On December 17, 2018, the New Jersey Legislature paved the way
for a game-changing prerequisite for N.J. public works
contractors. The State Assembly and Senate passed Assembly
Bill A-3666 and forwarded it to Governor Murphy for his
signature. If signed into law as is expected, the
bill—which would impose new apprenticeship and training
requirements on public works contractors—would be among the
most restrictive of its kind in the country. Governor Murphy has
until the end of January to sign the legislation, which would
become effective 90 days thereafter.
What Are the New Contractor Obligations?
The bill, which blazed its way through the lawmaking process,
would require a contractor to certify its participation in a U.S.
Department of Labor (DOL)-approved apprenticeship program in order
to obtain or renew its public works contractor registration
certificate. Further, apprenticeship programs would have to
include training for every classification of worker a
