[First Reprint]
ASSEMBLY, No. 1657
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
INTRODUCED MARCH 4, 1996
By Assemblyman DORIA, Assemblywoman FRISCIA, Assemblymen Dalton, Barnes and Assemblywoman Buono
An Act establishing the Task Force on Workplace Violence.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. There is established the Task Force on Workplace Violence. The task force shall consist of 1[five] six1 members as follows: the Commissioners of Labor and Health and the Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation, or their designees, who shall serve ex-officio; and 1[two] three1 public members who shall be appointed by the Governor, including one representative of the business community 1[and],1 one representative of organized labor 1and one advocate from the battered women's community1. The task force shall organize upon the appointment of a majority of its authorized membership and shall elect a chairman from among the members. The members of the task force shall serve for the duration of the existence of the commission. Any vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment, but only for the balance of the unexpired term. The task force members shall serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
b. The task force shall study the frequency and consequences of, and most effective means to prevent workplace violence. The task force shall, not later than 180 days after the effective date of this act, issue a report to the Governor and the Legislature which shall include, but not be limited to: (1) a review of the incidence of workplace violence, based on data obtained from federal, State and local health, labor and law enforcement agencies; (2) an analysis of the types of businesses, employees and situations associated with or subject to the greatest danger of workplace violence; and (3) recommendations concerning laws, regulations or incentives necessary for increased security in workplaces and protection of employees, including any draft legislation the task force deems appropriate.
2. a. The task force shall be entitled to the assistance and services of the employees of any State board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for these purposes, and to employ stenographic and clerical assistants and incur traveling and other miscellaneous expenses as necessary, to perform its duties.
b. The Departments of Labor and Health shall assist the task force in the performance of its duties and provide the task force with studies, data or other materials in the possession of those departments.
c. The employees of any State agency or political subdivision of the State may serve at the request of the task force upon any advisory committee which the task force may create and these employees may serve upon these committees without forfeiture of office or employment and with no loss or diminution in the compensation, status, rights and privileges which they otherwise enjoy.
3. For purposes of carrying out its duties and responsibilities under this act, the task force shall be authorized to administer oaths or affirmations, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, examine them under oath or affirmation, and require the production of any books, records, documents or other evidence it may deem relevant or material to its duties and responsibilities. The task force may meet and hold hearings at the place or places it designates, at which it may request the appearance of officials of any State agency or political subdivision of the State and may solicit the testimony of interested groups and the general public.
4. This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire upon the issuance of the task force's report.
Establishes Task Force on Workplace Violence.