Establishes Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as principal department in Executive Branch and specifies functions, powers, and duties of department.

New Jersey's A856 establishes the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI) as a new principal department within the Executive Branch, replacing the current State Office of Diversity and Inclusion. The bill transfers existing diversity functions from the Department of Treasury and the Division on Civil Rights to the new department, requiring state agencies to develop annual diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility plans. It also mandates that entities receiving state development subsidies or financial assistance must create and implement strategic diversity plans detailing their efforts to promote diversity in hiring, procurement, and business opportunities. The commissioner of DDEI will oversee these requirements, coordinate statewide initiatives, and ensure compliance with diversity standards across state government and recipient entities.