Legislator
Legislator > Nick Scutari
State Senator
Nick Scutari
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 22
In Office - Started: 01/13/2004
contact info
Clark Office
67 Walnut Ave.
Suite 406
Clark, NJ 07066
Suite 406
Clark, NJ 07066
Phone: 732-827-7480
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5792 | Provides for workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health related communications are confidential. | An Act concerning first responders and supplementing chapter 15 of Title 34 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4510 | Clarifies procedures in certain contested child custody cases. | Clarifies procedures in certain contested child custody cases. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | An Act concerning involuntary commitment and mental health care, amending and supplementing various parts of statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | An Act concerning the use of tax credits for certain housing programs, amending P.L.2020, c.156, and supplementing P.L.1983, c.530 (C.55:14K-1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3928 | Limits general application of certain consumer contracts. | An Act concerning certain consumer contracts and supplementing Title 56 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3961 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to offer no-fee option to parents for making school lunch and other payments; requires payment processing platforms used by certain schools to provide users with information on user fees. | An Act concerning the fees of payment processing platforms used by schools and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3787 | Requires municipal tax collectors who obtain payments in lieu of taxes under "Long Term Tax Exemption Law" to transmit county portion directly to county. | An Act concerning certain payments in lieu of taxes under the "Long Term Tax Exemption Law" and amending P.L.1991, c.431 and R.S.54:4-74. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3850 | Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited. | An Act concerning electioneering and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3818 | Requires third-party discounts and payments for individuals covered by health benefits plans to apply to copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for covered benefits. | Requires third-party discounts and payments for individuals covered by health benefits plans to apply to copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for covered benefits. | 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 |
| S4590 | Provides for workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health related communications are confidential. | Provides for workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health related communications are confidential. | In Committee |
| S4632 | Establishes grant program in DOE for public schools to purchase and install point-of-use filtered bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets. | An Act concerning the installation of point-of-use filtered bottle-filling stations and filtered faucets in public schools and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4654 | Provides for publication of required legal notices on government Internet websites and through certain online news publications. | An Act concerning publication of required legal notices, supplementing Title 35 of the Revised Statutes, and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4501 | Concerns authority of owners, agents, or other persons to elect to contract with private on-site inspection agencies to complete inspections under the construction code; provides for charging of inspection fees. | Concerns authority of owners, agents, or other persons to elect to contract with private on-site inspection agencies to complete inspections under the construction code; provides for charging of inspection fees. | In Committee |
| S4499 | Requires defendants, including insurance companies named as defendants, to be properly identified in causes of action. | Requires defendants, including insurance companies named as defendants, to be properly identified in causes of action. | Crossed Over |
| S4603 | Establishes requirements to develop protocols and training for reunification therapy; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the development of curriculum and training in reunification therapy services for mental health professionals licensed in the State. "Reunification therapy services" is defined as a form of therapy to rebuild or reestablish a connection between a parent and child after a distinct period of separation caused by various circumstances, including, but not limited to, incarceration, addiction and subsequent treatment, or as a result of a divorce. The mental health professionals authorized in the bill to provide these services include, among other professionals, physicians with board certifications as psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers. The development and provision of education and training in reunification therapy services is to be provided by: (1) a teaching hospital or health system that includes a children's hospital licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health; (2) a freestanding psychiatric hospital licensed by the New Jersey Department of Health with pediatric acute psychiatric beds; or (3) a residential facility licensed by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. Parties who meet these qualifications are to apply to the Department of Children and Families, who will make the final decision on which applicant is approved to develop the curriculum and training in reunification therapy services. The approved applicant will receive an appropriation of $3 million, with a possible additional sum of $2 million, to assist in the development of the curriculum and training. The bill delineates how the approved applicant is to develop the curriculum and training. In part, it includes consultation with the requisite mental health professional boards and judges presiding over family courts in New Jersey. Data is to be sent by the licensed mental health professionals who provide reunification therapy services to the Department of Children and Families to demonstrate the success rate, or lack thereof, in the use of reunification therapy services. The data is to be made publicly available. | In Committee |
| S1481 | Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club. | This bill prohibits health club services contracts from limiting the liability of the health club to a buyer for injuries caused by or resulting from the negligence of the owner or operator, or an agent or employee of the owner or operator, of the health club. This bill is intended to codify Justice Albin's dissent in the case of Pulice v. Green Brook Sports & Fitness, 236 N.J. 1 (2018); see also Stelluti v. Casapenn, 203 N.J. 286 (2010) (Albin, J., dissenting) (arguing that a contract limiting a health club's liability from its own negligence is void as against public policy). A violation of this bill would be an unlawful practice pursuant to the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), and 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, violations 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 party. | In Committee |
| A5606 | Amends Fiscal Year 2025 annual appropriations act to clarify distribution of Meals on Wheels Program grant to Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. | An Act amending P.L.2024, c.22, the Fiscal Year 2025 annual appropriations act, to clarify distribution of Programs for the Aging funding for the Meals on Wheels Program. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4474 | Amends Fiscal Year 2025 annual appropriations act to clarify distribution of Meals on Wheels Program grant to Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. | The annual appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2025 currently appropriates $500,000 for a grant for the Meals on Wheels Program. This bill amends the appropriations act to specifically allocate these funds to the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey. In its current form, the annual appropriations act for Fiscal Year 2025 appropriates these funds to the Jewish Federation of New Jersey. However, because this is not the official name of an organization, this bill assigns the responsibility for distributing these funds to the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey as intended. | In Committee |
| S4154 | Establishes crime of selling or purchasing marijuana from unlicensed businesses. | This bill establishes the crime of selling or purchasing marijuana from an unlicensed business. Further, the bill establishes the crime of leader of an illegal marijuana business network. Under current law, the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," P.L.2021, c.16 (CREAMMA) provides for the possession, use, and sale of cannabis products for personal use. CREAMMA provides for the legal manufacture and distribution of cannabis products by licensed entities. Under CREAMMA, an unlicensed entity selling cannabis is considered a seller of marijuana and would be subject to criminal penalties under Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. An unlicensed entity that sells marijuana is subject to the provisions of N.J.S.A.2C:35-5, which establishes various penalties for manufacturing, distributing, or dispensing of illegal controlled dangerous substances. This bill establishes additional penalties for the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of marijuana by a business not licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (commission) as a cannabis business. Under the bill, it is a third degree crime for an owner of a business to manufacture, distribute, or dispense any quantity of marijuana. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Further, the bill establishes a second degree crime if a person conspires with others as an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager to engage for profit in a scheme or course of conduct to unlawfully manufacture, distribute, or dispense marijuana through more than one unlicensed businesses. A second degree crime is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A person found guilty of this crime is subject to the presumption of imprisonment established pursuant to subsection d. of N.J.S.A.2C:44-1. Additionally, this bill establishes a disorderly persons offense for knowingly purchasing marijuana from a business that is not licensed by the commission. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both. Finally, the bill permits the State Police, in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General, to close any business that violates this bill or N.J.S.A.2C:35-5 and requires the seizure of any marijuana maintained by the business. | In Committee |
| S4509 | Provides additional licensing eligibility for activities involving intoxicating hemp products. | This bill makes various updates to P.L.2024, c.73 (Intoxicating Hemp Act) related to intoxicating hemp products sold in New Jersey. Several provisions in this bill address issues raised in the October 2024 holding by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Loki Brands, LLC et al. v. Matthew Platkin et al., which held that provisions of P.L.2024, c.73, which regulates the production and sale of intoxicating hemp products, violate the Dormant Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution and are federally preempted. The court held that the enactment is thus unenforceable due to the variable treatment of out-of-state hemp producers and sellers versus in-State hemp producers and sellers. Definitions This bill amends various definitions in the "New Jersey Hemp Farming Act," P.L.2019, c.238 and the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act," P.L.2021, c.16 (CREAMMA). Specifically, the bill updates the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act to add the definition of "non-intoxicating total THC concentration" and "THC." Further, the bill clarifies in the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act, that "hemp product" does not mean: (1) a product that contains artificially or synthetically produced cannabinoids of any kind; (2) a cannabinoid produced using chemical synthesis, chemical modification, chemical conversion process, isomerization, or any other synthesis methodology as may be identified by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (commission); or (3) an intoxicating hemp product. This bill also makes changes to the definitions in CREAMMA. Specifically, the bill clarifies that "intoxicating hemp product" is separate and distinct from a "cannabis item." Moreover, the bill adds the definition of "intoxicating hemp product establishment" and "intoxicating total THC concentration" to CREAMMA. The bill clarifies that a "license" and "licensee" also include a license issued by the commission or a license holder holding a valid license pursuant to the Intoxicating Hemp Act. The bill clarifies that under N.J.S.A.24:21-2, "drugs," "hashish," and "marijuana" do not include intoxicating hemp products, as that term is defined in the Intoxicating Hemp Act, that are produced, manufactured, or sold in accordance with the Intoxicating Hemp Act. Relatedly, the bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:35-2, the definitions section of the "Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987," P.L.1987, c.106, to clarify that terms "drugs," "hashish," and "marijuana" also do not include intoxicating hemp products, as that term is defined in the Intoxicating Hemp Act, that are produced, manufactured, or sold in accordance with the Intoxicating Hemp Act. The bill also amends N.J.S.A.40:48I-1 to apply to licensed establishments, and removes reference to cannabis establishments. The bill defines "licensed establishment" as the holder of a license issued by the commission pursuant to CREAMMA or the Intoxicating Hemp Act. Licensing Intoxicating Hemp Product Establishments In addition to the licensing rules under the Intoxicating Hemp Act, this bill permits the commission to promulgate rules and regulations that: (1) establish a new license type related to intoxicating hemp products; (2) ensure that the intoxicating hemp product market in New Jersey is safe and effective; (3) streamline the application process for any person currently licensed under CREAMMA; and (4) permit out-of-state hemp entities to apply for licensure in this State, provided that standards for licensure in the out-of-state applicant's home state are substantially similar to those of New Jersey. The bill provides that any holder of a plenary wholesale or plenary retail distribution license issued by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) that currently sells intoxicating hemp beverages may continue to do so until the Cannabis Regulatory Commission adopts rules and regulations related to such products. The bill further provides that such ABC licensees must be approved by the commission in accordance with the Intoxicating Hemp Act and this bill within 120 days of the adoption of the rules and regulations in order to continue to sell intoxicating hemp beverages. Prohibitions The bill also prohibits a retailer of an intoxicating hemp product, including an intoxicating hemp beverage, from dispensing or offering for sale a product from a vending machine. Moreover, the bill prohibits direct to consumer sales, including online sales, of intoxicating hemp products. Sales of such products are required to be conducted at the physical location of the licensed premises. Further, the bill prohibits selling or distributing products or samples of products in public spaces, such as sidewalks, public streets, or parks. The bill prohibits the knowing sale of an intoxicating hemp product that is not accompanied by a certificate of analysis issued within the previous six-month period by a laboratory in compliance with testing standards as established by the commission. Finally, the bill prohibits the holder of any valid and unrevoked plenary wholesale license or plenary distribution license from selling or distributing any product besides intoxicating hemp beverages. Any employees of such licensees are also required to participate in the education program developed and implemented by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. Federal Law The bill provides that nothing in this bill, nor the Intoxicating Hemp Act, prohibit the transportation or shipment of hemp or hemp products through the State which is authorized by subtitle G of the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1945, in accordance with 7 U.S.C. s.1639o et seq. Taxes and Excise Fee The bill subjects the sale of intoxicating hemp products to the Sales and Use Tax in the State. The bill directs that tax revenue will be split evenly: (1) 50 percent of the all revenue generated from such tax is deposited into the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund," established under N.J.S.A.24:6I-50; and (2) 50 percent of the revenue generated from such tax is deposited into a special nonlapsing account in the State General Fund. The bill, based upon the definitional changes to the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act and CREAMMA, amends N.J.S.A.40:48I-1 to clarify that a municipality may adopt an ordinance imposing a transfer tax on the sale of cannabis, cannabis items, or intoxicating hemp products. The bill imposes a $30 excise fee on the transfer of intoxicating hemp products, not including intoxicating hemp beverages, from a manufacturer to a retailer of such products. The bill imposes an excise tax in the amount of $5.50 per gallon on the sale of intoxicating hemp beverages. Such tax is levied and imposed on the sale of any intoxicating hemp beverage made within this State or upon any delivery of intoxicating hemp beverages made within or into this State. The per-gallon tax and $30 excise fee imposed on intoxicating hemp products is intended to fund social equity programs. Background Checks The bill permits the commission to require any person who seeks a license under the Intoxicating Hemp Act to undergo a background check. This includes any person involved in the intoxicating hemp product establishment's operations, including any owner, director, officer, or employee. Prior to conducting a criminal history background check, an individual must consent to such check being conducted. If a person refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, the securing of a background check, the commission is prohibited from considering such person for licensure to conduct activities related to the manufacture, distribution, or sale of intoxicating hemp products. The commission is prohibited from disqualifying an applicant for licensure based on certain past convictions, including for those cannabis-related or controlled dangerous substance offenses set forth under CREAMMA. However, convictions for indictable offenses involving fraud, deceit, or embezzlement, or the use of minors in a drug scheme may be deemed to be disqualifying, if the offense occurred within the last five years. The commission is required to provide written notification to an applicant if the licensure to conduct intoxicating hemp activities is denied. If the denial is based on a prior conviction, the commission is required to provide written notification to the applicant indicating the conviction. The bill requires the Division of State Police to notify the commission if any person who was subject to a criminal history background check commits an offense subsequent to the time that the background check for application for licensure was completed. Employer Rights The bill clarifies that nothing in the bill: (1) requires an employer to amend or repeal, or affect, restrict, or preempt, the rights and obligations of employers to maintain a drug- and alcohol-free workplace or require an employer to permit or accommodate the use, consumption, being under the influence, possession, transfer, display, transportation, or sale of intoxicating hemp products, including intoxicating hemp beverages in the workplace, or to affect the ability of the employers to have policies prohibiting the use of intoxicating hemp products or intoxication by employees during work hours. (2) is intended to allow driving under the influence of intoxicating hemp products, or driving while impaired by intoxicating hemp products or to supersede laws related to driving under the influence of intoxicating hemp products or driving while impaired by intoxicating hemp products; or (3) is intended to permit the transfer of intoxicating hemp products, with or without remuneration, to a person under 21 years of age or to allow a person under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, use, transport, or consume intoxicating hemp products; provided, however, that a person who is under 21 years of age, but at least 18 years of age, and an employee of intoxicating hemp product manufacturer or distributor, or delivery service acting in the person's employment capacity, may possess or transport intoxicating hemp products. Effective Date This bill amends the Intoxicating Hemp Act effective date to delay certain provisions of the Intoxicating Hemp Act to not take effect until 120 days after the commission adopts rules and regulations pursuant to the Intoxicating Hemp Act and this bill. | In Committee |
| S4018 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children. | 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) and the State Medicaid program to provide benefits to any covered person for medical expenses incurred relating to screening, prevention, and treatment of behavioral health issues in children. Carriers and the State Medicaid program are required to accept and reimburse claims for screening, prevention, and treatment using an at-risk diagnosis. As used in the bill, an "at-risk diagnosis" is a diagnosis made after consideration of factors influencing behavioral health and child development, such as family circumstances or life challenges, that does not lead to a formal mental health diagnosis and instead, promotes preventive care. Allowing providers to bill for an "at-risk diagnosis" authorizes providers to use an alternative code, including a Social Determinants of Health Z-code, to the codes of the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood when billing for services, without a formal mental health diagnosis for children who are 18 years of age or younger. | In Committee |
| S2285 | Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses. | This bill establishes licensing requirements for landscape professionals. As defined in the bill, "landscape professional" means a person who installs, renovates, or maintains all or any part of the exterior or interior landscape environment and includes persons engaged in each of the landscape categories. The bill defines "landscape category" as an area of specialization of a landscape professional which includes: landscape management professional; landscape installation professional; and landscape lighting professional. The bill creates the Landscape Professional License Review Committee, which is to be overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Architects. The board currently regulates architecture and landscape architecture. The committee shall consist of 10 members who are residents of the State. Seven of these members, including the public member, will have voting rights and four of the members with voting rights will constitute a quorum. In addition, the bill requires the committee to establish continuing education requirements for licensed landscape professionals to complete as a condition of biennial licensure renewal. The bill also stipulates that every professional landscaping business is to register biennially with the committee as a requirement of doing business in this State. Moreover, the bill requires all landscaping contracts in excess of $500 to be in writing and to be in clear and understandable language. The bill permits a consumer to cancel a landscaping contract for any reason at any time before midnight of the third business day after the consumer receives a copy of the contract. The bill requires that the contract contain a conspicuous notice on the consumer's right to cancel. The bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to establish and undertake a public information campaign to educate and inform landscape professionals and consumers of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires the committee to provide a toll-free telephone number for consumers making inquiries regarding landscape professionals and professional landscaping business. | In Committee |
| S2332 | Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints. | This bill allows a complaint for guardianship of a minor who is anticipated to require a guardian upon attaining the age of 18 to be filed six months before the minor attains the age of 18. The bill also establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints in general. Under current law, once a child reaches age 18, a parent or other appropriate person may file a complaint for guardianship. However, if proceedings are delayed and a guardian is not yet appointed, the young person is left without the legal protection of a parent, other appropriate person, or appointed guardian, until such time as the guardian is actually appointed. Allowing guardianship proceedings to be initiated in advance will help avoid potential administrative or procedural delays and ensure a seamless transition as the minor turns age 18. Under the bill, an order of guardianship entered before a minor is 18 would not take effect until the day the minor turns 18. The bill additionally specifies that a complaint for adjudication of incapacity and appointment of a guardian shall not be withdrawn absent a showing that the alleged incapacitated person is deceased or has capacity. The showing of capacity does not require medical evidence but may, in the court's discretion, be satisfied by testimony of a witness with knowledge of the alleged incapacitated person's condition and circumstances. | Passed |
| S3560 | Enters New Jersey into Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. | Enters New Jersey into Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. | In Committee |
| S4373 | Makes various changes to provisions of "Administrative Procedure Act"; establishes Commission on Efficiency and Regulatory Review in Office of Administrative Law. | This bill would make various changes to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), which establishes the procedures by which State agencies adopt rules and regulations. The bill would also establish a "Commission on Efficiency and Regulatory Review" to review rules and regulations and Executive Orders issued, respectively, by a State agency or by the Governor. In addition, the bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to convey certain information regarding permit issuances to the Legislature. The bill would establish the Commission on Efficiency and Regulatory Review in the Office of Administrative Law in the Department of the Treasury. The commission would be chaired by a member of the public appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and would be composed of various members of the Executive Branch and the Legislature, or their designees. Section 2 of the bill would establish the duties of the commission, including to review all proposed and adopted rules and regulations and operative Executive Orders issued by the Governor to: assess their potential or actual effects on the State's economy; determine whether their costs and other burdens on businesses, workers, and local governments outweigh their intended benefits; and establish a basis for providing recommendations to the Governor for the amendment, rescission, or repeal of any rules, regulations, or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, and local governments. The bill would also amend P.L.1991, c.423 (C.13:1D-105), which established a three-year requirement for the DEP to provide an annual report to the Legislature on DEP permit applications and issuances, in order to make this requirement permanent. Finally, the bill would amend the "Administrative Procedure Act" to: (1) require the socio-economic impact statement that accompanies proposed rules to include an assessment of the proposed rule's effects on the State's economy; (2) require proposed rules to be accompanied by a cost-benefit analysis; (3) require State agencies to use the best available science, data, and studies when formulating the various rulemaking impact statements that are required under law; (4) require the Office of Administrative Law to review and certify the adequacy of rulemaking impact statements; (5) require State agencies to file a statement of intent for each rule proposal at least 90 days prior to the formal notice of action for the rule proposal, and to accept public comment on the rule proposal; (6) require that, in order to make substantive changes to a rule proposal upon adoption, the potential changes are a logical outgrowth of the proposed rule; otherwise a new rule must be adopted; (7) allow State agencies to extend existing rules with no changes or technical changes using an expedited process only if the rule extension proposal receives no adverse comments from the public. If the proposal receives adverse public comment, the agency would be required to readopt the rules using the ordinary process under the "Administrative Procedure Act"; and (8) clarify that rule extensions with substantive changes are required to be effectuated using the ordinary process under the "Administrative Procedure Act," not an expedited process. | In Committee |
| S2791 | Requires State to provide recipients of State tax refunds, unemployment insurance benefits and State employee compensation certain payment options. | This bill requires certain State payments to be made available to recipients in the form of a paper check. Under the bill, the appropriate state agencies are required to provide State employees, taxpayers, and unemployment insurance (UI) benefit claimants the option to receive their payment in the form of a paper check. With respect to UI benefit payments, the bill requires the Division of Unemployment and Temporary Disability Insurance to provide UI claimants with written notice of benefit payment options. The written notice requires a claimant's signature designating his benefit payment method as prepaid debit card, direct deposit, or paper check. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development has already entered a partnership with Bank of America to provide debit card accounts to UI claimants. Beginning November 1, 2010, the department began automatically converting claimants who receive benefits by paper check to prepaid debit cards. At this time, paper checks are no longer issued to claimants. Currently, a claimant will automatically receive a debit card, unless he chooses to register for direct deposit. This bill ensures that claimants may opt to receive benefit payments in the form of a paper check as an alternative to prepaid debit cards or direct deposit. With respect to State employee compensation, the bill requires the State Treasurer to disburse a State employee's net pay in the form indicated in writing by the employee. If an employee indicates, in writing to the proper disbursing officer, his desire to have his net pay disbursed in the form of a paper check the State Treasurer shall disburse the employee's net pay in the form indicated by the employee. This provision would apply to all State entities, including any person holding public office, position or employment, whose compensation is paid by the State or by any board, body, agency, authority or commission thereof, whether or not the entity is part of the State centralized payroll system including public institutions of higher education. The bill also provides that the Director of the Division of Taxation shall provide a taxpayer due a refund of any State tax payment the option of receiving the refund in the form of a paper check. | In Committee |
| S4170 | Designates State House Complex Welcome Center as "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center." | An Act designating the State House Complex Welcome Center as the "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center" and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4144 | Clarifies installation of ignition interlock devices for certain DWI offenses. | An Act clarifying time frames of ignition interlock devices and amending R.S.39:4-50. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3540 | Establishes criminal penalties for production or dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." | An Act establishing civil and criminal penalties for the production and dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media and supplementing Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3610 | Requires Department of Treasury and DHS to annually identify State funds available for NJ FamilyCare and child care services, evaluate programs, and create prioritized list of initiatives to improve quality of care under programs. | Requires Department of Treasury and DHS to annually identify State funds available for NJ FamilyCare and child care services, evaluate programs, and create prioritized list of initiatives to improve quality of care under programs. | Crossed Over |
| A4757 | Permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations. | An Act permitting amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations and supplementing the "Amusement Games Licensing Law," P.L.1959, c.109 (C.5:8-100 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4707 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus certain real property and improvements in City of Camden in Camden County. | An Act authorizing the State Treasurer to sell certain surplus real property and improvements owned by the State in the City of Camden, Camden County, and repealing P.L.2013, c.22. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5116 | Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections. | An Act concerning the design and use of primary election ballots and primary election procedures, supplementing Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, amending various parts of the statutory law, and repealing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5039 | Requires Division of Pensions and Benefits to provide report on available funds in local government part of SHBP prior to transferring funds from State part of SHBP; requires monthly reporting on certain assets in SHBP. | Requires Division of Pensions and Benefits to provide report on available funds in local government part of SHBP prior to transferring funds from State part of SHBP; requires monthly reporting on certain assets in SHBP. | Vetoed |
| S3837 | Requires NJ FamilyCare to reimburse inpatient providers for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs at outpatient reimbursement rate. | This bill requires that NJ FamilyCare reimbursement for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs administered in an inpatient setting be separate and distinct from any reimbursement issued to an inpatient provider based on a Diagnostic Related Group reimbursement system. Additionally, under the bill, the inpatient reimbursement rate of these drugs is mandated to be equal to the identical drug's NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate when administered in an outpatient setting. Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs can treat and manage symptoms of major psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for up to 24 weeks with a single dose. While expensive medications, these drugs have significant benefits for the patient and health care system, including: improved medication adherence, reduced hospitalizations and need for medical intervention, and improved clinical outcomes. Currently, NJ Family Care uses Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs) to reimburse inpatient providers, such as general acute care hospitals, a fixed amount for inpatient services. DRGs are a classification system that group hospital services based on similar diagnoses and procedures, as well as age, sex, and discharge status, in order to determine a reimbursement rate. Reimbursement for the administration of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic drug in an inpatient setting is included within this payment; however, the high cost of these drugs is not considered in the methodology that establishes the DRG payment amount. Alternatively, the reimbursement rate for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs in an outpatient setting is largely based on the ingredient cost of the drug. Therefore, the provisions of the bill ensure that inpatient providers receive a reimbursement payment for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs that is more closely reflective of the cost of the drug. In doing so, it is the sponsor's goal that the bill will increase access to these drugs, when clinically appropriate, within inpatient settings and improve health care outcomes, while simultaneously reducing inpatient readmission rates, for individuals with serious mental illness. | In Committee |
| SR126 | Condemns U.S. House of Representatives for passage of budget resolution cutting $1.5 trillion from federal budget and urges U.S. Senate to reject House resolution. | This Senate Resolution condemns the United States House of Representatives for passage of a budget resolution, on February 25, 2025, cutting $1.5 trillion over ten years from the federal budget and respectfully urges the United States Senate to reject this House resolution. The budget resolution specifically targets $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee which regulates public healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, $330 billion from the Education and Workforce Committee which routinely legislates matters on education funding, and $230 billion from the Agriculture Committee whose purview includes the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Given the size and scope of the desired cuts, as well as budget documents circulated by House leadership, policy experts believe that these cuts are aimed at or will ultimately fall on critical safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. In New Jersey, approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate- income people rely on NJ FamilyCare, which encompasses the Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program, to cover their healthcare needs. Funding reductions of this size would have severe consequences for these enrollees, as well as the provider community who deliver the critical healthcare services under the program. Approximately 830,000 low-income residents in New Jersey receive SNAP benefits, which provides them with the resources needed to feed their families. It is anticipated that federal funding cuts to SNAP under the House budget resolution would be realized by limiting benefits, restricting eligibility, or some combination of both of these actions; thereby, significantly reducing the number of residents who receive support from this program. | In Committee |
| S3735 | Extends certain provisions of P.L.2022, c.9. | An Act concerning the mandatory retirement age of police chiefs and fire department chiefs and amending P.L.2022, c.9. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3516 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus certain real property and improvements in City of Camden in Camden County. | In 2009, the Riverfront State Prison was closed. A law enacted in 2013, P.L.2013, c.22, authorized the sale and conveyance of that property by the Department of the Treasury to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority so that the authority could sell the property in accordance with specific procedures set forth by the State House Commission at a meeting held on November 22, 2010. The authority has been unable to sell the property following the process set forth at that meeting, and therefore never received the title for the property from the State. This bill again requires the sale of the property by the State and will allow the authority to follow its standard real estate development process as it pertains to the sale and conveyance of the property it receives from the State and the City of Camden. This bill authorizes the State Treasurer to sell and convey all of the State's interest within the former Riverfront State Prison in the City of Camden, Camden County a 16± acres parcel of land and all improvements. The property has been declared to be surplus to the needs of the State. A portion of the land referred to as the NJEDA Site will be sold and conveyed to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and a portion of the land referred to as the City Site will be sold and conveyed to the City of Camden. The NJEDA Site will be sold and conveyed to the authority for the lesser of $5,000,000 or the appraised value at the time of the sale. The City Site will be sold and conveyed to the City of Camden for one dollar, on the condition that the city sell and convey the city's right, title, and interest in and to the Southwest Site to the authority. The bill requires the authority, in consultation with the City of Camden and the Department of the Treasury, to determine the boundaries of the NJEDA Site and the City Site. The conveyance of real property by the State Treasurer to the authority and the city will not require the approval of the State House Commission or any further approval of the Legislature. The authority can thereafter sell the NJEDA Site and the Southwest Site in accordance with terms and conditions set by the authority. The NJEDA Site, City Site, and Southwest Site are defined in the bill. This bill repeals P.L.2013, c.22 which authorized the sale of the site of the former Riverfront State Prison in the City of Camden as State surplus property to the NJEDA for public auction to a prequalified developer. | In Committee |
| S4142 | Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections. | Revises design of primary election ballots and certain primary election procedures; provides for ballots to be arranged by office block; removes State committee members from primary process; requires reporting on primary elections by Division of Elections. | In Committee |
| S2873 | Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information on SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation. | This bill directs the Commissioners of Human Services and Health, respectively, to provide information to certain benefit recipients regarding card skimming and cloning and to replace stolen benefits under fraudulent circumstances. Specifically, the Commissioner of Human Services is responsible for implementing these provisions for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Work First New Jersey Program (WFNJ), while the Commissioner of Health is responsible for implementing the provisions for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill also appropriates the necessary funds to the departments to support the provisions of the bill. As used under the bill, "skimming" means the illegal installation of devices on point-of-sale or automatic teller machine terminals to capture a cardholder's personal identification number and other data stored on the magnetic strip of the electronic benefits transfer card; and "card cloning" means making an unauthorized copy of an electronic benefits transfer card. Under the bill, each commissioner is to provide information to program recipients regarding the: risks of card skimming, card cloning, and similar fraudulent methods; precautions a recipient can take to avoid falling victim to fraudulent methods; claims process, established under the bill, through which a recipient can have stolen benefits replaced; and process by which a recipient can report stolen to the appropriate department or to local law enforcement agencies. This information is to be distributed to recipients, at a minimum, at the point of enrollment and recertification in the program and with the issuance of the recipient's electronic benefits transfer card. Each commissioner is also required to post the information on the department's website and at eligibility determining offices. The bill mandates the commissioners to establish a claims process, that mirrors the provisions of federal law regarding the replacement of stolen SNAP benefits, by which a recipient's stolen program benefits can be replaced by either federal or State funds, subject to availability. The bill also directs the commissioners to coordinate with vendors to implement available precautions to reduce the vulnerability of electronic benefits transfer cards to theft, such as the inclusion of an embedded microchip in all electronic benefits transfer cards Finally, the commissioners are required to report to the Governor and the Legislature, 18 months following the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, data regarding stolen and replaced program benefits, as collected under the bill, as well as any other information that demonstrates the departments' efforts to protect recipients from fraud. | In Committee |
| S2544 | Establishes criminal penalties for production or dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." | Establishes criminal penalties for production or dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." | In Committee |
| S4074 | Makes certain changes related to application and licensing for sale of cannabis, Cannabis Regulatory Commission activity, municipal ordinances, and alternative treatment centers. | This bill makes various changes to the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act" (CREAMMA) and the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act" (Medical Cannabis Act). Municipal Medical Cannabis Limitations Under the bill, a municipality may not prohibit the operation of a retailer of cannabis items by any medical cannabis dispensary issued a permit pursuant to the Medical Cannabis Act that has been opened and operating without any violation, or notice thereof, for a period of not less than 180 days. Under current law, a municipality may impose separate local licensing or endorsement requirements as a part of its restrictions on the number of operations of cannabis licensees, or their location, manner, or times of operation. Under the bill, a restriction on the number or location of cannabis licensees operating in a municipality does not apply to any medicinal cannabis retailer operating as of the effective date of the CREAMMA. The bill also prohibits the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (commission) from requiring municipal review, consent, or approval as a condition of issuing a Class 5 Retailer License to a medical cannabis dispensary issued a permit pursuant to the Medical Cannabis Act, which is also applying for approval or renewal of a Class 5 Retailer License pursuant to CREAMMA that is proposed to be co-located on the premises of an existing medical cannabis dispensary in a municipality that permits the retail sale of medical cannabis, but not the retail sale of adult-use cannabis items. Any prior approval authorizing the medical cannabis dispensary to lawfully operate on the premises shall be deemed to authorize the Class 5 Cannabis Retailer use at the same location for all purposes. Commission Application Determinations Under current law and commission regulations, the commission has 30 days to make a determination on a completed conditional license, and 90 days to make a determination on a completed annual license application. Before the expiration of these periods, the commission may make a determination that it requires more time to adequately review the application. Under the bill, if the commission determines that it requires more time to adequately review an application, the commission is required to, not more than 30 days after a determination for more time to review, make a determination as to whether the application is approved or denied, effectively establishing a cap on the total amount of time the commission has to make a decision on an application. Commission Application Review Under the bill, the commission will no longer establish a point scale and rank applicants based on that score. The bill also removes the requirement that certain documents be submitted for commission review, and establishes that the commission may require such documents be included for review. The bill establishes that the commission is no longer required to verify that the following information be contained in an application: (1) a business plan and management operation profile for the proposed cannabis establishment, distributor, or delivery service; or (2) the plan by which the applicant intends to obtain appropriate liability insurance coverage for the cannabis establishment, distributor, or delivery service. The bill removes the requirement that the commission give greater weight to certain applicants when evaluating the experience of an applicant. The bill also removes the requirement that the commission give special consideration to any applicant that has entered into an agreement with an institute of higher education to create an integrated curriculum. Further, the bill permits the commission to give an applicant a certain amount of time, determined by the commission, to comply with additional conditions, outside of those which were required for licensure, rather than limiting that period to 45 days. Municipal Ordinance Portal The bill requires the commission to create and maintain an online portal. The online portal is required to maintain a centralized municipal portal that includes any ordinance or regulation related to the medical or adult-use cannabis markets that a municipality has adopted in this State. Any municipality that passes a regulation, ordinance, or any change to a regulation or ordinance is required to submit the regulation or ordinance to the commission for purposes of maintaining this information. The centralized municipal portal will be accessible to the public. Family Applicants or License Holder This bill prohibits the commission from prohibiting a family member, other than a spouse, of a license applicant or license holder from also becoming a license applicant or license holder. This is intended to invalidate N.J.A.C.17:30-6.8, which prohibits family members of a license applicant or license holder from also becoming such. Alternative Treatment Centers (ATC) The bill permits ATCs to redesignate products as either medical or adult-use cannabis at any point in its supply chain, provided that the ATC holds the appropriate license at the point of redesignation. | In Committee |
| S4072 | Invalidates certain arbitration agreements. | This bill invalidates the enforcement of certain arbitration agreements. Specifically, the bill provides that an agreement to submit to arbitration, contained in a contractual relationship consented to by a consumer and a business entity, will not be valid if the business entity or consumer seeks to apply the agreement to a dispute that is unrelated to the terms of the contract and would be invalidated by generally applicable contract defenses found at law or in equity if applied. | 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 |
| S3456 | Permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations. | This bill permits amusement games licenses to be issued to certain nonprofit organizations. Under the bill, a charitable organization determined by the federal Internal Revenue Service to be a tax exempt organization pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, would be eligible to be issued an amusement games license pursuant to the "Amusement Games Licensing Law," to conduct amusement games at festivals, carnivals, or fairs held for the benefit of, or sponsored by, the tax exempt organization, provided that all other requirements for licensure to conduct amusement games are met. Under current law, amusement games are permitted to be conducted by licensed entities at locations that include certain entertainment venues of the licensee, recognized amusement parks, seashore or other resort areas constituting amusement or entertainment areas, and at agricultural fairs, 4-H Clubs or exhibitions. Qualified organizations are licensed by the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Licensed entities are additionally subject to licensing by municipalities that have approved the conduct of amusement games within their boundaries. | In Committee |
| S4043 | Increases access to substance use disorder treatment; Requires Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations. | This bill expands access to substance use disorder treatment in the State by revising various laws and regulations concerning substance use disorder and opioid treatment programs and establishing Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by community-based organizations. The bill clarifies current law to remove language concerning an outdated certificate of need requirement for a substance use disorder treatment center located within 500 feet from any building in this State used for the instruction of children between the ages of five and 18 years. The bill provides that an opioid treatment program may voluntarily establish a medication unit that will be associated with a single primary opioid treatment program that will oversee the unit's operations. All required services that cannot be performed at the medication unit will be performed by the primary opioid treatment program. A medication unit may provide the following services if it provides appropriate privacy and adequate space: intake and initial psychosocial and appropriate medical assessments; initiation of medication-assisted treatment including, but not limited to, methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone; and telecounseling services. The bill provides that an opioid treatment program:· will not be required to engage, employ, or contract with a pharmacist;· may only require a patient to receive a minimum of eight random drug screenings per year;· will provide or coordinate harm reduction services for each patient as appropriate to the patient's treatment plan; and· will establish a counseling schedule for each patient based on an individualized treatment plan approved and documented by the patient's multidisciplinary treatment team. The bill provides that a patient will not be precluded from receiving treatment or medication for opioid use disorder from an opioid treatment program solely on the basis of the patient's refusal of counseling. The bill provides that an opioid treatment program's discharge policy may not permit the administrative discharge of a patient due to missed doses, non-participation, and continued illicit substance use, except under certain circumstances as outlined in the bill. The bill permits a patient to receive treatment from another opioid treatment program under certain conditions provided under the bill. The bill establishes certain Medicaid coverage for substance use disorder services provided by a licensed community-based organization. The bill requires the Commissioner of Health, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, to establish standards and requirements for the licensure of community-based organizations and for the provision of substance use disorder services by licensed community-based organizations. Under the bill, the commissioner will establish a program to provide training and technical assistance to help community-based organizations meet any licensure and provider enrollment standards established by the commissioner and the Medicaid program. | In Committee |
| A5152 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | An Act concerning the date of the June 2025 primary election and adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3851 | Requires Division of Pensions and Benefits to provide report on available funds in local government part of SHBP prior to transferring funds from State part of SHBP; requires monthly reporting on certain assets in SHBP. | This bill would make amendments to provisions of law adopted by Assembly Bill No. A4999 or Senate Bill No. 3838 of 2024/2025. This bill would require the Division of Pensions and Benefits to report to the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) on the claims payable, available fund balance, and anticipated premiums for the local part of the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) prior to transferring funds from the State part of SHBP to such local parts. Beginning 30 days after the effective date of the bill, the division would also be required to report to the SHBC, on a monthly basis, the funds available in both the State and local parts of SHBP, including cash balances, claims costs incurred, and premiums collected. | In Committee |
| S3965 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | In Committee |
| S3957 | Allows public bodies to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until certain specified date regardless of format. | Allows public bodies to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until certain specified date regardless of format. | Crossed Over |
| S3960 | Makes certain changes related to application and licensing for sale of cannabis, Cannabis Regulatory Commission activity, municipal ordinances, and alternative treatment centers. | This bill makes various changes to the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act" (CREAMMA) and the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act" (Medical Cannabis Act). Municipal Medical Cannabis Limitations Under the bill, a municipality may not prohibit the operation of a retailer of cannabis items by any medical cannabis dispensary issued a permit pursuant to the Medical Cannabis Act that has been opened and operating without any violation, or notice thereof, for a period of not less than 180 days. Under current law, a municipality may impose separate local licensing or endorsement requirements as a part of its restrictions on the number of operations of cannabis licensees, or their location, manner, or times of operation. Under the bill, a restriction on the number or location of cannabis licensees operating in a municipality does not apply to any medicinal cannabis retailer operating as of the effective date of the CREAMMA. The bill also prohibits the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (commission) from requiring municipal review, consent, or approval as a condition of issuing a Class 5 Retailer License to a medical cannabis dispensary issued a permit pursuant to the Medical Cannabis Act, which is also applying for approval or renewal of a Class 5 Retailer License pursuant to CREAMMA that is proposed to be co-located on the premises of an existing medical cannabis dispensary in a municipality that permits the retail sale of medical cannabis, but not the retail sale of adult-use cannabis items. Any prior approval authorizing the medical cannabis dispensary to lawfully operate on the premises shall be deemed to authorize the Class 5 Cannabis Retailer use at the same location for all purposes. Commission Application Determinations Under current law and commission regulations, the commission has 30 days to make a determination on a completed conditional license, and 90 days to make a determination on a completed annual license application. Before the expiration of these periods, the commission may make a determination that it requires more time to adequately review the application. Under the bill, if the commission determines that it requires more time to adequately review an application, the commission is required to, not more than 30 days after a determination for more time to review, make a determination as to whether the application is approved or denied, effectively establishing a cap on the total amount of time the commission has to make a decision on an application. Commission Application Review Under the bill, the commission will no longer establish a point scale and rank applicants based on that score. The bill also removes the requirement that certain documents be submitted for commission review, and establishes that the commission may require such documents be included for review. The bill establishes that the commission is no longer required to verify that the following information be contained in an application: (1) a business plan and management operation profile for the proposed cannabis establishment, distributor, or delivery service; or (2) the plan by which the applicant intends to obtain appropriate liability insurance coverage for the cannabis establishment, distributor, or delivery service. The bill removes the requirement that the commission give greater weight to certain applicants when evaluating the experience of an applicant. The bill also removes the requirement that the commission give special consideration to any applicant that has entered into an agreement with an institute of higher education to create an integrated curriculum. Further, the bill permits the commission to give an applicant a certain amount of time, determined by the commission, to comply with additional conditions, outside of those which were required for licensure, rather than limiting that period to 45 days. Municipal Ordinance Portal The bill requires the commission to create and maintain an online portal. The online portal is required to maintain a centralized municipal portal that includes any ordinance or regulation related to the medical or adult-use cannabis markets that a municipality has adopted in this State. Any municipality that passes a regulation, ordinance, or any change to a regulation or ordinance is required to submit the regulation or ordinance to the commission for purposes of maintaining this information. The centralized municipal portal will be accessible to the public. Family Applicants or License Holder This bill prohibits the commission from prohibiting a family member, other than a spouse, of a license applicant or license holder from also becoming a license applicant or license holder. This is intended to invalidate N.J.A.C.17:30-6.8, which prohibits family members of a license applicant or license holder from also becoming such. Alternative Treatment Centers (ATC) The bill permits ATCs to redesignate products as either medical or adult-use cannabis at any point in its supply chain, provided that the ATC holds the appropriate license at the point of redesignation. | In Committee |
| S3949 | Allows persons operating bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, or low-speed electric scooter involved in accident to be eligible for personal injury protection benefits; requires crash reports for accidents. | This bill provides that the operator of a bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is a "pedestrian" for purposes of determining eligibility for personal injury protection benefits under an automobile insurance policy. Under current law, only certain persons, including those who are "pedestrians," are eligible to receive personal injury protection benefits for injuries resulting from a motor vehicle accident. The term "pedestrian" is defined in current law to mean any person who is not occupying, entering into, or alighting from a vehicle propelled by other than muscular power and designed primarily for use on highways, rails and tracks. This bill is in response to a recent decision by the New Jersey Supreme Court, Goyco v. Progressive Ins. Co., A-12-23, 088497, 2024 N.J. Lexis 388 (May 14, 2024), in which the Court determined that the operator of a low-speed electric scooter is not a "pedestrian" and is therefore ineligible for personal injury protection benefits. In addition, the bill incorporates low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters into the various parts of existing law requiring crash reports. | In Committee |
| S3611 | Provides grant to study and map mental health care resources for children; makes appropriation. | An Act concerning mental health services for children, supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3492 | Creates "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to strengthen access to reproductive health care. | This bill implements various measures to strengthen access to reproductive health care services in the State and establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to address those purposes. The fund will be used for the following purposes: (1 "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program"; (2) "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program"; and (3) "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program". The purpose of the "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program" established in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety will be to protect access to reproductive health care by ensuring that there are sufficient number of health care professionals to provide reproductive health care services. For instance, the program will ensure that the coordinating organization has demonstrated experience in coordinating health care training programs for reproductive health care services and family planning services. The coordinating organization will also be responsible for administering grants to develop and sustain reproductive health care services. The bill provides that the "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will make available grants to eligible reproductive health care facilities which the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness determines are at a high risk of being the target of unlawful activity, including acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, cyber attacks, and harassment. Grants provided under the program will be used to hire security personnel and target-hardening equipment. Further, the "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program" will award loans to eligible reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care services. Under the bill, loans awarded will be used to support establishing or renovating existing health care facilities, investments in technology to facilitate care, the recruitment and retention of staff, and other operational needs that increase reproductive health care services. The bill requires that the Department of Health conduct a Statewide needs assessment to examine the gaps in access and delivery of reproductive health care services in the State, including the impact that out-of-State restrictions have had on the need for reproductive health care services and the provider network in the State. Finally, the bill appropriates monies from the General Fund, subject to availability, to the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund." The FY 2024 Appropriations Act includes a $5 million appropriation for OBGYN Clinical Training Program to provide training to licensed members of the health care community. Another $5 million in FY 2024 is appropriated for the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program toward securing clinics. These grants support reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care with target hardening support. The FY 2024 Governor's Budget recommends language in which the Office of Homeland Security Preparedness will receive reimbursement to administer the grant. | In Committee |
| S3493 | Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. | This bill requires health care providers, business associates of a covered entity, and carriers to receive affirmative written consent in order to disclose a patient's or covered person's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. Under the bill: "health care provider" means an individual or entity which, acting within the scope of its licensure or certification, provides a health care service; a "business associate of a covered entity" means the same as those terms are defined under federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act" rules, or a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities that involve the use or disclosure of protected health information on behalf of, or provides services to, health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers; "carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State; and "reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system including, but not limited to, services relating to pregnancy, contraception, or termination of a pregnancy. Specifically, this bill prohibits a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier from intentionally sharing, selling, using for marketing, or otherwise disclosing any personally identifiable medical information regarding reproductive health care services for any purpose not necessary to provide, or pay benefits for, those services, without the affirmative written consent of the patient or the covered person, or an authorized legal representative. Under the bill, "Medical information" includes information that is acquired using in-person or telephone communication, submitted documentation, a mobile application, an Internet website, or a wearable device. Further, "affirmative written consent" means a freely given, specific agreement collected on a standalone form, which clearly states to the patient how records containing medical information could be used and to whom the contents of the records could be disclosed, and allows the patient to refuse consent for specific disclosures. The bill further mandates that a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier are required to inform a patient or a covered person, or authorized legal representative, of the right to withhold such affirmative written consent at or before the time reproductive health care services are rendered or at such time as the covered person discloses any information relating to reproductive health care services that have been previously rendered. The bill allows for disclosure without affirmative written consent under certain circumstances. These exceptions include when disclosure is: 1) to medical personnel to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency; 2) to the extent that the health care provider or carrier is a covered entity and the disclosure is made to a business associate under a valid business associate agreement; 3) as required to comply with the laws of this State, federal law, or the Rules of Court; 4) pursuant to a court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State upon a showing of good cause; 5) by a health care provider or carrier against whom a claim has been made, for use in the defense of the action or proceeding; 6) to certain State entities or licensing boards for records of a patient or covered person in connection with an investigation of a complaint, if the records are related to the complaint; 7) to a federal or State agency charged with investigating known or, in good faith, suspected child abuse, abuse of an elderly individual, abuse of an individual who is incapacitated, or abuse of an individual with a physical or mental disability, if such disclosure is requested in connection with an investigation of abuse that would constitute a crime under the laws of this State and such records are related to such investigation; and 8) pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioners of Health and Banking and Insurance. Under the bill, if a court of competent jurisdiction finds that a health care provider or carrier has violated the provisions of this bill, the court may award damages, computed at a rate of $1,000 per violation, reasonable attorney's fees, and the costs incurred in maintaining that civil action. Finally, nothing contained in the bill is to be construed to limit, diminish, or abrogate the rights of a person under the federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-191 or the obligations of a health care provider or carrier under that law. | In Committee |
| S3494 | Requires four-year public institution of higher education to develop and implement reproductive health services plan; requires county college to develop referral network for reproductive health care services. | This bill requires four-year public institutions of higher education to develop and implement a reproductive health services plan. Pursuant to the bill, the plan is required to include: making available on-campus services provided by health care professionals, or referrals to off-campus services provided by health care professionals or health care facilities, for: obtaining contraception, including non-prescription and prescription emergency contraception and pharmacist authorized, self-administered hormonal contraceptives; services for preventing, testing for, and treating sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; prenatal care; and abortion. The plan is also required to include: methods to provide students with 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception through the student health center, on-campus retail establishments, or vending machines; the provision of evidence-based reproductive health education services provided by the student health center, peer educators, or other health education programs; and the development of a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus health care services located within the county that the four-year institution of higher education is located. The bill also requires county colleges to develop a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus reproductive health care services in the county in which the county college is located in. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services, to develop guidelines to assist public institutions of higher education in developing and implementing a reproductive health services plan and county colleges in developing the referral network. Finally, the bill stipulates that the provisions of the bill are not to be construed to require a public institution of higher education to be a direct provider of reproductive health care services, including abortion. | In Committee |
| S3496 | Provides for voluntary contributions for taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support reproductive health care services. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" and provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund to support equitable access to reproductive health care services for individuals who cannot afford them. Under the bill, the State would be required to annually appropriate the amounts deposited into the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" for distribution, in equal amounts, to the three largest providers of reproductive health care services to Medicaid patients in the State during the previous calendar year, as determined by the Commissioner of Health. The bill requires these monies to be used to provide reproductive health care services to individuals who cannot afford such services. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" to mean medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including services relating to pregnancy or the termination of a pregnancy. | In Committee |
| SJR85 | Designates October of each year as "Menopause Awareness Month" October 11 of each year as "Perimenopause Day," and October 18 of each year as "Postmenopause Day" in New Jersey. | Designates October of each year as "Menopause Awareness Month," October 11 of each year as "Perimenopause Day," and October 18 of each year as "Postmenopause Day" in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S2814 | Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses. | Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses. | 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 |
| S3866 | Establishes task force to examine public school programs and services designed to address student mental health. | This bill establishes the Task Force on Student Mental Health. Under the bill, the task force will consist of 16 members including: the Commissioner of Education; the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; one public member appointed by the President of the Senate and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one public member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; and 10 members appointed by the Governor, including: a school board member, a school principal, a school administrator, an elementary school teacher, a high school teacher, a school counselor, a school social worker, and a school psychologist, all of whom are currently employed in public schools in the State; and two parents of students enrolled in a public school. The task force will study and make recommendations regarding the following:· the identification of public school students who experience depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder;· the evaluation and expansion of counseling programs and services available to students experiencing mental health difficulties, and other programs designed to address issues related to student mental health; · the relationship of student mental health to school safety and security; · the amount of funding that may be necessary for public schools to employ the appropriate staff and to establish new programs or expand existing programs necessary to address student mental health; and· an examination of other states which have implemented programs that have successfully addressed depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder among public school students and reduced the number of students experiencing such difficulties. The bill directs the task force to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of the final report. | In Committee |
| A4706 | Revises statutes implementing certain property tax relief programs pursuant to recommendations promulgated by Stay NJ Task Force. | An Act concerning the Stay NJ property tax benefit program and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3838 | Permits Director of Division of Pensions and Benefits to initiate temporary transfer of funds in certain circumstances. | An Act concerning the State Health Benefits Program and amending and supplementing P.L.1961, c.49. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3693 | Revises statutes implementing certain property tax relief programs pursuant to recommendations promulgated by Stay NJ Task Force. | Revises statutes implementing certain property tax relief programs pursuant to recommendations promulgated by Stay NJ Task Force. | In Committee |
| S507 | Concerns installation, modification, and sale of certain mufflers and exhaust systems; requires inspection of mufflers and exhaust systems. | Concerns installation, modification, and sale of certain mufflers and exhaust systems; requires inspection of mufflers and exhaust systems. | In Committee |
| S2283 | "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"; authorizes production and use of psilocybin to promote health and wellness. | "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"; authorizes production and use of psilocybin to promote health and wellness. | In Committee |
| S3736 | Requires State Treasurer to reimburse county treasurer for defense costs and administrative expenses incurred by county in defending certain lawsuits during supersedure of county prosecutor by Attorney General. | This bill requires the State Treasurer to reimburse the county treasurer for defense costs and administrative expenses incurred by the county in defending civil actions brought against the Attorney General when the Attorney General serves as acting county prosecutor. Under current law, the Attorney General may supersede a county prosecutor when requested by the Governor, a grand jury, or the board of county commissioners. During the supersedure, a representative of the Attorney General's office acts as temporary county prosecutor for the purpose of prosecuting crimes in the county, intervening in investigations, criminal actions, or proceedings, and appearing in court. This bill is in response to a recent case involving an acting county prosecutor serving during supersedure. The acting county prosecutor was sued for discrimination by employees of the county prosecutor's office. The Attorney General refused to defend and indemnify the acting county prosecutor, who was an employee of the Office of the Attorney General and was asked to serve in the role. The Attorney General's refusal was upheld by the Appellate Division. The court held that the law requires the State to defend and indemnify an acting county prosecutor only if a lawsuit is based on law enforcement functions carried out by the acting prosecutor. However, the court ruled, if a lawsuit in question involves administrative functions and not law enforcement functions, as in this case, the State has no obligation to pay the costs of defending the suit. See In re Ruotolo, 2022 N.J. Super. Unpub. LEXIS 624 (App. Div. 2022), cert. den. Matter of Ruotolo, 252 N.J. 176 (2022). Under this bill, the State would be required to defend and indemnify an acting county prosecutor during supersedure in case of a lawsuit based on administrative functions as well. | In Committee |
| S3734 | Permits cannabis retailers to sell certain non-intoxicating products in store. | This bill permits Class 5 Cannabis Retailer licensees to sell certain non-intoxicating products in store. Under the bill, a retailer is permitted to sell non-intoxicating food and beverage products. The sale of non-intoxicating products is prohibited from exceeding 30 percent of the store's annual gross revenues. The 30 percent cap established under the bill does not apply to the sale of coffee or water by the retailer. | In Committee |
| S3612 | Requires DOH to provide grants for women's health research and innovations. | The bill revises the duties of the Office of Women's Health (office) in the Department of Health to provide that the office is to provide grants to organizations, including, but not limited to, community-based organizations and small businesses, to advance innovation and to conduct research and demonstration and evaluation projects concerning women's health. At a minimum, the grants provided under the bill can be used for: (1) research aimed at expanding knowledge and data collection of women's health across their lifespans, which includes the study and analysis of conditions specific to women, conditions that disproportionately impact women, and conditions associated with women's midlife health or that are more likely to occur after menopause, and the treatment of these conditions; (2) research that promotes collaboration across fields and areas of expertise, addresses health disparities and inequities affecting women, and supports the translation of research advancements into improved health outcomes; (3) projects that would develop and strengthen research and data standards concerning women's health; (4) projects that would use innovation funds, challenges, prizes, and other mechanisms to spur innovation in women's health; and (5) investments in innovation to accelerate women's health research including, but not limited to, investments in translational science to convert research findings and discoveries into treatments and interventions that improve women's health outcomes and reduce health disparities. | In Committee |
| A4360 | "New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act"; requires DCA to establish design professional self-certification program. | An Act establishing a design professional self-certification program and supplementing P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4705 | Increases annual assessment on net written premiums of HMOs from five percent to six percent. | An Act concerning the annual assessment on health maintenance organizations and amending P.L.2004, c.49. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4708 | Appropriates $5 million to the Department of State for Cultural Projects. | An Act concerning cultural projects and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4704 | Imposes 2.5 percent corporate transit fee on taxpayers with allocated taxable net income in excess of $10 million under CBT. | An Act establishing a corporate transit fee and supplementing P.L.1945, c.162 (C.54:10A-1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3515 | Eliminates statutory suspension required on collection of hotel and motel occupancy fee if amounts set for annual appropriations of fee revenues for cultural projects are not met. | This bill eliminates the statutory suspension provision imposed on the collection of hotel and motel occupancy fees if amounts set forth in that provision setting an annual minimum level of appropriations of the fee revenues for cultural projects are not met. The bill eliminates the so-called "poison pill" provision which would require the Director of the Division of Taxation to no longer impose the fee payment or collection of the hotel and motel occupancy fee if an annual appropriations act does make the statutory minimum for cultural project appropriations from the fee revenue. | In Committee |
| S3512 | Increases annual assessment on net written premiums of HMOs from five percent to six percent. | This bill increases the annual assessment on net written premiums of HMOs from five percent to six percent. The Governor's Fiscal Year 2025 budget recommendations include enactment of the bill. The Department of the Treasury estimates that the bill will increase gross revenue to the Health Care Subsidy Fund by $83 million. | In Committee |
| S3513 | Imposes 2.5 percent corporate transit fee on taxpayers with allocated taxable net income in excess of $10 million under CBT. | This bill imposes a 2.5 percent surtax, to be called the "Corporate Transit Fee," on certain corporation business tax (CBT) taxpayers that have New Jersey allocated taxable net income in excess of $10 million for privilege periods beginning on and after January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028. The bill defines "allocated taxable net income" to mean the same as the term "taxable net income" is defined in the Corporation Business Tax Act (C.54:10A-1 et seq.) for purposes of calculating a taxpayer's CBT liability. The Corporate Transit Fee would be imposed in addition to the taxpayer's regular CBT liability, except that the surtax would not be imposed on any S corporation or public utility. No credits would be allowed against the corporate transit fee, except for credits for installment payments, estimated payments made with request for an extension of time for filing a return, or overpayments from prior privilege periods. All revenue collected from the Corporate Transit Fee, except for amounts constitutionally dedicated for open space, farmland, and historic preservation, would be deposited into the General Fund and, beginning in State fiscal year 2026, appropriated annually to support New Jersey Transit's operating expenses and to pay for the State's matching funds required to receive federal funding for eligible New Jersey Transit capital projects. | In Committee |
| S3452 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of legally protected health care services. | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of legally protected health care services. | Crossed Over |
| S3402 | "New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act"; requires DCA to establish design professional self-certification program. | "New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act"; requires DCA to establish design professional self-certification program. | In Committee |
| S3495 | Establishes Reproductive Health Care Professionals Loan Redemption Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill establishes the Reproductive Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). The loan redemption program is to provide for the redemption of a portion of a program participant's State, federal, or commercial student loans in exchange for the program participant's service at a site providing reproductive health care services, as approved by the authority. Under the bill, the sites may include sites operated by a nonprofit organizations, hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and other facilities providing reproductive health care services. An approved site under the bill includes sites providing abortion care. To be eligible to participate in the program, an applicant is required to: (1) be a resident of the State; (2) be employed as an eligible reproductive health care professional, defined as a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to provide health care services and who is providing reproductive health care services in the State; and (3) submit an application in a manner determined by the executive director of the HESAA. In selecting program participants, the executive director is required to give preference to applicants employed as an eligible reproductive health care professional in a county facing a shortage of reproductive health care professionals. The bill stipulates that a selected program participant is to enter into a written contract with the authority. The contract is to specify the duration of the program participant's required service and the total amount of student loans to be redeemed in return for the service. Under the bill, loan redemption is to amount to 18 percent of a program participant's qualifying loan amounts in return for one full year of service at an approved site, an additional 26 percent for a second full year of service, an additional 28 percent for a third full year of service, and an additional 28 percent for a fourth full year of service. The total loan redemption for a program participant is not to exceed $200,000. Finally, the bill stipulates that a reproductive health care professional, who is participating in the National Health Services Corps Loan Repayment Program or any other loan redemption program administered by the authority, is not eligible to simultaneously participate in the Reproductive Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program. | 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 |
| S3490 | Codifies authority for certain health care providers to provide abortions and clarifies certain operational requirements for abortion facilities. | This bill codifies the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to provide abortions. Under the bill, physician assistants can perform aspiration abortions consistent with the physician assistant's scope of practice, which can include the administration of sedation consistent with the physician assistant's scope of practice and training and a physician assistant can order, prescribe, dispense, and administer medication abortions. Under the bill, certified nurse midwives and certified midwives can perform aspiration abortions, which may include the administration of moderate sedation, consistent with their scope of practice and training and consistent with regulations of the applicable licensing board. A certified nurse midwife authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c. 97 (C.45:10-18), may order, prescribe, dispense, and administer medication abortions. A certified nurse midwife who is not authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c. 97 (C.45:10-18) or a certified midwife may provide medication abortions if the use of the medication is authorized by a standing order issued by a physician. Under the bill, advanced practice nurses may perform aspiration abortions, which may include the administration of moderate sedation, and administer medication abortions consistent with the advanced practice nurse's scope of practice and training and consistent with regulations of the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The bill provides that an abortion facility will not be required to be an ambulatory surgical facility or a surgical practice license, to the extent that the facility performs abortion procedures that do not require general anesthesia or an operating room, and such services may be performed in procedure rooms. An entity seeking licensure as an ambulatory care facility or a surgical practice at which early aspiration abortions would be performed will not be subject to certain limitations under current law for ambulatory care facilities, so long as the facility or surgical practice adheres to all applicable regulations with respect to the standard of care. | In Committee |
| S2922 | Requires development of single form for use by persons required to file financial disclosure statements with multiple public bodies. | Under current law, requirements to file annual financial disclosure statements are prescribed for certain government officers and employees at all levels of government. At the State level, State officers and employees and special State officers and employees are required to file financial disclosure statements with the State Ethics Commission. At the local government level, local government officers are required to file financial disclosure statements with the Local Finance Board in the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs. School officials are required to file such statements with the School Ethics Commission. The contents of these statements may vary by the applicable law, regulation, or executive order. Therefore, persons who hold multiple government offices or positions, including as volunteers on public boards and commissions, are subject to the respective disclosure requirements for each office or position held, thereby having to file multiple separate financial disclosure statements each year. This bill requires the development of a single form for use by persons required to file multiple financial disclosure statements with various public bodies. Under the bill, the State Ethics Commission, in consultation with the School Ethics Commission and the Local Finance Board, would develop a universal financial disclosure form within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The universal form would be designed to enable any person who is required by law, regulation, or executive order to file a financial disclosure statement with more than one government entity to do so by completing and submitting that single form, including any additional addenda that may be required. Under the bill, the universal form would meet all content requirements for disclosure as stipulated by any applicable law, regulation, or executive order. Furthermore, the bill directs the State Ethics Commission, School Ethics Commission, and Local Finance Board to make the form available on their respective official websites. | In Committee |
| S2290 | Requires State Treasurer to conduct State government office space utilization study and identify savings. | This bill requires the State Treasurer to conduct a State government office space utilization study and identify savings. Under the bill, the State Treasurer, in consultation with the head of each State department and agency in the Executive Branch, is directed to conduct an office space utilization study to assess the current status of space leasing and utilization for State government purposes and identify efficiencies and savings that may be realized under the current hybrid and remote work environment. The report would include, but may not be limited to, an analysis of: (1) the current square footage of office space under ownership or lease by each State department and agency; (2) the percent of office space currently being utilized and occupied for State government purposes; (3) the impacts of remote work and hybrid work on the State government office space needs; (4) potential saving that may be realized by a more efficient use of office space, taking remote and hybrid work into account; and (5) any other factor the State Treasurer deems relevant. The bill directs the State Treasurer to produce the report within 90 days of the effective date of the bill and to transmit a copy to the Governor and the Legislature. The report would include recommendations for how the State may achieve savings and efficiencies in office space utilization. This bill would take effect immediately and expires upon completion of the State Treasurer's report. | In Committee |
| S3328 | Establishes crime of fertility fraud. | The bill establishes the crime of fertility fraud. Under the bill, a person commits fertility fraud if the person is a health care practitioner and knowingly performs an assisted reproduction treatment on a patient that results in a pregnancy using the person's own human reproductive material without the written informed consent of the patient, or using the human reproductive material of another person without the written informed consent of the patient. Fertility fraud is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill also requires the court to order the permanent revocation of any license or certification related to the provision of health care services that is held by the defendant. Under the bill, a prosecution for fertility fraud is required to be commenced within 20 years of the date the assisted reproduction treatment was conducted, or within 10 years of the date that the victim became aware that the crime occurred. | In Committee |
| S2284 | Establishes Office of Resilience in DCF. | Establishes Office of Resilience in DCF. | Crossed Over |
| S3307 | Provides filing extension and medical documentation requirement for certain members or retirees of PFRS, SPRS, or PERS regarding accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. | Under current law, members and retirees of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) and the State Police Retirement System (SPRS), and certain members and retirees of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) are eligible to receive an accidental disability retirement allowance for a permanent and total disability resulting from participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. In order to be eligible, the member or retiree must have filed notice of service during certain dates and at certain locations within two years of enactment of the law in 2019. This bill extends the time period during which a member or retiree must file a written and sworn statement with the retirement system to be eligible for the benefit to two years after the effective date of this bill, and permits the board of trustees of the retirement system to approve additional extensions in two-year increments thereafter. Under current law, in order to be eligible for the benefit, the member or retiree must have successfully passed a physical examination for entry into public service, which failed to disclose evidence of the qualifying condition or impairment of health that formed the basis for the disability. This bill allows the member or retiree, as an alternative, to present sufficient evidence of one or more medical examinations or results, performed within a reasonable period of time before or after entry into public service, which failed to disclose evidence of the qualifying condition or impairment of health that formed the basis for the disability as an alternative for proof of eligibility. This bill also requires the board of trustees of each retirement system to notify members and retirants in the retirement system of the enactment of this bill within 30 days of enactment. | In Committee |
| S3228 | Bars certain public officials from holding elective office and participating in political activities for certain time periods. | This bill would prohibit certain public officials from campaigning for election to public office during the term of their public service and for a period of three years afterwards. The bill would apply to the Attorney General and the First Assistant Attorney General, all county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, legal assistants to prosecutors, and certain other persons in those offices with indictment authority, as well as the four members of the State Commission of Investigation. The provisions of this bill would not apply to municipal prosecutors. Under the bill, no person who holds any of these positions could (1) be a candidate for election to, or hold, any elective public office or any office or position with any political party or club, or (2) in connection with the candidacy of any person for public office, sign or authorize the use of his name in connection with political or campaign literature or material, or print, publish, or distribute such political or campaign literature or material. These restrictions already apply to county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, and legal assistants to prosecutors and would be extended under the bill to the Attorney General, the First Assistant Attorney General, and the members of the State Commission of Investigation. In addition, the bill provides that any such official could not be a candidate for, or hold, elective public office for a period of three years immediately following the termination of that person's service in the position. There is a current one-year post-service ban for members of the State Commission of Investigation, which would be increased to three years to establish consistency amongst all of the officials covered by the bill. The intent of this bill is to prevent persons who are holding positions of public trust from misusing those positions for political gain. | In Committee |
| SJR67 | Designates month of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates the month of May as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), and mental illness in children. Mental illness can adversely affect children in many ways, including increasing the likelihood of a child being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system. ACEs, which are traumatic experiences that occur during childhood, can cause toxic stress, impacting the development of a child's fundamental brain architecture and stress response systems, and place children who undergo multiple ACEs at a higher risk of suffering from depression, alcohol and substance use disorders, suicidal tendencies, early death, and becoming victims or perpetrators of sexual violence. Many children with mental health disorders who undergo multiple ACEs do not receive treatment for their illnesses due to poor understanding of mental illness, toxic stress, stigma, and an insufficient number of pediatric mental health professionals in the United States and New Jersey which reduces of access to available treatment options. The resolution intends to promote awareness of pediatric mental illness and ACEs, in hopes of improving the lives of children who have emotional disturbances, other mental health disorders, or faced trauma and adversity throughout their lives. | Crossed Over |
| S3067 | Prohibits State from disclosing New Jersey driver's license holders' personal information to other states seeking to issue speed camera or red light camera citations. | This bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission and other State entities from disclosing the personal information of New Jersey drivers to another state for the purpose of allowing the other state to impose or collect a fine resulting from an alleged violation committed in that state and captured by a speed control device or a traffic signal monitoring system, commonly referred to as a red light camera. The bill defines "personal information" to mean any information that identifies an individual, which information may include an individual's photograph, social security number, driver identification number, name, address, or telephone number. The bill also provides definitions for the following terms: interstate motor vehicle information network, speed control device, and traffic control signal monitoring system. | In Committee |
| A4011 | Revises "New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act," revises calculation of gas tax rate, and establishes annual fee for zero emission vehicles. | An Act concerning the financing and construction of transportation infrastructure in the State, revising various parts of the statutory law, and supplementing Title 39 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4 | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | An Act concerning affordable housing, including administration and municipal obligations, amending, supplementing, and repealing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2931 | Revises "New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act," revises calculation of gas tax rate, and establishes annual fee for zero emission vehicles. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority Act of 1984" to make changes necessary to support the State's Annual Transportation Capital Program for Fiscal Years 2025 through 2029. These changes also revise the rate of tax imposed on highway fuels under the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax and establish an additional annual fee for zero emission vehicles from which all revenues would be dedicated to the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF). Transportation Trust Fund Authority Renewal The bill extends and increases the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority's (authority) existing authorization to issue transportation program bonds. Under current law, the authority is authorized to issue such transportation program bonds as are necessary to fund the Annual Transportation Capital Program, in an amount not to exceed $12 billion, through June 30, 2024. The bill extends this authorization through June 30, 2029 and increases the authority's existing aggregate bonding capacity to $15.6 billion. The bill authorizes $10.367 billion in capital program expenditures for a five-year period from Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2029. Specifically, this bill allows for an average annual capital program size of $2 billion from Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2029. However, during Fiscal Years 2027, 2028, and 2029, the bill requires certain amounts appropriated in excess of $2 billion to be allocated to counties, municipalities, the Department of Transportation, and the New Jersey Transit Corporation for transportation projects. Under current law, the authority is required to count premiums, and not bond discounts, against its authorized bonding capacity for transportation program bonds. This bill provides that for Fiscal Year 2016 and thereafter, any net premiums received by the authority in connection with the issuance of transportation program bonds are to be counted against the authority's authorized bonding capacity. This change allows the authority to account for the value of remaining bond premiums after subtracting the value of bond discounts in blended bond issuances when adjusting its bonding capacity after issuing transportation program bonds. Revision to Rate-Setting Procedure for Determining PPGRT Rate Under current law, the rate of tax imposed under the Petroleum Products Gross Receipts Tax (PPGRT) is annually adjusted by the State Treasurer to ensure that the State realizes a statutorily prescribed revenue target, more commonly referred to as the "highway fuel cap," based on 2016 collections of highway fuel taxes. The cap amount is based on the Fiscal Year 2016 sum of: (1) the taxes collected on the 12.48 percent and four cent tax rates for highway fuels taxes, (2) the amount derived from taxing the gallonage of highway fuel subject to the four cent motor fuel tax, and (3) the amount that would have been derived from taxing the gallonage of highway fuel subject to the motor fuel tax at a rate of 23 cents per gallon. All revenues collected are deposited into the TTF to support transportation infrastructure projects and debt service on transportation bonds. This annual adjustment mechanism is currently set to expire at the conclusion of State Fiscal Year 2026. The bill would modify this mechanism, beginning with Fiscal Year 2025, to gradually raise the highway fuel cap amount through Fiscal Year 2029. The amount of revenue required to be collected on highway fuel would be as follows: $2,032,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2025; $2,115,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2026; $2,199,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2027; $2,282,000,000 in Fiscal year 2028; and $2,366,000,000 in Fiscal Year 2029. If the actual revenues generated fall above or below the highway fuel cap amount set for the fiscal year, the rate of tax would be adjusted accordingly to ensure the highway fuel cap amount is realized. The bill also provides that after the State Treasurer has determined the rate of tax pursuant to the bill, the new rate would take effect on January 1 of Fiscal Year 2025 through Fiscal Year 2029 rather than October 1, as is done under current law. Abolishment of the Review Council The bill would also abolish the three-member review council tasked with monitoring the implementation of the PPGRT. The review council is currently composed of the State Treasurer, the Legislative Budget and Finance Officer, and a public member jointly selected by the other two members. Under current law, following any legislative action that halts, delays, or reverses implementation of changes to the PPGRT as enacted in 2016, the review council is required to certify whether the scheduled implementation of the 2016 changes to the tax have been impeded. Additional Fee for Zero Emission Vehicles The bill also institutes an additional fee for zero emission vehicles registered in the State. The fee would be collected by the Chief Administrator of the Motor Vehicle Commission at the same time the vehicle is initially registered or renewed, as the case may be. Beginning on July 1, 2024, the amount of the fee would be $250 and increase by $10 on July 1 of each year until 2028. After that time, the amount of the fee would be set at $290. A "zero emission vehicle" is defined under the bill as a vehicle certified by the California Air Resources Board or a vehicle that satisfies zero emission vehicle standards for the applicable model year. Vehicles that are produced in lieu of satisfying zero emission vehicle requirements would not be subject to the additional fee. These additional fees would be credited to the "Transportation Trust Fund Account - Subaccount for Capital Reserves" to support transportation projects. However, the bill specifies that these collections may not be used to pay debt service on transportation system bonds, transportation program bonds, or any other bonds, notes or other obligations, including subordinated obligations of the authority until such time as these revenues may be constitutionally dedicated to the TTF. | In Committee |
| S50 | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | In Committee |
| S2292 | Requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be registered with MVC and to be insured. | This bill requires low-speed electric bicycles and low-speed electric scooters to be registered with the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) and to be insured. The bill prohibits the operation of a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter unless the low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is registered by the owner thereof. The bill authorizes the MVC to grant a registration certificate to the owner of a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter, provided that the application for registration has been properly submitted, the registration fee has been paid, and the low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter is of a type approved by the MVC. The bill provides that the registration expires on the last day of the 11th calendar month following the calendar month in which the certificate was issued. The bill requires the owner or registered owner of a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter registered or principally garaged in this State to maintain liability insurance coverage, personal injury protection coverage for pedestrians, and uninsured motorist coverage. | 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 |
| S1510 | Establishes permanent daylight saving time in NJ. | This bill provides for the State of New Jersey to permanently observe daylight saving time by remaining on Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) year-round. For four months, the standard time of New Jersey is Eastern Standard Time (EST), or five hours offset from Coordinated Universal Time. From 2:00 A.M. on the second Sunday in March until 2:00 A.M. on the first Sunday in November, the State participates in the one-hour advancement of time, commonly referred to as "daylight saving time." The people of New Jersey have become more accustomed to the eight months of daylight saving time each year than the four months of standard time. Several studies have shown the biannual change between EST and EDT is disruptive to commerce and to the daily schedules, safety, and health of the citizens of the country, and therefore, the residents of this State. Under the federal "Uniform Time Act of 1966," states are not permitted to observe daylight saving time year-round. If the federal government amends federal law to authorize states to observe daylight saving time year-round, the Legislature shall require that the State of New Jersey observe daylight saving time year-round. Sections 1 and 2 of this bill would take effect immediately. Sections 3, 4, and 5 of this bill would take effect on the first Sunday in November following the effective date of federal authorization to observe daylight saving time year-round. | In Committee |
| S2282 | Prohibits possession and requires registration of body armor in certain circumstances. | This bill establishes prohibitions on the possession of body armor by certain persons and a registration requirement for body armor. The bill provides that it is unlawful for a person to own or otherwise possess body armor unless the person has registered the body armor in accordance with the bill's provisions. The bill requires the Attorney General to establish a registration process for body armor owned prior to the effective date of the bill and provides that an owner has 90 days from the effective date to register each piece of body armor owned in compliance with the registration process. For purchases of body armor occurring after the bill's effective date, a person would be required to meet eligibility criteria established by the Attorney General and obtain a permit to purchase body armor, and a seller of body armor would be required to register the sale of the body armor with the Attorney General. Under the bill, the eligibility criteria would include: (1) law enforcement officers; (2) law enforcement officers who retired in good standing; (3) persons engaged in active duty military service; (4) persons whose duties of employment expose them to serious bodily injury that may be prevented or mitigated by the use of body armor, as determined by the Attorney General; (5) bona fide dealers of body armor; and (6) any other persons meeting good cause eligibility criteria established by the Attorney General. The bill requires the Attorney General to establish a permit to purchase body armor and an application process for a person to obtain the permit. The application is required to include, but need not be limited to an applicant's: name; date of birth; street and mailing address; telephone number; email address; and proof that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria set forth in the bill. The bill provides that the permit would remain in effect for 30 days following issuance. Under the bill, a person is prohibited from selling, giving, transferring, assigning, or otherwise disposing of body armor to a person unless the person purchasing or otherwise taking possession of the body armor has first secured a permit to purchase body armor and displays the same to the seller. Following the sale or other transfer of body armor, a seller is required to take possession of the purchaser's permit to purchase body armor and complete a registration form that includes the personal identifying information of the purchaser and a description of the body armor purchased. The bill requires the seller to submit the registration form and the permit to purchase body armor obtained from the purchaser to the Attorney General within three business days. A seller who violates these provisions would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The provisions of the bill would not apply to: (1) a State or local government entity which purchases or possesses body armor for the purpose of furnishing body armor to employees; or (2) possession of body armor by employees of a State or local government entity during the employee's period of employment and used for employment-related purposes. The registration and permit to purchase body armor provisions of the bill would not apply to a bona fide dealer of body armor who has registered with the Attorney General. A dealer in business prior to the bill's effective date has 60 days following the effective date to register with the Attorney General. Possessing or purchasing body armor in violation of the bill's provisions are both crimes of the third degree. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill defines "body armor" as any product sold or offered for sale as personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether the product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment. The bill additionally amends current law concerning unlawful use of body vests. Under current law, it is a crime of the second or third degree, depending on circumstances, to use a body vest during the commission of certain crimes. The bill redefines the term "body vest" as "body armor" and expands the current law to include all body armor. | In Committee |
| S2264 | Permits physicians to make referrals to certain surgical centers. | This bill permits physicians to make referrals to certain surgical centers. Under current law and with limited exceptions, a health care practitioner is generally prohibited from referring a patient or directing an employee of the practitioner to refer a patient to a health care service in which the practitioner, or the practitioner's immediate family, or the practitioner in combination with the practitioner's immediate family has a significant beneficial interest. Under the bill, the above general prohibition does not apply to a referral for a procedure performed at a surgical practice licensed by the Department of Health pursuant to subsection g. of section 12 of P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-12). Under this statute, "surgical practice" means a structure or suite of rooms that has the following characteristics: (1) has no more than one room dedicated for use as an operating room which is specifically equipped to perform surgery, and is designed and constructed to accommodate invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures; (2) has one or more post-anesthesia care units or a dedicated recovery area where the patient may be closely monitored and observed until discharged; and (3) is established by a physician, physician professional association surgical practice, or other professional practice form specified by the State Board of Medical Examiners pursuant to regulation solely for the physician's, association's, or other professional entity's private medical practice. | In Committee |
| S1402 | Establishes surplus revenue reserve account in the Property Tax Relief Fund if certain levels of unanticipated gross income tax revenue are collected. | This bill establishes a Surplus Gross Income Tax Revenue Account in the Property Tax Relief Fund to serve as a "rainy day fund" for property tax relief programs and State Aid programs that offset local property taxes. The State Treasurer is required to credit to the Surplus Gross Income Tax Revenue Account, on or before December 31, 2020 and annually on or before December 31 thereafter, an amount equal to one-half of the excess gross income tax revenue collected during the preceding fiscal year if actual gross income tax revenues exceed the Governor's certified revenues by more than six percent. Balances in the Surplus Gross Income Tax Revenue Account may be appropriated by the Legislature: 1) if anticipated gross income tax revenues are estimated to be less than the Governor's certification; 2) to offset gross income tax revenue declines instead of increasing the gross income tax rate or modifying the gross income tax; or 3) for meeting the costs of any emergency identified by the Governor that is within the purposes of the Property Tax Relief Fund. If in any fiscal year there is enacted an appropriation from the Surplus Gross Income Tax Revenue Account, the Legislature is prohibited from imposing any increases in existing gross income tax rates or gross income tax modifications having the effect of increasing gross income tax revenues. However, if gross income tax revenues decline by at least two percent of the total available gross income tax revenues as certified by the Governor, the Legislature may increase gross income tax rates or modify the gross income tax, and the balances in the Surplus Gross Income Tax Revenue Account may be appropriated in any other manner as found to be in the best interests of the fiscal condition of the Property Tax Relief Fund. | 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 |
| S2258 | Increases certain minimum limits for motor vehicle and automobile insurance coverages. | This bill increases certain minimum motor vehicle liability insurance requirements. Specifically, the bill increases the amount of liability insurance coverage that every owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in this State must maintain: (1) from $15,000 to $100,000, exclusive of interest and costs, on account of injury to, or death of, one person, in any one accident; (2) from $30,000 to $200,000, exclusive of interest and costs, on account of injury to, or death of, more than one person, in any one accident; and (3) from $5,000 to $35,000, exclusive of interest and costs, for damage to property in any one accident. The bill provides these same limits with regard to automobile insurance under section 3 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-3) and motor vehicle liability insurance under section 1 of P.L.1972, c.197 (C. 39:6B-1) and section 2 of P.L.1968, c.385 (C.17:28-1.1). An automobile means a private passenger automobile. A motor vehicle includes all vehicles propelled otherwise than by muscular power, excepting such vehicles as run only upon rails or tracks and motorized bicycles. Thus, under the bill, all motor vehicles and private passenger automobile policies in the State, except those insured under the basic or special policy, would be required to have bodily injury liability coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $200,000 per accident, and $35,000 of liability coverage for property damage. The bill also amends the law concerning medical expense benefits options as part of the personal injury protection, or "PIP," coverage, per person, per accident, under standard automobile policies. Under the bill, the minimum amount of medical expense benefits an insured may choose as an alternative to the standard amount of medical expense benefits is increased from the current $15,000 to $25,000. The current mandatory minimum of $250,000 for all medically necessary treatment of certain permanent or significant injuries remains intact. | In Committee |
| S2286 | Permits Governor to authorize interstate commercial cannabis activity in certain circumstances. | This bill permits the Governor to enter into interstate agreements authorizing medicinal or personal-use commercial cannabis activity, or both, between entities licensed in states in which cannabis is licensed. Any interstate agreement is required to prohibit the commercial transportation of cannabis by any other means other than what is established in the agreement and also prohibit the transportation of cannabis through any state which does not authorize that transportation of cannabis. Any foreign licensee is required to obtain a license from this State and any proper authorization from a local jurisdiction prior to engaging in commercial cannabis activity. Once the agreement is established, a State licensee is permitted to engage in commercial cannabis activity with a foreign licensee, i.e., the holder of a commercial cannabis license issued under the laws of another state. In order for the agreement to become effective, the bill requires that one of the following occur: (1) federal law is amended to allow for the interstate transfer of cannabis or cannabis products between authorized commercial cannabis businesses; (2) federal law is enacted that specifically prohibits the expenditure of federal funds to prevent the interstate transfer of cannabis or cannabis products between authorized commercial cannabis businesses; (3) the United States Department of Justice issues an opinion or memorandum allowing or tolerating the interstate transfer of cannabis products between authorized commercial cannabis businesses; or (4) the Attorney General issues a written opinion that implementation of agreements entered into pursuant to the provisions of this bill will not result in significant legal risk to this State based on review of federal judicial decisions and administrative action. Prior to making any agreement, the Governor is required to submit the proposed agreement to the Joint Budget Oversight Committee which will have 60 days to review the proposed agreement. The committee may submit a recommendation to the Governor upon agreement of the majority of the members. The proposed agreement also is required to be posted on the Governor's and Cannabis Regulatory Commission's internet websites for public comment for a period of 30 days. | In Committee |
| S2294 | Enhances notice requirements and occupancy restrictions for hotels and multiple dwellings following determination of potentially hazardous condition. | This bill would enhance notice requirements and occupancy restrictions for hotels and multiple dwellings following a determination of a potentially hazardous condition through an inspection conducted pursuant to the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.) (HMDL). As used in the bill, potentially hazardous conditions would consist of imminent hazards to health, safety or welfare, or a deteriorating structural, sanitary, or other condition that, if unaddressed, may result in an imminent hazard prior to the next scheduled inspection conducted pursuant to the HMDL. The bill provides that, if the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) determines that a violation of the HMDL is a potentially hazardous violation, then the commissioner would be required to immediately send, by certified or ordinary mail, and by electronic mail, a written notice, stating the manner in which the hotel or multiple dwelling is out of compliance, to:· The mayor of the municipality;· The administrator, business administrator, city manager, township manager, municipal manager, or other municipal official with executive authority not vested in the mayor of the municipality;· All members of the governing body of the municipality in which the hotel or multiple dwelling is located;· The clerk, public information officer, or other municipal official responsible for the distribution of communications to the residents of the municipality; and· The owner and operator of the hotel or multiple dwelling, including, if applicable, to the property owner's last known address. Concerning a potentially hazardous violation, the bill requires the commissioner to include the notice in a mailing with large, easily readable text, presented on paper that is easily distinguishable from other notices or communications. The bill requires the owner or operator of the hotel or multiple dwelling to provide a hard copy of the notice to each existing resident or guest of the hotel or multiple dwelling. The bill also requires the owner or operator of the hotel or multiple dwelling to additionally post a copy of the notice in a conspicuous location in the lobby or common area of the hotel or multiple dwelling, in which the information is most likely to be viewed by residents or guests, and within ten feet of the elevator on each floor of the hotel or multiple dwelling, or, if the hotel or multiple dwelling does not have an elevator, within ten feet of, or in, the main stairwell of each floor. The bill permits a notice posted in a common area pursuant to this bill to be removed only after the commissioner issues the owner and operator a certificate of inspection. For a hotel room or dwelling unit impacted by a potentially hazardous violation, the bill restricts the owner or operator of any hotel or multiple dwelling from entering a new lease for non-owner occupancy, or make available for a new lease, for such time as the hotel or multiple dwelling is made to comply with the HMDL. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month next following enactment to provide time for the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this bill. | Dead |
| S2291 | Clarifies types of firearms allowed to be transported while hunting. | This bill clarifies that a person engaged in hunting would not be permitted to use a firearm except as prescribed by the State Fish and Game Code. The bill removes from current law a restriction prohibiting bow hunting with a bow drawn, held or released by mechanical means. In addition, the bill increases from $20 to $100 the fine for unlawfully hunting certain game animals and unlawfully hunting with a firearm with certain characteristics. Finally, the bill incorporates into provisions of current law a prohibition against carrying a "long gun" while hunting. Under the bill, the term "long gun" is to include all forms of firearms except for handguns, which may be carried in accordance with Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | Dead |
| S2275 | Directs BPU to establish program concerning renewable natural gas; provides gas public utilities with customer rate recovery mechanism for costs associated with program. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a program to encourage the procurement of renewable natural gas and investment in renewable natural gas infrastructure by a gas public utility (utility). The bill establishes portfolio targets for the distribution of renewable natural gas to the utility's retail natural gas customers in the State, for energy years 2022 through 2050. The portfolio target begins as a target of up to five percent in each of the energy years 2022 through 2024, and increases up to 30 percent in each of the energy years 2045 through 2050. The bill defines "renewable natural gas" as the following products, processed to meet pipeline quality standards or transportation fuel grade requirements: 1) biogas that meets natural gas pipeline quality standards such that it may blend with, or substitute for, geologic natural gas; 2) hydrogen gas derived from Class I renewable energy or Class II renewable energy; or 3) methane gas derived from any combination of biogas, hydrogen gas, or carbon oxides derived from renewable energy sources, or waste carbon dioxide. The bill requires the BPU to adopt a ratemaking mechanism that ensures the recovery of and on all prudently incurred costs that contribute to a utility's meeting the program's renewable natural gas portfolio targets established in the bill. Under a ratemaking mechanism adopted by the BPU by means of a periodic rate recovery mechanism: 1) any BPU-approved qualified investment and operating cost associated with a qualified investment that contributes to a utility's meeting the program's requirements may be recovered from ratepayers; and 2) any BPU-approved cost of procurement of renewable natural gas from a third party, including from an affiliate of the utility, that contributes to the utility meeting the program's requirements may be recovered from ratepayers. When a utility makes a qualified investment, the costs associated with the qualified investment are to include the cost of capital established in the utility's most recent rate case as well as other incremental costs associated with those qualified investments. The bill requires that when a utility procures renewable natural gas from a third party, the utility is to purchase the renewable natural gas supply at prices and on terms consistent with market conditions in the market for renewable natural gas. A charge assessed to customers for the supply of renewable natural gas is to be regulated by the BPU and be based on the cost to the utility of providing that supply, including the cost of renewable natural gas commodity and capacity, purchased at prices consistent with market conditions in the market for renewable natural gas, and related ancillary and administrative costs. If a utility's total incremental annual cost to meet the requirements of the renewable natural gas program exceeds five percent of the utility's total revenue requirement for an individual year, the utility is no longer authorized to make additional qualified investments under the renewable natural gas program for that year without the approval of the BPU. The bill provides that the total incremental annual cost to meet the portfolio targets of the program are to account for: 1) any value received by the utility upon any resale of renewable natural gas, including any environmental credits that the renewable natural gas producer chooses to include with the sale of the renewable natural gas to the utility; and 2) any savings achieved through avoidance of conventional gas purchases or development, such as avoided pipeline costs or carbon costs. The bill allows the BPU to permit a utility to exceed the program's portfolio targets and, in that instance, the remaining provisions of the bill are to continue to apply. | In Committee |
| S2293 | Requires automobile insurance policies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage equal to policy liability limits of insured motorists. | This bill requires automobile insurance policies to provide uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that is equal to the liability limits of the policy. Specifically, the bill requires that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage amounts or limits be equal to the motor vehicle liability policy limits covering bodily injury, death, and property damage. Currently, a policyholder may set an amount or limit to their uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that is below their motor vehicle liability policy limits covering bodily injury, death, and property damage. | In Committee |
| S2262 | Requires county health departments to maintain reserve stock of opioid antidotes to dispense to certain entities on interim basis to ensure uninterrupted supply. | This bill amends the "Overdose Prevention Act," P.L.2013, c.42 (C.24:6J-1 et seq.), to require each county health department to obtain, and to maintain in an accessible storage location, a reserve stock of opioid antidotes to be dispensed to first responders, schools that have adopted a policy to acquire and administer opioid antidotes, and hospital pharmacies, to ensure an uninterrupted supply of antidotes is available to those entities. The exact quantity of opioid antidotes to be maintained in the reserve stock will be determined by the director of each county health department in consultation with the county prosecutor, the county association of police chiefs, and the county association of fire chiefs, and with input from the hospitals, school districts, schools, emergency medical responders, and emergency medical response entities operating in that county. The bill specifies that, whenever a first responder, first response entity, school, or hospital pharmacy anticipates it will exhaust its supply of opioid antidotes before it is able to acquire more, it may make a request to the county health department to provide an interim supply of opioid antidotes from the reserve stock. Upon receiving a request, the county health department will be required to promptly deliver to the requester an interim supply sufficient to meet the requester's need for opioid antidotes for the interim period between the date the requester's supply will be exhausted and the date the requester will receive a new supply of opioid antidotes by regular means. First responders, first response entities, schools, and hospital pharmacies that obtain an interim supply of opioid antidotes from the reserve stock will be required to reimburse the county health department for the department's actual costs in acquiring and delivering the interim supply. The bill expressly authorizes county health departments to enter into shared service agreements, in accordance with the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act," in order to facilitate the acquisition of opioid antidotes at discounted rates, minimize delivery costs, or otherwise facilitate the implementation of the bill's provisions. The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to establish rules and regulations to identify the manner and timeframe to request a county health department provide interim supplies of opioid antidotes, and the manner and timeframe to provide reimbursements to the department for the costs of acquiring and delivering interim supplies. Finally, the bill specifies that any county health department or employee of a county health department that provides an interim supply of opioid antidotes from its reserve stock will be immune from criminal or civil liability, or any disciplinary action, in association with the provision of the interim supply. | In Committee |
| S2279 | Raises minimum amount of liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles and autocabs. | This bill raises the minimum amount of liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles to $1.5 million. Specifically, the bill: (1) requires an owner or registered owner of an autocab, commonly referred to as a "taxi," to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage of at least $1.5 million to insure against loss resulting from liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death, and property damage; and (2) requires an owner or registered owner of a commercial motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds but less than 26,001 pounds to maintain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage of at least $500,000 to insure against loss resulting from liability imposed by law for bodily injury, death, and property damage. | Dead |
| S2269 | Requires stipends for certain members of boards, commissions, committees, and other public entities. | This bill would provide a stipend to persons for their work as a member of a board, commission, committee, task force, or other similar entity that is created, before or after the effective date of the bill, and (1) allocated within a principal Executive Branch department of the New Jersey State government, (2) allocated in but not of such principal department, (3) is any other State entity, including each State college and university, or (4) is allocated in but not of such other State entity. A stipend may also be made available to the members of a multi-member entity that is a bi-state agency. The stipend is to be paid each month in which a meeting is held by the specific entity and is attended by a member. A stipend is not to be paid where the law already provides for a salary, stipend, or remuneration that is in excess of the amount of the stipend set in accordance with the bill. A stipend would still be paid to a member who receives a stipend or remuneration pursuant to another law that is less than the amount set in accordance with the bill, in such an amount as will provide total compensation that is equal to the amount of the stipend set under the bill. The same amount of stipend would be paid to all members of the same entity. Each stipend would be in an amount that is at least $300 but not more than to $1,500. The head of each department or other State entity, or individual designated to lead an entity that is in but not of such department or other entity, or designated to lead a bi-state entity, would set, for each calendar year, the specific amount of the stipend that will be paid to the members of the board, commission, committee, task force, or other entity. Consideration would be given to the number of meetings held each month and the scope of responsibilities of the members when setting the amount of the stipend. The head of each department or other State entity, or the designated individual, who sets the stipend amount would transmit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature containing the amount to be disbursed to members of each particular board, commission, committee, task force, or other entity. The total annual amount paid for stipends would primarily come from an appropriation of the fees collected by the board, commission, committee, task force, or other entity. If there are no fees collected, or the fees are insufficient, or are otherwise dedicated by law for another purpose, there would be an appropriation from the State's General Fund to pay the stipends. | In Committee |
| S2254 | Repeals no-fault automobile insurance law and requires mandatory liability insurance law for motor vehicles. | This bill repeals the compulsory no-fault automobile insurance law; changes the requirement for bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to at least $100,000 on account of injury to or death of one person and $200,000 on account of injury to or death of more than one person; and makes uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage compulsory, in the same amounts or limits as an insured's motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. With respect to uninsured and underinsured motor vehicle insurance, the bill requires claims disputes to be settled through binding arbitration. Additionally, the bill repeals the mandatory arbitration of certain automobile insurance claims in the courts, the take-all-comers law which requires insurers to insure all "good" drivers who apply, and the basic and special automobile insurance policies. Technical amendments to various statutory provisions to conform with these substantive reforms are accomplished by the bill, as well. | 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 |
| S2259 | Eliminates certain personal injury protection options available under standard automobile insurance policies; requires $250,000 of medical expense benefits under standard and basic automobile insurance policies. | This bill requires all standard and basic automobile insurance policies to provide $250,000 of personal injury protection for medical expense benefits. Under current law, the standard automobile policy provides a number of different coverage options and the opportunity to buy additional protection. One option allows drivers to purchase medical expense benefits in the amounts of $250,000, $150,000, $75,000, $50,000 or $15,000 per person per accident. This bill eliminates the option to purchase medical expense benefits in those amounts, and instead provides that all standard policies will include $250,000 of medical expense benefits. This bill provides that all basic policies must include $250,000 of personal injury protection per person per accident for medical expense benefits. Under current law, basic policies must provide $15,000 per person per accident, except that, medical expense benefits shall be paid in an amount not to exceed $250,000 under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S2273 | Requires delivery network company to maintain certain automobile insurance. | This bill requires delivery network companies and delivery company network drivers to maintain certain levels of automobile insurance. Pursuant to the bill, a "delivery network company" means a corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, or other entity that is registered as a business in the State or operates in this State, and uses a digital network to connect a delivery network company customer to a delivery network company driver to provide for the prearranged delivery of prepared goods. Under the bill, a delivery network company driver, delivery network company, or any combination of the two is to maintain primary automobile insurance that recognizes that the driver is a delivery network company driver, or otherwise uses a personal vehicle to provide prearranged delivery, and covers the driver: while the driver is logged on to the delivery network company's digital network but is not providing a prearranged delivery; or while the driver is providing a prearranged delivery. The bill provides that whenever a delivery network company driver is logged on to the delivery network company's digital network and is available to receive a prearranged delivery request, but is not providing a prearranged delivery, the delivery network company driver, delivery network company, or any combination of the two is to maintain the following insurance coverage: (1) primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least $50,000 for death or bodily injury per person, $100,000 for death or bodily injury per incident, and $25,000 for property damage; (2) primary personal injury protection benefits that provide coverage amounts selected pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-4); and (3) uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage to the extent required pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1968, c.385 (C.17:28-1.1). In addition, under the bill, whenever a delivery network company driver is providing a prearranged delivery, the delivery network company driver, delivery network company, or any combination of the two is to maintain the following insurance coverage: (1) primary automobile liability insurance in the amount of at least $1,500,000 for death, bodily injury, and property damage; (2) primary automobile insurance for medical payments benefits in an amount of at least $10,000 per person per incident, which shall only apply to and provide coverage for the benefit of the delivery network company driver; and (3) uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage in an amount of at least $1,500,000. The bill also provides that a delivery network company is not to permit a delivery network company driver to accept a request for a prearranged delivery on the delivery network company's digital network until the delivery network company makes certain written disclosures to the driver. | In Committee |
| S776 | Requires carriers to offer health care providers more than one method of payment for reimbursement. | This bill provides that any network agreement between a carrier, or the carrier's contracted vendor, and a health care provider for the provision of health or dental care services is prohibited from mandating only one form of payment to the health care provider. A carrier, or the carrier's vendor, is also prohibited from restricting the method of payment to an out-of-network health care provider providing out-of-network covered services to only one form of payment. The bill also requires a carrier, or the carrier's contracted vendor, to provide certain information to a health care provider, prior to initiating its first payment to the health care provider, where one of the available payment methods includes a fee and before changing the available payment methods. The bill prohibits a carrier from using a health care provider's preferred method of payment as a factor when deciding whether to provide credentials to a health care provider. | Dead |
| S2253 | Expands wrongful death act to allow recovery for mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and loss of companionship. | Wrongful death statutes establish a cause of action for the wrong done to an individual's beneficiaries when that individual dies as the result of the wrongful conduct of another person. Under present law, in a wrongful death action damages are recoverable for pecuniary loss. This bill would expand the type of damages for which one may bring suit to include mental anguish, emotional pain and suffering, loss of society and loss of companionship. | 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 |
| S2257 | Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of medical tests, procedures and prescription drugs covered under health benefits or prescription drug benefits plans. | This bill prohibits health insurers, third party administrators, pharmacy benefits managers, and the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program from requiring the pre-approval or precertification of medical tests, procedures or prescription drugs covered under a health benefits or prescription drug benefits plan. This bill will ensure that patients who are ill are not burdened with technical requirements by health benefits providers which employ utilization management review systems that slow down medical care. The sponsor is concerned that complaints from people who need medical treatment are on the rise, and feels that it is time to end the nightmare of the insurance company bureaucracy that is frustrating patients who need care and medicine. The so-called "pre-approval" process, now required by insurance companies, is a nightmare for patients across New Jersey. Historically, doctors would order a test or medicine and patients received it. Now, a myriad of bureaucratic obstacles makes patients and doctors pawns in a sad game of insurance-company chess. There are examples of cancer patients waiting for long periods of time to receive medicine because of a cumbersome and slow approval policy. The sponsor is convinced that it is time for the doctors to make decisions, not insurance companies; it is time for patients who are ill to not be burdened with technical requirements by insurance companies that employ systems that slow down medical care and are incredibly frustrating. It is the sponsor's goal that insurance companies pay for what the doctor orders. | In Committee |
| S2287 | Establishes NJ Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program within EDA. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ("EDA") to establish and maintain the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program ("program") and the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Fund ("fund"). Under the bill, the authority is required, within six months of the effective date of the bill, to provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees to non-profit organizations to support the construction of new physical spaces that are capable of generating income sufficient to repay the loans. Application Criteria The bill requires the EDA to establish an application process. A non-profit organization that seeks a loan guarantee agreement under the 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 the non-profit organization to submit proof that the non-profit organization has: 1) been determined by the federal Internal Revenue Service to be a tax-exempt organization pursuant to federal law; 2) been in existence for 10 years prior to the effective date of the bill; and 3) received financial assistance from the State, including grants, loans, or any other form of assistance prior to the effective date of the bill. The EDA may only approve the application if the EDA determines: 1) that the loan for which the application for a loan guarantee has been submitted is expected to result in the creation of 10 or more full-time jobs upon completion of construction of a new physical space financed under the provisions of the bill; 2) based on the projections by the non-profit organization, including the data and assumptions forming the basis thereof, of the profitability and financial stability over the term of the loan guarantee, that the loan for which the application for a loan guarantee has been submitted will support the construction of new physical space that is capable of generating income sufficient to repay the loan through box office sales, private donations, sponsorships, or other sources of revenue; and 3) that the non-profit organization has a record of financial stability, good reputation, and credit worthiness. Loan Guarantee Agreements Under the bill, the EDA would enter into an agreement with a participating bank and a non-profit organization qualified pursuant to the bill to use the moneys from the fund to guarantee a direct loan or revolving line of credit provided by the participating bank to finance the construction of a new physical space by the qualified non-profit organization. Each loan guarantee agreement that the EDA enters into with a participating bank and non-profit organization will not exceed $15 million per qualified applicant or a period of more than 20 years. The agreements are also required to provide for any other terms or conditions that the EDA and the participating banks determine as being necessary or desirable to effectuate the purpose of the program. The EDA is also required to establish sufficient reserves and liquid reserves to provide a sufficient and actuarially sound basis for its pledges contained in any loan guarantee agreement entered into pursuant to the bill. Loan Fund The bill requires the fund to be credited with: 1) an amount from the Economic Recovery Fund that the EDA determines is necessary to effectively implement the program, within the limits of funding available from the Economic Recovery Fund; 2) any moneys received by the EDA from the repayment of the moneys in the guarantee fund used to provide loan guarantees pursuant to the bill and interest thereon; and 3) any other moneys of the EDA, including but not limited to, any moneys available from other business assistance programs administered by the EDA that are authorized and determined by the EDA to be deposited in the fund. Report Requirements Finally, within 24 months following the effective date of the bill, and on or before February 15 of each year thereafter in which a loan guarantee agreement entered into under the bill is in effect, the EDA is required to prepare a report on the program. The report may be issued separately, or in combination with any reports required by any law concerning financial assistance to non-profit organizations in New Jersey. The report is required to include, but need not be limited to, a description of the demand for the program from qualified non-profits and participating banks, the efforts made by the EDA to promote the program, the total amount of loan guarantees approved by the EDA under the program, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the program in meeting the goals of the bill. The EDA is required to submit its report to the Governor and the Legislature, including any recommendations for legislation to improve the effectiveness of the program. | In Committee |
| SR62 | Urges U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider implementation of new rules concerning organ procurement organizations. | This resolution respectfully urges the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Director of the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider implementation of new rules revising the outcome measure requirements, and establishing procedures to decertify and create competitive bidding requirements, for organ procurement organizations (OPOs). OPOs perform a key role in the organ procurement and transplantation process, helping identify candidates for organ donation and providing support services to organ donors and their families. New rules adopted by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under the prior administration would change how OPOs are evaluated, and establish a process for decertifying OPOs that fail to meet certain performance metrics. The new rules would also require the majority of OPOs to engage in a competitive bidding process to maintain the designated service areas they serve, as well as for OPOs to compete for a designated service area that was served by a decertified OPO. It is anticipated that the changes that would be implemented under the new rules would be disruptive to organ procurement and transplantation systems, both in New Jersey and nationwide, likely resulting in reduced numbers of organ procurements and transplants. This, in turn, would adversely affect the lives of all patients on national organ transplant waiting lists, and in particular patients from racial and ethnic minorities, who already experience significant disparities in access to organ transplants. It is the sentiment of the Senate that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services should reconsider implementing the new rules adopted under the prior administration. | In Committee |
| S2276 | Prohibits selection of health insurance coverage as primary under personal injury protection coverage. | The bill removes a provision under current law allowing the selection of health insurance coverage as the primary payer for personal injury protection coverage and prohibits that practice. Instead, the bill requires the personal injury protection coverage of the named insured to be the primary coverage for the named insured and any resident relatives in the named insured's household who are not named insureds under an automobile insurance policy of their own. | In Committee |
| S2267 | Eliminates New Jersey Automobile Insurance Risk Exchange. | This bill eliminates the New Jersey Automobile Insurance Risk Exchange. The New Jersey Automobile Insurance Risk Exchange (AIRE) was created by statute for the purpose of compensating insurer members of the exchange for claims paid for non-economic loss and claim adjustment expense which would not have been incurred had the less costly tort limitation option provided under statute been elected by the injured party filing a claim for non-economic loss. Membership in AIRE is required for every insurer licensed to transact private passenger automobile insurance in New Jersey, including all applicable residual market mechanisms. All AIRE assessments, expenses and costs are paid by New Jersey automobile insurance companies. The bill provides that any savings realized by an insurer licensed to transact private-passenger automobile insurance in this State through the elimination of AIRE, as determined by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, are required to be deposited into the "Pedestrian Safety Enforcement and Education Fund," and to be used to alleviate pedestrian safety problems. | In Committee |
| S2270 | Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions. | This bill requires the Governor to appoint a Chief Accountability Officer who will report directly to the Governor. The officer shall be a person qualified by education, training, and prior work experience to perform the duties and functions and fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The officer will be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate and will serve for a term of five years. The Chief Accountability Officer will establish a system to ensure that the officers named in this bill conduct their duties, audits, investigations, and reviews in consultation, coordination, and cooperation with the Chief Accountability Officer. The Chief Accountability Officer will ensure that the duties, audits, investigations, and reviews of the officers named in this bill are conducted in accordance the laws, rules, and regulations of this State and in accordance with any prevailing national and professional standards, rules, and practices relating to such duties, audits, investigations, and reviews in government environments. The Chief Accountability Officer will supervise the activities of the following officers of the State government: Inspector General, Department of Transportation Director of the Division of Internal Audit, New Jersey Transit Corporation Ombudsman, Board of Public Utilities Insurance Claims Ombudsman, Department of Banking and Insurance New Jersey Special Education Ombudsman, Department of Education Student Loan Ombudsman, Department of Banking and Insurance NJ ESSA Nonpublic Ombudsman Smart Growth Ombudsman, Department of Community Affairs Small Business Ombudsman, Department of State Executive Director, State Agriculture Development Committee Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and their Families, Department of Human Services State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, Department of Human Services Office of Corrections Ombudsperson, Department of Corrections Military and Defense Economic Ombudsman, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Compliance Review Officer, State Ethics Commission State Comptroller, Department of the Treasury Command Inspector General, New Jersey National Guard The Chief Accountability Officer will establish the internal organizational structure of the office in a manner appropriate to carrying out the duties and functions, and fulfilling the responsibilities, of the office. Each department, office, division and agency of this State is required to cooperate with the office and furnish the office with the assistance necessary to accomplish the purposes of this section. The Chief Accountability Officer is required to meet at periodic intervals, but at least twice annually, with the officers named in this bill for the purpose of consulting, coordinating, and cooperating with those officers in the conduct of their duties, responsibilities, and functions. The focus of all parties during such meetings will be to: facilitate communication and exchange information on completed, current, and future audits, investigations, and reviews; avoid duplication and fragmentation of efforts; optimize the use of resources; avoid divisiveness and organizational uncertainty; promote effective working relationships; and avoid the unnecessary expenditure of public funds. The Chief Accountability Officer will provide periodic reports to the Governor and issue an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, which will be available to the public. | In Committee |
| S2261 | Requires DOC to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits inmate to enter into payment plan upon release from incarceration. | This bill requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) to notify inmates of outstanding motor vehicle fines or penalties and permits the inmate to enter into a payment plan for these fines or penalties upon release from incarceration. Under current law, the DOC is required to notify every inmate at the time of his or her release of all outstanding fines, assessments, and restitution charges ordered as part of that inmate's sentence and any outstanding warrants or detainers. In addition, an inmate is provided a 90-day grace period after release during which he or she does not have to pay these fines, assessments, and charges. An arrest warrant is not to be issued for their nonpayment during this period. However, current law specifies that the inmate is responsible for the fines, assessments, and charges. This bill requires the DOC to also notify the inmate, upon release, of all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws (Title 39 of the Revised Statutes) which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. The bill also clarifies that the list of outstanding warrants and detainers that the inmate is to receive includes those issued by a municipal court. The 90-day grace period provided under current law would also apply to fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws. Under the bill, after the 90-day period, an inmate is to be permitted to enter into a reasonable payment plan for all fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle or traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. Finally, an inmate would still be responsible for paying any outstanding fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws; however, under the bill, no additional penalties are to be imposed while the inmate is incarcerated on any fines or penalties for a violation of the motor vehicle and traffic laws which were outstanding at the time of incarceration. | In Committee |
| S2271 | Requires each government entity in this State to conduct review of cybersecurity infrastructure and make recommendations. | This bill requires each government entity in this State to conduct a review of the entity's cybersecurity infrastructure and make recommendations. The bill requires the head of the entity or the entity's governing body, as the case may be, at a minimum, to: (1) evaluate the efficiency and security of the current cyber infrastructure of the government entity; (2) identify any high-risk cybersecurity issues facing the government entity; (3) offer strategies on how the government entity can improve and modernize its cybersecurity infrastructure, including its computer systems, networks, and software and hardware programs; and (4) provide any proposed changes to laws, regulations, or policies concerning cybersecurity in this State that the government entity finds appropriate to modify. The bill also requires the head or governing body of each government entity, as the case may be, to report the findings and recommendations from the internal review to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 45 days following the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2277 | Provides that automobile insurers may act as primary insurer and pursue claims against health insurers under certain circumstances. | This bill provides that, in the case of an automobile accident in which the primary insurer has not yet been determined, an automobile insurer may act as the primary insurer and then pursue a claim against a health insurer if the insured has selected the health insurer as the primary coverage for medical expense benefits. Under the bill, if injuries are sustained in an automobile accident by an insured, subsequent to the selection of the health insurance coverage or benefits as primary option by the named insured pursuant to current law, an automobile insurer: (1) shall provide the health insurance coverage or benefits carrier with notice of the insured's coverage selection; and (2) may provisionally assume the role of primary coverage provider, while retaining the right to file a claim against the health insurance coverage or benefits carrier to recover any amounts which would have been paid by the health insurance coverage or benefits carrier if the carrier had acted as the primary insurer, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs. | In Committee |
| S2272 | Establishes "Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Pilot Program" with the criminal justice system. | This bill creates a Gambling Court Pilot Program with the purpose to treat persons determined to be affected by an addictive disorder related to gambling and who committed a crime for which they have been convicted in furtherance or as a result of the gambling. The Gambling Treatment Diversion Court Pilot Program would be administered by the Administrative Office of the Courts and be established, as the AOC determines, including regarding the appropriate and practical assignment of gambling court cases within the court system Statewide. This bill is modeled after a similar program in Las Vegas, Nevada established November 2018. | In Committee |
| S2268 | Requires consultation with insurance producer or provision of cost benefit analysis prior to sale of automobile insurance policy. | This bill prohibits an automobile insurer from issuing a policy of motor vehicle liability insurance to an individual unless the individual consults with an insurance producer about the policy prior to purchase. In addition, the bill permits an insurer to sell a policy of insurance through an internet website to an individual who has not consulted with an insurance producer if the insurer provides the individual with a cost benefit analysis prior to selling the policy of insurance. | In Committee |
| S2280 | Provides additional temporary contracting powers to county improvement authorities. | This bill relates to county improvement authority contracting powers by validating certain past agreements, contracts, executed instruments, or action taken by county improvement authorities in the State and by authorizing a pilot county improvement authority greater flexibility to enter into certain agreements, contracts, and executed instruments, and to take certain action necessary, convenient, and desirable for the purposes of the pilot county improvement authority. The bill validates any agreement, contract, executed instrument, or action taken or performed as necessary, convenient, or desirable for the purposes of a county improvement authority to carry out any power expressly given in the "county improvement authorities law," N.J.S.A.40:37A-44 et seq., in the two years immediately preceding the effective date of the bill, if the agreement, contract, executed instruments, or act was subject to the requirements of the "Local Public Contracts Law," N.J.S.A.40A:11-1 et seq., (LPCL) or was related to actions of the authority taken pursuant to N.J.S.A.40:37A-55.1. The bill also allows a pilot county improvement authority to enter into any agreement, contract, executed instrument, or take actions necessary, convenient or desirable for the purposes of a county improvement authority provided that the agreement, contract, executed instrument, or action is subject to the requirements of the LPCL or is related to actions of the authority taken pursuant to N.J.S.A.40:37A-55.1. The bill further requires that a pilot county improvement authority that enters into any agreement, contract, executed instrument, or takes actions related to actions of the authority for projects pursuant to N.J.S.A.40:37A-55.1 to enter into a project labor agreement prior to commencing work on the project and pay each worker employed to perform construction work and building services work at the project property a wage not less than the prevailing wage rate for the worker's craft or trade, as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development pursuant to N.J.S.A.34:11-56.25 et seq. The bill specifies that the pilot county improvement authority is to be the county improvement authority established in a county in which at least five municipalities met the criteria in State fiscal year 2020 for urban aid and which has a population greater than 500,000 and less than 700,000, and a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile. The bill requires that the pilot county improvement authority report to the Department of Community Affairs on the benefits and effectiveness of the additional flexibility provided to the pilot county improvement authority under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1943 | Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances. | This bill requires workers' compensation, personal injury protection (PIP), and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances. The bill provides that personal injury protection automobile insurance benefits, workers' compensation benefits, and health benefits plans must include coverage for costs associated with the medical use of cannabis, provided that the insured, employee, or covered person is a qualifying patient authorized for the medical use of cannabis pursuant to the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al). In addition, the bill provides that an employer or workers' compensation insurance carrier, private passenger automobile insurance carrier, or health insurance carrier is not required to provide coverage or benefits for costs associated with the medical use of cannabis upon intervention by the federal government to enforce of the federal "Controlled Substances Act" (21 U.S.C. s.802 et seq.). Lastly, the bill provides that an employer, insurer, or health insurance carrier shall, if for any reason payment by the employer, insurer, or health insurance carrier to the medical cannabis dispensary is not feasible, remit directly to the insured, employee, or covered person the costs for any benefits associated with the medical use of cannabis upon proof of payment by the insured, employee, or covered person to the medical cannabis dispensary. | In Committee |
| S774 | Requires online option for cancellation of automatic renewal of health club services subscriptions entered into online; provides additional options for cancelling health club services contracts under certain circumstances. | This bill requires an online option for the cancellation of health club services subscriptions entered into online and provides additional options for canceling health club services contracts under certain circumstances. Under the bill, a subscription service provider is required to provide a consumer with an online option to initiate the termination of the subscription service entered into online in accordance with the established billing terms and conditions of the agreement. In addition, the direct link or button provided to the consumer to initiate termination of the subscription service is to be accessible through: (1) a customer account or profile on the subscription service provider's internet website, or the user settings on a consumer's smartphone or tablet; or (2) a termination email formatted and provided by the subscription service provider that a consumer can email to the subscription service provider without being required to provide any additional information. If a consumer chooses to cancel a health club services contract by mail within three days of entering into the contract, as allowable under current law, the cancellation letter must arrive within three days of entering into the contract. If a consumer chooses to cancel a health club services contract by telephone within three days of entering into the contract, the consumer is to call the health club facility location where the consumer entered into the contract. | Dead |
| S2266 | Requires Division of Taxation conduct audits of out-of-State contractors that have entered into State and private contracts. | To ensure that out-of-State contractors are capable of handling the State or private contract they were awarded, the State should perform audits of those contractors. This bill requires the Division of Taxation to conduct audits of out-of-State contractors. The audits would be related to the State or private contract awarded to the contractors and would include: (1) a determination that administrative expenses have been properly allocated and are reasonable; (2) a review of the internal financial controls; and (3) a review of the annual financial report of the out-of-State contractor. The division would also establish a toll-free hotline number through which persons may confidentially report suspected incidents of wrongdoing or other possible issues in connection with out-of-State contractors. The division would submit the results of an audit of an out-of-State contractor to the contracting agency that awarded the State contract. The division would also submit an annual audit report to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S2256 | Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education. | This bill would establish the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program," which would provide grants to assist school districts in enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs for students and increasing access to STEM education programs. Applications for grant awards under this pilot program would be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who would allocate the awards on a competitive basis. The grant awards would be distributed so that school districts can build upon existing STEM education programs or create new education programs along three distinct areas of concentration, namely project-based learning, afterschool STEM, and out-of-school STEM. This bill also establishes within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "STEM Scholars Grant Fund," which would be used to provide grants to school districts under the pilot program. The fund would be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature, any moneys received by the State from corporate donors or other private sector support, and any federal funds which may become available for STEM-related activities. No State funds would be used to support a grant under the pilot program unless there is an appropriation for the pilot program in the annual appropriations act for that fiscal year. | In Committee |
| S2274 | Limits fees charged to patients and authorized third parties for copies of medical and billing records. | This bill would limit fees charged to patients, patients' legally authorized representatives, and other authorized third parties by hospitals and health care professionals for electronic or paper reproductions of medical or billing records. Pursuant to the bill, total costs for reproductions of a medical record, whether the record is stored electronically, on microfilm or microfiche, or on paper, are capped at $50, inclusive of any additional administrative fees charged by the hospital or health care professional for reproducing the requested records. The bill additionally prohibits hospitals and health care professionals from assessing a fee for copies of a patient's billing record if the record is requested by the patient himself, the patient's legally authorized representative, or an authorized third party. Current statute, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.217 (C.26:2H-5n), limits fees charged by general, special, and psychiatric hospitals for copies of patient medical or billing records at $200 per request. These fee limits, however, do not extend to medical records requested from health care professionals, such as a physician practice, a psychotherapist or a dentist. Pursuant to current statute, hospitals may additionally assess a variety of administrative fees for copies of patients' medical and billing records, such as a $10 records search fee, a surcharge for reproductions of x-rays or other materials that are difficult to reproduce on a commercial photocopy machine, a $10 fee per certified copy of a medical or billing record, and any postage and delivery charges. It is the intent of the bill's sponsor to facilitate access to patient medical and medical billing records for New Jersey residents and their authorized representatives. Although low-income patients may access copies of their medical records free-of-charge, the exorbitant copying and administrative fees charged by some New Jersey hospitals for patient records prove to be a financial burden for many moderate-income patients. | In Committee |
| S2288 | Removes requirement that certain government officers disclose the address of their home or secondary residence, or that of their immediate family on financial disclosure statements. | This bill removes the requirement that local government officials certify their residency within the relevant jurisdiction on their financial disclosure form. The bill also provides that local government officers who are judicial or law enforcement officers will not be required to disclosure their home address, or that of a secondary residence where their immediate family, as defined in P.L.2021, c.371, may reside, under any circumstances. The bill allows for the local finance board to postpone the due date for financial disclosure forms for up to 60 days for those forms due to be filed in the year 2023. | In Committee |
| S2260 | Increases amount of credit for incarceration resulting from default of court-imposed financial obligation or motor vehicle penalty. | This bill increases the amount of credit that the court may give a person in default of a court imposed financial obligation or motor vehicle penalty when the person is incarcerated for the default. Under current law, the court is authorized to credit a person who is in default of a court-imposed financial obligation or a motor vehicle penalty when the person has been incarcerated for the default. Currently, the court may order that a credit of at least $50 for each day of confinement be given against the amount owed. The provisions of this bill increase the amount of the credit that may be given from $50 to $90 for each day of confinement. This bill is based upon a recommendation contained in the June 2018 Report of the Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Operations, Fines, and Fees. | In Committee |
| S2278 | Concerns submission of testimony in workers' compensation claims. | This bill authorizes a judge of compensation, in the resolution of a workers' compensation claim pursuant to R.S.34:15 or R.S.34:15-22, to permit the submission of testimony of the petitioner and other witnesses by means of video or telephonic conferencing, prior deposition testimony, or sworn affidavit of the petitioner or witness, in lieu of appearance in open court for good cause and with the consent of the parties. | In Committee |
| S2265 | Establishes registry of out-of-state contractors who are awarded public works contracts in this State. | This bill requires the State Treasurer to establish and maintain an up-to-date and public registry of out-of-state contactors who are awarded contracts to engage in the performance of public works projects in this State. The registry would include, but need not be limited to, a description of the public works project of each out-of-state contractor operating in this State along with the trade name, owner name, and principal business address of that out-of-state contractor. The State Treasurer must prominently display the registry on a website maintained by the Department of the Treasury and distribute a printed or electronic copy of the registry to any contractor, out-of-state contractor, or public body, upon request. As used in the bill, "contractor" means a person, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, or other legal business entity or successor thereof who enters into a contract which is subject to the provisions of the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act" and "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act," and includes any subcontractor or lower tier subcontractor of a contractor as defined herein; and "out-of-state contractor" means a contractor, including a subcontractor, whose principal place of business is not in this State. A "principal place of business" does not include a satellite office, an office maintained, occupied, and used by an out-of-state contractor only for the duration of a contract, or an office maintained, occupied, and used by a person affiliated with an out-of-state contractor. | In Committee |
| S2255 | Provides that limitation on lawsuit option does not apply in accidents caused by drunk or reckless drivers. | This bill provides that a person who has chosen the "verbal threshold," or limitation on lawsuit option, under a private passenger automobile insurance policy may nevertheless sue a tortfeasor for noneconomic damages when bodily injury is sustained in an accident if the tortfeasor is convicted of, or pleads guilty to, drunk driving, refusing to take a breathalyzer test, or reckless driving in relation to that accident, even if the verbal threshold requirements have not been met with respect to that injury. | In Committee |
| S2289 | Requires MVC to provide certain services electronically to certain individuals and entities. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC), beginning no later than six months after the enactment of the bill, to provide electronic access to address and record search processes and other information and data maintained by the MVC to attorneys, medical providers, and other professional service providers. The bill requires the MVC to establish and maintain an electronic payment system through which an attorney, medical provider, or other similar professional service provider may pay a fee charged by the MVC for access to this information. If, six months after the enactment of the bill, the MVC has failed to provide electronic access to the information required by the bill and to establish an electronic payment system for access to such information, the Chief Administrator of the MVC is required to appear before the Senate Transportation Committee or the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee, or their successor committees, or other legislative committee, at the direction of the respective presiding officer, to explain why the MVC has not implemented the bill's requirements and to describe actions taken by the MVC to implement the bill's requirements. | In Committee |
| S2281 | Authorizes cannabis cultivation on land receiving farmland assessment; technical assistance for cannabis businesses; and economic incentives to certain businesses operating in impact zones. | This bill permits cannabis to be cultivated on land receiving a farmland assessment; technical assistance to be provided to certain cannabis businesses in the State; and economic incentives to be provided to minority, women's, and disabled veterans' cannabis businesses operating in impact zones. Current law prohibits medical and recreational cannabis from being cultivated on land that is valued, assessed, or taxed as an agricultural or horticultural use pursuant to the Farmland Assessment Act of 1964. This bill eliminates these prohibitions. Under current law, certain persons and entities that are issued a license to operate as a cannabis cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, or delivery service; and property owners, developers, and operators of projects that are to be used to benefit these licensees are prohibited from receiving certain State or local economic incentives. The provisions of the bill provide that these exclusions do not apply to persons who are owners of or entities that are minority businesses, women's businesses, or disabled veterans' businesses operating in impact zones. The bill also clarifies that technical assistance provided to a person or entity under the bill is not to be considered a State or local economic incentive. | In Committee |
| SR63 | Urges EPA to expend funds from NJ Superfund settlements to remediate sites at issue. | This resolution urges the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expend funds from New Jersey Superfund settlements exclusively for remediating the Superfund sites at issue and to limit the settlement expenditures used for agency administrative and oversight costs. | In Committee |
| 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: Suspend Rule 23:5 | 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 | Abstain |
| 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 | Yea |
| 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: Third Reading | 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 for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for 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 | Yea |
| 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 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | District 22 | Senate | Democrat | In Office | 01/13/2004 |