CRUZ-PEREZ BILL TO REQUIRE STATE AGENCY WEB HOMEPAGES TO DISPLAY RELEVANT WOMENS’  INFORMATION ADVANCES

TRENTON –  A bill sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez that would require every State agency in New Jersey to prominently display on its Internet homepage a link to any program, services, benefits, or informational resources intended for women was approved today by the Senate Commerce Committee.

The bill, S-1578, would require the link to be clearly identified in such a manner as to facilitate access to information about any program, services, benefits, or informational resources that are provided by or through that agency and are intended exclusively or primarily for women.

“Women are so often marginalized and ignored in our society, and services, programs and information that can benefit them are frequently not publicized in a way that make them readily accessible,” said Senator Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester).  “By placing this information front and center on all our State agency website homepages, we set a clear example for other businesses and organizations across New Jersey to do the same.”

The bill defines “State agency” to mean an executive branch agency of the State, including, but not limited to, any department, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or independent agency, public authority, or  public benefit corporation.

The bill takes effect on the first day of the fifth month following enactment, but authorizes each State agency to take prior administrative action as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill.

With the Commerce Committee voting in favor 5-0, the bill advances to the full Senate for further consideration.