Bill
S 3199
Creates the New Jersey–Haiti Commission to advise on strengthening economic and cultural ties with Haiti and supporting the Haitian‑American community.
Status and key dates
- Enacted: Approved May 9, 2025 (P.L.2025, c.54); took effect immediately.
- Legislative history highlights: Reported with committee amendments Oct 24, 2024; passed Senate Jan 30, 2025 (36–0); passed Assembly Mar 24, 2025 (63–3–4). Substituted for A4343 (1R).
Purpose / intent
- Create a formal, ongoing body to advise the Governor and Legislature on strengthening economic and cultural links between New Jersey and Haiti and on addressing economic challenges facing New Jersey’s Haitian‑American community. The law recognizes New Jersey’s large Haitian population and aims to foster mutually beneficial partnerships with Haiti.
What the law establishes (major provisions)
- New Jersey–Haiti Commission: created within the Department of State.
- Membership (13 total): the Secretary of State (or designee) serves as chair; 12 public members represent varied professional sectors (including nonprofit organizations serving the Haitian community). Appointment makeup (as amended): 6 members appointed directly by the Governor; 2 appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Senate President; 1 appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Senate Minority Leader; 2 appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Assembly Speaker; and 1 appointed by the Governor on recommendation of the Assembly Minority Leader.
- Terms and compensation: public members serve three‑year terms (initial appointments staggered across one, two, and three‑year terms); members serve without salary but are eligible for reimbursement of necessary expenses within appropriated funds.
- Meetings: the commission must hold at least one public hearing quarterly (i.e., convene quarterly) and consult with stakeholders, experts, and the public.
- Duties and powers:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of historical, cultural, and economic ties between New Jersey and Haiti, and study migration/demographic trends for Haitians in New Jersey.
- Collect and analyze quantitative data (census, demographics, economic indicators) to assess civic, political, and economic conditions of the Haitian‑American community.
- Analyze and recommend ways New Jersey can establish bilateral cooperation with Haiti (including technical/logistical assistance related to healthcare, education, and judicial access).
- Identify opportunities for economic collaboration (trade promotion, investment, cultural exchanges).
- Recommend policy, legislative, and programmatic initiatives to support economic development for the Haitian‑American community and links with Haiti.
- Authorize studies/reports, consult with State agencies, the Haitian government, and international/local organizations.
- Solicit and receive grants, donations, or other funds (public or private) to support commission activities.
- Reporting: the commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature no later than one year after its first meeting and annually thereafter.
Who is affected / potential impact
- Directly: Department of State (administrative home), commissioners, State agencies engaged in trade, cultural and community programs, and nonprofit and private sector stakeholders working with the Haitian community.
- Indirectly: Haitian‑American residents of New Jersey, Haitian government and institutions, businesses and organizations interested in New Jersey–Haiti economic or cultural initiatives.
- Expected outcomes: improved coordination on policy and programs addressing economic challenges in the Haitian‑American community; identification of trade, investment, education, and health collaboration opportunities with Haiti; an annual public reporting mechanism to inform Executive and Legislative attention and potential follow‑up legislation or programs.
Procedural/timing notes
- The act took effect immediately upon approval (May 9, 2025).
- First statutory report is due within one year of the commission’s first meeting; thereafter reporting is annual.
- Commission activity depends on appropriations and/or external grants for reimbursements or program support.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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