N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-32
Public works contract not awarded without agreement and guarantee of equal opportunity
Operative Text
2. No public works contract shall be awarded by the State, a county, municipality or other political subdivision of the State, or any agency of or authority created by any of the foregoing, nor shall any moneys be paid thereunder to any contractor, subcontractor or business firm which has not agreed and guaranteed to afford equal opportunity in performance of the contract and, except with respect to affectional or sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression, in accordance with an affirmative action program approved by the State Treasurer. L.1975,c.127,s.2; amended 1991, c.519, s.12; 2006, c.100, s.13.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-32, no public works contract in New Jersey may be awarded by the state, a county, municipality, or any related government agency unless the contractor, subcontractor, or business firm has agreed to provide equal opportunity in carrying out the contract. Additionally, except for provisions related to affectional or sexual orientation and gender identity or expression, the contractor must operate under an affirmative action program that has been approved by the State Treasurer. This rule applies at every level of the contracting chain, from prime contractors down to subcontractors and business firms receiving public funds.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers who participate in public works contracts in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-32 requires all contractors and subcontractors to formally commit to equal opportunity practices before any contract is awarded or payments are made. Compliant operators typically maintain a State Treasurer-approved affirmative action program and document their equal opportunity commitments as part of the contracting process. Ensuring that subcontractors and business partners are similarly compliant is a standard part of operating under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
While N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-32 primarily governs public works contracting rather than residential tenancy directly, it reflects New Jersey's broader commitment to equal opportunity under the Law Against Discrimination framework. Individuals who believe they have experienced discrimination in connection with a public works project or related housing activity may have recourse through state civil rights channels or tenant-rights organizations familiar with New Jersey law. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing resources from the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights can help identify available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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