ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1431

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 5, 2020

      The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1431.

      This bill would direct the Commissioner of Education to establish and maintain a State-recognized list of industry-recognized credentials in the advanced manufacturing field.  The list would be used by schools and the workforce development system to develop programs to train students to meet the needs of businesses in the advanced manufacturing field.  The bill also directs the Commissioner of Education to identify courses of study for careers in emerging manufacturing industries.  Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education would consult with the Secretary of Higher Education and representatives of business and industry to develop training programs and identify appropriate courses of study.

      The bill would require the Secretary of State to designate an employee of the department as a liaison between the State and New Jersey manufacturing businesses.  The liaison would assist manufacturing businesses by advertising manufacturing businesses’ products and services and establishing a business referral service for manufacturing businesses.  Under the bill, the Secretary of State would direct resources, create incentives, and provide technological, financial, and workforce development opportunities for manufacturing businesses.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.