Scored 8/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Past Convictions Bill
New Jersey offers tax breaks for hiring people with past convictions
Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing qualified ex-offenders.
Good for everyday people ·
This bill would give businesses a tax break if they hire people who have been convicted of a crime, helping those people find jobs.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
This bill would make it easier for people who have been convicted of a crime to find work. Businesses would get a tax credit for hiring them, which means they would pay less in taxes. This could help people get a fresh start and contribute to society. However, the state would collect less tax money, which means other taxpayers would indirectly cover the cost of these incentives. It is important to weigh the benefits of helping people find jobs against the cost to the state's budget.
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The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- The bill would give tax credits to businesses that hire people who have been convicted of a crime.
- A business could get a credit equal to 15 percent of the wages paid to the person, up to $900 per person.
- To qualify, the person must have been convicted of a serious crime in New Jersey and hired within one year of their conviction or release from jail.
- The credits would apply to corporation business tax and gross income tax.
- Unused corporation tax credits could be saved and used for up to seven years later.
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In the news
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Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the New Jersey Bill Book 2026
The best and worst New Jersey bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
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