NJBIA supported a bill advanced by a Senate committee on Thursday that will require the state Division of Consumer Affairs to hire staff to alleviate backlogs of professional license applications.
Bill S-3051 (Singer, R-30; Pou, D-35), released by the Senate Commerce Committee, appropriates $10 million for fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026.
“Operating procedures within the Division of Consumer Affairs have long been a challenge for the business community,” NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs Althea D. Ford said in written testimony.
“The pandemic further exposed and exacerbated many of the broken systems within the Division that need to be resolved to mitigate hindrances to business and professional growth in our state. Adequate staffing of the Division’s boards is one such hindrance.”
In 2022, NJBIA sent a coalition letter with nearly 40 signatories representing licensed professionals across various industries to Attorney General Matt Platkin highlighting systemic time challenges they face acquiring licenses.
Ford said many of these challenges still exist. Though the Legislature has overwhelmingly passed bills (A-4621/S-3156; A-5283/S-3939) during the 2022-2023 legislative session to address some of these concerns, they were vetoed by Gov. Phil Murphy.
“For decades, revenue generated by the Division from licensing fees has been diverted from the Division to other agencies and departments across state government,” Ford said. “This diversion of funds has left the Division under-resourced despite its standing as a large revenue generator in the state.”
Ford added that delays in the approval of professional and occupational credentials contribute to the existing staffing shortage experienced by many industries.
“Additionally, delays have a significantly negative impact on economic development,” Ford said. “Having to wait months for professional and occupational boards to schedule practical examinations required for licensure or to review and process submitted applications only to determine more information is needed by the applicant sends a message that the individuals seeking to enter New Jersey’s workforce and answer the call to our industry shortages are not a priority.
“Passage of this bill demonstrates a commitment to ensuring our regulated professional community can continue to serve consumers and our State,” Ford said.
