
    • Promote business networking between majority-owned and minority-owned enterprises.
    • Advise the Governor on minority-related matters and propose legislation.
    • Authority to request data, reports, personnel, and assistance from state, county, municipal, and school district entities as needed.

  • Reporting and oversight:

    • The commission must submit an annual report on its activities to the Governor and to the Legislature (per existing statutory framework) no later than December 31 each year.

Who would be affected

  • Minority communities in New Jersey, through improved access to information, services, and economic opportunities.
  • Minority-owned businesses, via increased networking and potential policy recommendations to support growth.
  • State agencies, local governments, and school districts, which may be asked to provide data and support to the commission.
  • General public, through enhanced awareness of anti-discrimination laws and processes for redress.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Immediate effect: The act states it shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
  • Legislative process: Referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee upon introduction (February 19, 2026).
  • Term structure: Public members’ terms are staggered at the outset to ensure continuity, with eligibility for reappointment limited to two consecutive terms.
  • Annual reporting: The commission must file an annual report with the Governor and Legislature by December 31 of each year.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Strengthened state-level focus on minority welfare, representation, and civil rights awareness.
  • formalized mechanism for cross-sector collaboration between government, business, and civil rights entities.
  • Resource implications: The commission can hire staff or rely on volunteers/consultants, which may require budgetary allocation and organizational capacity within the Department of State.
  • Policy influence: By recommending legislation, the commission could shape future minority-focused policy initiatives.

This summary presents the bill’s core structure, duties, and potential effects to aid understanding of its substantive changes and implications.

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

Sign in to ask a question.