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A 4343

Relates to school aid computer listings for school districts

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Tague

Creates the New Jersey–Haiti Commission in the Department of State to study and promote NJ–Haiti ties, and advise on policies that aid Haitian‑American communities.

REFERRED TO EDUCATION
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Bill Summary · A 4343

Summary — Assembly Bill A-4343 (1R)

Status: Introduced May 10, 2024; reported favorably with committee amendments by the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee (3/20/2025); substituted by S3199 (1R) (3/24/2025). Referred previously to Assembly committees (Oversight; Education). Sponsors: Asw. Shanique Speight; Asm. Chris Tague. Companion: S-3199 (1R).

Purpose

A-4343 establishes the New Jersey–Haiti Commission in the Department of State to advise the Governor and Legislature on strengthening economic and cultural ties between New Jersey and Haiti and on measures to address economic challenges facing New Jersey’s Haitian‑American community. The bill emphasizes New Jersey’s role given that it has the 4th largest Haitian population in the U.S.

Key provisions

  • Creates the New Jersey–Haiti Commission within the Department of State.
  • Membership (13 total):
    • Secretary of State (or designee) — chairperson.
    • 12 public members appointed by the Governor per the committee-amended distribution:
    • 6 public members appointed directly by the Governor;
    • 2 appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the President of the Senate;
    • 1 appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Senate Minority Leader;
    • 2 appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly;
    • 1 appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the Assembly Minority Leader.
  • Terms and service:
    • Public members serve 3-year terms (initial staggered terms: some 1-, 2-, and 3-year appointments).
    • Members serve without compensation but may be reimbursed for necessary expenses within appropriations.
  • Meetings and operations:
    • Commission must hold at least one public hearing per quarter.
    • Authorized to conduct studies, reports, and research; collect and analyze demographic and economic data; consult with State agencies, the Haitian government, and international/local organizations.
    • May solicit and receive grants and other funds (public or private) through the Department of State to support its work.
  • Reporting:
    • Must report findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature no later than one year after first meeting and annually thereafter.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Directly affects the Department of State (administration/hosting) and the appointed commission members.
  • Intended beneficiaries: Haitian‑American residents and communities in New Jersey; stakeholders involved in economic development, cultural exchange, health, education, and legal access between NJ and Haiti.
  • Expected outputs: policy recommendations, legislative proposals, program ideas, data analysis, and proposals for bilateral economic/cultural collaboration (e.g., trade promotion, investment, health/education cooperation).
  • Fiscal impact: Members are unpaid; commission activities will require appropriated funds or external grants to cover operational costs and reimbursements.

Procedural notes & related legislation

  • Reported with committee amendments (3/20/2025) that revised appointment distribution.
  • Identical (as amended) to Senate Bill S-3199 (1R).
  • Prior-session related bills listed (A-6323, A-4865, etc.).

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

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