Bill
A 4124
NJ public works bidders must certify each journeyperson meets either completed apprenticeship or four years of verifiable work; enforcement via contractor registration (90 days).
Status snapshot
- Introduced: April 4, 2024 (Assembly)
- Committee actions: Reported with amendments by Assembly State & Local Government Committee (11/14/2024); reported out of Assembly Labor Committee (6/16/2025).
- Subsequent action: Substituted by S2961 (2R) on 6/30/2025.
- Current procedural status shown as: Referred to Codes.
- Primary sponsor: Mike Reilly; cosponsors include Michael Novakhov, Jerett Gandolfo, Joe DeStefano, Joe Angelino, Philip Palmesano, Stephen Hawley, Patrick Chludzinski.
Purpose and intent
- To establish minimum qualification requirements for persons (now defined as "journeypersons") performing work under public works contracts paid in whole or in part with public funds in New Jersey. The goal is to ensure a baseline of training/experience among craftworkers on publicly funded projects.
Key provisions
- Amends section 5 of P.L.1999, c.238 (C.34:11‑56.52), which governs contractor registration with the Department (the registration form and supporting documentation).
- New certification requirement (added as item (8) in the registration form): a contractor bidding on a public works contract must certify that each journeyperson completing work under the contract meets at least one of the following:
1. Has graduated from an apprenticeship program that is equivalent to the apprenticeship standards of the building and construction trade union specific to their craft; or
2. Has completed four years of documented work as a tradesperson, verifiable by tax filings.
- Committee amendments (11/14/2024) made three notable changes:
- Narrowed the covered workers term to “journeyperson” (replaced the word “employee”).
- Removed high school diploma/GED and “currently enrolled in an apprenticeship” as qualifying paths (these appeared in the original introduced version).
- Required apprenticeship graduation (not mere enrollment).
- The bill preserves existing registration and oversight provisions in current law, including the commissioner’s ability to deny, suspend, or revoke a public works contractor registration if associated apprenticeship programs fail to meet specified federal or state apprenticeship standards.
Who would be affected
- Contractors bidding on or performing publicly funded construction/public works contracts in New Jersey — increased documentation and certification duties at registration and bidding.
- Journeypersons/craftworkers — must meet one of the specified qualifications to be certified on public works jobs.
- Public bodies/agencies awarding contracts — may see a narrower pool of qualified bidders or need to verify contractor certifications.
- Registered apprenticeship programs and unions — potential increased demand for completed-apprenticeship graduates; commissioner oversight of program compliance remains relevant.
Implementation and enforcement
- The bill’s text (as reported) states an effective date of 90 days after enactment.
- Enforcement would be through the Department/commissioner via the contractor registration process under P.L.1999, c.238; non‑compliant contractors could face registration denial, renewal denial, suspension, or revocation.
Potential impacts and considerations
- Administrative burden: contractors will need to collect and submit proof (apprenticeship completion records or tax verification) for each journeyperson.
- Workforce effects: removing GED/high‑school completion and enrollment options may restrict eligibility for some workers but could incentivize completion of formal apprenticeships or accumulation/documentation of four years’ work history.
- Legal/operational: determinations about equivalence to union apprenticeship standards and verification of tax filings may raise implementation questions requiring regulatory guidance.
Related/companion measures
- Companion bills: S2961 (substituted for A4124), S7241; prior-session A9104.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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