New Jersey proposes tax breaks for hiring nonviolent ex-offenders

Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing released nonviolent offenders.

Introduced· 2026-05-07

Who's it for

Who's it for: Workers

What it means for you

8/10Helps you

Good for everyday people ·

Heavily funded

Plain‑English summary, cross‑checked against the official bill text.

This bill would give businesses a tax credit of up to $900 for hiring nonviolent ex-offenders, helping people with criminal records find jobs and rebuild their lives.

Our take

What we think, in plain words.

This bill uses a small tax break to solve a big problem: helping people with a criminal record find a steady job. By offering businesses up to $900 to hire nonviolent ex-offenders, it gives people a second chance to earn a living and stay out of trouble. While it does reduce state tax revenue slightly to pay for the credits, the payoff in lower repeat offense rates and stronger communities makes it a smart investment.

Take action

Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.

0 of 100 in‑district signatures

Step 1 · Pick your position

Step 2 · Add your name

Picking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.

The facts

What the bill actually says, no spin.

Gives businesses a state tax credit for hiring adults with nonviolent criminal records.
The credit equals 15 percent of the worker's wages, capped at $900 per employee.
Excludes offenders who committed violent crimes or threatened to use force against people or property.
Allows businesses to carry over unused tax credits for up to seven years.