Legislator
Legislator > Linda Greenstein
State Senator
Linda Greenstein
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 14
In Office - Started: 12/06/2010
contact info
Cranbury Office
1249 S. River Road
Suite 105
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Suite 105
Cranbury, NJ 08512
Phone: 609-395-9911
General Capitol Building Address
P.O. Box 068
State House, 145 W. State St.
Trenton, NJ 08625-0068
State House, 145 W. State St.
Trenton, NJ 08625-0068
Phone: 609-847-3905
| Bill | Bill Name | Summary | Progress |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2886 | Requires pharmacies to provide certain information regarding insulin manufacturer assistance programs. | Requires pharmacies to provide certain information regarding insulin manufacturer assistance programs. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5466 | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Passed |
| S4361 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | In Committee |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Passed |
| SR133 | Respectfully urges Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject results of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s 2025/2026 Base Residual Auction and require rebid. | Respectfully urges Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to reject results of PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s 2025/2026 Base Residual Auction and require rebid. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4407 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | In Committee |
| S4071 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing puropses. | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | In Committee |
| S4289 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | In Committee |
| S3946 | Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | In Committee |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Passed |
| SJR154 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | This joint resolution respectfully: (1) directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) Reliability Pricing Model; and (2) directs the State of New Jersey to collaborate with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM to implement market reforms and expeditiously review new electricity generation applications. PJM is the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of electricity and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution in New Jersey, several other states, and the District of Columbia. One of PJM's responsibilities is to administer a capacity market to ensure adequate resources exist on the grid to maintain reliability at the lowest possible cost through a competitive auction. The rising cost of capacity in PJM's capacity market auctions, which contributes to the overall increase in electricity bills for ratepayers, raises concerns about the alignment of capacity prices with the principles of affordability and transparency outlined in New Jersey's "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act". In addition, delays in PJM's interconnection queue have prevented new electric generation resources from becoming operational in a timely manner. As a result, these new resources, which are needed to maintain reliability at low costs, will be unable to compete in PJM's capacity market auctions in the near future. The BPU has been working to incentivize the development of new generation resources to help meet growing energy demand and thereby prevent increases in energy and capacity prices. The BPU has also been actively working to protect ratepayers from price increases and coordinating with other PJM states to push for capacity market reforms. The BPU's initiatives, led by Governor Murphy, are accompanied by the actions of consumer advocates, who have furthered the region's efforts to reduce prices through additional complaints at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which the BPU has pledged to support. | Passed |
| S4100 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | In Committee |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Passed |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Passed |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Passed |
| S3812 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S3816 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | In Committee |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Passed |
| A4969 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Passed |
| S3041 | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Passed |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Passed |
| S3302 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | In Committee |
| S3287 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Crossed Over |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Passed |
| S4423 | Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site. | This bill would provide that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is the sole State agency authorized to provide site approval for the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) in the State. The bill would also authorize the operator of a small modular reactor to store any spent nuclear fuel generated by the reactor on-site. As defined by the bill, "small modular reactor" means a nuclear fission reactor that: (1) has a rated electric generating capacity of no more than 300 megawatts; (2) is capable of being constructed and operated either alone or in combination with one or more similar reactors if additional reactors are or become necessary at a single site; and (3) is required to be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Specifically, the bill would authorize the BPU to provide site approval to an SMR in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill would authorize the BPU to approve a site for an SMR only if it is located in a municipality in which a nuclear energy facility has previously been constructed. The bill would provide that the BPU's site approval would supersede any municipal or county decisions to the contrary. The bill would also require the BPU to develop, within one year after's the bill's enactment, an incentive program to provide financial incentives to support the construction of SMRs in the State. The bill would provide that an SMR's authorization to store spent nuclear fuel would last until the development of a national high-level radioactive waste repository pursuant to the federal "Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982." Under that law, the United States Department of Energy was directed to develop a permanent storage site for radioactive waste, but currently, a permanent storage site for radioactive waste has yet to be developed. As a result, spent nuclear fuel is most often stored at the site of the nuclear reactor. | Crossed Over |
| A5795 | Modifies certain provisions of "New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Act." | This bill modifies certain provisions governing the "New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Program" (program), through which the State invests in innovation by using proceeds from the auctioning of tax credits to fund qualified investments. Definition of Principal Business Operations The bill amends the definition of the term "principal business operations," which term is used, in part, to determine eligibility for qualified businesses under the program. Under current law, for the purposes of the program, "principal business operations" means any of the following: (1) at least 50 percent of the business's employees not primarily engaged in retail sales reside in the State; (2) at least 50 percent of the business's payroll for employees not primarily engaged in retail sales is paid to individuals living in the State; (3) at least 50 percent of the business's full-time employees not primarily engaged in retail sales are filling a position in the State; or (4) at least 50 percent of the business's payroll for employees not primarily engaged in retail sales is paid to full-time employees filling a position in the State. The bill expands the scope of this definition to also include any instance in which: the business's headquarters is located in the State; and of all states, the largest percentage of the business's full-time employees, who based in the United States and are not primarily engaged in retail sales, are located in New Jersey. Determination of Qualified Investments Under the program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is authorized to allocate monies, generated from the proceeds of tax credit auctions, to one or more qualified venture firms based on the amount of qualified investments made by each firm to qualified businesses. Under current law, the term "qualified investment" means the direct investment of money by the fund in a qualified business for the purchase of shares of stock, with an option to make an additional investment in an option or warrant or a follow-on investment, in the discretion of the authority, all of which is matched by an investment by a qualified venture firm. Current law also provides that the amount of each qualified investment may not exceed $5 million in initial investment, exclusive of follow-on investments, provided certain exceptions. Namely, a maximum qualified investment of $6.25 million may be earned for initial investments made to any qualified business that meets one of the following criteria: (1) utilizes intellectual property that is core to its business model and was developed at a New Jersey-based college or university; (2) is considered a university spin-off business as determined by the authority; or (c) is certified by the State as a minority business or a women's business. This bill amends current law to require that a qualified investment either: (1) match a qualified venture firm's initial investment in a qualified business for the purchase of shares of stock; or (2) in instances where the venture firm has a prior investment in the qualified business, occur at a higher valuation compared to the venture firm's prior investments into the qualified business, as established by an independent third-party valuation or through participation by a third-party investor at the same valuation as the qualified venture firm. The bill increases the maximum amount of the qualified investment that may be earned for initial investments in qualified businesses. Under the bill, the maximum qualified investment that may be earned for an initial investment is $10 million, provided certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill increases to $12.5 million the maximum qualified investment that may be earned for initial investments in any qualified business that: (1) utilizes intellectual property that is core to its business model and was developed at a New Jersey-based college or university; (2) is considered a university spin-off business as determined by the authority; or (3) is certified by the State as a minority business or a women's business. Availability of Funds for Investment Current law prohibits the authority from undertaking a tax credit auction if, exclusive of reserves, more than $15 million is available to the authority from monies received from any prior auction of tax credits pursuant to the program. The bill amends this provision to prohibit the authority from undertaking an auction if more than $50 million is available from these monies. Reporting Requirements A qualified venture firm is required to annually report certain information to the authority under the program. Current law requires that the report include a statement prepared by a certified public accountant, certifying that the accountant has reviewed the report and that the information and representations contained in the report are accurate. Specifically, a qualified venture firm is required to include such statements for the following: (1) the amount of the qualified investment, if any, uninvested at the end of the preceding calendar year; (2) all qualified investments made during the preceding calendar year, including the number and wages of employees of each qualified business at the time the venture firm made the qualified investment and as of December 31 of that year; (3) for any qualified investment in which the qualified venture firm no longer has a position as of the end of the calendar year, the number of employees of the business as of the date the investment was terminated; and (4) financials, audited by a certified public accountant, of the qualified venture firm and the special purpose vehicle, which include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified venture firm. The bill amends current law to provide that a qualified venture firm is only required to include a certified public accountant's statement to review and accuracy for financials, audited by a certified public accountant, of the qualified venture firm and the special purpose vehicle that include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified venture firm. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5857 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus property certain land and improvements in City of Trenton and Township of Lawrence in Mercer County. | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus property certain land and improvements in City of Trenton and Township of Lawrence in Mercer County. | Passed |
| S4402 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | In Committee |
| S4619 | Modifies certain provisions of "New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Act." | This bill modifies certain provisions governing the "New Jersey Innovation Evergreen Program" (program), through which the State invests in innovation by using proceeds from the auctioning of tax credits to fund qualified investments. Definition of Principal Business Operations The bill amends the definition of the term "principal business operations," which term is used, in part, to determine eligibility for qualified businesses under the program. Under current law, for the purposes of the program, "principal business operations" means any of the following: (1) at least 50 percent of the business's employees not primarily engaged in retail sales reside in the State; (2) at least 50 percent of the business's payroll for employees not primarily engaged in retail sales is paid to individuals living in the State; (3) at least 50 percent of the business's full-time employees not primarily engaged in retail sales are filling a position in the State; or (4) at least 50 percent of the business's payroll for employees not primarily engaged in retail sales is paid to full-time employees filling a position in the State. The bill expands the scope of this definition to also include any instance in which: the business's headquarters is located in the State; and of all states, the largest percentage of the business's full-time employees, who based in the United States and are not primarily engaged in retail sales, are located in New Jersey. Determination of Qualified Investments Under the program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority is authorized to allocate monies, generated from the proceeds of tax credit auctions, to one or more qualified venture firms based on the amount of qualified investments made by each firm to qualified businesses. Under current law, the term "qualified investment" means the direct investment of money by the fund in a qualified business for the purchase of shares of stock, with an option to make an additional investment in an option or warrant or a follow-on investment, in the discretion of the authority, all of which is matched by an investment by a qualified venture firm. Current law also provides that the amount of each qualified investment may not exceed $5 million in initial investment, exclusive of follow-on investments, provided certain exceptions. Namely, a maximum qualified investment of $6.25 million may be earned for initial investments made to any qualified business that meets one of the following criteria: (1) utilizes intellectual property that is core to its business model and was developed at a New Jersey-based college or university; (2) is considered a university spin-off business as determined by the authority; or (c) is certified by the State as a minority business or a women's business. This bill amends current law to require that a qualified investment either: (1) match a qualified venture firm's initial investment in a qualified business for the purchase of shares of stock; or (2) in instances where the venture firm has a prior investment in the qualified business, occur at a higher valuation compared to the venture firm's prior investments into the qualified business, as established by an independent third-party valuation or through participation by a third-party investor at the same valuation as the qualified venture firm. The bill increases the maximum amount of the qualified investment that may be earned for initial investments in qualified businesses. Under the bill, the maximum qualified investment that may be earned for an initial investment is $10 million, provided certain exceptions. Additionally, the bill increases to $12.5 million the maximum qualified investment that may be earned for initial investments in any qualified business that: (1) utilizes intellectual property that is core to its business model and was developed at a New Jersey-based college or university; (2) is considered a university spin-off business as determined by the authority; or (3) is certified by the State as a minority business or a women's business. Availability of Funds for Investment Current law prohibits the authority from undertaking a tax credit auction if, exclusive of reserves, more than $15 million is available to the authority from monies received from any prior auction of tax credits pursuant to the program. The bill amends this provision to prohibit the authority from undertaking an auction if more than $50 million is available from these monies. Reporting Requirements A qualified venture firm is required to annually report certain information to the authority under the program. Current law requires that the report include a statement prepared by a certified public accountant, certifying that the accountant has reviewed the report and that the information and representations contained in the report are accurate. Specifically, a qualified venture firm is required to include such statements for the following: (1) the amount of the qualified investment, if any, uninvested at the end of the preceding calendar year; (2) all qualified investments made during the preceding calendar year, including the number and wages of employees of each qualified business at the time the venture firm made the qualified investment and as of December 31 of that year; (3) for any qualified investment in which the qualified venture firm no longer has a position as of the end of the calendar year, the number of employees of the business as of the date the investment was terminated; and (4) financials, audited by a certified public accountant, of the qualified venture firm and the special purpose vehicle, which include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified venture firm. The bill amends current law to provide that a qualified venture firm is only required to include a certified public accountant's statement to review and accuracy for financials, audited by a certified public accountant, of the qualified venture firm and the special purpose vehicle that include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified venture firm. | In Committee |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Passed |
| S4567 | Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | This bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues and various Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Of the total amount appropriated by the bill, $102,679,000 would be used by the DEP to provide grants or loans, or both, to assist local government units in the State to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, $3,000,000 would be used for a new planning grant program, and $2,320,000 would be used for the DEP's associated administrative costs. The total amount of funding allocated for local government projects listed in this bill is $102,679,000. Of this amount, $22,427,000 is for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 4 of the bill, and $80,252,000 is for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 5 of the bill. Of the sum for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $19,959,000 is allocated for planning incentive open space acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities and counties that have an open space tax and an approved open space plan); $2,086,000 is allocated for open space acquisition projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; and $382,000 is allocated for site-specific incentive acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that have an open space tax, but do not have an open space plan). Of the sum for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $29,145,000 is allocated for local park development projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; $11,951,000 is allocated for local park development projects in densely or highly populated municipalities or sponsored by highly populated counties; $6,638,000 is allocated for standard local park development projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that do not meet the criteria of the prior two categories); $4,247,000 is allocated for stewardship activity projects; and $28,271,000 is allocated for completely inclusive playground projects, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2018, c.104 (C.13:8C-27.1), otherwise known as "Jake's Law." The projects approved by the bill include projects in "urban aid" and densely or highly populated municipalities and counties. The bill defines a "densely or highly populated municipality" as a municipality with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile or a population of at least 35,000 persons; a "densely populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile; and a "highly populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. In addition, the bill would appropriate $3 million to the DEP in order to establish a new a Planning Grant program, the purpose of which would be to provide matching grants to local governments to fund the preparation of plans and other activities necessary to identify needs and opportunities for additional recreation and conservation initiatives in the State. To the extent that there are funds remaining after the local government unit projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the bill also authorizes the DEP, with the approval of the JBOC, to use those funds to provide additional funding for local government unit projects listed in this bill as well as for local government unit projects previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws. The projects listed in the bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT). | Passed |
| S4621 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus property certain land and improvements in City of Trenton and Township of Lawrence in Mercer County. | This bill authorizes the State Treasurer, on behalf of the Department of Transportation, to sell and convey to Mercer County, a 1.3 ± acres parcel of land and all improvements thereon located on Lamberton Street in the City of Trenton, Mercer County. The bill also authorizes the State Treasurer, on behalf of the Department of Environmental Protection, to sell and convey to Mercer County, a 26.3 ± acres parcel of land and all improvements thereon located at 350 Lawrence Station Road in the Township of Lawrence, Mercer County, also known as the Mercer County Fire Academy Dempster Fire Training Center. These properties have been declared surplus to the needs of the State. The State House Commission will set the terms and conditions of the sales. Each property will be required to be used for a public purpose, and any federal restrictions on the property's use will remain after the transfer of ownership. The property in the City of Trenton has been negotiated to be sold at a price of one dollar as a direct sale to Mercer County. The property in the Township of Lawrence has been negotiated to be sold at a price of one dollar as a direct sale to Mercer County. The parcel located on Lamberton Street has been used by the Department of Transportation as a lot for vehicles and equipment. The Mercer County Fire Academy provides training to fire and EMS personnel in the Mercer County region. The academy is a division of Mercer County Community College. | In Committee |
| S2671 | Creates resume bank for certain persons with disabilities. | Creates resume bank for certain persons with disabilities. | In Committee |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Crossed Over |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Passed |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Passed |
| A1675 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Passed |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Passed |
| S2346 | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Crossed Over |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Crossed Over |
| S1054 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | In Committee |
| S1034 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | In Committee |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Passed |
| S2003 | Expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program to allow taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse to claim credit with filing status of married filing separately. | This bill expands eligibility under the New Jersey earned income tax credit program for taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse, and cannot file a joint return. Under the federal program, if a taxpayer is married, the taxpayer is required to file a joint return with their spouse to be eligible for the federal earned income credit. However, victims of domestic abuse are typically required to file as married filing separately, losing their federal earned income credit and New Jersey earned income tax credit eligibility in the process. The bill exempts a married taxpayer from the joint filing requirement imposed by federal and State law if the taxpayer files as married filing separately and the taxpayer: (i) is living apart from the taxpayer's spouse at the time the taxpayer files the gross income tax return; (ii) is unable to file a joint return because the taxpayer is a victim of domestic abuse; and (iii) indicates on the taxpayer's gross income tax return that the taxpayer meets the criteria set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| S1927 | Extends veteran's gross income tax exemption to spouses of deceased veterans. | This bill extends the veteran's gross income tax exemption to spouses of deceased veterans. Currently, veterans are allowed a $6,000 exemption, which can be taken as a deduction from their income, for purposes of calculating their State gross income tax liability. If a veteran dies during a taxable year, the spouse of the veteran is allowed the exemption for that taxable year if filing a joint return. However, the spouse is not allowed the exemption in subsequent years. Under this bill, the spouse of the deceased veteran would be allowed to continue to claim the exemption until the spouse remarries. | In Committee |
| S2426 | Requires solid waste management districts to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Requires solid waste management districts to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | In Committee |
| S4662 | Makes various revisions to juvenile justice law. | This bill makes various revisions to the statutes governing juvenile justice. Under current law, the following standards apply to any juvenile who has been placed on probation and who violates the conditions of that probation after reaching the age of 18; who has been placed on parole and who violates the conditions of that parole after reaching the age of 18; or who is arrested after reaching the age of 18 on a warrant emanating from the commission of an act of juvenile delinquency: 1) in the case of a person 18 years of age but less than 20 years of age, the court, upon application by any interested party, is to determine the place of detention, taking into consideration certain factors; and 2) in the case of a person 20 years of age or older, the person is to be incarcerated in the county jail unless good cause is shown. Under the provisions of this bill, the following standards apply to any juvenile who has been placed on probation and violates the conditions of that probation after reaching the age of 18 or who is arrested after reaching the age of 18 on a warrant emanating from the commission of an act of juvenile delinquency: 1) in the case of a person 18 years of age but less than 20 years of age, the court is required to hold a hearing to determine whether it is in the interest of justice to detain the juvenile in the county juvenile detention facility, an adult county jail, or a secure facility operated by the Youth Justice Commission; and 2) in the case of a person 20 years of age or older, the person is to be incarcerated in the county jail unless good cause is shown, as provided under current law. In addition, when a juvenile who is detained in a county juvenile detention facility reaches the age of 18, the court is required to hold a hearing to determine whether it is in the interest of justice to continue to detain the person in the county juvenile detention facility or transfer the person to an adult county jail or a secure facility operated by the Youth Justice Commission. At the hearing required pursuant to the bill's provisions, the court is required to determine the place of detention taking into consideration the following factors: 1) the physical and mental danger the person presents to other juveniles; 2) known gang affiliations of the person; 3) the nature of the alleged crimes committed by the person; 4) the history of prior delinquent acts committed by the person; 5) the physical and mental maturity of the person; 6) whether the person presents any imminent risk of self-harm; and 7) any other aggravating or mitigating factors the court deems appropriate. The bill provides that notwithstanding any provisions of law to the contrary, a juvenile may be detained in a secure facility operated by the Youth Justice Commission pursuant to the bill's provisions. In addition, the bill also grants a credit for time served in certain instances and establishes a limitation on the amount of time between a juvenile's intake and final disposition. Under current law, a prosecutor seeking to waive jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case from family court to adult criminal court is required to file a motion within 60 days, which time may be extended for good cause. This bill provides that a juvenile who is detained for the period of time taken by the prosecutor to file the motion is to be credited with the time served following the juvenile's final disposition resulting in detention. The bill also requires that a trial of final disposition is to take place within two years following the juvenile's intake. | In Committee |
| S3319 | Increases personal needs allowance to $140 for low-income persons residing in certain facilities. | This bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA), from the current rate of $50, pursuant to the FY 2024 Appropriations Act, to $140 for residents of nursing homes, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers. This allowance is intended for residents to spend at their discretion on items such as telephone expenses, a meal out with friends, cards to send to family, reading materials, or hobbies. The PNA provides residents the opportunity to participate in activities beyond those provided by the facility, to remain connected with family and friends, and to obtain basic items such as clothing and shoes. The bill also stipulates that beginning January 1 of the following year after the bill's enactment, the PNA is to be increased annually by the same percentage as the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits for that year. In the case of residents eligible to receive SSI public assistance, a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people with little to no income, the federal government provides up to $30 a month for small comfort items not provided by the facility. The State currently supplements the federal allowance by $20 to ensure that SSI recipients residing in nursing facilities, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers receive a total PNA per month equal to that of Medicaid recipients, or $50. Under the bill, absent any changes in the federal allowance, the State would be responsible for a $90 per month supplemental payment for each SSI recipient. | In Committee |
| S3155 | Authorizes HMFA to issue tax credits for certain purposes. | Authorizes HMFA to issue tax credits for certain purposes. | In Committee |
| S4625 | Creates "Youth Detention Task Force." | This bill establishes the "Youth Detention Task Force." The purpose of the task force is to assess the current condition of youth detention in this State and to recommend a system that would best serve this population. The task force is to recommend whether existing county youth detention facilities, facilities managed by the Youth Justice Commission, or an alternative system of detention would best serve the youth of this State. The task force may examine factors including, but not limited to, available resources, logistical considerations, safety protocols, staff training, rehabilitation opportunities, security requirements, and overall facility conditions. The task force is to consist of 25 members. Four legislative members are to be appointed to the task force including two members of the Senate and two members of the General Assembly. The task force is to have ten ex-officio members, including: the Attorney General; the Administrative Director of the Courts; the Executive Director of the Youth Justice Commission; the Commissioners of Education, Children and Families, and Human Services; the Public Defender; the Superintendent of the State Police; the Director of the Division of Criminal Justice; and the chair of the Governor's Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Committee. An additional four public members are to be appointed to the task force by the President of the Senate, including: a representative of the New Jersey Association of County Youth Services Commission Administrators who has been recommended by the Youth Justice Commission; a county prosecutor who has been recommended by the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey; a county commissioner serving in a county which has a youth detention facility; and a county commissioner serving in a county which does not have a youth detention facility. An additional four public members are to be appointed to the task force by the Speaker of the General Assembly, including: a representative of the New Jersey Juvenile Detention Association; a representative of the New Jersey County Jail Wardens Association of New Jersey; a representative from the Sheriffs' Association; and a County Human Services Director. Furthermore, three members of the public with training or experience in the adjudication of youth offenders, who may be retired Family Court judges or attorneys in private practice, are to be appointed by the Governor. This bill becomes effective immediately upon enactment. All appointments to the task force are to be made within 90 days of the bill's effective date and the task force is to organize within 60 days of the appointment of a majority of the members. The task force will choose a chairperson from among its membership and the Youth Justice Commission will provide administrative support. The task force is entitled to call to its assistance and avail itself of the services of the employees of any State, county, or municipal department, board, bureau, commission or agency as it may require and as may be available to it for its purposes. Within 18 months of its initial organization meeting, the task force is required to submit a report of its findings, including any legislative proposals, to the Governor and the Legislature. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of its report. In December 2024, the Superior Court ruled that the Youth Justice Commission is responsible for the placement of detained youth in this State. In light of this decision, it is the intent of the sponsor to comprehensively examine the State's current youth detention system and assess whether it should be maintained or replaced with an alternative system that would best serve New Jersey's youth. | In Committee |
| S4613 | Establishes Department of State Police as principal department in executive branch of State government. | This bill establishes the Department of State Police as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. Under current law, the Division of State Police is situated in the Department of Law and Public Safety, which is headed by the Attorney General. Under the provisions of this bill, the Division of State Police is transferred to and constituted as the Department of State Police, which is established as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. The Superintendent of State Police is established as the head of the Department of State Police. The bill provides that the Superintendent of State Police is to be designated as the State Director of Emergency Management and that any personnel change made within the Department of State Police is subject only to the approval of the Superintendent of State Police. The approval of the Attorney General is not required. Currently, the Office of Emergency Management is allocated within the Division of State Police, with the superintendent serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Finally, the bill clarifies that the oversight and monitoring of the current Division of State Police performed by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards under current law would apply to the Department of State Police established under this bill. | In Committee |
| S3401 | Establishes eligibility requirements for State small business set-aside program. | This bill establishes requirements for eligibility when the State implements a small business set-aside program. The State currently has a small business set-aside program. This bill clarifies that only businesses without an applicable federal revenue standard established by federal regulations are required to have a certain maximum number of employees. This bill also alters the definitions of gross revenue from a standard of three years in business to a standard of five years in business. The requirements established in this bill will be in addition to any and all rules or regulations, except that these requirements will supersede the rules and regulations adopted as N.J.A.C. 17:13-2.1(a). | In Committee |
| S3530 | Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees. | Establishes "Incarcerated Women's Protection Act" and concerns correctional facility board of trustees. | In Committee |
| S3893 | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices. | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of a machine gun conversion device. | In Committee |
| S3607 | Extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | This bill extends accidental death benefits for survivors of certain State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees. Under current law, the surviving spouse or child of a retired member of the SPRS who died on or before July 8, 2019 and had been receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance is permitted to apply to receive accidental death benefits if the retired member had a qualifying condition or impairment of health due to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill removes the limitation that only a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS retiree who died before July 8, 2019 is eligible, so that the provisions will apply regardless of when the SPRS retiree died. In addition, this bill establishes eligibility for a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS member who had been receiving an ordinary disability retirement, a special retirement, or a service retirement. This bill prohibits a written and sworn statement from being required when applying for the accidental death benefits. Under current law, a spouse or child is only eligible for accidental death benefits if the member's or retiree's death was the result of a qualifying condition or impairment of health which the medical board determines to be caused by participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill also allows the World Trade Center Health Program to make this determination. Under current law, the spouse of a deceased retired member who is receiving a pension due to the death of that member on or before July 8, 2019 is eligible to apply to the board of trustees and, upon approval of the application by the board, will receive the accidental death benefits if the surviving spouse submits sufficient documentation that the deceased retiree would have qualified for a retirement. This bill also allows the spouse to apply if the member did qualify for retirement or if the member previously filed the required written and sworn statement. This bill requires notification to SPRS surviving spouses and children of the changes made by the bill by certified mail within 60 days after the bill's effective date. Under current law, a surviving spouse, former surviving spouse, or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, must submit an application not later than two years after the effective date of the law. This bill allows survivors to submit an application not later than two years after the date of the member or retiree's death, or two years after the effective date of this bill, whichever is later. Under current law, a surviving spouse or former surviving spouse or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, is prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the effective date of the law. This bill also provides that these survivors are prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the date of the application approval if the date of approval is later than the effective date of the law. | Crossed Over |
| S4591 | Requires electric public utilities to apply to BPU for certificate of public convenience and necessity prior to undertaking transmission project. | This bill requires an electric public utility (utility) to submit an application to the Board of Public Utilities (board) for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (certificate) prior to undertaking a transmission project (project) in New Jersey, which application is required to include any information deemed necessary by the board and an application fee in an amount determined by the board. After receiving a completed application, the bill requires the board to issue a board order with its decision regarding the application, its authorization for the utility to construct the project, and a manner and timeframe in which the utility is to complete the project. The board is to act on an application within 150 days and, in certain circumstances, permits the board to extend this 150-day deadline by an additional period not to exceed 75 days. To make its determination, the board is required to consider whether: (1) the project is necessary to provide adequate, reliable, and efficient service to the utility's customers and is the least-cost means of satisfying the service needs of the utility's customers or that the project will promote the development of an effectively competitive electricity market that operates efficiently, is equitable to all customers, and is the least-cost means of satisfying those objectives; (2) the utility is capable of efficiently managing and supervising the construction process and has taken sufficient action to ensure adequate and efficient construction and supervision of the construction; and (3) the utility is capable of financing the proposed construction without significant adverse financial consequences for the utility or its customers. Under the bill, "transmission project" means a project undertaken by an electric public utility to construct a new transmission line or modify an existing transmission line. This term does not include projects that have already been deemed necessary and approved by PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. through a needs assessment. | In Committee |
| S200 | Establishes standards for food date labeling; requires Commissioner of Health to establish public education program and promulgate guidelines related to food safety. | This bill, would establish standards for food date labeling and require the Department of Health to establish a public education program and guidelines related to food safety. Under the bill, a manufacturer may use food date labeling, but is required, if food date labels are used, to follow the labeling standards provided in the bill. A food date label may indicate either: (1) a "quality date" to indicate the date after which the quality of food may begin to deteriorate, but is still acceptable for consumption; or (2) an "elevated-risk date" to indicate the date, established by the manufacturer, after which there is a high level of risk associated with the consumption of a "time/temperature control for safety food." The bill defines a "time/temperature control for safety food" as a food that requires time/temperature control for safety, in accordance with the 2013 United States Food and Drug Administration Food Code, to limit pathogenic microorganism growth or toxin formation. Quality dates would be displayed with the uniform phrase "BEST if Used By" and elevated-risk dates would be displayed with the uniform phrase "USE By." Under the bill, a retail food facility would not be liable for a manufacturer's failure to properly label food in accordance with the bill. Nothing in the bill would prohibit the sale, donation, or use of food after the food's quality date has passed. However, a retail food facility would be prohibited from selling or donating food after its elevated-risk date. A retailer would also be prohibited from selling food labeled with a "sell-by" date, or any date that is intended to communicate primarily to a distributor or retailer for purposes of stock rotation and that is not a quality date or an elevated-risk date, unless the date is in a coded format not easily readable by consumers. The bill would also change the labeling requirements that must be used for fluid milk products from "sell by" or "not to be sold after" to a quality date label as described above. Alcoholic beverages would be exempt from the bill's provisions. The bill allows the Department of Health to designate additional foods as time/temperature control for safety foods, or exempt foods from the designation. The department would be required to post this information on its Internet website. Finally, the bill would also require the establishment of a public education program, which would include a public information campaign providing information about the meaning of date labels, and educating consumers on how to handle food properly and when it can safely be consumed. | In Committee |
| S2751 | Directs DEP to develop guidelines concerning State and local government purchase of goods made from recycled material. | Directs DEP to develop guidelines concerning State and local government purchase of goods made from recycled material. | In Committee |
| S203 | Establishes Statewide targets to reduce disposal of organic waste in landfills; requires DEP to adopt regulations to achieve targets. | This bill would establish Statewide targets to reduce the disposal of organic waste in landfills, and would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt regulations to achieve those targets. The Statewide targets established in the bill are as follows: (1) a 50 percent reduction in the level of the Statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2016 level by January 1, 2027; and (2) a 75 percent reduction in the level of the Statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2016 level by January 1, 2032. The bill would require the DEP to adopt regulations to achieve these targets within 18 months after the bill's enactment. These regulations may require local governments to impose requirements on generators of organic waste or other appropriate persons or entities, and may authorize local governments to impose reasonable penalties for noncompliance. The regulations would not, however, include a numeric organic waste disposal limit for individual landfills. The bill would authorize local governments to charge and collect reasonable fees from generators of organic waste and other appropriate persons or entities to recover costs the local government incurs in complying with the regulations. No later than July 1, 2027, the DEP would be required to prepare and submit a report analyzing the progress that the solid waste sector, State government, and local governments have made in achieving the organic waste reduction targets established in the bill. Nothing in the bill would prohibit a local government from adopting, implementing, and enforcing requirements regarding the reduction of organic waste that are more stringent than, or in addition to, those adopted under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1042 | "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act"; establishes requirements, prohibitions, and programs for regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). | This bill would prohibit the sale of certain products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), require greater transparency in the labeling of cookware products containing PFAS, establish a source reduction program concerning the proper management of PFAS, and appropriate money for PFAS-related research. As defined in the bill, "PFAS" means substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Specifically, the bill would prohibit, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatment, and food packaging that contain intentionally added PFAS. In addition, the bill would require, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, manufacturers of cookware sold in the State that contains intentionally added PFAS in the handle of the product or in any product surface that comes into contact with food, foodstuffs, or beverages to list the presence of PFAS on the product label. Beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, and distribution of cookware that contains PFAS would be prohibited unless the cookware product and the manufacturer of the cookware has complied with the bill's cookware labeling requirements. The bill would also require the DEP to recommend to the Legislature products, in addition to those prohibited from being sold, offered for sale, or distributed pursuant to the bill, by category or use that should not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in this State if they contain intentionally added PFAS. Under the bill, the DEP would have the authority to audit or investigate a manufacturer to assess the manufacturer's compliance with bill's provisions. The bill would provide that any proprietary information or trade secrets included in any written notification, certification, or any other record submitted to the DEP pursuant to the bill would be required to be kept confidential from the general public pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), commonly known as the open public records act. The bill would require the DEP to establish, no later than one year after the bill's effective date, a source reduction program to reduce the presence of PFAS in the State's air, water, and soil by encouraging the proper management of materials that contain PFAS and the use of safer alternatives. The program would be required to include certain items enumerated in subsection a. of section 12 of the bill. The bill would also require the DEP to conduct PFAS-related research and comprehensive monitoring and testing of the presence and impact of PFAS on the environmental media within the State, including air, water, biota, and soil. The DEP's research would be required to include certain items enumerated in subsection b. of section 13 of the bill. No later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter, the DEP would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing their research findings and activities and providing recommendations for programs, policies, and legislation to address the presence of PFAS in the State. Finally, the bill would appropriate $5 million to the DEP for the purposes of implementing the source reduction program, conducting PFAS-related research, and monitoring and testing environmental media, such as air, water, and soil, for PFAS pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| S216 | Directs Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote State aquaculture products through Jersey Fresh Program; establishes annual $25,000 appropriation. | Directs Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote State aquaculture products through Jersey Fresh Program; establishes annual $25,000 appropriation. | In Committee |
| S3764 | Codifies early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children in DOH. | Codifies early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children in DOH. | In Committee |
| S2891 | Supports activities of New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. | This bill would establish a permanent new source of funding of up to $1.5 million for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc., (NJMEP) or an appropriate successor from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund. The NJMEP is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the profitability and competitiveness of manufacturers in this State. NJMEP helps organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. Under current law, of the total revenues dedicated to the Workforce Development Partnership Funds, 35 percent is reserved for and appropriated to the Office of Customized Training. The bill reduces this allocation by $1.5 million. | In Committee |
| S1006 | Provides secondary classroom experience credit towards meeting requirements of classroom training portion of registered apprenticeship. | Under current law, a registered apprenticeship model consists of a combination of both classroom-related technical instruction and on-the-job training. This bill provides that partners participating in the consortium are required to consult and gain approval from the United States Department of Labor before making agreements which provide that secondary classroom experience may count as credit toward meeting the requirements of the classroom training portion of a registered apprenticeship in an already established school-to-apprenticeship linkage program. The bill provides that partners participating in the consortium are required to consult and gain approval from the United States Department of Labor before making agreements which provide that secondary classroom experience may count as credit toward meeting the requirements of the classroom training portion of a registered apprenticeship, except as prohibited by State or federal law, for each apprenticeship program. | In Committee |
| A4535 | Concerns State regulation of cooperative sober living residences and boarding houses generally; appropriates $100,000. | An Act concerning State regulation of cooperative sober living residences and boarding houses generally, amending and supplementing P.L.1979, c.496, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4652 | Establishes offense of inciting public brawl; upgrades penalty for disorderly conduct in certain circumstances. | An Act concerning public brawls and disorderly conduct and amending N.J.S.2C:33-1 and N.J.S.2C:33-2. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4318 | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | In Committee |
| S276 | Requires limited liability company to disclose ownership information when submitting deed for recording. | Requires limited liability company to disclose ownership information when submitting deed for recording. | In Committee |
| S2527 | Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications. | Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications. | In Committee |
| S4513 | Exempts from property taxation real property privately owned and leased to certain public entities for public purposes. | This bill exempts from property taxation all buildings and lands that are privately owned and leased to the State of New Jersey, its counties, or municipalities, and their agencies and authorities, school districts, and other taxing districts, provided that such buildings and lands are used for a public purpose for the duration of the lease agreement. For purposes of the bill, a "public purpose" would include use of land and buildings for: the operation of government functions and the provision of government services; stadiums and arenas; the preservation or exhibit of historical data, records or property; school district property which is leased to an exempt nonprofit organization, another board of education, or governmental agency; and property acquired by a municipality through tax title foreclosure or by deed in lieu of foreclosure which is not otherwise used for a private purpose. | In Committee |
| S4401 | Establishes Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together Program. | This bill codifies in permanent law the ARRIVE Together Crisis Response Pilot Program established pursuant to P.L.2022, c.36. The bill establishes the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together Program in the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS). The bill requires the Attorney General (AG) to issue guidelines for a mental health services provider or mental health services agency to contract with a law enforcement agency to respond to a request for assistance involving a person alleged, reported or suspected to be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis. The bill permits an eligible police force to participate in the ARRIVE Together Program, including the Division of State Police, a county police department or force established pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-106, a municipal police department or force established pursuant to N.J.S.40A:14-118, or any other police department or force the AG deems appropriate. Under the bill, a law enforcement agency that chooses to participate in the ARRIVE Together Program is required to designate at least one person as the crisis response support coordinator to develop and implement the agency's procedures to comply with AG's guidance. The bill also requires the county prosecutors to designate a county crisis response support coordinator to develop and implement county level guidance issued by the AG and to provide documentation or information to the AG as necessary. The bill also provides certain protections for personal identifying information. In the bill, "personal identifying information" is defined as information pertaining to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment or health status of an individual, including but not limited to an individual's name or identity; whether the individual is the subject of an emergency call or other report; whether the individual is alleged or suspected to be experiencing a mental health crisis or substance use crisis or other emergency, incident or distress; and whether the individual is receiving an assessment for crisis intervention, a mental health screening, or other support services through the ARRIVE Together Program. Under the bill, personal identifying information is confidential and is not to be disclosed except upon express consent of the individual subject to an ARRIVE Together response, as determined necessary by the AG to implement the provisions of the bill, or as otherwise required by court or by law. Information and records created by a law enforcement agency solely as a result of the ARRIVE Together Program or maintained by the DLPS for the ARRIVE Together Program are also confidential and exempt from the open public records act, P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), under the bill. Finally, the bill supplements the Good Samaritan Act, P.L.1963, c.140 (C.2A:62A-1 et seq.), by providing that a licensed mental health services provider or mental health services agency contracted to provide crisis response services for the ARRIVE Together Program or a substantially similar program would not be liable for any civil damages resulting from any acts or omissions taken in good faith. | In Committee |
| S3317 | Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies. | Allows each county to create central registry and provide emergency supply kits to distribute to senior residents during emergencies. | In Committee |
| S4272 | Repeals law that requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in certain manner. | This bill repeals P.L.1995, c.63 (C.18A:62-22), which requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in a certain manner. It is the sponsor's belief that this law restricts the rights of students who participate in certain student organizations at public institutions of higher education from engaging in State legislative activity, effectively silencing these students. Under P.L.1995, c.63, the governing body of a public institution of higher education is prohibited from allowing funds for legislative agents or organizations which attempt to influence legislation to be assessed on student tuition bills. However, optional fees may be assessed for nonpartisan organizations that employ legislative agents or attempt to influence legislation provided that the fee has been authorized by a majority vote in a student referendum. An optional fee is an amount payable on a student tuition bill, appearing as a separately assessed item, but not a mandatory charge or a waivable fee. Optional fees that appear on student tuition bills are currently required to be accompanied by a statement as to the nature of the item along with an explanation that the item is not a charge required to be paid by the student, the student may add the charge to the total amount due, and that the item has appeared on the bill at the request of the student body and does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the governing body of the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| S1406 | Prohibits surgical declawing of cats and other animals. | This bill prohibits a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian. Any person who violates this provision would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A violator would also be subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,000. Under the bill, whenever a licensed veterinarian determines that an onychectomy or flexor tendonectomy is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian would be required to file a written statement with the Department of Health, and provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. A veterinarian who fails to comply with this provision would be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. For purposes of the bill, the term "therapeutic purpose" means for purpose of necessity to address the medical condition of the animal, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in a claw that compromises the animal's health. "Therapeutic purpose" would not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the animal. | In Committee |
| S1043 | Requires DEP to perform certain assessments concerning regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Requires DEP to perform certain assessments concerning regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | In Committee |
| S4391 | Increases PFRS accidental disability pension when disability is caused by weapon. | This bill increases the accidental disability pension provided in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) when the disability is caused by a weapon. If a PFRS member is injured in the line of duty by a weapon and permanently disabled, the pension for the retiree will increase from 66 percent of final compensation to 100 percent of final compensation. When the retiree attains mandatory retirement age, the pension thereafter will be 80 percent of the final compensation. In addition, the final compensation used to determine the accidental disability pension will continue to increase until the member would have attained the age of 65 under the assumption of continuous service. The final compensation will increase by the same percentage increase which is applied in any adjustments of the compensation schedule of active members after the member's retirement but before the date on which the retired member would have attained the age of 65. | In Committee |
| S4403 | Establishes rebuttable presumption that homicide occurred in this State if body of homicide victim was found in this State. | This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a homicide occurred in this State if the body of the homicide victim is found in this State. Current law provides that if the body of a homicide victim is found in New Jersey, "it may be inferred" that the homicide occurred in New Jersey. Thus, current law sets out a permissive inference in determining which state has jurisdiction to prosecute the homicide. In a criminal case, an "inference" is a deduction or conclusion which may lead the jury to draw from facts that have been established by the evidence. By contrast, a "rebuttable presumption" provides that if a jury finds a basic fact (for example, that a homicide victim's body was found in the State), that finding must give rise to the existence of a presumed fact (i.e., that the homicide occurred in this State), unless the presumption is rebutted with other evidence. | In Committee |
| S3538 | Establishes "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act." | This bill establishes the "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Accesses Act." The bill provides that the reimbursement rate for prescription drug services paid to a pharmacy providing prescription drug services to a beneficiary of the Medicaid program, whether such services are provided in the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or through the Medicaid managed care delivery system, will be no less than the national average drug acquisition cost of the drug plus a Medicaid fee-for-service professional dispensing fee of $10.92. The bill provides that each Medicaid managed care contract executed in this State will include pharmacy choice as a required benefit for any enrollee as outlined under the bill. To ensure that enrollees have access to a competitive selection of providers, each Medicaid managed care organization will permit the enrollee to choose any qualified pharmacy provided that the qualified pharmacy is a contracting provider and provide that no pharmacy will be denied the right to participate as a contracting provider, under the same terms and conditions currently applicable to all other contracting pharmacies, provided that the pharmacy accepts the terms and conditions of the Medicaid managed care contract. The bill requires the State Auditor to perform an audit of pharmacy pricing practices within the Medicaid program to determine the amount of savings the State should accrue from all pharmacies as a result of the provisions of the bill. In conducting this audit, the State Auditor will audit the flow of funds in the State's Medicaid program from managed care organizations to pharmacy benefit managers to pharmacies. In recent years, drug pricing has escalated at unprecedented rates. Restrictive practices that segregate certain drug types and disadvantage patients' choice and access are contributing factors, particularly in Medicaid programs. According to evaluation data found in the Governor's Budget Recommendations, total Medicaid prescription drug spending increased by approximately $700 million, or 3.3 percent, from $2.1 billion in FY 2019 to $2.8 billion in FY 2024. It is the sponsor's belief that ensuring that Medicaid establishes the Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act will provide greater transparency and cost management within the program to reduce waste and cost increases. | In Committee |
| S4490 | Prohibits persons from installing, planting, or placing nonfunctional turf or invasive plant species on certain types of property during certain construction projects. | This bill would prohibit, beginning on January 1, 2026, persons from installing, planting, or placing, or allowing another person to install, plant, or place, any nonfunctional turf or invasive plant species on certain types of property during certain types of construction projects. Specifically, the bill would apply to the following types of property: any commercial, institutional, or industrial property, including schools and businesses; a street, right-of-way, parking lot, median, or transportation corridor; or any property owned by the State or any county, municipal, or local government unit. The projects covered under the bill would be: (1) a new construction project that requires a building or landscaping permit; or (2) a redevelopment project that requires a building or landscaping permit and involves the disturbance of at least 50 percent of the landscaped area of the property on which the project occurs. "Non-functional turf" is defined by the bill to exclude, among other things, turf that is used for recreational purposes, including playgrounds, sports fields, picnic grounds, amphitheaters, parks, and the playing areas of golf courses, such as driving ranges, chipping and putting greens, tee boxes, greens, fairways, and roughs. The bill would establish a list of the invasive species that would be covered by the bill's provisions. The bill would also direct the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture to develop a list, which may be more expansive from the list in the bill. | In Committee |
| S4438 | Permits waiver of juvenile regardless of age under certain circumstances; makes juveniles eligible for waiver for terrorism and human trafficking. | This bill permits the waiver of juveniles regardless of age under certain circumstances and makes juveniles eligible for waiver for terrorism and human trafficking. Under current law, juveniles 15 years of age and older at the time of the alleged delinquent act who are charged with certain offenses, such as criminal homicide, other than death by auto; first degree robbery; carjacking; and aggravated sexual assault, are eligible to be waived to adult criminal court. Under the provisions of this bill, these juveniles also would be eligible to be waived to adult criminal court for terrorism or human trafficking. The bill further provides that a juvenile, regardless of age, who is charged with terrorism, human trafficking, or certain other offenses, as set forth under current law, is eligible to be waived to adult criminal court if the circumstances and severity of the offense warrant waiver. | In Committee |
| S4323 | Requires health insurance coverage of screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for certain covered persons. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (insurance companies, health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and State and School Employees' Health Benefits Program contracts) to provide coverage for screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for a covered person who is 65 years of age or older. As used in the bill, "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" means forms of dementia characterized by a general loss of intellectual abilities of sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. | In Committee |
| S4310 | Provides police training course credit to prior military law enforcement officer seeking employment as law enforcement officer in NJ. | This bill requires prior military law enforcement officers seeking employment as a law enforcement officer in this State to receive credit for exemption from certain police training course requirements, provided that the officer's separation from the Armed Forces or a Reserve component thereof was under honorable conditions. Under current law and practice, the Police Training Commission can exempt from the requirements of a police training course any person who demonstrates to the commission's satisfaction that the person has successfully completed a police training course conducted by any Federal, State, or other public or private agency, provided that the requirements of the course are substantially equivalent to the requirements of the law and has been completed in the preceding three years. This bill requires applicable exemptions to apply to any person who served as a military law enforcement officer and is seeking employment as a law enforcement officer in this State. These individuals must be granted credits, as determined by the Police Training Commission, for exemption from each part of the basic training course that is substantially similar to a police training course completed by the military law enforcement officer, provided that the officer's separation from the Armed Forces, or a Reserve component thereof, was under honorable conditions. The bill does not permit an individual to receive an exemption from the entirety of the police training course. | In Committee |
| S4319 | Makes human trafficking-related crimes subject to No Early Release Act sentencing. | This bill makes the crimes of human trafficking pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:13-8, assisting in human trafficking pursuant toN.J.S.A.2C;13-9, and commercial sexual abuse of a minor pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:13-10, subject to the "No Early Release Act" (section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43- 44 7.2)). Under current law, these human trafficking crimes are not subject to the State's No Early Release Act (NERA), which requires the court to fix a minimum term of 85 percent of the sentence imposed for certain first and second degree crimes before being eligible for parole. NERA also requires a court to impose a five-year term of parole supervision if the defendant is being sentenced for a crime of the first degree, or a three-year term of parole supervision for a crime of the second degree. During the term of parole supervision the defendant would remain in the legal custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and be supervised by the State Parole Board as if on parole. As such, the defendant could be returned to prison for a parole violation. Under current law, a person convicted of the first degree crime of human trafficking pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:13-8 is to be sentenced to either a term of 20 years, during which the person is ineligible for parole, or a specific term between 20 years and life imprisonment, in which case the person is required to serve 20 years before being eligible for parole. Under the bill, a person convicted of human trafficking is to be sentenced to: a term of 24 years to life imprisonment, of which 85 percent of the sentence would need to be served before being eligible for parole. Under NERA, a life sentence is deemed to be 75 years, so a defendant sentenced to a term of life imprisonment would be required to complete 63.75 years prior to being eligible for parole. Under current law, a person guilty of the second degree crime of assisting in human trafficking is to be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, which includes a period of parole ineligibility of one-third to one-half of the term of imprisonment imposed or three years, whichever is greater. A crime of the second degree is generally punishable by a fine of up to $150,000, a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, or both. Under the bill, a person guilty of assisting in human trafficking would need to serve 85 percent of the sentence imposed before being eligible for parole. A person convicted of commercial sexual abuse of a minor pursuant under current law is guilty of a crime of the first degree. A crime of the first degree is generally punishable by a fine of up to $200,000, a term of imprisonment of 10-20 years, or both. The provisions of the bill would require a person sentenced for a violation under this section to serve 85 percent of the sentenced imposed prior to being eligible for parole. | In Committee |
| S4334 | Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year. | This bill modifies the school district tax levy cap law to require that the cap be the greater of the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index or two percent. The bill also provides $67.9 million in additional State school aid to ensure that no school district receives an aid reduction in the 2025-2026 school year compared to the 2024-2025 school year. Under current law, a school district is generally prohibited from increasing its property tax levy by more than two percent compared to the previous school year. This limited increase is often referred to as a "tax levy growth limitation" or a "tax levy cap." This bill would require that the tax levy cap in a given school year be the greater of the increase in the Consumer Price Index or two percent. While there is a general prohibition on increasing the school district tax levy by more than two percent, State law authorizes certain allowable adjustments to the general two percent limitation, thereby permitting a district to account for certain increases in items such as enrollment, health care costs, and certain normal and accrued liability pension contributions. This bill would provide for another allowable adjustment for a school district that is spending below adequacy. Under current law, a school district is considered to be spending below adequacy if its prebudget year spending (defined as the sum from the prior school year of equalization aid, special education categorical aid, security categorical aid, and the school district's tax levy) is below its projected adequacy spending (defined as the sum for the school year in which the budget will be implemented of its adequacy budget, special education categorical aid, and security categorical aid). For these districts, the allowable adjustment to the tax levy would be the amount necessary for the district to be spending at adequacy. Finally, the bill appropriates $67.9 million in additional State school aid to ensure that no school district receives an aid reduction in the 2025-2026 school year compared to the 2024-2025 school year. It is estimated that this aid will support approximately 200 school districts. | In Committee |
| S4309 | Requires health insurance coverage of diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (insurance companies, health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and State and School Employees' Health Benefits Program contracts) to provide coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. Under the bill, "diagnostic breast examination" means a medically necessary and appropriate, in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines, examination of the breast (including, but not limited to, such an examination using contrast-enhanced mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, or molecular breast imaging) that is used to evaluate an abnormality: (1) seen or suspected from a screening examination for breast cancer; or (2) detected by another means of examination. Under the bill, "supplemental breast examination" means a medically necessary and appropriate, in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines, examination of the breast (including, but not limited to, such an examination using contrast-enhanced mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, or molecular breast imaging) that is: (1) used to screen for breast cancer when there is no abnormality seen or suspected; and (2) based on personal or family medical history or additional factors that increase the individual's risk of breast cancer (including heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts). | In Committee |
| S4346 | Provides extension for fire departments on prohibition on use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; appropriates $500,000 to DEP for grant program to reimburse municipalities for costs of replacing firefighting foam. | This bill would prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, the use of any class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by fire departments in the State. This extension would provide a one-year extension on the prohibition on the use of class B firefighting foam under current law for fire departments. The bill would also appropriate $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Environmental Protection to provide additional funding for the grant program established pursuant to P.L.2023, c.243 to reimburse eligible municipalities for the costs of the replacement of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS with firefighting foam that complies with the provisions of P.L.2023, c.243. | In Committee |
| S1021 | Requires MVC to operate call center to assist with online transactions. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to maintain a telephone call center located within New Jersey where commission employees, or persons under contract with the commission, are available in real-time, at a minimum, during weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to assist individuals in navigating the commission's Internet website and processing online transactions. The commission is required to offer all call center services in both English and Spanish. In order to reduce total call center staffing needs, the commission may provide additional web-based tutorial support and recorded help messages. The commission is also required to collect and make available on its Internet website quarterly performance metric reports which are required to include, but are not limited to, information pertaining to the number of calls, the length of individual wait times, the call purpose, and the length of calls at the telephone call center. | In Committee |
| S2818 | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | In Committee |
| S2881 | Authorizes school districts to establish electric vehicle certification programs. | Authorizes school districts to establish electric vehicle certification programs. | In Committee |
| S2672 | Authorizes special Ancient Order of Hibernians license plate. | This bill authorizes the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to issue Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates. The chief administrator is to select the design of the license plates in consultation with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, New Jersey State Board (the organization). In addition to the required motor vehicle registration fees, there is an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for these license plates. After deducting the cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the license plates and any computer programming changes that are necessary to implement the license plate program, in an amount not to exceed $150,000, the additional fees are to be deposited into a special non-lapsing fund known as the "Ancient Order of Hibernians License Plate Fund." The proceeds of the fund are to be annually appropriated to the organization. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost per license plate in producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates. If the average cost exceeds $50 for two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the license plates. The bill also requires the organization to appoint a liaison to represent the organization in all communications with the commission regarding the license plates. The bill provides that no State or other public funds may be used by the commission for the initial cost of producing, issuing, and publicizing the availability of Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates or any computer programming changes which may be necessary to implement the Ancient Order of Hibernians license plate program. The bill also requires that the organization, or other individual or entity designated by the organization, contribute monies in an amount to be determined by the chief administrator, not to exceed a total of $25,000, to be used to offset the initial costs incurred by the commission for producing, issuing, and publicizing the availability of Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates, and any computer programming which may be necessary to implement the program. The bill prohibits the commission from designing, producing, issuing, or publicizing the availability of Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates, or making any necessary computer programming changes, until: (1) the organization, or its designee, has provided the commission with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the commission in establishing the Ancient Order of Hibernians license plate program; and (2) the organization's liaison has provided the commission with a minimum of 500 completed applications for Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates, upon the availability for purchase of those plates. The chief administrator is responsible for publicizing the availability of the license plates on the commission's website. The organization, or any individual or entity designated by the organization, may also publicize the availability of Ancient Order of Hibernians license plates in any manner the organization deems appropriate. The provisions of the bill remain inoperative until the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the appropriate applications and fees required to offset the initial costs incurred by the commission are provided by the organization or its designee. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month following enactment if sufficient applications and fees to offset the initial costs are not received. | In Committee |
| A1825 | Establishes certain guidelines for SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid concerning step therapy protocols. | An Act concerning step therapy protocols and supplementing Titles 30 and 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4751 | Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer. | An Act concerning the purchase of service credit in the State Police Retirement System for certain military and police service and amending P.L.1965, c.89 and P.L.2013, c.87. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4163 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | An Act concerning health insurance coverage for biomarker precision medical testing and supplementing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1310 | Makes certain for-profit debt adjusters eligible for licensing to conduct business in State. | Makes certain for-profit debt adjusters eligible for licensing to conduct business in State. | Crossed Over |
| S3587 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | An Act concerning retail theft, amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3606 | Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer. | This bill allows a member of the New Jersey State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase credit in the retirement system for military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, the period of enrollment in the New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as a class two special law enforcement officer prior to becoming a member. Under current law, a period of service in the United States Armed Forces qualifies as military service that a member of the SPRS may purchase for retirement purposes. This bill permits the purchase of the period of enrollment in a United States military service academy. The military service academies are the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. These four service academies educate young people to serve as commissioned officers in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces. They are the only academies whose students are on active duty in the United State Armed Forces from the day they enter the academy, with the rank of cadet and midshipman, and subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This bill also allows a member of the SPRS to purchase credit in the retirement system for graduation from the New Jersey State Police Academy or for employment as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both, prior to becoming a member. The bill provides that a member may purchase credit for all or a portion of such service rendered while enrolled in the New Jersey State Police Academy or employed by a public employer as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both. Under the bill, the SPRS credit purchased for enrollment in the New Jersey State Police Academy or employment as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both, is equivalent to service in the State Police as a member of the SPRS in qualifying for retirement benefits. | In Committee |
| S3533 | Establishes certain guidelines for SHBP, SEHBP and Medicaid concerning step therapy protocols. | Establishes certain guidelines for SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid concerning step therapy protocols. | In Committee |
| S3799 | Revises credentialing process for physicians attempting to enter a health insurance carrier's provider network. | This bill makes changes to the existing health insurance carrier credentialing process to facilitate transparency and enforcement. First, the bill requires a carrier committee reviewing a credentialing application to notify the applicant within 30 days following submission of the application whether the application is incomplete. If the committee does not notify the applicant of an incomplete application within 30 days, the application is to be deemed complete. In addition, the bill requires carriers to include on their Internet websites the universal participation and renewal forms and an explanation of the credentialing process, including a list of all the documents required for participation and renewal and any expected timelines. The bill also provides that if a physician, while waiting to receive a credential to participate in the provider network of a carrier, is delivering health care services to covered persons within the network, the carrier is required to reimburse the physician for services delivered as of the date the credentialing application was filed, if the application is approved by the carrier. Under the bill, carriers are prohibited from requiring a physician who is already credentialed with the carrier and who changes employers or health care facilities within this State to submit a new application or renewal form to participate in the carrier's network solely on the basis that the physician changed employers or health care facilities. Lastly, the bill authorizes the Department of Banking and Insurance to receive, investigate, and enforce alleged violations of law relating to the credentialing process. | In Committee |
| S4299 | Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations; appropriates $5 million. | This bill creates the Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission (commission), the Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency (office), and hospital price transparency regulations. Under the bill, the purpose of the office is to provide support, staffing, infrastructure, and expertise to the commission, and to comprehensively address health care cost growth while also establishing data analytics and public reporting mechanisms to ensure healthcare affordability, informed policymaking, and access for future generations. The office is to establish guidelines for health care entities to submit necessary data for the yearly evaluation of total health care expenditures, their incremental growth, pricing information, pricing incremental growth, the formulation of the healthcare cost growth benchmark and the hospital price benchmark, and for publishing relevant data publicly. Under the bill, the purpose of the 18 member commission is to: monitor, analyze, and contain health care prices by identifying drivers of health care cost growth including hospital price growth; establishing and adopting a health care cost growth benchmark and a hospital price growth benchmark; identifying health care entities that exceed the benchmark or benchmarks; and addressing increases in excess of the benchmark or benchmarks through public transparency, opportunities for remediation, and other actions, including civil penalties. The commission is to set a cost growth benchmark for health care entities. The commission is to impose civil penalties, pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), on health care entities that either fail to respond to the commission's request to submit a corrective action plan or comply with the requirements of a corrective action plan. The bill provides that the Department of Health is to require hospitals to be in compliance with federal hospital price transparency requirements and provide a written warning notice to or request a corrective action plan from any hospital that is not in compliance with these federal requirements. A hospital is to be prohibited from attempting to collect a medical debt from a patient if the hospital is not, at the time of providing medical services to the patient, in compliance with the provisions of this bill. A hospital that fails to act in accordance with the provisions of this bill is to be liable to a civil penalty of $10 per day per hospital bed for each offense, pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The bill appropriates to the office such sums as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of this bill, as determined by the Commissioner of Health, but in no case is this amount to exceed $5,000,000. | In Committee |
| S3098 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | In Committee |
| S2952 | Concerns State regulation of cooperative sober living residences and boarding houses generally; appropriates $100,000. | Concerns State regulation of cooperative sober living residences and boarding houses generally; appropriates $100,000. | In Committee |
| S3507 | Establishes offense of inciting public brawl; upgrades penalty for disorderly conduct in certain circumstances. | Establishes offense of inciting public brawl; upgrades penalty for disorderly conduct in certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S223 | Directs BPU to establish certain standards concerning electric public utility use of customer energy usage data. | Directs BPU to establish certain standards concerning electric public utility use of customer energy usage data. | In Committee |
| S1029 | "Invasive Species Management Act"; prohibits sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive species; establishes NJ invasive Species Council. | "Invasive Species Management Act"; prohibits sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive species; establishes NJ Invasive Species Council. | Crossed Over |
| S2078 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | In Committee |
| S1040 | Exempts community gardens composting on-site from certain DEP permits under certain conditions. | Exempts community gardens composting on-site from certain DEP permits under certain conditions. | In Committee |
| S1016 | Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices. | This bill requires that the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA, or the most up-to-date version of the guidelines, must be the accessibility standard for the websites of all State agencies, and each website must be configured in such a way that it can be navigated, viewed, and accessed on a smartphone, tablet computer, or similar mobile device. The WCAG guidelines make content accessible for people with disabilities. The Chief Technology Officer must establish the protocol by which a State agency can determine that its websites comply with the requirements. The Chief Technology Officer must certify each website's compliance two years after the bill's effective date and recertify compliance once every two years thereafter. As used in this bill, "State agency" means the Executive and Legislative Branch 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. | Crossed Over |
| S314 | Concerns expenses to municipalities for tree purchase, planting, and removal. | This bill allows local government units to finance the purchase, planting, and removal of trees and shrubbery through the issuance of long-term and short-term debt. The bill amends the "Local Bond Law" to provide that the purchase, planting, and removal of trees and shrubbery constitutes a period of usefulness of 15 years. Consequently, the bill permits local government units to issue 15-year bonds to defray the costs of these expenses. The bill also amends the "Local Budget Law" to permit a local government unit to adopt a special emergency appropriation for the purchase, planting, and removal of trees and shrubbery following a natural disaster. This authorization would allow the local government unit to issue special emergency notes to defray the costs of these expenses. | In Committee |
| S3506 | Requires AG to establish training program for crowd management and provide resources to municipal police department or force for large gatherings and flash mobs. | Requires AG to establish training program for crowd management and provide resources to municipal police department or force for large gatherings and flash mobs. | In Committee |
| S3466 | Extends expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation program; provides aid for watershed lands. | An Act concerning the preservation and protection of land in the Highlands Region, amending P.L.1999, c.152, and amending and supplementing P.L.2004, c.120. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3237 | Requires DOT to erect and maintain certain electric vehicle charging station signs. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to erect and maintain highway exit signs to assist motorists in the identification of, availability of, and direction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The bill requires that the dimensions and location of each EV charging station highway exit sign comply with all applicable federal and State laws and meet all design and placement guidelines for such signs as established pursuant to the provisions of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways." | In Committee |
| S3222 | Requires instruction on cybersecurity in grades nine through 12; requires Office of Secretary of Higher Education to develop cybersecurity model curricula; establishes loan redemption programs for individuals in certain cybersecurity occupations. | This bill requires school districts to incorporate instruction on cybersecurity in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in each of the grades nine through 12. The instruction will be based on curriculum guidelines established under the bill by the Commissioner of Education in consultation with the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell. The curriculum guidelines would provide for a sequential course of study for each of the grades nine through 12 and include various introductory concepts and activities related to cybersecurity. Under the bill, the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Economic Development Authority, the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, would develop a cybersecurity model curriculum for use by four-year institutions of higher education in the State and a cybersecurity model curriculum for use by county colleges in the State. The model curricula developed pursuant would assist four-year institutions of higher education and county colleges in developing cybersecurity-related degree programs. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Economic Development Authority, in consultation with the New Jersey Presidents' Council, are required to develop and distribute to institutions of higher education cybersecurity career pathway marketing materials that provide descriptions of cybersecurity careers and the benefits of pursuing such careers. The bill also creates two student loan redemption programs for individuals seeking careers in cybersecurity-related roles. The Cybersecurity Loan Redemption Program would provide $1,000 to program participants for each year of employment in a cybersecurity occupation approved by the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, up to a maximum of four years, for the redemption of a portion of eligible qualifying loan expenses. Among other requirements enumerated in the bill, a program participant is required to be graduate of an approved cybersecurity degree program at an institution of higher education located in New Jersey and be employed in an approved cybersecurity occupation with an employer located in the State. The second loan redemption program, the Cybersecurity Teacher Loan Redemption Program, would similarly provide $1,000 to program participants for each year of service as a teacher in a cybersecurity-related subject matter, as determined by the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, up to a maximum of four years, for the redemption of a portion of eligible qualifying loan expenses. Among other requirements enumerated in the bill, a program participant is required to be a teacher of an approved cybersecurity-related subject matter, who is employed by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project in the State. | In Committee |
| S4117 | "Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act"; requires certain business entities to publicize annual greenhouse gas emissions data. | "Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act"; requires certain business entities to publicize annual greenhouse gas emissions data. | In Committee |
| SR125 | Urges states in PJM Interconnection region to require data centers to obtain electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy. | This resolution urges states within the PJM Interconnection region to enact policies that will require data centers to obtain their electricity from new zero- or low-emission sources of energy. Data centers consume approximately four percent of the electricity in the United States, and that is expected to increase to nine percent by 2030, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. At the rate at which electric consumption is projected to grow, regional electric grids will likely be unable to meet these demands. Regional electric grids across the United States are currently becoming less reliable and secure due to the increase in electricity consumption, in part caused by the rapid growth of data centers. As a result, the need for clean energy to support the demands of data centers in the PJM Interconnection region is critical in order to alleviate the load on the electric grid. Clean energy sources will be able to take on the burden of supplying electricity to existing data centers and provide long term sustainability for the increase in demand by data centers over time. | In Committee |
| S199 | Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex. | Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex. | Crossed Over |
| S3825 | Provides project grant under "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion; appropriates $7.65 million. | An Act concerning project grants under the "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4091 | Expands services that can be provided by audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. | An Act concerning audiologists and hearing aid dispensers and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2963 | Creates "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act"; makes an appropriation. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act." The bill prohibits contractors and subcontractors from engaging in private construction work, unless they are registered pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, "private construction work" means all building or work on a building, structure, or improvement of any type, as well as related building or work on a building, done within the State under an express or implied contract on behalf of another entity or individual. Private construction work does not include "public work" as that term is defined in the prevailing wage law, or "home improvement," as that term is defined in the "Contractors' Registration Act." As part of the registration, the contractor is required to include the following information: (1) the name, principal business address and telephone number of the private contractor; (2) whether the private contractor is a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other form of business entity; (3) if the private contractor's principal business address is not within the State, the name and address of the private contractor's custodian of records and agent for service of process in the State; (4) the name and address of each person with a financial interest in the private contractor and the percentage interest, except that if the private contractor is a publicly-traded corporation, the private contractor is required to supply the names and addresses of the corporation's officers; (5) the private contractor's tax identification number and unemployment insurance registration number; (6) a certification form provided by the commissioner, with documentation satisfactory to the commissioner, that the private contractor has all valid and effective licenses, registrations or certificates required by State law, including registrations or certifications required to do business in the State of New Jersey; (7) disclosure of any administrative merits determination, arbitral award or decision, or civil judgment, for violations of any of the certain federal and State labor laws or executive orders; and (8) any other relevant and appropriate information as determined by the commissioner. The bill requires a private contractor to pay an initial non-refundable registration fee of $750 to the commissioner. Upon successful completion of an initial two year registration, a private contractor is thereafter required to register for a two-year period and pay a non-refundable registration fee of $500. The bill provides that reduced fee schedules based upon an entity's annual revenue or non-profit status may be prescribed by regulation. The bill provides for penalties and fines for noncompliance with its provisions, including but not limited to the suspension of a contractor's registration. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Labor and Workforce Development $2,000,000 to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S3616 | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S2887 | Provides certain volunteer and other workers with maximum compensation benefit for workers' compensation claim regardless of outside employment. | This bill provides that certain volunteer and other workers, including but not limited to firefighters and first aid or rescue squad workers, will receive the maximum workers' compensation benefit for an injury or death regardless of whether the worker was employed outside of that position. This bill is in response to the State Supreme Court case of Kocanowski v. Twp. of Bridgewater, 237 N.J. 3, 14 (2019), in which the Court held that the Legislature intended for "all volunteer firefighters [to receive] the maximum compensation allowed, regardless of current or previous income." The bill is intended to clarify any ambiguity in the existing law as to the workers' compensation entitlement of certain volunteer firefighters and other workers. | In Committee |
| S1950 | Expands scope of Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman. | This bill expands the scope of the Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman (ombudsman) to provide that the office of the ombudsman will oversee all long-term care facility residents, not just the elderly. The bill updates certain statutory references to reflect this change, and additionally removes references to "patients" and "clients" of a facility. Current law provides that, upon completing an investigation, the ombudsman's findings and recommended action are to be submitted to the Commissioner of Health or the Commissioner of Human Services, as appropriate, as well as to any other governmental agency that regulates or operates the facility. The bill revises this requirement to provide that the report be furnished to these entities upon request, and upon substantiation of the report or complaint. The bill further provides that the report may also be provided to the complainant, if the resident or the resident's legal representative consents to the complainant receiving a copy of the report. The bill provides that, in addition to obtaining the name and address of a person on a consent form, the ombudsman is to make reasonable efforts to obtain the person's phone number and email address. The bill removes a requirement for the ombudsman to provide notice before inspecting the premises, books, files, medical records, or other records of a facility or government agency during the course of an investigation. The bill revises a requirement for the Legislature to review the development, administration, and operation of the office through certain standing reference committees to instead make the Legislature directly responsible for the review. The bill makes various technical and stylistic changes to the current statutory law involving grammar and citation. | In Committee |
| S4008 | Imposes locational restriction on construction of a new crematory. | Imposes locational restriction on construction of a new crematory. | In Committee |
| S4137 | Requires Director of Division of Local Government Services in DCA to establish grant program to enhance local government efficiency; appropriates $1.5 million. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Local Government Services (division) in the Department of Community Affairs to establish a local government unit management enhancement review grant program. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to local government units to contract with management enhancement review consultants, as defined in the bill, to conduct local government unit efficiency reviews and to make recommendations to streamline operations and reduce costs. Under the bill, to participate in the program, a local government is required to submit an application to the division detailing the local government unit's proposed plans for the grant funding, including, but not limited to:· the amount of grant funding being sought by the local government unit; · a description of how the grant funding will be used to conduct an efficiency review; and· the proposed sources of matching funding to be used by the local government unit to conduct the efficiency review. Under the bill, after reviewing the applications, the Director of the division is required to select local government units to receive a management enhancement review grant. In selecting grant recipients, the director is to consider factors specified in the bill. The maximum grant award under the program is $150,000 for a county-based local government unit and $100,000 for a municipal-based local government unit. The bill requires a local government unit that receives a grant under the program to contribute 25 percent of the grant award amount to the management enhancement review. Within one year of receiving a grant, each participating local government unit is required to submit a report to the director detailing:· the expenditures of the grant funds under the program; · the specific shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services achieved as a result of the management enhancement review; and· the specific cost savings achieved as a result of the shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services. The director is required to compile the reports submitted for inclusion in a comparative profile of the participating local government units and to post the profile for public inspection on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location. The bill appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the division to provide grants to local government units to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| S3694 | Prohibits cryptocurrency automatic teller machines. | This bill prohibits any business entity from owning, controlling, installing, or managing a cryptocurrency automatic teller machine (ATM) in this State. Under the bill, cryptocurrency is defined as any digital form of currency that functions as a medium of exchange through a decentralized computer network without reliance on any central authority such as a government or financial institution. In addition, a cryptocurrency ATM means a physical, internet-connected kiosk allowing users to buy, sell, send, or receive cryptocurrency by depositing money using a debit card, credit card, or cash. Under the provisions of the bill, owning, controlling, installing, managing, selling, or offering for sale a cryptocurrency ATM in this State is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. While cryptocurrency ATMs offer a convenient way for individuals to buy, sell, send, or receive digital currencies, there has been a significant rise in scams associated with their use. According to the United States Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Sentinel Network, fraud losses linked to these cryptocurrency automatic teller machines have surged nearly tenfold since 2020 to more than $110 million in 2023 and exceeded $65 million in just the first half of 2024. Since many incidents of fraud go unreported, these figures likely represent only a portion of the overall impact. It is the sponsor's intent to protect consumers from falling victim to financial losses associated with the use of cryptocurrency automatic teller machines. | In Committee |
| S3464 | Requires electric public utilities to upgrade certain portions of electric transmission and distribution system with advanced conductors. | This bill would direct each electric public utility in the State to upgrade the utility's portion of the electric transmission and distribution system with advanced conductors, wherever practicable, both in the course of routine maintenance to the system, and through standalone primary wire replacement projects. The bill would require each public utility, no later than one year after the effective date of the bill, to conduct an assessment of its portion of the transmission and distribution system in order to determine the most cost effective and beneficial locations to be upgraded through advanced reconductoring. No later than three months after the electric public utility completes the assessment, it would be required to make a filing with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) outlining the locations it proposes to upgrade. The bill would also authorize electric public utilities to petition the BPU to include the reasonable costs of these projects in the utility's rate base, allowing the costs to be recovered from ratepayers. The bill would authorize the BPU to develop criteria for what constitutes "reasonable costs" for advanced reconductoring projects. Most power lines in the United States consist of steel cores surrounded by strands of aluminum. Advanced conductors use alternative designs or materials, for example smaller, lighter cores composed of carbon fiber, which can be surrounded by additional aluminum. Advanced conductors decrease the electric resistance of the power line and allow it to carry additional electric current. In addition, the cost of upgrading existing lines to advanced conductors is usually cheaper than the cost of constructing new power lines. | In Committee |
| S1000 | Requires MVC to place designation on motor vehicle's registration information indicating registrant is deaf or hard of hearing. | Requires MVC to place designation on motor vehicle's registration information indicating registrant is deaf or hard of hearing. | In Committee |
| A3894 | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | An Act concerning fire safety by making changes to certain licensure requirements, equipment requirements, advisory committee memberships, penalties, and fees and amending P.L.1991, c.92, P.L.2001, c.289, and P.L.1983, c.383. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR93 | Designates first full week of May of each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week." | Designates first full week of May of each year as "Teacher Appreciation Week." | In Committee |
| S2099 | Authorizes establishment of regional economic development partnerships. | This bill authorizes local governmental entities to enter into regional economic development partnerships for the purpose of engaging in joint regional economic planning and formulating an economic development or redevelopment strategy. Under the bill, regional economic development partnerships could include any combination of county governments, municipal governments, agencies or instrumentalities thereof, and public or private economic development organization. A regional economic development partnership may also include businesses, business organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other entities located within the region. | In Committee |
| S315 | Permits school bus driver to administer epinephrine to student in emergency under certain circumstances. | This bill requires the policy of a board of education or a nonpublic school for the emergency administration of epinephrine to a student will permit a school bus driver to administer epinephrine to a student when the following conditions are met: (1) the student's parent or guardian has provided written authorization for a school bus driver to administer epinephrine to the student in an emergency; (2) the student's parent or guardian has provided to the board of education or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school written orders from a physician or advanced practice nurse that the student requires the administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis; (3) the board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school informs the student's parents or guardians in writing that the district and its employees or agents or the nonpublic school and its employees or agents, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism; (4) the student's parents or guardians sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the district or the nonpublic school, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism to the student and that the parents or guardians will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees or agents or the nonpublic school and its employees or agents, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor against any claims arising out of the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism; and (5) the school bus driver has been properly trained in the administration of epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism using standardized training protocols established pursuant to current law. The training will be conducted by an entity or individual approved by the Department of Health. | In Committee |
| S3308 | Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities. | An Act concerning certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4968 | Modifies list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible to receive loans from NJ Infrastructure Bank for FY2025. | An Act concerning the expenditure of funds by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to finance a portion of the cost of certain transportation infrastructure projects and amending P.L.2024, c.43. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4066 | Establishes that final restraining order survives plaintiff's death where other persons are also protected; requires prosecutors to provide notice of defendant's release to other persons protected by order. | This bill amends the New Jersey Prevention of Domestic Violence Act ("PDVA") to expressly provide that a domestic violence final restraining order survives the death of the person protected by the restraining order, where that restraining order also protects other persons besides just the recipient. This bill also amends the law to require that prosecutors provide notice of a defendant's release be given to other persons protected by a final restraining order, in addition to just notifying the restraining order's recipient. Under current law, a final restraining order issued in this State is permanent and does not have an automatic expiration date or event, such as the death of the recipient. A final restraining order can, however, be dissolved or modified upon good cause shown if one of the parties files an application with the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court, but only if the judge who dissolves or modifies the order is the same judge who entered the order or has available a complete record of the hearing or hearings on which the order was based. However, this bill would clarify that a domestic violence final restraining order that also protects other persons, besides just the recipient, does not terminate upon the recipient's death. This bill further directs prosecutors to notify, not only a victim of domestic violence, but also any other person who is listed as a protected person on any domestic violence final restraining order, upon a domestic violence defendant's release from custody. Under current law, whenever a defendant charged with a crime or an offense involving domestic violence is released from custody the prosecuting agency is to notify the victim. However, there is no such notification requirement for any other person who is listed as a protected person on any domestic violence final restraining order. This bill adds this requirement. | In Committee |
| S4046 | Establishes "New Jersey Community Health Worker Program" in DOH and certain training programs for community health workers. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program in the Department of Health. Community health workers are certified professionals who connect health care consumers with health care providers and resources, with the goal of facilitating access to health care in medically underserved communities and educating health care providers about the unique obstacles faced by members of that community when seeking access to health care. The purpose of the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program will be to establish standardized community health worker training and certification programs within institutions of higher education, and integrate community health worker services into State Medicaid reimbursement programs for the purposes of improving health outcomes, reducing health care costs, and reducing inequities in the availability and provision of health care services. The Commissioner of Health will be required to appoint a director for the program, who will be responsible for overseeing and administering all aspects of the program in consultation with the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program Advisory Board, which will also be established under the bill. The bill requires the program to be established and implemented in Newark within one year following enactment, and thereafter expanded to such additional municipalities as the director determines necessary and appropriate in light of available resources and the need for the program in a given region, county, or municipality. The director will be required to seek to implement the program Statewide within five years after the date of enactment. The director will be authorized to accept funding as may be made available from the federal government, the State, and the private sector to implement the program. The director will be required to report annually to the Legislature on the implementation of the program, including recommendations for such legislative action as may be appropriate and necessary to facilitate the establishment, implementation, expansion, and improvement of the program. The bill additionally establishes the New Jersey Community Health Worker Program Advisory Board to assist the director to develop training and certification programs, identify medically underserved communities and the unique challenges facing those communities in obtaining access to health care, and develop strategies for effectively implementing the program Statewide. The board will comprise nine members, including the Commissioners of Health and of Human Services, or their designees, who will serve ex officio, and seven public members, of which three will be appointed by the Governor, and one each will be appointed by the Senate President, the Senate Minority Leader, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Assembly Minority Leader. The public members will include three representatives from community health centers, with one each from the southern, central, and northern regions of the State; one representative from a general hospital; one representative from a long-term care facility; one representative from a two-year institution of higher education; and one representative from a four-year institution of higher education. The bill requires the director to develop a standardized health curriculum for training community health workers in the provision of education and supports services related to substance use disorder treatment. The director may, in developing the curriculum, utilize information or resources developed by another state, a professional association with expertise in substance use disorder treatment, or an agency of the federal government. The director will promote and share the curriculum as best practices for community health workers in the State. | In Committee |
| S4036 | Makes $3 million supplemental appropriation for bonus awards for certain COVID-19 emergency essential frontline State workers of Local 195 International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. | This bill provides for a supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 from the General Fund to provide individual employee awards to the many essential frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers who provided emergency frontline workplace service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Independent Review of New Jersey's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic completed on March 7, 2024 noted that one of the strengths of New Jersey State Government's response was that staff across government departments and agencies went above and beyond what they were expected or paid to do. Many state employees put their lives on hold to ensure that the important work of their department or agency continued amidst the uncertainty, additional workload, and safety challenges posed by the pandemic. Many frontline agency workers also reported experiencing significant trauma due to the panic and urgency of the response and the demands associated with their jobs. Personal losses and increased workloads caused many State workers to endure prolonged exhaustion and pandemic fatigue. Workers were overwhelmed by the sudden and dramatic increase in their responsibilities, which agencies had to process while being understaffed. Across departments and agencies, state employees demonstrated resilience and flexibility. Many state agencies worked closely with their respective unions to ensure their staff were well placed to continue their work during the pandemic. Agencies that had pre-existing relationships with union leaders were able to have proactive discussions and continuous dialogue in the early stages of the pandemic, enabling rapid decision making concerning workplace attendance by staff deemed essential for the health and safety of human life. The many frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers ensured the continued operation and maintenance of the many crucial State facilities, which provide essential services to their clients and patients who could not survive a termination of services during the pandemic. This appropriation will ensure that the many thousands of these State employees receive additional compensation in the form of individual bonuses for their essential work during the most dangerous of times. | In Committee |
| S3996 | Requires availability of electronic fund transfers by health insurance carriers to reimburse covered persons. | This bill requires a carrier, or the carrier's contracted vendor, to allow payment to a covered person for reimbursement to include reimbursement through an electronic funds transfer. A carrier is to include, as part of its health benefits plan, notification to a covered person: (1) if a reimbursement payment through an electronic funds transfer has a fee associated with it; and (2) of the instructions on the carrier's, or the carrier's contracted vendor's, website to select an electronic funds transfer as the means to receive a reimbursement payment. Any violation of the bill's provisions may be subject to enforcement by the Department of Banking and Insurance. | In Committee |
| S4040 | Requires public entities purchase five percent of goods and services from Central Nonprofit Agency; requires Division of Purchase and Property establish training protocols for all purchasing agents; grants Central Nonprofit Agency right of first refusal. | Under current law, State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State that are authorized to purchase goods and services are required to make a good faith effort to purchase five percent of such goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, an agency established by the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." Under the bill, such State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State will be required to purchase five percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The bill clarifies reporting and oversight requirements. Under the bill, the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury must submit a report of purchasing data to the Central Nonprofit Agency for the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside program no more than six months after the effective date of this bill, and on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, the Department of the Treasury will be required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the compliance of State and local government entities and political subdivisions with the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Division of Purchase and Property, in collaboration with the Central Nonprofit Agency, must establish training protocols for all purchasing agents employed by State or local government entities or political subdivisions required to meet the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Central Nonprofit Agency will have a right of first refusal for all goods and services that may otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog so long as the Central Nonprofit Agency can deliver the goods or services that would otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog at a price that is within 15 percent of fair market value. The "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" assists persons who are blind or have a severe disability with achieving maximum personal independence through productive employment by assuring a continuous market for their goods and services, which are produced at qualified rehabilitation facilities and distributed through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The Central Nonprofit Agency is designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to facilitate the distribution of orders received from various State agencies as provided in the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." This bill furthers the goals of the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" to assist in the productive employment of individuals with special needs. | In Committee |
| S4015 | Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities. | This bill would amend the State's substance use disorder treatment laws in relation to the regulation of sober living homes and halfway houses. In particular, the bill would expressly clarify that the existing statutory authority of the Department of Human Services (DHS) to license and regulate residential substance use disorder facilities, pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.) which concerns alcohol and P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.) which concerns narcotic drugs, includes the authority to license and regulate residential substance abuse aftercare facilities such as transitional sober living homes and halfway houses. The bill also provides for criminal history record background checks of a person employed or seeking employment as an administrator of these residential substance abuse facilities, or as a representative payee who receives government benefits on behalf of an individual residing in a facility. The background checks are also to be conducted on a person who is the owner of the physical plant on which a facility is located. A person would be disqualified from securing or maintaining a license pursuant to P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.) or a certificate of approval pursuant to P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.) if the criminal history record background check of the person who is the owner of the physical plant of the facility or of a person who is employed as an administrator or representative payee at the facility reveals a record of conviction of the crimes or offenses enumerated in the bill. If a person refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, securing a criminal history record background check, DHS is to suspend, deny, revoke, or refuse to renew the license or certificate of approval of the facility. The criminal history record background checks are to be processed by the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the person who undergoes the background check is to assume the cost of the background check. The bill also provides that the facilities are not to remove a resident from a facility until at least one week following the date of delivery by the facility to the resident of a written notice advising that the resident is to be removed. However, this provision would not apply if the resident poses an immediate and serious threat to other residents or the facility. DHS is also required to conduct inspections every two weeks if there is an investigation for a violation of the laws and regulations governing these facilities or under any other authority. The Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS is to oversee the development and maintenance of a registry to collect and track information about the number of openings available for persons seeking residency in these facilities. The facilities are required to submit to the registry, no less than once a day, information as to the number of openings that are available on that day. The registry would contain, by county, the following information: the name, address and telephone number of the facility; the type of services provided; the maximum occupancy; and the number of openings available. The registry would: be prominently displayed on the DHS website; provide for a search by county or name; be made available to the public, upon request, through the addictions telephone hotline and the Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system; and also be made available using any other means that the Commissioner of Human Services deems appropriate. Lastly, the bill would update the language used in this area of law, in order to ensure grammatical correctness, maintain consistency with current rules of statutory drafting, and correctly reference the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS, which is the agency and division currently responsible for the regulation of substance use disorder treatment facilities. | In Committee |
| S3997 | Provides PERS members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and transfers all current non-retired members of PERS to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of PERS. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to PERS, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to PERS. Any years of service credit transferred to PERS from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with PERS, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into PERS and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to PERS within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to PERS. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of PERS who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of PERS will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| S3998 | Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and transfers all current non-retired members of TPAF to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of TPAF. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to TPAF, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to TPAF. Any years of service credit transferred to TPAF from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with TPAF, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into TPAF and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to TPAF within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to TPAF. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of TPAF who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of TPAF will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| S1033 | Requires DOH to study indoor air quality at public schools, develop list of common indoor air contaminants at public schools, and establish guidance regarding potential mitigation measures. | Requires DOH to study indoor air quality at public schools, develop list of common indoor air contaminants at public schools, and establish guidance regarding potential mitigation measures. | In Committee |
| S2874 | Expands services that can be provided by audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. | Expands services that can be provided by audiologists and hearing aid dispensers. | In Committee |
| S2580 | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | In Committee |
| S765 | Revises law prohibiting feeding of bears; establishes program in DEP for distribution of bear-proof garbage cans. | Revises law prohibiting feeding of bears; establishes program in DEP for distribution of bear-proof garbage cans. | In Committee |
| S3839 | Modifies list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible to receive loans from NJ Infrastructure Bank for FY2025. | This bill makes changes to the authorization given to the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to make loans for transportation infrastructure projects for Fiscal Year 2025. P.L.2024, c.43 was enacted into law on July 10, 2024, which authorized the NJIB to expend, for the purpose of making loans to or on behalf of local government units to finance all or a portion of the cost of construction of certain transportation infrastructure projects, up to $53,883,706 or such amounts as can be supported through the balances in the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank Fund and via direct appropriation through the State capital program. This bill amends the list of transportation infrastructure projects for which the NJIB is authorized to make loans pursuant to P.L.2024, c.43 to include new projects, remove projects, modify the priority of certain projects, and modify the allowable loan amounts for certain projects. The bill authorizes the NJIB to expend up to $61,400,000 or such amounts as can be supported through the balances in the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank Fund and via direct appropriation through the State capital program. | In Committee |
| S3989 | Expands list of animals prohibited from use in traveling animal acts; limits certain exceptions to apply only at educational institutions. | This bill would amend section 1 of P.L.2018, c.141 (C.23:2A-16), known as "Nosey's Law," by expanding the list of animals covered under the law. Nosey's law prohibits the use of "wild or exotic animals" in a traveling animal act. Currently, domestic species such as cattle, bison, domestic dogs, domestic cats, domestic horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules are excluded from the definition of "wild or exotic animals" under the law. This bill would remove the exclusions from the definition. Additionally, two new animal classifications would be added to the definition of "wild or exotic animals," lagomorpha (rabbits and hares) and rodentia (rodents). This bill would make it illegal to use these animals in a traveling animal act. Finally, the bill would limit the exceptions provided in the current law to provide that the prohibition on the use of certain animals in a traveling exhibition would not apply only when outreach programs for bona fide educational or conservation purposes are conducted at an educational institution. | In Committee |
| S3158 | Revises licensing requirements and out-of-State reciprocity for elevator, escalator, and moving walkway mechanic's licenses. | Revises licensing requirements and out-of-State reciprocity for elevator, escalator, and moving walkway mechanic's licenses. | Crossed Over |
| S3966 | Eliminates statute of limitations for human trafficking prosecutions and extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking. | This bill eliminates the statute of limitations for criminal prosecutions of human trafficking, and extends the statute of limitations under which a victim of human trafficking may bring a civil suit against the perpetrator. Under current law, a prosecution for human trafficking must be commenced, by way of an indictment, within five years after the offense is committed. Additionally, a civil suit brought by a victim must also be filed within five years. Under the bill, a criminal prosecution may be commenced at any time. Also, under the bill, a civil suit may be filed within 10 years of the conduct, within 10 years of a victim turning 18 years old if the victim is a minor, or within two years of a plaintiff's discovery of the injury, whichever is later. Extending the civil statute of limitations to 10 years will bring State law into accord with similar provisions under federal law. Under the bill, the civil statute of limitations will not begin to run until a continuing course of conduct relating to the human trafficking of the plaintiff is terminated. Furthermore, the statute of limitations may be tolled for any period of time during which the plaintiff is under a disability, which includes any intellectual disability, hospitalization for mental illness, or finding of mental incapacity. Finally, the bill prohibits a defendant who coerced a plaintiff to delay filing suit by means of intimidation, duress, threats, or fraud from asserting a defense that the statute of limitations has already run. | In Committee |
| S3975 | Provides gross income tax exclusion for military compensation paid to State residents for out-of-State military service. | This bill allows a gross income tax exclusion for certain military compensation paid to members of the United States Armed Forces who are domiciled in New Jersey but who serve their military duty at a station or deployment outside of the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months of the taxable year. | In Committee |
| S3967 | Provides cancer and cardiovascular screenings to law enforcement officers; establishes fund; appropriates $20 million. | This bill provides cancer and cardiovascular disease screenings to law enforcement officers. The screenings will be conducted by a physician not less than three years after the start of the law enforcement officer's employment as a law enforcement officer and every three years thereafter during the course of the law enforcement officer's employment. The screenings will be for colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers. The bill also provides reimbursement to public employers of up to $2,500 for law enforcement officers who are enrolled in a healthcare plan other than SHBP through their public employer. The bill establishes a dedicated, non-lapsing fund called the "SHBP Law Enforcement Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Screenings Fund" to offset the costs of the cancer and cardiovascular screenings for law enforcement officers provided for in the bill. The bill establishes a $10 motor vehicle summons surcharge to be applied to each motor vehicle fine and penalty imposed and collected through a court under authority of any motor vehicle or traffic violation in the State. The $10 surcharge will be deposited in the law enforcement fund. The bill also appropriates $20 million to be deposited into the law enforcement fund. | In Committee |
| S3545 | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | In Committee |
| S3909 | Authorizes creation of "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plates. The design of the license plate is to be chosen by the chief administrator, in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission (historical commission) in the Department of State. In addition to the required motor vehicle registration fees, there is an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the license plates. After deducting the costs to implement the plates, the additional fees collected are to be deposited into the "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund." The proceeds of the fund are to be appropriated annually to support and preserve Revolutionary War sites throughout New Jersey. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of the specialty license plates. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the license plate program. The bill also requires that the Chair of the New Jersey Historical Commission appoint a liaison to represent the historical commission in all communications with the MVC regarding the license plates. The bill provides that State or other public funds may not be used by the MVC for the initial cost to implement the license plate program. The bill requires the historical commission, or an individual or entity designated by the historical commission, to contribute non-public monies, not to exceed $25,000, to offset the initial costs to design, produce, issue, and publicize the license plates and for any computer programming necessary to implement the program. The bill authorizes the historical commission to receive funds from private sources to be used to offset the initial costs. The MVC is not required to design, produce, issue, or publicize the availability of the license plates, or make any necessary programming changes, until: (1) the historical commission, or an individual or entity designated by the historical commission, has provided the MVC with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC in establishing the license plate program; and (2) the historical commission has provided the MVC with a minimum of 500 completed applications for the license plates, upon the availability for purchase of those license plates. The provisions of the bill will remain inoperative until the appropriate applications and fees required to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC are provided by the historical commission or its designee. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month following the bill's enactment if sufficient applications and fees to offset the initial costs are not received. | In Committee |
| S988 | Requires DOE and DCF to establish online reporting systems for schools and child care centers to report lead testing results. | This bill would require the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish online reporting systems for schools and child care centers to report lead testing results. In July 2016, the State Board of Education adopted regulations requiring every school in the State to test for lead in drinking water. Shortly thereafter, in January 2017, the Department of Children and Families adopted regulations requiring each child care facility in the State to test for lead in drinking water. While lead test results were required to be submitted to the respective departments and made available to children and parents, there is currently no centralized database for, or report on, this data available to the public and policy makers. Such a centralized database would allow policy makers and the public to better understand the extent of lead contamination in schools and child care centers in the State and allow policy makers to do the necessary analysis to effectuate remedial funding and technical assistance. This bill would require the DOE and the DCF to establish online reporting systems for schools and childcare centers to report their lead testing results electronically. Under the bill, within 90 days after establishment of the databases, each school and childcare center that was required pursuant to law or regulation to test for lead would be required to submit or resubmit its test results and any other required information via the online reporting system. The DOE and DCF would be required to compile the test results on their respective Internet websites for access by the public. Finally, the bill would require both departments to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature outlining the extent of lead contamination in the drinking water of schools and child care centers, the associated need for assistance with remediation activities, and recommendations for how the State can assist schools and child care centers with remediating lead in drinking water. This bill stems from recommendations in the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure's final report, released in January 2018. | In Committee |
| S1394 | Increases amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of deduction from gross income for property tax payments; increases property tax credit option for certain individuals. | Increases amount of rental payments defined as rent constituting property taxes for purposes of deduction from gross income for property tax payments; increases property tax credit option for certain individuals. | In Committee |
| S2852 | Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits. | Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits. | In Committee |
| S2652 | Revises statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children. | An Act concerning certain criminal offenses involving sexual exploitation or abuse of children and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3201 | Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances. | An Act upgrading certain penalties for assault and requiring testing for communicable diseases, and revising various parts of statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2962 | Requires contractor subject to prevailing wage law to provide orientation meeting to new employee on prevailing wage project. | An Act concerning the rights of employees under the prevailing wage law and amending P.L.1963, c.150. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AJR46 | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates January of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the many Hindu residents of this State and their rich and noteworthy history and cultural contributions to this State. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, dating back to a time between 3000-8000 BCE. Sacred texts have been passed on through generations for thousands of years, creating a strong following of 1.1 billion Hindus in the 21st century. Hindus believe in a variety of deities, each representing different concepts and values within Hinduism. Different sects of Hindus emphasize particular deities and practices over others, depending on their beliefs. Various Hindu gods and goddesses can be traced to origin points spanning several thousand years, making the traditions surrounding Hinduism and the Hindu deities rich and storied. Some deities have holidays celebrated in their honor, such as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Another well-known Hindu holiday is Holi, the Festival of Colors. It is a holiday celebrating the coming of spring, famous for colorful paste and water thrown on those celebrating. Hindus have made enormous contributions to cultural development throughout history across the globe. Significant achievements in math, science, and medicine used in the modern world can be traced to Hindus. New Jersey is lucky enough to be the state with the highest percentage of Hindu residents in the United States. The Hindu community has shown others the beauty of their beliefs, including though the establishment of the largest Hindu temple in the world, now located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR12 | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| SJR94 | Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. | On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others. The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed, and the designation of October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" would allow New Jersey residents to annually recognize the victims of that mass shooting and honor their memories. | Crossed Over |
| SR38 | Urges Congress to make Election Day federal holiday in US. | This resolution urges Congress to make Election Day, which occurs each year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month of November, as a federal holiday in the United States. Voting is the most important civic duty granted to the public by the United States Constitution. By voting, the public is able to express their choice for who represents the country as public officials and lawmakers and for important public policy decisions. However, it is essential to increase voter participation and turnout in order to ensure elections are truly representative of the public. Designating Election Day as a federal holiday in the United States would increase voter turnout by easing some of the obstacles deterring voters and ensuring greater voter flexibility. In addition, it would emphasize to the public that the election process, and each vote, matters. For these reasons, Congress is urged to make Election Day a federal holiday in the United States. | In Committee |
| S3831 | Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. | This bill requires the State Medicaid program and the Plan First program to cover standard fertility preservation services in cases in which a medically necessary medical treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility. The State's Plan First program provides a benefit package of family planning and family planning-related services and supplies for individuals whose annual incomes are below 205 percent of the federal poverty level and who are not otherwise eligible for Medicaid or the NJ FamilyCare program. The bill defines "iatrogenic infertility" as an impairment of fertility caused by surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other medical treatment affecting reproductive organs or processes. The bill further defines "standard fertility preservation services" as procedures which are consistent with established medical practices and professional guidelines published by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, or as defined by the New Jersey Department of Health, including the storage of sperm, oocytes, embryos, and cryopreserved ovarian tissue. Subsequent to enactment of P.L.2019, c.306, State-regulated health insurers, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), and the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) cover standard fertility preservation services if a medically necessary treatment may, directly or indirectly, cause iatrogenic infertility. This statute, however, specifies that standard fertility preservation services for individuals insured by the SHBP, the SEHBP, and State-regulated health insurers does not include storage of sperm or oocytes. The bill will provide Medicaid and Plan First participants who face iatrogenic infertility with access to fertility preservation services that are frequently cost-prohibitive for low-to-moderate income patients. | In Committee |
| S3807 | Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission. | This bill creates the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission act. The purpose of the commission will be to assess, support, and create programs for the successful transition, adjustment, and reintegration of service members back into civilian life through the coordination of the collective efforts of State agencies with the goal of preventing veteran suicides. The commission will coordinate with State agencies to effectively and responsibly meet the needs of the military community. In performing these responsibilities, the commission will conduct planning, research, education, training, and evaluation activities to improve the operations and coordination of the systems of care and support provided by the agencies. The commission will coordinate its activities with the activities of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for its veterans, service members, and their families. The commission will consist of 13 members. Members of the commission will be appointed for a term of four years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Upon expiration of the initial term, each member may be reappointed for an additional term of four years. The commission, in its discretion, may divide its membership into subcommittees in the course of carrying out its duties. The commission will hold at least six meetings each year, but otherwise will meet at the call of the chair. The primary focus of the commission will be on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of those State programs and services related to the military community with the goal of the prevention of veteran suicides. The commission will review the activities related to the military community of each State agency to ensure there is efficient and effective coordination and alignment with the needs of the military community. The commission will ensure accountability by tracking the progress of initiatives, programs, and services; develop strategic collaborations among State agencies; and increase public awareness of the services and support available to the military community to prevent veteran suicides. The commission will promote coordination and efficiency among State, county, and local units of government through knowledge sharing, mobilization of resources, and an aligned approach to serving the military community to prevent veteran suicides. The commission will issue periodic reports, which will include, but not be limited to, its strategic goals, its public research agenda, and its performance and progress in meeting its goals. | In Committee |
| S3586 | Concerns training for law enforcement officers. | This bill concerns training for law enforcement officers. Under the provisions of this bill, a private company or instructor is prohibited from offering or providing any training to law enforcement officers unless approved by the Police Training Commission on an annual basis and is required to comply with any requirements established by the commission with respect to oversight and monitoring of training that is offered or provided. The Attorney General is required to set forth the requirements and procedure for approval of a private company or instructor, including but not limited to any fees that may be charged to a private company or instructor to apply for or obtain approval to offer or provide training. In addition, the bill provides that a law enforcement officer is not to attend and an employing law enforcement unit is not to permit a law enforcement officer to attend training provided by a private company or instructor that has not been approved by the commission. This bill is in response to a report issued by the New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller on December 6, 2023 entitled "The High Price of Unregulated Private Police Training to New Jersey." | In Committee |
| S3264 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to DCA for NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce for veteran economic development and outreach and skills development. | Makes supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to DCA for NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce for veteran economic development and outreach and skills development. | In Committee |
| SJR79 | Designates month of September of each year as "Emergency Preparedness Month" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates the month of September of each year as "Emergency Preparedness Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness of the importance of preparing ourselves and our families now and throughout the year for emergencies and disasters. Prior to declared emergencies, New Jersey residents should establish a family preparedness plan in case of an emergency or disaster which should include establishing evacuation and meeting locations, creating communication and financial plans, determining how the family could best shelter in place, and evaluating property insurance needs. Preparedness plans should consider the medical and physical needs of all family members and pets. | In Committee |
| S984 | Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards. | This bill would require the owner or operator of a public water system to immediately notify, by telephone and electronic mail, the governing body of a municipality and the chief administrator of every school district, charter school, and nonpublic school located within the municipality whenever the public water system violates any drinking water quality standard for drinking water supplied by the public water system within the municipality. The notification would provide the name of any contaminant that exceeds a drinking water quality standard, the maximum contaminant level or the action level, as appropriate, for the contaminant, the level of the contaminant found on each date, the dates when the tests were performed, the location of each sample tested and the location of each sample tested that exceeds a maximum contaminant level or action level. The bill also requires the owner or operator of the public water system to provide information on suggested remedies that a customer may take to address the violation. | In Committee |
| S1056 | Requires EDA to create needs-matching website for eligible entities. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a website for the purpose of matching the needs and supplies of eligible entities. As defined in the bill, "eligible entity" means an entity doing business in this State in at least one of the following industries: advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, electronic device technology, information technology, life sciences, medical device technology, mobile communications technology, or renewable energy technology. The EDA is required to make this website available to eligible entities including, but not limited to, businesses, real estate professionals, medical institutions, research facilities, non-profit organizations, professional associations, higher education institutions, and investors. Under the bill, the website is required to provide a platform on which an eligible entity may match its needs with a supplier for physical locations, equipment, labor, and other appropriate assets or services. The EDA is also required to provide a list of public and private funding sources and investment opportunities, including information on State and federal grant programs, which may be appropriate for an eligible entity. | In Committee |
| S3195 | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | In Committee |
| S2015 | Concerns prevailing wage law requirements for public institutions of higher education. | Concerns prevailing wage law requirements for public institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| S1388 | Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes. | This bill resolves an apparent conflict between provisions in chapter 10 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes, which permit municipalities to offer group health insurance benefits to volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders, and provisions in chapter 27A of Title 17B of the New Jersey Statutes regarding small employer health benefits plans. For example, although N.J.S.40A:10-30 authorizes a municipality to provide group health plans to volunteer firefighters, those volunteers are not considered eligible employees under the small employer health benefits plan statutes. This bill clarifies that these volunteers, as well as emergency responders, may be included in the group of eligible employees in municipalities regarded as small employers, and thereby receive coverage under the same group plan. | In Committee |
| S224 | Prohibits sale, distribution, and import of certain products marketed as recyclable, unless DEP determines that products are widely recycled. | Prohibits sale, distribution, and import of certain products marketed as recyclable, unless DEP determines that products are widely recycled. | In Committee |
| S3121 | Requires certain local authorities to inspect, maintain, and repair fire hydrants in planned real estate developments. | Requires certain local authorities to inspect, maintain, and repair fire hydrants in planned real estate developments. | In Committee |
| S3389 | Provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. | This bill provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. Under the bill, the owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to require at least a two-person crew on all dangerous hazardous trains. The owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to further require that all dangerous hazardous trains clearly display the name of the railroad company that owns the dangerous hazardous train. The bill provides for certain exceptions to the two-person crew requirement, including: when a train is performing helper service; when a train is a tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operation that is not part of the general railroad system of transportation; when a train is a locomotive that is not attached to railcars, is located inside a rail yard, and is being moved between tracks or moved to or from a maintenance shop; and when the owner or operator has been exempted from the two-person crew requirement by the Commissioner of Transportation. However, the bill specifies that the two-person crew requirement is mandatory when a train is transporting one or more loaded freight cars containing any material poisonous by inhalation or transporting 10 or more loaded freight cars or freight cars loaded with bulk packages or containing certain hazardous materials. The bill also prohibits a railroad company, including a short line, from operating any train that exceeds 8,500 feet in length on any main line or branch line within the State. Any person or railroad company that violates this maximum length is liable for a civil penalty of at least $500 but not more than $1,000 per foot exceeding the maximum train length allowed under the bill. The maximum penalty allowed is $250,000 in instances of gross negligence or a pattern of repeated violations that cause an imminent hazard of death or injury or that have caused death or injury, regardless of train length. The owner or operator of a privately owned railroad is required to submit a copy of federally required bridge inspection reports to the Commissioner of Transportation, the Governor, and the Legislature. Under the bill, the Board of Public Utilities (board), in conjunction with Department of Transportation (DOT), is required to work with each railroad company that operates in the State to ensure that wayside detector systems are installed and are operating along railroad tracks on which the railroad company operates and to ensure that such systems meet certain standards. If a railroad company refuses to work or otherwise cooperate with the board and the DOT in good faith, the board and the DOT are required to investigate the railroad company's safety practices and standards to determine whether the company appears to be in compliance with federal railroad safety standards. If the railroad company does not appear to be in compliance, the board and the DOT are then required to make a report to the Federal Railroad Administration (administration), within 60 days after this determination, detailing the results of the investigation and recommending that the administration take enforcement action against the railroad company. The bill requires the board and the DOT to send a copy of the report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill requires that all non-profit labor organizations representing a class or craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier contractor officials (non-profit labor organizations) be permitted onto railroad property to assist in inspecting for safety hazards and are permitted to identify any alleged safety hazards. Finally, the bill requires the DOT to work with non-profit labor organizations and local emergency response service providers to apply for federal grants. With the exception of the maximum length provisions of the bill, this bill does not apply to certain Class III carriers as defined by the Surface Transportation Board. | In Committee |
| S3672 | Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." | This bill creates a uniform code for State and local government entities, as well as health care facilities, regarding the use of resources to aid federal immigration law enforcement, and designates the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." Under the bill, the definition of government entities includes any of the principal departments of the executive branch of State government and any parts or creations thereof, any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency, including any public institution of higher education. The bill's definition also includes political subdivisions of the State and combinations of political subdivisions, independent authorities, commissions, instrumentalities and agencies created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions. Under the bill, government entities and healthcare facilities are prohibited from collecting certain personal and identifying information unless it is strictly necessary for program or service administration. Any record resulting from that collection, whether written or oral, would not be a government record under the "Open Public Records Act" unless an election agency requires it to ascertain the eligibility of a candidate when citizenship is required for an elected office. Any record also shall not be disclosed except as required to administer benefits or services pursuant to State or federal law, or valid court order or warrant, issued by a federal Article III judge or magistrate or the State equivalent. The bill provides that the prohibition on sharing information may be waived if the subject of the record or information provides written consent in that person's preferred language. The written consent shall include the following: (1) the exact record or information to be shared; (2) the purpose for sharing the record or information; (3) a statement clarifying that consent is voluntary and declining to consent shall not result in discrimination or retaliation by the government entity; (4) a statement clarifying that consent may be revoked, but that revocation does not impact a record or information already shared via prior written consent provided pursuant to this section; and (5) the person or agency to receive the record or information. The bill requires government entities to review their confidentiality policies, guidance and recommendations to identify any changes necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the bill and make any changes as expeditiously as possible, but no later than one year after the bill becomes effective. The bill also requires these entities to share their policies prominently on their Internet websites. This bill also requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Public Defender, to prepare a written notice explaining in plain language the provisions of section 6 of the bill. Section 6 of the bill details the prohibition of certain actions by law enforcement. The bill requires the notice and all translations to be posted to the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety and to be considered vital documents pursuant to P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.). The Attorney General is also required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities in the development of standardized training and guidance for law enforcement to comply with the bill's provisions. The AG also shall provide mandatory training to all State, county and local law enforcement agencies within one year of the bill's effective date. Any newly sworn officer is required to complete this training within a year of the officer's appointment. The Department of Human Services is required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities to develop and lead a multilingual campaign to promote public awareness of the bill's requirements for law enforcement agencies. As part of the awareness campaign, DHS is required to publish the text of section 6 of the bill's provisions and a plain language summary and explanation of those requirements on its Internet website within 180 days of the bill's enactment. . Under the bill, the Attorney General is also required to consult with other government entities and stakeholders in the development of model policies for sensitive locations. These locations include health care facilities, public schools, public libraries, shelters, and any other locations deemed appropriate by the Attorney General to ensure that eligible individuals are not deterred from seeking services or engaging with government entities. The model policies prohibit the request or collection of certain information regarding a person's immigration status, place of birth or taxpayer identification except to determine eligibility for services or program benefits. The model policies prohibit assistance or participation of immigration enforcement, and prohibit the permission of immigration enforcement on entity premises that are not open without restriction to the general public. The Attorney General is required to publish the model policies on the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires government entities with authority to regulate sensitive places to adopt the model policies within 180 days of issuance by the Attorney General's office and encourages facilities not regulated by government entities to adopt the policies. The bill prohibits certain actions by law enforcement. Specifically, State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officials shall not: (1) stop, question, arrest, search, or detain any individual based on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status, or actual or suspected violations of federal civil immigration law; (2) inquire about an individual's immigration status, citizenship, place of birth, or eligibility for a social security number; (3) make an arrest, detain, or prolong the detention of an individual based on civil immigration warrants; (4) use agency or department moneys, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin; or (5) make agency or department databases available to anyone or any entity for the purpose of immigration enforcement or investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin. The bill nullifies any agreement, policy or practice in place that permits in conflict with this clause. Law enforcement agencies in the State are also prohibited from: (1) participating in civil immigration enforcement operations; (2) providing to federal immigration authorities any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular person; (3) providing access to any State, county, or municipal law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property; (4) providing access to a detained individual for an interview; (5) facilitating or complying with immigration detainers, notification requests, and transfer requests from federal immigration authorities; (6) continuing to detain a person past the time the person would otherwise be eligible for release from custody based solely on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant; (7) entering into, modifying, renewing, or extending any agreement to exercise federal immigration authority or conduct immigration enforcement pursuant to section 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g), or otherwise exercising federal civil immigration authority or conducting immigration enforcement outside of the purview of 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g); or (8) providing or sharing funds, property, equipment, personnel, or access to facilities or real property not open to the general public for purposes of engaging in, assisting, supporting, or facilitating immigration enforcement. The bill provides that violations of the prohibitions on police conduct in the bill would be enforceable under the "New Jersey Civil Rights Act," P.L.2004, c.143. If an agency or law enforcement official intends to comply with an immigration detainer, notification request, civil immigration warrant, or transfer request concerning a person in custody, a written explanation specifying the legal basis for that action is required to be given to the person is custody. Lastly, the bill requires each State, county, and municipal law enforcement agency to submit to the Attorney General a report that includes: (1) the number of detainer requests, transfer requests, and notification requests made by immigration authorities, and the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. For any request that was granted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting that request; (2) the number of interviews requested and the number of interviews conducted, either in person or telephonically, by immigration authorities of people in State, county, or municipal law enforcement custody. For each interview conducted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting the interview; (3) any other requests made by immigration authorities for the agency's participation in immigration enforcement, the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, and the legal basis for granting the request; and (4) to the extent the law enforcement agency has knowledge, any information about State, county, and municipal databases to which immigration authorities have had access to at any time in the course of the year, including: the name of the database; an overview of information available on the database; the purpose for which immigration authorities have access to this database; the process through which immigration authorities requested access and agencies reviewed this request, if applicable; any legal basis for providing immigration authorities access to the database; and the frequency with which immigration authorities accessed the database over the course of the year. Law enforcement agencies have 180 days after the effective date of the bill to produce the first report and must then annually submit a report within 30 days of the end of the State's fiscal year. The Attorney General is initially required to publish the report on the office's website within 90 days of receipt, and then within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year thereafter. The Attorney General is also required to annually submit to the Governor and Legislature a report on each law enforcement agency's compliance with the provisions of this act. | In Committee |
| S3665 | Requires certain State employees to receive training in cybersecurity best practices. | This bill requires State employees to receive training regarding using best safety practices while utilizing State computers. The bill requires the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) in the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, to establish the cybersecurity training program for all State employees in the Executive and Legislative Branch of government who have access to a State computer. The bill requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to adopt guidelines to implement the program. The training should include a review of best practices for using State computers including updating passwords; detecting phishing scams; preventing ransomware, spyware infections, and identity theft; and preventing and responding to data breaches. The NJCCIC provides cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. Located at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), the NJCCIC promotes Statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices. Cybersecurity is a growing concern for State government and the private sector. It has enormous implications for government security, economic prosperity, and public safety. | In Committee |
| S3669 | Bans regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroaklyl substances from menstrual products. | This bill bans the use of regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroaklyl (PFAS) substances from menstrual products. The bill defines menstrual products as those manufactured for the purpose of catching menstruation and vaginal discharge, including but not limited to a tampon, sanitary pad, disc, menstrual cup, and underwear. The term includes both disposable and reusable products. Under the bill, regulated PFAS are defined as PFAS which are intentionally added to a product and have a functional or technical effect in the product, including the PFAS components of intentionally added chemicals and PFAS that are intentional breakdown products of an added chemical that also have a functional or technical effect in the product, or the presence of PFAS in a product or product component at or above 10 parts per million, as measured in total organic fluorine. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a system to test for regulated PFAS and approve of laboratories to conduct the tests. Results of any test conducted pursuant to the bill are required to be available to the Department of Health for inspection, either from the manufacturer or the laboratory. A violation of the bill's provisions would be an unlawful practice under the "Consumer Fraud Act," P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), and would be punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. Additionally, a violation of the "Consumer Fraud Act" can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. The bill would be effective 18 months after enactment, but permits the commissioners of DEP and DOH to take anticipatory administrative action. | In Committee |
| S3644 | Requires inspections of retail cigarette and vapor product dealers. | This bill requires inspections of retail cigarette and vapor product dealers. The bill amends section 2 of P.L.2008, c.91 (C.2A:170-51.6) and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.425 (C.2A:170-51.12) to remove the following provision: an official authorized by "statute or ordinance to enforce the State or local health codes or a law enforcement officer having enforcement authority in that municipality shall issue a summons for a violation of the provisions of subsection a. of this section, and shall serve and execute all process with respect to the enforcement of this section consistent with the Rules of Court." The bill amends section 2 of P.L.2008, c.91 (C.2A:170-51.6) and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.425 (C.2A:170-51.12) to provide the following: (1) an official authorized by the Attorney General or the Commissioner of Health, including any county or municipal law enforcement agencies or their employees to enforce this section shall inspect retail dealers at least twice annually. A follow-up inspection shall be conducted within three months following a violation of this section; (2) when so ordered by the Attorney General or the Commissioner of Health and in accordance with the procedure set forth in section 1 of P.L.2011, c.80 (C.54:40B-13.1), any cigarettes or vapor products that are found to be the subject of a violation of this section, by a court of competent jurisdiction, shall be declared prima facie contraband goods, and may be subject to seizure and disposal or destruction; and (3) a penalty recovered under the provisions of this subsection shall be paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general uses of the municipality. | In Committee |
| S3553 | Establishes Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program to develop and expand career and technical education programs for high school students in the State. Under the bill, a grant awarded through the pilot program is to be used to support school districts in: (1) developing or expanding career and technical education programs for high school students; (2) acquiring or enhancing program equipment, technologies, or facilities for career and technical education programs; and (3) providing professional development for instructors of career and technical education programs. The bill directs the commissioner to establish selection criteria for the awarding of grants under the program and to select five districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program. Grants are to be awarded based upon review of the applications and subject to the availability of funds. Grantees are required to submit an annual report to the commissioner on the program's effect. The commissioner is required to annually report to the Governor and the Legislature on the program's effect. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the bill's purposes. | In Committee |
| S3552 | Establishes Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program to expand opportunities for dual enrollment in career and technical education. The program is to award grants to public institutions of higher education to expand or provide college-level career and technical education instruction for high school students through courses offered by the institution on its campus or in a high school. In order to be eligible for consideration of a grant award, a public institution of higher education is required to submit an application to the secretary in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary. A grant application is required to include: the institution's plan for the establishment of dual enrollment programs in career and technical education; information on any existing dual enrollment programs operated by the institution; the institution's capacity to offer career and technical education dual enrollment coursework, in addition to traditional academic semester course offerings; the number of students able to be supported by the grant program and the number of students expected to participate; and any other information the secretary deems necessary. The bill requires the secretary to establish selection criteria for awarding grant funds under the program and requires grants to be awarded through a competitive process based upon review of the applications and subject to the availability of funds. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the secretary is required to give preference to programs that are designed to operate beyond the duration of available grant funding. The secretary is required to establish the amount for each grant that is approved. Finally, the secretary is required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the grant program, following each year in which a grant is awarded. | In Committee |
| S3569 | Establishes "New Jersey Cybersecurity Grant Program"; appropriates $5 million from General Fund. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Cybersecurity Grant Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and appropriates $5 million from the General Fund. The "New Jersey Cybersecurity Grant Program" will award grants to sensitive businesses seeking to defray the costs, either in whole or in part, of acquiring target hardening equipment to mitigate cybersecurity risks. Sensitive businesses seeking a grant under the program will only be awarded once per fiscal year, with a maximum award amount of $100,000 per business. Sensitive businesses awarded under the program must be determined by the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to be at high risk of a cybersecurity incident that affects its operations within the State. Applications for the program will be submitted through the Internet website of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. Grant funds under the program will be administered on a reimbursement basis and will require the sensitive businesses awarded under the program to submit documentation of purchase orders, invoices, cancelled checks, or other transactional documents to the office prior to receiving reimbursement. For the purpose of this bill, "sensitive business" means a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association, or other for-profit or not-for-profit entity that is engaged in the financial or healthcare industries and does business in New Jersey. The term "sensitive business" includes a financial institution organized, chartered, or holding a license or authorization certificate in New Jersey or in any other state in the United States or in any other country, and includes the parent or the subsidiary of a financial institution. | In Committee |
| S2188 | Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of certain public community water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings or facilities to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease. | An Act concerning Legionnaires' disease and supplementing P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.) and Title 26 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2435 | Revises certain requirements concerning eligibility for reimbursement from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund." | An Act concerning the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" and amending P.L.1992, c.143. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1017 | Establishes right of sexual assault victim to notification of certain developments in criminal case. | An Act concerning the rights of victims of sexual assault and amending and supplementing P.L.2019, c.103 (C.52:4B-60.1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3474 | Appropriates $10,067,905 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants to certain nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses. | An Act appropriating $10,067,905 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to provide grants to assist qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4458 | Establishes exemptions and revises implementation timeline for requirement that newly constructed townhouses be installed with automatic fire sprinkler system. | An Act concerning the installation of certain fire sprinkler systems for newly constructed townhouses and amending P.L.2023, c.265. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3399 | Requires end-of-life recycling of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures. | Requires end-of-life recycling of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures. | Crossed Over |
| S3342 | Establishes exemptions and revises implementation timeline for requirement that newly constructed townhouses be installed with automatic fire sprinkler system. | Enacted in January 2024, P.L.2023, c.265 (C.52:27D-123.20) requires the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses for which a construction permit application has not been declared complete prior to August 1, 2024, the first day of the seventh month following the statute's enactment. This bill establishes exemptions to that law. Under the bill, a newly constructed townhouse subject to the one-and two-family dwelling subcode, adopted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-123), adopted as N.J.A.C.5:23-3.21, or succeeding subcode, is not subject to the provisions of P.L.2023, c.265 (C.52:27D-123.20) if an application for a construction permit or an application for development has been submitted to a State, county, or municipal agency prior to the date of enactment of this bill. The statute also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations incorporating International Residential Code guidance pertaining to such installations by June 1, 2024, the first day of the fifth month following the date of that statute's enactment. The bill would modify this requirement to allow the commissioner until the first day of the 12th month following the enactment of the statute to adopt these rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| S2025 | Appropriates $56,635,803,000 in State funds and $27,501,993,844 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2025. | This bill appropriates $56,635,803,000 in State funds and $27,501,993,844 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2025. Appropriates $56,635,803,000 in State funds and $27,501,993,844 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2025. | In Committee |
| S3528 | Establishes Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council in DOH; requires council to create report on human trafficking and 2026 FIFA World Cup; appropriates $1 million. | This bill creates the Governor's Survivor Leader Advisory Council (GSLAC) in the Department of Health, and appropriates $1 million. The GSLAC will be responsible for issuing a report to the Governor and Legislature related to anti-trafficking efforts the State may undertake as a host of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The council is required to hold at least eight meetings per year until the issuance of the report, the dates for which are to be determined by the chair of the council. The council consists of nine members, appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. Each member of the council is required to: (1) be a survivor of human trafficking; (2) have experience with developing or enforcing anti-trafficking policies; and (3) have experience with providing assistance and services to victims of human trafficking. The bill requires the council to: (1) evaluate existing law concerning human trafficking, and make recommendations for legislation to be introduced, and guidelines and directives to be issued by the Attorney General, to address the potential increase in human trafficking related crimes prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; (2) review existing assistance programs and analyze whether there is a need to expand current programs or initiate new programs in order to respond to the increased risk of human trafficking crimes prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; (3) promote a coordinated response to the increased risk in human trafficking crimes related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup by public and private resources prior to and during the event; and (4) prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, develop mechanisms to increase the public awareness of human trafficking, victim remedies and services, and trafficking prevention including the creation of public awareness signs to inform the State that persons may be trafficked into the State and United States. Under the bill, the report is required to include, but not be limited to, recommendations on: (1) best practices the State may take in order to raise awareness of human trafficking and how to identify trafficking victims; (2) information campaigns that raise awareness of the risk of human trafficking at large events; (3) the State issuing public service announcements prior to and during the World Cup to inform soccer fans that persons may be trafficked into the State and United States during the event; (4) the State establishing additional human trafficking hotlines for a period of time leading up to and during the World Cup; (5) changes that may be made to State laws related to human trafficking; (6) guidelines and directives to be issued by the Attorney General concerning the identification of and response by law enforcement and prosecuting agencies to the potential increase in human trafficking related crimes prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup; (7) engaging State and local organizations to aid with assessing the risk of human trafficking crimes and adopting necessary mitigation strategies; and (8) any other issues the council deems relevant for the prevention of human trafficking during the World Cup. The Department of Health is appropriated one million dollars for the establishment of the GSLAC and the implementation of the requirements established in the bill. The bill also requires the council to develop for distribution a public awareness campaign and signage related to the risk of human trafficking prior to and during the World Cup and requires any entity or business which is currently required to post human trafficking signs to also post the public awareness sign related to the World Cup. The bill requires the Attorney General to issue directives to any or all law enforcement and prosecuting agencies in the State related to the identification of and response to the increased risk of human trafficking crimes prior to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Finally, the bill requires the Commission on Human Trafficking to meet to ensure the implementation of the councils legislative recommendations before, during, and after the 2026 FIFA World Cup. | In Committee |
| SR99 | Urges EPA to adopt drinking water standard for microplastics and nanoplastics. | This resolution urges the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt drinking water standards for microplastics and nanoplastics. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that are less than five millimeters in length. Nanoplastics, a subset of microplastics, are even smaller plastic particles less than one micrometer in length, which is about the size of a bacterium and small enough to be undetectable by the naked eye. Microplastics and nanoplastics come from a variety of sources, some which are intentionally designed, such as microbeads, which are tiny pieces of manufactured polyethylene plastic that are added as an exfoliant to health and beauty products. However, most microplastics and nanoplastics are formed when larger pieces of plastic degrade into progressively smaller pieces. Microplastics and nanoplastics pass easily through water filtration systems and have been found in surface waters worldwide. Nanoplastics are found in bottled water, and a recent study from Columbia University found an average of 250,000 plastic particles in an average bottle of water, of which 90 percent were nanoplastics. Microplastics and nanoplastics are likely present in many other food products, such as meat due to plastic packaging, tap water, storm water, and even the air we breathe through synthetic textiles, construction materials, and landfills. Nanoplastics are small enough to enter the bodies of humans, pass through the intestines and lungs, and enter directly into the bloodstream, where they can travel to other organs, such as the heart and brain, invade individual cells, and even cross through the placenta to the bodies of unborn babies. Though there is limited human data on the health effects of microplastics and nanoplastics due to a lack of research, some recent studies suggest that exposure to microplastics and nanoplastics can cause negative health effects in humans by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysfunction, altered biochemical and energy metabolism, impaired cell proliferation, disrupted microbial metabolic pathways, abnormal organ development, and carcinogenicity. Plastic, unlike natural organic matter, does not change composition when it degrades, but divides and redivides into smaller and smaller particles of the same chemical composition for thousands of years, with no theoretical limit in size, and likely accumulates in the human body where it will remain until death. In 2024, the EPA announced final drinking water standards for six individual perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, which was the first time that drinking water standards have been finalized for a new chemical under the Safe Drinking Water Act since it was last updated in 1996. The EPA should set drinking water standards for acceptable levels of microplastics and nanoplastics in drinking water, as it has recently done for PFAS, but the EPA has declined to do so. Furthermore, a 2019 petition signed by 280 environmental organizations, including the WHO, public health, indigenous, and community non-governmental organizations, has urged the EPA to update plastics regulations under the Clean Water Act, which regulates the quality of, and discharges to, waters of the United States. The EPA's lack of action has permitted the plastics industry to continue to operate under largely unchanged standards from the original passage of the Clean Water Act fifty years ago which fail to limit the widespread proliferation of microplastics and nanoplastics. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4700 | Appropriates $56,635,803,000 in State funds and $27,501,993,844 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2025. | This bill appropriates $56,635,803,000 in State funds and $27,501,993,844 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2025. | Passed |
| S2024 | Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriations of $37,430,000; de-appropriates $24,000,000 in existing FY2024 appropriations; adds and modifies various FY2024 language provisions. | An Act to Amend and Supplement the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, P.L.2023, c.74. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3517 | Expands Division of State Police rank and grade titles. | This bill expands on certain Division of State Police titles that may change in rank and grade upon the approval of the Attorney General. Currently, the Superintendent of the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety may change or increase the rank and grade of any member or increase the number of personnel for the efficient operation of the division. These changes are to be approved by the Attorney General and budgeted within the limitations of the divisions' appropriations. This bill specifies the titles in which the superintendent may change or increase ranks and grades and which changes require the approval of the Attorney General. Specifically, the bill permits that the superintendent may change the ranks and grades of any trooper, detective, first-line supervisor, mid-level manager, or executive-level personnel for the efficient operation of the division without the approval of the Attorney General. Further, the bill provides that the superintendent may only make changes to command staff positions holding the rank of major and lieutenant colonel upon the approval of the Attorney General. The bill requires that any personnel changes should be achieved within the limitations of the division's appropriations, consistent with current law. | In Committee |
| S3491 | Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states. | This bill establishes certain protections for individuals seeking abortion or gender-affirming health care services, as well as certain protections for professionals who provided abortion-related health care services. Crime: Interference with Reproductive or Gender-Affirming Health Services This bill creates the new crime of "interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health services." A person is guilty of the crime if the person purposely or knowingly, with the purpose to unlawfully restrict another's access to or receipt or provision of reproductive or gender-affirming health care services or to intimidate the person from becoming or remaining a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer or assistant: (1) inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily injury; (2) obstructs any person seeking to enter into or exit from a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility; (3) intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any person or entity because that person or entity is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant; (4) damages, defaces, or destroys the property of a person, entity, or facility, or attempts to do so, because the person, entity, or facility is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care service patient, provider, assistant, volunteer, or facility; (5) videotapes, films, photographs, or records by electronic means, within 100 feet of the entrance to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility, a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant without that person's consent; or (6) discloses or distributes a videotape, film, photograph, or recording of the person. Interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a crime of the fourth degree, but is a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers significant or serious bodily injury. Further, interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a disorderly persons offense if the act would cause a reasonable person to suffer: (1) damage to the victim's business or personal reputation; (2) financial harm; or (3) pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional harm. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is a punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Civil Action: Interference with Reproductive or gender-affirming Health Services The bill also authorizes a person to bring a civil action against a person who unlawfully interferes with another person's reproductive or gender-affirming health care services. Under the bill, a court may award: (1) injunctive relief; (2) compensatory damages in an amount not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $1,000 for each violation; (3) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law; (4) reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs; and (5) any other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate. Under the bill, the Attorney General may bring a civil action to enjoin a violation of the law, for compensatory damages, and for the assessment of a civil penalty against each person who violates the law. The civil penalty imposed on each actor will be up to, but not exceed, $10,000 for a first violation, and $25,000 for any subsequent violation. Dispersal of Gatherings The bill authorized any law enforcement officer to order the immediate dispersal of a gathering that substantially impedes access to or departure from an entrance or driveway to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care facility during the business hours of the facility. Failure to comply with an order to disperse issued by the Attorney General or a law enforcement officer is a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Licensing Boards The bill prohibits a board from imposing any additional or alternative penalties, in accordance with N.J.S.A.34:1-22, on the holder of a certificate, registration, or license based solely on the holder providing, authorizing, participating, referring to, or assisting with any health care, medical service, or procedure related to an abortion for a person who resides in a jurisdiction where the provision, authorization, participation, referral, or assistance is illegal. Applicability of Laws of Other States The bill establishes that a law of another state that authorized a person or government entity to bring a prosecution, civil action, or any other legal action to deter, prevent, sanction, or punish any person engaging, aiding, or assisting in providing or prescribing any legally protected health care activity is against the public policy of this State. Further, such laws of another state are prohibited from being applied to any matter, case, or controversy heard in a State court or in an administrative tribunal of this State. The prohibition does not apply to an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the laws of this State, or an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the similar laws of another state. This includes, but is not limited to, an alleged act of malpractice or negligence by a person in the person's profession or occupation. Protection of Patient Information This bill updates P.L.2022, c.51 to provide a definition of "legally protected health care activity" and "gender-affirming health care services." P.L.2022, c.51 provides certain protections with respect to the disclosure of patient information relating to reproductive health care services, as well as protecting access to health care, medical services, and procedures related to an abortion for persons who come to this State from jurisdictions in which these actions are illegal. The bill provides that in any civil action or other proceeding preliminary thereto, a medical provider or other covered entity, as described under federal law concerning medical privacy and security, is barred from disclosing the following communications or information, unless the patient or patient's conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative explicitly consented in writing to the disclosure: (1) any communication made to the covered entity, or any information obtained by the covered entity from, a patient or the conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity; or (2) any information obtained by personal examination of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity that is permitted under the laws of this State. Additionally, under the bill, a public entity of this State or employee, appointee, officer or official or any other person acting on behalf of a public entity would be prohibited from providing any information, or expending or using time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel or other resources in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon a person or entity for: (1) the provision, receipt, or seeking of, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State; or (2) assisting, advising, aiding, abetting, facilitating, soliciting, or conspiring with any person or entity providing, receiving, seeking, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State. Extradition This bill updates N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 to prevent a person from being extradited to another state under certain circumstances related to "legally protected health care activity." Under current law, N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 prevents extradition as it relates to "reproductive health care services." Under the bill, "Legally protected health care activity" is defined as activity providing, seeking, receiving, assisting with, or inquiring about reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services that are lawful in this State, regardless of the patient's location. Relatedly, the bill also defines "gender-affirming health care services" to mean all supplies, care, and services of a medical, behavioral health, mental health, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative, rehabilitative, or supportive nature, including medication, relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. "Gender-affirming health care services" does not include sexual orientation change efforts as defined by N.J.S.A.45:1-55. In Vitro Fertilization Protections This bill strengthens reproductive health care freedom in New Jersey by specifying that: every individual present in this State, including, but not limited to, an individual who is under State control or supervision, shall have the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including, but not limited to in vitro fertilization (IVF); and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under any of the laws of the State. Medicolegal Investigations This bill removes the requirement that a medical examiner conduct a medicolegal investigation of a death in the State related to a fetal death occurring without medical attendance. This provisions seeks to ensure that a woman who has a miscarriage or fetal complications is not investigated or the fetal death criminalized. Repealers The bill repeals the following statutes, which have either been obviated by court decision or would be obviated by this bill: (1) N.J.S.A.2A:65A-5 through N.J.S.A.2A:65A-7 (banned partial birth abortions); (2) N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.1 through N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.12 (required parental notification for minors' abortion); (3) N.J.S.A.30:4D-6.1 (barred Medicaid payment for abortion except where necessary to save the woman's life). | In Committee |
| SCR81 | Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. | If approved by the voters of the State, this proposed constitutional amendment would increase the amount of the veterans' property tax deduction from the current $250 to $2,500. The increase would occur over four years. Veterans who are honorably discharged from active service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces qualify for the deduction. A qualified veteran's surviving spouse would receive the deduction after the qualified veteran dies. The amendment would increase the amount of the deduction to $1,000 in tax year 2025, $1,500 in tax year 2026, $2,000 in tax year 2027, and $2,500 in tax year 2028, and every tax year thereafter. The voters of the State last approved an increase in the amount of the deduction in 1999, from $50 to $250, over four years. The amount of the deduction has been $250 since 2003. | In Committee |
| S3436 | Permits use of credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment for bingo, raffles, and penny auctions. | This bill would permit the use of credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic payment devices for the sale of shares, tickets, or rights to participate in raffles, bingo games, penny auctions, and any other legalized games of chance the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission deems appropriate. The bill requires the commission to adopt regulations to accept credit cards and other electronic payments. Current law does not expressly permit the use of credit card or electronic payments to purchase shares, tickets, or rights to participate in legalized games of chance such as raffles, bingo, and penny auctions. | In Committee |
| S3101 | Requires businesses in financial, essential infrastructure, and health care industries to report cybersecurity incidents. | This bill would require sensitive businesses to report certain cybersecurity incidents promptly to the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC). For the purposes of this bill, a "cybersecurity incident" means an event occurring on or conducted through a computer network that jeopardizes the integrity, confidentiality, or availability of, or information residing on, computers, information systems, communications systems networks, physical or virtual infrastructure controlled by computers, or information systems. The bill would direct the NJCCIC to audit the relevant business no later than 30 days after being made aware of an incident. Cybersecurity audits would be conducted by a qualified and independent cybersecurity company at the sensitive business' expense. | In Committee |
| S3100 | Requires businesses in financial essential infrastructure, and health care industries to develop cybersecurity plans and report cybersecurity incidents. | Requires businesses in financial essential infrastructure, and health care industries to develop cybersecurity plans and report cybersecurity incidents. | In Committee |
| S2855 | Extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. | This bill extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in approved career and technical education programs and to dependents of certain military members who served in Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. P.L.2015, c.117 established Military Dependents Scholarships for the costs of undergraduate study at a public or independent institution of higher education to the spouse, child, or other eligible dependent of a New Jersey resident who is killed, officially listed as "Missing in Action" by the United States Department of Defense, or totally and permanently disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a consequence of Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, or Operation New Dawn. As of November 2021, no scholarships have been awarded through this law. Additionally, the Military Dependents Scholarship Fund has not yet been established, as no State appropriations or private donations have been made for such fund. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority will establish the fund when an initial appropriation or donation is received for the fund's purpose. This bill extends eligibility for Military Dependents Scholarships to students enrolled in a career and technical education program approved by the board of trustees of the Military Dependent Scholarship Fund. The bill updates the list of qualifying military engagements referenced in the law to include the most recent engagements, Operation Freedom's Sentinel and Operation Inherent Resolve. Several years have passed since the enactment of the law and no scholarships have been awarded in the intervening years. Accordingly, in the case of a spouse or other eligible dependent, the bill increases the eligibility period for a Military Dependents Scholarship from 15 years to 21 years from the date of death of the person, the date the person is officially listed as "Missing in Action," or the date upon which the person is certified to have been totally and permanently disabled for initial receipt of the program's benefits. Operation Noble Eagle officially began on September 12, 2001, and is the name given to military operations to support homeland security and support federal, State, and local agencies in the wake of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name for the Global War on Terrorism, began in October 2001. This operation primarily refers to the War in Afghanistan, although additional missions are included in the operation. Operation Enduring Freedom was completed in 2014. Subsequent operations in Afghanistan by the United States military were completed under the official name Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Operation Freedom's Sentinel was a coalition mission to train, advise, and assist Afghan National Defense and Security Forces and to conduct counterterrorism operations against the remnants of al Qaeda. Operation Iraqi Freedom began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a United States led coalition which overthrew the Iraqi government of Saddam Hussein, and continued through 2011 as the collation forces fought an insurgency in Iraq. Operation Inherent Resolve, begun in 2014, is the name given to United States military and coalition forces united to support the Iraqi Security Force operations and to complete military campaigns in Iraq, Syria, and Libya. | In Committee |
| S2879 | Creates Office of Sustainability. | This bill would create the Office of Sustainability in the Department of the Treasury. The office would be responsible for developing and implementing environmental sustainability measures in all State buildings and coordinating with all owners of real property in which State agencies are located in an effort to implement environmental sustainability practices in those buildings. These measures and practices would include using resources efficiently and minimizing raw material resource consumption, maximizing resource reuse, creating healthy working environments, and protecting and restoring the natural environment. Specifically, the office would: (1) develop and implement initiatives to improve energy efficiency, increase water conservation, reduce carbon footprints, and implement applicable principles set forth in various green building rating systems, in State buildings; (2) oversee standardized energy audits at least once every three years at all State buildings, and oversee the implementation of the recommendations contained in those audits; and (3) coordinate with the Division of Purchase and Property for the procurement by every State agency of various energy efficient and environmentally sustainable products. | In Committee |
| S1032 | Requires DHS and DCF to conduct study on service provider workforce, and to evaluate rates paid to, and assess cost of living adjustments for, service providers. | Requires DHS and DCF to conduct study on service provider workforce, and to evaluate rates paid to, and assess cost of living adjustments for, service providers. | In Committee |
| S2010 | Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding. | This bill supplements the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977" and requires a minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding, thereby reinstating New Jersey's only State appropriated, unrestricted fund for local health departments. Such appropriation will be expended in accordance to the provisions of the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977." From 1966 to 2010, under the "State Health Aid Act" and later amended as the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," the State provided local health departments with flexibility to address local needs, emerging threats, and other priorities via the appropriation of dedicated funds. The State eliminated Public Health Priority Funding in the FY 2011 Appropriations Act. For context, in FY 2010, Public Health Priority Funding amounted to approximately 15 percent of the total funding for local health departments. Currently, local health departments in New Jersey are funded via local property taxes and State and federal funding that is designated for specific purposes, such as vaccines or environmental health services. | In Committee |
| SCR109 | Honors 40th anniversary of Jersey Fresh program. | This concurrent resolution honors the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program. The agricultural industry is critical to ensuring New Jersey residents have access to healthy food and plays a key role in the State's economy by helping to keep property taxes low, increase property values, and garner State revenue. In 1984, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture established the Jersey Fresh program, the first in the nation state-sponsored agricultural commodity marketing and quality grading program, to promote the State's agricultural industry. The Jersey Fresh program helps support family owned farms across New Jersey through its marketing campaigns that inform shoppers of what produce is in season and encourage consumers to shop local. The Jersey Fresh program's distinct label placed on locally harvested produce assists consumers easily differentiate fruits and vegetables grown in New Jersey from other produce in the marketplace. The Jersey Fresh program encourages consumers to purchase locally grown produce through its quality and freshness guarantees. Specifically, the Jersey Fresh quality grading program requires Jersey Fresh produce to meet U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing grade or better. With this added quality assurance, the Jersey Fresh label guarantees that its produce was freshly harvested in New Jersey, has been inspected, and meets high quality standards. The Jersey Fresh program has demonstrated success in increasing New Jersey consumers' awareness of, and willingness to purchase, locally harvested produce. Consumer recognition of Jersey Fresh products has extended beyond the State to the mid-Atlantic and New England markets and, in 2020, was on par with that of other major national brands. Today, the Jersey Fresh program is recognized as a national model for other state-sponsored agricultural branding programs. The Jersey Fresh program's innovative marketing strategies have contributed to the program's longevity and popularity. New Jersey produces over 100 types of fruits and vegetables and is nationally ranked in the top 10 producers of blueberries, peaches, bell peppers, squash, tomatoes, and cranberries. The Jersey Fresh program has expanded across the State and is available to New Jersey residents in every county, including at over 2,000 On-Farm Markets run by local New Jersey farmers, community farmers markets, major retail stores, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The Jersey Fresh program's popularity and demonstrated success has also inspired related programs modeled after the Jersey Fresh program, including the Made with Jersey Fresh program, which identifies processed food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients; the Jersey Grown program, which advertises New Jersey grown plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers; the Jersey Raised program, which markets livestock raised in New Jersey; and the Jersey Seafood program, which promotes aquacultured and wild-caught fish and seafood products harvested off of New Jersey's coast. | In Committee |
| S3387 | Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." | This bill sets forth certain requirements governing court ordered domestic violence counseling and creates the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee" within the Department of Children and Families. Under current law, as part of a final restraining order issued by the court in a domestic violence matter, the court may order the defendant to receive professional domestic violence counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court and, in that event, require the defendant to provide the court with documentation of attendance. Under the bill, any domestic violence counseling program in which a defendant participates based on a court order issued in a domestic violence matter would include the following components: (1) risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence and escalating risk factors, and include information provided by the courts; (2) working collaboratively with the courts to support offender accountability, requiring that offenders be held accountable for their behavior, and that offenders are provided with services geared towards behavioral change; (3) information and education concerning the tactics of power and control and the understanding of domestic violence as a domination and control issue; (4) a protocol to demonstrate the defendant's attendance in programming, and additional reporting as requested by the court to support a prompt and effective review by the court for noncompliance; and (5) regular reviews of the program and compliance by the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence or the Department of Children and Families for Batterers' Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Children and Families. The bill creates within the Department of Children and Families, the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." The advisory committee is to include representatives from the following: Administrative Office of the Courts, including representatives of the Municipal Court and the Family and Criminal Divisions of Superior Court; Department of Corrections; Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Department of Law and Public Safety; Department of Education; domestic violence advocates who represent underserved communities in rural and urban settings; practicing licensed mental health professional; community providers with experience providing treatment to domestic violence perpetrators; a person who has received abuse intervention services; community organizers providing restorative justice practices; and faith community leaders. In consultation with the committee, the Department of Children and Families would select an existing evidence-based, evidence-supported or promising Batterers' Intervention Program model. Based on strategic priorities and subject to the availability of funds, the Department of Children and Families is responsible for funding the selected abuse intervention programs. The Department of Children and Families is to access consultation and technical assistance from selected model developers or other field experts; support the development, refinement, and maintenance of the necessary implementation infrastructure including, but not limited to, model refinement, training, quality improvement, and evaluation; and provide periodic progress updates to the committee on the selected Batterers' Intervention Program model. The domestic violence counseling provisions of this bill embody recommendation 18 of the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence issued June 2016. | In Committee |
| S3352 | Establishes third degree crime for certain trespasses involving victim of domestic violence. | This bill provides that a person commits a crime of the third degree if, intending to cause annoyance or injury or intending to commit a crime, the person enters the dwelling of a victim of domestic violence protected by a domestic violence restraining order against the actor. Moreover, the bill creates a presumption that the actor did intend to cause annoyance or injury or to commit a crime if a domestic violence restraining order is in place, or if the actor has been convicted of or charged with a crime or offense arising from a domestic violence incident involving the victim. Finally, the bill provides that no presumption of nonincarceration shall apply to persons convicted of such crime. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A3939 | Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for professional firefighters not enrolled in SHBP, but who are eligible for SHBP by virtue of public employment. | An Act mandating access to periodic cancer screening examinations for full-time paid firefighters not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program, and amending P.L.2021, c.478. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1065 | Establishes New Jersey Veteran Services Grant Program in DMVA; makes appropriation. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Veteran Services Grant Program to assist veterans in applying for and receiving State and federal benefits and to provide training for veterans service officers employed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The grants will be awarded to qualified veterans' organizations on a competitive basis based on criteria developed by DMVA. An application for a grant must have a detailed outline of the training that will be provided to State veterans service officers or the number of additional veterans service officers the organization will provide to assist veterans with applying for and receiving State and federal benefits, or both. Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature. Under the bill, "qualified veterans' organization" is defined as a nonprofit veterans' organization that qualifies as a section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or a federally chartered Veterans' Service Organization. This bill also appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the department to defray the costs of the grant program. | In Committee |
| S2358 | Requires certain electric public utilities to file emergency response plan with BPU. | This bill requires the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (board) to establish a set of standards for emergency preparation and restoration of service after an outage that every investor-owned electric public utility (utility) in the State must follow. The standards are intended to serve as a minimum set of best practices that every utility in the State should follow with regard to power outages. The bill establishes that a utility which fails to meet these standards shall be fined $10,000 per violation, per day. The total amount of the fine is limited to $1 million for a series of related events. The board can investigate a violation on its own initiative or upon request from the Governor, from county freeholders affected by an outage, or from a municipality affected by an outage. The bill also requires every utility to file an emergency response plan with the board. This plan would serve as an official plan of action for each utility in the event of a major power outage and must include: the identification of management staff responsible for utility operations during an emergency; an explanation of the utility's system of communication with customers during an emergency that extends beyond normal business hours and business conditions; a history of contacts with customers that document a need of essential electricity for medical reasons; designation of utility staff to communicate with local officials and relevant regulatory agencies; provisions regarding how the utility will ensure the safety of its employees and contractors; procedures for deploying utility and mutual aid crews to work assignment areas; and identification of supplies and equipment anticipated to be needed by the utility during an emergency and the means of obtaining additional supplies and equipment. If a utility fails to file an emergency response plan, the board can fine the utility $1,000 per day until a plan is filed. If the board investigates a utility after an outage and finds that the utility failed to follow its emergency response plan, the board is directed to impose a fine that reflects the severity of the damage caused by failing to follow the plan. Any fines imposed by the board under this bill are to be placed in a non-lapsing account administered by the board. Monies in the account are to be distributed as grant funds to municipalities affected by power outages for maintenance costs along rights of way near utility infrastructure, such as tree trimming near power lines or removing hazards that could potentially cause a future outage. | In Committee |
| S1059 | Establishes Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program; appropriates $3 million. | Due to the nature of law enforcement work, with its associated risks, danger, and stress, law enforcement officers face a high probability of developing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses. Law enforcement officers commonly feel that disclosure of mental illness will result in negative professional consequences up to and including job loss, creating a culture in which officers often do not divulge mental health struggles and do not seek appropriate and necessary treatment. Family members of law enforcement officers often face unique stressors related to their loved ones' employment and may have an elevated need for mental health services. To address these concerns, the bill establishes the Law Enforcement Critical Mental Health Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Human Services. The purpose of the program is to award grants to mental health providers to provide confidential mental health services to law enforcement officers or family members of the law enforcement officers who are in a mental health crisis or suicidal. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services is required to develop an application by which a mental health provider may apply for a grant for funding to provide mental health services pursuant to the provisions of the bill. The commissioner is required to establish selection criteria for the awarding of grants under the program. The bill provides that consideration is to be given to the geographical location of mental health providers and the areas where they provide services in order to facilitate patients traveling less than one hour to receive mental health services, to the greatest extent possible. Under the bill, the commissioner is to provide notice of the availability of funding for this program and make the application available on the department's Internet website. Upon receipt of an application, the commissioner is required to review the application and, subject to the availability of funds, award a grant to each approved grant applicant. Additionally, under the bill, the commissioner is required to publish a list of approved mental health providers on the department's Internet website. | In Committee |
| S1075 | Establishes "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program; appropriates $500,000. | This bill establishes the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" and appropriates an additional $500,000 from the General Fund to this fund to support the "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program in the current fiscal year and ongoing. The "Law Enforcement Officer Crisis Intervention Services" Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program is a 24-hour confidential peer support hotline and service for law enforcement personnel and their families. This program is currently operated at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care's National Call Center. The Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program currently receives up to $400,000 annually from Body Armor Replacement Funds pursuant to R.S.39:5-41. This bill would dedicate an additional $500,000 to the "Cop 2 Cop Sustainability Fund" to support the Cop 2 Cop telephone hotline program. | In Committee |
| S3265 | "Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act"; requires Internet-connected devices to have blocking capability in certain circumstances. | This bill, to be known as the "Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation Prevention Act," makes it an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, lease, or distribute a product that makes content accessible on the Internet unless the product contains digital blocking capability that renders any obscene material inaccessible. Additionally, it would be an unlawful practice for a minor to receive such a product unless the digital blocking capability is active and properly operating. Under the bill, a person who manufactures, sells, offers for sale, leases, or distributes a product that makes content accessible on the Internet is to: (1) make reasonable and ongoing efforts to ensure that the digital content blocking capability functions properly; (2) establish a reporting mechanism, such as a website or call center, to allow a consumer to report unblocked obscene material or report blocked material that is not obscene; (3) ensure that all child pornography and revenge pornography is inaccessible on the product; (4) prohibit the product from accessing any hub that facilitates prostitution; and (5) render websites that are known to facilitate human trafficking inaccessible. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. Additionally, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. The bill provides that any digital blocking capability may be deactivated after a consumer: requests in writing that the capability be disabled; presents identification to verify that he or she is 18 years of age or older; acknowledges receiving a written warning regarding the potential danger of deactivating the digital blocking capability; and pays a one-time $20 digital access fee. A person who manufactures, sells, offers for sale, leases, or distributes a product that makes content accessible on the Internet may elect to pay a $20 opt-out fee for each product that enters this State's stream of commerce. The digital access fee and opt-out fee would be collected and submitted by the manufacturer or seller to the State Treasurer each quarter, to be forwarded to the Attorney General to help fund the operations of the Commission on Human Trafficking. If the digital blocking capability blocks material that is not obscene and the block is reported to a call center or reporting website, the material is to be unblocked within a reasonable time, but no later than five business days after the block is first reported. A consumer may seek judicial relief to unblock filtered content. The Attorney General or a consumer may file a civil suit for any report of unblocked obscene material that does not receive a response. The Attorney General or consumer may seek damages of up to $500 for each piece of content that was reported but not subsequently blocked. The prevailing party in the civil action may seek attorneys' fees. | In Committee |
| SJR116 | Designates May 15 of each year as "Water Safety Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution declares May 15 of each year as "Water Safety Day" in the State of New Jersey to raise public awareness of best practices in accident and injury prevention around bodies of water. The Red Cross specifies water competence as maintaining awareness of water conditions, knowing physical limitations, and never swimming alone. When practiced safely, water activities may encourage healthy development, improved confidence, and collective wellbeing. Drowning, a consequence of unsafe aquatic behavior, is the second leading cause of death for children ages five to 14, and a leading cause for ages one to 17. More children ages one through four die from drowning than from any other cause, except birth defects. Drowning results in over 4,000 unintentional fatalities each year and accounts for an estimated $53 billion in direct and indirect costs. For each child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency room care for non-fatal water related injuries. These nonfatal drownings can cause a number of long-term, significant cognitive and motor skill impairments. Victims of drowning are disproportionately individuals of color, and 45 percent of Hispanic children and 64 percent of African-American children lack the ability to swim. Forty-six percent of parents of children ages four through 17, 39 percent of African-Americans, 61 percent of men, and 42 percent of women say they can perform basic water skills. Seventy-nine percent of children in households with incomes under $50,000 have limited or no ability to swim. Other states have enacted legislation to recognize water injury prevention and the role that aquatic activities play in good physical health, mental health, and quality of life. Tennessee and Georgia have issued proclamations to respect Water Safety Month. Washington, too, has enacted "Yori's Law," designating May 15 as Water Safety day in the State. May 15 is National and International water safety day, committed to raise awareness about water safety and the importance of public education regarding safe water practices. In keeping, it is in the best interest of this State - as a diverse and coastal environment - to acknowledge the importance of water competence with this commemorative day. | In Committee |
| S3229 | Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs. | This bill permits the inclusion of workforce training programs in the Tuition Aid Grant Program. Under current law, the Tuition Aid Grant Program is limited to institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions with degree-granting programs approved by the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. This bill requires the authority to designate qualified workforce training programs to participate in the tuition aid grant program. Designations are not limited to the degree-granting programs of an institution. Under the bill, the authority is to determine eligibility criteria for participation in the tuition aid grant program. At minimum, to be eligible to participate in the tuition aid grant program, a workforce training program is to: (1) require students to attend, at minimum, 150 hours of classroom instruction; (2) offer an industry-valued credential or employer-valued credential; and (3) have an average completion rate of at least 70 percent, as well as an average job placement rate of at least 70 percent. | In Committee |
| S3221 | Establishes "New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force." | This bill would establish the "New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force" in the Department of Agriculture, comprised of nine members. The task force would be required to: (1) study the most efficient methods of controlling and limiting the spread of invasive species; (2) develop a plan to prevent new invasive species from entering the State and limit the continuing spread of invasive species that are already present; (3) develop a plan to restore threatened or fragile ecosystems to their natural condition; (4) repair damage caused by invasive species; (5) develop uniform policies and a coordinated response to the threat posed by invasive species to the State's native and agricultural vegetation, and ecological, cultural, historical, or infrastructure resources; (6) identify regulatory and statutory obstacles and inefficiencies at the federal, State, and local levels impeding the development or implementation of prevention, control, and restoration efforts; and (7) prepare a comprehensive invasive species management plan for the State that includes an estimate of the resources necessary for its implementation. The task force which would be comprised of five ex officio members or their designees, including the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Commissioner of Health, the State Forester, and the Executive Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station at Rutgers, the State University. The task force would also include four public members, all of whom would have extensive knowledge of invasive species, to be appointed as follows: (1) two public members to be appointed by the Governor; (2) one public member to be appointed by the President of the Senate; and (3) one public member to be appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. This bill would designate the Secretary of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, or their respective designees, as co-chairpersons of the New Jersey Invasive Species Task Force. The task force would be required to hold quarterly meetings throughout the State, and at least one public meeting would be required to take place on an annual basis in southern New Jersey, central New Jersey, and northern New Jersey. The task force would also be required to prepare and update every three years, a comprehensive list of all invasive species in the State, and prepare an annual report to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S3220 | Establishes cybersecurity employment grant program for qualified businesses; appropriates $750,000. | This bill establishes a program in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) for the purpose of awarding grants for the creation and establishment of cybersecurity specialist positions in small to mid-sized businesses located in New Jersey. Under the program, the DOLWD is to provide grants, in an amount as determined by the DOLWD, to one or more "qualified small to mid-sized business" to assist with the establishment and hiring of a "cybersecurity specialist position," as defined in the bill, within that business. Under the bill, the term "qualified small to mid-sized business" would include a business entity employing fewer than 500 employees that is independently owned and operated, that operates primarily within this State, and that satisfies other criteria that may be established by the DOLWD. The bill establishes eligibility requirements for business participation in the program. Additionally, the bill designates the responsibilities of both the DOLWD, such as the DOLWD's responsibility to work in conjunction with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the Department of Banking and Insurance, and the Office of the Attorney General in administering the program, and the participating small to mid-sized businesses, such as the responsibility to provide quarterly reports to the DOLWD. The bill includes an appropriation of $750,000 from the General Fund to the DOLWD to administer the program. | In Committee |
| S2890 | Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for professional firefighters not enrolled in SHBP, but who are eligible for SHBP by virtue of public employment. | This bill mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for firefighters who waive employer-sponsored health care coverage, but are eligible for coverage under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) by virtue of employment with a public employer that participates in the SHBP. Current law entitles a firefighter enrolled in the SHBP, or a firefighter employed by a public employer that does not participate in the SHBP, to a cancer screening examinations every three years and specifies that the State will reimburse providers or such public employers an amount not to exceed $1,250 per three-year period. The bills extends these reimbursement provisions to firefighters who waive employer-sponsored health care coverage, but are eligible for coverage under the SHBP by virtue of employment with a public employer that participates in the SHBP. | In Committee |
| S3202 | Establishes municipal water infrastructure planning and design project grant program in DEP; appropriates $100 million. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a program to provide grants to municipalities that undertake planning and design projects related to prospective water infrastructure projects. In order to be eligible for a grant, a planning and design project would be required to be in support of a water infrastructure project that would be eligible for financing under the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program, carried out jointly by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The maximum grant award per project would be $2 million. Municipalities would not be required to provide matching funds in order to be eligible for a grant. The bill would also require the DEP to provide priority to applications for projects located in overburdened communities. Under the bill, the DEP would determine the application procedures and criteria for evaluating applications. The bill would require the DEP to report to Governor and the Legislature on the progress of the program in achieving its goals. Finally, the bill would appropriate $100 million from the General Fund to the DEP for the purposes of the grant program established by the bill. | In Committee |
| S3176 | Provides for Medicaid coverage of certain home blood pressure monitors and cuffs for pregnant persons at risk for preeclampsia. | This bill requires the State Medicaid program to cover a validated home blood pressure monitor and arm cuff, and reimburse for a medical provider's time to educate and train a patient on the proper use of the monitor and cuff, for pregnant enrollees whose physician or certified nurse midwife determines to be at risk for preeclampsia. It is the sponsor's belief that providing Medicaid enrollees with access to a home-based blood pressure monitor and cuff, along with training on the proper utilization of the device, will help improve maternal health outcomes in the State. Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder that typically occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy and, less commonly, during the first six weeks postpartum. Currently, preeclampsia affects five to eight percent of pregnant persons, or approximately 5,000 to 8,000 individuals in New Jersey annually. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Black and African American pregnant persons are disproportionately affected by this potentially serious medical condition. Undiagnosed or mismanaged preeclampsia can negatively affect a pregnant person's liver, kidney, and brain function. Preeclampsia is also a leading cause of preterm birth and low infant birth weight. As such, regular monitoring of a pregnant person's blood pressure, both during office visits and at home, are essential for the early identification and treatment of preeclampsia. | In Committee |
| S3175 | Removes registered apprenticeship program requisites of public work contractors; sets apprenticeship standards for prevailing wage projects. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act" by setting a standard for apprenticeship programs if a contractor or subcontractor chooses to participate in an apprenticeship program. The bill revises "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act" by removing the requirement that a contractor participate in a registered apprenticeship program in order to be eligible for public works projects. | In Committee |
| S3143 | Requires hospitals and nursing homes to provide access to certain interpreter services for deaf and hard of hearing. | This bill requires each hospital and nursing home licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) to make interpreter services for the deaf and hard of hearing available to patients 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Interpreter services will include, at minimum, interpreter services provided through electronic means including, but not limited to, video remote interpreting services and artificial intelligence-assisted interpreting services, as approved by the Commissioner of Health. | In Committee |
| S2422 | Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD. | Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD. | In Committee |
| S323 | Requires MVC to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of certain school buses. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to conduct a minimum of two annual inspections of school buses through the MVC school bus enhanced safety inspection program (program). In addition to the annual scheduled inspection of school buses required under current law, MVC is also required to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections. The bill also provides that any fine imposed pursuant to the "School Bus Enhanced Safety Inspection Act" that is collected and remitted to the MVC is required to be used for the continued administration of the program. | In Committee |
| S1060 | Requires public schools to develop policy for emergency administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and use of manual vagus nerve stimulators on students with seizure disorders. | This bill requires a board of education to develop a policy in accordance with the guidelines established by the Department of Education for the emergency administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and the emergency use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator on a student with a seizure disorder. Pursuant to the policy, the school nurse is to have the primary responsibility for the administration of nasal seizure rescue medication. The certified school nurse is required to designate at least two additional employees of the school district who volunteer to administer the nasal seizure rescue medication and use a manual vagus nerve stimulator on a student when the school nurse is not physically present at the scene. The certified school nurse is required to determine that:· the designees have been properly trained;· the parents of the student consent in writing to the administration of the nasal seizure rescue medication and use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator by the designees;· the parents are informed in writing that the district and its employees have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the nasal seizure rescue medication and the use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator; and· the parents sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the district has no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the nasal seizure rescue medication and the use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator. The policy developed by the school district is to require: (1) the transportation of the student to a hospital emergency room by emergency services personnel after the administration of the nasal seizure rescue medication, and if indicated in the emergency action plan after the use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator. The student is to be evaluated and receive medical clearance in order to return to school; (2) an alternative plan in the case that a student's seizure action plan does not permit the administration of nasal seizure rescue medication or the use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator by a designee; and (3) the parent to provide an ample supply of the prescribed nasal seizure rescue medication to the school nurse and to the designees. Alternatively, if provided for in the seizure action plan, the nasal seizure rescue medication may be permitted to be carried on the student's person. The Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health, appropriate medical experts, and professional organizations representing school nurses, principals, and teachers, is required to establish and disseminate to each board of education guidelines for the development of a policy by a school district for the emergency administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and the use of a manual vagus nerve stimulator on students. The Departments of Education and Health are also required to jointly develop protocols, in consultation with the New Jersey State School Nurses Association, for the training of additional school employees as volunteer designees to administer the nasal seizure rescue medication and use a manual vagus nerve stimulator when the school nurse is not physically present. The bill requires the Department of Education to take appropriate action to ensure that each school district incorporates age-appropriate education on epilepsy and seizure disorders, consistent with the classroom education programs developed by the Epilepsy Foundation of America, at least once between kindergarten and third grade and at least once between grades six and 12. The bill will take effect on the first day of the 12th month next following the date of enactment, except that the Department of Education may take anticipatory administrative action to implement the bill's provisions. This delayed effective date will allow time for the development of training protocols for school employees designated by the certified school nurse to administer the nasal seizure rescue medication or use the manual vagus nerve stimulator when the school nurse is not present. | In Committee |
| S3122 | Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations. | This bill would require a public community water system to sample and test the water supply on a quarterly basis for compliance with secondary drinking water regulations in accordance with testing protocols established by the Department of Environmental Protection (department). The testing protocols, in addition to requiring sampling when the water enters the distribution system, would require the public community water system to collect samples for testing from at least 10 percent of customer taps. The bill would also require that the owner or operator of a public community water system submit quarterly and annual test results to the department, to the governing body of each municipality within its service area, and to customers of the system. The bill would further require, whenever the test results of a water supply exceed the standards established in the secondary drinking water regulations, that the owner or operator of the public community water system formulate a compliance plan, within 30 days, that provides for the public community water system to take any action necessary to bring the water supply into compliance with the standard within 30 days after the plan's completion. Finally, the bill would require that the public community water system also develop and submit, for department approval, a maintenance plan for the system to ensure that the water supply continues to meet the standards set forth in the State's secondary drinking water regulations. | In Committee |
| SJR105 | Establishes "New Jersey Cybersecurity Task Force." | This bill establishes a "New Jersey Cybersecurity Task Force" to assess and make recommendations to the Executive Branch and the Legislature on how to address the growing number of cybersecurity threats in the State against New Jersey residents and businesses. The task force recommendations, at a minimum, must address the best practices and procedures to: (1) identify potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities; (2) mitigate risk and prevent cyber breaches; and (3) recover from cybersecurity threats.Under the bill, the task force shall consist of 11 members as follows: (1) the Attorney General, or a designee; (2) the supervising officer of the High Tech Crimes Unit in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or a designee from the State Police; (3) the Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, or a designee; (4) the Head of the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell; (5) the Senate President, or a designee; (6) the Speaker of the General Assembly, or a designee; and (7) five public members, appointed by the Governor, as follows: one person upon the recommendation of the New Jersey League of Municipalities; one person upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Business and Industry Association; one person upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants; one person upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators; and a faculty member from a higher education institution with expertise in information technology, data protection, and cybersecurity. The bill directs the task force to report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year following its initial organizational meeting. The task force would expire upon the submission of its report. | In Committee |
| SCR101 | Urges U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower recommended colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45. | This resolution urges the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force to lower its recommended colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force is an independent, volunteer panel of national experts in disease prevention and evidence-based medicine. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer among men and women. Individuals born in the 1990s are twice as likely to develop colon cancer and four times as likely to develop rectal cancer compared to individuals born in the 1950s. According to the CDC, 141,425 new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in the U.S. and 52,547 people died of this cancer in 2017. The American Cancer Society (ACS) lowered the recommended age for cancer screening for individuals who possess average cancer risk factors. Colorectal cancer is occurring at an increasing rate among younger adults. According to the ACS, for individuals who possess average cancer risk factors, beginning colorectal screening screenings at the age of 45 will result in less colorectal cancer deaths. | In Committee |
| S3102 | Designates Common Eastern Bumble Bee as New Jersey State Native Pollinator. | This bill designates the Common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) as the New Jersey State Native Pollinator. The Common Eastern Bumble Bee, found across New Jersey in urban and rural areas, is native to the State. As generalist pollinators, they are an essential part of the State's pollinator communities by gathering pollen and nectar from a wide variety of flowering plants. Bumble bees are important to New Jersey's working farms as key pollinators of blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes and peppers. Pollinators are also vital to the health of diverse ecosystems, because the fruits and seeds derived from insect pollination are a major part of the diet of all birds and mammals, including over 30 percent of the foods and beverages that humans consume. The benefits that native pollinators provide to New Jersey have been documented through extensive research at Rutgers, the State University, and other institutions of higher learning. | In Committee |
| S3009 | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." | This bill establishes the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." Under the bill, all statutes, rules, and regulations, in this State including all local laws or ordinances related to the elective franchise must be construed liberally in favor of: (1) protecting the right of voters to have their ballot cast and counted; (2) ensuring that eligible voters are not impaired in registering to vote; and (3) ensuring voters of race, color, and language-minority groups have equitable access to fully participate in the electoral process in registering to vote and voting. The bill prohibits the authority to prescribe or maintain voting or elections policies and practices to be so exercised as to unnecessarily deny or abridge the right to vote. The bill also prohibits a local election office or political subdivision from using a method of election that has the effect of impairing the ability of members of a protected class to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of elections, as a result of vote dilution. The bill requires that any policy and practice that burdens the right to vote must be narrowly tailored to promote a compelling policy justification that must be supported by substantial evidence. The bill provides factors for determining if a violation of the bill has occurred, including if a voter's right to vote has been violated or if the voter has experienced vote dilution. Under the bill, if a violation of the provisions of the bill occurs, the bill provides a remedy process, including for apportionment and redistricting maps. The bill provides that after a New Jersey Voter Empowerment Act (NJVEA) notification letter is mailed from a prospective plaintiff to a political subdivision, the political submission may pass an NJVEA resolution reaffirming: (1) the political subdivision's intention to enact and implement a remedy for a potential violation of the bill; (2) specific steps the political subdivision will undertake to facilitate approval and implementation of such a remedy; and (3) a schedule for enacting and implementing such a remedy. The bill provides that if the governing body of a political subdivision lacks the authority under this act or applicable State law or local laws to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, or fails to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, within 90 days after the passage of the resolution, or if the political subdivision is a covered entity as defined by the bill, the governing body of the political subdivision must coordinate with the Attorney General to resolve the violation, including reaffirming that any proposal is unlikely to violate the United States Constitution, New Jersey Constitution, or any federal or State law; and is feasible to implement. Under the bill, the Attorney General is provided with certain preclearance powers. The bill provides that if certain political subdivisions that have been the subject to court order or government enforcement action based on violations of the bill; the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; the 15th amendment to the United States Constitution, or a voting-related violation of the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution, may be subject to preclearance, which is the process of obtaining prior approval from the Attorney General or a court of this State for any changes related to election procedures in that political subdivision. The bill provides assistance to language-minority groups. Under the bill, a local election office or a political subdivision that administers elections must provide language-related assistance in voting and elections to a language-minority group in a political subdivision if, based on data from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey, or data of comparable quality collected by a public office, that: (1) more than two percent, but in no instance fewer than 100 individuals, eligible voters of a political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient; or (2) more than 4,000 of eligible voters of such political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient. The bill further provides that a local election office or political subdivision required to provide language assistance to a particular language-minority group pursuant to this section must provide voting materials in the covered language of an equal quality of the corresponding English language materials, including registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other physical or online materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots. Under the bill, any aggrieved persons or organization whose membership includes aggrieved persons or members of a protected class, organization whose mission, in whole or in part, is to ensure voting access and such mission would be hindered by a violation of this bill, or the Attorney General may file an action pursuant to the bill in court. The bill provides that any action or investigation to enforce any provision of this bill, the Attorney General would have the authority to take proof and determine relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil and criminal laws of this State. The bill also establishes the "New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute," at a public university in New Jersey, to maintain and administer a database and central repository of elections and voting data available to the public from all local election offices and political subdivisions in the State of New Jersey and to foster, pursue, and sponsor research on existing laws and best practices in voting and elections. The bill also contains a severability provision. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, or other portion of the bill is for any reason held or declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or preempted by federal law, or the applicability of that portion to any person or facility is held invalid, the remainder of the bill would not thereby be deemed to be unconstitutional, preempted, or invalid. The purpose of this bill is to: (1) encourage participation in the elective franchise by all eligible voters to the maximum extent; (2) ensure that eligible voters who are members of racial, ethnic, and language minority groups have an equal opportunity to participate in the political processes of this State and exercise the elective franchise; (3) improve the quality and availability of demographic and election data; and (4) protect eligible voters against intimidation and deceptive practices. This bill would take effect immediately. | In Committee |
| S3060 | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | As amended, this bill requires health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and commercial group health insurers to provide coverage for an annual prostate cancer screening without cost sharing for men who are between 40 and 75 years of age. Under current law, these health insurance carriers are required only to provide coverage for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors. The bill expands the definition of "prostate cancer screening" to mean medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. "Prostate cancer screening" shall also include subsequent follow up testing as direct by a physician, including, but not limited to: (1) urinary analysis; (2) serum biomarkers; (3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging. The bill also extends the prostate cancer screening requirements to commercial individual health insurers, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, which are not required to provide this coverage under current law. | In Committee |
| S3071 | Changes classification of State Investigators in civil service. | This bill changes the classification of State Investigators in civil service. State Investigators employed with the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety are currently in the unclassified service of the civil service. In New Jersey, employees serving in classified titles receive the full protections of the civil service system, while unclassified employees do not. This bill will allow all current and future State Investigators to receive those protections. | In Committee |
| S3038 | Requires NJT to offer discount fares to certain individuals. | This bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (corporation) to offer discount fares to elementary and secondary school students who use corporation service to commute to and from school, full-time college and university students who use corporation service to commute to and from school, full-time workforce training program students who use corporation service to commute to and from a workforce training program, individuals currently receiving benefits under the Work First New Jersey program, and newly employed individuals who meet certain criteria. | In Committee |
| S2986 | Includes certain employees of the DLPS as members of the Prosecutors Part of PERS. | This bill includes the directors, assistant directors, deputy directors, assistant attorneys general, and deputy attorneys general in the Divisions of Law and Alcoholic Beverage Control, within the Department of Law and Public Safety, as members in the Prosecutors Part of the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Under current law, the only Department of Law and Public Safety employees included in the Prosecutor's Part of PERS are employees of the Division of Criminal Justice. | In Committee |
| S237 | "New Jersey Clean Energy Act of 2024"; establishes 100 percent clean electricity standard and directs BPU to establish clean electricity certificate program. | "New Jersey Clean Energy Act of 2024"; establishes 100 percent clean electricity standard and directs BPU to establish clean electricity certificate program. | In Committee |
| SCR43 | Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights. | Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights. | In Committee |
| S2168 | Provides tuition fee waiver apprenticeship courses. | This bill requires public institutions of higher education to waive the tuition fees of certain courses which are qualified to serve as the classroom training or education component of a registered apprenticeship for eligible persons whose gross aggregate household income is below the State's median annual income. Under the bill, an eligible person is an individual whose gross aggregate household income at the time of admission to a New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school is below the State household median income as determined by the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey. The person is to be deemed eligible for a tuition fee waiver if: 1. tuition costs are not covered by the employer through employment benefits; 2. the person completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year and has exhausted all financial aid assistance; and 3. the person retains employment as an active registered apprentice under the registered apprenticeship program and maintains satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal of the tuition waiver. The bill requires the State to reimburse public institutions of higher education and county vocational schools for the cost of the tuition waivers. | In Committee |
| S1207 | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | In Committee |
| S1649 | Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons. | Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons. | In Committee |
| S2895 | Requires health insurance coverage of postpartum pelvic floor physical therapy. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for pelvic floor physical therapy during the postpartum period. Under the bill, the "postpartum period" is defined to mean one year after childbirth. | In Committee |
| SJR95 | Makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct." | This joint resolution makes permanent the "Commission to Protect New Jersey Inmates from Sexual Assault and Sexual Misconduct." P.L.2020, Joint Resolution No. 3 (SJR-79) established this commission on a temporary basis to examine issues affecting the safety and rights of inmates in State correctional facilities, such as official misconduct convictions, pending criminal charges, and civil allegations by Edna Mahan inmates of sexual assault, sexual misconduct, and sexual harassment against correctional police officers, other staff members, contractors, and volunteers working in the facility. The temporary commission is required to issue a preliminary report of its findings and recommendations no later than six months after the organizational meeting of the commission. A final report, including legislative proposals, is due within one year of the organizational meeting of the temporary commission. But if the temporary commission concludes it needs more time to deliberate the issues, it may continue those deliberations for two periods of six months each. The temporary commission is to expire when it submits its final report. This joint resolution makes this temporary commission permanent when the temporary commission expires. The permanent commission would be required to submit annual reports, including recommendations for legislation. The annual reports of the permanent commission are to be made available on the official Department of Corrections website. | In Committee |
| S2880 | Provides additional State school aid to school districts experiencing enrollment increases due to conversion of age-restricted housing developments to non-restricted developments. | P.L.2009, c.82 (C.45:22A-46.3 et seq.) established a procedure by which an age-restricted housing development previously approved for construction by a municipal or regional planning board, zoning board of adjustment, or joint land use board may convert to a development that would be marketed with no age restrictions. The law requires that the approving board approve an application for such a conversion if the developer satisfied certain requirements, and if the approving board determines that the conversion can be granted without substantial detriment to the public good and not substantially impair the intent and purpose of the zone plan and zoning ordinance. The conversion of an age-restricted development to a non-restricted development has the potential to increase the number of students enrolled in a district's public schools. This bill provides converted development assistance aid to a school district in which such a conversion has occurred. Specifically, the school district would receive an amount equal to the lesser of: 1) its actual cost per pupil, or 2) the per pupil tuition rate adopted by the school district's board of education for the school year, multiplied by the increase in its resident enrollment between the last school year prior to a dwelling unit within a converted development being occupied and the budget year. However, the change in enrollment used to determine the aid may not exceed the total number of students who reside in a converted development. | In Committee |
| SR78 | Urges United States Supreme Court to protect freedom of reproductive choice with respect to use of and access to mifepristone. | This resolution respectfully urges the United States Supreme Court to respect the role of medical providers and the scientific community; resolve the conflicting federal court decisions concerning mifepristone; respect the freedom of people to make decisions about planning their families free from unreasonable government influence; and respect and value the safety of those who need access to safe medical care in reproductive health matters. In June 2022, the United States Supreme Court overturned the holding in Roe v. Wade and other federal cases in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Org., returning decisions affecting reproductive rights to the individual states. The perspective shown by the Court in overturning Roe demonstrates a willingness to overturn settled law on ideological grounds. Mifepristone has long been determined to be safe and effective by the scientific and medical community. Nonetheless, a judicial determination alone could upend the conclusions reached by these medical and scientific authorities and further affect the ability of individuals to make private health care determinations. | In Committee |
| S2877 | Requires institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices. | This bill would require institutions of higher education to test for lead in drinking water annually, report the test results, and install lead filters or treatment devices. Specifically, under the bill, each institution of higher education in the State would be required to test each drinking water outlet used at the institution for the presence of lead no later than 90 days after the effective date of the act, and repeat the testing at least once annually. The testing would have to be conducted by a laboratory certified for this purpose by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and in accordance with the sampling and testing methods provided by the DEP. Within 30 days after completion of the testing, each institution of higher education would be required to: 1) provide a copy of the test results to the Secretary of Higher Education and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection; 2) post the test results on its Internet website; and 3) notify students, faculty, and staff, electronically or in writing, of the test results and the actions being taken to remediate any lead issues. Under the bill, if testing reveals an elevated lead level at a drinking water outlet, the institution of higher education must immediately close off access to the outlet and provide an alternate source of drinking water until such time as the lead level in the drinking water is tested and found to be below the federal or State standard for lead in drinking water, whichever is more stringent. In addition, each institution would be required to identify each building at the institution that contains lead pipes, lead solder, or fixtures containing lead, and provide a list of the identified buildings to the Secretary of Higher Education. Each institution would be required to install a water filter or water treatment device on each drinking water outlet in the identified buildings, and maintain those devices appropriately. | In Committee |
| S2853 | Allows municipalities to adopt ordinance to reduce population limit for certain alcoholic beverage retail consumption licenses. | This bill allows the governing body of a municipality to adopt an ordinance to reduce the population limit necessary to issue additional plenary retail consumption licenses. Under current law, plenary retail consumption licenses authorize the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises, which generally applies to bars and restaurants. The number of plenary retail consumption licenses issued by a municipality is limited based on the population of that municipality. A municipality may issue plenary retail and seasonal retail consumption licenses until the combined total number in the municipality is fewer than one license for each 3,000 municipal residents. Due to this restriction, there is a shortage of these licenses in some municipalities. To address this shortage, this bill allows municipalities to adopt an ordinance to decrease the current population limit of one license for every 3,000 municipal residents by 200 municipal residents each year over the course of the next five years until the population limit is one license for every 2,000 municipal residents. This would allow municipalities to issue additional retail consumption licenses. | In Committee |
| S2857 | Provides corporation business tax credit to taxpayers that develop qualified native pollinator habitat on undeveloped property. | This bill would provide corporation business tax credits to taxpayers that develop qualified pollinator habitat on their undeveloped properties. Specifically, for privilege periods beginning on or after January 1 next following the effective date of this bill, a taxpayer that owns or leases at least 25 contiguous acres of undeveloped property in the State, that develops qualified native pollinator habitat on that property, and that meets the requirements of the bill, would be allowed a credit against the corporation business tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the reasonable cost expended for developing the qualified native pollinator habitat, up to $25,000. For the purposes of the bill, qualified native pollinator habitat means an area of land developed as habitat beneficial for the feeding, nesting, and reproduction of native pollinators, such as bees, as determined by the department. Qualified native pollinator habitat must utilize plants that are native to New Jersey. To qualify for the credit, a taxpayer would have to apply for a certification from the Secretary of Agriculture that certifies: (1) that the property developed is qualified native pollinator habitat; and (2) the amount of the tax credit. The application would include the address and acreage of the undeveloped property, a description of the qualified native pollinator habitat, its precise locations on the property, the cost for developing it, appropriate documentation of those costs, and any other information the department determines relevant. When filing a tax return that includes a claim for a credit pursuant to this bill, the taxpayer would have to include a copy of the certification issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. Pollinators, such as bees, are extremely important to the State. Approximately one-third of all crops grown depend on pollinators for reproduction. Recently, however, the survival of many pollinators has been threatened by, among other things, habitat loss. This bill would incentivize the planting of native pollinator habitat on undeveloped property throughout the State. | In Committee |
| SJR92 | Designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day." Throughout the history of the United States, individuals have dedicated their lives and service to the protection of our values and nation. Those individuals deserved to be honored and recognized. The Silver Star Service Banner is a symbol to honor and remember wounded and ill service members and veterans. Formally recognized by the United States Congress in 2010, "Silver Star Service Banner Day" is observed at the national level on May 1st of each year to honor wounded and ill service members and veterans. It is fitting and proper for this State to honor and remember wounded and ill service members and veterans and the service they provided for our country by designating May 1st of each year as "Silver Star Service Banner Day" in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S2892 | Allows identity theft victims to petition for judicial determination of factual innocence. | This bill would establish a procedure whereby a victim of identity theft could obtain a factual determination of innocence. Under the provisions of the bill, a person who reasonably believes that he or she is a victim of identity theft, or the court on its motion or upon application by the prosecuting attorney, may move for an expedited judicial determination of the victim's factual innocence if a defendant has been arrested for, charged with or convicted of a crime under the victim's identity or where a criminal complaint has been filed against a defendant in the victim's name or if the victim's identity has been mistakenly associated with a record of criminal conviction. If the court determines that the petition or motion is meritorious and that the victim has not committed the offense, the court shall issue a judicial determination of factual innocence. After an order has been issued, the court may order that the name and personal identifying information of the victim contained in court records, files and indexes be deleted, sealed or labeled to show that the data is impersonated and does not reflect the defendant's identity. This bill would also require the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to establish and maintain a database of persons who have been victims of identity theft and who have received determinations of factual innocence. Access to the database would be limited to criminal justice agencies, victims of identity theft, and any other persons and agencies authorized by the victims. The AOC would also be required to establish a toll free number to provide access to information to victims of identity theft. | In Committee |
| S2856 | Requires DOC to report certain information concerning halfway houses. | This bill would require the Commissioner of Corrections to report quarterly to the Senate President and the Speaker of the General Assembly on the operation of residential community release programs in this State. These programs include assessment and treatment centers, halfway houses, and substance abuse treatment programs that assist inmates in transitioning back into society after completing their term of incarceration. The bill specifically requires these quarterly reports to include information on the total reimbursement provided; the rate of reimbursement received for each inmate; the number of inmates for which reimbursement was received; the number of inmates imprisoned for violent crimes and the total number of days the inmate was imprisoned; the number of inmates imprisoned for non-violent crimes and the total number of days the inmates were imprisoned; the total number of inmates imprisoned for violent crimes who escaped or absconded and the total number of inmates imprisoned for non-violent crimes who escaped or absconded; the actions taken to protect inmates imprisoned for non-violent crimes from inmates imprisoned for violent crimes; the number of documented incidents involving physical violence; the disciplinary actions taken against inmates accused of violent activity; and the actions taken to prevent violent behavior from occurring. The bill also would require the commissioner to annually report to the Senate President and the Speaker of the General Assembly on the effectiveness of each residential community release program in this State, with a particular emphasis on recidivism rates for each program. | In Committee |
| S2907 | Concerns installation and maintenance of solar panels in common interest communities. | Under current law, a homeowners' association cannot adopt or enforce a restriction, covenant, bylaw, rule, or regulation prohibiting the installation of solar collectors on roofs of two types of housing: (1) a roof of a single-family dwelling solely owned by an individual which is not designated as a common element or common property in the governing documents of the association; and (2) a roof of a townhouse dwelling unit, where the repair of the roof is designated as the responsibility of the owner and not the homeowners' association in the governing documents. This bill makes clear that homeowners' associations in common interest communities cannot adopt or enforce a restriction, covenant, bylaw, rule, or regulation prohibiting the installation of solar collectors on the roof of any single family home or any townhouse located within such a community. | In Committee |
| S2893 | "Disaster Victims Protection Act"; requires Governor to allocate federal and State disaster aid to municipalities in proportion to amount of catastrophic physical damage sustained within each municipality. | Under this bill, the Governor would allocate federal and State disaster relief aid to municipalities, including residents and businesses therein, in proportion to the relative amount of catastrophic physical damage suffered within each affected municipality. This aid allocation methodology is intended to ensure that residential victims and business owners in the most heavily damaged areas following a disaster are provided assistance prior to the expenditure of aid monies for other economic development and redevelopment projects. In response to the unprecedented damage to this State caused by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, New Jersey received billions of federal dollars from Congress in the form of Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds to support the State's rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. With approval from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Governor allocated millions of dollars to housing development projects within the nine most-impacted counties, as designated by HUD, which include Atlantic, Bergen, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union counties. Some municipalities within these designated counties were completely devastated, while other municipalities within these counties suffered far less, if any, major damage. Some of the least-damaged municipalities, however, received disproportionately greater CGBG-DR funding from the State for development projects, leaving some of the residents and businesses in more damaged municipalities at a fiscal disadvantage for reconstruction. This bill is intended to ensure that residents and businesses most impacted by a disaster will receive a level of disaster relief aid commensurate with the amount of damage sustained within the municipality. Fundamental principles of fairness and equity require that the residents and businesses in those municipalities that are the hardest hit and suffer the most physical damage from a natural or other disaster should receive the most relief. | In Committee |
| S2848 | Provides that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities and structures on farmland are not inherently beneficial use, per se, for purposes of zoning approvals. | This bill would provide that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities or structures would not be considered per se an inherently beneficial use for purposes of zoning approvals when such facilities or structures are on farmland. Under the "Municipal Land Use Law" (MLUL), P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.), if a use is held to be an "inherently beneficial use," it presumptively satisfies the positive criteria for the grant of a use variance under subsection d. of section 57 of the MLUL (C.40:55D-70), which is required when the proposed use is inconsistent with the zoning plan. The MLUL defines "inherently beneficial use" to expressly include certain enumerated uses; among them are solar and photovoltaic energy facilities or structures, regardless of the type of land on which they are located. This bill would provide that solar and photovoltaic energy facilities or structures that are on farmland would not be expressly included in the definition of an "inherently beneficial use." Farmland is defined in the bill to mean land actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use that is valued, assessed, and taxed pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (54:4-23.1 et seq.), or was so valued, assessed, and taxed at any time in the two tax years preceding the tax year of submittal of the application for development. | In Committee |
| S2859 | Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000. | This bill would prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from planting non-native plant species as part of the landscaping of a State park or forest. The bill would also direct the DEP to establish a grant program to provide funds to local governments that seek to plant native plants at local parks and forests during landscaping, land management, reforestation, and habitat restoration projects. As used in the bill, "native plant" means a plant species that occurs naturally in New Jersey or the greater Mid-Atlantic region, either because it evolved here or because it established itself here without human assistance. The injunction on the use of non-native plants would take effect three months after the bill's enactment, in order to allow the DEP to utilize any remaining nursery stock it has acquired or contracted for. Each grant awarded under the grant program would be for a maximum of $5,000, although a local government could apply for more than one grant per year. Under the bill, the DEP would determine the eligibility conditions, priority ranking of projects, and application procedures for the program. The bill would require the DEP to report to Governor and the Legislature on the progress of the program in achieving its goals, and would require the DEP Commissioner to request sufficient funds in the DEP's annual budget request to execute the program. The intent of the bill is to encourage State parks and forests, as well as residents of the State, to use more native plants in their landscaping. Planting more native plants in State and local natural areas would lead to significant benefits, including reducing erosion, improving water quality, reducing irrigation costs, and providing nectar, pollen, seeds, and habitats for birds, bees, butterflies, and other insects. In addition, because native plants are adapted to local climates and soil conditions, they require less maintenance and soil preparation than non-native species. The bill would not require the DEP to take any actions with respect to invasive plant species. | In Committee |
| S2884 | Prohibits twice exceptional students from being denied special education and related services due to average academic performance. | This bill prohibits the denial of special education and related services due to the average academic performance of a twice exceptional student. The bill would also require school districts to provide information and communication strategies for parents and guardians to educate them on the available options for obtaining special education and related services for a twice exceptional student. Twice exceptional students are students who show the potential to perform at above average levels of academic achievement when compared to peers in the same grade level while also having one or more disabilities impacting their ability to learn. For such students, average performance may be evidence of the disability's impact and may indicate that the student requires special education and related services. For this reason, average academic performance in the case of a twice exceptional student cannot be the basis for a school district to deny evaluations or refuse to find eligibility for special education and related services. Refusing to find twice exceptional students eligible based on average performance when a discrepancy is evidenced between performance and ability denies them access to the appropriately ambitious program in the public school system that is required pursuant to the United States Supreme Court's decision in Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. By prohibiting the denial of twice exceptional students from special education and related services and providing parents and legal guardians the information they need to obtain necessary services for their twice exceptional student, the State can ensure that these students receive a public school education that meets their unique needs. | In Committee |
| S2849 | Establishes Autism Education Council. | This bill establishes the Autism Education Council in, but not of, the Department of Education. The council will consist of seven members including the Commissioner of Education, or his designee, who will serve ex officio, and six public members to be appointed by the Governor, including two public school teachers and one representative of each of the following organizations: Parents of Autistic Children, The New Jersey Center for Outreach Services for the Autism Community, The Family Resource Network, and ASPEN. To the greatest extent practicable, consideration will be given to the appointment of members from these organizations who possess some teaching experience. The two public school teachers appointed to the council will have a Master's Degree in Education or other relevant subject area, certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board, and a minimum of five years' experience as a teacher. The commissioner or his designee will serve as chairman of the council. The council will establish a five-member Educational Advisory Committee whose members will serve at the pleasure of the council. Three members of the committee will be appointed by the chairman of the council and will include one director of special education in a public school district and two chairpersons, coordinators, or other individuals in charge of teacher preparation programs for special education teachers. Two members of the committee will be appointed by a majority vote of the council. The committee will identify and make recommendations to the council regarding the most effective use of grant funds to improve the quality and availability of public school services and programs for children with autism. The committee will identify potential grant recipients who represent a variety of research-based approaches to educating children with autism. The council will award grants through the Department of Education, upon recommendation of the Educational Advisory Committee, to public school districts and public institutions of higher education to increase the quality and availability of public school services and programs for children with autism. Grants may be used to offset the costs of: professional development and educational activities for educators and other individuals working with children with autism in the public schools and for students of postsecondary institutions who are pursuing education careers working with children with autism; hiring additional paraprofessionals to work directly with children with autism in the public schools; and supplemental education services for children with autism in the public schools including after-school socialization programs, recreation programs, transitional planning services, and other appropriate services. The council will establish mechanisms to monitor the impact of the grants distributed by the council and will submit an annual report to the Governor, the Legislature, and all public school districts. The report will identify the number of grants distributed and the amount, recipient, purpose, and impact of each grant. The bill directs the Governor to recommend and the Legislature to appropriate $10,000,000 annually beginning in fiscal year 2025 through fiscal year 2033 to the Department of Education for the Autism Education Council. Of the amount appropriated, a minimum of $9,600,000 must be used annually to fund grants. | In Committee |
| S2896 | Creates home purchase grant program in HMFA for certain veterans who served in federal active duty; appropriates $2,000,000. | This bill establishes a grant program to assist certain veterans, who served in active federal duty, in the purchase of a home. This grant program would be established by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The grant program may be interfaced with any program administered by the agency for first-time homebuyers, except that a recipient need not meet the eligibility criteria of any other homebuyer program in order to participate in the matching grant program established pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, the grant program would provide matching grants to eligible veterans on a dollar-for-dollar matching fund basis, up to a maximum of $10,000. These funds may be applied to closing costs, equity payments, or for any other purpose which assists the recipient in purchasing a home. The bill prohibits any person from receiving more than one matching grant under the program To qualify for the grant program, a veteran would be required to provide, at the time of application, proof of: (1) at least 90 days of service on federal active duty; (2) legal residency in the State of New Jersey; and (3) the intent to purchase a principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Under the bill, the agency may not establish income eligibility requirements for the grant program. However, the agency may give priority to those applicants who also qualify for assistance under other programs administered by the agency, such as the first time home-buyer program. The bill defines "veteran" to include any active member of any branch of the United State Armed Forces, any member of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces, and any member of the New Jersey National Guard. The bill also appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to fund the grant program. | In Committee |
| S2851 | Requires availability of free parking at polling places on election day. | This bill requires the availability of free parking at polling places on election day. Under current law, preference in locations to be selected as polling places is given to schools and public buildings. Current law also requires each polling place to be accessible to individuals with disabilities and the elderly in compliance with the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990." This bill would institute an additional requirement for polling places to have onsite parking available free of charge. | In Committee |
| SR79 | Urges Governor to make appointments to "Advisory Council on Solid Waste Management" and "Recycling Market Development Council." | This resolution urges the Governor to (1) reactivate the "Advisory Council on Solid Waste Management," and (2) appoint members to the Recycling Market Development Council. The "Advisory Council on Solid Waste Management" was established by the "Solid Waste Management Act," P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.), in order to serve as a bridge between regulators and citizens involved in the solid waste management and health care industries, and the general public. The council is intended to review and make recommendations to improve solid waste management policy in the State. However, the council has not been active in recent years and the membership terms of its public members have expired. | In Committee |
| S2885 | Requires State Treasurer to collect and study certain demographic information on corporate boards and in senior management. | This bill requires corporations and nonprofit corporations to include in their annual report, filed in the Department of the Treasury, demographic information statistics for the members of its corporate board and senior management, including race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, and veteran status. The bill requires the State Treasurer to publish quadrennial reports, starting on February 1st, 2026, documenting the number of publicly held domestic and foreign corporations whose principal executive office is located in this State, and the demographic information for the officers of the corporation and the directors or trustees on each corporation's board. The report shall include, but not be limited to, the race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, and veteran status of the officers of the corporation and the directors or trustees and the total number of directors or trustees that constitute the board of each corporation, the change in these demographics from previous years; and the aggregate demographics of all such corporate officers and boards of directors or trustees. | In Committee |
| S2858 | Requires BPU to adopt regulations allowing wastewater utilities to impose wastewater system improvement charge. | This bill would authorize the Board of Public Utilities (board) to adopt rules and regulations that authorize a rate recovery mechanism to allow a wastewater utility to impose a wastewater system improvement charge for the costs of rehabilitating, improving, or replacing wastewater infrastructure. The board has already adopted regulations that allow water supply utilities to impose a distribution system improvement charge at N.J.A.C.14:9-10.1 et seq. This bill would require the adoption of similar regulations applicable to wastewater utilities. The adoption of regulations applicable to wastewater utilities would accelerate the rehabilitation, improvement, or replacement of deteriorating or failing wastewater infrastructure. | In Committee |
| S2854 | Establishes license allowing supermarkets to sell certain alcoholic beverages manufactured in this State; designated as The Garden State Grocery Liquor Licensing Act. | This bill, designated as the Garden State Grocery Liquor Licensing Act, establishes a new retail alcoholic beverage license authorizing retail food stores to sell alcoholic beverages manufactured in this State for consumption off the licensed premises. The bill defines "retail food store" as any retail establishment where groceries and other foodstuffs are regularly and customarily sold in a bona fide manner for off-premises consumption and which constitute at least 65 percent of the store's total annual sales in dollars, and at which the sale of alcoholic beverages is merely incidental. Under the bill, alcoholic beverages may be displayed and sold in any location of the retail food store floor area where groceries and other foodstuffs are displayed and sold. The initial fee for the restricted retail food store license would be based on the square footage of the retail food store. The bill establishes an initial $5,000 fee for a retail food store with a gross square footage of less than 5,000; a $15,000 fee for a retail food store with a gross square footage between 5,000 and 20,000; and $30,000 fee for a retail food with a gross square footage of more than 20,000. The bill also establishes an annual renewal fee would of $1,000 regardless of the food store's square footage. Under the bill, 25 percent of the initial and annual fee would be allocated to the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and the remaining 75 percent of the fee would be allocated to the governing body of the municipality in which the licensed premises is located. The bill also establishes a $1,000 annual renewal fee regardless of the food store's square footage to be divided equally between the division and the municipal governing body. The license would not be subject to the population limitation that restricts a municipality from issuing more than one plenary retail distribution license for every 7,500 persons residing in that municipality. | In Committee |
| S2882 | Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance. | This bill amends the law establishing the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs at county vocational school districts to be eligible to receive financial aid under the program. Under current State law, the CCOG Program provides last-dollar grants to eligible county college students, to pay for the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees that are not already covered by any other State, federal, and institutional need-based grants and merit scholarships for which a grant recipient is eligible. Under the bill, an adult student would be eligible for financial aid under the CCOG Program if the student: is a legal resident of the State; is enrolled in a postsecondary career and technical education program of at least four months in length offered by a county vocational school district; is enrolled at the county vocational school district that serves the student's county of residence or is enrolled at an out-of-county vocational school district, in which case the student, if otherwise eligible, would receive a grant under the program to cover the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees, charged at the in-district rate for the county vocational school district at which the student is enrolled; does not have an annual adjusted gross income that is negative; has an annual adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000; has applied for all other available forms of State, federal, and institutional need-based grants and merit scholarships and submitted a financial aid form; does not owe a refund on a grant or scholarship previously received from a State or federal program through any institution or be in default on any loan made under any State or federal student loan program at any institution, unless the student makes arrangements with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to repay the debt; and is in good academic standing and meets the minimum standards for academic performance and satisfactory academic progress as defined by county vocational school district which the student is attending. An adult education student enrolled in a postsecondary career and technical education program at a county vocational school district, who is eligible for a financial aid grant under the bill, would be eligible for a financial aid grant for up to two years. | In Committee |
| S2846 | Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement. | This bill provides for a specific civil action by a disabled minor or disabled adult for injury resulting from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying. The bill's definition of "disability" is the same as the definition set forth in the Law Against Discrimination, P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.): "physical or sensory disability, infirmity, malformation, or disfigurement which is caused by bodily injury, birth defect, or illness including epilepsy and other seizure disorders, and which shall include, but not be limited to, any degree of paralysis, amputation, lack of physical coordination, blindness or visual impairment, deafness or hearing impairment, muteness or speech impairment, or physical reliance on a service or guide dog, wheelchair, or other remedial appliance or device, or any mental, psychological, or developmental disability, including autism spectrum disorders, resulting from anatomical, psychological, physiological, or neurological conditions which prevents the typical exercise of any bodily or mental functions or is demonstrable, medically or psychologically, by accepted clinical or laboratory diagnostic techniques. Disability shall also mean AIDS or HIV infection." Under the bill, every civil action for an injury to a minor with a disability under the age of 18 where such injury resulted from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying and the injury occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of the bill would be required to be commenced within 37 years after the minor reaches the age of majority, or within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act, whichever is later. The bill provides that every civil action for an injury to an adult with a disability aged 18 or older where such injury resulted from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or bullying that occurred prior to, on, or after the effective date of the bill would be required to be commenced within seven years from the date of reasonable discovery of the injury and its causal relationship to the act. The bill also provides that the bullying of a "vulnerable adult" may constitute grounds for an investigation by adult protective services and a report to law enforcement for possible criminal prosecution. Under the "Adult Protective Services Act," P.L.1993, c.249 (C.52:27D-406 et seq.), a health care professional, law enforcement officer, firefighter, paramedic or emergency medical technician who has reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation must report the information to the county adult protective services provider. Other persons with such reasonable cause may report the information. The act defines a "vulnerable adult" as "a person 18 years of age or older who resides in a community setting and who, because of a physical or mental illness, disability or deficiency, lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out decisions concerning his well-being and is the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation." Under the Adult Protective Services Act, the county adult protective services provider must initiate an investigation within 72 hours of a report. If necessary, the provider may petition a court for an order to conduct the investigation. If the provider finds reasonable cause to believe that the vulnerable adult has been the subject of abuse, neglect or exploitation, the provider will determine the need for protective services and arrange for such services. The director of a county adult services provider may petition for a court order for services if he determines that the vulnerable adult will incur a substantial risk of physical harm or deterioration without protective services, and the adult refuses or is unable to consent. The act further provides that if the county director or his designee has reasonable cause to believe that a caretaker or other person has committed a criminal act against a vulnerable adult, the director must immediately report the information to local law enforcement officials or the county prosecutor. This bill would add bullying of a vulnerable adult as grounds for an investigation and report. The bill defines "bullying" as "any gesture, any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication that causes a reasonable person to fear for his safety or fear damage to his property." Under the bill, health care providers and first responders would be required to report bullying, in addition to abuse, neglect, or exploitation, and other persons could report such acts. In addition, the bill adds to the specific criminal acts that the county director is required to report to law enforcement or the prosecutor a violation of section 1 of P.L.2015, c.186 (C.2C:24-7.1), Endangering Another Person. Under this statute, creating a risk of injury to another person is a criminal offense ranging from a disorderly persons offense to a crime of the third degree, depending on the offender's criminal culpability and the degree of risk of injury to the victim. If the offense is committed against a person with a developmental disability, the criminal penalties are increased by one degree, so that they range from a crime of the fourth degree to a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is generally punishable by a term of five to 10 years or a fine up to $150,000, or both; a crime of the third degree, by a term of three to five years or a fine up to $15,000, or both; and a crime of the fourth degree, by a term up to 18 months or a fine up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is generally punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S2847 | Requires certain water purveyors to identify, and use, alternative water supply source when perfluoralkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant levels. | This bill would require water purveyors to develop a plan that identifies an alternative water supply source to be used to provide water to the system's customers when an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluoralkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is discovered. The bill further requires that when an exceedance of an MCL for PFAS is discovered, the public community water system would take immediate action to use the identified alternative water supply in order to provide water to its customers. PFAS are man-made chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms bonded to a chain of carbon atoms. Since the 1930s, PFAS have been widely used in countless consumer products because they repel oil, water, and grease. There are over 4,700 different types of PFAS, and new types are invented on a nearly daily basis. PFAS are commonly found in products such as polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, carpet treatments, fire extinguishing foam, dental floss, shampoos, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and even microwave popcorn. As a result, the presence of PFAS in the environment is widespread, and further exacerbated by multiple sources. The carbon-fluorine bond that forms PFAS is one of the strongest chemical bonds found in nature and does not break down under typical environmental conditions. As a result, PFAS are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they accumulate, rather than break down, over time. PFAS may enter the environment in the following ways: (1) the disposal of products containing PFAS in landfills, thereby contaminating the surrounding soil, groundwater, and source water; (2) the utilization of PFAS by manufacturing sites, which may result in contamination of the surrounding ground and surface waters; (3) the utilization of sludge byproducts containing PFAS on agricultural land, thereby leading to water and soil contamination; (4) the discharge of PFAS by wastewater treatment plants into source waters that service public drinking water systems; and (5) the contamination of private wells by groundwater containing PFAS. The widespread presence of PFAS in the water, soil, and air, results in the contamination not only of public drinking water systems and wells, but also of the food products humans and animals ingest. Plants, fish, and livestock, are commonly exposed to PFAS-contaminated water or food and are consumed daily by most Americans. Studies have indicated that exposure to PFAS, and the resulting buildup of PFAS in the human body, may be linked to certain harmful health effects in both humans and animals. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were first developed in the 1940's and are the two most commonly found PFAS in the environment and are also the two most studied and regulated PFAS. In 2018, the DEP adopted amendments to its Safe Drinking Water Act regulations to establish drinking water standards for a common PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), at a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 13 parts per trillion. In 2020, the DEP adopted additional amendments to establish drinking water standards for PFOA at a MCL of 14 parts per trillion and for PFOS at a MCL of 13 parts per trillion. This bill would require public community water systems to have an alternative water source identified for use when an exceedance of these MCLs is discovered in the drinking water supplied by the system. | In Committee |
| S2894 | Requires notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of automobile and homeowners insurance policies to be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested. | This bill requires that a written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal of a homeowner's insurance policy or an automobile insurance policy must be sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail with a proof of mailing, or the policy remains in effect. | In Committee |
| S2850 | Clarifies that law enforcement officers appointed by educational institutions and NJT are entitled to certain statutory rights and privileges. | This bill clarifies that law enforcement officers appointed by an educational institution and the New Jersey Transit Corporation are entitled to the rights and privileges afforded to municipal law enforcement officers pursuant to the applicable provisions of chapter 14 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes. The provisions of chapter 14 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes, in part, govern municipal law enforcement officers. This bill clarifies that law enforcement officers appointed by educational institutions and the New Jersey Transit Corporation also are entitled to the rights and privileges afforded to municipal law enforcement officers. | In Committee |
| S2878 | Requires Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to facilitate establishment of four new recovery community centers. | This bill requires the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services to facilitate the establishment of four new recovery community centers in New Jersey. There are currently two recovery community centers providing services in New Jersey: Eva's Village Recovery Center in Passaic County and Living Proof Recovery Center in Camden County. Recovery community centers are non-clinical, peer-to-peer support centers for people in recovery from an alcohol or other substance use disorder. The centers assist clients in maintaining sobriety and reestablishing ties to the community through a variety of services which include, but are not limited to, peer-facilitated recovery support groups, recovery coaching and mentoring, telephone recovery support, family education programs, mental health wellness groups, writing groups, art therapy, music classes, social and recreational events, on-site child care, volunteer training opportunities, advocacy training, life skills training and support, computer and Internet access, general educational development test classes, and job readiness and career preparation classes. The bill permits the division, and any other entity seeking to establish or support the establishment of a new recovery community center under the bill, to seek and accept such funding and grants as may be available from any source. The assistant commissioner will be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature detailing its efforts to establish four new recovery community centers, including any recommendations for supporting, expanding, improving, and establishing new recovery community centers. | In Committee |
| S2888 | Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing certain persons with developmental disabilities. | This bill allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses that employ qualified persons with developmental disabilities. The amount of each credit would be equal to 40 percent of the first $6,000 of wages paid to the qualified person with a developmental disability, a maximum of $2,400 per qualified person with a developmental disability. A qualified person with a developmental disability is defined in the bill as a person who: (1) has a severe, chronic disability, which: (a) is attributable to a mental or physical impairment or combination of mental or physical impairments; (b) is manifest before age 22; (c) is likely to continue indefinitely; (d) results in substantial functional limitations in an area of major life activity; and (e) reflects the need for a combination and sequence of special interdisciplinary or generic care, treatment, or other services which are of lifelong or extended duration and are individually planned and coordinated; or (2) has severe disabilities attributable to an intellectual disability, autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, spina bifida, or other neurological impairments. These State tax credits are modeled on the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which encourages employers to hire targeted groups of employees, including certain persons with developmental disabilities. Under the federal WOTC, employers may claim a federal tax credit of up to 40 percent of the first $6,000 earned by the employee, or $2,400. According to the sponsor, the tax credits allowed under this bill would encourage businesses to employ qualified persons with developmental disabilities, who often face barriers to employment. | In Committee |
| S2889 | Makes $10.5 million supplemental appropriation for increased Per Capita Library Aid. | This bill makes a supplemental appropriation of $10.5 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to increase the State funding for Per Capita Library Aid in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The purpose of the bill is to better enable libraries to serve the public with access to information and cultural enrichment. | In Committee |
| S2883 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $3.5 million for Community College Opportunity Grant-Adult Postsecondary Career and Technical Education. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $3.5 million for Community College Opportunity Grant - Adult Postsecondary Career and Technical Education. The supplemental appropriation is intended to provide last-dollar financial aid grants to adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs offered by county vocational school districts. Grants provided under the bill would cover the remaining costs of eligible tuition and fees after the application of all other State, federal, and institutional need-based grants or merit scholarships. Under the bill, an adult student would be eligible for financial aid under the CCOG Program if the student: is a legal resident of the State; is enrolled in a postsecondary career and technical education program of at least four months in length offered by a county vocational school district; is enrolled at the county vocational school district that serves the student's county of residence or is enrolled at an out-of-county vocational school district, in which case the student, if otherwise eligible, would receive a grant under the program to cover the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees, charged at the in-district rate for the county vocational school district at which the student is enrolled; does not have an annual adjusted gross income that is negative; has an annual adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000; has applied for all other available forms of State, federal, and institutional need-based grants and merit scholarships and submitted a financial aid form; does not owe a refund on a grant or scholarship previously received from a State or federal program through any institution or be in default on any loan made under any State or federal student loan program at any institution, unless the student makes arrangements with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to repay the debt; and is in good academic standing and meets the minimum standards for academic performance and satisfactory academic progress as defined by county vocational school district which the student is attending. | In Committee |
| S2827 | "Emission Reduction Innovation Act"; authorizes gas public utilities to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | This bill, to be known as the "Emission Reduction Innovation Act," would authorize gas public utilities to develop and implement "utility innovation plans," which would aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with natural gas use in the State through the use of biogas, renewable natural gas, power-to-hydrogen, power-to-ammonia, carbon capture and utilization, the deployment of a hybrid energy, district energy, or energy efficiency project, and the use of other innovative technologies proposed by the utility. The bill would establish certain content requirements for utility innovation plans, as enumerated in subsections a. through c. of section 3 of the bill. The plans would be required to be submitted to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval. Each plan would be effective for five years, after which the utility would be authorized to submit an updated plan. The bill would require a gas public utility to show that the costs to implement an approved utility innovation plan are reasonable. If approved by the board, the utility could recover the costs of implementing the plan through the rates it charges to its ratepayers or using another methodology. The bill would authorize utilities to shift up to 25 percent of the total plan budget between individual projects or programs, after providing notice to the BPU and rate counsel. Shifts greater than 25 percent of the total plan budget would require BPU approval. The bill would require gas public utilities that are implementing approved utility innovation plans to submit an annual report to the BPU on the status of the plan. The bill would authorize the report to include certain items including the costs incurred under the plan and the lifecycle greenhouse gas reduction or avoidance accomplished under the plan; Section 4 of the bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the BPU, to review the methodology by which a utility innovation plan calculates the lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions associated with the plan. The DEP would be required to ensure that the methodology is consistent with its own current methodology for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, as well as that the plan is consistent with the State's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals established by the "Global Warming Response Act," P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-37 et al.). The DEP would have 180 days to complete its review. Section 4 of the bill would also require that, when the BPU reviews the cost-benefit analytic framework of a proposed utility innovation plan, it does so in a manner consistent with the board's existing guidelines and processes for other utility investment programs. | In Committee |
| S2752 | Requires certain public water systems to publish certain financial and employee information on Internet. | This bill supplements the "Water Quality Accountability Act," which imposes certain testing, reporting, management, and infrastructure investment requirements on certain water purveyors, i.e., public water systems with more than 500 service connections. The bill requires each water purveyor to develop and maintain either a website or a webpage on the municipality's or county's website in which it provides service, as applicable, in order to provide increased public access to information on the operations and activities of the water purveyor. The following information is to be posted: 1) a description and map of the service area of the water purveyor, identifying each municipality that receives water from the public water system; 2) the budget, once adopted, for the current fiscal year and the budget for the immediately preceding fiscal year; 3) the most recent Comprehensive Annual Financial Report or other similar financial information; 4) the annual audit for the most recent fiscal year and immediately preceding fiscal year; 5) the title, office mailing address, office email address, and office telephone number of every person who exercises day-to-day supervision or management over some or all of the operations of the public water system; 6) any rules, regulations, or official policy statements deemed relevant by the water purveyor to the interests of the residents within the service area of the public water system, including certain certifications required pursuant to the "Water Quality Accountability Act"; and 7) a list of attorneys, advisors, consultants, and any other person, firm, business, partnership, corporation, or other organization that received any remuneration of $17,500 or more during the preceding fiscal year for any service whatsoever rendered to the public water system. | In Committee |
| S2772 | Allows long-term care facility employees to accrue paid sick leave. | This bill allows employees in long-term care facilities to earn paid sick leave. Current law requires employers to provide their employees with accumulated paid sick leave at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked. However, the requirement does not apply to per diem health care employees, other than certified homemaker-home health aides. The bill revises this exception to provide that long-term care facilities will also be required to provide their employees with accumulated paid sick leave. In the case of employees placed with a long-term care facility by a temporary help service firm, sick leave will accumulate through the temporary help service firm. The paid sick leave will begin to accrue on the effective date of the bill, but long-term care facility employees will be credited with earned sick leave for any hours worked between March 9, 2020, which is the date the state of emergency and public health emergency were declared in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and the effective date of the bill. Current long-term care facility employees will be entitled to begin using any accumulated sick leave at any time that is 90 days after the date the employee commenced employment or placement with the facility. The standard requirements for accrual and use of paid sick leave will apply to long-term care facility employees who commence employment after the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2773 | Requires certain public officials to complete course of study developed by Commissioner of Community Affairs on operation of public water and wastewater systems. | This bill would require the Commissioner of Community Affairs to prepare and offer, not later than the first day of the seventh month next following the effective date of the bill, a basic course to be completed by any elected or appointed person having direct budgetary authority over public water and wastewater systems, concerning the management of the finances, including the adoption of the annual budget, and the infrastructure, of public water and wastewater systems. The Commissioner shall require the course to be completed by every person first appointed or elected to a county or municipal office having direct budgetary authority over the finances of a public water or wastewater system, after the effective date of the bill, and any person first appointed as a member of a commission or an authority having direct budgetary authority over the finances of a public water or wastewater system, after the effective date of the bill. Any person who is serving in any of those capacities on the first date on which that course is offered shall be required to complete that course within 18 months of the date upon which the course is first offered. For the purposes of the bill, "public water and wastewater system" means a public water or wastewater system created pursuant to the following State laws: the "sewerage authorities law," P.L.1946, c.138 (C.40:14A-1 et seq.); the "municipal and county utilities authorities law," P.L.1957, c.183 (C.40:14B-1 et seq.); the "Municipal and County Sewerage Act," P.L.1991, c.53 (C.40A:26A-1 et seq.); the "County and Municipal Water Supply Act," P.L.1989, c.109 (C.40A:31-1 et seq.); the "county improvement authorities law," P.L.1960, c.183 (C.40:37A-44 et seq.); the "New Jersey Pollution Control Financing Law," P.L.1973, c.376 (C.40:37C-1 et seq.); R.S.58:14-1 et seq.; R.S.40:62-109 et seq.; the "New Jersey Water Supply Authority Act," P.L.1981, c.293 (C.58:1B-1 et seq.); the North Jersey water supply district and the South Jersey water supply district law, P.L.1916, c.70 (C.58:5-1); the municipal water district law, R.S.40:62-96 et seq.; and with respect to joint meetings, P.L.1960, c.3 (C.40:48B-2.1 et seq.) and sections 15 and 16 of the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act," P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-15 and C.40A:65-16). The provisions of the bill were part of the recommendations of the Joint Legislative Task Force on Drinking Water Infrastructure. | In Committee |
| S2765 | Requires DEP to update school food waste guidelines to include recommendations for how to better utilize food nearing best-by and expiration dates. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to update the school food waste guidelines to include recommendations for how to minimize food waste within schools by increasing utilization of food nearing best-by and expiration dates. The State of New Jersey's 2019 School Food Waste Guidelines stated that four to 10 percent of all food purchased by schools becomes pre-consumer waste. Pre-consumer waste includes food items that have spoiled or become expired and, therefore, are required to be discarded before the food could be utilized. The 2019 School Food Waste Guidelines mention the importance of improving food-handling techniques in order to limit pre-consumer food waste. Updating the school food waste guidelines to include recommendations to increase the utilization of food nearing best-by and expiration dates will help to reduce pre-consumer food waste and ensure that food items are properly utilized prior to expiration. The current law requires the DEP, in consultation with other State agencies, to establish voluntary guidelines for K-12 schools and institutions of higher education to reduce, recover, and recycle food waste. This bill would require the DEP's school food waste guidelines to be updated to specifically include recommendations for how schools can better utilize foods nearing best-by and expiration dates to prevent food waste, including, but not necessarily limited to, paying greater attention to food labels and improving food purchasing, storage, and usage methods to ensure older food items are consumed prior to food items that were recently purchased. | In Committee |
| S2770 | Provides for accidental death benefit if death of TPAF member is caused by COVID-19. | This bill provides for an accidental death benefit when a member of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund dies as a result of COVID -19. Under this bill, a member whose death is attributable to COVID-19, complications therefrom, or the aggravation or acceleration of a preexisting condition caused thereby will be deemed to have occurred as the result of an accident met in the actual performance of duty at some definite time and place if: the member contracted COVID-19 during the public health emergency in the State declared by the Governor in Executive Order No. 103 of 2020 and as extended; the member dies as a result of COVID-19; and the member's regular or assigned duties required the member to interact, and the member so interacted, with the public, other employee, students, or parents, or to directly supervise other personnel so interacting with the public, other employees, students or parents, on any date during the public health emergency in the State declared by the Governor in Executive Order No. 103 of 2020 and as extended within 14 calendar days prior to the appearance of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that shall have been confirmed in writing by a licensed health care provider. If a member dies during the public health emergency in the State declared by the Governor in Executive Order No. 103 of 2020 and as extended and a beneficiary has received approvals for a benefit prior to the effective date of this bill, the beneficiary may apply for a benefit pursuant to this bill and, if approved, the prior approvals will be rescinded and the benefit pursuant to this bill will be made retroactive to the date of the rescinded initial approvals. A person approved pursuant to this bill to receive an accidental death benefit will be entitled to receive health care benefits coverage for that person and any dependents through the School Employees' Health Benefits Program and the full cost of such coverage will be paid by the State for five years following the date of enrollment in the program. This section will not apply to any member who retired and subsequently returned to employment pursuant to a provision of law, or pursuant to Executive Order No. 115 of 2020, permitting a retired member to return to employment without reenrollment. | In Committee |
| S2766 | Requires municipalities to provide certain information to property owners served by municipal water systems. | This bill would require municipalities providing water services to property owners through either a water district or a municipal water or sewer utility, or water and sewer utility, to provide each property owner with written terms and conditions of receiving services from the water district or utility. The written terms and conditions shall include, but shall not be limited to, the financial responsibility of the property owner for payment of services from the water district or utility, and the level of responsibility of the water district or utility, and the property owner, for the maintenance, repair, or installation of new or existing service lines, or any other physical connection to the real property for receiving services from the water district or utility. The bill requires that the written terms and conditions be posted on the municipality's website, if one exists, and also be mailed to each property owner annually, together with the first billing statement of the year. Thereafter, when a property changes ownership, the written terms and conditions are to be mailed to the new owner or owners within 45 days of the date of the change in ownership. The purpose of this bill is to provide transparency for property owners in their dealings with water districts and municipal utilities. In many cases, property owners are presented with substantial bills for repairs to leaky pipes that connect their properties to these water systems and are not aware of their financial responsibility for these repairs. This bill is intended to rectify this problem through the requirement that all property owners be advised of the terms and conditions of receiving services from these municipal entities, and the financial responsibilities attendant to the receipt of these services. | In Committee |
| S2768 | Requires transportation network companies to share information concerning sexual misconduct investigation of driver; authorizes transportation network company to ban drivers from accessing digital network during and following investigation. | This bill requires applicants to be transportation network company (TNC) drivers to provide information during the application process about other TNCs that the applicant has worked for and a statement on whether the applicant has been the subject of a sexual misconduct investigation in connection with the applicant's work as a TNC driver. The bill authorizes a TNC to ban drivers from accessing a TNC's digital network if the driver is the subject of an ongoing investigation into sexual misconduct allegations arising out of the driver's work as a TNC driver or if an investigation has been completed and has resulted in a finding that the driver engaged in sexual misconduct connected to the driver's role as a TNC driver. If the investigation results in inconclusive findings or in a finding that the allegations were false or the allegations are not substantiated, the TNC is authorized to consider the totality of the circumstances and to elect to prohibit the driver from utilizing the TNC's digital network, notwithstanding the results of the investigation. A TNC that receives an allegation of sexual misconduct committed by a driver is required to notify each registered TNC in the State of the allegation, the status of any investigation, and the ultimate results or findings of the investigation. If the TNC becomes aware of a criminal investigation regarding the allegations, the TNC is required to notify each registered TNC of that information. The bill prohibits the Attorney General from approving a criminal background check conducted by a TNC, or a third party designated by the TNC, unless the check includes a mechanism by which the TNC receives timely notice when any individual who the company allows to log on to the TNC's digital network as a TNC driver or to provide a prearranged ride as a TNC driver is arrested for or convicted of a crime or offense in this State after the initial criminal background check of the individual has been conducted. | In Committee |
| S2771 | Requires DHS to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. | This bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to available funds, is required to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The purpose of the program is to promote public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and the value of early detection and possible treatments, including the benefits and risks of those treatments. The DHS may accept for that purpose any grant of monies, services, or property from the federal government, an organization, or a medical school. The program is to include the following: (1) development of a public campaign to promote Alzheimer's disease awareness and education, including, but not limited to, the subjects outlined in the bill; (2) development of educational materials to be made available through local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics; and (3) development of educational programs for judicial staff, police officers, fire fighters, and social services and emergency medical service providers, to assist them in recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and understanding how to respond to the needs of persons with the disease in the course of performing their duties. The bill provides that the DHS, in consultation with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, is to prepare and make available on the DHS's Internet website, in English and Spanish, and in a manner that is easily understandable by the general public, information about the symptoms and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and any other information that the commissioner deems necessary. | In Committee |
| S2767 | Exempts 100 percent disabled veterans from payment of motor vehicle registration fees; requires notification of eligible motorists. | This bill exempts from motor vehicle registration fees one passenger motor vehicle owned by any resident who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States who is adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor, as being permanently 100 percent disabled. The bill also requires the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, in consultation with the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, to notify all eligible motorists of the availability of the fee exemption. | In Committee |
| S2769 | Provides consumer protections under certain telecommunications service provider contracts. | This bill imposes certain obligations on a provider of cable television service, telephone service using any telephony other than wireless telephone service, or Internet access service, that provides these services individually or, in combination with any of the aforementioned services, via a contract or service agreement with a subscriber. Specifically, if a subscriber of the aforementioned service or services (subscriber) experiences and reports to the provider of the service or services (provider) a service outage occurring more than three times in any 30-day period, the provider: 1) is prohibited from imposing any early termination, cancellation, or any otherwise applicable fee or charge on the subscriber for terminating service with the provider prior to the expiration of the service contract; 2) is to refund to the subscriber any applicable fee or charge paid by the subscriber for establishing or activating service with the provider; and 3) is to refund to the subscriber the amount of any early termination, cancellation, or any otherwise applicable fee or charge that the subscriber paid for terminating service with the subscriber's previous provider. A subscriber requesting a refund of the charge for terminating service with the subscriber's previous provider is required to submit to the provider a copy of the statement of payment to the subscriber's previous provider as acceptable evidence that the fee or charge was paid. The bill requires providers to keep a record of the dates of all telecommunications service outages that its subscribers have reported to the provider and to notify each subscriber that has experienced a service outage occurring more than three times in any 30-day period of that situation. Any violation of the provisions of this bill is to be deemed an unlawful practice subject to the penalties applicable pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1966, c.39 (C.56:8-13) and section 2 of P.L.1999, c.129 (C.56:8-14.3). | In Committee |
| S2753 | Provides corporation business tax credit to public utilities that develop qualified native pollinator habitat in their rights of way. | This bill would provide corporation business tax credits to public utilities that develop qualified native pollinator habitat in their rights of way. Specifically, for privilege periods beginning on or after January 1 next following the effective date of this bill, a taxpayer that is a public utility that develops qualified native pollinator habitat in its rights of way, and that meets the requirements of the bill, would be allowed a credit against the corporation business tax in an amount equal to 50 percent of the reasonable cost expended for developing the qualified native pollinator habitat, up to $50,000. For the purposes of this bill, qualified native pollinator habitat means an area of land developed as habitat beneficial for the feeding, nesting, and reproduction of native pollinators, such as bees, as determined by the Department of Agriculture. Qualified native pollinator habitat must utilize plants that are native to New Jersey. To qualify for the credit, a public utility would have to apply for a certification from the Secretary of Agriculture that certifies: (1) that the area developed is qualified native pollinator habitat; (2) the amount of the tax credit; and (3) that the public utility has provided any applicable agreement between the public utility and the owner of the right of way permitting development of the qualified native pollinator habitat. The application would include a description of the qualified native pollinator habitat, its precise locations, the cost for developing it, appropriate documentation of that cost, and any other information the Department of Agriculture determines relevant. When filing a tax return that includes a claim for a credit pursuant to this bill, the public utility would have to include a copy of the certification issued by the Secretary of Agriculture. Pollinators, such as bees, are extremely important to the State. Approximately one-third of all crops grown depend on pollinators for reproduction. Recently, however, the survival of many pollinators has been threatened by, among other things, habitat loss. This bill would incentivize the planting of native pollinator habitat in public utility rights of way, which often provide large, open areas that are perfect for such habitat. | In Committee |
| S2469 | Concerns implementation of fire sprinkler system requirements in newly constructed townhouses. | In order to provide sufficient time for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to adopt necessary rules and regulations, and for developers to prepare to install sprinkler systems in townhouses, in accordance with the requirements of a recently-enacted statute, P.L.2023, c.265, this bill would extend and modify certain implementation-related timelines and requirements in that statute. Enacted in January 2024, P.L.2023, c.265 requires the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses for which a construction permit application has not been declared complete prior to August 1, 2024, the first day of the seventh month following the statute's enactment. This bill would modify this requirement so that a construction permit application for a new townhouse subject to the one-and two-family dwelling subcode, adopted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-123), would not be declared complete by the enforcing agency on or after the first day of the 25th month next following the date of enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, unless the construction permit application for the new townhouse contains provisions for the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with the requirements of P.L.2023, c.265. The bill also specifies that the provisions of P.L.2023, c.265 would not apply to a development for which a developmental site plan or subdivision application has been submitted prior to the first day of the 25th month following the enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, including: § a preliminary or final approval from a municipal planning or zoning board memorialized by a resolution of approval; § developer's agreement; § a redevelopment agreement; § a payment in lieu of tax agreement; § a fair share plan or housing element that provides for the development, and is subject to a judgment of repose or compliance, an affordable housing settlement agreement, or other approval provided under the "Fair Housing Act" or Mount Laurel doctrine; or § a building permit. P.L.2023, c.265 also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations incorporating International Residential Code guidance pertaining to such installations by June 1, 2024, the first day of the fifth month following the date of that statute's enactment. The bill would modify this requirement to allow the commissioner until the first day of the 13th month following the enactment of this bill, instead of the enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, to adopt these rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| S2656 | Creates "Manufacturing Reboot Program" in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain manufacturing businesses; makes $10 million appropriation to EDA. | This bill establishes a New Jersey "Manufacturing Reboot Program" (program) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). The purpose of the program is to address the negative effects the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had on New Jersey manufacturing businesses. The program is to be used by the EDA to assist "qualified manufacturing businesses," as defined in the bill, as they retool to develop new products or expand current manufacturing capabilities. The EDA is to provide priority assistance to a qualified manufacturing business (manufacturing business) having sales revenues that have been reduced due to the economic effects of, and increased costs to, its business operations during the pandemic, that is at risk of discontinuing its manufacturing operations in this State as determined by the EDA, that is able to retool to produce products for the healthcare industry such as medical devices, personal protection equipment, or pharmaceuticals, especially any vaccine used to reduce the spread of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019, and that is able to make adjustments for the manufacturing business's capacity to manufacture a vaccine for that purpose. The EDA is to provide a grant award to a qualified manufacturing business deemed eligible by the EDA upon application by a manufacturing business in a manner established by the EDA, and only if the result of providing the grant will yield a net positive benefit to the State that equals a percentage amount of a grant award as determined by the EDA. The EDA is to work in conjunction with the Business Action Center and State, local, and private business assistance entities to develop and promote the program. Under the program, the EDA is to provide a grant award ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 per manufacturing business, depending on the market potential and long-term economic impact of a manufacturing business's new production capabilities on the State or regional economy. Each grant award is to be revenue neutral to the State, as determined by the EDA, and a grant award may be used by a manufacturing business for the purchase of manufacturing equipment, machinery used in a manufacturing process, or computer aided design or computer aided manufacturing equipment or software, for payroll expenses or costs, or for the training of new or existing employees. A program application proposing new jobs creation will improve an applicant manufacturing business's chances of application approval; however, the creation of new jobs is not to be required if the applicant manufacturing business can provide to the EDA evidence that the approval of a grant award will expand sales, improve productivity, or increase diversification and capabilities of the applicant manufacturing business. The bill requires a manufacturing business to provide to the EDA quarterly reports verifying its employment levels and expenditures using grant funds provided by the EDA as determined by the EDA and requires to EDA to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the functioning of the program and whether the program meets the needs of manufacturing businesses. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the EDA the sum of $10 million solely for the awarding of grants to manufacturing businesses participating in the program. Of that amount, $5 million is to be used to award grants to manufacturing businesses manufacturing a vaccine used to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019, or is able to make adjustments for the qualified manufacturing business's capacity to manufacture a vaccine for that purpose. The remaining $5 million is to be used to provide grants to manufacturing businesses producing products for the healthcare industry such as medical devices, personal protection equipment, or pharmaceuticals that are not vaccines used to reduce the spread of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. The EDA may seek and accept gifts, grants, or donations from private or public sources for funding the costs of the program, except that the EDA may not accept a gift, grant, or donation that is subject to conditions that are inconsistent with any other law of this State. | In Committee |
| S2663 | Requires death certificates to include drug responsible for drug overdose death under certain circumstances. | This bill requires death certificates to include the drug responsible for a drug overdose death under certain circumstances. The bill provides that in the case of a death due to a drug overdose, the name of the drug that caused the death of the individual is to be listed on the death certificate form or recorded in the New Jersey Electronic Death Registration System if such information is available. | In Committee |
| S2664 | Establishes Division of Intellectual and Development Disabilities in DCF. | This bill establishes the Division of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (division) in the Department of Children and Families. Under the bill, the director of the division is to: 1) provide services for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities by identifying appropriate programs to meet their needs and by facilitating the establishment of community-based services for these persons; 2) establish procedures for the determination of eligibility for services pursuant to the bill's provisions; 3) establish liaison and cooperative agreements with other governmental departments and agencies which provide programs and services to persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities to prevent duplication of services and encourage a continuum of care that is required by persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities; 4) establish standards for services that are provided for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities, which include the scope and quality of these services and which give full recognition to the unique problems and special needs associated with intellectual or developmental disabilities; 5) advise, consult, and provide professional assistance to organized efforts by organizations, groups, associations, and committees which work toward improving services and opportunities for persons with intellectual or developmental disabilities; and 6) select and retain the services of consultants whose advice is considered necessary to assist the division in obtaining information or developing plans and programs required for the performance of its duties and responsibilities. | In Committee |
| S2660 | Permits counties and municipalities to bond for passenger cars and station wagons solely fueled by electric or renewable power sources. | This bill would permit counties and municipalities to issue bonds to acquire certain environmentally friendly passenger cars and station wagons. Under current law, counties and municipalities may only issue bonds to finance certain projects having a period of usefulness of at least five years. Additionally, the Local Bond Law, N.J.S.40A:2-1 et seq., specifically excludes passenger cars and station wagons from the category of newly purchased automotive vehicles that are deemed to have a maximum period of usefulness of five years. The bill would amend this exclusion in the Local Bond Law in order to allow permit counties and municipalities to bond for passenger cars and station wagons that are solely fueled by a battery or equivalent energy storage device charged from an electricity supply external to the vehicle or by a renewable power source. Other passenger cars and station wagons would continue to be excluded. | In Committee |
| S2668 | Enters New Jersey into Emergency Medical Services Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact. | This bill enters New Jersey into the Recognition Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel Licensure Interstate Compact (otherwise known as REPLICA). This compact is intended to facilitate the day-to-day movement of EMS personnel across state boundaries in the performance of their EMS duties as assigned by an appropriate authority and authorize state EMS offices to afford immediate legal recognition to EMS personnel licensed in a member state. This compact recognizes that states have a vested interest in protecting the public's health and safety through their licensing and regulation of EMS personnel, and that such state regulation shared among the member states will best protect public health and safety. REPLICA is the nation's first and only multi-state compact for the EMS profession. REPLICA provides qualified EMS professionals licensed in a "home state" a legal "privilege to practice" in "remote states." Home states are states where an EMT is licensed; while remote states are other states that have adopted the REPLICA legislation. | In Committee |
| S2665 | Establishes "New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Master Plan Study Commission." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Alzheimer's Disease Master Plan Study Commission" (commission) in the Department of Human Services. Under the bill, the commission is to consist of 15 members as follows: (1) the Commissioners of Health and Human Services; (2) two members of the Senate, to be appointed by the President of the Senate, who are not to be of the same political party; (3) two members of the General Assembly, to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, who are not to be of the same political party; and (4) nine members appointed by the Governor, as provided for in the bill. Under the bill, it is the duty of the commission to develop a master plan for the State to implement to address the impact of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias. The master plan is to include measures to: (1) prepare the State to address the needs of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers; (2) educate the public to increase awareness and understanding about Alzheimer's and other related dementias utilizing identified community resources, services, and efforts; (3) improve the quality and effectiveness of the health care provided to individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (4) ensure adequate and sustainable funding for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (5) enable individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to live in the most integrated, community-based setting, in accordance with their needs and preferences; (6) foster opportunities for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease to be meaningfully engaged in their communities; (7) support unpaid family caregivers who serve individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; (8) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that impact mental and physical health, safety, and well-being; (9) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that enable individuals to receive services at home and in community-based settings as an alternative to institutionalization; (10) develop programs and policies for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease that lift these individuals out of poverty; (11) establish benchmarks to assess and measure progress in accomplishing the master plan goals; (12) develop affordable housing options for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease; and (13) prevent exploitation and abuse, including financial abuse and physical abuse, of individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The commission is to submit the Master Plan to the Governor, and to the Legislature within two years of the appointment of a majority of the public members of the commission. This bill is to take effect immediately, and the commission is to expire 60 days after the submission of the plan required under the bill.0 | In Committee |
| S2669 | Establishes manufacturing machine and metal trade apprenticeship tax credit program. | The bill establishes a manufacturing machine and metal trade apprenticeship tax credit program under the gross income tax and corporation business tax. The purpose of the program is to encourage manufacturing employers to provide structured training to machine and metal trade apprentices to add more skilled workers to New Jersey's labor market. The bill gives manufacturing employers with qualified machine and metal trade apprenticeship programs the lesser of $7,500 per apprentice, or 50 percent of an apprentice's wages. To qualify for credit, an apprenticeship must employ an unskilled or semi-skilled person in machine tool or metal trades for no less than 1,500 hours in the tax year as part of a term of machine and metal trade training not exceeding four tax years. The machine and metal trade apprenticeship must involve wage progression, defined job training processes, course instruction, and completion resulting in designation as a skilled worker. The bill schedules the credits for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The credits are nonrefundable. | In Committee |
| S2655 | Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings. | This bill requires a cable television (CATV) company that is applying for or renewing a municipal franchise to provide free Internet service, including routers or other necessary equipment, to at least one public library in the municipality served by the CATV company. The free Internet service requirement is to take effect as part of any new or renewed municipal franchise agreement that is issued or approved by the Board of Public Utilities after the effective date of the bill. The bill also requires a CATV company to provide the public library with a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs. Further, the bill requires a CATV company that is applying for or renewing a system-wide franchise to provide free Internet service, including a router or other necessary equipment, to all municipal buildings in a municipality served by that CATV company. The free Internet service provided to a public library by a CATV company that is a system-wide franchise shall have a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs. | In Committee |
| S2653 | Requires certain customer identification to be presented to electric power or gas supplier if customer switches services. | This bill requires that a residential customer who consents to switching between an electric power supplier and a basic generation service provider or between electric power suppliers, or a residential customer who switches between a gas supplier and a gas public utility or between gas suppliers, is to do so by providing either government-issued photo identification or government issued non-photo identification accompanied by a secondary method of identification. Under the bill, a secondary method of identification would include, but not be limited to, a telephone number in the customer's name, a current utility bill, bank statement, government check or pay check, or a credit or automatic teller machine card displaying the person's name. The electric power supplier and gas supplier are to attest to the appropriate public utility that identification authorized by the bill was provided along with the residential customer's service address. A residential customer is not to be required to provide an electric or gas public utility account number or point of delivery identification number if a form of authorized identification was provided. The bill prohibits a residential customer from switching between these suppliers, providers, and utilities without providing a written or electronic signature authorizing the switch. The bill does not prohibit an electric power supplier, basic generation service provider, gas public utility, or gas supplier from utilizing any methods allowing a customer to switch electric power suppliers or gas suppliers. | In Committee |
| S2659 | "Made in New Jersey Tax Credit Act"; provides CBT tax credits to taxpayers that purchase "New Jersey made" products. | This bill, designated the "Made in New Jersey Tax Credit Act," provides tax credits under the corporation business tax to taxpayers who produce purchase New Jersey made products for the purposes of retail sales, manufacturing, or a manufacturing production process. The tax credit is equal to 25 percent multiplied by the ratio between the costs incurred in the purchase of the New Jersey made products and the taxpayer's total costs incurred in the purchase of products for the purposes of retail sales or manufacturing. The total costs exclude any costs for products that the taxpayer can demonstrate could not have been substituted with a similar made in New Jersey product. However, if two-thirds or more of a taxpayer's total costs incurred are excluded, then the taxpayer is ineligible for the credit. When this credit is combined with other credits, it cannot exceed the tax liability otherwise due and cannot reduce the tax liability below the statutory minimum. The credit can be carried forward up to seven privilege periods after the privilege period for which the credit is allowed. "New Jersey made" means that all or virtually all the significant parts, processing, and labor that produce that product originate or are sourced in the State of New Jersey, and that the products do not contain or contain only negligible out of state content. | In Committee |
| S2670 | Requires emergency action plans for delivery of oxygen to patient residences during public health emergency. | This bill requires providers of residential use oxygen and oxygen delivery systems to prepare and adopt emergency action plans in the event of a public health emergency. The purpose of the emergency action plan is to set forth the procedures that will be followed by a pharmacy or any other provider in the event of a public health emergency in order to: (1) ensure the availability of oxygen to that patient, to the maximum extent practicable; and (2) be responsive to inquiries or requests made concerning the patient's need for, or receipt of, oxygen or an oxygen delivery system. The bill requires the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety to notify both pharmacies and other licensed providers of oxygen or oxygen delivery systems in the State of the requirements of this bill. The director is also required to adopt regulations, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management, to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2662 | Requires certain accessible public restroom facilities be equipped with signs reserving use for persons with disabilities. | This bill would require that certain public restroom facilities have signs indicating that they are reserved for use by persons with disabilities. Far too often, people who do not need accessible public restroom facilities use them. Sometimes, this leads to an uncomfortable situation in which an individual with a disability who needs such a facility is forced to wait for it to become vacant. This bill seeks to prevent this situation from arising by requiring signage on a limited number of accessible public restroom facilities indicating that they are reserved for the exclusive use by persons with a disability. This bill would apply to places of employment and public accommodations that have a multiple-user public restroom with an accessible toilet compartment and at least one other toilet compartment, and those places that have an accessible single-user public restroom and at least two other single-user public restrooms. Under the bill, a construction permit application for a new building that contains an applicable restroom facility could not be approved unless it provides for the placement of signs as required by the bill. For existing buildings, a construction permit application for any alteration or improvement could not be approved unless compliance is demonstrated. Existing buildings may also be subject to inspections to determine compliance. If a violation is found, the building owner is given 30 days to correct the violation. If a violation still exists after this 30-day period expires, then the owner may be subject to a $150 civil penalty. An owner may be subject to a $300 civil penalty for a subsequent violation on the same property. The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2654 | Directs BPU to conduct study to determine whether microgrid and distributed energy resource deployment will reduce length of power outages. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and make findings and recommendations concerning whether the utilization of "microgrids," as that term is defined in the bill, and the deployment of distributed energy resources will assist in reducing the length of long-term power outages in the State. The BPU's study is to also provide recommendations for improvements to the resilience and reliability of the State's electric distribution system. In conducting the study, the bill provides that the BPU is to: (1) compare the general performance of this State's electric distribution system to that of other states; (2) assess the impact of the utilization of microgrids and the deployment of distributed energy resources on the length of long-term power outages in other states; (3) consult with relevant persons and public and private entities in this State and other states that have utilized microgrids during power outages and provide information on best practices for microgrid utilization as demonstrated in other states; (4) consult with relevant electric public utilities in this State and other states that have deployed distributed energy resources to communities during power outages; (5) consider the costs and savings to ratepayers, government entities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the BPU's findings and recommendations; and (6) provide an assessment of microgrid pilot programs awarded through the BPU, including, but not limited to, awards provided under the Town Center Microgrid Feasibility Studies program. The bill requires the BPU to prepare and submit the report containing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of the enactment of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2661 | Provides gross income tax credit to certain totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent constituting property taxes. | This bill provides a gross income tax credit to certain totally and permanently disabled veterans for rent constituting property taxes. Pursuant to N.J.S.A.54:4-3.30, a citizen and resident, as well as a surviving spouse in certain circumstances, of this State who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances, from active service, in time of war, in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, who has been declared by the United States Veterans Administration to have certain service-connected disabilities is eligible for a property tax exemption on the person's principal residence and the lot on which that residence is situated. However, a similar exemption does not exist for persons who occupy a unit of a residential rental property and pay rent. In order to create parity between disabled veterans who own their principal residence and those disabled veterans who occupy a unit of a residential rental property, the bill provides a refundable gross income tax credit in an amount equal to rent constituting property taxes, as defined in section 2 of P.L.1996, c.60 (C.54A:3A-16), for those disabled veterans, or their spouses in certain circumstances, who rent or lease a unit of a residential property, as also defined in section 2 of P.L.1996, c.60 (C.54A:3A-16). For the purposes of this bill, rent constituting property taxes is considered to be 18 percent of the rent paid by the taxpayer for occupancy during the taxable year of a unit of residential rental property which the taxpayer occupies as a principal residence. Lastly, the bill requires the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury to make a separate application available for those disabled veterans who, pursuant to N.J.S.A.54A:2-4, are not subject to the gross income tax. | In Committee |
| S2667 | Provides for preparation and distribution of written notice to senior citizens concerning risks and prevention of fraud and identity theft. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to annuallydisseminate, to appropriate parties, a notice on fraud and identity theft that is to be prepared by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. At a minimum, the notice prepared by the director is to provide information necessary to alert senior citizens about the different ways in which senior citizens may be contacted for, or lured into providing, information or funds for a fraudulent purpose, and the ways to prevent the loss of funds or identity theft. The director will be required to regularly review and update the notice to ensure that it contains the most current information on fraud and identity theft.The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services, at a minimum, to distribute the notice to: 1) members of the public, upon request; and 2) each organization that is contracted by or receives State funding from the Department of Human Services (DHS) and that provides services to senior citizens 60 years of age or older, for dissemination by the organization to senior citizens in the course of business. The bill further requires the commissioner to post a copy of the notice on the DHS website. | In Committee |
| S2658 | "New Jersey Makes, the World Takes Act"; allows corporation business tax credit for selling New Jersey made products. | This bill allows a taxpayer under the corporation business tax to claim a tax credit for making retail sales of New Jersey made products. The credit amount is $3.31 for every $100 of retail sales of New Jersey made products that the taxpayer makes. The $3.31 credit amount is meant to approximate 50 percent of the State's sales tax rate on $100 of retail purchases. | In Committee |
| S2700 | Establishes "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act." | This bill establishes the "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act," which provides certain staffing standards in State hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, the bill provides that, in addition to existing staffing requirements provided by law or regulation, the Commissioner of Health is to adopt regulations that provide minimum direct care registered professional nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and unlicensed assistive personnel-to-patient staffing ratios for all patient units in general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, in accordance with the minimum staffing requirements that are established by the bill. The regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Health are not to decrease any staffing ratios that are already in effect on the bill's effective date. The bill provides that the Commissioner of Health is to require all general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to employ an acuity and staffing system for the purpose of increasing staffing levels above the minimum levels established in the bill, or otherwise provided by law or regulation, in order to ensure adequate staffing of each unit, service, or department. The bill requires the Department of Health to enforce the bill's requirements by conducting periodic inspections and responding to complaints. A registered professional nurse or other staff member, a collective bargaining agent of a staff member, or a member of the public, who believes that the hospital or facility in which the nurse or staff member is employed is in violation of the requirements established by the bill, may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Health. In responding to a complaint, the commissioner will be required to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not a hospital or facility is in violation. Following the completion of an investigation, in which investigation the department determines a hospital or facility to be in violation of the requirements established by the bill, the hospital or facility may be issued a civil penalty in increasing amounts for repeat violations. Any money collected by the court in payment of a civil penalty imposed will be conveyed to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Patient Protection and Staffing Fund (fund) established by the bill. Moneys in the fund will be dedicated and used only for the purposes of increasing the number of inspectors employed by the Department of Health to enforce the provisions of the bill, advancing nursing recruitment and retentions programs, supporting student loan forgiveness for nursing students, and increasing pay for nursing teaching staff. Finally, in addition to the above-described requirements applicable to the Commissioner of Health, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a review of Department of Human Services regulations concerning registered professional nurse staffing standards in developmental centers and State psychiatric hospitals, and to revise the regulations, as appropriate, to reflect safe staffing practices and assure adequate staffing at the facilities. | In Committee |
| S2666 | Requires health care professional to order bi-lateral ultrasounds concurrently when ordering mammograms; requires insurers to cover concurrent mammograms and bi-lateral ultrasounds. | This bill requires any health care provider engaged in the diagnosis or treatment of breast cancer to concurrently order an ultrasound evaluation, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a three-dimensional mammography, or other additional testing of an entire breast or breasts when ordering a mammogram examination if a woman has additional risk factors for breast cancer or other indications as determined by the provider. The bill also requires health insurers to cover the ultrasound evaluation, a magnetic resonance imaging scan, a three-dimensional mammography, or other additional testing of an entire breast or breasts of a woman of color when concurrently ordered with a mammogram examination. The bill provides that the health benefits coverage requirements apply to: health, hospital, and medical service corporations; commercial, individual, and group health insurers; health maintenance organizations; and health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs. The bill provides the requirements for coverage also apply to the State Health Benefits Program, which by law requires similar health benefits coverage under the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. | In Committee |
| S2657 | Requires NJT to establish pilot program to provide free rides on rail, light rail, and bus service to individuals eligible for Access Link service. | This bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) to establish a five-year pilot program that provides free rides on rail passenger service, light rail passenger service, and motorbus regular route service to individuals who are eligible for NJ Transit's Access Link service. As part of the pilot program, NJ Transit is required to provide annual training on the policies and procedures for the pilot program and how to appropriately interact with pilot program participants. The bill requires NJ Transit to report annually on the pilot program. In the fourth and fifth years of the pilot program, NJ Transit is required to include a section in the report that provides analysis on how the pilot program could be improved and whether the corporation recommends that the Legislature permanently adopt the pilot program. | In Committee |
| SR39 | Urges restaurants to include warnings against use of mobile ordering features while driving. | This Senate resolution urges restaurants located in New Jersey that accept mobile ordering to implement safety features, such as pop-up warnings, to caution consumers against placing a mobile order while driving. Distracted driving is among the five leading causes of motor vehicle fatalities in the United States, resulting in 42 deaths on New Jersey interstate highways during 2021. The most common distraction for drivers is cell phone use, which may include placing a mobile order with a restaurant while driving. Community activism can raise awareness of the dangers associated with distracted driving and encourage residents and businesses in this State to take protective measures. Implementing safety features that warn against placing a mobile order while driving is one of the ways in which private businesses can decrease the likelihood of consumers using cell phones while driving. Copies of this resolution are to be transmitted to the New Jersey Restaurant and Hospitality Association. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1425 | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Crossed Over |
| S991 | Establishes permanent unit in Office of Emergency Management to address access and functional needs of residents related to disasters and emergencies. | This bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to establish a permanent unit in the office to serve the needs of State residents with access and functional needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on residents of New Jersey with disabilities, older adults, and other at-risk groups, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, as well as the consequences of other types of disasters and emergencies. In 2018, the CDC estimated that 24.6% of New Jersey adult residents had a disability, which is a sizeable portion of the State's population. The economic impact on people with disabilities and their families, as well as the burden on individual health as a result of the pandemic, are an existential threat to the disability community. Accordingly, it is in the public interest for the State to engage in comprehensive planning and coordination within the northern, central, and southern regions of the State to support residents with access and functional needs. | In Committee |
| S1062 | Makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. | This bill makes various revisions to the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights. The Victims' Rights Amendment to the New Jersey Constitution, enacted by the voters in 1991 as paragraph 22 of Article I, makes crime victims' rights a constitutional mandate and specifically provides that victims "shall be entitled to those rights and remedies as may be provided by the Legislature." Under the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights, crime victims and witnesses are to be free from intimidation, harassment, or abuse by any person including the defendant or any other person acting in support of or on behalf of the defendant, due to the involvement of the victim or witness in the criminal justice process. This bill expands the Crime Victims' Bill of Rights by expanding the process for plea agreements. Under current law, victims and witnesses have the opportunity to consult with the prosecuting authority prior to the conclusion of plea negotiations. The bill grants victims and witnesses the opportunity to communicate with the prosecuting authority any perspective the victim may have on considerations related to plea negotiations with the defendant prior to the beginning of any plea negotiations, to consult with the prosecuting authority prior to the conclusion of any plea negotiations, and to have the prosecutor advise the court of the consultation and the victim's position regarding the plea. The bill requires the prosecutor to advise the court of the victim's position unless the victim affirmatively requests otherwise. The bill also allows a court to establish a procedure by which judges in criminal cases may ascertain whether a victim has been afforded an adequate opportunity to communicate and consult with the prosecuting authority on a plea agreement, including whether the prosecuting authority made sufficient efforts to contact the victim in matters in which contact did not occur. In addition, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to furnish, upon request, incident reports to a victim or the victim's attorney when there is a pending application for a domestic violence restraining order or pending application for a sexual assault restraining order within 24 hours or as soon as practicable but in no event more than five days after the date the report is requested. The bill also expands the definition of victim to include the parent or legal guardian of a minor victim acting on behalf of the minor victim. Finally, the bill clarifies that the Victim Witness and Advocacy Fund is to award grants to legal support services. The bill also removes enumerated organizations eligible for grants under current law and provides that organizations eligible to receive grants are to include service providers and county-based programs throughout the State which serve victims of violence. | In Committee |
| S1069 | Establishes county veteran transportation grant program; removes certain restrictions to the current veterans transportation assistance program; appropriates $2 million. | Establishes county veteran transportation grant program; removes certain restrictions to the current veterans transportation assistance program; appropriates $2 million. | In Committee |
| S212 | Directs BPU to update interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy sources and develop fixed fee structure for interconnection costs. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to update the safety and power quality interconnection standards for certain renewable energy systems in the State, and to establish a fixed fee structure for the costs of interconnection of those projects to the electric grid. Specifically, the bill directs the BPU to adopt rules and regulations, no later than 18 months after the bill's enactment, which establish interconnection standards for Class I renewable energy source systems. "Class I renewable energy" is defined in the law as "electric energy produced from solar technologies, photovoltaic technologies, wind energy, fuel cells, geothermal technologies, wave or tidal action, small scale hydropower facilities with a capacity of three megawatts or less and put into service after the effective date of P.L.2012, c.24, methane gas from landfills, methane gas from a biomass facility provided that the biomass is cultivated and harvested in a sustainable manner, or methane gas from a composting or anaerobic or aerobic digestion facility that converts food waste or other organic waste to energy." The bill directs the BPU to adopt standards that conform to the model interconnection procedures promulgated by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council in its "Model Interconnection Procedures (2019)" document, unless there is a compelling reason why a provision in that document is infeasible to adopt in New Jersey. The bill also directs the BPU to establish a fixed fee schedule for interconnection fees, which are paid by the owners or developers of renewable energy systems to electric utilities to defray the costs of interconnection, including administrative tasks or studies carried out by the utility, and infrastructure upgrades necessary for the safe operation of the renewable energy system. The bill designates these fees as "grid modernization fees," and would authorize the BPU to develop tiers for the fees, for example based on the size of the system or the source of the energy (e.g. solar or wind). The bill authorizes the BPU to update the fee structure every three years. The bill also stipulates that, for the first three years the fees go into effect, the fee for a residential, net-metered system of 10 kilowatts or less would be no more than $50 per kilowatt. The bill authorizes electric public utilities to recover interconnection costs in excess of the amount recovered through grid modernization fees from the customers of the utility, either through the utility's base rate or through a surcharge. In addition, the bill authorizes electric utilities to recover costs of any infrastructure upgrades that are necessary to render a segment of the electric grid capable of new interconnections by renewable energy systems, provided that the utility demonstrates that the upgrades are necessary and in the public interest at a rate case proceeding. The bill directs the BPU to establish a schedule of maximum interconnection costs, and authorize the BPU to adjust this schedule every three years. Utilities that incur interconnection costs for a renewable energy project above this cost threshold would only be authorized by the bill to recover an amount up to the maximum cost from their customers. The bill also directs the BPU to establish provisions in the interconnection standards which provide for greater enforceability of interconnection timelines promulgated by electric utilities, including monetary penalties for utilities that fail to meet the timelines. Finally, the bill directs the BPU to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation of the interconnection standards and grid modernization fees adopted pursuant to the bill. The report would be required to include an analysis of the economic impact of the standards and fees, and their effect on the State's progress towards meeting the goals established by the "Global Warming Response Act," P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-37 et seq.). The report could also include recommendations for future legislative or regulatory action. | In Committee |
| S209 | Provides CBT tax credit for retrofit of existing warehouses with solar-ready zone once solar panels are installed. | This bill would incentivize the retrofitting of existing warehouses with solar-ready zones by providing a tax credit against the corporation business tax to compensate a taxpayer who retrofits an existing warehouse with a solar-ready zone. The tax credit would be available once the taxpayer installs solar panels on the warehouse. The bill defines "warehouse" as a building, room, structure, or facility of at least 100,000 square feet used primarily for the storage of goods intended for sale. The bill defines "solar-ready zone" as a section of a roof or building overhang designated and reserved for the future installation of a solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system, which is at least 40 percent of the roof area calculated as the horizontally projected areas minus the area covered by skylights, occupied roof decks, vegetative roof areas, and mandatory access or set back areas required by the State Uniform Construction Code, or as otherwise provided in the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code, Appendix CA, and any successor model code, concerning solar-ready zones. The amount of the tax credit provided by the bill may not exceed the lesser of (1) fifty percent of the cost incurred to retrofit an existing warehouse with a solar-ready zone, or (2) $250,000. A taxpayer may claim the credit authorized under the bill for the cost of retrofitting an existing warehouse with a solar-ready zone for up to eight existing warehouses owned or operated by the same taxpayer in a single privilege period. The bill would require a taxpayer that retrofits an existing warehouse with a solar-ready zone to demonstrate to the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury (director) that solar panels have been installed on the warehouse prior to receiving the tax credit provided in the bill. The bill would also limit the cumulative total of tax credits awarded pursuant to the bill to $25 million. The director would be required to certify taxpayers as eligible to receive the tax credit provided in the bill. A taxpayer that retrofits an existing warehouse with a solar-ready zone would be eligible to receive the tax credit if: (1) the warehouse meets the size criteria required pursuant to the bill; (2) the warehouse has been retrofitted with a solar-ready zone; and (3) solar panels have been installed on the warehouse's solar-ready zone. The director may require the submission of any information the director deems necessary to award a tax credit pursuant to the bill. Finally, the bill would require the director, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs, to adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S2525 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, and the State Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for mammograms for women age 18 or older, rather than age 40 and older as is required under current law. In addition, the bill also requires health insurers to provide coverage for physician-directed imaging under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S2508 | Authorizes municipal assessment of development impact fees following State guidelines and makes an appropriation. | This bill, known as the "Municipal Development Impact Fee Authorization Act," would allow municipalities to impose an impact fee on developers under certain circumstances. A municipality which imposes an impact fee must do so by an ordinance which sets forth detailed standards and guidelines regarding the definition of a service unit and the specific purposes for which the impact fee revenues may be expended. The impact fee ordinance shall also contain a delineation of service areas for each capital improvement and a fee schedule which clearly sets forth the amount of the fee to be charged for each service unit. Municipalities may impose an impact fee to cover a broad range of expenditure areas, including any transportation improvement necessitated by new development in a county not covered by a transportation development district created pursuant to the "New Jersey Transportation Development District Act of 1989," water treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment and sewerage, flood control and stormwater management, educational facilities, municipal parks and recreation facilities, public safety and related facilities. The bill exempts low and moderate income housing units as defined under P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.) from the assessment of impact fees and prohibits the internal subsidy within inclusionary developments which would otherwise see purchasers of market-priced units absorb the impact fees forgiven on their affordable counterparts. Capital improvements and facility expansion for which an impact fee is imposed must bear a reasonable relationship to needs created by the new development. A municipality may adopt such an impact fee ordinance only if it has previously adopted a capital improvement program and has a valid master plan in place. The capital improvement program referred to here is more detailed than that which is currently authorized under section 20 of the "Municipal Land Use Law," P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-29). An impact fee imposed to finance educational facilities shall be based upon a long-term facilities plan approved by the Commissioner of Education. Municipalities which choose not to implement an impact fee ordinance under this bill may continue to prepare the less comprehensive capital improvement program currently authorized under the "Municipal Land Use Law." Similarly, those municipalities may continue to levy a fee for off-tract improvements authorized under section 30 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-42). The bill sets forth terms and conditions under which municipalities may assess and hold onto impact fee revenues. Fifty percent of the amount assessed as an impact fee shall be paid prior to the issuance of a construction permit and the remainder, prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. No impact fee imposed by a municipality shall exceed the development's proportional share of the current reasonable cost of constructing the capital improvement or facility expansion for which the fee is being assessed. In no case shall the municipality maintain unexpended impact fees for more than eight years after the date of collection of the final payment for any development, unless construction has already begun on the capital improvement of facility expansion for which the impact fees were collected. The bill provides for an appeal of an impact fee assessment to an administrative law judge under the "Administrative Procedure Act" as a contested case; unlike decisions of contested cases under the APA, however, decisions of an administrative law judge in these cases would be final and would be appealable directly to the Appellate Division of Superior Court. The bill establishes a permanent 15 member Development Impact Fee Review and Advisory Commission (DIFRAC) in the Department of Community Affairs to provide ongoing technical assistance to municipalities in adopting impact fee ordinances and to evaluate the implementation of those ordinances. The first responsibility of DIFRAC shall be the preparation and dissemination of model ordinance. All municipal development impact fee ordinances must be certified by DIFRAC as to their conformity with law and the standards adopted by the commission. | In Committee |
| S2511 | Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act." | This bill repeals the "Pet Purchase Protection Act," P.L.1999, c.336 (C.56:8-92 et seq.) and replaces it with a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops. The bill also imposes several other requirements concerning the sale and adoption of animals. The bill provides that, without limiting the prosecution of any other practices which may be unlawful pursuant to State consumer fraud laws, it would be an unlawful practice and a violation of State consumer fraud law, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), for any breeder or broker to knowingly sell a cat or dog that is unfit for purchase. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" as having any disease, deformity, injury, physical condition, illness, or defect which is congenital or hereditary and severely affects the health of the animal, and which was manifest, capable of diagnosis or likely contracted on or before the sale and delivery of the animal to the consumer. The bill specifies that the death of an animal within 14 days of its delivery to the consumer, except by death by accident or as a result of injuries sustained during that period, would be construed to mean the animal was unfit for purchase. The bill establishes a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and establishes a $500 fine for each violation of this prohibition to be collected in a civil action under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999. The bill authorizes a pet shop to: 1) sell or offer for sale any other type of animal as may be otherwise permitted pursuant to State law or regulation, or sell or offer for sale pet supplies for any type of animal, including a cat, dog, or rabbit, if it is licensed by its municipality to do so; and 2) offer, in collaboration with an animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, space in the pet shop to showcase cats, dogs, and rabbits that are available for adoption, provided that no payment or compensation, monetary or otherwise, is exchanged between the pet shop and animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, for the use of the pet shop or for the adoption of any cat, dog, rabbit, or any other animal. The bill prohibits animal rescue organizations, animal rescue organization facilities, pet shops, shelters, or pounds from obtaining a cat, dog, or rabbit from a breeder or broker in exchange for any type of compensation. The bill specifies that: 1) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke the requirements for pet dealers that are not pet shops or the rights of a consumer purchasing an animal from a pet dealer that is not a pet shop, as may be provided elsewhere in law or any rule or regulation; 2) any provision of law or regulation pertaining to pet shops that does not pertain to the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits would continue to apply to pet shops; and 3) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke any recourse or remedy that is otherwise available to a consumer purchasing a cat, dog, rabbit, or any other type of animal and provided under any other law. The bill specifies that the bill's provisions may not be construed to interfere with the implementation of, or otherwise invalidate, or limit or restrict any municipality, county, local health agency, or municipal or county board of health from enacting or enforcing, any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation that places additional obligations or restrictions on pet shops, pet shop sales, pet dealers, breeders, brokers, or breeder or broker sales. | In Committee |
| S245 | Requires BPU to study and implement methods to allow additional distributed energy sources to interconnect to electrical grid. | This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study for the purpose of identifying, researching, and quantifying the effects of short-term solutions that could enable segments of the electrical transmission and distribution system to host greater amounts of power from distributed energy generation sources. The study would also including planning for the testing and implementation of the solutions. The bill would require the BPU to consider the following potential solutions, as well as any additional potential solutions identified by the BPU: (1) permitting the flow of electricity, through an electrical substation, from the distribution system to the transmission system; (2) requiring solar inverters to include, activate, and use technology that allows the inverter to inject and absorb reactive power autonomously or in response to remote control; (3) requiring energy storage systems to include, activate, and use technology that allows the energy storage system to inject or absorb real and reactive power; and (4) requiring solar photovoltaic systems to include, activate, and use technology and services that enable the power output of the system to respond to short term prediction of weather conditions to control the rate-of-change of the power output, or other system parameters. As defined by the bill, "reactive power" means the portion of alternating current electricity, measured in volt-amperes reactive, that cannot do useful work due to a misalignment of the current and voltage waveforms of the electricity. The bill would require the BPU to submit a final report on its study to the Governor and the Legislature within one year after the bill's effective date, which contains recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or local governmental action. The bill would also require the BPU to adopt rules and regulations to implement the recommended regulatory action, within one year after the final report is published. The bill would direct the BPU to initially apply the recommendations as a pilot program and then, if successful, provide for Statewide implementation of the rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| S225 | Establishes incentive program for installation of energy storage systems. | This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (board) to develop a program to provide monetary incentives to persons who install new energy storage systems in the State. Specifically, the bill directs the board, no later than 180 days after the bill's effective date, to publish incentive levels and an application process for an energy storage incentive pilot program. The pilot program will continue until the board adopts rules and regulations to establish a permanent program pursuant to the bill. The program is to meet or exceed the State's goal of hosting two gigawatts of energy storage capacity by 2030. The bill establishes certain requirements for the program, including parameters for the types of energy storage projects eligible for the program, as described in the bill. The program is available to customer-sited energy storage systems, which are smaller energy storage systems owned by a customer of electric utilities and sited in a customer's residence or business, and to front-of-the-meter energy storage systems, which are larger energy storage systems that are connected directly to the grid. The bill directs the board to reserve a portion of the incentives for energy storage systems owned by low-to-moderate income customers and customers sited in overburdened communities. The incentives are an upfront incentive and a performance incentive. The upfront incentive consists of a one-time payment made by the board's Clean Energy Program, which is funded by the societal benefits charge imposed under current law pursuant to N.J.S.A.48:3-60. The amount of the upfront incentive is calculated using a "gap analysis," as defined in the bill, to determine the difference between the all-in system cost and the expected lifetime revenue that the customer can expect to gain from the system. "All-in system cost" is defined as the total cost of purchasing and installing a new energy storage system, including the costs of hardware, siting, installation, permitting, and interconnection. The bill requires certain applicants for an upfront incentive to pay a deposit and requires applicants to meet certain timeline requirements, as described in the bill. The bill specifies that the board is to allocate at least $60 million per year of funds collected from the societal benefits charge for upfront incentives for the duration of the pilot program. The performance incentive is a recurring payment, made by an electric public utility, to compensate the owner of the energy storage system for services to the grid made by the system, including reduction of peak demand and supply of power during outages. The bill directs each electric public utility to file a tariff, a pricing structure that includes rates and other charges, with the board for front-of-the-meter energy storage systems that are not subject to a tariff by PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. The tariff is required to take into account the costs of service and benefits to the grid from front-of-the-meter energy storage systems. The tariff is required to exempt front-of-the-meter energy storage systems from charges intended for customers who consume electricity, including, but not limited to, the societal benefits charge. Finally, the bill directs the board to submit a report to the Legislature on the pilot program no later than one year after the program is established. | In Committee |
| S1392 | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | In Committee |
| S2364 | Establishes Commission on Career and Technical Education and creates initiatives that promote career and technical education programs in State. | This bill establishes a Commission on Career and Technical Education and creates various initiatives that promote career and technical education programs in the State. Under the bill, the Commission on Career and Technical Education will study and evaluate the availability of high quality secondary career and technical education programs across counties and review the costs, benefits, and challenges associated with the potential expansion of career and technical education programs in the State. The 11-member commission will include: the Commissioner of Education, or a designee; the Director of the Office of Career and Technical Education in the Department of Education; and 9 members appointed by the Governor, including: three superintendents of a county vocational school district upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools; one principal of a public school operating a career and technical education program; two teachers employed in a public school career and technical education program; one member upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association; one member from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association; and one member from the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools. The bill also does the following:· grants the right of first refusal to a county vocational school district operating a career and technical education program to purchase or lease at or below fair market value, a closed public school facility or property located in the same county; · requires the principal of a public school with students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 to take specific actions that will promote an interest in and increase awareness of educational opportunities available through career and technical education programs offered by the district, local charter schools, and the county vocational school district;· directs the Department of Education to provide on its website information on best practices in the field of career and technical education;· provides that the Commissioner of Education will give preference to an application for a charter school that proposes to offer an approved career and technical education program that is not duplicative of programs offered in the resident district or county vocational school district; and · provides that the Commissioner of Education will give preference to an application submitted by a proposed choice district under the "Interdistrict Public School Choice Program" that offers an approved career and technical education program that is not duplicative of programs offered in the county vocational school district. | In Committee |
| S2411 | Requires new voting machines purchased or leased for use in elections in this State to produce voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast. | Under current law, the requirement for the purchase of new voting machines or retrofitting of existing voting machines to produce a paper record of the votes cast has been suspended until funding is made available from State or federal sources. This bill would require that new voting machines purchased or leased following the bill's effective date must produce a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast. Specifically, the bill requires that each voting machine be able to produce an individual permanent paper record for each vote cast, which must be made available for inspection and verification by the voter at the time the vote is cast, and preserved for later use in any manual audit. The bill also provides that the Secretary of State may waive the voter-verifiable paper record requirement for voting machines that were in use during an election in this State prior to the bill's effective date. However, the bill prohibits the Secretary of State from granting any such waiver for voting machines that were newly-purchased or leased following the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S2400 | Prohibits late penalties from being made against senior citizen tenants in certain senior citizen rental housing in certain circumstances. | This bill prohibits the landlord of public housing for seniors, as defined in the bill, from imposing certain late charges upon senior citizen tenants who are unable to make timely rent payments due to their admittance to a health care facility. Under current law, a landlord is prohibited from imposing late charges on all residential tenants, including senior citizen tenants, during the five business day period following the due date of a rental payment. This bill would expand these provisions to include the period during which certain senior citizen tenants (tenants) have been admitted to a health care facility and a five business day period following discharge from the facility. Specifically, the bill provides that, upon receipt of written proof that a tenant was admitted to a health care facility, a landlord is to be required to waive any late charge incurred by the tenant during the period of hospitalization and the grace period of five business days following discharge from the facility. If the full rent payment is not remitted within that period, the landlord may thereafter impose late charges. However, the grace period is not to begin if, following discharge from the health care facility, the tenant is immediately admitted to a subsequent health care facility without returning to the rental premises, but the tenant is to remain responsible for rent due before the lease expires or is terminated under the provisions of the lease agreement or State law. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is to be subject to a fine of $100 for a first offense, a fine of $250 for a second offense, and a fine of $500 for a third or subsequent offense. Additionally, the bill provides that the Attorney General is to bring the action against the landlord in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Additionally, under the bill, a "senior citizen" includes a person 62 years of age or over and a surviving spouse, if that person is 55 years of age or over. | In Committee |
| S1493 | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | In Committee |
| S1019 | Establishes program in DOLWD to connect persons with disabilities with job training and employment. | This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to establish a program to connect persons with disabilities with qualified organizations providing job training for the disabled community and with employers with employment needs. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to: 1. establish and maintain the program in collaboration with qualified organizations, defined as nonprofit organizations, or organizations working with nonprofit organizations, which have at least five years of experience working with persons with disabilities; 2. request community-based and nonprofit organizations to provide job training, education, and outreach services, making the organizations responsible for developing in, consultation with the department, on-the-job training and outreach materials; 3. develop an online resource hub to provide employment and training information for persons with disabilities, a list of qualified organizations providing job training, education, and outreach services to persons with disabilities, and a database which permits employers to post job openings and provides information on State labor laws and fair employment guidelines; and 4. issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature reviewing the implementation of the program. | In Committee |
| S1470 | Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. | This bill provides that a public safety worker who participated in the response to the September 11, 2001 attacks and is treated or monitored through the World Trade Center Health Program established by the Centers for Disease Control is presumed to be compensable under the State workers' compensation law without respect to when the worker files his claim for compensation, except that the claim is required to be filed within two years after the effective date of the bill. A worker is deemed ineligible for the benefits if the worker is eligible for benefits for the same injury, illness, or death under workers' compensation programs of other states or the federal government. The bill requires the Division of Archives and Records Management in the Department of State, and each county, municipality, regional or joint public safety entity, or other agency involved in the public safety, to notify all active and retired personnel and next-of-kin, if the personnel are deceased, of the presumption of compensability within three months of the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1022 | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | In Committee |
| S2298 | Provides FY 2024 supplemental appropriations to, and establishes "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund" in, DEP; appropriates $6.85 million to fund and various divisions of DEP. | This bill would provide several FY 2024 supplemental appropriations to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the purpose of hiring new staff. The bill would also establish a new nonlapsing fund in the DEP to fund emergency response efforts to reduce unexpected drinking water contamination. Specifically, the bill would establish the "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund" in the DEP. The bill would stipulate that moneys in the fund may only be used to: (1) fund emergency response efforts by the DEP to drinking water contamination from unexpected contamination or other incidents, including chemical releases or spills, or harmful algal blooms; or (2) provide moneys to publicly owned drinking water systems to fund emergency response efforts, as described in paragraph (1). The bill would appropriate $1 million from the General Fund to the "Drinking Water Emergency Response Fund." The bill would also appropriate $1.4 million to the New Jersey Forest Service, $1.3 million to the New Jersey State Park Service, $2 million to the Division of Water Supply and Geoscience in the DEP, and $1 million to the Division of Land Use Regulation in the DEP. The purpose of the appropriations would be to pay the salaries of new staff members in those divisions of the DEP. The bill would also appropriate $150,000 to the Green Acres program for the purpose of employing a volunteer coordinator at the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust. | In Committee |
| S2316 | Requires certain ratios of school library media specialists to students in public schools. | This bill establishes minimum ratios of school library media specialists to students required in school districts. The ratios are:· in each public school having an enrollment of less than 300 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one half-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement;· in each public school having an enrollment of between 300 and 1,499 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one full-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement; and· in each public school having an enrollment of 1,500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, two full-time staff members who hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. The bill specifies how much time in each school day the school library media specialist is required to devote to school library work in public secondary schools, which is dependent upon the enrollment in the school. The bill also requires a public school having an enrollment of 500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk, and to employ one additional full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk for each additional 500 students enrolled in the school. In order to be college- and career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. A qualified school library media specialist is uniquely suited through educational training and professional development to provide this educational foundation for all students. Many states currently require school library media specialists in their schools and most use student enrollment to determine the number of school library media specialists the schools employ. | In Committee |
| S1603 | Establishes fringe benefit rate for State colleges and universities. | This bill directs the Division of Budget and Accounting, also known as the Office of Management and Budget, in the Department of the Treasury to establish a fringe benefit rate for public institutions of higher education that reflects the actual cost of employee fringe benefits. The separate fringe rate is to first apply in FY 2025. Currently, the fringe benefit rate used is not specific to employees at the State's public institutions of higher education, but to State employees in general. Many State employees are enrolled in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), while many of the employees employed by State public colleges and universities are enrolled in the less costly Alternative Benefit Plan (ABP) or are not enrolled in a retirement plan. This results in a difference between the actual cost of benefits and the amount paid to the State. | In Committee |
| S227 | Requires installation of operational automatic rain sensor on lawn sprinklers as condition of sale and on lawn sprinklers on commercial, retail, or industrial property and in common interest communities within specified timeframes. | This bill requires that every contract of sale of real property upon which a lawn sprinkler system was installed on or prior to September 8, 2000, i.e., the effective date of P.L.2000, c.107 (C.C.52:27D-123.13), must include a provision requiring, as a condition of the sale, the installation of an operational automatic rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the automatic lawn sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. Current law requires all automatic lawn sprinkler systems installed after September 8, 2000 be equipped with an automatic rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the automatic lawn sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. This bill would expand this requirement to automatic lawn sprinkler systems installed on or prior to September 8, 2000, in accordance with the timeframes and conditions set forth in the bill. Under this bill, the closing of title on the sale of any real property cannot occur unless documentation is provided demonstrating the installation of an operational automatic rain sensor device or switch. At closing, the buyer and seller would both be required to certify in writing that this requirement has been met. Failure to comply with these requirements would not defeat or impair the title conveyed. These provisions would not apply to the closing of title on the sale of property within a common interest community. "Common interest community" is defined as a horizontal property regime, condominium, homeowner association, cooperative, or mutual housing corporation, in which some of the property, commonly known as "common elements" or "common areas," is owned or controlled by the unit or association owners or members. An owner of property who sells, leases, rents, or otherwise permits to be utilized or occupied any property when it does not comply with these requirements would be subject to a fine of up to $500. In addition, within 24 months after the date of enactment of the bill into law, an automatic lawn sprinkler system installed on or prior to September 8, 2000 in a common interest community would be required to be retrofitted with an operational automatic rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the automatic lawn sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. Lastly, within 12 months after the date of enactment of the bill into law, an automatic lawn sprinkler system installed on or prior to September 8, 2000 on any commercial, retail, or industrial property would be required to be retrofitted with an operational automatic rain sensor device or switch that will override the irrigation cycle of the automatic lawn sprinkler system when adequate rainfall has occurred. | Dead |
| S1037 | Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program to support entrepreneurs in STEM fields. | This bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to establish the New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program in county colleges and four-year institutions of higher education to support entrepreneurs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Under the bill, the secretary will fund and administer no less than 20 fellowships. The fellowships may be provided to individuals who have proven to the secretary that they have an idea to create, advance or develop a product in the STEM field which will have a beneficial impact on society and will result in a self-sustaining business in the future. The fellowships will be issued for three years each and will be used primarily to support the entrepreneurs in commercializing the idea and developing a well-structured business. | In Committee |
| S1014 | Requires water suppliers to reimburse residential customers for drinking water testing under certain circumstances. | This bill would require the owner or operator of a public water system water to reimburse a residential customer at the request of the municipality in which the customer resides, for the cost of water testing at the residence by a lab certified by the Department of Environmental Protection, when the testing is necessitated by the exceedance of a maximum contaminant level, or action level, as appropriate, of a federal or State drinking water standard by the public water system. The bill prohibits the costs of the water testing from being passed through to the public water system's regulated rate customers. | In Committee |
| S1002 | Directs DEP to develop State water infrastructure investment plan; requires NJ Infrastructure Bank to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects; appropriates $200,000 to NJ Infrastructure Bank. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prepare a State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years. The bill would also require the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects in the State. No later than 12 months after the bill's effective date and every five years thereafter, the bill would direct the DEP, in consultation with the NJIB and, where appropriate, the Board of Public Utilities and the Department of Community Affairs, to prepare and submit to Governor and the Legislature a State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan (plan). The plan would serve as the State's long-term capital investment strategy for upgrading and maintaining the State's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The bill would establish various requirements for the contents of the plan, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 2 of the bill. In addition, each time the DEP prepares a plan, the bill would require the DEP to conduct at least three public meetings on the proposed plan, and meet with other stakeholders as described in subsection c. of section 2 of the bill. The bill would also require the NJIB to prepare an Annual Water Infrastructure Capital Program (annual program), which would provide details about current water infrastructure projects in the State. The annual program would be submitted to the Governor, Legislature, and the DEP. The bill would establish various requirements for the content of the annual program, as enumerated in subsection a. of section 3 of the bill. The bill would also require the NJIB to develop and maintain an Internet website that provides similar details about water infrastructure projects in the State. The bill would require the NJIB to update the website at least twice a year. In addition, the bill would establish various requirements for the content of the website, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 4 of the bill. In addition, the bill would require municipalities to review and consider any applicable recommendations of the current State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan before adopting or amending their municipal master plans. Finally, the bill would appropriate $200,000 to the NJIB to develop and maintain the website required under section 4 of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2054 | Establishes "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission;" appropriates $2.5 million. | This bill establishes a "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission" and appropriates $2.5 million. Under the bill, there is established in, but not of, the Department of Law and Public Safety a commission to be known as the "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission." The purpose of the commission is to design and oversee the construction of a Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial in Monmouth County that honors and recognizes law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The commission is to consist of the following seven members: 1) a representative of the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association, appointed by the Governor; 2) a representative of the New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police, appointed by the Governor; 3) a representative of the State Troopers Fraternal Association, appointed by the Governor; and 4) four public members, one of whom shall be a retired law enforcement officer, appointed by the Governor. The bill requires the appointments to be made within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The commission is to organize as soon as practicable after the appointment of the majority of the members. A majority of all of the authorized members constitutes a quorum. Under the bill, the Department of Law and Public Safety is to provide staff and related support services as the commission requires to carry out its work. The bill requires the commission to select a suitable design and location in Monmouth County for the construction of the Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial and to oversee the construction of the memorial. Within 18 months of the bill's effective date, the commission is required to submit a final report to the Governor and the Legislature which is to include the final design and location in Monmouth County selected for the memorial. In addition, the bill establishes, in the Department of Law and Public Safety, a separate, nonlapsing fund to be known as the "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund." The fund is to be administered by the Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission and dedicated for the costs associated with designing and constructing the memorial. Finally, the bill appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety for the provision of that amount to the "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund." | In Committee |
| S1243 | Directs Secretary of State to contract with qualified vendor to develop national marketing campaign promoting State's innovation economy; appropriates $1,000,000. | This bill requires the Secretary of State to enter into a contract or agreement with a qualified vendor to develop and undertake a national marketing campaign to promote the State's assets as an innovation economy, to attract people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors in other states, and to both promote and increase the State's high-technology and high-skilled workforce. The bill requires the qualified vendor to be a private nonprofit organization qualified for exemption from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3) and that supports business relocation to, and entrepreneurship in, the State. The marketing campaign would include, but would not be limited to, the following elements: (1) a branding strategy to publicize the State's assets and to strengthen the State's innovation economy brand; (2) promotion of the State's employment opportunities in the high-technology and high-skilled sectors of the economy, the well-paying wages in those sectors, as well as the infrastructural, workforce, investment, and other assets that make it ideal for people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to locate and grow their business in New Jersey; (3) targeted marketing to specific populations, including out-of-state businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, recent college and graduate school graduates, young professionals, and other persons interested in starting a high-technology business or bringing a research idea to commercialization; (4) promotion of the quality careers in manufacturing, a critical part of the innovation economy; and (5) any other element the Secretary of State deems appropriate. The marketing campaign would incorporate radio, television, print, and internet media platforms. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of State the sum of $1,000,000 and such sums as the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury deem necessary to effectuate its provisions. | In Committee |
| S339 | Requires State Board of Education to permit candidates awaiting teacher certification to submit affidavit to hiring school district affirming certification requirements have been met. | This bill requires the State Board of Education to authorize an alternative means for teaching candidates to secure employment as a teacher with a school district while awaiting the issuance of a certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing from the Department of Education. The board would be required to allow a candidate for a certificate to submit to a hiring district a signed affidavit affirming that applicable certification requirements have been met as part of the candidate's application for employment with the hiring district. A candidate who submits an affidavit pursuant to this bill would be required to provide accompanying documentation demonstrating that the candidate has applied for a certificate with the department. In the event that a candidate submits a signed affidavit in good faith and subsequently learned that the certification process is incomplete, the candidate will not be liable to reimburse the district for salary or benefits received. Within 90 days from the date an affidavit has been submitted to a hiring district, a candidate would be required to provide confirmation to the hiring district that a certificate has been issued by the department. A hiring district would be required to terminate a candidate who does not provide confirmation to the district that a certificate has been issued or has been found to have misrepresented information provided on the affidavit. | In Committee |
| S1202 | Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child. | This bill increases to 70 percent of compensation the accidental death benefit payable to the surviving spouse or surviving child or children of a deceased law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter who was a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and ineligible for membership in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. This bill also changes the definition of child with respect to those members. The bill permits payment of an accidental death benefit to a surviving beneficiary of a retirant of the PFRS or a retirant of the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS if the accident caused the death of the retirant. The bill also grants eligibility for the death benefit to a person determined by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance to be eligible to receive a death benefit under the federal "Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976" based upon the death of a law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter member or retirant of the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS or member or retirant of the PFRS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant . Under current law, an accidental death benefit under PERS is payable when a member dies accidentally in the actual performance of duty, or in active service in the reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard in a federal active duty status, and not as the result of his or her willful negligence. The member's widow or widower is entitled to a pension of 50 percent of the member's compensation for use by him or her and the children of the deceased member. This payment continues during his or her widowhood. If there is no surviving widow or widower, or in case the widow or widower dies or remarries, 20 percent of that compensation is payable to one surviving child, 35 percent to two surviving children in equal shares, and 50 percent to three or more surviving children in equal shares. With respect to all law enforcement officers, correction officers, or firefighters in PERS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant, this bill increases to 70 percent of the member's compensation the accidental death benefit payable to the surviving spouse of the member or retirant, and to the same amount the benefit payable to the member's or retirant's surviving child or children when there is no surviving spouse. This provision will mirror the amounts as provided in the PFRS. This bill also changes the definition of child with respect to all law enforcement officers, correction officers, and firefighters in PERS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. Currently, in that retirement system, "child" is defined as a deceased member's unmarried child either (a) under the age of 18 or (b) of any age who, at the time of the member's death, is disabled because of an intellectual disability or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and the impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board. For those officers and firefighters in PERS, this bill adds to this definition a member's or retirant's child who is (c) 18 years of age or older and enrolled in a secondary school, or (d) under the age of 24 and enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester, provided that the member or retirant died as a result of an accident met in the actual performance of duty at some definite time and place, and the death was not the result of the member's or retirant's willful misconduct. This definition will be the same as the definition of child in the PFRS, as amended to include retirants. Finally, the bill provides that a person determined by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance to be eligible to receive a death benefit under the federal "Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976" (PSOB) based upon the death of a law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter member or retirant in the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS is eligible to receive the accidental death benefit, and the same for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. The bill provides the same eligibility for a person determined by the bureau to be eligible for a death benefit under the PSOB for a member or retirant in the PFRS. | In Committee |
| S1948 | Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure. | This bill revises the reporting requirements for transfers of nursing home ownership and assignments of substantial management control over a nursing home to a third party entity. Specifically, the bill requires nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home and third party entities exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, to provide an organizational chart identifying: parent entities and wholly-owned subsidiaries; principals that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home; and unrelated parties that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home that are paid $200,000 or more by the nursing home. In the case of an applicant for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home, these disclosures will be based on expectations with regard to services, facilities, supplies, and payments. For applications for transfer of ownership of a nursing home, the organizational chart is to be posted on the Department of Health's (DOH's) Internet website, along with a copy of the transfer of ownership application, which is currently required to be posted on the DOH's website. The bill removes a current provision of law that allows applicants for transfers of ownership to prepare and submit a summary of the application information that omits proprietary information and can be used for public disclosure purposes. The bill additionally removes a provision of current law that provides nothing in a transfer of ownership application may be used in an adverse licensure or disciplinary action against the applicant. The bill revises the current requirements for approval of a transfer of ownership application to provide that approval is contingent on review of the applicant's history of disciplinary actions involving facilities owned, operated, or managed by the applicant in both New Jersey and in any other jurisdiction; under current law, this review is limited to New Jersey facilities. Under current law, approval is additionally conditioned on payment of outstanding and issued Medicaid audit claims and penalties issued by the Department of Health (DOH); the bill adds as a condition of approval that there be payment of all Medicaid overpayments, and requires payment of any State-issued penalty, not just those issued by the DOH. The amended bill further specifies that, if any Medicaid overpayments are identified after the transfer of ownership occurs, the new owner will be required to submit an affidavit to the DOH and to the State Comptroller identifying the responsible party for the overpayments. The bill revises the mandatory components of the annual reports nursing homes are required to submit to the DOH to additionally require balance sheets include information concerning equity, and statements of operations include specifically itemized expenses related to leases of land, buildings, and equipment, loans of equipment, and contracts in excess of $10,000 per year for any service, as well as details concerning any mortgagee for the land or building used by the nursing home. The reporting requirements will also include information concerning the owners and operators of related parties to the nursing home and entities other than a nonprofit organization that have an ownership interest of five percent or more in a private equity fund that is invested in the nursing home. The bill revises the threshold for reporting certain interested party transactions from $2,500 per year to $10,000 per year. The bill further requires enhanced disclosure of the owners and principals of the owners, management companies, and related parties to a nursing home, including the owners and principals of holding and parent companies and subsidiaries, as well as limited liability companies. The bill further revises the current financial disclosures required for nursing home owners and operators, to require the submission of an owner-certified financial statement that: 1) is reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant and performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect the day the application or statement is submitted; and 2) includes: a balance sheet detailing the assets, liabilities, and equity the end of the reporting entity's fiscal year; a statement of income, expenses, and operating surplus or deficit for the annual fiscal period; a statement of changes in equity; a statement detailing patient revenue by payer, including, but not limited to, Medicare, NJ FamilyCare, and other payers, and revenue center; a statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to, ongoing and new capital expenditures and depreciation; a combined financial statement that includes all entities reported in the owner-certified financial statement; and any other information, data, and documents as may be required by the Commissioner of Health or the State Comptroller. The bill specifies that an owner-certified financial statement required under P.L.2021, c.457 (C.26:2H-46.3 et seq.) is to meet the requirements for owner-certified financial statements established under the bill. The bill further specifies that a health care system consisting of more than one nursing home will be required to submit owner-certified financial statements that consolidate the financial data across all nursing homes that are a part of that health care system, together with a statement of operations or income with respect to each nursing home in the health care system, which statements of operations or income may be submitted in a supplemental schedule. A nonprofit nursing home that files a copy of its most recent Internal Revenue Service Form 990 Public Inspection Copy with the DOH and the State Comptroller, and a nursing home that files with the DOH and the State Comptroller a cost report with an audited financial statement that has been submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, may each be deemed to have satisfied all or part of the requirements of an owner-certified financial statement established under the bill. For applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities seeking to delegate management of a nursing home, this information will be included with certain materials that current law requires be provided to the Department of Health (DOH). The bill expands the disclosure requirements under current law to additionally reference limited liability companies, which will be required to make the required disclosures for each member of the limited liability company. The bill revises a current requirement for nursing homes to submit certain information to the DOH within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year to require the information be submitted 150 days after the end of the fiscal year. The DOH will be required to immediately transmit submitted nursing home reports to the State Comptroller. All information submitted under the bill with regard to transfers of ownership, annual reporting, and delegations of substantial management control, is to be certified under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and complete. All information submitted will additionally be deemed a public record. The bill revises the current penalties that apply for failure to make a required report or for submitting false information. Current law authorizes a civil penalty of $10 to $100 per day for each day the report is not filed or corrected. The bill revises the civil penalty to up to $200 per day, makes the penalties discretionary, and authorizes the DOH to curtail resident admissions to the nursing home. The bill provides that the State Comptroller, in consultation with the DOH and the Department of Human Services, will be authorized to monitor, review and audit owner-certified financial statements in accordance with certain existing statutory authorities, and will be authorized to obtain information and testimony, issue reports, make referrals, and coordinate with and require the cooperation of State agencies in the same manner as permitted under those existing statutory authorities. The bill grants the DOH and the State Comptroller express authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the bill, and the authority to issue temporary notices to implement the bill, which notices will be valid for no more than one year after the date the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| S1250 | Establishes "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requires periodic criminal background checks for certain school employees; and prohibits interference with school bus monitoring devices. | This bill would establish the "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requiring criminal history record checks for certain school employees and prohibiting interference with school bus monitoring devices. The bill would make it a crime of the fourth degree to purposely alter, destroy, conceal or disable a monitoring device, including a camera or other medium used to record sound or images that is installed in a school bus. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000 or both. The bill would also clarify that any school bus aide in the public and charter school systems, and any school that receives public funds for school buses is required to have a criminal history record check. Prospective aides and school bus drivers would also submit to a criminal history record check prior to starting employment and every four years thereafter in these schools. However, the bill provides that a person employed or under contract as a school bus driver may meet the bill's requirement to have a criminal history check every four years by certifying that the individual has undergone a criminal history record check as part of the application for renewal of a school bus driver's license. The bill also permits nonpublic schools to conduct similar criminal history record checks to those performed by public schools, charter schools, and schools that receive governmental funding for school buses. The bill would also require that the results of the criminal history record check be sent to the county superintendent of the county in which a bus driver or school bus aide would be employed. This bill would require that an employee who commits a disqualifying offense be suspended until the offense is adjudicated, and a conviction or other adverse adjudication would result in termination of the employee's service. The bill also requires each school district that has cameras which record images on school buses to appoint an employee to randomly view such recorded images during each school year. | In Committee |
| S995 | Establishes "Household Water Assistance Program"; appropriates $75 million. | This bill would require the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to establish the "Household Water Assistance Program" (program). The purpose of the program would be to provide affordability assistance for water, sewer, and stormwater utility services, to eligible households throughout New Jersey. Under the bill, "eligible households" means a household regardless of the federal immigration status of the members of the household that: (1) has an income at or below an adjusted gross income to be determined by the department, which shall be equal to or greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; (2) has individuals residing in the eligible household who are receiving the following: (a) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; (b) Supplemental Security Income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act; (c) food stamps; (d) payments under section 415, 521, 541, or 542 of the title 38, United States Code, or under section 306 of the "Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978;" or (e) payments under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; (f) benefits under the Universal Service Fund; (g) benefits under the Lifeline Credit Program; (h) benefits under the Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program; (i) benefits under the Winter Termination Program; (j) benefits under the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program; or (k) benefits as defined under P.L.1997, c.14; or (3) can demonstrate either temporary or ongoing financial hardship according to the department. Additionally, the bill defines "water system" to include all of the following: (1) a public community water system, as that term is defined by section 3 of P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-3); (2) a stormwater utility established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.42 (C.40A:26B-1 et seq.); and (3) an authority, as defined in P.L.1983, c. 313 (C.40A:5A-3), municipal public utility, as defined in P.L.1960, c.169 (C.40A:1-1), or public utility, as defined pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1983, c.78 (C.48:2-13.1), that provides sewer service. The bill provides that the program would provide the following types of financial assistance: (1) direct assistance; (2) assistance to renters and other households who do not receive a bill from a water system but pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water system service; (3) water crisis intervention assistance; (4) water efficiency, leak detection, and plumbing repair measures for eligible households; and (5) debt relief for arrears, including arrears accrued prior to implementation of the program. The commissioner is required to coordinate the program with any existing assistance programs and in developing the program, the commissioner would consider adapting elements of one or more existing low-income energy assistance programs, including the Universal Service Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The bill provides that in administering the program, the commissioner is required to consult and coordinate with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Household Water Assistance Advisory Group to develop and publish performance metrics that are disaggregated by utility name, type of water service provided, municipality, and zip code, which include enrollment levels water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels. The bill would establish a "Household Water Assistance Advisory Group" to advise the commissioner in the development of the program. The advisory group would include representatives of each of the following entities, to be appointed by the Governor: a public community water system that is not a public utility; a public community water system that is a public utility; a stormwater utility once created; an authority or municipal public utility that provides sewer services; three representatives of non-governmental organizations; a member from the public that comes from an eligible household; at least one technical assistance provider, such as organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or other low income utility assistance programs; at least one local agency or non-profit organization that manages multifamily housing serving low-income residents; at least one person with technical expertise in measuring the affordability of water services; at least one municipal official appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities; and at least one county official appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of Counties The bill provides that the commissioner would be required to consult, coordinate, and collaborate with the advisory group on certain matters. The bill would also require the commissioner to annually adopt an expenditure plan for assistance to be provided under the program through the "Water Rate Assistance Fund" (fund) created pursuant to the bill. The fund would be a non-lapsing fund to contain monies appropriated annually by the Legislature, federal and other grants received by the State, and any other monies made available to fund the water affordability assistance required to be provided in the bill. The bill provides that no later than one year after the enactment of this bill, BPU would be required to establish a mechanism for public utilities that provide electric or natural gas services to regularly share data with the department regarding customers currently enrolled in low-income energy assistance programs. Additionally, the commissioner would be allowed to enter into agreements with municipal public utilities that provide electric or natural gas service, for the purposes of regularly sharing data with the department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income households. The board and the commissioner would be required to ensure that the data shared and collected under the bill would be subject to existing confidentiality protections provided under State law. The bill would appropriate $75 million to the fund within the department for the purpose of administering the program from the funds provided to the State by the United States government under the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," Pub.L. 117-2. | In Committee |
| S1001 | Requires municipalities to designate parking spaces for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. | This bill would require the governing body of each municipality to designate a parking space at or near the municipality's city hall or other principal municipal building for the exclusive use of a motor vehicle owned by and transporting a disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient, which vehicle displays a disabled veteran's or Purple Heart license plate or placard issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill would take effect immediately but remain inoperative until the first day of the sixth month following the date of enactment in order to allow municipalities a period of time to comply with the bill's requirements. The Motor Vehicle Commission already issues specialized license plates to persons who qualify as disabled veterans and to active members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Motor Vehicle Commission also issues placards to eligible disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients so that eligible persons who do not have a specialized license plate may qualify for the exemption from payment of municipal parking meter fees that was established by P.L.2015, c.218 (C.39:4-207.10). By reserving parking spots for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, municipalities will call attention to the significant contributions made by wounded combat veterans, and of their existence in our communities. | In Committee |
| S344 | Establishes School Safety and Security Task Force. | This bill establishes the School Safety and Security Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study and develop recommendations to improve school safety and security, and to ensure a safe learning environment for students and employees. The task force consists of 15 members as follows: the Commissioner of Education, or a designee; the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, or a designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, or a designee; seven members appointed by the Governor including one each from the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; and five members of the public, three of which have demonstrated expertise in the development or implementation of school security standards or technology, one of which is an active or retired law enforcement officer, and one of which is an active or retired mental health professional. The members of the public will be appointed by the Governor, upon consideration of the recommendations of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly. It is the duty of the task force to identify potential breaches of security in the public schools, and make recommendations to improve school safety and security. The issues studied by the task force include: (1) placing screening systems at school entrances; (2) stationing school resource officers in each school building; (3) improving response times to emergency situations, including lockdowns, active shooter, and bomb threats; (4) requiring advanced student and visitor identification cards; (5) using biometric, retina, or other advanced recognition systems for authorized entrance into school buildings; (6) the effectiveness of installing panic alarms in school buildings to alert local law enforcement authorities to emergency situations, required under "Alyssa's Law"; (7) scheduling periodic patrols of school buildings and grounds by local law enforcement officers; (8) hardening the school perimeter and building entryways; and (9) considering strategies to ensure the needs of students with disabilities are reflected in all areas of emergency planning and response measures. Also under the bill, the task force is required to review and develop recommendations on building security and assessment standards for existing school facilities and new construction, including, but not limited to, standards for: (1) architectural design for new construction; (2) assessing and abating security risks in existing school facilities; (3) emergency communication plans; (4) staff training; and (5) addressing elevated risk factors, such as proximity to a chemical facility or nuclear power plant. The task force is required to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislation, to the Governor and the Legislature no later than six months after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire upon the issuance of the final report. | Dead |
| S1005 | Prohibits gender-based price discrimination. | This bill prohibits businesses in New Jersey from engaging in gender-based priced discrimination. Commonly referred to as the "pink tax" or "gender tax," gender-based discrimination occurs when products and services marketed and intended for use by girls and women are priced higher than comparable products and services for boys and men. The bill provides that a business in the State is prohibited from: (1) discriminating based on gender with regard to the price charged for a service offered by the business; and (2) charging prices for any two consumer products from the same manufacturer that are substantially similar, if those products are priced differently solely based on the gender of the individuals for whom the products are intended or marketed. For the purposes of the bill, two products would be considered "substantially similar" if there are no significant differences in the materials used in the products, the function of the products, and the functional design or features of the products. A difference in color or packaging among consumer products would not, by itself, be construed as a substantial difference. The bill specifies that its provisions would not be construed to prohibit price differences based upon labor, materials, tariffs, or any other gender-neutral reason, including when a retail establishment passes through a price to the consumer that is set by a manufacturer, distributor, or other entity that is beyond the retailer's control. Under the bill, the following businesses would be required to clearly and conspicuously disclose to the customer in writing the pricing for each standard service provided: (1) tailors or other businesses providing aftermarket clothing alterations; (2) barbers or hair salons; and (3) dry cleaners and laundries providing services to individuals. The bill requires the pricing to be posted in an area conspicuous to customers. Posted price lists are required to be in no less than 14-point boldface type and clearly and completely display pricing for every standard service offered by the business. Additionally, business are required to provide a customer with a complete written price list upon request. The bill further requires businesses to display in a conspicuous place at least one clearly visible sign, printed in no less than 24-point boldface type, notifying customers that gender-based price discrimination is prohibited under New Jersey law. A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. | In Committee |
| S255 | Establishes conditions for net metering for authorized food waste recycling facilities. | This bill would specify that authorized food waste recycling facilities are able to engage in net metering and would establish conditions and compensation for those facilities. Under current law, specifically subsection e. of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), electric power suppliers and basic generation providers are required to offer net-metering to industrial, commercial, and residential customers. This bill specifies that authorized food waste recycling facilities would be eligible to engage in net metering. "Net metering" refers to an accounting, or billing, process that allows a customer that generates electricity from a Class I renewable energy source to receive credit on their utility bill for the electricity produced. An authorized food waste recycling facility is defined in law to mean "a Class C recycling center within the State authorized to accept, store, process, or transfer food waste or compostable material, pursuant to subsection b. of section 41 of P.L.1987, c.102 (C.13:1E-99.34)." Under the bill, if the amount of electricity generated by the authorized food waste recycling facility (facility), plus any kilowatt hour credits held over from previous billing periods, exceeds the electricity supplied by the electric power supplier (supplier) or basic generation service provider (provider), then the supplier or provider, as the case may be, would credit the facility for the excess kilowatt hours until the end of the annualized period. If any kilowatt hour credit remains at the end of the annualized period, the facility would be compensated by the supplier or provider for any remaining credits or, the facility could choose to have the supplier or provider credit the facility at the applicable published tariff rate for residential basic generation service, inclusive of sales and use tax, plus $0.03 per kilowatt hour. Alternatively, if a facility chooses not to receive a credit, the facility would be able to: execute a bilateral agreement with a supplier or service provider for the sale and purchase of the excess generation; or enter into a contract to deliver or sell the power to end-use customers located within the same electric public utility's service territory as the facility. | In Committee |
| S1071 | Requires owners of certain buildings to test drinking water for Legionella bacteria. | This bill would require owner of certain buildings to test the drinking water of the building for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Specifically, the bill would apply to acute care facilities, assisted living facilities, boarding houses, county correctional facilities, hospitals, multiple dwellings, nursing homes, units of public housing that have received funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, rooming houses, and State correctional facilities. The bill would require the building owner to test water from a tap in the building, at least once per year. The water sampling and testing would be required to be performed using a set of best practices developed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), under the bill. In addition, the water testing would be required to be performed by a laboratory accredited by the DEP. The bill would also require the building owner to transmit the test results to the DEP. If the test results reveal the presence of excessive Legionella contamination, according to a standard to be developed by the DEP under the bill, the building owner would be required to immediately notify residents and other users of the building. If the drinking water in the service line connected to the building has been tested for Legionella in the previous month, and the test result was negative, the bill would require the building owner to begin remediation of the Legionella contamination within 30 days, and the remediation would be required to be completed within six months. A violation of the bill's provisions would be considered a violation of the "Safe Drinking Water Act," P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.), which could result in civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. | In Committee |
| S1039 | Establishes and codifies certain privileges for limited and restricted brewery license holders. | This bill grants certain privileges to the holders of limited and restricted brewery licenses. In addition, privileges currently held by limited brewery licensees are clarified and codified by the provisions of the bill. Under current law, the holder of a limited brewery license is entitled to brew and distribute beer to retailers and manufacturers, but is limited in the amount of beer that he or she may brew in one year. The holder of a restricted brewery license is entitled to brew beer and operate a restaurant provided the licensee also holds a Class C consumption license generally issued to bars and restaurants. Under the bill, the holder of a limited brewery license would be entitled to serve customers tableside utilizing servers or wait staff employed by the holder of this license. The limited brewery license holder also would be entitled to serve malt alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption in outdoor spaces that are a part of an approved outdoor space utilizing a permanent or portable tap system located in the approved outdoor space. Pourers and servers employed by the restricted brewery are to be certified by an industry-recognized server training program. The bill also removes from current law the requirement that limited breweries provide a tour. Under current law, limited breweries are authorized to sell their product at retail to consumers on the licensed premises for on-site consumption, but only in connection with a tour of the brewery or distillery. Under this bill, consumers would not be required to take a tour of the brewery to purchase beverages for on-site consumption. The bill also allows the limited brewery license holder to offer for sale or make the gratuitous offering of de minimis food items such as, but not limited to, packaged crackers, chips, nuts, and similar snacks to consumers. The license holder would be entitled to sell non-alcoholic beverages regardless of whether the non-alcoholic beverages are manufactured on the license premises. Under the bill, the license holder would be entitled to coordinate with a food vendor for the provision of food on the licensed premises and provide menus to consumers for the sale of food. The bill also clarifies that limited breweries are entitled to offer for sale suitable gift items and novelty wearing apparel identified with the name of the licensed limited brewery. This bill also allows limited breweries to hold an unlimited number of on-premises special events for which the license holder may advertise and charge a cover fee. A license holder would not be required to obtain a permit or provide electronic notification to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) prior to holding on-premises special events or private parties. In addition, the bill allows limited breweries to hold an unlimited number of off-premises special events by obtaining a permit from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control. An off-premises special event permit may be issued for an event that is held for up to three consecutive days. The licensee would be entitled to coordinate with food vendors for the provision of food at off-premises events. If an off-premises special event is held on a publicly-owned or controlled property, the holder of the limited brewery license would be required to obtain the consent of the political subdivision that owns or controls the property or the chief law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the property. Under the bill, a limited brewery also would be entitled to hold an unlimited number of private parties per year to occur on the licensed premise including, but not limited to, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, civic and political functions, professional and trade association events, or class reunions and alumni events. The host of a private party, subject to the brewery's consent, may provide wine or malt alcoholic beverages purchased off the licensed premises to be served at the private party. A private party host may hire the employee of a limited brewery to pour the alcoholic beverages served at the party. The limited brewery would not be required to obtain a permit or provide electronic notification to the division of a private event. The bill also allows organizations operating for civic, religious, educational, charitable, fraternal, social, or recreational purposes, and not for private gain, to obtain a social affair permit to hold an event on the licensed premises of a limited brewery. Under the bill, the holder of a limited brewery license would be entitled to host not more than 25 social affair events on a limited brewery premises. The social affair permit holder may, at the brewery's consent, sell and serve wine and malt alcoholic beverages manufactured off the licensed premises for on-premises consumption only, provided the wine and malt alcoholic beverages. A host of a social affair permitted event may hire the employees or agents of a limited brewery licensee to pour the alcoholic beverages served at the event. The bill allows limited breweries to sell their products for consumption off the licensed premises during a social affair permitted event. Finally, the bill increases annual production limits placed on restricted breweries from 10,000 barrels to 300,000 barrels of 31 gallons capacity per year. In addition, restricted breweries would be entitled to sell their products directly to a retailer, rather than through a wholesaler. The bill further allows restricted breweries to maintain a warehouse. This bill is in response, in part, to a recent special ruling issued by the Director of ABC to limit the number of special events and private parties held by limited breweries. It is the sponsor's intent to foster and encourage New Jersey's flourishing craft beer industry and its contribution to the local economy by granting additional privileges and codifying existing privileges for both limited and restricted breweries. | In Committee |
| S1038 | Establishes certain requirements if purchasing and reselling same single-family home within one year of receiving certificate of occupancy. | This bill establishes requirements to be followed by short-term resellers, as defined in the bill, to ensure necessary precautions are taken if work is performed on houses intended to be resold within a year of purchase. After the sale of a single-family home by a short-term reseller to the buyer, the reseller is to be required to retain the greater of five percent of the sale price or $10,000 in escrow, for four months following the sale, which would be used to reimburse the buyer for damages arising from certain alterations not performed in accordance with the requirements of the UCC. The bill requires a short-term reseller to complete a property condition disclosure statement to inform a potential buyer of the condition of a single-family home prior to the sale of the home, and attest that the short-term reseller occupied the single-family home as the short-term reseller's primary residence while the work was being performed. This provision is to apply to any short-term reseller who performs plumbing, electrical, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning services on a single-family home, for which a permit is taken under a certification in lieu of oath pursuant to the UCC. In addition to any other penalties provided by law, if it is determined that the certification in lieu of oath was falsely attested to, the short-term reseller would be subject to the penalties provided by subsection e. of section 12 of P.L.1978, c.73 (C.45:1-25). Additionally, the bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to develop and undertake a public education program designed to inform New Jersey residents of the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1072 | Requires owners or operators of public community water systems to perform certain tests for Legionella bacteria. | This bill would require the owner or operator of a public community water system to perform certain tests for Legionella bacteria on the drinking water in the public community water system. Specifically, the bill would require the owner or operator to test water from the system side of a random sample of 0.1 percent of the service lines in the service area of the public community water system, at least once every three months. In addition, the bill would require testing of a random sample of one percent of the public community water system's facilities (including storage tanks, treatment plants, pumps, and water mains), at least once every month. The bill requires the water sampling and testing to be performed using a set of best practices developed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). In addition, the bill would require the water testing to be performed by a laboratory accredited by the DEP. The bill would also require the owner or operator of a public community water system to transmit the test results to the DEP. If the test results reveal the presence of excessive Legionella contamination, according to a standard to be developed by the DEP under the bill, the owner or operator would be required to begin remediation of the problem within 30 days, and the remediation would be required to be completed within six months. The owner or operator would also be required to notify customers that may be affected by the Legionella contamination. A violation of the bill's provisions would be considered a violation of the "Safe Drinking Water Act," P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.), which could result in civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000 per violation. | In Committee |
| S1041 | Requires DEP and Drinking Water Quality Institute to perform study concerning regulation and treatment of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Drinking Water Quality Institute, to conduct a study on the regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The study would include an assessment of the feasibility of establishing a maximum contaminant level or other standard for the entire class, or for certain subclasses or mixtures, of PFAS in drinking water, rather than for each individual substance. The study would also include an assessment of treatment technologies that may be effective in removing PFAS from drinking water or wastewater. The bill would require the DEP to publish the report no later than 24 months after the bill's enactment. PFAS are man-made chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms bonded to a chain of carbon atoms. Since the 1930s, PFAS have been widely used in countless consumer products because they repel oil, water, and grease. The carbon-fluorine bond that forms PFAS is one of the strongest chemical bonds found in nature and does not break down under typical environmental conditions. As a result, the presence of PFAS in the environment is widespread. There are over 12,000 different types of PFAS, and new types are continually being developed and used in commerce. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were first developed in the 1940's and are the two most commonly found PFAS in the environment and are also the two most studied and regulated PFAS. In 2018, the DEP adopted amendments to its Safe Drinking Water Act regulations to establish drinking water standards for another common PFAS, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), at a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 13 parts per trillion. In 2020, the DEP adopted additional drinking water standards for PFOA at a MCL of 14 parts per trillion and for PFOS at a MCL of 13 parts per trillion. | Dead |
| S1003 | Supplemental appropriation of $25 million to DOH to assist certain mental health and addiction service providers transitioning to fee-for-service reimbursement system. | This bill makes a supplemental appropriation for fiscal year 2022 of $25 million to the Department of Health to assist certain mental health and addiction service providers who are transitioning to the fee-for-service reimbursement system. Specifically, the bill authorizes the department to distribute supplemental reimbursements to providers who held cost-based reimbursement contracts with the State, and who subsequently transitioned to the fee-for-service reimbursement system, equal to the difference, if any, between the provider's billable revenues under the fee-for-service reimbursement system during FY 2022 and the value of the provider's most recent annual cost-based reimbursement contract with the State. Only providers who have demonstrated a good faith effort to bill Medicaid for all eligible services shall be entitled for a supplemental reimbursement. The appropriated funds are to consist of any unspent funds appropriated to mental health and substance use treatment programs within the Department of Health and the Department of Human Services, with additional amounts, as necessary, to be appropriated from the General Fund, subject to the approval of the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. During fiscal year 2017, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services began transitioning mental health and addictions services purchased under contract to a fee-for-service reimbursement structure. While the department anticipates that the fee-for-service system will result in more cost-efficiency and improved health outcomes for clients, some providers have warned that the transition will be detrimental to their financial stability, and may force them to curtail services or close down. It is the sponsor's intent to establish a financial safety net for those providers that lose reimbursement funds during this transition in order to ensure continuity of care for current service consumers. | In Committee |
| S1027 | Permits small businesses to qualify for loans from EDA for costs of energy audit and making energy efficiency or conservation improvements. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority), in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities (board) and the Department of Community Affairs, to establish and administer a program that makes loans available to eligible small businesses for certain costs of energy audits and energy efficiency or conservation improvements. The bill permits the authority to make one or more low-interest loans available to an eligible small business for 100 percent of any unreimbursed costs to the small business of an energy audit of any of the small business's buildings that is conducted by a contractor licensed by the board. Additionally, the bill permits the authority to make low-interest loans available to an eligible small business for 100 percent of any unreimbursed costs for the purchase and installation of all energy efficiency or conservation equipment at any of the small business's buildings as a result of the energy audit. The bill defines a "low-interest loan" as a loan for a term not exceeding 10 years at a rate of interest not exceeding the greater of three percent or one-half of the prime interest rate as reported in a financial newspaper published and circulating in New York City. The bill defines an "eligible small business" as a business entity that, at the time of application for participation, is independently owned and operated, operates primarily within this State, and satisfies other criteria that may be established by the authority. The bill takes effect immediately, but remains inoperative for 60 days following the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| S1585 | Establishes ranked-choice voting procedure for elections for Governor, State Senate, State General Assembly, United States Senate and House of Representatives, and presidential primaries and general elections for electors for United States President and Vice-President. | This bill establishes a ranked-choice voting procedure for primary and general elections to elect candidates to the offices of Governor, New Jersey Senate, New Jersey General Assembly, United States Senate, and United States House of Representatives, and for presidential primary elections and general elections for electors of candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States. Ranked-choice voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates in order of their preference, the ballots are counted in rounds, and the votes or fractions of votes are distributed to candidates according to the preferences marked on each ballot. The bill requires the ballot to be designed to allow voters to assign a ranking order to each qualified candidate on the ballot for such offices, including write-in candidates. In the event that the voting equipment cannot feasibly accommodate a ballot containing a number of rankings equal to the number of qualified candidates, the ballot is permitted to be designed to allow a voter to rank the maximum number allowed by the voting equipment, but not less than six candidates. Under the bill, single-winner elections to the offices of Governor, New Jersey Senate, United States Senate, and United States House of Representatives, and presidential primaries and general elections for electors of candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States, would be tabulated in rounds. Each ballot counts as one vote for the highest-ranked candidate on that ballot. If a candidate reaches the election threshold of 50 percent of the votes plus one, that candidate is elected and the tabulation is complete. If two or fewer continuing candidates remain, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is defeated, the candidate with the greatest number of votes is elected, and the tabulation is complete. However, if more than two continuing candidates remain, the continuing candidate with the fewest number of votes is defeated, and a new round of counting begins until a candidate reaches the election threshold. For multi-winner elections to the office of member of the New Jersey General Assembly, which include two members elected from each election district, the bill establishes a tabulation procedure that involves the transfer of vote fractions. Under the bill, if in the initial tabulation the number of continuing candidates is less than or equal to two (which is the number of offices to be filled for the New Jersey General Assembly in the legislative district), then all continuing candidates are elected and the tabulation is complete. If not, a series of tabulation rounds would proceed sequentially until candidates are elected by reaching the election threshold of 33 percent of the votes plus one. If the sum of the number of elected candidates and the number of continuing candidates is equal to three (the sum of one and the number of offices to be elected), then the candidate with the fewest votes is defeated, all other continuing candidates are elected, and the tabulation is complete. However, if at least one continuing candidate has more votes than the election threshold, then each such candidate is elected, and each ballot counting for an elected candidate is assigned a "transfer value" so that the candidate's surplus votes (beyond the election threshold) are distributed to the next ranked continuing candidate on those ballots. If, after these steps, no candidate is elected, then the continuing candidate with the fewest votes is defeated, and a new round of counting begins until the positions are filled as the remaining candidates reach the election threshold. The bill directs the Secretary of State to issue guidelines and promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the ranked-choice voting procedures established by the bill. The bill would take effect immediately, but would remain inoperative until the January 1st following 12 months after the Secretary of State officially certifies that all voting machines used in this State have the capability to support ranked-choice voting. However, the bill's provisions concerning elections to the office of Governor would be implemented if the voters approve an amendment to the State Constitution authorizing ranked-choice for that office. | In Committee |
| S1045 | Requires association of age-restricted community to retain emergency contact information for residents. | This bill would authorize the association of an age-restricted community to establish and implement procedures for the collection of emergency contact information for each resident of each dwelling unit in the community. The emergency contact information collected and retained would include that of the resident's next-of-kin, and preferred contact in the event of an emergency. The information would be used to provide notice in the event of the hospitalization or death of a resident. The bill defines an "age-restricted community" as a planned real estate development that complies with the "housing for older persons" exception from the federal "Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988," Pub.L.100-430 (42 U.S.C. ss.3601 et seq.) for that community as set forth in section 100.301 of Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations. The bill would require an association to provide notice to, and opportunity for, each current and prospective resident to provide, and update as necessary, emergency contact information to enable the association to notify the emergency contacts in the event of the hospitalization or death of the resident. Upon learning of the hospitalization or death of a resident, an association would be required to notify the emergency contacts for that resident as soon as is practicable, but no later than 24 hours thereafter. An association that fails to provide the required notice would be liable to a civil penalty of $500, which may be collected and enforced by the Commissioner of Community Affairs ("commissioner"), the Attorney General, or other persons, pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The bill directs the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioners of Health and Human Services, to adopt regulations on the collection of emergency contact information and the notification of the emergency contacts as required by the bill. The bill would take effect on the first day of the fifth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S2037 | Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters. | This bill mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters. The bill specifies that there should be no out-of-pocket cost to the volunteer firefighter. The bill also specifies that the State is to reimburse a volunteer firefighter for the full examination up to $1,250 per three-year period, which is to be annually adjusted according to inflation. The bill establishes an occupational existing condition that makes being a volunteer firefighter a condition for reimbursement of costs associated with cancer screening examinations. | In Committee |
| S253 | Directs BPU to conduct study to determine feasibility, marketability, and costs of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems in State. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study of the feasibility, marketability, costs, and benefits of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems (GHPs), as these systems are defined in the bill. The bill requires the BPU, in conducting the study, to assess the challenges and obstacles for the installation of large-scale GHPs in the State, and to consult with the United States Department of Energy, other states, geothermal experts and public and private entities with experience installing GHPs, and public utilities concerning the feasibility, costs, and benefits of the use of geothermal energy and large-scale GHPs. The bill requires the BPU, as part of the study, to: consider the feasibility and desirability of establishing a financial incentive system, or the use of other available means and methods, to encourage and incentivize the development and successful deployment of geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems; evaluate the costs of using geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems; conduct an assessment to compare the energy efficiency and costs of common energy sources to that of geothermal energy in commercial and residential buildings; and evaluate the marketability of geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems and consider methods to promote their use. The bill also requires the BPU to evaluate the costs and savings to ratepayers, government entities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the study findings and recommendations, including whether financial incentives or other means of promoting geothermal energy are necessary, and provide a recommendation on the feasibility of, need for, and design of, a pilot program in the State for the installation of large-scale GHPs. Finally, the bill requires the BPU, within one year after the bill is enacted into law, to prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the findings from the study, and providing recommendations for the feasibility, need for, and design of a pilot program, and for legislative, executive, and other actions. | Dead |
| S316 | Revises law concerning partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. | This bill makes various revisions to the laws governing partnerships, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies. The revisions permit partnerships and limited partnerships to convert to and from other business entities and clarify indemnification standards, address notice issues, and make certain other changes to the "Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Act." The bill provides that, pursuant to a plan of conversion, a partnership or limited partnership may convert into another business entity formed or organized under the laws of this State or any other state of the United States or any foreign country or other foreign jurisdiction, as provided in the plan of conversion. The bill also provides that, pursuant to a plan of conversion, another business entity formed or organized under the laws of this State or any other state of the United States or any foreign country or other foreign jurisdiction may convert into a domestic partnership or limited partnership, as provided in the plan of conversion. Under the bill, "other business entity" means a business corporation, partnership, limited partnership, or a limited liability company. The bill provides that, in order for a limited liability company to use a name that is similar to that of another entity, a limited liability company must submit to the filing office a signed record of consent from the entity currently using the name in a form satisfactory to the filing office. The bill eliminates the requirement that a limited liability company must have a member before it may be formed. Instead, a limited liability company is formed when the filing office has filed the certificate of formation, unless the certificate states a delayed effective date. Under the bill, a limited liability company shall indemnify a company agent against any debt, obligation, expense or other liability incurred by that company agent in the course of the company agent's activities on behalf of the limited liability company or another enterprise at the request of the limited liability company, if, in making the payment or incurring the debt, obligation, expense or other liability, the company agent: (1) is a member of a member-managed limited liability company or a manager of a manager-managed limited liability company and complied with certain duties or (2) is other than a member of a member-managed limited liability company or a manager of a manager-managed limited liability company and acted in good faith and in a manner the company agent reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the limited liability company. The bill provides that a member of a member-managed limited liability company and a manager of a manager-managed limited liability company shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon certain information and records of the limited liability company. This protection extends to claims that the applicable member or manager breached duty of care required of that member or manager. The bill shortens the time following the newspaper publication of notice of the dissolution of a limited liability company in which a claim against the limited liability company must be brought before the claim is barred, currently five years. Under the bill, the claim must be received not less than six months following newspaper publication of notice. | In Committee |
| S996 | Provides super conciliation for certain emergency responder service employees, and requires continuation of contract provisions during negotiations. | This bill provides, in certain cases, super conciliation for emergency responder service employees, which the bill defines emergency medical technicians, paramedics, public safety dispatchers, 9-1-1 operators, and other public safety telecommunicators. The bill also requires the continuation of existing provisions of collective negotiation agreements during negotiations. In any case in which collective negotiations between an employer and a majority representative of the employees have failed to result in the parties reaching agreement, and mediation and factfinding procedures of the Public Employment Relations Commission have been exhausted without an final agreement, the parties shall be required to utilize a super conciliator which shall promptly schedule proceedings to: 1. Investigate and acquire all relevant information regarding the failure to reach agreement; 2. Discuss with the parties their differences, and utilize means and mechanisms, including but not limited to requiring 24-hour per day negotiations, until a voluntary settlement is reached, and provide recommendations to resolve the parties' differences; and 3. Institute any other non-binding procedures deemed appropriate by the super conciliator. The super conciliator is required to complete the proceedings not later than 90 day after the super conciliator is selected. If the actions taken by the super conciliator fail to resolve the dispute, the super conciliator is required to issue a final report not more than 30 days after the completion of the investigatory proceedings, to be provided to the parties promptly and made available to the public within 10 days after it issued. | In Committee |
| S1622 | Allows ranked-choice voting options for municipal and school board elections under certain circumstances. | This bill, the "Municipal and School Board Voting Options Act," allows municipalities and school boards in this State to adopt ranked choice voting for conducting their local elections under certain circumstances. Under the bill, "ranked-choice voting" means a method of voting in which each voter gets one vote, where voters rank multiple candidates in order of their preference, the ballots are counted in rounds, and the votes are counted and transferred to candidates according to the preferences marked on each ballot. Under the bill, for conducting and counting ranked-choice voting elections, the instant runoff method would be used for single winner races like mayor elected at-large or council or school board member elected from wards or districts, and the single transferable vote method would be used for multiple-winner races. The bill defines the terms necessary for implementing these two ranked-choice voting methods and the manner of counting the votes and declaring elected candidates. The bill provides that all municipal governing bodies and all school boards in this State would be permitted to adopt ranked-choice voting by adopting an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate, to be submitted to the voters for approval through a referendum on the ballot. The bill also allows the voters to place a direct petition on the ballot to adopt ranked choice voting, using the petition process currently established under current law for "Faulkner Act" municipalities. The direct petition would be submitted to the municipal clerk or clerks, as the case may be, and would be required to be signed by the legal voters equal in number to at least 10 percent of the total votes cast in the municipality or municipalities, as the case may be, at the last election at which members of the General Assembly were elected. The petition would include the proposed public question and a clear and concise interpretative statement explaining ranked-choice voting. If approved by the voters of the municipality or school district, all elections for the offices of mayor or a member of a municipal governing body, or a member of an elected school board, as appropriate, other than any primary election, would be conducted using ranked-choice voting. Finally, the bill directs the Division of Elections in the Department of State to adopt the rules and regulations necessary to effectuate its provisions and provide guidelines and technical rules to assist local election officials in implementing and counting a ranked choice voting election. | In Committee |
| S1046 | Permits consumers aged 65 and over up to five business days to cancel home improvement contracts. | This bill permits consumers aged 65 and over up to five business days to cancel a home improvement contract for any reason. Under this bill, a consumer aged 65 or over may cancel a home improvement contract at any time for any reason before midnight of the fifth business day after the consumer receives a copy of the signed contract. Currently, consumers have up to three business days to cancel a home improvement contract. The change being made under this bill reflects the potential need of the State's senior citizens, who may require more time to review home improvement contracts due to advanced age. | In Committee |
| S2064 | Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to reduce financial barriers to teacher certification. Under the bill, the program is to provide scholarships to students completing required clinical practice through a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing educator preparation program at an institution of higher education in the State. A student is eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $7,200 for each semester of full-time clinical practice completed in a school in the State. To be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant is required to: be a resident of the State; be enrolled full-time in an approved program of study; and complete any steps required by the approved program of study to be eligible to apply for clinical practice. The bill requires the authority to establish an application process for the program. The authority, in coordination with the Department of Education, may establish additional eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications for the program. Additionally, the authority, in coordination with the department, is to annually collect data on the program. Finally, the bill details reasons for which a student's scholarship may be terminated. The bill also stipulates that the scholarship is to be terminated if the student is dismissed from the institution of education preparation program for academic or disciplinary reasons or withdraws due to illness. Under the amended bill, the student would not be required to repay the scholarship in either situation. | In Committee |
| S1389 | Requires notification to consumers of collection and disclosure of personal data by certain entities. | This bill imposes requirements on certain entities (i.e., controllers) that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data. However, the provisions of the bill would only apply to controllers, which conduct business in the State or produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the State, and which control or process the personal data of a minimum number of consumers each year. The bill requires a controller to provide notice to consumers of the collection and disclosure of "personal data," as that term is defined in the bill, to third parties. The bill also sets forth various requirements concerning the information that is required to be included in this notice. The bill also imposes other requirements and limitations on controllers regarding the processing of personal data, including limiting the collection and processing of personal data, taking reasonable measures to protect personal data, and obtaining consumer consent before processing certain data. Specifically, the bill imposes additional restrictions on the processing of sensitive data, as defined in the bill, or the processing of a child's personal data. Additionally, the bill requires a controller that processes personal data for purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning a consumer to allow consumers to exercise the right to opt-out of such processing through a user-selected universal opt-out mechanism. The bill permits a consumer to authorize another person to act on the consumer's behalf to opt out of the sale of personal data. The bill prohibits a controller from discriminating against a consumer if the consumer chooses to opt out of the processing for sale, targeted advertising, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects of the consumer's personal data, provided certain exceptions. The bill requires a controller to complete data protection assessments, as described in the bill, and to make such assessments available to the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill provides that a processor, in addition to a controller, has certain duties under the bill. A processor is required to cooperate with a controller so that a controller remains in compliance with the bill. Under the bill, the consumers of a controller may submit a verified request to exercise any rights established under the bill. The bill requires a controller to respond to each verified request within 45 days, except as extended in certain circumstances. Any information provided in response to a verified request would be provided free of charge, except that a controller may charge a fee for a second or subsequent request submitted within a 12-month period. The bill also requires a controller to establish a process for consumers to appeal the controller's refusal to take action on a request. The bill also establishes certain consumer rights concerning personal data, including the right to: confirm whether a controller may process or access the consumer's personal data; correct inaccuracies in the consumer's personal data; delete personal data concerning the consumer; obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data held by the controller in a portable format; and opt out of the processing of personal data for the purposes of (i) targeted advertising; (ii) the sale of personal data; or (iii) profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer. | Dead |
| S1741 | Prohibits transport of certain items by motor vehicle on certain roadways; provides standards for loading of motor vehicle with certain items. | This bill prohibits a person from loading or operating a vehicle loaded in a way that may cause the contents, which is to include, but not be limited to, furniture, mattresses, or other similar items, or any part thereof, to become dislodged from the vehicle and fall onto any road. The bill also requires that whenever the load of any vehicle is of items that pose a danger on roads if those items were to fall on to the road and the load extends above the height of the sides or tail gate, or extends beyond the rear of the body of the vehicle, or is placed atop the roof of the cabin of the vehicle, the load is to be securely fastened to the vehicle with straps with ratchet fasteners, elastic cords with metal hooks able to withstand the weight of the load, or other similar safety devices and covered by a tarpaulin or other cover but may not be operated on any road under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT) with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or faster, or any road under the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) or the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA). A person, who violates the provisions of the bill by operating a vehicle with load that may become dislodged upon a road under the jurisdiction of the DOT with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or faster, or any road under the jurisdiction of NJTA or SJTA, may subject to fine of not more than $750. Under the bill, a person may to subject to fine of not more than $1,000, or up to 10 days imprisonment, or both, if the contents of a load becomes dislodged and falls onto a road under the jurisdiction of the DOT with a speed limit of 50 miles per hour or faster, or any road under the jurisdiction of the NJTA or the SJTA. Under the bill, the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is to promulgate regulations concerning the minimum safety standards for fastening loads on and loading procedures for any commercial type flat bed motor vehicle, motor-drawn vehicle, and passenger automobile temporarily used to transport material. | In Committee |
| S993 | Provides for DCA to reestablish and administer certification program for recreation administrators and automatically reinstate administrator certifications issued under prior law. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), no more than 180 days after the bill's effective date, to reestablish and administer a program for the certification of recreation administrators in New Jersey. No more than 30 days after the certification program is reestablished, the DCA is to be required to send written notice to each previously certified recreation supervisor and each previously certified recreation administrator, indicating that the person is eligible to apply for new certification or, if appropriate, is eligible to apply for the automatic reinstatement of the person's pre-existing certification, as provided by the bill. Under the bill, the DCA is to be required to automatically reinstate a previously certified recreation administrator, provided that the person submits, to the DCA, a completed reinstatement request form and a reinstatement fee of $25, no more than 60 days after receipt of the DCA's notice regarding the right to reinstatement. Any person who fails to submit a request for reinstatement within the 60-day reinstatement grace period established by the bill is to be deemed to have a lapsed certification, will no longer be eligible for the automatic reinstatement of the certification, as provided by the bill, and will be required to comply with the procedures applicable to new applicants. A new applicant for certification as a recreation administrator under the bill is to be required to submit to the DCA: a completed application form; an application fee of $25; and documentation sufficient to establish, to the Commissioner of Community Affair's (commissioner) satisfaction, that the applicant is either certified by the National Recreation and Park Association as a Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP) or is otherwise qualified, by education or experience as determined by the DCA, to serve as a recreation administrator in the State. The reestablished certification program is not to provide for the separate certification of recreation supervisors. However, the bill provides that any previously certified recreation supervisor is to be eligible to apply for a new certification as a recreation administrator, based on the person's prior supervisory experience. The bill requires the DCA to issue a new, printed certificate to any person who is certified to serve as a recreation administrator, including any person whose prior certification has been automatically reinstated. Each certificate issued under the bill, including a certificate reinstated for a previously certified recreation administrator, is to be valid for, and will automatically expire after, a period of two years following its date of issuance, unless the holder biennially renews the certification in accordance with the procedure specified by the bill. A person seeking the biennial renewal of certification as a recreation administrator is to be required, prior to the expiration of the certificate, to submit to the DCA: a completed renewal application form; a renewal fee of $25; and documentation verifying that the person has completed at least twenty hours of continuing education credits in appropriate subject areas, as required by the DCA, during the preceding two-year certification period. The bill requires the commissioner to adopt rules and regulations to implement the bill's provisions. The rules and regulations are to include, but need not be limited to, certain provisions enumerated in the bill. | In Committee |
| S1063 | Provides deduction from gross income of $500 for full-time educators and paraprofessionals and $350 for part-time educators and paraprofessionals. | This bill provides a gross income tax deduction for eligible educators and paraprofessionals. A deduction in the amount of $500 is available to eligible educators and paraprofessionals who are full-time employees. A deduction in the amount of $350 is available to eligible educators and paraprofessionals who are not full-time employees. The bill requires a full-time employee to be employed for a minimum of 25 hours per week. The bill defines an "eligible educator" as a teacher who is employed in a school district, charter school, renaissance school project, approved private school for students with disabilities, or nonpublic school in New Jersey. The bill additionally defines a "paraprofessional" as an individual who is employed as a school aide or classroom aide who assists a teaching staff member with the supervision of pupil activities. | In Committee |
| S985 | Establishes green infrastructure financing program. | This bill establishes a regulatory financing structure that authorizes New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority), in conjunction with the Board of Public Utilities (board), to acquire and provide low-cost financing, to be deployed through a financing program to make green infrastructure equipment and installations accessible and affordable for New Jersey's electric and gas public utility (utility) customers desiring financing for this purpose, achieve measurable cost savings, and attain the State's clean energy goals. Green infrastructure equipment is infrastructure improvements, equipment, and personal property to be installed to deploy clean energy technology, demand response technology, and energy use reduction and demand side management infrastructure. Specifically, the bill: 1) establishes a green infrastructure loan program (loan program) for the purpose of acquiring and providing alternative low-cost financing for green infrastructure equipment and installations accessible and affordable for utility customers, through a financing program administered by the authority, and may include loans made to private entities who may lease or provide green infrastructure equipment to utility customers, as well as direct loans to utility customers, on terms approved by the authority; 2) authorizes the creation of green infrastructure property consisting of all property, rights, and interests of the loan program, which shall vest in the authority for the purpose of securing bond amounts payable under the loan program, and other financing costs; 3) establishes a green infrastructure fee, a non-bypassable bill fee imposed on and collected from those utility customers receiving a loan made to finance the purchase or installation of green infrastructure equipment on the property enhanced by the equipment under the loan program and, if there is an outstanding obligation on the loan, that obligation is to be transferred to the new property owner; 4) authorizes the authority to issue revenue bonds to finance the loan program; 5) establishes a green infrastructure fund to be administered by the authority and to receive the proceeds of the green infrastructure fee, green infrastructure property, the loan program and other monies expended on the operations of the loan program, including through credits to utility customers subject to the green infrastructure fee for reimbursement of excess green infrastructure fees collected; and 6) authorizes the authority to issue up to $200,000,000 in revenue bonds to establish and administer the loan program. Up-front costs of green infrastructure equipment are a barrier preventing many utility customers from investing in these installations and thereby achieving lower energy costs. Existing programs may not serve the entire spectrum of New Jersey's energy market, particularly those utility customers who lack access to capital or who cannot afford these up-front costs, thereby creating an underserved market. This measure will establish a means of acquiring and providing alternative low-cost financing to underserved markets, enabling the installation of green infrastructure equipment in those markets. Significant investment in green infrastructure equipment will help the State achieve its goals of energy self-sufficiency and greater energy security and diversification, support its efforts to meet the State's renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency requirements as its energy market is evolving, and provide affordable and accessible energy options for New Jersey utility customers. | In Committee |
| S989 | Concerns automatic fire sprinkler systems within newly constructed townhouses. | This bill requires the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses for which a construction permit application has not been declared complete prior to the effective date of the bill, and requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations incorporating International Residential Code guidance pertaining to such installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems within five months of the date of enactment. | Dead |
| S1550 | Eliminates use of standardized assessments as measure of student growth or progress in evaluations of teachers, principals, assistant principals, and vice-principals. | This bill provides that standardized assessments may not be used as a measure of student growth or progress in the evaluation of a teacher, principal, assistant principal, or vice-principal. Under the "Teacher Effectiveness and Accountability for the Children of New Jersey (TEACHNJ) Act," P.L.2012, c.26 (C.18A:6-117 et seq.), student progress on standardized assessments may be used as a factor in teacher evaluations, although it may not be the predominant factor in the overall evaluation of a teacher. This bill revises the relevant section of law. | In Committee |
| S2209 | Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities. | This bill requires correctional police officers to wear a body worn camera (BWC). The bill also requires the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan to install a state-of-the-art camera system in State correctional facilities. The bill specifically requires all correctional police officers employed in State correctional facilities to wear a BWC that records audio and video at all times while performing their duties. Specific instances when video and audio functions of the BWC are to remain activated at all times include during a riot, an incident resulting in bodily injury or death, an incident in which the officer exercises the use of force, and an incident that involves suspected criminal activity while meeting with a confidential informant, as well as when directed by the Commissioner of Corrections or a superior officer. The bill sets forth certain exceptions to the BWC requirement. The BWC is to be deactivated when an officer is using the restroom; during a State parole board hearing or court proceeding; during an officer's medical assessment or appointment; during a Department of Corrections (DOC) meeting or when the officer is engaged in representing a union member; and during an interview of a victim alleging a violation of the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA), unless the victim requests that the BWC remain activated during the interview. Exceptions providing for the video capabilities of a BWC to be deactivated, but requiring the audio to remain activated, include during a strip or body cavity search and when an officer is patrolling a restroom or shower facility. The bill generally requires BWC recordings to be retained for a minimum of 180 days from the date of the recording, but longer periods of retention are required under certain circumstances set forth in the bill. The bill requires disciplinary action to be taken against any correctional police officer who fails to adhere to the recording or retention requirements or intentionally interferes with a BWC camera capturing video or audio. The bill requires the DOC to issue a written summary of the provisions of the bill relating to the use of BWCs by correctional police officers and ensure that a copy of the written policy is provided to each inmate, published in the inmate handbook, posted on the DOC website, and prominently posted throughout each State correctional facility. Finally, the bill requires the DOC to install a state-of-the art camera system in each State correctional facility. A study of each facility is required, in consultation with an expert on surveillance cameras in correctional facilities, to develop and implement a plan for installing the camera system. The plan for the camera system is to require an evaluation of the current number and location of cameras in the facility and to the extent possible, incorporate these cameras into the comprehensive plan. Security cameras are to be placed throughout the facility, including identified blind-spots, housing unit hallways and entryways, common spaces, and exterior locations. The plan also is to require systematic oversight and review of the camera footage. At least one corrections officer per shift is required to continuously monitor the camera system. The corrections officer is to immediately report any observed misconduct to the appropriate supervisor, as well as to the corrections ombudsperson. A corrections officer who does not comply with these reporting requirements is subject to administrative sanctions. The plan also is to require security camera footage to be maintained for not less than 90 days and, when necessary, to be retained indefinitely. Upon request, the commissioner is to make this footage available to the Legislature for investigatory purposes. The Legislature is to keep confidential any information garnered from the footage. The bill requires the DOC to submit to the Legislature an annual report evaluating the effectiveness of the camera system. If the report indicates that a change to a camera location is necessary, the DOC is to make that change within 30 days or document why the change can't be made within that time frame. | In Committee |
| SJR48 | Establishes working definition of antisemitism for NJ. | This joint resolution adopts a working definition of antisemitism for the State of New Jersey.Antisemitism, as well as discrimination, harassment, bias, and bigotry against those who are or who are perceived to be Jewish or have Jewish heritage remains prevalent throughout the world, including throughout the United States and in New Jersey and has both historical and contemporary contexts. According to data compiled by the New Jersey State Police, as of April 2022, anti-Jewish bias was cited as a motivation for 298 reported bias incidents in 2020 and 347 reported bias incidents in 2021. According to the Anti-Defamation League, one in four Jews in the United States reported having been impacted by antisemitism in 2021. In recent months, the country has witnessed a disturbing trend of public figures making comments, supporting viewpoints, and meeting with individuals that are widely regarded as antisemitic.Antisemitism is closely linked to other forms of bigotry and hatred. New Jersey law criminalizes acts of bias intimidation, defined as certain offenses committed with the purpose to intimidate or with the knowledge that the offense would intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of, among other protected characteristics, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. New Jersey law prohibits discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation on the basis of, among other protected characteristics, actual or perceived religion, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin. Despite these prohibitions, many acts and occurrences of bias and bigotry go unreported or unaddressed. It is the responsibility of the State of New Jersey to reject and speak out against bias and bigotry, including condemning antisemitism in all its forms. A critical component of combatting antisemitism is understanding what antisemitism is. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ("IHRA") is a thirty five-member intergovernmental organization created to focus on antisemitism and Holocaust-related issues. The IHRA has adopted a non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, illuminated by useful examples, illustrations, and distinctions, to help guide and empower governments to understand and address the rise in hate and discrimination against Jews and those with Jewish heritage. The working definition of antisemitism may be used as an education and training tool for public officials, law enforcement offices, educators, and other public and private employees so that they may effectively raise awareness of and call out antisemitism and understand its impact. 38 countries including the United States have adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, as have several state and local governments.The working definition, as adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016, reads: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". The IHRA also notes, in the context of defining the concept of antisemitism, that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.This working definition of antisemitism is intended as an analytical and educational tool and is not legally binding, and thus is not intended to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. | In Committee |
| SJR44 | Designates Monday of Manufacturing Week as Women in Manufacturing Day in New Jersey. | This resolution designates the Monday of Manufacturing Week as Women in Manufacturing Day. This day recognizes the historical and modern contributions of women to the manufacturing industry in the State of New Jersey. Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. Since the Industrial Revolution, women have made up a significant portion of the workforce, contributing as laborers, leaders, and innovators. Women like Tabitha Babbitt, Margaret Knight, and Stephanie Kwolek revolutionized the manufacturing industry with their inventions, paving the way for increased productivity and better safety measures. Women continue to play an important role in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is crucial to New Jersey's economy and women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce in both labor and leadership positions. New Jersey is the third highest state for percentage of women working in the manufacturing industry and is among the states with the largest number of women working in key manufacturing fields like pharmaceuticals and textiles. The women who work in New Jersey's manufacturing industry are a vital part of its success. Women are an essential part of any plan to grow the manufacturing industry. Gender diversity in a business is proven to result in an improved ability to innovate and increases profitability, and as such helps any company to expand and evolve. One of the key components to recruiting more women to the field of manufacturing is encouraging women from a younger age, and the celebration of women's contributions to the field would capture the interest of girls and young women. | In Committee |
| S1469 | Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems. | This bill authorizes the use of a school bus monitoring system to enforce section 1 of P.L.1942, c.192 (C.39:4-128.1), the State law governing passing a school bus. A school bus monitoring system is defined as a system meeting certain requirements set forth in the bill and having at least one camera and computer that captures and records a digital video or image of any motor vehicle operating near a school bus. Under current law, school buses are required to exhibit flashing red lights when the bus has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any person with a developmental disability or a child. Drivers of vehicles approaching or overtaking the school bus are required to stop at least 25 feet from a school bus that has activated its flashing lights. The penalty for violating this law, for a first offense, is: 1) a fine of no less than $100; 2) imprisonment for no more than 15 days or community service; or 3) both. For subsequent offenses, the penalty is: 1) a fine of no less than $250; 2) imprisonment for no less than 15 days; or 3) both. This bill provides that the penalty for violating the law, when the violation is not evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system, would be: 1) a fine of $250; 2) 15 days of community service; or 3) both, in the case of a first offense. For each subsequent offense, the penalty would be a fine of $500 and no less than 15 days of community service. Under the bill, a civil penalty of $250 would be imposed on a person who passes a school bus in violation of current law if the violation is evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system. Under these circumstances, any civil penalty imposed and collected for this violation is to be forwarded to the financial officer of the municipality in which the violation occurred and used for general municipal and school district purposes, including efforts to improve the monitoring and enforcement of this law through the utilization of a school bus monitoring system and other public education safety programs. A violation that is evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system would not result in penalty points or automobile insurance eligibility points being assessed on the violator. The bill authorizes a municipality or school district operating or providing Type I or Type II school buses that transport students to contract with a private vendor to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a school bus monitoring system for enforcement purposes. The bill provides that a school bus monitoring system must be capable of capturing and producing a record of any occurrence that may be considered illegal passing of a school bus, and include in that recorded image: -- if the school bus is exhibiting its flashing light; -- if a motor vehicle passes a school bus; -- the license plate, make, and model of the violating vehicle; and -- the date, time, and location of the violation. The bill requires any suspected violation captured in a recorded image produced by a school bus monitoring system to be made available to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the violation occurred. A law enforcement officer is to issue a summons within 90 days of determining that a suspected violation occurred. A summons may not be issued for a violation occurring more than 90 days from date of the violation. The bill provides that any recorded image or information produced in connection with a school bus monitoring system is not a public record under New Jersey's "Open Public Records Act," is not discoverable as a public record except upon a subpoena issued by a grand jury or a court order in a criminal matter, and is not to be offered into evidence in any civil or administrative proceeding unless directly related to illegally passing a school bus. The bill provides that recorded images or information produced in connection with a school bus monitoring system pertaining to a specific violation are not to be retained for more than 60 days after the collection of any civil penalty imposed, and are then to be purged. All recorded images and information collected but not resulting in the issuance of a summons are to be purged within 95 days of the recording. The bill provides that the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for a summons for illegally passing a school bus as evidenced by a recorded image captured by a school bus monitoring system. However, a lessor or owner of a motor vehicle is not liable for a summons if: -- the lessor demonstrates that the vehicle was used without the lessor's express or implied consent, and provides the name and address of the vehicle operator or registrant; -- the lessee was operating or in possession of the vehicle at the time of the violation and the lessor provides the name and address of the lessee; or -- the owner, lessor, or lessee demonstrates that the vehicle was stolen at the time the violation occurred and provides a copy of the police report regarding the vehicle theft. The bill permits the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill, including specifications and certification procedures for the school bus monitoring systems and devices that may be installed. The bill also permits the Supreme Court of New Jersey to adopt Rules of Court as appropriate or necessary to effectuate the purposes of the substitute. The bill will take effect on the first day of the seventh month next following enactment, but permits the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to take anticipatory administrative actions in advance of the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S983 | Establishes forest firefighter death benefit. | The bill establishes an annual $15,000 death benefit for forest firefighters who die in the line of duty. The Department of Environmental Protection employs part-time forest firefighters who are compensated on an hourly basis. This bill provides an annual $15,000 payment to the families of these forest firefighters who die in the line of duty. The death benefit is to be made payable provided the report of death is filed within 30 days following the accident, but the Commissioner of Environmental Protection may waive the time requirement. The payment is to be made by the State Treasurer from the General Fund. | In Committee |
| SCR37 | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | In Committee |
| S242 | Requires BPU to allow low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to income for participation in community solar programs. | This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities to promulgate rules and regulations to allow low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to the residential customer's income for participation in a community solar program established pursuant to P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.8 et al.). | In Committee |
| S1004 | Upgrades crime of false public alarm when act done knowing it will result in law enforcement response against certain persons. | This bill would upgrade the crime of false public alarm whenever such false alarm targeted certain persons. Specifically, the bill would upgrade the crime of false public alarm to a crime of the second degree whenever the act was done knowing that it would result in a law enforcement response against an elected official, any justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Tax Court or municipal judge, or a law enforcement officer. The crime as upgraded would be punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. Under current law, such an act may be graded as a crime of the third degree, punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The responsible party would also be liable, based on current law, for a civil penalty of $2,000 or the actual costs incurred by or resulting from the law enforcement and emergency services response to the false alarm. See P.L.1999, c.195, s.3 (C.2C:33-3.2). According to the sponsor, a false public alarm that is done knowing it would result in a law enforcement response against an elected official, justice or judge, or law enforcement officer represents a deliberate targeting of the makers, interpreters, and enforcers of our laws. As such, these acts, sometimes referred to as "swatting" due to the immediate and often aggressive deployment or use of law enforcement, should be discouraged by upgrading the crime of false public alarm when those persons are targeted. | In Committee |
| SCR44 | Strongly urges DEP to adopt standards for certain drinking water contaminants as recommended by NJ Drinking Water Quality Institute. | This concurrent resolution would strongly urge the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt drinking water standards for 14 hazardous contaminants, as recommended by the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI). In 1977, the Legislature passed the "Safe Drinking Water Act," which, among other things, directed the DEP to adopt and enforce State primary drinking water regulations. Amendments to that act in 1983 created the DWQI, a panel of experts tasked with developing standards for hazardous contaminants in drinking water and recommending those standards to the DEP. The 1983 amendments also directed the DEP, after considering the recommendations of the DWQI, to establish standards for 22 listed organic compounds and any other contaminants that are present in New Jersey drinking water and may be harmful to human health. Despite the State's strides in improving the quality of drinking water, today many contaminants remain unregulated, including several specified in the 1983 amendments. Since at least 2005, the DEP has failed to adopt new or more stringent standards for approximately 14 contaminants, even though the DWQI has made recommendations concerning those contaminants. The DWQI's recommendations include new or more stringent standards for: perchlorate, a hazardous industrial chemical used in the production of explosives; radon-222, a radioactive gas and known human carcinogen; and formaldehyde, an organic compound used in embalming to temporarily preserve human and animal remains. As the agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the State's drinking water supply, the DEP has a duty to adopt new and more stringent drinking water standards when doing so would protect the health and welfare of New Jersey residents and visitors. The DWQI's recommendations are based on the latest scientific information concerning the health effects of, and testing and treatment methods for, various contaminants. As such, the recommendations of the DWQI should be swiftly considered and adopted by the DEP. | In Committee |
| S1448 | Prohibits leaving loaded firearm within easy access of minor under age of 18; requires law enforcement officers who observe unsecured firearms to conduct follow-up. | Under section 1 of P.L.1991, c.397 (C.2C:58-15), a firearm owner is prohibited from leaving a loaded firearm within easy access of a minor under the age of 16. This bill increases the age of a minor to under the age of 18. The bill also requires a law enforcement officer who observes that a firearm owner has not properly stored or secured his or her firearm to return to the firearm owner's premises to ensure that the firearms are properly secured. Under section 1 of P.L.1991, c.397 (C.2C:58-15), unless a firearm owner takes certain precautions, the owner is guilty of a disorderly persons offense if he or she knows, or reasonably should know, that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the owner's control and the minor gains access to the firearm. The precautions required under the law include storing the firearm in a securely locked box, secure location, or with a trigger lock. A disorderly person's offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | In Committee |
| SCR54 | Condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. | This resolution condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. Throughout the last decade, there has been clear evidence of increasing incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world. More recently, in a 2018 report, the Anti-Defamation League noted that in 2018 there were 1,879 anti-Semitic incidents against Jews and Jewish institutions, which included the deadliest attack on Jewish persons in American history on October 27, 2018 at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where 11 worshippers were killed. In 2018, a report showed New Jersey ranked third in the nation in anti-Semitic incidents with 200 anti-Semitic incidents reported. In 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported an increase in hate crimes against Jews or Jewish institutions and found that attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions made up 60.3 percent of all religious-based hate crimes. There is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities, and synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and other institutions. Anti-Semitism is the centuries-old bigotry and form of racism faced by Jewish people simply because they are Jews. Anti-Semitism is a challenge to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy and the shared values that bind Americans together. The First Amendment to the Constitution established the United States as a country committed to the principles of tolerance and religious freedom, and the Fourteenth Amendment established equal protection of the laws as the heart of justice in the United States. Adherence to these principles is vital to the progress of the American people and the diverse communities and religious groups of the State of New Jersey. The New Jersey Legislature unequivocally condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts in this State, the United States, and throughout the world to justify anti-Jewish hatred. In 2021, anti-Semitic incidents were the highest in the past 10 years, reaching an all-time high of 2,717 incidents in the United States. In New Jersey, anti-Semitic incidents in 2021 were the second highest in the nation for the third straight year, and comprised 14 percent of the total number of incidents in the United States. There were 370 anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey in 2021, representing an increase from 345 in 2019 and 295 in 2020. Of these incidents in New Jersey, 123 took place in public areas, 82 took place in non-Jewish K-12 schools, 44 took place at Jewish institutions, 40 occurred at private residences, 35 took place at business establishments, and 29 took place online. The 44 incidents that took place at Jewish institutions in New Jersey in 2021 occurred across 13 different counties, represented a significant 76 percent increase compared to the 25 such incidents recorded in 2020, and included 39 incidents of harassment, four incidents of vandalism, and one incident of assault. Incidents related to Israel or Zionism in New Jersey increased by 35 percent in 2021, reaching a total of 27 incidents. The Anti-Defamation League recorded the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents of 2021 during the month of May, which directly coincided with the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. There were 56 incidents documented in New Jersey in May 2021, which is 86 percent higher than the State's average monthly total of 30 incidents. In New Jersey's schools, there were 82 anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, representing a 110 percent increase relative to 2020, of which 40 were incidents of harassment and 42 were incidents of vandalism. In New Jersey's institutions of higher education, there were 16 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in 2021, which represents a 45 percent increase relative to the 11 incidents recorded in 2020. | In Committee |
| S1047 | Regulates certain practices of pharmacy benefits managers and health insurance carriers. | This bill regulates certain practices of pharmacy benefits managers and health insurance carriers. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefits manager will be prohibited from the practice of steering, which, for the purpose of this bill, means a practice employed by a pharmacy benefit manager or health carrier that channels a prescription to an affiliated pharmacy, or pharmacy in which a pharmacy benefit manager or carrier has an ownership interest, and includes but is not limited to retail, mail-order, or specialty pharmacies. On March 1 of each year, a pharmacy benefits manager or carrier that utilizes a contracted pharmacy benefits manager will be required to provide a letter to the commissioner attesting as to whether or not, in the previous calendar year, it engaged in the practice of steering. The pharmacy benefits manager will also submit to the commissioner, in a form and manner specified by the commissioner, data detailing all prescription drug claims it administered for covered persons on behalf of each health plan client and any other data the commissioner deems necessary to evaluate whether a pharmacy benefits manager is engaged in the practice of steering. This data will be confidential and not be subject to the "Open Public Records Act;" provided, however, that the commissioner prepare an aggregate report reflecting the total number of prescriptions administered by the reporting pharmacy benefits manager on behalf of all health plans in the State along with the total sum due to the State. The department will have access to all confidential data collected by the Commissioner for audit purposes. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefits manager that engages in the practice of steering or imposing point-of-sale fees or retroactive fees will be subject to a surcharge payable to the State of 10 percent on the aggregate dollar amount it reimbursed pharmacies in the previous calendar year for prescription drugs. Any other person operating a health plan and licensed under this title whose contracted pharmacy benefits manager engages in the practice of steering in connection with its health plans will be subject to a surcharge payable to the State of 10 percent on the aggregate dollar amount its pharmacy benefits manager reimbursed pharmacies on its behalf in the previous calendar year for prescription drugs. The bill also provides that a pharmacy benefits manager will be proscribed from, among other provisions: (1) prohibiting a pharmacist or pharmacy from providing a covered person information on the amount of the covered person's cost sharing for the covered person's prescription drug and the clinical efficacy of a more affordable alternative drug if one is available; (2) charging or collecting from a covered person a copayment that exceeds the total submitted charges by the network pharmacy for which the pharmacy is paid; or (3) transferring or sharing records relative to prescription information containing patient-identifiable and prescriber-identifiable data to an affiliated pharmacy for any commercial purpose; provided, however, that nothing shall be construed to prohibit the exchange of prescription information between a pharmacy benefits manager and an affiliated pharmacy for the limited purposes of pharmacy reimbursement, formulary compliance, pharmacy care, or utilization review. The bill further provides that a health insurance carrier or pharmacy benefits manager will: (1) be prohibited from requiring pharmacy accreditation standards or recertification requirements to participate in a network which is inconsistent with, more stringent than, or in addition to, the federal and State requirements for a pharmacy in this State; and (2) suspend denials based on health care provider credentialing requirements. Any credentialing determination shall be issued within 45 days after receipt by the health insurance carrier of a universal physician application credentialing application or a complete New Jersey physician recredentialing application. The bill additionally provides that a health insurance carrier or pharmacy benefits manager will produce a report every four months, which will be provided to the commissioner and published by the pharmacy benefits manager on a website available to the public for no less than 24 months, of all drugs appearing on the national average drug acquisition cost list reimbursed 10 percent above or below the national average drug acquisition cost, as well as all drugs reimbursed 10 percent or above the national average drug acquisition cost. Under the bill, a pharmacy benefits manager will not be allowed to engage in the practice of medicine, unless a physician employed or contracted by a pharmacy benefits manager is advising on or making determinations specific to a covered person in connection with a prior authorization or step therapy appeal or determination review and is able to meet certain requirements. Finally, the bill provides that a pharmacy benefits manager will, among other related provisions: (1) not require covered persons to use a mail-order pharmaceutical distributor, including a mail-order pharmacy; or (2) offer a health insurance carrier the ability to receive 100 percent of all rebates it receives from pharmaceutical manufacturers. In addition, a pharmacy benefits manager shall report annually to each client, which shall include but not be limited to insurers, payors, health plans, and the department the aggregate amount of all rebates and other payments that a pharmacy benefits manager received from a pharmaceutical manufacturer in connection with claims, if administered on behalf of the client and the aggregate amount of such rebates a pharmacy benefits manager received from a pharmaceutical manufacturer did not pass through to the client health plan. | In Committee |
| S1222 | Directs Department of Agriculture to establish Jersey Fresh sales pilot program; appropriates $500,000. | This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish three-year pilot program to create at least three locations in the State that sell exclusively Jersey Fresh products. The bill appropriates $500,000 for this purpose. Under the bill, the department would publish a request for proposals for prospective proprietors of the Jersey Fresh venues, which may be freestanding stores, kiosks, counters, or vending machines. The bill directs the department to place the venues at highly trafficked State facilities such as tollway service areas, rail stations, State Parks, airports, museums, and event centers, or at other locations at the discretion of the department. The bill requires that Jersey Fresh venues sell only products that have been approved for participation in the Jersey Fresh Program. This includes "Jersey Fresh" for fruits and vegetables, "Jersey Seafood" for aquacultured and wild-caught fish and shellfish, and "Made with Jersey Fresh" for processed food made with State-sourced agricultural products. | In Committee |
| S338 | Requires membership of boards of trustees of State colleges and universities and county colleges to include two college employees. | This bill provides that the board of trustees of any State college or university and the board of trustees of any county college is required to have two members who are employees of the college or university, to be appointed by the Governor from a list of candidates recommended by the labor organizations that represent the employees. An employee member would serve a term of two years, except that the initial terms would be staggered. In the event that the employees of the State college or university or county college are represented by more than two labor organizations, the employee members will be recommended to the Governor based on an agreement among the labor organizations. An employee member would have full voting rights, but could not participate in any matter affecting the employment or terms or conditions of employment of an employee of the college. Current law prohibits county college employees from serving as members of the college's board of trustees. This bill amends the law to eliminate that prohibition. | In Committee |
| S1018 | Establishes crime of knowingly filing false report against law enforcement officers. | This bill establishes a third degree crime of filing a false report or giving false information to law enforcement authorities with the purpose to implicate a law enforcement officer in a crime, offense, or professional infraction that would warrant disciplinary action against the law enforcement officer. Under current law, a person who knowingly gives or causes to be given false information to a law enforcement officer in order to implicate another commits false incrimination, a crime of the third degree, or a crime of the second degree if the victim was implicated in a first or second degree crime. In addition, it is a crime of the fourth degree to report to law enforcement authorities an offense or other incident that did not occur, or pretend to furnish the authorities with information relating to an arrest or incident for which the person has no information. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. This bill establishes a separate crime of the third degree of falsely implicating a law enforcement officer in a crime, offense, or professional infraction that would warrant disciplinary action. Under the bill, the crime of falsely implicating a law enforcement officer would not merge with the crimes of falsely incriminating another or giving a false report. | In Committee |
| S1074 | Requires DEP to evaluate cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications associated with warehouse and other high-density development projects. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate the cumulative impact of stormwater when reviewing applications for permits, authorizations, or other approvals for applications that, if approved, would result in the construction of a warehouse or other high-density development project. The DEP would be required to consider the stormwater impacts that would result from the development on property located within the municipality in which the development would be located, any adjoining municipalities, and the watershed in which the property is located. The DEP would also be required to ensure that stormwater be managed to, at a minimum: (a) induce water recharge into the ground where practical; (b) minimize offsite stormwater runoff in order to not impact property located in an adjacent municipality; (c) maintain the integrity of stream channels for their biological functions, as well as for drainage; and (d) prevent, to the greatest extent feasible, an increase in nonpoint pollution in the watershed in which the proposed development would occur. The development of warehouses, and other high-density development, often results in environmental, land use, traffic, economic, fiscal, and social equity effects in municipalities adjacent to the one in which the development is located. The construction of such development facilities has, at times, resulted in significant negative regional impacts. This bill is intended to ensure that any stormwater resulting from intense development is carefully scrutinized, not only for its impacts on the municipality in which the development is located, but also adjoining municipalities and the watershed as a whole. | In Committee |
| S1053 | Requires New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell to study cybersecurity infastructure and establish cybersecurity guidelines. | This bill requires the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) to study the State's cybersecurity infrastructure and promulgate cybersecurity guidelines. Under the bill, the NJCCIC is required to conduct a 12-month study of the cybersecurity infrastructure of public entities and private businesses that conduct business in this State for the purpose of identifying potential cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. Within 120 days of the bill's effective date, the NJCCIC is to establish parameters for the study, which are to include the requirement for public entities and private businesses that conduct business within the State to report to the NJCCIC, for a period of 12 months, any cybersecurity incident or breach of security and the results of the subsequent investigation of the cybersecurity incident or breach of security. The bill provides that within six months of the conclusion of the 12-month study, the NJCCIC is to establish cybersecurity guidelines for all public entities and private businesses that conduct business in the State based on the data collected under the bill. Public entities and private businesses that conduct business in the State are required to implement the cybersecurity guidelines within one year of the establishment of the guidelines, after which time a penalty may be imposed for failure to implement the guidelines. Further, under the bill, the NJCCIC is to monitor cybersecurity incidents and breaches of security after public entities and private businesses have implemented the required guidelines and modify the guidelines, as necessary. Finally, the Department of Homeland Security and Preparedness it to adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," a schedule of civil administrative penalties to be applied for the failure of a public entity or private business that conducts business in the State to implement the required guidelines and rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2053 | Provides tax credits to small businesses to offset increases in unemployment insurance contributions. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to small businesses to help offset increases in their unemployment insurance contributions, including increases scheduled pursuant to P.L.2020, c.150. The tax credit provided by the bill to a small business is an amount equal to the difference in the business's actual unemployment insurance contribution as required pursuant to R.S.43:21-7(c)(5) and the amount the small business would have paid if contributions had been computed based on rates set by column "C" of the table in R.S.43:21-7(c)(5)(E). The credit will be provided for any year in which the unemployment insurance contribution rates are greater than those imposed under column "C", and will end upon the first year in which the tax rates are equal or less than the rates of column "C". The bill adopts the U.S. Small Business Administration's definitions of a small business based on size standards and other applicable criteria. The tax credits are non-refundable, but may be carried forward for seven years. If a small business utilizes alternative relief options, such as grants or subsidies, to offset their increase in employer contributions, the small business would not be eligible for the bill's tax credits. | In Committee |
| S1051 | Prohibits disclosure of certain information of probation officers. | This bill would prohibit the disclosure of various personal identifying information about currently active, formerly active or retired probation officers and their immediate family members (including spouses, children, and parents residing in the same household). Currently, various public officials who provide services in the criminal and civil justice system for this State, the federal government, and other governmental entities, as well as their immediate family members, are afforded protections under "Daniel's Law," P.L.2020, c.125 (C.56:8-166.2 et al.), which: (1) prohibits the disclosure, by both governmental entities and private parties, of the home addresses of any active, formerly active, or retired federal, State, county, or municipal judicial officer, prosecutor, or law enforcement officer, and their immediate family members; (2) expanded an existing crime, section 1 of P.L.2015, c.226 (C.2C:20-31.1), concerning the unlawful disclosure of home addresses and unlisted telephone numbers for active or retired law enforcement officers so that the information on formerly active law enforcement officers, as well as active, formerly active, or retired judicial officers or prosecutors, and their immediate family members is also covered; and (3) permits civil actions, under section 3 of P.L.2015, c.226 (C.56:8-166.1), concerning any prohibited disclosure, which could result in an award of damages, including punitive damages, attorney's fees and costs, and equitable relief. This bill would further expand the scope of "Daniel's Law" to protect the above described personal identifying information about currently active, former active, and retired probation officers and their immediate family members. A "probation officer" is defined in the bill as "a person whose public duties include the supervision of persons convicted or charged with crimes and offenses in this State, as defined by law or contract between the Judiciary and the Probation Association of New Jersey or its successor and shall include, but not be limited to those employees who are in the following titles referred to in those contracts: Probation Officer, Senior Probation Officer, Master Probation Officer, Substance Abuse Evaluator, Family Court Coordinator, Assistant Child Placement Review Coordinator, or Bilingual Community Outreach Worker. The term also shall include all titles covered by Appendix A of the Professional Supervisory Union Agreement between Judiciary and the Probation Association of New Jersey, including but not limited to the informal title of Team Leader, Court Service Supervisor 1, Court Service Supervisor 2, and Court Service Supervisor 3." | In Committee |
| S998 | Provides for establishment of New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center at institute of higher education designated by DEP; appropriates $5 million. | This bill would provide for the establishment of a New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center (center) at a public or private institution of higher education designated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would require the DEP's designation to be made pursuant to a competitive selection process and not more than six months after the bill's effective date, and it would further require the center to commence its operations within one year after the bill's effective date. The three-fold purpose of the center would be to: (1) identify and promote policy and management methods to facilitate the transformation of the State's water infrastructure systems, as necessary to ensure that these systems are effectively delivering quality drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater services at the lowest long-term cost; are providing all residents of every community in the State with quality, affordable, and clean drinking water; are adequately funded; are operating efficiently and remain in a state of good repair; and provide multiple benefits to their host communities, including, but not limited to, clean water and waterways, local jobs, flood and climate change resilience, economic growth, and healthier, safer neighborhoods; (2) collect and bring together cross-disciplinary data, applied research, and stakeholders to accelerate the development and implementation of effective water infrastructure policies, water resource management practices, and solutions to problems facing water utilities and system owners and operators; and (3) ensure that all stakeholders, including, but not limited to, consumers, local government officials, water infrastructure departments and utilities, policymakers, regulators, and advocates, have easy and transparent access to all available water-related data and metrics generated by the center. The center would have the duty to: engage in critical analysis; provide relevant information to, and encourage cooperation among stakeholders; and develop new strategies and solutions, as may be necessary to effectuate its purposes. The center would be required to provide, at a minimum, the following programs and services, to the extent feasible with available funds: (1) a data collection and dissemination program that uses an accessible, up-to-date online data dashboard to provide stakeholders with water systems performance data, benchmarking data, data on Statewide trends in water usage and supply, and other relevant data and statistics relevant to water infrastructure, supply, utilities, or resource management in the State; (2) an applied research program that provides and facilitates cross-disciplinary policy and management research and identifies cutting-edge, data-driven solutions to problems affecting State-level water policy development, water systems operators, and the design of water systems; (3) a small grants program that provides financial assistance to institutions of higher education in the State, in order to enable those institutions to fund independent research related to the State's water supply, water infrastructure, or management of water resources; (4) a stakeholder collaboration program that uses educational newsletters and group meetings to help foster a constructive dialogue among stakeholders on water-related issues; and (5) a water service innovation program that facilitates active engagement and cooperation among, and the development and maintenance of connections and ongoing relationships between, institutions of higher education and water system owners and operators, planners, policymakers, regulators, and other relevant parties, for the purpose of encouraging and better enabling the collective development of new and innovative water management and infrastructure strategies and solutions. The bill would appropriate $5 million from the General Fund for the purposes of financing the establishment and operations of the center. The bill would further authorize the center to seek additional funding, from State, federal, or other sources, as may be necessary to strengthen and expand the center's programming. For example, the center would be authorized to seek additional funding to establish programs and initiatives such as the following: (1) a consumer connections program that facilitates engagement and the development and maintenance of connections between water service consumers and the owners and operators of the local water systems that serve them; (2) a technical assistance program to help at-risk water systems implement cost-saving strategies, including, but not limited to, regionalization strategies, climate resiliency strategies, water-energy nexus strategies, and staff capacity-building strategies; or (3) a water workforce training and connections program that provides training courses and otherwise facilitates the creation of employment pipelines between water systems, local communities, and educational institutions in the State to effectuate an increase in the State's water workforce. One year after the center is established, and annually thereafter, it would be required to submit a written report, to the Governor and Legislature, describing: the programs the center has implemented and the activities it has undertaken; the actual and anticipated effects of those programs and activities on the State's water systems, drinking water supply, and water consumers; the center's priorities for the upcoming year; and the additional resources, if any, that the center needs to properly effectuate its mission. Each report would also be published on the Internet websites of the Department of Environmental Protection and of the institution of higher education that is hosting the center. The bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection to: (1) provide advice and assistance to guide the operations of the center; (2) provide relevant data and research assistance to the center, upon request, as may be necessary for the center to perform its duties and implement its programs; (3) identify topics of concern and research areas that should be addressed, through the center's programs, services, and activities, to the extent feasible given existing funding and ongoing research efforts; and (4) identify, and provide for the center to implement, new programs, services, or activities, not already identified in the bill, which are related to water infrastructure, water resource management, or drinking water quality or supplies in the State. | In Committee |
| S1020 | Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from requiring covered persons to use mail service pharmacies. | This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from requiring covered persons to use mail service pharmacies. Specifically, the bill provides that pharmacy benefits managers, in connection with any contract or arrangement with a private health insurer, prescription benefit plan, or the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees' Health Benefits Program, may neither require covered persons to use a mail service pharmacy nor automatically enroll covered persons in a mail service pharmacy program. The bill provides that pharmacy benefits managers may provide benefits to covered persons through mail service pharmacies, provided that the covered persons are given the option to use a mail service pharmacy or a non-mail service pharmacy, and the covered persons consent in writing to the use of the mail service pharmacy. It has come to the attention of the sponsor that certain pharmacy benefits managers in New Jersey automatically enroll covered persons in a mail service pharmacy program without the covered persons' consent. This bill is intended to stop these automatic enrollments and to support the right of covered persons to use a non-mail service pharmacy if they so choose. | In Committee |
| S201 | Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program. | This bill would establish the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing (REEF) program in the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB). The purpose of the REEF program would be to provide loans and other forms of financial assistance, as the NJIB deems appropriate, to State entities, local units, and school districts to finance cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in buildings and other property owned or operated by the State entities, local units, or school districts. The NJIB would also be authorized to provide loans and other financial assistance directly to a private entity for an energy efficiency improvement project sponsored and guaranteed by a local unit. A State entity, local unit, or school district seeking financial assistance under the REEF program would be required to apply to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in a form and manner determined by the BPU. The BPU, in consultation with the NJIB, would develop criteria for the approval or disapproval of applications. As part of the application process, an applicant would be required to perform an energy efficiency assessment of the buildings or other property owned or operated by the applicant. The assessment would identify the energy efficiency improvements that could be installed and operated in the buildings or other property at a total cost that is less than the energy cost savings, in the form of lower energy bills, realized by the applicant over the lesser of a 10-year period or the useful life of the energy efficiency improvement. Upon approval of an application, subject to the availability of funds, the NJIB would make loans or other forms of financial assistance to the applicant to finance all or a portion of the cost of the energy efficiency improvements identified in the assessment. The loans and other forms of financial assistance would be made subject to terms and conditions determined by the NJIB. The installation or contract for the installation of the energy efficiency improvements would be required to address provisions concerning payment schedules, monitoring, inspection, measuring, and warranties as are necessary to ensure that the energy efficiency improvements installed and operated in the building or other property are cost-effective. The bill establishes in the NJIB a special, nonlapsing fund to be known as the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Fund. Monies in the fund would be used by the NJIB to make loans and other financial assistance under the bill, and for administration of the REEF program. The fund would be credited with: (1) moneys obtained from the payment of principal and interest on loans made under the bill; (2) moneys transferred to the NJIB from the BPU under the bill; (3) any other moneys appropriated by the Legislature or made available to the NJIB for the purposes of the bill; and (4) any interest earnings or other investment income earned or received on the moneys in the fund. Under the bill, in next the State fiscal year after the bill's enactment and each year thereafter, the BPU would be required to transfer to the NJIB up to $20 million from available balances accumulated in accounts of the BPU from funds collected through the societal benefits charge (a surcharge imposed on all electric and gas public utility customers in the State) for the purposes of the REEF program. The BPU and the NJIB would be authorized to enter into any contract deemed necessary to implement the payment arrangement between the two entities. The BPU, in consultation with the NJIB, would be required to develop a priority system for energy improvement projects and establish ranking criteria and funding policies for the energy efficiency improvement projects to be funded under the program. The BPU would be required to set forth a "Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program Project Priority List" for funding by the NJIB each fiscal year. Finally, the BPU and the NJIB would be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the effectiveness of the program in promoting energy efficiency and energy cost savings for State entities, local units, and school districts. | In Committee |
| S1025 | Establishes prisoner reentry peer support hotline. | This bill establishes a toll-free hotline for peer-based prisoner reentry support. The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioners of Corrections and Health, the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, and the Chairman of the State Parole Board to establish and maintain on a 24-hour daily basis a prisoner reentry support toll-free telephone hotline service, operating through one of the existing telephone hotline services of the department. Under the bill, the hotline will receive and respond to calls from formerly incarcerated persons seeking support in reentry following release from custody. The bill provides that the hotline operators are required to be peer recovery specialists, certified by the Addiction Professionals Certification Board of New Jersey, or national certified peer recovery support specialists, certified by the Association for Addiction Professionals. The operators would receive any further training as determined to be necessary by the Commissioner of Human services, to carry out the purpose of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1353 | Establishes "Trenton Makes Commission." | This bill establishes the "Trenton Makes Commission" (commission). The permanent commission is established to research and implement the best ways to incentivize manufacturing businesses to come into New Jersey, while also focusing on strengthening the current manufacturing business sector already established within the State. The commission is to consist of 13 voting members, including members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and relevant associations and agencies. The appointed members are to serve terms ranging from two to four years. The commission is tasked with studying and analyzing approaches other states have utilized to incentivize and strengthen the manufacturing business sector in those states, identifying cost-effective techniques to incentivize and support both new and existing manufacturing businesses within the State, consulting with the scientific and academic community for expertise and input, and reporting its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. | In Committee |
| S236 | Requires electric public utilities to submit to BPU and implement integrated distribution plans. | This bill would require electric public utilities to submit integrated distribution plans to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). As defined by the bill, "integrated distribution plan" means a plan developed by an electric public utility to assess the necessary physical and operational changes to the transmission and distribution system in its service area to enable safe, reliable, and affordable service that satisfies customers' changing expectations and facilitates the use of distributed electric power sources. The bill would first require the BPU to develop criteria for the integrated distribution plans no later than six months after the bill's enactment. The bill would establish certain minimum requirements for the criteria, as enumerated in paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 1 of the bill. The bill would then require, one year after the BPU develops criteria for integrated distribution plans, all electric public utilities in the State to submit to the BPU an integrated distribution plan that conforms to the criteria. Finally, the bill would require each electric public utility to implement its integrated distribution plan, once it is approved by the BPU. | In Committee |
| S1013 | Prohibits condominium associations from assessing insurance deductibles to individual unit owners or groups of unit owners. | This bill would prevent condominium associations from assessing insurance deductibles to individual unit owners or groups of unit owners. Under current law, a condominium association can pass the cost of any deductible arising from a claim under the association's insurance policy to an individual unit owner. This bill would prevent condominium associations from placing the burden of a deductible on one owner or a group of owners. The bill would ensure that unit owners realize the full benefit of an association's insurance policy, which is the pooling of risks among a large group of similarly situated individuals. | In Committee |
| S259 | Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat. | This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a leasing program for the lease, development, use, and management of appropriate and suitable State-owned land as pollinator habitat by any person, local government unit, nonprofit organization, or other entity that the DEP determines is qualified and appropriate to manage State-owned land for this purpose. The bill also directs the DEP, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, to adopt rules and regulations providing for: 1) the identification of State-owned lands that are appropriate and suitable for management as pollinator habitat; and 2) criteria for the selection of appropriate entities to lease, develop, use, and manage State-owned land for this purpose. | In Committee |
| S1049 | Directs DEP to adopt regulations concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water. | This bill requires the Drinking Water Quality Institute (DWQI) to study the issue of microplastics in drinking water. It also requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt regulations related to the sampling and testing for the presence of microplastics in drinking water by public water systems. The bill directs the DWQI to recommend a definition of microplastics in drinking water within two years after the bill's effective date. The bill also directs the DEP, within three years after the effective date, to adopt a standard methodology to be used in the testing of drinking water for microplastics, to formulate requirements for testing and reporting the concentration of microplastics in drinking water by public water systems, and to accredit qualified laboratories in New Jersey to analyze microplastics. | Dead |
| S1417 | Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000. | This bill would prohibit, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of any class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS within the State. As defined in the bill, "perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or "PFAS" means substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and "class B firefighting foam" means foam designed to prevent or extinguish a fire in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. The bill's provisions would not apply to the sale, manufacture, distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam for which the inclusion of PFAS is required by federal law or regulation, including, but not limited to, 14 C.F.R. s.139.317. If a federal requirement to include PFAS in class B firefighting foam is revoked, the bill's provisions would apply one year after the requirement is revoked. The bill also: · authorizes certain temporary exemptions;· requires manufacturers of PFAS-containing firefighting foams to notify persons selling the product of the provisions of the bill;· requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing firefighting foams; and· establishes a voluntary program in the Department of Environmental Protection to collect and dispose of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. A violation of the bill's provisions would be an unlawful practice pursuant to P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), commonly known as the State's "Consumer Fraud Act." As provided by section 1 of P.L.1966, c.39 (C.56:8-13), an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. | Dead |
| S1048 | Directs DEP to establish rebate program for purchase of microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; appropriates $2.5 million. | This bill would require, no later than one year after the bill's effective date, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish and implement a program to provide rebates to State residents for the purchase of a microfiber washing machine filter or a replacement microfiber washing machine filter. The purpose of the rebate program would be to encourage the purchase of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters and reduce the amount of microfiber pollution in the State. As defined in the bill, "microfiber washing machine filter" means a device that attaches to a washing machine and is used to filter microfibers from the washing machine wastewater before the microfibers are released into a septic system or public sewage system. Under the bill, one-time rebates would be available to any resident of the State who purchases an eligible microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter, as determined by the DEP, submits a complete application for the rebate, in a manner and form determined by the DEP, and meets the bill's requirements. The amount of the rebate would not exceed the lesser of: (1) the cost of the microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; or (2) $100. The DEP would be required to determine the types or brands of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters that are eligible for the rebate, determine the manner and form for residents to apply for and, if eligible, receive a rebate, and adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the rebate program established by the bill. The DEP would be required to advertise the availability of the rebates offered pursuant to the bill on their Internet website. The bill would also require, no later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter, the DEP to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that includes, at a minimum: (1) a summary of the effectiveness of the rebate program in encouraging the purchase of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters and minimizing microfiber pollution in the State; (2) the total number of rebates provided during the year; (3) the total amount of money spent on the provision of rebates during the year; (4) the amount of funding still available for the provision of rebates in future years; (5) recommendations to improve the rebate program's effectiveness; and (6) recommendations concerning whether or not additional funding is needed to continue the rebate program. Finally, the bill would appropriate $2.5 million from the General Fund to the DEP for the purposes of providing rebates pursuant to the rebate program established by the bill. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is estimated that more than eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. A leading source of this pollution is clothing and textiles. The majority of clothing is made from plastic-based materials such as polyester, rayon, nylon, and acrylic. When washed in a washing machine, synthetic clothing sheds tiny plastic fragments known as microfibers, which eventually end up contaminating shorelines and waterways. Microfibers are the most prevalent type of microplastic (plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter) found in the environment. Microfibers have been found in a variety of aquatic life, including fish and shellfish, and humans are exposed to microplastics through the consumption of food and water containing microplastics. The EPA recommends the installation of a microfiber washing machine filter to reduce the amount of microfibers that flow from washing machines to waterways. Certain microfiber washing machine filter manufacturers report that their product is able to prevent the release of up to 90 percent of microfibers that would otherwise be released during the process of doing laundry. It is crucial to take steps to minimize microfiber pollution in the State, and this bill will help to encourage the purchase of a product that can limit the amount of microfibers that enter the State's waters. | In Committee |
| S992 | Requires induction loop listening system installation in certain buildings open to public upon new construction or substantial renovation. | This bill would require the installation of induction loop listening systems in certain public spaces upon new construction or substantial renovation. An "induction loop listening system" refers to a hardwired assistive listening system in which a loop of wire around an area of a building, or hardwired countertop version, produces a signal received directly by hearing aids and cochlear implants used by persons with hearing loss. Induction loop listening systems magnetically transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants that are equipped with telecoil features, and have an effect of filtering out background noise. Under the bill, induction loop listening system installations would be required in a newly constructed area of public assembly or service, unless the associated building permit application was initially submitted on or before the effective date of the bill. The bill would also require any area of public assembly or service to install induction loop listening systems during renovations that cost $40,000 or more. Additionally, the bill would require the posting of prominently-visible permanently-mounted signage to indicate to visitors that the induction loop listening system is available in an area of public assembly or service. Following initial installation, the bill would require the owner, on a biennial basis, to complete a self-certification form, attesting that the induction loop listening system continues to function. Under the bill, an "area of public assembly or service" means a building or structure, or space within a building or structure, that is regularly open for public gatherings, consisting of an auditorium, theater, meeting room, courtroom, community center, library, pharmacy counter, information desk at a medical facility, a waiting area for a medical office, bank teller area, car rental business, restaurant, bar, or other food or beverage counter service location, coat check area, grocery store check-out area, ticket payment location, or other category of space designated by the Department of Community Affairs ("DCA") as an area of public assembly or service. Under the bill, the owner of an area of public assembly or service would not be required to install and maintain an induction loop listening system if a code enforcing agency determines that the installation of the system would be impractical, following an assertion of the impracticality of the installation by the building permit applicant. The bill directs DCA to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill, including the establishment of standards for: (1) the installation of an induction loop listening system; (2) the conditions that would render installation impractical; (3) the placement and appearance of the required signage; and (4) the frequency and criteria of public access that would cause a space to be designated as open to the public, in relation to the definition of an area of public assembly or service. The provisions of the bill would be enforced as part of the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," ("UCC") P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.). The owner of an area of public assembly or service who violates the provisions of the bill would therefore be liable for any penalty imposed by an enforcing agency pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-138), or any other applicable penalty under the UCC. In order to provide DCA with time to prepare for the enforcement of the bill, the bill would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment. | In Committee |
| S1028 | Requires landlord to provide written explanation for rent increase on tenant of senior citizen housing project. | Many New Jersey residents struggle to satisfy the costs of renting a home. These costs are often particularly challenging for senior citizens, many of whom live on a fixed-income. New Jersey law presently requires a landlord to provide written notice to the tenant whenever the landlord intends to increase rent. State law also prohibits "unconscionable" rent increases, a concept defined in case law as one that would "shock the conscience" of a reasonable person. Along with the existing rent increase notice requirement, this bill would require the landlords of certain senior housing to also provide an explanation for the increase. More specifically, the bill would require that if the tenant is a resident of a senior citizen housing project, then the notice of increased rent would be required to be in writing, and would include an explanation of why the rent is increasing. This explanation would: (1) describe why the rent increase is not unconscionable; (2) confirm that the increase complies with municipal ordinances, and other applicable laws; and (3) list any expenses associated with the tenant's unit and common areas of the property that have contributed to the need for the rent increase. Additionally, this bill adjusts the underlying statutory language concerning notice requirements prior to rent increases to clarify that those notices have to be in writing. As used in the bill, a "senior citizen housing project" refers to a building with three or more dwelling units, intended for, and solely occupied by, senior citizens. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month next following enactment, and would apply to rent increases that take effect on or after that date. | In Committee |
| S1983 | Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. | This bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including restrictions that limit the ability of APNs to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia, and establishes new requirements for APNs to prescribe medications. The bill expressly provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, an APN with greater than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice will be authorized to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider. With regard to prescribing medications, the bill requires the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and satisfying continuing professional education requirements related to pharmacology and prescribing controlled substances. An APN with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be permitted to prescribe medication only if a formal joint protocol with a physician or experienced advanced practice nurse is in place. The bill revises the requirements for APNs to authorize patients for medical cannabis and to issue written instructions for medical cannabis, to provide that the APN will only be required to meet the requirements set forth under the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.). Those requirements include: possessing active State and federal registrations to prescribe controlled dangerous substances; being the health care practitioner responsible for the ongoing treatment of a patient's qualifying medical condition; and complying with various other requirements for issuing written instructions for medical cannabis. The bill further provides that every APN who is an APN-Anesthesia and who has completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be authorized to practice as an APN-Anesthesia to the full scope of practice for APNs-Anesthesia, without any requirement for supervision by a licensed physician and without any requirement that the APN-Anesthesia enter into joint protocols with a licensed physician. The bill provides that any State law or regulation that requires the signature or similar endorsement of a physician will be deemed to require the same of an APN, to the extent consistent with an APN's scope of practice. The bill revises and repeals certain sections of law that are obviated by the changes made under the bill. | In Committee |
| S891 | Establishes minimum level of domestic violence and sexual assault training for judges and judicial personnel. | This bill amends the existing statutory requirement concerning domestic violence training for judges and judicial personnel. Presently, while section 4 of P.L. 1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-20) requires all judges and judicial personnel to receive some initial and annual training, no minimum amount of training is required by statute. Although the Supreme Court provides and requires a substantial amount of domestic violence training for Judges of the Superior Court, Family Division, judges at the municipal court level hearing domestic violence cases have no minimum hours of training requirement. This bill directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop and approve a domestic violence and sexual assault training course and a curriculum, with the training course consisting of at least three hours, for all judges and judicial personnel on the handling, investigation and response procedures concerning allegations of domestic violence and allegations of sexual offenses outside of the domestic violence context. This will ensure that judges and judicial personnel at all levels, including at the municipal court level, receive at least this level of training. The training shall consist of at least 1.5 hours devoted to issues impacting sexual violence, such as the dynamics of sexual violence, the impact of sexual violence on survivors and families, sexual violence risk factors and lethality, the impact of sexually violent crime on society, and the statutory and case law concerning sexual offenses. | In Committee |
| S1024 | Requires DOT to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure in design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and implement a program to prioritize, to the extent practicable as determined by the Commissioner of Transportation, the use of green stormwater infrastructure methods in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways in the State that are funded from the "Special Transportation Fund." "Green stormwater infrastructure methods" is defined to mean management practices that reduce stormwater runoff by allowing stormwater to be treated by vegetation or soils or to be stored and reused, and is to include but not be limited to pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales. | In Committee |
| S1346 | Reduces number of manufacturing jobs required to qualify for NJEDA financing and incentive programs. | This bill reduces by 50 percent, the number of manufacturing jobs required to be eligible for New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) financing and incentive programs. The sales and use tax exemption program permits certain companies to obtain a sales tax exemption certificate for the purchase of items to construct or rehabilitate a new business location. Under the bill, a life science or manufacturing company relocating 125 full-time manufacturing jobs or 250 full-time non-manufacturing jobs may be eligible for the exemption. The program currently requires the relocation of 250 full-time employees regardless of whether the job is a manufacturing job or not. The GROW NJ program provides tax credits to eligible businesses based upon defined job creation and capital investment criteria. Under the bill, the number of full-time jobs that must be created or retained to qualify for the GROW program is reduced by 50 percent for manufacturing jobs, but remains the same for non-manufacturing jobs. The definition of a mega project is altered so that the number of jobs that must be created to qualify as a mega project is reduced by 50 percent for manufacturing jobs, but remains the same for non-manufacturing jobs. The alternate benefit calculation for a GROW project in a Garden State Growth Zone which qualifies for the "Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act," divides the total capital investment by the number of jobs to be created, with the number of full-time manufacturing jobs used in this calculation being reduced by 50 percent for each investment and job creation category used to make the calculation. The Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ) manufacturers energy sales tax exemption allows UEZ certified manufacturers an exemption from the sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas and its transmission consumed at the UEZ certified location. Under the bill, the employment requirement for a business is reduced from 250 full-time employees, with at least 50 percent being involved in the manufacturing process to 188 full-time employees with at least 33 percent being involved in the manufacturing process. | In Committee |
| S1044 | Requires public water systems and landlords to provide certain notice of elevated perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances levels in drinking water; requires DEP to establish educational program. | This bill requires public water systems to provide certain notifications about elevated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) levels in drinking water to customers and local officials, require landlords to notify tenants of elevated PFAS levels in drinking water, and require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH), to establish an educational program concerning the presence of PFAS in drinking water. Beginning 18 months after the bill's enactment, a public water system whose drinking water exceeds a PFAS maximum contaminant level (MCL) would be required to provide a written notice, via regular or electronic mail, or both, to all customers served by the public water system, including all residences, schools, daycare centers, and facilities serving young children, all public and private hospitals, medical clinics, and doctor's offices serving pregnant women and young children, all local health and welfare agencies in the public water system's service area, and the chief executive of each municipality in the public water system's service area. The written notice would be required to be sent as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 calendar days after the public water system confirms that there has been an exceedance of a PFAS MCL. This notification requirement would be in addition to existing notification requirements under the federal "Safe Drinking Water Act," 42 U.S.C. s.300 et al., or any other State or federal law. As defined in the bill, "PFAS" means any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and "PFAS maximum contaminant level" means the applicable maximum contaminant level for PFAS, or a category or type of PFAS, in drinking water established by the DEP pursuant to the "Safe Drinking Water Act," P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.). The written notice to be sent by a public water system would be required to: (1) clearly state that the public water system is in exceedance of a PFAS MCL; (2) explain what the PFAS MCL is and the measurement process that the public water system is required to perform to monitor drinking water for PFAS; (3) state that drinking water that contains elevated levels of a PFAS can cause negative health effects; (4) provide information to direct the consumer to the educational program developed by the DEP pursuant to section 4 of the bill, including a link to the DEP's Internet website where the educational resources are located; and (5) state, in easily legible type, the responsibility of a landlord to distribute the written notice to every tenant pursuant to section 3 the bill. The bill would also require public water systems to provide annual written notifications to all customers served by the public water system where an exceedance of a PFAS MCL has been found., until there is no longer an exceedance of the PFAS MCL. The annual written notifications would be required to include, at a minimum: (1) an update on the current status of the mitigation process along with an estimate of the time until the mitigation process will be completed; and (2) any information on what work, if any, has been done to mitigate the contamination or treat the contaminated drinking water supply. The bill would also require public water systems to provide a written notification informing customers when a PFAS exceedance has ended. A public water system that violates any of the notification requirements of the bill would be considered to be in violation of the "Safe Drinking Water Act," which could result in civil administrative penalties of up to $25,000. Beginning 18 months after the bill's enactment, the bill would require landlords, whenever they receive a notice or health and safety information from a public water system concerning the presence of PFAS in drinking water, to: (1) distribute the notice or information, by any means including by electronic mail, as soon as practicable, but no later than three business days after receipt, to every tenant who has entered into a lease agreement with the landlord and whose dwelling unit is served by the public water system; and (2) post the notice or information, as soon as practicable, but no later than three business days after receipt, in a prominent location at the entrance of each rental premises that is owned by the landlord and served by the public water system, except in single-family dwellings that do not have a common area. The bill would also require landlords to provide the most recent information about a PFAS exceedance they have received to any prospective tenant prior to signing a lease. A landlord who violates any of the notification requirements of the bill would first receive a written warning from the DEP, and, for subsequent violations, could face a civil administrative penalty of up to $500. Finally, the bill would require the DEP and the DOH, no later than one year after the bill's enactment, to establish and implement an educational program concerning PFAS in drinking water. The program would be required to: (1) educate the general public on the subject of PFAS and its environmental and health impacts; (2) provide informational resources specific to PFAS in drinking water; and (3) provide any other information and efforts that are determined by the DEP or the DOH to be beneficial in educating the public on the presence of PFAS in drinking water. The DEP would be required to publish the educational program to its Internet website and update it annually. | In Committee |
| S1058 | Requires copies of certain law enforcement records to be provided to victims of domestic violence upon request. | This bill requires copies of certain law enforcement records to be provided, upon request, to victims of domestic violence. Under the bill, a domestic violence victim, or the victim's legal representative, may request copies of certain records from the law enforcement agency with the primary responsibility for investigating a domestic violence complaint. If the release of the records would jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of any person, the records are required to either be redacted so that release to the victim does not jeopardize an ongoing criminal investigation or the safety of any person, or released pursuant to a protective order. A person who disseminates a copy of a law enforcement record in violation of a protective order issued under the bill may be subject to criminal prosecution.The following records may be requested:· photographs taken by a law enforcement officer;· law enforcement officer body worn camera or dashboard camera footage;· 9-1-1 transcript or recording; or · contents of the police report. The bill clarifies that the right to access records provided under the bill is in addition to the right of a victim to obtain records under current law pursuant to the open public records act (OPRA) or the Rules of Court. The records are to be provided at no charge within 10 calendar days of the request. If the law enforcement agency is unable to produce a copy of a requested record within the 10-day period, the law enforcement agency may request additional time from the court. If granted additional time, the law enforcement agency is to provide a copy of the records to the victim or victim's legal representative within 24 hours after the record becomes available. A record is to be provided in accordance with the request of the victim or victim's representative. A victim of domestic violence who is seeking to access law enforcement agency records under the bill, but who is not seeking other relief in the Family Part of the Chancery Division of the Superior Court may enforce their right of access pursuant to OPRA on an expedited basis. The victim shall not be required to complete a formal OPRA request form to access the records. Under current law, a hearing is to be held in the family part within 10 days of the filing of a domestic violence complaint. If a plaintiff has requested records pursuant to the provisions of the bill but has not received the records as of the date of the original or rescheduled hearing, the law enforcement agency's failure to provide the requested records is to be noted on the record prior to the court making a final determination on the request for restraints. The absence of law enforcement records is not to be a basis to deny relief. The bill also provides that a party to a domestic violence complaint may request the release or unsealing of expunged records. The records may be provided to either party, the county prosecutor, Criminal Division of the Superior Court, or Attorney General, in relation to a domestic violence temporary or final restraining order, weapons forfeiture complaint, or a temporary or final extreme risk protective order. Under the bill, a final judgment rendered in favor of the State in any criminal proceeding brought pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991" would estop the defendant from denying the same conduct in any proceeding brought under the bill. | Dead |
| S1070 | Concerns temporary disability insurance and family leave insurance benefits. | This bill: 1. Extends TDI and FLI benefits to employees providing care for family members needed because of a public health emergency or state of emergency, including, if federal funds are available, the closure of a school or place of care. 2. Extends FLI benefits to care needed because of certain exigencies arising out of active military service. 3. Sets requirements regarding employer notification to employees of their rights, including their right to unemployment benefits after leave if an employee is not restored to employment after leave because of a reduction in force occurring during the leave. 4. Provides that an employee who is eligible for both earned sick leave and either TDI or FLI benefits, may use either the earned sick leave or whichever is applicable of the TDI or FLI benefits, and may select the order in which they are taken, but may not receive more than one kind of paid leave benefits during any period of time. 5. Extends TDI or FLI benefits to an employee regardless of the amount of time an employee has worked or the amount of the employees earnings, so long as the employee earns at least $1,000 during the employee's base year. 6. Provides that the weekly benefit rates for TDI or FLI benefits taken during a period of unemployment are set at the rates for TDI or FLI benefits, instead of the rates for unemployment compensation. 7. Provides the option to self-employed individuals of obtaining coverage for TDI and FLI benefits if they make contributions to the TDI fund which are the equivalent to the contributions made by employers and employees. 8. Eliminates the seven-day waiting period for TDI benefits. 9. Provides the right to reinstatement to equivalent employment after a period of leave applies to all periods in which TDI or FLI benefits are provided, including extending that right to FLI leave takers employed by employers with less than 30 employees, as is presently the case for TDI leave takers. 10. Requires, when employees take leave with TDI or FLI benefits, that employers maintain health insurance coverage during the leave period on the same terms as when the employees are working. 11. Provides that an employee's statement that the employee or member of the employee's family is a victim of domestic or sexual violence is sufficient documentation in a claim for benefits. | In Committee |
| S994 | Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program." The program provides loans to eligible small businesses for the improvement of indoor air quality. It will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection. The loans may be applied to any aspect of an eligible small business intended to improve the business' indoor air quality, including capital purchases, employee training, and salaries for new positions. Work performed using funds provided by the program shall be performed by an organization certified by the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, National Environmental Balancing Bureau or the Associated Air Balance Council. Small business loans under the bill are to bear interest at rates and terms set by the authority. Any business that has received a grant through the program may apply to the department for a New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Certification. A condition for the issuance of a certificate shall be the completion of a successful indoor air quality management inspection. This inspection is to be performed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and be based on the Indoor Air Quality Management Checklist promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. | In Committee |
| S1007 | Provides rental and lease protections for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. | This bill would provide rental and lease protections for domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking victims. Under the bill, a landlord may not terminate a tenancy, fail to renew a tenancy, or refuse to enter into a rental agreement based on the tenant's or applicant's or a household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or based on the tenant or applicant having terminated a rental agreement pursuant to the "New Jersey Safe Housing Act," P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.4 et seq.). Under the "New Jersey Safe Housing Act," a tenant may terminate a lease prior to its expiration if the tenant provides written notice that the tenant or a child of the tenant faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from another person if the tenant remains on the premises, and provides appropriate documentation. The bill provides for the same documentation requirements as those set out in the "New Jersey Safe Housing Act." The documentation may be any of the following: (1) a copy of a permanent domestic violence restraining order; (2) a copy of a permanent restraining order from another jurisdiction, issued pursuant to the jurisdiction's laws concerning domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (3) a law enforcement agency record documenting the domestic violence, or certifying that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking; (4) medical documentation of the domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking provided by a health care provider; (5) certification, provided by a certified Domestic Violence Specialist, or the director of a designated domestic violence agency, that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence; or (6) other documentation or certification, provided by a licensed social worker, that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Under the bill, a landlord who refuses to enter into a rental agreement in violation of this section may be liable to the tenant or applicant in a civil action for damages sustained by the tenant or applicant. The prevailing party may also recover court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees. The bill amends N.J.S.A.2A:18-53 and N.J.S.A.2A:18-61.1, which concern actions by landlords to remove tenants, to provide that these sections of law shall not be construed to authorize the removal of a lessee or tenant or the assigns, under-tenants or legal representatives of such lessee or tenant from any house, building, mobile home or land ina mobile home park or tenement leased for residential purposes based upon such person's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. | In Committee |
| S1891 | Permits certain portion of municipal development trust funds to be spent on housing affordability assistance to veterans. | This bill provides that a municipality that is authorized to collect affordable housing fees pursuant to the rules of the Council on Affordable Housing may set aside up to 30 percent of the development fee amounts permitted to be spent on affordability assistance programs to be directed to a municipal program for first-time homebuying veterans to provide grants for down payment assistance. Grants under the program are to be limited to $15,000 per recipient, and is not to be considered as income concerning eligibility requirements for other State programs, or for purposes of taxation. The bill is to help veterans by supplementing other State programs available for first-time homebuyers, such as the low-interest loans program offered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency. | In Committee |
| S1623 | Establishes Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program in EDA for certain small businesses implementing certain resiliency projects. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to establish and maintain the Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program (program) and Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Fund (fund). Loan Program Eligibility The EDA is to provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans to qualified businesses that are engaging in or have completed resiliency projects. Under the bill, a qualified business is a business that: 1) is registered to do business in New Jersey with the Director of the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury; 2) intends to maintain its principal business operations in the State after receiving assistance from the EDA under the program; and 3) employs not more than 50 full-time employees at the time of approval of financial assistance to the business. Under the bill, a resiliency project means those projects or activities, which may include, but are not limited to, projects or activities that improve or support the treatment or management of drinking water, wastewater, and storm water; enhance the reliability and resiliency of the electrical grid and public utility infrastructure; expand access to broadband internet; or utilize technology, infrastructure improvements, and other materials that mitigate against or protect the business in the event of climate change-related natural hazards, including, but not limited to, increased temperatures, drought, flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise. Application Criteria The bill requires the EDA to establish an application process. A qualified business that seeks assistance under the loan program is required to submit an application to the EDA in a form and manner prescribed by the EDA. In addition to any other information that the EDA may deem appropriate, the application is required to request an applicant to submit information demonstrating that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements and an outline of the anticipated use of loan proceeds. Under the bill, the EDA is required to approve applications for the loan program on a rolling basis or on one or more dates, subject to the availability of funds. Loan Awards and Loan Requirements Under the program, the EDA is to provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans for qualified businesses that are engaging in or have completed resiliency projects, with priority consideration, as determined by the EDA in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, given to a qualified business based the long-term impact of the qualified business on the State economy, the type of resiliency project, and whether the principal business operations of the qualified business are located in a municipality of the State that has incorporated a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment into the land use plan element of the municipality's master plan. Upon approval of an application, the EDA is required to enter into a loan agreement with the qualified business and provide a low-interest loan to the qualified business. Each loan issued under the program is required to bear interest at rates lower than and provide more flexible repayment terms than are customarily made available through conventional business loans issued by private lenders. A qualified business that receives financial assistance under the loan program is to annually report to the EDA until such time as the full balance of the loan has been repaid to the EDA. At a minimum, the annual report is to include information outlining the expenses supported by the loan and the financial information of the qualified business, audited by a certified public accountant, which is to include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified business. Any information about the performance of a qualified business is considered confidential and not subject to the law known commonly as the open public records act. Loan Fund Any monies received by the EDA for the repayment of a loan issued pursuant to the program would be deposited into the non-lapsing revolving loan fund. Any interest collected from loans provided by the loan program may be used by the EDA to offset the costs of the administration of the loan program, or otherwise are required to be deposited into the fund. The EDA may also credit the fund with monies received from State, federal, or private sources and may use those funds to provide financial assistance to qualified businesses in a manner consistent with federal law or the private source of funds. | In Committee |
| S2206 | Requires NJ Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools. | This bill requires the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare a report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools. In preparing the report, the council may consult with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the Department of Children and Families. The council may also request administrative and technical support from the Department of Children and Families. In preparing the report, the council is to develop a survey to collect data from local education agencies, approved private schools for students with disabilities, and charter and renaissance school projects in the 2023-24 school year to be delivered by the Department of Education. The department is to aggregate the data and ensure any student-identifying or confidential information has been removed prior to transmitting to the council for use in the report. The report is required to include the following: (1) identifying the suicide prevention instruction already provided to public school teaching staff members and students; (2) reviewing the effectiveness and sufficiency of instruction in suicide prevention currently provided to public school teaching staff members and students; (3) identifying any methods public schools may use to identify students who may be at risk for suicide or self-injury; (4) identifying evidence-based and best practice programs in public schools for the prevention of youth suicide and self-injury, including a survey of programs being implemented in surrounding states; (5) identifying opportunities to enhance access to mental health treatment in public schools; and (6) findings and recommendations, including legislative and regulatory proposals, to improve suicide prevention instruction. The council is required to submit the report to the Governor and Legislature no later than 12 months after the effective date of the act. | Dead |
| S1011 | Excludes veteran disability compensation from income qualification limits under homestead property tax reimbursement program. | This bill would allow more disabled veterans to qualify for the homestead property tax reimbursement program. The homestead property tax reimbursement program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax increases. The amount of the reimbursement is the difference between the amount of property taxes that were due and paid for the "base year" (the first year that an individual meets all the eligibility requirements) and the amount due and paid for the year that the individual is applying for the reimbursement, provided the amount paid for the current year is greater. The bill would exclude disability compensation paid by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to a veteran from the calculation of that person's income for the purpose of determining whether the person is eligible to participate in the homestead property tax reimbursement program. | In Committee |
| S318 | Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for certain children, youth, and family services organizations. | This bill stipulates that, on or after the effective date of the bill, the terms of a contract entered into between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and a children, youth, and family organization are to include an annual increase in the cost of living adjustment received by the organization. The cost of living adjustment would be based on the Consumer Price Index for the previous 12-month period beginning October 1 and ending September 30, as published by the United States Department of Labor, and DCF would be required to announce the rate of the increase on October 1 of each year. As used in the bill, a "children, youth, and family organization" means an organization that provides programs and services to children, youth, and families through contracts entered into with DCF including, but not limited to, programs partially or fully funded by the State Medicaid program. DCF contracts with children, youth, and family organizations to provide child protective and treatment services through a competitive bidding process whereby a fixed rate is established for the provision of services. The fixed rate includes all the costs associated with the delivery of services including, but not limited to, salary, wages, and compensation for the staff of the organizations who provide the direct services to children, youth, and families. Such staff members continually face increases in their living expenses, but the rates provided to children, youth, and family organizations contracted with DCF are not automatically adjusted for cost of living increases. This bill would establish a statutory mechanism for providing annual cost of living adjustments to children, youth, and family organizations contracted with DCF. | In Committee |
| S2160 | Allows seasonal retail consumption alcoholic beverage license holder to exchange license for full-year consumption license. | This bill allows a person who held a seasonal retail consumption license prior to the bill's effective date to surrender the license to the issuing authority, which then may exchange the license for a plenary retail consumption license. This license will permit the licensee to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises throughout the entire year. Under the bill, a person who exchanges a seasonal retail consumption license would have the same privileges and be entitled to sell alcoholic beverages during the same times and days as other plenary retail consumption license holders in the same municipality. The fee to convert a seasonal license would be based upon the average sales price of plenary retail consumption licenses in the municipality in which the licensed premises is located during the two years immediately preceding the bill's effective date. If a plenary retail consumption license has not been sold during the two years immediately preceding the bill's effective date, the fee is to be based upon the average sales price of the last three plenary retail consumption licenses sold preceding the bill's effective date. If the licensed premises is located within the boundaries of two or more municipalities, the highest average sale price of the two or more municipalities would be used to calculate the fee. The calculation to determine the fee would not include de minimis or related party transfer sales. The fee to convert a seasonal license would not exceed $250,000. A person who exchanges a license would also be required to pay the same annual fee as a plenary retail consumption license holder. A seasonal retail consumption license allows for the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption for a limited time during the summer or winter season. A license issued during the summer season allows the licensee to serve alcoholic beverages from May 1 through November 14. The holder of a winter seasonal license may sell alcoholic beverages from November 15 to April 30. A seasonal license is subject to the same population restrictions as a plenary retail consumption license, and is included in the total number of consumption licenses that a municipality may issue. A municipality may issue one of these licenses -both seasonal and plenary retail consumption- for each 3,000 persons residing in the municipality. Therefore, the bill does not allow for the issuance of new licenses, but rather allows seasonal licensees to sell alcoholic beverages during the entire year. | In Committee |
| S672 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism. | This bill establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism. Under the bill, the term "definition of anti-Semitism" refers to the definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the "contemporary examples of antisemitism," while noting that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country is not antisemitic. The bill provides that in reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the State must take into consideration this definition of anti-Semitism for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. Under the bill, nothing contained in the bill would be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. The bill also provides that nothing in the bill would be construed to conflict with local, State, or federal anti-discrimination laws or regulations. | In Committee |
| S1419 | Concerns structural integrity regulations for certain residential buildings. | This bill, supplements the "State Uniform Construction Code Act" (UCCA) to require that certain covered buildings, which are limited to condominiums and cooperatives, and plans be inspected and reviewed by a structural inspector, as defined in the bill, during the building's pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. In addition, this bill assures that planned real estate developments have adequate reserve funds to make certain required maintenance repairs to building components and common areas. Specifically, this bill supplements the UCCA to require that a structural inspector, designated by the construction permit applicant or, in the absence of a designation, chosen by the enforcing agency, review the construction plans submitted with a construction application, set forth an inspection schedule to confirm that the primary load bearing system conforms to the building plans, and issue a written report which determines whether the primary load bearing system conforms to the building plans. A certificate of occupancy is not to be issued under this bill until the structural inspector's report confirms that the construction of the primary load bearing system of the building is in conformance with the approved construction plans. Further, a certificate of occupancy is not to be issued under this bill if the construction permit applicant does not state at the time of application, or prior to the first occupancy creating a condominium or cooperative, that the building is to be a condominium of cooperative, until the required inspections have occurred. Similarly, this bill precludes the issuance of a certificate of occupancy until any necessary repairs, renovations, alterations, or modifications to the structural components of a covered building are made pursuant to the inspector's report. Under the bill, certain timelines for inspections are dependent on when a certificate of occupancy was issued. Any additional cost to the enforcing agency incurred as a result of inspections required under this bill are to be recovered through a fee associated with the construction application. In addition, this bill requires that a planned real estate development undertake a capital reserve study to identify and assess the adequacy of the association's capital reserve funds to meet the anticipated costs associated with maintaining the structural integrity of the buildings that the association is obligated to maintain. This capital reserve study is to be conducted by a credentialed reserve specialist, or licensed engineer or architect, and is to include an analysis of certain provisions enumerated in the bill. In addition, this bill requires that a planned real estate development create and fund a plan to ensure that adequate reserve funds are available to repair or replace one or more components of common elements and facilities that the association is obligated to maintain without need to create a special assessment or loan obligation. The bill also allows an planned real estate development's executive board to adopt an assessment payable by the owners over one or more fiscal years, or obtain a loan on terms as the board determines to be reasonable, when necessary to fund the cost of corrective maintenance of the primary load bearing system of the planned real estate development. Prior to adopting the assessment, the board is to be required to obtain a written report from a licensed engineer or architect explaining that the failure to undertake corrective maintenance of the primary load bearing system would produce certain results enumerated in the bill. The bill requires that the developer of a planned real estate development prepare a document setting forth a schedule for the preventative maintenance tasks to be undertaken by the association over the life of the common area components, including, but not limited to, periodic inspections of the structural components of the buildings or common areas that the association is obligated to maintain. This document is also to be made available to prospective purchasers or owners of units, parcels, or other interests of the planned real estate development. This preventative maintenance document is to also be updated pursuant to the specifications of any structural inspections or reports performed under the UCCA. | Dead |
| S211 | Requires Division of Rate Counsel to consider environmental impacts of proposed rate or service measure when representing public interest in certain proceedings and appeals. | This bill would require the Director of the Division of Rate Counsel to consider certain factors, related to climate and the environment, when representing the public interest in case proceedings before, or appeals from, a State department, commission, authority, council, agency, or board that is charged with regulating or controlling any business, industry, or utility with respect to the provision of a required service or the fixing of rates, tolls, fares, or charges thereby. Current law authorizes the division to initiate a case proceeding or appeal when the director determines that a discontinuance of, or a change in, a required service or rate, toll, fare, or charge is in the public interest. The bill would clarify that, in making a determination as to what is in the public interest, and in evaluating how the public interest can best be served in any proceeding or appeal initiated pursuant to this provision of law, the director will be required to consider both: (1) the affordability and equitability of the proposed rate or service measure (i.e., the proposed rate or service change or discontinuance), in comparison to the status quo and other viable alternatives; and (2) the actual and potential effects of the proposed rate or service measure on the climate and environment, including, but not limited to: (a) the social cost of carbon, in comparison to the status quo and other viable alternatives, that will result from the proposed measure; (b) whether, and the extent to which, the proposed measure, in comparison to the status quo and other viable alternatives, will aid or hinder the State's ability to timely fulfill its de-carbonization goals; and (c) whether, and the extent to which, the proposed measure, in comparison to the status quo and other viable alternatives, will cause or contribute to cumulative environmental or public health stressors that are higher in an overburdened community than in other communities. The bill would further require the division, when representing the public interest for these purposes, to prioritize those cases that are determined, by the director, to have the most potential to either negatively or positively impact: the social cost of carbon; the ability of the State to timely fulfill its de-carbonization goals; or the number, type, or extent of environmental or health stressors that are present in an overburdened community. | In Committee |
| S997 | Establishes grant program in DEP to provide financial assistance to municipalities for infrastructure and other physical upgrades to certain municipally owned sanitary landfill facilities closed before June 1987; appropriates $10 million. | This bill would establish, in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), a "Municipal Landfill Upgrading and Infrastructure Improvement Grant Program." The program would provide financial assistance to pay municipal landfill upgrading and infrastructure costs - i.e., those financial costs that are incurred by a municipality in association with its implementation and ongoing maintenance and management of infrastructure improvements and other physical upgrades to a municipally owned and improperly closed sanitary landfill facility - which costs are necessary to ensure that the municipality: (1) comports with the DEP's standards and regulations concerning the proper closure, capping, and post-closure care of sanitary landfill facilities, which were initially adopted on June 1, 1987; and (2) has the capacity to effectively prevent, minimize, eliminate, or monitor pollution and other health hazards resulting from the improperly closed sanitary landfill facility. A municipality that owns an improperly closed sanitary landfill facility would be eligible to apply for a grant under the program. The bill defines an "improperly closed sanitary landfill facility" to mean a sanitary landfill facility, or a portion of a sanitary landfill facility, at which operations were terminated prior to June 1, 1987 and for which performance is not complete with respect to all activities associated with the design, installation, purchase, or construction of structures or equipment, or with respect to the implementation of other appropriate measures, as may be required by the DEP, pursuant to law, for proper facility closure, including, but not limited to, activities involving the placement or installation of earthen or vegetative cover, methane gas vents, methane gas monitors, air pollution control devices, and leachate monitoring wells or collection systems. In addition to any other information that may be required by the DEP commissioner, an application for a program grant submitted by an eligible municipality under the bill would need to include: (1) a certification stating that the sanitary landfill facility, which is the subject of the grant application, is owned by the municipality and was improperly closed prior to June 1, 1987; (2) a statement indicating the total amount of grant funding that is being sought pursuant to the bill; (3) a list of any other financial resources, including federal financial assistance, that may be available to finance the municipal landfill upgrading and infrastructure costs; and (4) a description of the specific project or projects for which grant funding is being sought. The project description is to identify: the type of infrastructure improvement or other physical upgrade being proposed; the reason why the infrastructure improvement or other physical upgrade is necessary; the environmental impacts that are expected to result from the improvement or upgrade; the total anticipated costs of the project, including the total anticipated expenses associated with the municipality's ongoing maintenance and management of completed project components; the permits and approvals that will be required for project commencement; and the anticipated dates on which the project will be commenced and completed. A grant awarded under the program may be used to finance only those municipal landfill upgrading and infrastructure costs that are directly incurred by a municipality. In any case where a federal agency is financing a portion of the municipal landfill upgrading and infrastructure costs, the total costs used in determining the amount of the grant to be awarded under the grant program would be reduced by the amount of the federal contribution. The bill requires the DEP commissioner, within 180 days after the bill's effective date, to develop a project priority system that identifies the ranking criteria and funding policies to be used by the DEP when prioritizing projects for grant awards under the program. At a minimum, the project priority system is to provide for the prioritization of those projects that will have the most significant impacts with respect to enabling the ongoing municipal prevention, reduction, elimination, or monitoring of pollution and other health hazards resulting from an improperly closed sanitary landfill facility. Each municipality receiving a grant award under the program would be required to regularly submit to the DEP, a grant fund expenditures report that describes how the awarded grant funds are being used by the municipality. The commissioner would be required to adopt rules and regulations that, among other things, specify the requisite content of these expenditure reports. The bill also requires the DEP commissioner to annually submit, to the Governor and the Legislature, a written report on the implementation and effectiveness of the grant program, which is to include, among other things, an accounting of the appropriated funds that remain available for future project grants. The bill would appropriate $10 million from the General Fund to the DEP for the purposes of financing grants under the program. | In Committee |
| S1023 | Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices and violations of drinking water quality standards. | This bill would require public water systems to provide certain notices concerning boil water notices and violations of drinking water quality standards. The recently enacted P.L.2019, c.279 requires a public water system to provide notice to the mayor and municipal clerk, or their authorized designees, of each affected municipality that receives water from the public water system when a boil water notice is in effect. This bill would amend that law to require the public water system to notify affected customers of a boil water notice and to also post notice of a boil water notice, and the rescission of a boil water notice, on any website and social media accounts that the public water system maintains for the public or its customers. In addition, beginning 60 days after the bill's enactment, a public water system would be required to include in the water bills for each customer a solicitation for the customer's preferred means of direct contact, from the options made available to each customer by the owner or operator. A public water system would be required to acquire the capability to notify its customers by telephone, electronic mail, or text message. A customer of record receiving a solicitation on behalf of two or more units within a multiple dwelling, condominium, or cooperative, would be required to provide a copy of the solicitation to every unit within the multiple dwelling, condominium, or cooperative for which the customer is the customer of record. Lastly, the bill would require the owner or operator of a public water system to immediately notify, by telephone and electronic mail, the governing body and municipal clerk of a municipality and the chief administrator of every school district, charter school, and nonpublic school located within each municipality served by the public water system whenever the public water system violates any drinking water quality standard or exceeds an action level for drinking water supplied by the public water system within the municipality. The notification is to contain: 1) the name of any contaminant that exceeds a drinking water quality standard or action level; 2) the maximum contaminant level or the action level, as appropriate, for the contaminant; 3) the dates when the tests were performed; 4) the level of the contaminant found on each date; 5) the location of each sample tested; 6) the location of each sample tested that exceeds a maximum contaminant level or action level; and 7) information on suggested remedies that a customer may take to address the violation or exceedance. | In Committee |
| S238 | Establishes uptime requirement for electric vehicle charging station incentive programs. | This bill would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and any other State agency that offers an incentive for the installation of electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), pursuant to P.L.2019, c.362 (C.48:25-1 et seq.) or any other State law, to require compliance with a minimum EVSE uptime requirement as a condition of granting such incentive. EVSE is the equipment, including the cables, cords, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, attachment plugs, power outlets, switches and controls, network interfaces, and point of sale equipment and associated apparatus, that is designed and used for the purpose of transferring energy from the electric supply system to a plug-in electric vehicle. Specifically, the bill would require the BPU or any other State agency, as a condition of issuing a State-level EVSE incentive payment, to require the EVSE for which the incentive is granted, together with all other incentivized EVSE installed at the same site, to remain operational at least 97 percent of the time, not including any period of exempted downtime, and except as otherwise provided by the bill, as measured on an annual and site-wide basis. "Site-wide basis" is defined to mean the average site-wide uptime status of all incentivized EVSE that has been installed, at the same site of operations, on or after the bill's effective date. The bill would not require the site-wide uptime calculation to consider the uptime status of EVSE that has been installed, at the site, prior to the bill's effective date, even if such EVSE was installed pursuant to a State-level incentive. "Exempted downtime" is further defined to mean any EVSE downtime that results from factors outside the EVSE operator's control, including, but not limited to, any period of EVSE downtime resulting from an electricity utility or Internet service interruption or from a service outage or interruption caused by a vehicle. The bill would require State agencies to regularly review the site-wide uptime requirement being established by the bill, on at least a biennial basis, in order to ensure that it is consistent with the minimum uptime requirement that is applicable to recipients of federal funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L.117-58. Whenever a State agency determines that the minimum uptime requirement established for recipients of State funding is inconsistent with the minimum uptime requirement being applied to recipients of federal funding, under the NEVI Formula Program, the agency would be required to take appropriate action to revise the State-level uptime requirement, established pursuant to the bill, as necessary to ensure that it comports with the comparable federal NEVI Formula Program requirement. Each State agency, which is subject to the bill, would be directed to develop and implement a process to monitor compliance with, and to enforce, the site-wide uptime requirement established and modified under the bill. The bill would further require each State agency, when reviewing or modifying the site-wide uptime requirement, or when developing and implementing the compliance monitoring and enforcement system required by the bill, to engage in a comprehensive and public stakeholder engagement process and to review and consider the most recent standards, guidelines, and requirements related to EVSE uptime, downtime, and exempted downtime, which are applicable to federal funding recipients under the NEVI Formula Program. | Dead |
| S987 | Specifies minimum 20-year planning duration for NJ Statewide Water Supply Plan and adds new requirements for plan. | This bill would specify a minimum 20-year planning duration for the New Jersey Statewide Water Supply Plan ("plan") and add new requirements for the plan. Under current law, the plan is only required to have projections of Statewide and regional water supply demands for the "duration of the plan." However, the law does not specify what that duration is. Water supply planning requires a long-term planning duration because efforts to plan and construct new water supply projects and implement conservation measures can take many years. This bill would require the plan to include projections of Statewide and regional water supply demands for a planning duration of at least 20 years, and require those projections to be based upon the latest available population projections from authoritative sources. It would also require projections of net water availability for each major water supply source in the State for a planning duration of at least 20 years, reflecting the projected demands and total water availability. To provide a better blueprint for water supply planning, the bill would require the plan to also include: (1) measures for the protection of ecologically sensitive water supply sources, including waters in the pinelands area and the Highlands Region and other waters designated by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for antidegradation protection; (2) an assessment of the potential impacts of sea level rise, changes in rainfall patterns, temperature increases, and other threats to water supply sources for a planning duration of at least 40 years, and a plan to address these impacts; (3) a plan to address all existing and projected water supply deficits in the State; and (4) an evaluation of water use efficiency and water loss in the State, and a plan for increasing water use efficiency and reducing water loss. The bill would require the DEP to focus its legislative and administrative recommendations for the protection of watershed areas on water supply watersheds and aquifer recharge areas. Finally, current law requires that the plan be revised and updated at least once every five years. The most recent revisions to the plan were adopted by the DEP on October 5, 2017. However, prior to that revision, the plan had not seen a significant revision since 1996. This bill would provide that, beginning October 5, 2022, the DEP is prohibited from allocating any funding from the "Water Supply Bond Act of 1981" for any purpose unless and until it has adopted appropriate revisions and updates to the plan. | In Committee |
| S904 | Establishes "Commission on People with Disabilities." | This bill establishes the "Commission on People with Disabilities" (commission). Under the bill, the commission is to consist of 25 members. The purpose of the commission is to: (1) suggest policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation that help people with disabilities in New Jersey; (2) serve as the point-of-contact between the Governor, the Legislature, people with disabilities, and those providers who serve people with disabilities in order to ensure that the State government is responsive to the needs of people with disabilities; (3) work with State departments, commissions, offices, agencies, and providers to ensure that the needs of people with disabilities are met regarding services and programs that are available to those individuals; and (4) work with State departments, commissions, offices, and agencies which oversee the hiring and employment of people with disabilities in the State to ensure that no discrimination takes place. | In Committee |
| S1491 | Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act," P.L.1958, c.143 (C.43:3B-1 et seq.), for members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, the Judicial Retirement System, the Public Employees' Retirement System, the Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System. Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al), signed into law on June 28, 2011, cancelled the automatic, annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of these State-administered retirement systems. COLAs protect retirement benefits against erosion by inflation, the ills of which were addressed by the Legislature, both for the individual and the State, with the enactment of the "Pension Adjustment Act" in 1958. Without the annual adjustment, retirees and beneficiaries will gradually see significant reductions in their purchasing power. The loss of COLAs will impact their everyday lives, and, over time, make it harder to afford more necessary elements of living, such as out-of-pocket medical costs, groceries, and utility bills. Retirees and beneficiaries will find it more prudent, or perhaps necessary, to leave this State for other states with a comparably lower cost of living. For the State, such outbound migration will result in the loss of the economic activity of those retirees and beneficiaries, and any tax revenues concomitant with such activity. In addition, New Jersey's fiscal outlook may be further strained by the retirees and beneficiaries who remain. These persons will continue to slip further downward on the socioeconomic scale. In some cases, they will require, or at the least become eligible and utilize, greater levels of public assistance under the many taxpayer funded social programs administered by the State, counties, and municipalities, requiring more revenues to meet this increased demand. In the interests of the retirees and beneficiaries of the State-administered retirement systems, and the State, this bill reinstates the automatic COLAs for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act." | In Committee |
| S1196 | Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 24 hours. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (board) to require telecommunications companies and companies that offer Voice over Internet Protocol and other Internet-based telephone services, on a prorated basis, to adjust a customer's bill, or provide a refund to a customer, who has experienced a service interruption for a period of more than 24 hours. The bill also directs the board to require these companies to provide the bill adjustment or refund without requiring the customer to take any action. | In Committee |
| S2045 | Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance. | This bill requires any cat, dog, or ferret used for product testing or research conducted or contracted by a company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility in the State to be offered to an animal rescue organization or private individual for adoption when the testing or research is concluded, if the animal is assessed to be suitable for adoption. Current law limits circumstances under which animal product testing or research may be conducted by manufacturers and contract testing facilities. Current law also requires, pursuant to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act," P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), that cats and dogs used for educational, research, or scientific purposes by an institution of higher education or a research institution that contracts with an institution of higher education for such use of cats and dogs, to be assessed for the suitability of adoption, and if suitable, to be offered for adoption. The bill expands the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to include testing or research using ferrets and to provide for adoption of ferrets used in that way. The bill directs the Office of Veterinary Public Health (OVPH) in the Department of Health (DOH) to establish procedures for documenting the assessment and disposition of any cat, dog, or ferret used by a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or a research institution for such purposes. The bill authorizes the OVPH to monitor compliance with the procedures and enforce the provisions of section 1 of the bill and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), concerning the assessment of the suitability of animals for adoption and the requirements to offer suitable animals for adoption. The bill further requires that each company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility that is subject to the bill, and each institution of higher education and research institution that is subject to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to register with the OVPH when undertaking animal testing with cats, dogs, or ferrets, and to report to the OVPH: 1) the type and number of animals being used; 2) the date on which the testing or research is completed or upon which the animal is no longer being used in the testing or research; 3) an assessment of the condition of any animal no longer being used in the testing or research and its suitability for adoption; 4) the disposition of the animal, including the name and contact information of the animal rescue organization with which, or the animal rescue organization facility in which, the animal is placed; and 5) if an animal assessed as suitable for adoption is not adopted, documentation of the good faith effort to place the animal with an animal rescue organization or in an animal rescue organization facility, and any effort to offer the animal for private adoption. The bill provides that private individuals who have adopted animals would not have to be identified but requires documentation of which animals were adopted by private individuals. The bill establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the bill's provisions and requirements, and the provisions of the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act." The bill provides for a civil penalty of $10,000 for a first offense, and $50,000 for a second offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding brought by the DOH pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Upon finding of a third offense, the DOH is required to institute an action for an injunction to prohibit the company, corporation, manufacturer, contract testing facility, institution of higher education, or research institution from conducting animal testing. The bill provides that the Superior Court would have jurisdiction for enforcing the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999" and for imposing an injunction for a third violation. Finally, the bill requires the DOH to maintain a registry of animal rescue organizations and animal rescue organization facilities, directs the DOH to establish a database of those animal rescue organizations and facilities that accept animals that have been used in testing or research, and requires a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or research institution, as applicable, to contact an animal rescue organization or animal rescue organization facility listed in the database whenever a cat, dog, or ferret used in testing or research is determined to be suitable for adoption. | In Committee |
| S1076 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and requires State to reimburse municipalities for cost of exemption. | The bill grants a property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability in proportion to their disability percentage rating. The exemption is granted to those with a disability percentage rating of at least 25 percent, and the exemption is capped at $15,000. Those with a 100 percent disability percentage rating would still be allowed a 100 percent property tax exemption without a cap, as is the case under current law. In addition, the bill grants those honorably discharged veterans having less than a 100 percent service-connected disability, but who are unemployable, a 100 percent property tax exemption, which matches the current 100 percent property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a 100 percent disability percentage rating. As under current law, the bill allows the property tax exemption to extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran. The bill eliminates all references to medical conditions so that any service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, will make a veteran eligible for the property tax exemption. Finally, the bill requires the State to annually reimburse taxing districts, including for administrative costs, for the property tax exemptions granted to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill includes reporting provisions so proper reimbursement can be made. | In Committee |
| S264 | Requires licensing of pet groomers and registration of certain other businesses; establishes certain licensing and operating requirements. | This bill defines a "pet groomer" as an individual who bathes, brushes, clips, or styles a pet for compensation, and requires pet groomers to be licensed. To be eligible for licensure as a pet groomer, an applicant must: be at least 18 years of age; be of good moral character; and pass an examination prepared by or approved by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to determine the applicant's competence to practice pet grooming. The bill stipulates that in order to practice, attempt to practice, or hold himself out as being able to practice pet grooming, that person is required to be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this bill. In addition, as specified in the bill, none of the bill's provisions apply to: a registered student in a school licensed by the board if the student is performing grooming services under appropriate supervision at the school in which they are enrolled; or an individual engaged in performing grooming services while not enrolled in a school if the individual performs those services under the direct supervision of a licensed pet groomer and while training in preparation of the pet groomer's licensing examination. This bill also mandates that no business is to engage in or advertise or hold itself out as offering pet grooming services unless the business is registered with the board. Furthermore, any such business is required to provide to the board evidence of proof of general liability insurance or a letter of credit of a type and amount required by the board by regulation. In addition, the bill provides that a business engaged in or offering pet grooming services is required to comply with the following requirements: 1) Pets not in the grooming process are required to be caged separately in a structurally sound and clean cage large enough to allow each pet to make normal postural adjustments, including sitting, standing, and turning around; 2) An adequate water supply of drinking water is to be available to all animals at all times; 3) Drying cages are not to be utilized; 4) Sufficient lighting must be provided to facilitate the cleaning of pets and facilities; 5) The premises of the pet grooming facility is required to be maintained in a sanitary condition; 6) Surveillance cameras are required throughout the business, to provide recorded video surveillance of all areas of the business inside and outside on the property of the business, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and 7) The footage from the surveillance cameras is required to be kept by the facility at least 60 days. The bill also mandates that every pet grooming business is required to maintain a pet incident file to be submitted annually to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, in a form as may be prescribed by the board, which must contain the following information: pet injuries sustained while at the facility that required veterinary contact; severe pet illnesses; veterinary treatment plans relevant to pet grooming procedures and processes; pet deaths; and pet escapes. The board may suspend or revoke the registration of any business offering pet grooming upon proof showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the business: has made false or misleading statements of a material nature in the application for registration; failed to demonstrate that each employee of the employer who is engaged in the performance of pet grooming is in possession of a license to practice pet grooming; failed to demonstrate proof of having general liability insurance or a letter of credit of a type and amount required by the board; failed to comply with the aforementioned sanitary and facility conditions required of businesses engaging in or offering pet grooming services; or failed to maintain the pet incident file, as required by the bill. Furthermore, the bill requires the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to establish and undertake a public information campaign to educate and inform the consumers of New Jersey of the provisions in this bill. The bill also mandates that the board provide a toll-free telephone number for consumers making inquiries or complaints regarding pet groomers or pet grooming businesses. | In Committee |
| S1031 | Increases accidental death benefit for certain members of PERS. | This bill enhances the accidental death benefit in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for the spouse and children of a member who served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, or fire instructor. Under current law, the PERS accidental death benefit provides to the surviving spouse a pension of 50 percent of the compensation upon which contributions by the member to PERS were based in the last year of creditable service. This bill increases the pension to 70 percent. The bill also provides an increase in benefits for the children of a member, from 25 percent for one child to 70 percent if there is no surviving spouse. The bill further provides an alternative benefit of $50,000 for the surviving spouse, if it is larger than the 70 percent, annually. The bill also provides that the State will pay the employer-sponsored health insurance program for the member's surviving spouse. The bill will make the benefits identical to those in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2021 and provides that a benefit granted under N.J.S.A.43:15A-49 on or after January 1, 2021 will be converted to the benefit under this bill and a lump sum payment of the difference in the two benefits will be paid dating back to when the original benefit was granted. | In Committee |
| S1631 | Establishes ranked-choice voting procedure for presidential primaries and general elections for electors for United States President and Vice-President. | This bill establishes a ranked-choice voting procedure for presidential primary elections and general elections for electors of candidates for President and Vice-President of the United States. Ranked-choice voting is an election method in which voters rank candidates in order of their preference, the ballots are counted in rounds, and the votes are distributed to candidates according to the preferences marked on each ballot. The bill requires the ballot to be designed to allow voters to assign a ranking order to each qualified candidate on the ballot, including write-in candidates. In the event that the voting equipment cannot feasibly accommodate a ballot containing a number of rankings equal to the number of qualified candidates, the ballot is permitted to be designed to allow a voter to rank the maximum number allowed by the voting equipment, but not less than six candidates. Under the bill, the ballots cast would be tabulated in rounds. Each ballot counts as one vote for the highest-ranked candidate on that ballot. If a candidate reaches the election threshold of 50 percent of the votes plus one, that candidate is elected and the tabulation is complete. If two or fewer continuing candidates remain, the candidate with the fewest number of votes is defeated, the candidate with the greatest number of votes is elected, and the tabulation is complete. However, if more than two continuing candidates remain, the continuing candidate with the fewest number of votes is defeated, and a new round of counting begins until a candidate reaches the election threshold. The bill directs the Secretary of State to issue guidelines and promulgate any rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the ranked-choice voting procedures established by the bill. The bill would take effect immediately, but would remain inoperative until the January 1st following 12 months after the Secretary of State officially certifies that all voting machines used in this State have the capability to support ranked-choice voting. | In Committee |
| S246 | Amends certain requirements for installation of electric vehicle supply equipment and Make-Ready parking spaces. | This bill would make various changes to the provisions of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.18 et seq.), which establishes certain requirements for the installation of electric vehicle chargers and "Make-Ready parking spaces," which are parking spaces that are prewired for the installation of electric vehicle chargers, at certain multi-unit dwellings, parking lots, and garages. Specifically, the bill would clarify that certain provisions of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.18 et seq.) apply only to applications for the construction or reconstruction of certain multi-unit dwellings, parking lots, and garages, rather than to any applications involving those structures. The bill would exempt multi-unit dwellings that are entirely restricted to occupancy as low- or moderate- income housing from the requirement to install a certain number of Make-Ready parking spaces. The bill would clarify that parking spaces that are restricted from installing electric vehicle chargers would not be counted in the total number of off-street parking spaces, for the purposes of subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.20). The bill would also clarify that, in the case of the construction or reconstruction of a multi-unit dwelling, the number of Make-Ready off-street parking spaces required pursuant to subsection a. of section 3 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.20) would be in proportion to the new or reconstructed multi-unit dwelling and not the entire existing development. In addition, the bill would provide that a municipality would be required to use the total number of parking spaces that will actually be provided in a new or reconstructed parking lot or garage, regardless of whether those spaces are pre-existing, new, or reconstructed spaces and, in the event that an applicant for site plan approval has requested a parking variance as part of the application, regardless of the number of spaces required by ordinance, for the purposes of complying with section 3 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.20). The bill would remove provisions in current law that require certain amendments to the (1) Statewide site improvement standards for multifamily residential development, and (2) the State Uniform Construction Code, carried out by the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.20), to be consistent with the model land use ordinance published by the commissioner pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.21). The bill would remove the authority of the commissioner to update the electric vehicle charger and Make-Ready parking space requirements established pursuant to subsections a. and b. of section 3 of P.L.2021, c.171 (C.40:55D-66.20). The bill would instead authorize the commissioner to update elements of the model land use ordinance discussed above, but would require the commissioner to do so in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.). | Dead |
| S1073 | Establishes programs to address needs of toddlers and certain children who are deaf or hard of hearing. | This bill establishes requirements to provide certain services to children who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as their parents or guardians, to help the child achieve certain benchmarks in the development of the child's sign or spoken language. Specifically, the bill provides for children and their parents or guardians participating in the program to participate in certain including, but not be limited to: (1) holding two meetings per year between the child, the child's parent or guardian, and a language team until the child's sign or spoken language development meets the objective criteria and developmental benchmarks set forth by the early intervention program; and (2) pairing the child's parent or guardian with a mentor. The mentor will be required to: provide guidance to, and share personal insights with, the parent or guardian about living day to day as a person who is deaf or hard of hearing; be a member of the child's language team and play an active role in the child's language development; and be trained as a SKI-HI deaf mentor in accordance with the SKI-HI Deaf Mentor Manual training program. In the case of a toddler who is under the age of three, these activities will be provided by through the Department of Health's (DOH) early intervention program. In the case of a child between the ages of three and five, the activities will be provided through the Department of Education (DOE). The DOE program will be limited to children who previously received services through the early intervention program. A child receiving services under the DOE may continue in the program until the child enters kindergarten or elementary school. A toddler aging out of the DOH program may be eligible for the DOE program. A child who is deaf or hard of hearing and is eligible to receive the services outlined in the bill is to be automatically enrolled to receive the services provided by a language team unless the child's parent or guardian declines the services. As defined in the bill: "language team" means a team consisting of a pediatric audiologist, a teacher of the deaf or hard of hearing, a deaf mentor, and a speech and language pathologist; "pediatric audiologist" means a licensed professional trained to test, diagnose, evaluate, and manage the presence, extent, and reason for hearing loss and other hearing-related issues in infants and children, and to provide recommendations for interventions or rehabilitation, including, but not limited to, prescribing hearing aids or other assistive devices; and "speech and language pathologist" means a licensed professional trained to identify, assess, and rehabilitate persons with speech, voice, or language disorders. | In Committee |
| S986 | Requires water purveyors to conduct, and report to DEP, water loss audits. | This bill would amend and supplement the "Water Supply Management Act," P.L.1981, c.262 (C.58:1A-1 et seq.), to require the State's water purveyors (i.e., public and private water providers) who regularly serve at least 3,300 individuals to conduct annual water loss audits. Specifically, beginning no later than 24 months after the bill is enacted into law, every water purveyor serving at least 3,300 individuals would be required to annually submit a water loss audit to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill directs the DEP, within 18 months after the bill is enacted into law, to adopt regulations concerning the conduct and validation of water loss audits based on the most current edition of the American Water Works Association's "Water Audits and Loss Control Programs, Manual M36" and its associated Free Water Audit Software. The regulations would include a requirement to notify the water purveyor's customers of the water loss reported in the water audit on or with the water purveyor's next annual consumer confidence report or on or with the next bill the customer receives after the water audit is submitted. In addition, public water utilities regulated by the Board of Public Utilities would be required to provide the board with a completed and validated water loss audit. The bill also requires the DEP to adopt, no sooner than 36 months and no later than 48 months after the date of enactment of the bill into law, regulations: (1) specifying a minimum data validity score or a specific level of yearly improvement in the data validity score of future annual water loss audit reports; and (2) setting forth performance standards to be met by a water purveyor concerning the volume of water losses. The bill requires the DEP, in consultation with the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, to establish, in each of the two fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment of the bill, a grant program to assist water purveyors in procuring water loss audit report validation under the bill, within the limits of funds appropriated or made available to the DEP. The bill also requires the DEP to provide technical assistance to water purveyors concerning: (1) the American Water Works Association's "Water Audits and Loss Control Programs, Manual M36" methodology, data tracking, and use of the associated Free Water Audit Software; and (2) available water loss reduction programs, including, but not limited to, metering techniques including testing, repair, and replacement, pressure management techniques, condition-based assessment techniques for transmission and distribution pipelines, and active leak detection. The DEP would establish a technical advisory committee to assist with the implementation of the bill. The bill requires a water purveyor that is subject to the requirements of the "Water Quality Accountability Act," P.L.2017, c.133 (C.58:31-1 et seq.), to consider the findings of its annual water loss audit reports when determining which projects would receive highest priority in its asset management plan required pursuant to the "Water Quality Accountability Act." Lastly, the bill updates the definition section and makes other technical amendments to the "Water Supply Management Act." | In Committee |
| S1030 | Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish certification programs for persons who wish to conduct mold inspections and mold hazard abatements, respectively, on residential buildings and school facilities. The bill also requires the DCA to establish procedures for the inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities. These procedures would be used to develop the two certification programs and be based on industry standards and guidelines developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Under the bill, beginning on the first day of the sixth month after the DCA has established the certification programs, any person who conducts a mold inspection or mold hazard abatement on a residential building or school facility is required to possess the applicable certification. Moreover, the bill prohibits any person from presenting himself as an expert in mold inspection or mold hazard abatement unless certified by the DCA in accordance with the bill. However, the bill provides that an employee of a multiple dwelling or school district, who is engaged in the routine maintenance of a multiple dwelling or school facility, would not be required to possess either certification in order to address the presence of mold in a multiple dwelling or school facility owned and managed by their employer, provided that the multiple dwelling or school district otherwise complies with the procedures established by the DCA concerning the inspection, identification, evaluation, and abatement of mold hazards. In addition, a residential property owner would not be required to complete the certification programs in order to perform mold inspections or mold hazard abatements on his own property. The bill authorizes the DCA to (1) charge an annual fee for persons possessing the mold inspection and abatement certifications; (2) require the successful completion of a continuing education course for certified inspectors or abatement workers at least once every two years; and (3) conduct examinations to determine an applicant's proficiency with respect to State and federal laws, rules, and regulations and any standards or requirements applicable to the inspection or abatement of mold hazards. The bill also authorizes DCA to maintain a list of the names and addresses of all persons certified by DCA in accordance with the bill, and annually forward the list to the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety for inclusion and publication as an additional contractor list pursuant to the "Contractors' Registration Act," P.L.2004, c.16 (C.56:8-136 et seq.). In addition, the bill authorizes the DCA to adopt rules and regulations to enforce compliance with the mold inspection and mold hazard abatement certification programs established by the bill. The bill also authorizes the DCA to grant mold inspection and mold hazard abatement certifications to persons who demonstrate that they have successfully completed an accredited program in mold inspection and mold hazard abatement by a nationally accepted accreditation organization, provided that those persons pay the annual fee charged by the DCA, complete any continuing education course required by the DCA, and comply with any other rules and regulations adopted by the DCA. | In Committee |
| S322 | "Improved Suicide Prevention, Response, and Treatment Act." | This bill would amend and supplement the law to improve the suicide assessment, response, and treatment system in the State and strengthen the obligations of health care providers, law enforcement officers, and insurers with respect to suicide prevention, response, and care. The bill would provide, in particular, for each psychiatric facility, each outpatient mental health treatment provider, and each suicide or crisis hotline operating in the State to have specially trained suicide prevention counselors on staff, during all hours of operation, to assess patients' suicide risk and provide suicide prevention counseling to patients who are deemed to be at risk of suicide. The bill would further require the attending physician at a hospital emergency department to have an on-site suicide prevention counselor assess and provide assistance to any emergency room patient who is or may be suicidal, and it would additionally provide for the governing body of each county to appoint a local suicide prevention response coordinator, who will be responsible for deploying at least one qualified and locally available suicide prevention counselor to assist law enforcement at any emergency scene involving a person who is or may be suicidal. Finally, the bill would require all health insurance carriers to provide coverage for the costs that are associated with the suicide prevention assessments performed and counseling services rendered pursuant to the bill's provisions. The bill provides for suicide prevention counselors to perform a formal suicide risk assessment of a patient at the following times: 1) immediately upon a patient's initial admission to a psychiatric facility or upon a patient's first clinical encounter with an outpatient treatment provider; 2) whenever there is reason for attending staff at a psychiatric facility or outpatient treatment provider to believe that a patient is developing new suicidal ideations, behaviors, or tendencies while under the care of the facility or provider; 3) within three days prior to the discharge of an apparently non-suicidal patient from inpatient care; and 4) whenever a suicide prevention counselor is called to assess a patient in a hospital emergency department or at the scene of an emergency, as provided by the bill. Each suicide risk assessment conducted under the bill is to be performed using a standardized tool, methodology, or framework, and is to be based on data obtained from the patient, as well as pertinent observations made by the attending clinician, assigned suicide prevention counselors, and other staff members having direct contact with the patient, and, to the extent practicable, any other information about the patient's history, the patient's past, recent, and present suicidal ideation and behavior, and the factors contributing thereto that is available from all other relevant sources, including outside treatment professionals, caseworkers, caregivers, family members, guardians, and any other persons who are significant in the patient's life. The suicide risk assessment is to include an evaluation of the patient's current living situation, housing status, existing support systems, and close relationships, and is to indicate whether there is any evidence that the patient is being subjected to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or undue influence by family members, caregivers, or other persons. The results of a patient's suicide risk assessment and notes regarding the progress of suicide prevention counseling provided to an at-risk patient are to be documented in the patient's health record. The bill further specifies that any counseling and treatment provided to address an at-risk patient's suicidal ideations, behaviors, or tendencies is to be supplemental to any other treatment that is received by the patient for the patient's other mental health issues. If a suicide prevention counselor, when assessing a patient outside of an inpatient psychiatric setting, determines that inpatient treatment may be necessary to address an at-risk patient's suicidal ideations, behaviors, or tendencies, the counselor will be required to either effectuate the voluntary admission and warm hand-off of the at-risk patient to an inpatient psychiatric facility or, if the patient refuses voluntary inpatient admission, effectuate a warm hand-off of the patient to a screening service or mental health screener to determine whether involuntary commitment to treatment is warranted. In cases where the counselor is providing on-site assistance at an emergency scene or in a hospital's emergency department, the on-scene law enforcement officers or attending physician may assist in the warm hand-off of the patient for these purposes. For any at-risk patient remaining in outpatient care, suicide prevention counselors at the outpatient treatment provider will be required to reengage and provide individualized, one-on-one counseling to each such patient, commensurate with the results of the patient's suicide risk assessment, whenever the patient has a subsequent clinical encounter with the outpatient treatment provider. The bill provides that, whenever a law enforcement officer is dispatched in response to a request for emergency services that involves a person who is or may be suicidal, the police dispatcher will be responsible for notifying the local suicide prevention response coordinator, appointed by the county's governing body under the bill, and the suicide prevention response coordinator will be responsible for ensuring the contemporaneous deployment of a suicide prevention counselor to the scene of the emergency. A 9-1-1 call-taker is to determine whether each request for emergency services involves a person who is or may be suicidal, and the bill provides for call-takers to undergo training to enable them to make this determination. Upon deployment to an emergency scene, a suicide prevention counselor will be required to: 1) provide assistance to law enforcement on the scene, as may be necessary to facilitate the non-violent de-escalation of the emergency situation; 2) perform an on-site suicide risk assessment of the person in crisis; and 3) immediately use warm hand-offs and the assistance of law enforcement, as needed, to link the at-risk person to appropriate treatment facilities, programs, and services, including voluntary or involuntary inpatient treatment, where warranted. Under the bill's provisions, each county and municipal law enforcement officer in the State will be required to complete at least two hours of in-service training in identifying the signs of mental illness and appropriate response techniques to be followed when interacting with a person who is or may be suicidal. The training is required to include: (1) the importance of approaching a suicidal person in a calm, gentle, and respectful manner; (2) the importance of avoiding the use of unnecessary force and the importance of using verbal methods of communication and other non-violent means to de-escalate an emergency situation involving a person who is or may be suicidal; and (3) specific techniques, means, and methods, consistent with the principles identified in the bill, that are to be employed by law enforcement officers when approaching, communicating with, engaging in physical contact or the use of force with, and de-escalating a situation involving, a person who is or may be suicidal. The in-service training is also to include simulated role-playing scenarios, which will allow trainees to demonstrate their ability to effectively interact with, and de-escalate emergency situations involving, a person who is or may be suicidal. The bill would require each inpatient psychiatric facility and each outpatient mental health treatment provider to establish policies and protocols to provide for the effective, compassionate, and responsible discharge of at-risk patients from care and the smooth transition of at-risk patients through the continuum of care using warm hand-offs, rapid referrals, and supportive contacts. Each outpatient provider will additionally be required to adopt policies and protocols providing for the warm hand-off of an at-risk patient to an inpatient psychiatric facility or to a screening service or mental health screener, as appropriate, in any case where the patient's suicide prevention counselor or attending clinician has reason to believe that the patient may require voluntary or involuntary commitment to inpatient treatment to address the patient's suicidal ideations, behaviors, and tendencies or associated mental health issues. The bill authorizes a facility or provider to enter into contracts or memoranda of understanding with outside organizations, including local crisis centers and other psychiatric facilities and providers, in order to facilitate the smooth and effective care transition of at-risk patients as provided by the bill. The bill also requires a psychiatric facility or outpatient treatment provider to facilitate the biennial training of all staff on the following issues: 1) the fundamentals of the facility's suicide prevention policies and protocols; 2) the particular suicide care policies and protocols that are relevant to each staff member's role and responsibilities; 3) the signs and symptoms that can be used by both clinical and non-clinical staff to identify existing patients who may be developing new suicidal ideations, behaviors, or tendencies; 4) the importance of, and methods and principles to be used in, ensuring the safe and responsible discharge and care transition of at-risk patients; and 5) the respectful treatment of, effective communication with, and de-stigmatization of, at-risk patients. The bill would prohibit a staff member of a psychiatric facility or outpatient treatment provider from: 1) discharging an at-risk patient into a homeless situation; or 2) having an at-risk patient arrested or incarcerated in a jail or prison, unless the at-risk patient poses an otherwise uncontrollable risk to others. The bill would additionally require a suicide prevention counselor and any other staff member employed by a psychiatric facility, by an outpatient treatment provider, or by a suicide or crisis hotline, as well as any other health care professional, when interacting with an at-risk patient, to: 1) treat the at-risk patient with the same dignity and respect that is shown to other patients; 2) adopt a stance that reflects empathy, compassion, and an understanding of the ambivalence the at-risk patient may feel in relation to the patient's desire to die; 3) treat the at-risk patient in an age-appropriate manner and using methods of communication that the patient can understand; 4) attempt to engender confidence in the at-risk patient that there is an alternative to suicide, and encourage the patient to use all available services and resources to empower the patient to choose such an alternative; 5) not engage in activities or communication methods that may result in the increased traumatization or re-traumatization of the at-risk patient; 6) not engage in the psychological testing of an at-risk patient who is in crisis or who has recently been lifted out of a crisis situation (except in the case of a suicide risk assessment performed pursuant to the bill); and 7) not engage in behavior that discriminates against or stigmatizes the patient. Any person who violates these minimum standards of compassionate care will be personally liable to pay a civil penalty of not more than $500 for a first offense, not more than $1,000 for a second offense, and not more than $2,500 for a third or subsequent offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding. Such person will also be subject to: 1) potential criminal liability and civil lawsuits, including lawsuits for punitive damages, for any injury that is proximately caused thereby; 2) the suspension or revocation of the person's professional license or certification; 3) the revocation of the person's mental health accreditation; and 4) the termination of the person's employment. | In Committee |
| S2263 | Establishes Co-Curricular Activity Emergency Grant Program to support operations of co-curricular activities at public schools; appropriates $750,000. | This bill establishes a Co-Curricular Activity Emergency Grant Program in the Department of Education to support the continued operations of certain academic-related, co-curricular activities that are offered to students by public schools. The bill permits any school district, charter school, or renaissance school to apply to the Department of Education for a co-curricular activity emergency grant. Each grant would be dedicated to supporting the operations of one or more co-curricular activities that are offered to students who attend the recipient school. When submitting an application, the school district, charter school, or renaissance school would be required to designate the co-curricular activities to which grant funding would be dedicated. Under the bill, each grant would be awarded in an amount determined by the Commissioner of Education. When awarding grants, the commissioner may give preference to applicants that experienced the largest reduction in revenues due to the outbreak of COVID-19, or dedicate funding to specific co-curricular activities. As used in the bill, a "co-curricular activity" means a voluntary activity or program that is conducted outside of regular school hours and supplements the academic experience of participating students, including such activities as model United Nations, debate competitions, theatrical performances, musical performances, and other academic-related activities. The bill also appropriates $750,000 from the General Fund to support the operations of the grant program. | In Committee |
| S1026 | Establishes a manufacturing reinvestment account program to incentivize capital investment and workforce training in New Jersey with income tax rate reductions, deferrals, and accelerated deductions. | This bill would establish the manufacturing reinvestment account program for the purpose of making it easier for New Jersey's small manufacturing businesses to invest in manufacturing machinery and equipment, and in workforce development. The bill would incentivize capital investment and workforce training in New Jersey through the use of tax reductions, deferrals, and deductions. The program would be available to manufacturing businesses that are current on their State tax obligations and which have 50 or fewer employees. The bill establishes three types of incentives for qualified businesses through the gross income tax and the corporation business tax: (1) a tax deduction for amounts deposited in a manufacturing reinvestment account for future use on qualified capital purchases and workforce training; (2) deferred taxation on account earnings; and (3) a rate reduction for the earnings on account deposits, upon distribution. Under the program, a small manufacturing business may deposit up to $100,000 in a manufacturing reinvestment account annually for up to five years. Earnings in an account are not taxed until withdrawn. For withdrawals made during an account's five-year life for spending on New Jersey based manufacturing equipment, machinery, or workforce development, the business would receive a one-half rate reduction on the withdrawn account earnings. Nonqualified withdrawals are included in whole in taxable income without the rate reduction on earnings. | In Committee |
| S2016 | Appropriates $70 million in federal funds to EDA to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. | This bill appropriates $70 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations, including for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations, that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the bill, the EDA, in consultation with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (council), would be required to award $50 million in grants to support the financial recovery, resiliency, and growth of qualifying arts and culture organizations. However, of this total, $10 million in grants would be dedicated to arts education organizations that provide programs and services for public schools or afterschool programs. Specifically, these grants may be used to offset any revenue losses that occurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic or provide the cash reserves necessary to ensure continued operations in the event of future pandemic-related shutdowns. Additionally, the bill requires the EDA, in consultation with the council, to award $20 million in grants to qualifying arts and culture organizations to support the completion of placemaking projects in public spaces. Under the bill, placemaking projects would include any creative or artistic project intended to beautify or enrich public spaces, such as artistic paintings on roadways or sidewalks, landscape plantings in public areas, educational signage, and other artistic, cultural, or educational installations. The monies appropriated under the bill would be provided from the State's allocation of funds from the federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund," established pursuant to the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021". | In Committee |
| S2047 | Establishes First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program; appropriates $20 million. | This bill establishes the First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program in the in the Division of Workers' Compensation. The bill provides supplemental benefits to first responders determined to be eligible for workers' compensation because they have contracted COVID-19 in the course of employment. The supplemental benefits are provided for the time in which an eligible first responder qualifies for regular workers' compensation equal to 70 percent of the weekly wages received at the time of injury subject to the stated minimum and maximum compensation levels. The supplemental benefits do not commence until all benefits which are equal to the responder's full salary have ended. The supplemental benefits are provided as long as the responder is unable to work due to COVID-19 but not more than 180 weeks. The amount of the supplemental benefit is such that the sum of the weekly regular workers' compensation plus the weekly supplemental benefit equals 100 percent of the responder's weekly wage, except that that sum shall not exceed $1,800. If the responder is a volunteer paid the maximum weekly workers' compensation rate, the supplemental benefits shall also be such that the sum of the weekly regular compensation plus the weekly supplemental benefit equals 100 percent of the responder's weekly wage up to the maximum of $1,800, except that for the volunteers the maximum workers' compensation rate shall continue to apply, even if it exceeds 100 percent of the weekly wage. The bill directs the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to issue annual reports of available information regarding the number of claims by first responders entitled to the supplemental benefits, the total amount of benefits awarded, the total anticipated and the accrued costs of the benefits, and an estimate of what portion of the funds appropriated for the program will be needed to pay all of the benefits, and a request to the Governor and the Legislature for any additional appropriation which may be required to make the payments. The supplemental benefits are not to be considered in determining the annual surcharge levied on policyholders and self-insured employers for the Second Injury Fund or the experience ratings of individual employers. The bill establishes the First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program Advisory Council in the Division of Workers' Compensation to advise the division and provide recommendations concerning the administration of the program. The council is comprised of the following 12 members: the Commissioners of Labor and Workforce Development, Human Services, and Health; one representative each selected by the New Jersey State Police Benevolent Association, Inc., the Fraternal Order of Police, the Professional Fire Fighters Association of New Jersey, the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association, the EMS Council of New Jersey, and the New Jersey State Firemen's Association; and three public members appointed by the Governor with experience as first responders. The advisory council will be dissolved, and the annual reports by both the council and the commissioner will cease, upon a determination that that all eligible first responders have received all supplemental benefits to which they are entitled. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Second Injury Fund $20,000,000 for the First Responders COVID-19 Supplemental Benefits Program, to be used for the provision of the supplemental benefits and any necessary expenses of the advisory council. The purpose of this legislation is to assist first responders, whose public service has rendered them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, by alleviating long-term economic hardships due to COVID-19. The support provided by the bill is especially important in cases where first responders become unable to work for long periods of time because of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), persistent, long-term symptoms following recovery from acute COVID-19, colloquially known as "long COVID." | In Committee |
| S647 | Establishes commission to study impact of certain Medicaid reimbursement rate change on nursing homes. | The bill establishes the "Impact of Medicaid Personal Care Services Reimbursement Change on Nursing Homes Study Commission," to analyze the effects of the adjustment to the Medicaid hourly reimbursement rate for personal care services within the Medicaid program, resulting from the enactment of P.L.2017, c.239 (C.30:4D-7n and 30:4D-7o), as well as the revisions to that law adopted pursuant to P.L.2019, c.275 and any corresponding appropriations, on nursing homes in the State. Specifically, the commission is to analyze the effects of the increase in the hourly reimbursement rate on the operations, ability to comply with any minimum staffing requirements, employee retention, financial health, resident costs, and related issues on nursing homes in the State, including whether any nursing homes closed following the effective date of P.L.2017, c.239 or the enactment of P.L.2019, c.275 and the reasons for any closures. The bill requires that the commission solicit data or information from nursing homes in the State or other entities, as is necessary to carry out its duties. The study commission is to consist of nine members as follows: the Commissioners of Human Services and Health, or their commissioner's designee; one member of the public with expertise in State Medicaid policy and healthcare finance, who will be appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; one member of the public with expertise in State fiscal and budgetary matters, who will be appointed by the President of the Senate; and five members of the public with significant operational, financial, or managerial expertise in the nursing home industry, three of whom are to be representatives of entities currently operating one or more nursing homes in the State, two of whom will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, two of whom will be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, and one of whom will be appointed by the Governor. The bill requires that the study commission prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature not later than 12 months after its initial meeting. The report is to present the commission's analysis of the effect of the enactment of P.L.2017, c.239 (C.30:4D-7n through 30:4D-7o), as amended by P.L.2019, c.275, on nursing homes in the State, as well as any recommendations for legislation or other action the commissioner deems appropriate. The bill provides that the study commission is to expire on the first day of the third month following submission of its written report to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S1562 | Eliminates high school graduation proficiency test. | This bill eliminates the high school graduation proficiency test, which is required under current law to be taken in the 11th grade. It is the belief of the sponsor that graduation exit testing does not accurately represent student learning or career and college readiness. Studies have shown numerous flaws with standardized testing, including variation in student performance based on external circumstances, strong racial and socioeconomic biases, and inconsistency with material taught in class. The purpose of using standardized tests as graduation requirements is often to assess college readiness, however studies have shown that other metrics, such as grade point average, can predict the likelihood of graduation from college up to five times better than standardized test scores. In recent years, many states have eliminated graduation exit testing for these reasons, and currently only 11 states still maintain a testing requirement for high school graduation. The bill prohibits the State Board of Education from including in the standards for graduation from high school a requirement that students achieve satisfactory performance on the Statewide graduation proficiency test. The bill also amends current law to remove various references to the graduation proficiency test, including: the requirement that a Statewide proficiency test be included in the State or district standards for graduation from high school; the requirement that an out-of-school youth or adult age 18 or older pass the graduation proficiency test before being granted a State endorsed diploma; the requirement that school district report cards include information regarding the results of the graduation proficiency test; and the requirement that renaissance school projects be evaluated based on students' performance on the graduation proficiency test. The bill clarifies that a student participating in the State Seal of Biliteracy program would not be required to take a State graduation proficiency test as a condition of graduation from high school. Finally, the bill repeals the section of law that requires the State to administer a graduation proficiency test to all 11th grade students and certain 12th grade students, and repeals the section of law that requires the Commissioner of Education to consult with educators, parents, students, business and community representatives, and members of minority groups while developing the graduation proficiency test. The bill also repeals sections of law requiring the commissioner and the Joint Committee on the Public Schools to review and report on performance on the graduation proficiency test. | In Committee |
| S1521 | Requires law enforcement agencies to provide law enforcement officers with cultural diversity training and develop diversity action plan. | This bill requires law enforcement agencies to provide cultural diversity training to its law enforcement officers and develop a cultural diversity action plan. Current law authorizes State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to provide to their officers in-service cultural diversity training that utilizes course materials and an on-line tutorial developed or identified by the Department of Law and Public Safety. This bill makes this cultural diversity training mandatory. The bill also requires these law enforcement agencies to develop and adopt a cultural diversity action plan. The plans are to include strategies for outreach programs that address the social needs and concerns regarding crime in the community. The plans also are to include strategies to form partnerships with various cultural, religious, and civic organizations, including those formed on the basis of preventing discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. A primary objective of each plan is to emphasize positive relationships between the police and various community groups that encourage a willingness to collaborate in identifying community safety issues and establishing innovative strategies designed to create safe and stable neighborhoods and campuses. The bill requires law enforcement agencies to submit the plans to the Attorney General within one year of the bill's effective date and at least once every three years thereafter. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to periodically assess the plans to determine whether each agency is meeting its goals in providing the in-service training and formulating the cultural diversity action plans. | In Committee |
| S2169 | Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ apprentices in DOL registered apprenticeships. | This bill provides businesses with a credit against the corporation business tax or the gross income tax for each employee of the business employed pursuant to an apprenticeship registered with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). The bill gives businesses a credit of $1,000 for each apprentice employed for seven months or more during the taxable year. The credit may be increased by $2,000 if the apprentice is a veteran, was eligible to receive benefits under the Work First New Jersey program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program within twelve months preceding the beginning of the apprenticeship, is a displaced worker, or was previously incarcerated. Similarly, the credit may be increased by $2,000 if the apprentice belongs to a group that is underrepresented in that career field based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age. These two bonus credits are additive, so that a qualifying apprentice may lead to a $5,000 tax credit. The tax credit amounts will be annually adjusted according to any adjustments in the Statewide average weekly wage. An employer may take the credit for a particular apprentice for a maximum of four taxable years of the apprentice's employment. The purpose of the tax credit is to encourage employers to add highly skilled workers to New Jersey's workforce. The USDOL-registered apprenticeships combine technical instruction with structured on-the-job experience to match individuals with employers in need of qualified, skilled workers. The range of occupations represented by registered apprenticeships is vast, including traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing and emerging fields such as healthcare and energy. | In Committee |
| S1345 | Creates "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force". | This bill establishes the New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. The task force will be permanent and consist of 18 persons, at least five of whom will be members of the public. The bill requires the task force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. In performing this duty, the task force will: (1) Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation relative to the history and current status of anti-Semitism at college campuses and state universities and the world, with a focus on New Jersey-specific information. The task force's documentation and examination will include, but not be limited to, facts related to: (a) The definition and ideology of anti-Semitism; (b) Misconceptions and stereotyping relative to the Jewish people; and (c) Discrimination and systemic failings relative to the fair treatment of the Jewish people; (2) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the New Jersey public of the task force's findings; and (3) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the task force's findings. The task force will hold at least four public meetings each year, with at least one of those meetings being held in-person. The other meetings may be conducted virtually, via videoconferencing. Meetings via conference call will not be permitted. The task force will issue a report each year to the Governor and the Legislature and will provide its first annual report no later than 12 months following its initial meeting. | In Committee |
| S1008 | "New Jersey Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights;" establishes procedures by which entities are required to conduct audits of pharmacies. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Pharmacy Audit Bill of Rights" including certain procedures and processes by which entities auditing a pharmacy are to follow. The bill defines "entity" as a hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or other managed care company, or an insurance company, third-party payor, pharmacy benefits manager, any entity licensed by the Department of Banking and Insurance, or any entity that represents such companies, groups, or departments. Under the bill, the audits are to be conducted in accordance with certain requirements concerning the scope of an audit, procedures to properly perform an audit, record-keeping, and recoupment. Additionally, the entity conducting an audit shall not use the accounting practice of extrapolation in calculating recoupments or penalties for audits. Under the bill, recoupments of any disputed funds are to only occur after final internal disposition of the audit, including the appeals process as set forth in the bill. Each entity conducting an audit shall establish an internal appeals process under which a pharmacy shall have at least 30 days from the delivery of the preliminary audit report to appeal an unfavorable preliminary audit report to the entity. If, following the appeal, the entity finds that an unfavorable audit report or any portion thereof is unsubstantiated, the entity is to dismiss the audit report or portion thereof without the necessity of any further proceedings. Each entity conducting an audit is to provide a copy of the final audit report, after completion of any review process, to the plan sponsor at its request or in an alternate format. The provisions of the bill do not apply to any investigative audit commenced based upon an articulable suspicion of fraud, willful misrepresentation, or abuse, including without limitation investigative audits under the "New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Act;" the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act;" the New Jersey criminal statute establishing insurance fraud as a crime; or any other statutory provision which authorizes investigations relating to insurance fraud. Additionally the Department of Human Services is exempt from the bill's provisions when conducting audits under the "New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Act," so long as the regulations establishing an appeals process for Medicaid providers apply to the parties under audit by the Department of Human Services pursuant to the "New Jersey Medical Assistance and Health Services Act." Under the bill, an entity conducting the audit may not pay the agent or employee who is conducting the audit based on percentage of the amount recovered. Lastly, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance is assigned the enforcement of the bill's provisions and is to promulgate rules and regulations to effectuate its provisions. The Commissioner has the authority to investigate complaints of alleged violations of this section; to prohibit recoupment; to order reimbursement of any wrongful recoupment; to institute fines for violations of the law, rules, or regulations; and to take any other actions pursuant to any authority granted pursuant to current law relating to the regulation and licensure of pharmacy benefit managers. | In Committee |
| S649 | Creates the "Mold Safe Housing Act." | Entitled the "Mold-Safe Housing Act," this bill would create mechanisms for tenants living in mold-contaminated rental housing to have the mold effectively removed, or be relocated to safer rental housing. In addition, the bill provides a system of inspection of all rental housing for the presence of mold. Single family and two-family rental housing will be required to be inspected upon a change in occupancy, as well as every five years as part of the multiple dwelling inspection. Multiple dwellings will be inspected every five years for mold under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," which is enforced currently by the Bureau of Housing Inspection in the Department of Community Affairs. The bill provides that a prospective home purchaser can specify that an inspection for presence of mold be performed by a licensed home inspector, should they retain such an inspector prior to purchase. The bill permits tenants whose landlords fail to abate a mold hazard, upon written request to do so, to notify the Department of Community Affairs, who shall investigate each claim and determine whether to relocate the tenant. Current relocation assistance laws would apply in such circumstances. In addition, the bill requires the court to notify the department whenever a tenant is constructively evicted due to mold or some other issue of habitability in the rental property. | In Committee |
| S1077 | Establishes pilot program in Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for certain expenditures concerning warehouse development; appropriates $1 million. | This bill establishes a pilot program in the Office of Planning Advocacy (office) for the purpose of reimbursing a municipality for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in reexamining and updating municipal zoning ordinances, and conducting certain mitigation studies, concerning warehouse development. The bill defines "warehouse" to mean any site, building, room, structure, or facility used primarily for the storage of goods intended for sale or distribution. The pilot program is to offer grant funding to reimburse a municipality for: 1) a reexamination of the municipality's master plan and adoption a warehouse-specific zoning ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill; or 2) a mitigation study on the potential effects of pending warehouse development site plan applications and, regardless of the results of the mitigation study, adoption of a warehouse-specific zoning ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill. The bill provides that a municipality may submit to the office an application, in a form and manner to be determined by the office, for a funding reimbursement grant for expenses incurred consistent with the provisions of the bill. The application is to require a municipality to demonstrate that the municipality has enacted an ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill as a condition of receiving a reimbursement grant. The office is to develop criteria to prioritize reimbursement grant applications from municipalities that are in most need of financial assistance. The bill provides that the office is to promulgate one or more model zoning ordinances detailing different regulatory options for the siting of warehouses that may impose a negative impact on land use, traffic volume, infrastructure, storm water runoff, public health, or any other impact category determined by the office, and direct development towards areas ideally suited to handle warehousing impacts. The bill further provides that the office, upon the exhaustion of funds allocated to the pilot program, is to submit a report to the Governor and to the Legislature evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program, detailing the expenditure of the appropriated funds, and making any recommendations on the feasibility of implementing the pilot program on a permanent basis. The bill appropriates from the General Fund the sum of $1,000,000 to the Office of Planning Advocacy for the purposes of the pilot program. The pilot program is to expire upon the submission of the report required by the bill. | In Committee |
| S1474 | Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide additional priority points to certain applicants that seek funding, for Blue Acres projects and for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. Specifically, under the bill, projects that include, or allow for, a flood mitigation project to occur onsite would receive additional priority points in the ranking for funding pursuant to the respective program. The DEP would factor these additional points into its calculations when establishing: (1) the list of projects eligible to receive "Blue Acres funding"; (2) the "clean water project priority list," pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-20); and (3) the "drinking water project priority list," pursuant to section 24 of P.L.1997, c.224 (C.58:11B-20.1). As used in the bill, "Blue Acres project" means any project of the State or a qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization to acquire, for recreation and conservation purposes, lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. | In Committee |
| S1010 | Requires State to include distributed energy resource in certain new State buildings and consider retrofitting certain existing State buildings with distributed energy resource. | This bill requires any new building having at least 15,000 square feet in total floor area that is to be constructed for the sole use of a State governmental entity to include a distributed energy resource. In addition, the bill requires that when a State governmental entity prepares to reconstruct, renovate, repair, or improve an existing State building having at least 15,000 square feet in total floor area, that the State governmental entity must consider retrofitting the building with a distributed energy resource, and, if feasible, include in its request for proposal a specification that the reconstruction, renovation, repair, or improvement include a distributed energy resource. A "distributed energy resource" is defined in the bill to mean one or more electric power generation, management, or storage technologies, excluding diesel fuel technologies, located at or near the point of energy consumption, which are capable of providing the standard energy needs of a building or structure, or group of buildings or structures, if the normal source of electricity is disrupted due to a power outage. All plans, specifications, and bid proposal documents for applicable buildings would be required to identify the distributed energy resource to be constructed or utilized by the proposed building. The requirements of the bill would be in addition to those of P.L.2007, c.269 (C.52:32-5.3 et seq.), which require State buildings to be designed and managed to meet standards for a high performance green building. The Director of the Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of the Treasury, in cooperation with the New Jersey Building Authority where appropriate, would be responsible for enforcing the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1941 | Establishes minimum registered professional nurse staffing standards for hospitals and ambulatory surgery facilities and certain DHS facilities. | This bill establishes staffing standards for registered professional nurses in State hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, the bill provides that, in addition to existing staffing requirements provided by law or regulation, the Commissioner of Health is to adopt regulations that provide minimum direct care registered professional nurse-to-patient staffing ratios for all patient units in general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, in accordance with the minimum staffing requirements that are established by the bill. As specified in the bill, minimum nurse-to-patient ratios will vary depending on the type of unit, and will range from one registered professional nurse for every five patients in a behavioral health or psychiatric or a medical/surgical unit, to one registered professional nurse for every patient under anesthesia in an operating room. The regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Health are not to decrease any nurse-to-patient staffing ratios that are already in effect on the bill's effective date. The bill provides that the Commissioner of Health is to require all general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to employ an acuity and staffing system for the purpose of increasing direct care registered professional nurse staffing levels above the minimum levels established in the bill, or otherwise provided by law or regulation, in order to ensure adequate staffing of each unit, service, or department. The acuity and staffing system will be based on: patient classification or acuity; professional nurse staffing standards adopted by nurse specialty organizations; skill mix; and the staffing levels of other health care personnel and the use of agency or temporary staff. The system is to be established in the facility by the facility's department of nursing, with the approval of a majority of the unit staff nurses or their bargaining agent. The bill requires the acuity and staffing system to allow for the forecasting of staffing levels, and to provide a method to adjust staffing levels for each patient care unit based on objective criteria currently set forth at N.J.A.C.8:43G-17.1(a)3, including, but not limited to: (1) the documented skills, training, and competency of staff to plan and provide nursing services in the nursing areas where they function; (2) a patient database incorporating objective factors such as the case mix index, specific or aggregate patient diagnostic classifications or acuity levels, patient profiles, critical pathways or care progression plans, length of stay, and discharge plans; (3) operational factors, such as unit size, design, and capacity, the admission/discharge/transfer index, and support service availability; (4) contingency plans to address critical departures from the staffing plan, including policies and procedures to regulate the closure of available beds if staffing levels fall below specified levels; and (5) policies and procedures for the reassignment of staff, including float and agency staff. The acuity and staffing system will additionally be required to permit waiver of minimum staffing level requirements in the event of an unforeseen emergent circumstance which causes significant changes in the patient census for a regular shift. Waiver will not be permitted unless the facility has made reasonable efforts to provide sufficient additional staff to meet the required minimum staffing levels, including seeking volunteers and making use of on-call staff, per-diem staff, agency staff, and float pools. The bill defines "unforeseeable emergent circumstance" to mean an unpredictable or unavoidable occurrence requiring immediate action. The Commissioner of Health will also be permitted to waive the minimum staffing level requirements for any hospital or facility that the commissioner determines is in financial distress. A waiver may be revoked upon a determination that the facility is no longer in financial distress. The bill requires the Department of Health to enforce minimum staffing ratios by conducting periodic inspections and responding to complaints. The bill provides a system, pursuant to which a registered professional nurse, other staff member, or member of the public, believing that a facility is in violation of the staffing requirements or the staffing and acuity system, may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Health. In responding to a complaint, the commissioner will be required to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not a hospital or facility is in violation, and to take such other action as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the requirements of the bill. Finally, in addition to the above-described requirements applicable to the Commissioner of Health, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a review of Department of Human Services regulations concerning registered professional nurse staffing standards in developmental centers and State psychiatric hospitals, and to revise the regulations, as appropriate, to reflect safe staffing practices and assure adequate staffing at the facilities. | In Committee |
| S990 | The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for qualified wages of certain veterans. | This bill is entitled "The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act." The bill provides a corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credit for qualified wages of certain veterans. The two credits established by this bill provide an employer with a credit in the amount of 10 percent of the wages paid to a qualified veteran. The credits may not exceed $1,200 for each qualified veteran per tax year. The bill defines a qualified veteran as a resident of this State initially hired by the taxpayer on or after January 1, 2010 that has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service, occurring on or after January 1, 1965, in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, and shows proof of military service by providing a copy of the DD-214 form, its equivalent, or federal activation orders showing service under Title 10, section 672 or section 12301, of the United States Code. The bill requires that for purposes of the credits' availability, the wages of a qualified veteran must be subject to the gross income tax and paid on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. To be creditable, wages must also arise from employment of a qualified veteran for at least 185 business days of the applicable tax year. To qualify for a credit, the bill imposes a series of conditions on a taxpayer as an employer. For a tax year that the credit is claimed, the bill requires that 25 percent of the taxpayer's new employees be qualified veterans. For tax years immediately subsequent to a prior credit year, the bill further requires that 50 percent of the qualified veterans hired in that prior tax year must remain employed by the taxpayer. In addition to employment criteria, the bill conditions credit qualification on other aspects of veteran employment. The bill requires a taxpayer to provide veteran support services that are accessible in the workplace. The bill further conditions credit qualification on a taxpayer's regular recruitment efforts to hire qualified veterans and their nuclear family members while providing support to outreach efforts of veteran support organizations. The bill also conditions credit qualification on compliance with the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the provision of privileges in excess of the rights protected by that act. In addition to providing the terms of credit qualification, the bill contains provisions aimed at preventing potential misuse of the credit. The bill prohibits taxpayers from simultaneously using the wages or employment of a qualified veteran to qualify for the credit and any other generally available employment incentive that comes in the form of a State tax credit or grant. The bill also empowers the Director of the Division of Taxation to recapture credit, plus an additional 50% penalty, if the Director determines that the employer displaced employees to replace them with qualified veterans for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the credit. The credits established by this bill are limited in duration in that they are available for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. | In Committee |
| S1387 | Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy. | This bill requires the distribution of additional State aid to municipalities under the "Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Act." Budget constraints required reductions in the amount of Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (CMPTRA) distributed to all municipalities in Fiscal Years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Some municipalities also experienced reductions in their Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid (ETR Aid) distribution during that period. This supplemental funding would restore, over a two-year period, approximately $331 million in reductions to CMPTRA and ETR Aid. In Fiscal Year 2023, municipalities would receive an aid increase equal to 50 percent of the difference between the distribution of CMPTRA and ETR Aid they received in Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2012. The fully restored amount would be distributed beginning in Fiscal Year 2024 and in each fiscal year thereafter. The total amount of aid to be restored to each municipality would be in addition to the total amount of CMPTRA and ETR Aid distributed to each municipality in Fiscal Year 2012. This legislation also extends the existing ETR Aid "poison pill" protection to ensure that each municipality received an aid amount not less than the combined payment of CMPTRA and ETR Aid to municipalities in Fiscal Year 2012 and the additional aid distributed under the bill. This bill also amends current law to require a municipality to subtract any additional amount of ETR aid it receives, pursuant to the bill, from its adjusted tax levy when computing that amount for its next fiscal year. By deducting the additional amount of ETR Aid from the previous year's levy, municipalities would be permitted to raise a lower amount of taxes through the levy for municipal purposes. The bill prohibits a municipality from anticipating, for purposes of preparing its annual budget, the receipt of any State aid payment from the ETR aid under the provisions in the bill. The bill also requires a municipality to amend its local budget to properly reflect the total amount distributed to the municipality from the ETR aid. | In Committee |
| S1066 | Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations. | This bill allows a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations. The bill defines "union dues" as the total amount of dues, fees, assessments, or other charges or expenses required of members of or public employees represented by a labor organization. The bill also defines "labor organization" as any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work. To claim the deduction allowed under the bill, a taxpayer would be required to provide, in a form and manner prescribed by the Director of the Division of Taxation, verification of the union dues paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. | In Committee |
| S1986 | Establishes School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force. | This bill establishes the School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study, evaluate, and assess the provision of State school aid pursuant to the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" (SFRA). The task force will consist of seven members, including: the Commissioner of Education or a designee; and six public members, each of whom shall have educational experience and expertise in education and municipal finance and school budgeting. Two of the members will be appointed by the Senate President, two members will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Minority Leaders of the Senate and General Assembly will each appoint one member. Under the bill, the duty of the task force is to study the effectiveness of, and provide recommendations on potentially improving, various aspects of the SFRA including, but not limited to:? the manner in which school district adequacy budgets and local shares are calculated;? the current methodology of measuring and weighting at-risk students and students with limited English proficiency and the impact on the educational outcomes of those students; ? the weights applied to students in different grade levels, as well as those applied to students enrolled in county vocational school districts; ? the current methodology used to calculate the geographic cost adjustment;? the formula's use of the census-based funding methodology for determining the amount of State aid a school district receives to educate its special education population and the effects of potentially employing different methodologies; ? the provision of extraordinary special education aid and the cost thresholds used as the bases for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; ? the methodologies used to calculate security categorical aid and transportation aid; and ? the impact that the reallocation of State school aid pursuant to P.L.2018, c.67, commonly referred to as "S-2," had on school districts' finances. The bill requires that the task force will issue a final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than one year after the organization of the task force. The report will be posted in a prominent location on the Internet website of the Department of Education. | In Committee |
| S1015 | Establishes NJ Water Data Center at public institution of higher education; appropriates $1 million. | This bill would establish the New Jersey Water Data Center at a public institution of higher education in the State. The purpose of the center would be to collect, analyze, and publish data on the provision of drinking water and the collection and management of wastewater and stormwater in the State, in order to establish benchmarking data for utilities, provide information on State-wide trends for State regulators and researchers, and promote connections between residents and their water systems. The bill would require the Governor, within 30 days after the bill's effective date, to designate the institution of higher education at which the data center will be housed. The bill would require certain basic data to be provided by the center, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 1 of the bill. The bill would also require the director of the center to establish an advisory council to oversee the center's operation, which would be required to include at least one representative from the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Board of Public Utilities. The bill would appropriate $1 million from the General Fund in order to temporarily fund the center. | In Committee |
| S1035 | Increases qualified research expenses tax credit for corporation business taxpayers engaged in targeted industries; increases basic research payment tax credit; allows research tax credit to be refundable. | This bill makes several changes to the research tax credit provided under the corporation business tax, including increasing the qualified research expenses credit for taxpayers engaged in targeted industries, increasing the basic research payments tax credit for all taxpayers, and allowing the total credit to be refundable. Under current law, a corporation business taxpayer may receive a research tax credit in an amount equal to (1) 10 percent of the excess of qualified research expenses for the privilege period over the base amount; and (2) 10 percent of the basic research payments for the privilege period. This bill increases the qualified research expenses tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for taxpayers who are primarily engaged in business in one or more targeted industries. For the purpose of calculating the qualified research expenses tax credit, the base amount is determined based on a fixed percentage of the taxpayer's average annual gross receipts. Qualified research expenses are also defined to include the sum of in-house research expenses and contract research expenses that are paid or incurred during the privilege period. Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would be responsible for periodically identifying a list of targeted industries. However, the bill requires the initial list of targeted industries to include advanced transportation and logistics, manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emission vehicle research or development, clean energy, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, non-retail food and beverage businesses including food innovation, and other innovative industries that disrupt current technologies or business models. Additionally, the bill increases the basic research payments tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for all taxpayers. State regulations define basic research payments to include cash payments provided by a corporation to qualified organizations (e.g., institutions of higher education, certain scientific research organizations, and certain scientific tax-exempt organization) for the performance of basic research. Under state regulations, the credit is calculated based on the provisions of section 41 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.41), as in effect on June 30, 1992. The bill also allows the research tax credit to be refundable for privilege periods beginning on or after the date of enactment. Under current law, the research tax credit cannot be refunded, and taxpayers are permitted to carry forward the unused portion of the credit for seven privilege periods. Under the bill, a taxpayer may instead elect to receive the unused portion of the credit as a tax refund, or carry forward the unused credit. When a tax credit is refundable, the State is required to provide the taxpayer with a cash payment in the amount of the unused credit, which represents an overpayment of tax. | In Committee |
| S2067 | Requires prescription drug services covered under Medicaid program to be provided via fee-for-service delivery system. | This bill requires prescription drug services covered under the Medicaid program to be provided via fee-for-service delivery system. Currently, the majority of prescription drug services are provided through managed care delivery system. Specifically, the bill requires that the reimbursement for covered outpatient brand name and generic drugs, as well as covered outpatient specialty drugs dispensed by a mail order pharmacy, is calculated based on the lower of: (1) the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) Retail Price Survey, in accordance with section 1927(f) of the federal Social Security Act or the Wholesale Acquisition Cost in the absence of a NADAC price, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (2) the federal upper limit, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (3) the State Maximum Allowable Cost, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (4) the State submitted ingredient cost, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; or (5) the provider's usual and customary charge, including any discount price which may be in effect on the date the drug is dispensed to the Medicaid beneficiary. Furthermore, the bill requires that the reimbursement for covered outpatient drugs dispensed by a covered entity as defined in section 340B(a)(4) of the federal Public Health Service Act is be calculated based on the lower of: (1) the Actual Acquisition Cost, which shall not exceed the federal 340B program ceiling price, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (2) the federal upper limit, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (3) the State Maximum Allowable Cost, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; (4) the State submitted ingredient cost, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92; or (5) the provider's usual and customary charge, including any discount price which may be in effect on the date the drug is dispensed to the Medicaid beneficiary. And finally, the bill requires that the reimbursement for covered clotting factors dispensed by a specialty pharmacy or a Hemophilia Treatment Center is based on the NADAC Retail Price Survey, in accordance with section 1927(f) of the federal Social Security Act or the Wholesale Acquisition Cost in the absence of a NADAC price, plus the State professional dispensing fee, as defined at 42 CFR 447.502, of $10.92. Under the bill, clotting factors are required to be billed through a Point of Sale System as of January 1, 2020. The transition is expected to generate significant State prescription drug savings, to increase access and savings to prescription drugs for Medicaid patients, and to create a fairer system for pharmacy providers, as demonstrated by other states implementing similar policies. For example, in March 2019, the West Virginia Bureau for Medical Services released a report showing savings of $54.4 million to the state Medicaid program due to the carve out of the prescription drug benefit from Medicaid managed care. The report also notes that in addition to the savings, the program resulted in $122 million paid to West Virginia pharmacies in the form of fixed dispensing fees, money that had formerly gone to out-of-state pharmacy benefit managers. Moreover, on April 1, 2023 New York shifted the Medicaid prescription drug benefit from managed care to a fee-for-service Medicaid Pharmacy Program. According to the New York Executive, this program is anticipated to generate a net state savings of $40.0 million in the first year of implementation, and $180.0 million in subsequent years. | In Committee |
| S1036 | Provides for designation of manufacturing and production business resource center by EDA to provide services and assistance to manufacturing businesses. | This bill provides that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, in consultation with the Business Action Center created in the Department of State and an institution of higher education, may designate an institution of higher education or other entity as a manufacturing and production business resource center to provide services and assistance to manufacturing businesses to assist them to modernize, maximize their efficiency, and expand their production through the development and commercialization of innovative products. Under the bill, the authority will refer a manufacturing business deemed eligible by the authority to a manufacturing and production business resource center or other organization qualified to provide services to small and mid-sized manufacturing businesses. The bill sets forth the various services that will be provided to the manufacturing businesses. | In Committee |
| S164 | Requires health benefits coverage of hearing aids and cochlear implants for insureds aged 21 or younger. | This bill, which amends P.L.2008, c.126, "Grace's Law," removes the specification that health insurers (health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCare Program) provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid only for covered persons who are 15 years old or younger, and providing instead that they provide coverage for those expenses for covered persons who are 21 year old or younger. The bill allows a health insurer to limit the coverage of a hearing aid to one hearing aid for each hearing-impaired ear every 24 months. The bill also requires that benefits provide coverage of the cost of treatment related to cochlear implants, including procedures for the implantation of cochlear devices and costs for any parts, attachments, or accessories of the device. In addition, the bill supplements P.L.2007, c.103 (C.52:14-17.46.1 et seq.) to require the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to ensure that every contract purchased by the commission meets the same requirements for hearing aid and cochlear implant coverage as "Grace's Law." | Dead |
| S999 | "Manufacturing in Higher Education Act"; requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to manufacturing industry. | This bill requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to the manufacturing industry. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, Commissioner of Education, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and representatives of the business community, will promote and support the implementation of the manufacturing career pathway offered through the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce Development to provide students interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing with the instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing or advanced manufacturing sectors. The manufacturing career pathway will include traditional and advanced manufacturing processes and methods of production including, but not limited to, the machinery, technology, tools, and equipment used in a wide range of manufacturing industries. The bill establishes a "Higher Education Manufacturing Grant Program," to be administered by a three-person commission which will include the Secretary of Higher Education, a representative of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, and a representative of the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. The commission will annually award $10 million to New Jersey institutions of higher education, proprietary institutions, and county vocational school districts for the purpose of establishing or expanding programs in the manufacturing fields, and marketing and promoting current programs in the manufacturing fields. Under the bill, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, will designate an existing or newly hired employee of the Business Action Center in the Department of State to act as a liaison between the State and manufacturing businesses located in this State. The duties of the liaison will be to assist manufacturing businesses by:· advertising manufacturing businesses' products or services nationally and internationally through the Business Action Center; · establishing a business referral service where manufacturing businesses may be referred to other State, federal, or private business resource organizations; and· identifying and promoting opportunities throughout the State for postsecondary pathway programs to actively reskill and upskill the current workforce to better meet the needs of manufacturing fields. The Secretary of State is to work with State departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities to direct resources, create incentives, and provide technological, financial, and workforce development opportunities for manufacturing businesses. The bill also establishes in the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, the New Jersey Advanced Manufacturing Council. The council will consist of 11 members who are individuals with experience in the fields of labor, education, or workforce development or training. The bill directs the council to:· convene and enable industry-led, private-public partnerships focused on engaging New Jersey institutions of higher education in manufacturing innovation;· design and implement an advanced manufacturing initiative to facilitate collaboration and information sharing across State departments and agencies;· assist private companies to enhance technological transfer in New Jersey manufacturing industries to help companies overcome technical obstacles to scaling up production of new technologies; and· submit an annual report to the Governor, to the Legislature, and to the State Employment and Training Commission, of its assessments and recommendations to enhance State policy related to the advanced manufacturing industry in New Jersey. | Dead |
| S889 | Establishes grant program for homeless veterans shelters. | The bill would require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to award grants, subject to the availability of funds, to certain southern New Jersey counties to provide veterans with improved access to homeless shelters. Under the bill, Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Cumberland County may submit applications to the Adjutant General proposing locations for homeless veterans shelters and identifying property the county would provide to the State for the development of a shelter. New Jersey's southern counties are in particular need of shelters for homeless veterans. Because of mobility issues, homeless veterans' access to resources is often limited by geographic location. Various factors may have caused homeless veterans to locate within southern New Jersey counties. However, when conditions, such as extreme cold, require them to seek out temporary shelter, they find themselves isolated from shelters and other facilities that provide resources for veterans. This bill would result in the development of shelters in locations appropriate to meet this need. | In Committee |
| S1009 | Prohibits use of receipt paper containing bisphenol A. | This bill would prohibit a person from using or providing a piece of paper containing bisphenol A (BPA) as a business or banking record. A person who violates the provisions of the bill would be subject to a penalty of between $250 and $500. The bill would take effect 18 months after the date of enactment. BPA is an estrogen-mimicking endocrine disruptor used in the production of epoxy resins and polycarbonate plastics. It has been shown to have hormone disrupting effects leading to developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune system health issues and is found to leach out of the products in which it is used. BPA is sometimes used in the coating of business transaction receipts and may be transferred to the body of a person handling them, particularly if the receipt is wet. | In Committee |
| S1057 | Establishes Office of Financial Assistance in EDA to help businesses and non-profit organizations access opportunities for public financial assistance; requires office to develop common application platform. | This bill establishes an Office of Financial Assistance within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help business entities and non-profit organizations access available sources of public financial assistance, including any grants, loans, loan guarantees, or tax credits provided by a State or federal agency. Under the bill, the Office of Financial Assistance would be responsible for: (1) providing technical assistance to business entities and non-profit organizations in the State concerning the identification of available sources of public financial assistance, the application for public financial assistance, and the compliance with any terms and conditions imposed upon the receipt of public financial assistance; (2) developing and updating, as necessary, the common application platform required under the bill; (3) coordinating with State agencies and federal agencies, on a regular basis, to determine the availability of new sources of public financial assistance; and (4) fulfilling any other duties and responsibilities that may be prescribed by the board or chief executive officer of the EDA. The bill also requires the Office of Financial Assistance to develop, or cause to be developed, a common application platform through which business entities and non-profit organizations may electronically apply for any sources of public financial assistance made available by a State agency. At a minimum, and to the extent practicable, the common application platform would be required to allow these entities to: (1) identify all available sources of public financial assistance; (2) input any information or documentation that may be required by a State agency as part of the application for public financial assistance, which information may be stored for use in other applications; (3) simultaneously submit applications for any sources of public financial assistance made available by a State agency; and (4) monitor the status of all applications submitted through the platform. After the common application platform has been developed, the bill requires every State agency that offers public financial assistance to coordinate with the office to ensure that all applications for public financial assistance can be submitted through the platform and all information contained on the platform concerning the availability of public financial assistance is up-to-date and accurate. Based on this coordination, the office would be required to update the platform, as necessary, to ensure that all information contained therein is up-to-date and accurate. | In Committee |
| S1012 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having service-connected permanent disability; extends eligibility to veterans suffering from mental illness; establishes eligibility of property owned by disabled veteran with surviving partner for exemption. | This bill revises current law regarding the property tax exemption provided to totally disabled, honorably-discharged veterans who incur a 100 percent service-related disability during their service in the United States Armed Forces. Proportional Property Tax Exemption Under current law, veterans who are not 100 percent totally and permanently disabled are not eligible to receive a proportional property tax exemption. This bill allows all honorably-discharged veterans who have a service-related disability rating resulting from their service in the United States Armed Forces, including those who receive a 100 percent disability determination, to receive a proportional property tax exemption in an amount equal to the degree of their service-connected, permanent disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A veteran who was determined by the VA to be 100 percent totally and permanently disabled due to a service-related disability would continue to receive the full property tax exemption under the current exemption statute. Broadening of Eligibility The bill extends eligibility for the property tax exemption to veterans granted a disability rating due to mental illness. The bill broadens the eligibility criteria for the property tax exemption granted to surviving civil union partners and domestic partners of disabled veterans. The bill extends the property tax exemption to the surviving civil union partner or domestic partner of a disabled veteran until such time as the surviving partner enters into a new civil union, establishes a new domestic partnership, or remarries. The bill also allows the surviving civil union partner or domestic partner to receive the property tax exemption when a disability declaration is granted after the veteran's death. Under current law, only the surviving spouse of a veteran who at the time of death was entitled to the exemption is entitled to receive the same exemption. This bill provides that an eligible surviving spouse, surviving civil union partner, or surviving domestic partner of a deceased disabled veteran, after filing a proper claim with the municipal tax collector, shall be exempt from all property taxation in the succeeding year. | In Committee |
| S87 | Increases annual income limitation for senior and disabled citizens' eligibility for $250 property tax deduction and bases future annual income limitations on annual CPI changes. | This bill increases the annual income limit for seniors and disabled persons to be eligible for an annual property tax deduction. The income limit increase reflects an increase in cost of living. The income limit increase from $10,000 to $20,000 reflects actual inflation from 1983 to 2022, and the annual income limit change thereafter will reflect the actual cost of living change for the past year. The bill uses the Consumer Price Index to determine increases in years after 2023 to ensure that the income limits remain realistic. The bill takes effect immediately, but will remain inoperative until the voters approve a constitutional amendment authorizing an increase in the income limit from $10,000 to $20,000, and annual increases thereafter. | In Committee |
| S1050 | Requires landlords of certain properties providing child care services who refuse lead service line replacements to install and maintain water filters. | This bill would require a landlord of a residential or nonresidential building, in which space is rented by a child care services provider, to install and maintain certain water filters in the building if the landlord has previously denied a public community water system access to the property-owner side of a lead service line for the purposes of enabling the complete replacement of the lead service line. Specifically the bill would require the landlord to install and maintain point-of-use filters certified by an accredited third-party certification body to meet NSF/ANSI standards 42 and 53 at all fixtures that are used, or are intended for use, by the child care services provider, to supply water for the purposes of drinking, food preparation, or making baby formula. As defined by the bill, "NSF/ANSI standard" means a water treatment standard developed by the National Sanitation Foundation, International, and the American National Standards Institute. The landlord would also be required to annually certify, to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), that the landlord has installed and is properly maintaining and replacing the filters. The bill would authorize the DEP to issue a civil administrative penalty of up to $500 per day for landlords who fail to install or maintain the filters or who fail to properly certify this fact to the DEP. The bill would also authorize a tenant of a landlord who violates the bill's provisions to file an action of rent escrow to pay rent into a court-administered escrow account until the necessary filters are installed. The bill would authorize the court to order that some or all of the money in the escrow account be paid to the landlord or the landlord's agent, to the tenant or the tenant's agent, or to any other appropriate person or agency for the purpose of installing the required filters or replacement cartridges, as applicable. If the landlord still fails to install the required filters or replacement cartridges following the authorization of rent escrow, the bill would authorize the tenant to file a civil action seeking damages and other appropriate relief, including injunctive and other equitable remedies. The bill would stipulate that, if the landlord's violation causes a tenant or secondary user of the property, such as a child or a child care employee, to have elevated blood lead levels, then there would be no limit or ceiling to the civil liability of the landlord. | In Committee |
| S222 | Authorizes regulation of greenhouse gas emissions under "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)" and "Global Warming Response Act." | This bill would amend the "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," P.L.1954, c.212 (C.26:2C-1 et seq.), and the "Global Warming Response Act," P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-37 et al.), to authorize the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules and regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions. Specifically, the bill would expand the authority given to the DEP to regulate air pollution in the State to also include "excess greenhouse gas emissions," which is defined by the bill to mean "Statewide greenhouse gas emissions which exceed those of the limits established in section 4 of P.L.2007, c.112 (26:2C-40) or the interim benchmarks adopted pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-41)." "Greenhouse gas" is defined by the bill to mean carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluoride, and any other gas or substance determined by the DEP to be a significant contributor to the problem of global warming. The bill would also direct the DEP to adopt rules and regulations, no later than 24 months after the bill's enactment, which incorporate greenhouse gas emissions limits into the DEP's operating permit requirements adopted pursuant to "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," and include any other restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions deemed by the DEP to be necessary for the State to meet the requirements of the "Global Warming Response Act." In addition, the bill would require the DEP to adopt rules and regulations as necessary to meet the requirements of the "Global Warming Response Act," including, but not limited to, rules and regulations that restrict the sale and use of fossil fuel types or establish greenhouse gas emissions limits from stationary sources. | In Committee |
| S1457 | Makes $1.3 billion in federal funds available to DEP for use in New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program for lead service line replacement projects. | This bill would provide that, subject to the availability of federal funds provided or made accessible to the State from the federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund," established pursuant to the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," Pub.L.117-2, or any other federal funds provided or made accessible to the State in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, $1.3 billion from such federal funds are to be made available to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill specifies that the funds made available to the DEP, pursuant to the bill, are to be reserved by the DEP to provide financial support, in conjunction with financing from the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) and pursuant to the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (NJEIFP), for lead service line replacement projects undertaken by suppliers of water in the State. The DEP would be authorized to use up to one percent of the funds to defray administrative expenses incurred in the implementation of the bill's provisions. The bill authorizes the DEP to transfer, to the NJIB, the uncommitted balance of funds made available to the DEP pursuant to the bill. The NJIB would be required to use the transferred funds to provide financial support, in conjunction with the DEP and pursuant to the NJEIFP, for lead service line replacement projects undertaken by suppliers of water in the State. The NJIB would be authorized to use up to one percent of the transferred funds to defray administrative expenses incurred in the implementation of the bill's provisions. The use of federal funds for lead service line replacement projects, as provided by the bill, would be conditioned upon the upfront provision of matching funds for each lead service line replacement project by the public water utility or other supplier of water undertaking the project, except when the project is being undertaken by a small water supplier, in which case, the small water supplier will not be required to provide upfront matching funds, but may be required to commit to provide matching funds at some future date, as agreed to by the DEP in consultation with the NJIB. A "small water supplier" is defined, consistent with federal law, to mean a supplier of water that serves not more than 3,300 customer connections in the State. The bill would authorize the NJIB to facilitate the provision of matching funds by making loans to project sponsors for lead service line replacement projects undertaken by suppliers of water in the State. The DEP, in consultation with the NJIB, would be required to determine the amount of matching funds to be provided by each supplier of water. When determining the amount, and the timeframe for provision, of matching funds by a small water supplier, the DEP would be required to consider the financial reserves held by the small water supplier and any other factors that would enable, or negate the ability of, the small water supplier to provide matching funds for the project. The department, in consultation with the NJIB, would be required to establish the size of each financial award that is made available to a supplier of water using federal funds made available under the bill, as well as the eligibility of suppliers of water for such financial support. The use of federal funds made available pursuant to the bill, the establishment of eligibility standards for the financial awards being made with those federal funds, and the provision of loans to project sponsors would each need to be done in accordance with the "New Jersey Infrastructure Trust Act," P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-1 et seq.), and any other applicable laws or regulations. | In Committee |
| S1055 | Establishes advertisement grant program for NJ emerging businesses. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) to establish a "New Jersey Emerging Business Advertising Grant Program" to provide funds to New Jersey emerging businesses to support advertising and marketing expenses. The bill defines "New Jersey emerging business" to mean a company with fewer than 225 employees, of whom at least 75 percent are filling a position in New Jersey that is doing business, employing or owning capital or property, or maintaining an office in this State. To qualify for the grant program, the business must be a New Jersey emerging business. The authority would also be permitted to establish any other eligibility requirements that it deems appropriate. Additionally, the authority would determine the amounts of each grant awarded under the program. The bill also requires grant recipients to submit an audited financial statement to the authority to demonstrate compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant program on a yearly basis until all monies from the fund have been expended. If a recipient improperly uses the grant, the authority would be required to convert the grant to a loan. | In Committee |
| S1518 | Establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts. | The purpose of this bill is to ensure that no public services are privatized unless there are cost savings without increased charges or reduced services to the public, or lowered workforce standards. Each prospective private contractor would be required to demonstrate cost reductions based on improvements such as management efficiencies or technical innovation, not based on added burdens imposed on the members of the public using the services or the employees producing them. The bill requires that a contract for the privatization of public services not be entered into without cost analyses demonstrating that there will be actual cost savings for the public agency and the taxpayers without increased fees, fares, or other charges to the public, reduced quantity or quality of services, or lowered workforce standards, including reduced staff qualifications and remuneration. The bill further requires sustained oversight and public disclosure regarding those contracts to provide accountability to taxpayers, public users of the services, and employees producing the services, that the cost savings actually occur without increased charges, or reduced services or workforce standards, and provides penalties and sanctions for any noncompliance involving agency or contractor misrepresentation, fraud or other malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance. The bill prohibits any agency of the State or political subdivision from entering into a contract of $500,000 or more, if the agency is a political subdivision, or $1 million or more if it is not a political subdivision, to purchase from private entities services previously performed by agency employees, other than legal, management consulting, planning, engineering or design services, prevailing wage construction work, or certain services provided by disabled individuals employed by rehabilitation facilities, unless: 1. The agency solicits competitive sealed bids for the contracts based on a comprehensive statement of requirements by the agency; 2. The contract requires that the public not be charged fares, fees or other charges greater than those currently charged, that the quantity and quality of the services provided equal or exceed the quantity and quality of services currently provided, that the contractor is qualified, and that contractor employees have qualifications and wage and benefit rates at least equal to the agency employees currently performing the services. Contractors are required to submit payroll records to the agency and, upon any failure to pay the agreed upon wage and benefit rates, are subject to the remedies and penalties provided by the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act," P.L.1963, c.150 (C.34:11-56.25 et seq.) for failure to pay the prevailing wage; 3. The agency permits the union of the affected agency employees to review the agency's estimate of current costs and submit an alternative cost estimate and propose cost saving measures compliant with requirements of the bill and the agency reviews the union estimate and proposal and makes a determination whether to reduce the agency's estimate of current costs; 4. The contract requires compliance with antidiscrimination standards, requires available positions to be offered to qualified displaced agency employees, and requires the agency to prepare a plan of training and assistance for displaced employees; 5. The contractor and specified associates have no adjudicated record of substantial or repeated noncompliance with any federal or State law pertaining to the operation of a business, including laws regarding contracting and conflict of interest; 6. After receiving bids, the agency publicly designates the bidder to which it proposes to award the contract and issues a comprehensive written analysis of the total contract cost of the designated bid; and 7. The agency provides written certification that the agency and the proposed contract are in compliance with all provisions of the bill and the total estimated contract cost is less than the cost of agency employees performing the services, with a statement of the amount of the savings. The Office of the State Comptroller would be required to review the certification and prohibit the agency from entering into the privatization contract if the office provides a written determination that the bid does not provide cost savings or that the agency has otherwise failed to comply with any requirement of the bill. The State Auditor would be required to conduct post-audits of contracts subject to the bill, evaluating whether the projected cost savings were obtained without raising charges, cutting services, or lowering workforce standards. If the noncompliance was related to agency or contractor misrepresentation, fraud or other malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance, the agency or contractor would be subject to penalties and sanctions including, where appropriate, debarment or rescission of contracts, or reimbursement of excess charges to the public and underpayments of employees. The requirements of the bill do not apply to any privatization contract first entered into before the effective date of the bill or to the renewal, extension, or transfer of any privatization contract first entered into prior to that effective date, but do apply to the renewal, extension, or transfer of any contract entered into after the effective date. | In Committee |
| S905 | Creates "Disability Life-Sustaining Measures Advisory Council." | This bill creates the "Disability Life-Sustaining Measures Advisory Council" (council) in the Department of Health. The purpose of the council is to ensure that the rights of people with disabilities are protected during public health emergencies. The advisory council is to at a minimum: (1) recommend policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation to help the State provide life-sustaining measures to people with disabilities during a public health emergency, including, but not be limited to policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation regarding emergency care, ventilators, resuscitation orders, testing, and immunizations; (2) recommend policies that protect the rights of people with disabilities in any medical setting where the life of a person with a disability is at risk; (3) analyze and review the State's emergency care standards to determine compliance with federal laws on discrimination against people with disabilities; and (4) receive public comment on the treatment of people with disabilities during public health emergencies. Under the bill, the council is to consist of 14 as provided for in the bill. Each member of the advisory council is to serve for a term of three years; however, of the members first appointed, two are to serve an initial term of one year, two are to serve an initial term of two years, and one is to serve an initial term of three years. Members will be eligible for reappointment to the advisory council upon the conclusion of their respective membership terms. Any member may also be removed by the Governor, for cause, following a public hearing. Members of the council are to be appointed within 30 days after the bill's effective date, and the council is to hold its first organizational meeting within 30 days after the appointment of a majority of its membership. Each year following the council's organization, the council will be required to submit a report of its activities to the Governor and Legislature. | In Committee |
| S896 | "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services. | This bill the "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act," requires institutions of higher education to implement certain mental health programs and services. Under the bill, an institution of higher education is required to implement a mental health awareness program which must include, at a minimum: (1) the development and implementation of an annual student orientation session designed to raise awareness about mental health conditions; (2) the assessment of courses and seminars available to students through their regular academic experience and the implementation of mental health curricula if opportunities for integration exist; (3) the creation and prominent display on the institution's website or mobile application of information dedicated specifically to the mental health resources available to students on campus and in the surrounding community; (4) the distribution of messages related to mental health resources that encourage help-seeking behavior through the on-line learning platform of the institution at least once per term and during periods of high stress in the academic year; and (5) the implementation of an on-line screening tool to raise awareness and establish a mechanism to link or refer students to services. The bill requires an institution of higher education to establish and implement a student peer support program. The program will utilize student peers to support students living with mental health conditions on campus. Peer support programs may be housed within resident assistance programs, counseling centers, or wellness centers on campus. A peer support program will utilize best practices for peer support including, but not limited to: (1) utilizing the tenets of the recovery model for mental health developed by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (2) adequate planning and preparation, including standardizing guidance and practices, identifying needs of the target population, and aligning program goals to meet those needs; (3) clearly articulating policies, specifically concerning role boundaries and confidentiality; (4) systematic screening with defined selection criteria for peer supporters including, but not limited to, communication skills, leadership ability, character, previous experience or training, and ability to serve as a positive role model; (5) identifying benefits from peer status including, but not limited to, experiential learning, social support, leadership, and improved self-confidence; (6) continuing education for peer supporters to support each other and improve peer support skills; and (7) flexibility in availability by offering services through drop-in immediate support and the ability to book appointments. The bill also requires each institution to form strategic partnerships with local mental health service providers to improve overall campus mental health wellness and augment on-campus capacity. The partnerships will include linkage agreements with off-campus mental health service providers that establish a foundation for referrals for students when a student's mental health needs cannot be met on campus due to capacity concerns or preference of the student. The partnerships will include: (1) avenues for on-campus and off-campus mental health service providers to increase visibility to students via marketing and outreach; (2) opportunities to engage the student body through student outreach initiatives including, but not limited to, mindfulness workshops or campus-wide wellness fairs; and (3) opportunities to support mental health awareness and training. Under the bill, the Secretary of Higher Education will develop a Technical Assistance Center. The center's responsibilities will include: (1) developing standardized policies for medical leave related to mental health conditions for students, which may be adopted by an institution of higher education; (2) providing tailored support to the institutions in reviewing policies related to students living with mental health conditions and their academic standing; (3) establishing initial standards for policies and procedures of the expert panel; (4) disseminating best practices concerning peer support programs, including widely-accepted selection criteria for individuals serving in a peer support role; and (5) developing Statewide standards and best practices for partnerships between local mental health agencies and institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| S1590 | Establishes "Twelfth Grade Postsecondary Transition Year Pilot Program" in Department of Education. | This bill establishes in the Department of Education a three-year "Twelfth Grade Postsecondary Transition Year Pilot Program." The purpose of the pilot program will be to offer participating 12th grade students with a guided start to postsecondary coursework, through the provision of targeted supports and no-cost courses. The pilot program will be offered to students in school districts that have been impacted substantially by the COVID-19 public health crisis, where learning loss as a result of the pandemic has increased the likelihood of students abandoning their higher education goals. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program and will seek a cross section of school districts from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State. The commissioner will select districts impacted substantially by the COVID-19 public health crisis which have a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students and low rates of college enrollment among recent high school graduates. The bill directs the commissioner to provide a grant to each of the pilot districts to finance the costs associated with offering the pilot program, including the cost of tuition charged to the district pursuant to the bill's provisions. The bill directs a school district that wants to participate in the pilot program to submit an application to the commissioner with the items detailed in the bill's provisions. The bill requires a school district selected to participate in the pilot program to require participating students to: be enrolled in the 12th grade, except as otherwise approved by the school district superintendent; enroll in no less than six academic credits, and no more than 15 academic credits, in in each semester; and maintain a 2.0 grade point average for the student's postsecondary coursework in order to continue participation in the program. The bill provides that an institution of higher education that enters into a partnership agreement with a participating school district will provide a program of six or more academic credits in each semester. The program must include a coherent sequence of courses applicable towards a postsecondary degree or credential and the student's high school diploma requirements. The bill requires the institution to waive student fees and charge the partnering district no more than $100 per academic credit for each participating student. The institution must also provide quarterly reports to the district, at a minimum, on the academic progress of the district's students enrolled in the program. The bill directs a public institution of higher education to accept and apply towards an applicable degree program all credits earned by a student during the pilot program, in accordance with the institution's credit transfer policies. An independent institution of higher education may accept the credits earned by a student during the pilot program. Finally, the bill requires the commissioner to submit a report at the conclusion of the pilot program to the Governor and the Legislature, containing information on the implementation of the pilot program and shall include the commissioner's recommendation on the feasibility of implementing the program on a Statewide basis. | Dead |
| S1068 | Establishes and allocates funds for program to provide mental health services to veterans; appropriates $2 million. | This bill directs the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to establish a program to provide grants to certain veterans organizations to provide mental health services to veterans. The veterans organizations will contract with mental health care professionals to provide the services. The bill appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Fund for the program. The bill defines "veterans organization" to mean a veterans organization that qualifies as a section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or a federally chartered Veterans' Service Organization. It shall also include the New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group and the New Jersey Catholic Charities Diocese. | In Committee |
| S1278 | Requires certain information to be included in SHBP and SEHBP claims experience data provided to certain public employers. | This bill requires certain information to be included in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) claims experience data to be provided to certain public employers. Under current law, the SHBP provides upon request and not more than once in a 24-month period complete claims experience data to a public employer other than the State that participates in the SHBP. This bill changes the 24-month period to not more than once per calendar year, and adds language to allow the majority representative of the employees of that public employer to request and receive the claims experience data if the public employer requested the data. Under the bill, the same requirements would apply to the SEHBP. This bill requires certain information to be included in the claims experience data for SHBP and SEHBP. The information specified in the bill includes, but is not limited to, medical claims summary report by classification; top 50 drugs or medicines that require a doctor's prescription by total number dispensed; top 50 drugs or medicines that require a doctor's prescription by total dollars paid; number and type of ongoing maintenance prescriptions by mail order and retail; prescription utilization summary; prescription executive summary report; prescription trend performance summary for each plan design; and a prescription key performance indicator report. Current law requires the SHBP to issue claims experience data only in a manner that complies with the privacy requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and related regulations. The bill further specifies that no information will be released in such form as to result in the identification of an individual or in such form as to adversely affect personal privacy rights. Under the bill, the same requirements would apply to the SEHBP. | In Committee |
| S1328 | Requires development of manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention marketing plan for areas located in certain counties within southern New Jersey. | This bill requires the Secretary of State (secretary), within one year of the effective date of the bill, to develop and implement a manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention marketing plan (marketing plan) for areas located in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties (southern New Jersey). The secretary is to update the marketing plan once every five years thereafter. The purpose of the marketing plan is to develop strategies, policies, legislative proposals, short-range and long-range goals, and government reforms that help attract new manufacturing businesses to, and retain and expand existing manufacturing businesses in, southern New Jersey and to encourage the growth of jobs and capital investment within, and services to, southern New Jersey. The secretary is authorized to request assistance from the New Jersey Business Action Center (center) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) and any other State agency to provide any information, resources, or other assistance deemed necessary to discharge the secretary's responsibilities under the bill to develop and implement the marketing plan. The assistance is to include, but not be limited to: the authority and the Department of Treasury for advice and information concerning manufacturing business funding assistance programs; the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for assistance in developing workforce development strategies; the Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Transit Corporation for information and guidance concerning public transportation network and infrastructure projects that would most effectively connect population centers with employers within southern New Jersey; the center to assist in manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention strategies and advising on smart growth development strategies; and the Department of Community Affairs for assistance with coordination between the urban enterprise zone program and the marketing plan. | In Committee |
| S1064 | Requires State Board of Education to authorize alternate route to expedite teacher certification of persons employed as paraprofessionals in school districts. | This bill requires the State Board of Education to authorize an alternate route to expedite the teacher certification of persons who are employed or have been employed by a school district as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop recommendations for the alternate route and those recommendations are required to be submitted to the State board. Under the provisions of the bill, in developing the recommendations, the commissioner is to consult with representatives of the education community, including the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, and the State Professional Learning Committee. Also, the bill provides that in addition to any other requirements established by the State Board of Education, the alternate route program is required to include: (1) a formula for applying a candidate's direct classroom service to any student teaching requirements, provided that the candidate is currently employed by a school district and is providing direct classroom service, including tutoring. Under the formula, the direct classroom service is to earn the candidate full credit, if appropriate; (2) a requirement that the school district in which the candidate is currently employed make every reasonable effort to permit the candidate to perform any required student teaching in the school district while, if possible, continuing employment as a paraprofessional or an instructional assistant; and (3) a formula to allow a grade point average waiver for candidates who otherwise demonstrate qualification for the expedited teacher certification. | Dead |
| S1357 | Provides temporary corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for insourcing business to New Jersey. | This bill provides, for a five-year period, corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for insourcing business to New Jersey. Insourcing is bringing business functions to this State by closing down an out of country or out of State business unit and relocating it to New Jersey. For decades businesses have had incentives to outsource business functions, pursuing lower tax rates or labor costs. The credit provided by this bill aims to reverse that trend by incentivizing businesses to relocate to New Jersey and take advantage of the State's robust and diverse labor pool. The credits are equal to 35 percent of the net cost of shutting down the out of country business unit, or 25 percent of the net cost of shutting down the out of State business unit, and reestablishing an equivalent unit in New Jersey. The credit will be earnable in the five years between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023. The bill requires that the relocation be done pursuant to a written plan, and that the New Jersey full-time employees of the business be increased by the completed relocation. If the taxpayer reduces the amount of full-time employees in this State in any of the five years subsequent to the credit being allowed, the credit outstanding will be denied and any amount previously allowed will be subject to recapture by the State. | In Committee |
| S1650 | Establishes New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council in DHS. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council in the Department of Human Services. The purpose of the council will be to: (1) periodically survey and evaluate existing activities, programs, initiatives, and services related to suicide prevention efforts operating throughout the State; (2) develop standards and guidelines for suicide prevention entities operating in the State to report certain data to the council as required under the bill; (3) assist suicide prevention entities by providing standardized guidance, based on prevailing best practices, concerning the content of informational materials made available to persons who report an attempted or completed suicide; (4) provide guidance and assistance to suicide prevention entities concerning compliance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Human Services to implement the provisions of the bill; (5) serve as a centralized hub for reporting, analyzing, and retaining certain non-identifying and de-identified data collected from suicide prevention entities operating within the State, including: the individual's age, gender, race, and ethnicity; whether the suicide was completed; the method of attempted or completed suicide; the person's status as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, undesignated/nonbinary, questioning, queer, or intersex; the person's status a current or former law enforcement officer; the person's status as active or retired military; the municipality in which the attempted or completed suicide occurred; whether the person had previous involvement with a mental health professional or a professional specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders; and any other metric the council requires to be reported, provided that the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families, and the Attorney General have each approved collection of the additional metric by the council; (6) collect information from suicide prevention entities operating within the State concerning the entity's programs, activities, and initiatives related to suicide prevention and intervention, including any requests for proposals issued by the entity, any grants for which the entity applies and whether those grants involve State, federal, or private monies, and any other sources of State, federal, or private funding sought out by the entity; and (7) compile and make available to appropriate entities, including the Department of Health and other State and federal authorities authorized to acquire such data and related information, certain data collected by the council, as well as the council's findings and recommendations related to completed suicides and suicide attempts, provided that any data or other information furnished by the council to another entity does not contain any private or personal identifying information, and the data and other information is furnished in a manner that is not violative of State or federal privacy laws. With regard to the entities that are subject to the reporting requirements under the bill, the term "suicide prevention entity" is defined to mean any entity operating under imprimatur of State authority that engages in activities related to suicide prevention or collecting data specific to attempted and completed suicides, regardless of whether the entity was established by statute, regulation, or executive or administrative action. The council will consist of 25 members, including: the Commissioners of Health, Human Services, Children and Families, Corrections, and Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, the executive director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Executive Director of the Board of Directors of NJ Transit, the Chief State Medical Examiner, the assistant commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, the chair of the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma, and the Chief Technology Officer of the Office of Information Technology, or their designees, who will serve ex officio; (2) four public members appointed by the Governor, three of whom are to be faculty members at institutions of higher education who have expertise in the area of mental health, and one of whom is to be either a law enforcement officer in the Office of the Attorney General with expertise related to suicide or a mental health professional; (3) four public members appointed by the President of the Senate, one of whom is to have experience as a mental health professional in the private sector with experience in youth suicide prevention and counseling, one of whom is to have experience as a psychiatrist in the private sector in the provision of services to elderly persons, one of whom is to be a person who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, undesignated/nonbinary, questioning, queer, or intersex, and one of whom is to be a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who is also a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with individuals in crisis; and (4) four public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, two of whom are to be current or former mental health professionals with experience providing services in a secondary school, one of whom is to be a survivor of suicide or have a family member who has been affected by suicide, and one of whom is to have experience as a primary health care practitioner. The public members will serve for a term of five years. The council will be required to issue an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature containing a summary of the data compiled by the council that includes aggregate demographic information about persons who attempt or complete suicide and any findings made by the council concerning attempted and completed suicides. The report will include recommendations for legislation or administrative or other actions as may be necessary to facilitate the accurate and efficient collection of data and promote more effective suicide prevention and intervention activities, programs, and initiatives. | In Committee |
| S1052 | Requires DEP to study feasibility of using alternative water supply source when perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances exceed maximum contaminant level. | This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct, or cause to be conducted, a study concerning the feasibility of using of alternative drinking water supply sources when an exceedance of a maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is discovered. As part of the study, the DEP is to consider the drinking water supply sources available to public community water systems in the State and identify alternative drinking water supplies that may be available for use by public community water systems to provide water to the customers of the system when an MCL exceedance for a PFAS substance is discovered. In conducting the study, the DEP would solicit input from representatives of public community water systems, academic institutions, and environmental organizations with expertise, knowledge, or experience in issues related to the State's water supplies, and may hold public hearings, at a time and place determined by the department, to receive input on the issue. The bill requires the DEP to prepare and submit to the Governor and the Legislature a written report containing the findings and recommendations of the study, including any proposals for legislation or other appropriate legislative or regulatory action, within one year after the bill's enactment. If the report is not prepared within the timeframe provided, the bill would require the DEP commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, to appear before appropriate legislative committees to explain why the report has not yet been prepared and the steps the DEP is taking to ensure that it is prepared. | In Committee |
| SR33 | Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel. | April 25, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. This House commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades. This House recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region. | In Committee |
| S3995 | Eliminates statute of limitations for human trafficking prosecutions and extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking. | Eliminates statute of limitations for human trafficking prosecutions and extends statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking. | Introduced |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2019 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2346 | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3424 | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR96 | Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2951 | Authorizes provision of monetary awards to whistleblowers who report State tax law violations committed by employers in construction industry. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR100 | Designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4085 | Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3041 | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4178 | Authorizes State Treasurer to grant temporary deed of easement in Borough of Sea Girt in Monmouth County. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3132 | Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4331 | Establishes licensure for cosmetic retail services. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3287 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3418 | Authorizes certain types of permanent structures, recently constructed or erected on preserved farmland, to be used, in certain cases, for purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Abstain |
| A4603 | Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act". | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4765 | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4897 | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4954 | Requires members of historic preservation commissions to complete historic preservation planning course. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4969 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3858 | Requires school bus personnel members to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires certain school buses transportating students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features; makes appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3887 | Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-and county-owned lakes and reservoirs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3910 | Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3917 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3931 | Updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3944 | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5100 | Re-appropriates unexpended balance of FY2024 appropriation for Town of West New York to support recreation center; appropriates $3 million for Town of West New York - Recreation Center to restore lapsed FY2024 funding. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5130 | Requires enforcing agency to conduct inspection of construction in specified time window. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3982 | Requires certain information be provided to parent at least two business days prior to annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting; establishes IEP Improvement Working Group in DOE. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5170 | Requires State to purchase certain unused tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4028 | Limits amount of payment that State agency as property owner may withhold from certain contractors on State construction contracts to two percent of amount due. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5199 | Requires resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who are eligible for coverage in SHBP, to be eligible to enroll and receive health insurance on first day of employment. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4135 | Provides allowance for certain redevelopment projects undertaken by institutions of higher education under New Jersey Aspire program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5378 | Modifies provisions of Cultural Arts Incentives Program, New Jersey Aspire Program, and Grow New Jersey Program; eliminates Community-Anchored Development Program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in House Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5546 | Concerns financial powers and responsibilities of Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5688 | Imposes surcharge on hotel occupancies in certain municipalities to fund fire services; provides for appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4451 | Clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Abstain |
| SCR131 | Approves FY2026 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4400 | Extends hours that minor employed by national sports association, league, or team may work under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4387 | Requires establishment of tracking system in Division of Consumer Affairs to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4423 | Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4476 | Permits awarding of contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution of board of education; extends maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4472 | Eliminates five percent down payment requirement for local bond ordinances involving hazard mitigation and resilience projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4506 | Exempts minor league baseball players from certain State wage laws under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| Committee | Position | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail | New Jersey Legislature Legislative Services Commission | 3 | |
| Detail | New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee | Vice Chair | 2 |
| Detail | New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee | Vice Chair | 2 |
| Detail | New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee | Chair | 1 |
| Detail | New Jersey Senate Select Committee | Vice Chair | 2 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | District 14 | Senate | Democrat | In Office | 12/06/2010 | |
| NJ | District 14 | House | Democrat | Out of Office | 01/11/2000 | 01/16/2024 |