WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5525

Relates to conducting a study on the access of state public libraries and library systems to capital funding

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jo Anne Simon

Creates a centralized Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in every state department/agency to coordinate DEI data, programs, and training.

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5525

Bill Summary — A5525 (Introduced Version)

Title (conflict noted): Metadata lists a title about a study of public libraries’ access to capital funding, but the introduced text of A5525 establishes an Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in each State department or agency and supplements Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. This summary covers the text of the introduced version.

Purpose / Intent

To create a centralized Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within every State department, agency, and independent State authority in New Jersey, each led by an appointed Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (Officer), to coordinate DEI data, programs, training, and policy advice across State government.

Key provisions

  • Definitions: “Office” = Office of DEI; “Officer” = Chief DEI Officer; “State department or agency” broadly defined to include principal Executive Branch departments and independent State authorities.
  • Establishment: Each State department or agency must have an Office of DEI.
  • Appointment and tenure:
    • The head of the department/agency, or the Governor for independent authorities, appoints the Chief DEI Officer.
    • Officer serves at the pleasure of the appointing authority, must be qualified by training/experience, and must devote full time to duties.
  • Staffing: Hiring may consider a person’s lived experience or DEI work where permitted by law.
  • Duties:
    • Serve as a centralized source of DEI expertise and data.
    • Develop/implement programs, initiatives, cross-cultural education, and employee engagement.
    • Analyze and report DEI-relevant data; advise on operational improvements aligned with DEI best practices.
    • Develop and deliver DEI training tailored to the department/agency.
    • Duties may expand to address emerging needs or crises as directed by department heads.
  • Data use limits: Offices shall use data only as authorized under State and federal law to advance equity and inclusion; data shall not be used/shared for civil immigration enforcement.
  • Rulemaking: Officers shall adopt implementing rules under the Administrative Procedure Act (P.L.1968, c.410; C.52:14B-1 et seq.).
  • No private right: The act does not create enforceable third‑party substantive rights.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment.

Who would be affected

  • All State departments, agencies, independent authorities, commissions, and instrumentalities.
  • State employees (new DEI staff, training requirements).
  • Communities served by State agencies (through policy and program changes driven by DEI analysis).
  • No additional explicit funding, salary, or staffing levels specified in the text.

Potential impacts

  • Institutionalizes DEI infrastructure across the Executive Branch, increasing centralized DEI capacity and coordination.
  • May require new hires or reallocation of personnel and resources within agencies (budgetary/implementation impacts not specified).
  • Enhances data-driven DEI planning while explicitly prohibiting use of data for civil immigration enforcement.
  • Allows flexibility to expand DEI roles during crises; sets internal rulemaking and administrative structure.

Legislative status & timeline

  • Introduced: April 10, 2025 (Referred to Assembly State & Local Government Committee).
  • Committee referrals and actions: Referred to Libraries & Education Technology (2/14); Print No. 5525A (5/16); Amended & Recommitted (5/16); Reported and referred to Ways & Means (5/20).
  • Current status: REPORTED — REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS (May 20, 2025).

Sponsor and related bills

  • Primary sponsor: Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon
  • Related/prior-session bills: A7630, A792, A92, A7965
  • Companions in Senate: S6870, S4242

If you want, I can (1) compare the introduced text here to the titled library-capital-funding study bill to clarify the discrepancy, or (2) draft a short fiscal/implementation checklist agencies would need to follow to comply if enacted.

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

Sign in to ask a question.