TRENTON – Aiming to better support the entities that employ and assist people with disabilities, the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senators Troy Singleton and Angela McKnight that would require state and local government entities to set aside five percent of goods and services contracts for the Central Nonprofit Agency established by the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act.

“The intention of current law is to ensure that people who have disabilities can maintain employment and attain personal independence by guaranteeing a continuous market for their goods and services,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “By requiring government entities to purchase a certain amount of goods and services from these facilities, rather than merely requiring an effort, we can better fulfill that goal and assist New Jerseyans with disabilities to achieve as much personal and financial independence as possible.”

Currently, law only requires government entities to make a good faith effort to purchase five percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, which serves to distribute goods and services produced at qualified rehabilitation facilities employing individuals who are blind or have severe disabilities. The bill, S-4040, would adjust this requirement to instead require these entities to purchase give percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, which is currently designated as ACCSES NJ, as opposed to merely make a good faith effort to do so.

“Supporting employment opportunities for people with severe disabilities helps ensure they can develop their skills and achieve maximum personal independence,” said Senator McKnight (D-Hudson). “Though current law’s good faith effort requirement helps, it does not go far enough to ensuring opportunities for these individuals. This bill will further help to ensure a stable demand for their goods and services and better support residents with disabilities.”

The legislation would additionally clarify reporting and oversight requirements to ensure adherence to the provisions of the bill. The Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury would be required to submit a report of purchasing data to the Central Nonprofit Agency no more than six months after the effective date of the bill, and on a quarterly basis thereafter. Furthermore, the Department of the Treasury would be required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the compliance of state and local government entities with the new purchasing threshold.

Original Article