The 2026 FIFA World Cup is weeks away and legislators are focused on efforts to combat sex and labor exploitation. Next week, the Assembly Community development and Women Affairs Committee will consider A3991 (Bhalla)/S3451 (Beach), which would require certain entities, state agencies and municipalities to submit reports concerning human rights during the World Cup. The New Jersey State Bar Association is monitoring these and other bills and efforts surrounding the World Cup.
According to the findings and declarations in the bill, “[t]he 2026 FIFA World Cup. . . for which MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will host a significant number of matches, including the final match, presents an enormous economic and cultural opportunity for this State. However it is well documented that events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup pose challenges concerning the health, safety, and welfare of local residents, event-related workers, and international visitors.”
The bill would require an initial report by enumerated state and local entities to include a survey of actions taken to implement the commitments made pursuant to the New York/New Jersey Human Rights Report since 2021. The report was jointly submitted by New Jersey and New York in June 2021, which contains detailed descriptions by the states to safeguard human rights, freedom of expression and workers’ rights and labor standards. The report addresses issues relative to public safety, diversity and equal opportunities, prevention of human trafficking and discrimination and fair housing and community engagement. Measures have already been taken, including New Jersey Transit’s “Safe Passage” campaign, a system-wide anti-human trafficking awareness campaign.
A final report would be required 30 days following the final match to evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation and commitments made and recommendations for further action by the executive or legislative branch.
The Senate companion passed the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee and remains pending a full vote in the Senate.
Other New Jersey measures due to FIFA include:
- A5353 (Allen) (2024-25) was signed into law in January. The new law exempts health care professionals licensed in a foreign nation from New Jersey’s licensing requirements while providing services to teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- S4111 (Sarlo)/A4838 (Venezia) was introduced in March. The bill would impose temporary surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for hosting special events.
- Gov. Mikie Sherrill has come under criticism for supporting New Jersey Transit’s plan to charge $150 round trip to MetLife Stadium to attend the World Cup. Sherrill defends the agency’s proposal to blunt the financial impact of the onslaught of riders.
- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport is working with the New Jersey State Police and other law enforcement partners to prioritize efforts to prevent and combat human trafficking in advance of the World Cup, including coordinating with key partners who oversee the event and with law enforcement partners in other states.