reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15E-2 - Findings, declarations

34:15E-2. Findings, declarations
2. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. To succeed in the face of intensely competitive conditions, the economy of New Jersey requires the creation of a growing pool of highly trained, technologically sophisticated young workers, which can be achieved, in part, by providing greater opportunities and incentives for youths who in the past have not sought college education or even completed high school;
b. The potential value of work-based, hands-on learning to create that growing pool has been demonstrated by the high quality of the training and education provided by existing registered apprenticeship programs;
c. The benefits of apprenticeship training in creating a highly-skilled workforce, however, are limited to less than 3% of the workforce of the United States or this State, compared to more than two thirds of German workers;
d. In this State, as well as in this nation, most participants do not enter apprenticeship programs until six or more years after their graduation from high school;
e. Education and training for careers in skilled trades are unattractive to many high school students and their parents, because workers in those trades are rarely provided with the opportunities for lifelong occupationally relevant learning and ongoing advancement that are commonplace in professional occupations;
f. The experience of German and Japanese schools and employers clearly demonstrates that all youth need a strong educational foundation in order to have the flexibility to succeed in the face of rapid economic change and that work-based learning is a necessary supplement to, but not a substitute for, high academic standards;
g. It is therefore an appropriate public purpose to establish a Youth Transitions to Work Partnership to establish new apprenticeship programs for high-wage, high-skill, labor demand occupations and link those new programs and existing apprenticeship programs with secondary schools and institutions of higher education to provide effective transitions for high school graduates into those programs, while sustaining or enhancing educational standards, and to create opportunities for lifelong occupationally relevant learning and ongoing career advancement for front-line workers, thereby motivating youth to greater success in secondary and post-secondary education.
L.1993,c.268,s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15E-3 - Definitions.

34:15E-3 Definitions.
3. As used in this act:
"Apprenticeship Policy Committee" or "committee" means the New Jersey Apprenticeship Policy Committee which:
a. Was established by a written agreement of: the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training in the U.S. Department of Labor; the State Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and the State Department of Education; and
b. Consists of: the Assistant Commissioner, State Department of Education, Division of Adult and Occupational Education; the Director of Region II of the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training in the U.S. Department of Labor; an assistant commissioner of the State Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and a representative of the New Jersey State AFL-CIO.
"Apprenticeship program" means a registered apprenticeship program providing to each trainee combined classroom and on-the-job training under the direct and close supervision of a highly skilled worker in an occupation recognized as an apprenticeable trade, and registered by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the U.S. Department of Labor and meeting the standards established by the bureau, or registered by a State apprenticeship agency recognized by the bureau.
"Labor demand occupation" means an occupation for which there is or is likely to be an excess of demand over supply for adequately trained workers, including, but not limited to, an occupation designated as a labor demand occupation by the New Jersey Occupational Information Coordinating Committee pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1992, c.43 (C.34:1A-78).
"Youth Transitions to Work Partnership" or "Partnership" means the Youth Transitions to Work Partnership established pursuant to section 4 of this act.
L.1993, c.268, s.3; amended 2007, c.39, s.15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15E-7 - Program link to post-secondary education options established

34:15E-7. Program link to post-secondary education options established
7. Each consortium which is awarded a grant from the partnership shall establish a program which provides the option of linkages from apprenticeship to subsequent post-secondary education. Grants may also be provided to consortiums pursuant to this section to create new linkage programs for existing apprenticeship programs. Each participating educational institution in a consortium which is awarded a grant shall develop or modify the classroom curriculum for apprentices to make the classroom training applicable toward associate and baccalaureate degrees. In addition, participating educational institutions shall develop, to the extent feasible, articulation in post-secondary programs which provides participating apprentices with options to progress from apprenticeable trades to professional occupations. The purpose of the program is to enhance the prestige of education for skilled technical work by providing front-line workers with opportunities for lifelong vocationally-relevant learning and advancement.
L.1993,c.268,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15E-7.1 - Guidelines to encourage high school students to participate in apprenticeship training.

34:15E-7.1 Guidelines to encourage high school students to participate in apprenticeship training.
1. The Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, shall develop guidelines for use by high school counselors to coordinate services with representatives of the New Jersey State Building and Construction Trades Council for purposes of encouraging student participation in apprenticeships and raising awareness of apprenticeship opportunities. The Commissioner of Education shall make the guidelines available on the Department of Education's website and shall update the information annually.
L.2019, c.96.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-1 - Findings, declarations relative to mentoring programs.

34:15F-1 Findings, declarations relative to mentoring programs.
1. The Legislature finds and declares that there are a significant number of students in New Jersey who are economically and socially disadvantaged and who are alienated from the community and school. These students are at-risk of substance use disorder, teen pregnancy or other behavioral problems that inhibit academic achievement and successful integration into society.
The Legislature further finds that mentoring programs that develop relationships between professionally trained and committed adult volunteers and at-risk students, for the purpose of providing support, counseling, reinforcement and constructive examples, create an environment in which students can achieve their full academic potential and which fosters their future success as productive citizens of the State.
L.1999, c.279, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.116.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-2 - Definitions relative to mentoring programs.

34:15F-2 Definitions relative to mentoring programs.
2. As used in this act:
"Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development;
"Department" means the Department of Labor and Workforce Development;
"Educational foundation" means a nonprofit organization that may be created by or on behalf of a board of education or a nonprofit organization that has experience in the establishment of mentoring programs or the provision of services to at-risk youth;
"Joint committee" means the Joint Committee on Mentoring;
"Mentor" means a volunteer from the community who agrees to participate in a mentoring program;
"Program" means the At-Risk Youth Mentoring Program established by this act; and
"SDA district" means an SDA district as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2000, c.72 (C.18A:7G-3).
L.1999, c.279, s.2; amended 2004, c.61, s.2; 2007, c.260, s.79.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-3 - At-Risk Youth Mentoring Program.

34:15F-3 At-Risk Youth Mentoring Program.
3. There is established in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development an At-Risk Youth Mentoring Program to be administered by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to the provisions of this act. The commissioner shall consult with the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, and the Department of Education and other appropriate State agencies regarding the development, operation and administration of the program. The commissioner shall also consult with the Community Agencies Corporation of New Jersey and other public and private nonprofit organizations providing youth mentoring services. The program shall provide for the training of volunteer mentors through local collaborative partnerships between the school district, the educational foundation and other community based organizations and for the assignment of mentors to at-risk students enrolled within a participating school district. The program shall also provide for collaboration with public and private organizations that provide comprehensive health, employment, and social services to youth. The purpose of the program shall be to enable at-risk students to develop a relationship with a caring and responsible adult to provide the personal and emotional support necessary for school success and future successful functioning in society.
L.1999, c.279, s.3; amended 2006, c.47, s.182.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-4 - "At-Risk Youth Mentoring Grant Fund."

34:15F-4 "At-Risk Youth Mentoring Grant Fund."
4. There is established within the Department of Labor a separate grant fund to be known as the "At-Risk Youth Mentoring Grant Fund." An educational foundation shall be eligible to apply for a grant of a minimum of $25,000 up to a maximum of $50,000, depending on the size of the program, in order to pay the expenses associated with the operation and maintenance of a mentoring program. During the first year of implementation of the program, only educational foundations operating in Abbott districts shall be eligible to receive a grant.
L.1999,c.279,s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-5 - Application for grant.

34:15F-5 Application for grant.
5. An educational foundation shall submit an application for a grant to the commissioner for his review. The application shall provide the following information: the name of the educational foundation; the name of the school district that created or authorized the creation of the foundation if applicable; the name of the coordinating teacher; a description of the activities of the program; the number and grade level of the students who will participate in the program; the process of student referral to the program; the selection criteria for student participants, which shall include the identification of students who are not successfully meeting the core curriculum content standards and district standards of behavior; the procedure for the identification and selection of adult mentors; an implementation schedule; a plan for supervision of the program; a training plan; a plan for quality assurance and evaluation;and the process which will be utilized to match students to mentors. An educational foundation shall also submit with its application a letter of commitment defining agreements to provide mentoring services for at-risk public school students in its respective school district. Preference may be given to applicants that have prior experience in the establishment and oversight of mentoring programs and the provision of services to at-risk youth.
L.1999,c.279,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-6 - Participation of mentor; student schedules.

34:15F-6 Participation of mentor; student schedules.
6. a. Under the program each mentor shall commit to participate in the program for a minimum of one calendar year. Each student shall meet with a mentor one day per week for at least one hour unless the district determines that some other schedule would be of greater benefit to the student. Any meeting between the mentor and the student may also occur off school property or before or after school hours for the purpose of engaging in enrichment activities.
b. A program shall not serve less than 25 students nor exceed 50 students, unless exceeding such a limit is approved by the commissioner.
L.1999,c.279,s.6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-7 - Criminal history record check for mentor.

34:15F-7 Criminal history record check for mentor.
7. Notwithstanding any provision of P.L.1986, c.116 (C.18A:6-7.1 et seq.) to the contrary, a mentor shall undergo a criminal history record check in accordance with the procedures established in that act, except that the educational foundation shall bear the cost of the check, including all costs for administering and providing the check.
L.1999,c.279,s.7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-8 - Joint Committee on Mentoring.

34:15F-8 Joint Committee on Mentoring.
8. There is created a joint legislative committee to be known as the Joint Committee on Mentoring. The joint committee shall be comprised of 12 members, six members from each House. The President of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the Senate shall each appoint three members, and the Speaker of the General Assembly and the Minority Leader of the General Assembly shall each appoint three members.
L.1999,c.279,s.8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-9 - Annual report on progress of mentoring program; report to Governor, Legislature after three years.

34:15F-9 Annual report on progress of mentoring program; report to Governor, Legislature after three years.
9. a. An educational foundation shall submit an annual report on the progress of its mentoring program to the department and to the joint committee on or before May 1 of each year. The report shall include information concerning the number of mentors and students participating in the program, the approximate number of hours each mentor spent with the students over the course of the preceding year, the utilization of grant funds, and a general description of activities conducted pursuant to the program. The department may establish additional reporting requirements as necessary.
b. On or before January 1 of the third year of the program, the commissioner shall report to the Governor, the joint committee, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Minority Leaders of the Senate and the General Assembly on the effectiveness and implementation of the program. The report shall include a recommendation on whether the program should be continued. If the Legislature does not act on the recommendation by the adoption of a concurrent resolution within 60 days of the commissioner's submission of the report, then the commissioner's recommendation regarding continuation of the program shall take effect following the expiration of the third year of the program.
L.1999,c.279,s.9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-11 - Rules, regulations.

34:15F-11 Rules, regulations.
11. The Department of Labor shall adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of this act.
L. 1999, c.279, s.11.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-13 - Development, administration of program.

34:15F-13 Development, administration of program.
2. a. In cooperation with the Disadvantaged Youth Employment Opportunities Council established in section 1 of P.L.2001, c.446 (C.34:15F-12), the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the State Employment and Training Commission shall develop and administer the employment program established under this act. The commissioner shall, to the greatest extent feasible, attempt to achieve a balance of enrolled disadvantaged youth from the northern, central, and southern parts of the State.
b. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the State Employment and Training Commission, the Department of Education, the Juvenile Justice Commission, and the council, shall develop procedures relating to the program referral process; establish the selection criteria for participants which shall include the identification of local disadvantaged youths assessed by local law enforcement and juvenile corrections authorities as being at risk of gang membership or involvement or reinvolvement in the criminal justice system and students who are not meeting minimal district standards of behavior and academic achievement; provide a listing of employers who have agreed to participate in the program; and establish the process which will be utilized for matching disadvantaged youth to employment opportunities that will enhance the self-esteem and assimilation of life skills necessary for productive functioning in the school setting and society.
L.2001, c.446, s.2; amended 2007, c.189, s.2.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-14 - Maximum hours of employment for youths.

34:15F-14 Maximum hours of employment for youths.
3. a. The State's limitations on hours of employment for child labor shall govern the maximum hours of employment for youths employed through the program. For participation in the employment program, the youth shall receive from the employer compensation of not less than the minimum wage rate pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1966, c.113 (C.34:11-56a4).
b. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in conjunction with the State Employment and Training Commission and the council, shall endeavor to work with the Secretary of State, the Commissioner of Education, major Statewide education organizations, and nonprofit organizations providing specialized services to youth to publicize the opportunities available under the program and promote the voluntary participation therein of school districts and students.
L.2001, c.446, s.3; amended 2007, c.189, s.3.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-15 - Plan to collect data on effectiveness of program.

34:15F-15 Plan to collect data on effectiveness of program.
4. a. The Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall implement a plan to collect data on the effectiveness of the program in meeting the needs and conditions of disadvantaged youths which place them at risk of academic or social failure or both. The plan shall include a system to track participants to determine if they successfully completed the school year and whether such students and other youth participants succeed in making productive contributions to their communities.
b. Within two years following the effective date of P.L.2001, c.446 (C.34:15F-12 et seq.), the Commissioners of Labor and Workforce Development and Education, in concert with the State Employment and Training Commission and the council established in section 1 of P.L.2001, c.446 (C.34:15F-12), shall submit to the Governor and the Legislature an evaluation of the Youth Employment and After School Incentive Pilot Program and recommendations to the Legislature that will enable them to better coordinate and improve the effectiveness of their efforts.
L.2001, c.446, s.4; amended 2007, c.189, s.4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-16 - Eligibility for tax credit allotments.

34:15F-16 Eligibility for tax credit allotments.
5. Employers participating in the employment program established under this act shall be eligible for the tax credit allotments authorized under the provisions of P.L. , c. (C. ) (now pending before the Legislature as Assembly Bill No.1918 of 2000).
L.2001,c.446,s.5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:15F-17 - Study, report on providing students with information and employment in high-demand industries.

34:15F-17 Study, report on providing students with information and employment in high-demand industries.
1. The Commissioner of Education and the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development shall undertake a review of all existing efforts of their respective departments that provide middle and high school students with information concerning employment in high-demand industries and shall report directly to the Governor no later than three months after the effective date of this act on whether those efforts provide sufficient career guidance to such students.
L.2013,c .256, s.1.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-21 - Rehabilitation commission; membership

34:16-21. Rehabilitation commission; membership
There is hereby established the Rehabilitation Commission which is placed in the Department of Labor and Industry for housekeeping purposes. The commission is hereby designated as the sole State agency to administer and supervise vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation authorized by this chapter. The commission shall consist of the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, the Commissioner of Education, the Commissioner of the Department of Institutions and Agencies, the Commissioner of Health, ex officio, or such deputy as any of them respectfully designate, and 8 members appointed by the Governor.
Of the 8 members so appointed by the Governor, one and only one shall be a person who by reason of vocation, activities and affiliations can be considered as a representative of the employers of labor of the State. One member, and only one, shall be a person who by reason of vocation, activities and affiliations can be considered as a representative of organized labor of the State. Two members, one of whom shall be a woman, shall be chosen because of their special interest in and knowledge of the field of social welfare.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 213, s. 2. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, s. 2; L.1967, c. 123, s. 2, eff. June 21, 1967.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-23 - Terms of office; vacancies

34:16-23. Terms of office; vacancies
Of the members of the commission appointed by the Governor, the first members shall be appointed, 3 for 1 year, 3 for 2 years, 2 for 3 years, and their successors shall be appointed for terms of 3 years. The members so appointed shall hold over until their respective successors are appointed and shall qualify. Vacancies shall be filled for the unexpired terms only.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 213, s. 4.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-24 - Compensation; expenses

34:16-24. Compensation; expenses
The members of the commission shall serve without pay but actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties shall be paid out of funds appropriated for the purposes of the commission.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 213, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-25 - Removal of members

34:16-25. Removal of members
The Governor may at any time remove for inefficiency or neglect of duty any member of the commission appointed by him, charges in writing having been preferred and sustained after public hearing.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 213, s. 6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-26 - Report to Governor; recommendations

34:16-26. Report to Governor; recommendations
The commission shall annually make report to the Governor of its work in carrying out the provisions of this chapter and shall submit to him its recommendations concerning legislation and a statement of the sum necessary for such work for the ensuing year.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 214, s. 7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-27 - Powers of division.

34:16-27 Powers of division.
8. The division shall be authorized to:
(a) Adopt and promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of P.L.1955, c.64 (C.34:16-20 et seq.).
(b) Provide vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation services, directly or through public or private instrumentalities, to eligible individuals with disabilities without discrimination as to sex, race, color, creed, or national origin, except that the division shall not duplicate services provided for persons who are blind through the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing through the New Jersey School for the Deaf, Katzenbach Campus, nor shall the division provide services for persons who in its judgment will not benefit from rehabilitation. In case vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation services cannot be provided to all eligible individuals with disabilities who apply for such services, the division shall provide, by regulation, the order to be followed in selecting those to whom such services will be provided.
(c) Construct or establish and operate rehabilitation facilities and workshops, which may include residential accommodations related to the rehabilitation of individuals with disabilities and make grants to public and other nonprofit organizations for such purposes.
(d) Establish and supervise the operation of vending stands and other small businesses established pursuant to P.L.1955, c.64 (C.34:16-20 et seq.) to be conducted by individuals with severe disabilities.
(e) Make studies, investigations, demonstrations, and reports, and provide training and instruction (including the establishment and maintenance of such research fellowships and traineeships with such stipends and allowances as may be deemed necessary) in matters relating to vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation.
(f) Enter into reciprocal agreements with other states to provide for the vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation of residents of the states concerned.
(g) Accept and use gifts made, by will or otherwise, for carrying out the purposes of this chapter. Gifts made under such conditions as in the judgment of the division are proper and consistent with the provisions of this chapter, may be accepted, held, invested, reinvested, or used in accordance with the conditions, if any, of the gift.
(h) Take such action as it deems necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of P.L.1955, c.64 (C.34:16-20 et seq.).
L.1955, c.64, s.8; amended 1961, c.20, s.3; 1967, c.123, s.3; 1969, c.91, s.2; 2007, c.39, s.4; 2017, c.131, s.134.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-28 - Director; employees and special assistants

34:16-28. Director; employees and special assistants
The commission shall appoint a director, who shall be its executive officer and have primary responsibility for, and shall devote his full time to the administration of the program, and who shall employ such staff and special assistants as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objects of this chapter. The chairman of the commission shall be the individual with whom the director shall consult when the commission is not in session. Notwithstanding the provisions of this act or any other law to the contrary, the director and all employees and special assistants shall be appointed pursuant to the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, and shall continue to be subject thereto.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 215, s. 9.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-29 - Cooperation with other agencies; administration; services and facilities

34:16-29. Cooperation with other agencies; administration; services and facilities
The commission is also authorized:
(a) To co-operate with the Federal Government in carrying out the purposes of any Federal statutes pertaining to vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation and to adopt such methods of administration as are found by the Federal Government to further the proper and efficient operation of agreements or plans for vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation and to comply with such conditions as may be necessary to secure the full benefits of such Federal statutes.
(b) To comply with conditions specified in Federal statutes which authorize the use of Federal funds by the commission without matching State funds, notwithstanding other sections of this statute.
(c) To co-operate with and utilize the services of the State agency or agencies administering the State's Public Assistance program, the Federal Bureau of Old-Age and Survivors' Insurance (Department of Health, Education and Welfare), and other public and private agencies providing services related to vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation, and with the State system of public employment offices in the State, and shall make maximum feasible utilization of the job placement and employment counseling services and other services and facilities of such offices.
(d) To co-operate with and make grants to political subdivisions, other public and nonprofit organizations and agencies, for the construction of or for the establishment of workshops and rehabilitation facilities, and in providing vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation services to utilize such facilities meeting the standards established by the commission.
(e) Upon designation by the Governor, to perform other related functions and services for the Federal Government, including making determinations of disability under Title II of the Federal Social Security Act.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 215, s. 10. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, p. 104, s. 4; L.1967, c. 123, s. 4, eff. June 21, 1967.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-30 - State treasurer as custodian of funds

34:16-30. State treasurer as custodian of funds
The State Treasurer is hereby designated as the custodian of all funds received from the Federal Government for the purpose of carrying out any Federal statutes pertaining to vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation or any agreement authorized by this chapter. The State Treasurer shall make disbursements from such funds and from all State funds available for vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation purposes upon certification by the commission.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 216, s. 11. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, p. 104, s. 5.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-31 - Hearings

34:16-31. Hearings
Any individual applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation or independent living rehabilitation who is aggrieved by any action or inaction of the commission shall be entitled in accordance with regulations to a hearing by the commission.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 216, s. 12. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, p. 105, s. 6.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-32 - Prohibited activities

34:16-32. Prohibited activities
No officer or employee engaged in the administration of the vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation programs shall use his official authority to influence or permit the use of the vocational rehabilitation and independent living rehabilitation programs for the purpose of interfering with an election or affecting the results thereof or for any partisan political purpose. No such officer or employee shall solicit or receive, nor shall any officer or employee be obliged to contribute or render, any service, assistance, subscription, assessment, or contribution for any political purpose. Any officer or employee violating this provision shall be subject to discharge or suspension.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 216, s. 13. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, p. 105, s. 7.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-33 - Confidential character of records

34:16-33. Confidential character of records
All records relating to the receipt of or application for vocational rehabilitation or independent living rehabilitation services shall be confidential and shall not be published or open to public inspection. No member, officer or employee of the commission shall, except for purposes directly connected with the administration of the vocational rehabilitation or independent living rehabilitation programs, and in accordance with regulations, solicit, disclose, receive or make use of, or authorize, knowingly permit, participate in, or acquiesce in the use of any list of, or names of, or any information concerning persons applying for or receiving vocational rehabilitation or independent living rehabilitation, directly or indirectly derived from the records, papers, files, or communications of the State or subdivisions or agencies thereof, or acquired in the course of the performance of official duties. Any such act on the part of a member, officer or employee of the commission shall be grounds for dismissal by the Governor as to members and as to officers and employees, in accordance with the provisions of Title 11, Civil Service, of the Revised Statutes and of rules and regulations issued pursuant thereto.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 217, s. 14. Amended by L.1961, c. 20, p. 105, s. 8.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-34 - Amendment or repeal of act

34:16-34. Amendment or repeal of act
The Legislature reserves the right to amend or repeal all or any part of this act at any time; and there shall be no vested private right of any kind against such amendment or repeal. All the rights, privileges, or immunities conferred by this act or by acts done pursuant thereto shall exist subject to the power of the Legislature to amend or repeal this act at any time.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 217, s. 15.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-35 - Severability

34:16-35. Severability
If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 217, s. 16.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-37 - Repeals

34:16-37. Repeals
Sections 34:16-1, 34:16-2, 34:16-3, 34:16-4, 34:16-5, 34:16-6, 34:16-7, 34:16-8, 34:16-9, 34:16-10, 34:16-11, 34:16-12, 34:16-13, 34:16-14, 34:16-15, 34:16-16, 34:16-17, 34:16-18, 34:16-19, 18:17-6, 18:17-7, 18:17-8, and 18:17-9 of the Revised Statutes and "An act authorizing the New Jersey Rehabilitation Commission to appoint therein special examiners to serve tuberculous persons," approved May 24, 1941 (P.L.1941, c. 155), and section 22 of the "Department of Labor and Industry Act of 1948," approved October 21, 1948 (P.L.1948, c. 446), are repealed.
L.1955, c. 64, p. 218, s. 18.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-40 - Definitions.

34:16-40 Definitions.
2. As used in P.L.1971, c.272 (C.34:16-39 et seq.):
a. "Sheltered workshop" means an occupation oriented facility operated by a nonprofit agency, public or private, which except for its staff, employs only persons with disabilities;
b. "Division" means the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development;
c. "Commission" means the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the Department of Human Services;
d. "Extended employee" means a person with a severe disability who meets the following requirements: (1) shall have completed a prescribed workshop program; (2) shall have been found, due to the nature and severity of the person's disability to be incapable of competing in the open or customary labor market; and (3) shall have been certified as being an extended employee by the staff of the division or the commission; or (4) shall have been certified by the division or the commission as an extended employee qualified to perform industrial homework under the supervision of a sheltered workshop;
e. "Extended employment program" means a program designed for those persons with disabilities whose disabilities make sheltered employment in a sheltered workshop or in performance of industrial homework under the supervision of a sheltered workshop, after completion of a certified program of vocational evaluation and training the only suitable form of employment, or for those persons with severe disabilities who were not eligible for vocational rehabilitation services under laws and regulations in effect at the date of enactment of this act and who could benefit from the provisions of this act.
L.1971, c.272, s.2; amended 1973, c.45, s.1; 1979, c.335, s.1; 2017, c.131, s.135.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-41 - Programs of vocational rehabilitation or extended employment

34:16-41. Programs of vocational rehabilitation or extended employment
The division shall administer a program of vocational rehabilitation to an extended employee and shall plan, institute, support, and administer a program of extended employment in, or under the supervision of a sheltered workshop provided for in this act.
L.1971, c. 272, s. 3. Amended by L.1973, c. 45, s. 2, eff. Feb. 27, 1973; L.1979, c. 335, s. 2, eff. Jan. 21, 1980.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-42 - Contracts with approved sheltered workshops; amount payable.

34:16-42 Contracts with approved sheltered workshops; amount payable.
4. The division is hereby authorized to contract with an approved sheltered workshop for the furnishing of extended employment programs to persons with severe disabilities when it shall appear to the satisfaction of the division, or upon certification to the division by the commission, that a person with a severe disability could reasonably be expected to benefit from, or reasonably requires, extended rehabilitation services. The division is authorized to contract for the payment of a sum for each person with a severe disability not exceeding the amount appropriated for the purposes of P.L.1971, c.272 (C.34:16-39 et seq.) toward the cost of providing an extended employment program pursuant to this act.
L.1971, c.272, s.4; amended 1979, c.335, s.3; 2017, c.131, s.136.
34:16-43. Authority of division and commission. 5. The division and the commission are hereby vested with the authority: a. to determine the eligibility of persons with severe disabilities for the extended employment program in consultation with the shaltered workshops providing the program; b. to establish standards of staffing, physical plant and services required for the operation of facilities of sheltered workshops furnishing services under P.L.1971, c.272 (C.34:16-39 e seq.) by contract with the State; and c. to require an appropriate progress report on each individual participating in the extended employment program.
L.1971, c. 272, s. 5. Amended by L.1979, c. 335; 2017, c.131, s.137.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-43 - Determination of eligibility for extended employment program; standards for operation of sheltered workshop; progress reports

34:16-43. Determination of eligibility for extended employment program; standards for operation of sheltered workshop; progress reports
The division and the commission are hereby vested with the authority: a. to determine the eligibility of severely handicapped persons for the extended employment program in consultation with the sheltered workshops providing the program; b. to establish standards of staffing, physical plant and services required for the operation of facilities of sheltered workshops furnishing services under this act by contract with the State; and c. to require an appropriate progress report on each individual participating in the extended employment program.
L.1971, c. 272, s. 5. Amended by L.1979, c. 335, s. 4, eff. Jan. 21, 1980.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-44 - Inapplicability of requirement for employer's permit relating to ratio of employees in home work to those in factory for extended employment program of sheltered workshop

34:16-44. Inapplicability of requirement for employer's permit relating to ratio of employees in home work to those in factory for extended employment program of sheltered workshop
The provisions of P.L.1941, c. 308 (C. 34:6-136.1 et seq.) relating to the ratio of employees engaged in home work to those employed in a factory and the requirement for an employer's permit shall not apply to an extended employment program of a sheltered workshop.
L.1973, c. 45, s. 3, eff. Feb. 27, 1973.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-45 - State policy relative to persons with disabilities.

34:16-45 State policy relative to persons with disabilities.
1. It is the policy of the State to assist persons with disabilities and organizations established to aid persons with disabilities in the sale of goods or articles which are the product of the labor of persons with disabilities by providing a means of authenticating the source of such goods and articles and by preventing misrepresentation as to items offered for sale as the product of persons with disabilities.
L.1975, c.350, s.1; amended 2017, c.131, s.138.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-46 - Definitions.

34:16-46 Definitions.
2. As used in this act:
a. "Person with a disability" means any individual who is unable to engage in any substantial gainful employment by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which is of a long-continued or indefinite duration or which can be expected to result in death.
b. "Direct labor" means all work required for the preparation, processing, and assembling of goods or articles including the packaging and packing thereof, but not including time spent in the supervision, administration, inspection, and shipping of such operations, or in the production of component materials by other than persons with disabilities.
L.1975, c.350, s.2; amended 2017, c.131, s.139.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-47 - Registration, authorization to identify goods, articles made by persons with disabilities.

34:16-47 Registration, authorization to identify goods, articles made by persons with disabilities.
3. To facilitate ready and authoritative identification of goods or articles made by persons with disabilities, any person with a disability and any public or private institution or agency, firm, association, or corporation engaged in the manufacture or distribution of goods or articles made by persons with disabilities shall apply to the division for registration and authorization to use an official imprint, stamp, symbol, or label, designed or approved by the division, to identify goods and articles as made by persons with disabilities. Nothing in P.L.1975, c.350 (C.34:16-45 et seq.) shall authorize the identification of goods or articles as made by persons with disabilities when the direct labor performed by persons with disabilities in connection therewith shall consist solely of the packaging or packing thereof as distinguished from the preparation, processing, or assembling of such goods or articles. The division shall investigate each application, under rules and regulations it shall adopt for the administration of P.L.1975, c.350 (C.34:16-45 et seq.), to assure that such person or organization is actually engaged in the manufacture or distribution of goods or articles made by persons with disabilities. The division may register without investigation nonresident individuals and out-of-state agencies, firms, associations, or corporations upon proof that they are recognized and approved by the state of their residence or organized pursuant to a law of such state imposing requirements substantially similar to those prescribed pursuant to P.L.1975, c.350 (C.34:16-45 et seq.).
No fee shall be charged for registration of an individual person with a disability who manufactures and sells products of the person's own labor. A fee of $25 shall be charged and collected for registration of any other person, firm, or corporation. All registrations shall be valid for one year from date of issue.
L.1975, c.350, s.3; amended 1979, c.335, s.5; 2017, c.131, s.140.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-48 - Sale of goods by persons with disabilities; identification.

34:16-48 Sale of goods by persons with disabilities; identification.
4. No goods or articles made in this or any other state may be displayed, advertised, solicited for sale by telephone, mail or otherwise, offered for sale, or sold in this State upon a representation that such goods or articles are made by persons with disabilities unless they are identified as such by label, imprint, stamp, or symbol and no such goods or articles may be so identified unless at least 75 percent of the total hours of direct labor of producing such goods or articles shall have been performed by one or more persons with a disability.
L.1975, c.350, s.4; amended 2017, c.131, s.141.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-49 - Labels or stamps; contents.

34:16-49 Labels or stamps; contents.
5. Any worker with a disability, or any public or private institution or agency, corporation, firm, or association, registered with the division pursuant to P.L.1975, c.350 (C.34:16-45 et seq.), engaged in the manufacture or distribution of articles of merchandise, made or manufactured by a person or persons with a disability, shall imprint or stamp upon such articles of merchandise or affix thereto labels containing the words, "made by a worker with a disability," to which shall be added the name of the manufacturer, the place of manufacture, and such other information as the division may prescribe.
L.1975, c.350, s.5; amended 1979, c.335, s.6; 2017, c.131, s.142.
2023 New Jersey Revised Statutes › Title 34 - Labor and Workmen's Compensation › Section 34:16-50 - Violations.

34:16-50 Violations.
6. Any person, firm, corporation, institution, or association who (a) shall use or employ an imprint, stamp, or symbol or label issued or approved by the division or an imitation thereof without having registered with the division, or (b) who shall directly or indirectly by any means indicate or tend to indicate or represent that the goods or articles were made by a person or persons with a disability when in fact such goods or articles were not so made, or (c) who shall directly or indirectly by any means indicate or tend to indicate or represent that the goods or articles were sold by or for the benefit of persons with disabilities when in fact such sale was not by or of substantial benefit to a person or persons with a disability is a disorderly person.
L.1975, c.350, s.6; amended 1979, c.335, s.7; 2017, c.131, s.143.