Legislator
Legislator > Troy Singleton
State Senator
Troy Singleton
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 07
In Office - Started: 01/09/2018
contact info
Moorestown Office
400 N. Church St.
Suite 260
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Suite 260
Moorestown, NJ 08057
Phone: 856-234-2790
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1439 | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1400 | "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative. | This bill, titled the "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act," would provide an alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title to the property from a relative. The bill is based on the 2010 uniform act of the same name drafted and approved by the Uniform Law Commission (formerly known, and sometimes still referred to, as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws). Currently, any real property held by multiple owners as tenants in common (cotenants) may be subject to a partition action filed in Superior Court, which may result in (1) a partition in kind, which is the physical division of the property proportionate to individual owners' interests, or (2) partition by sale, for which individual owners are then compensated out of the total purchase price proportionate to their interests. See N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq. This bill would preempt some parts of the existing partition law in order to create new requirements for the process intended to more greatly protect the interests of cotenant property owners who may object to another owner's action seeking to partition any property which meets the following characteristics and is referred to in the bill as "heirs property": - there is no agreement in a record binding all the cotenants which governs the partition of the property; - one or more of the cotenants acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; and - any one of the following applies: 20 percent or more of the interests are held by cotenants who are relatives; 20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; or 20 percent or more of the cotenants are relatives. When a partition action is filed pursuant to the partition law, N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq., the court would make a determination, based on information contained in the pleadings or any other information provided to the court pursuant to the Rules of Court, whether the subject property is "heirs property." If so determined, the property would be partitioned in accordance with the process set forth in the bill. The court is to appoint a special master to generally oversee the process and, when appropriate to carry out a partition in kind (the physical division of property), and may, when appropriate, appoint a commissioner or commissioners pursuant R.4:63-1 of the Rules of Court "to ascertain and report in writing the metes and bounds of each [cotenant's] share." Any such appointed commissioner would be required to be disinterested, impartial, and not a party to or participant in the partition action. The bill also provides that if the court determines that the property may be heirs property, the court would order the plaintiff to post, and maintain while the action is pending, a conspicuous notice on the property that is the subject of the action in accordance with the Rules of Court. That notice would state information about the partition action and the common designation by which the property is known, and the court could also require the party to include the party's name and the known defendants (other cotenants). An appointed special master would direct a disinterested real estate appraiser licensed in the State to make a determination of the property's fair market value, assuming sole ownership of the fee simple estate, unless the cotenants have agreed to the property's value or to another valuation method, in which case the special master could accept that value or the value produced by the agreed upon method. If an appraisal was conducted, the completed appraisal would be distributed to the parties in the action and filed with the special master. Within 30 days after the appraisal is filed, any party could file an objection with the special master. Thereafter, following notice of a hearing, the special master could conduct an appraisal hearing to determine the fair market value of the property, during which the special master could consider evidence offered by any party in addition to the real estate appraisal on file. If any cotenant requests a partition by sale, after the determination of the property's value, a notice would be sent within 45 days by the party who filed the partition action to all parties and the special master indicating that any cotenant, except a cotenant that requested partition by sale, could buy all of the interests of the one or more cotenants requesting the sale. Within 30 days thereafter, any eligible cotenant or cotenants could then elect to buy all of those interests by giving notice of such to the parties and the special master. The purchase price for each of the interests of a cotenant requesting the partition by sale would be the determined value of the entire parcel of property multiplied by the cotenant's fractional ownership of the entire parcel. At the conclusion of the buyout notice period, the bill provides for the following: (1) If only one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the cotenant would notify all the parties and the special master in writing; (2) If more than one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master would allocate the right to buy those interests among the electing cotenants based on each electing cotenant's existing fractional ownership of the entire parcel divided by the total existing fractional ownership of all cotenants electing to buy, and send written notice to all the parties of that fact and of the price to be paid by each electing cotenant; and (3) If no cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master with notice to the parties would report in writing to the court, and the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. In situations when one or more cotenants elected to buy the available interests, each such cotenant would be required to pay their apportioned price within 30 days with notice to the special master. Upon timely payment by all purchasing cotenants, the special master would issue an order reallocating the interests amongst the remaining cotenants and the money held by the Superior Court Trust Fund would be disbursed, in accordance with procedures set forth in the Rules of Court, to the one or more cotenants who have been bought-out. If no one made timely payments, the special master would report this to the court, which in turn would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. If only some made timely payments, those paying cotenants could file a motion with the special master to determine the outstanding interests and their purchase price, and one or more such cotenants could thereafter pay, based upon a new special master order, for the recalculated remaining interests within 30 days following issuance of the order. After this new 30-day period, if there remained any interests for sale that are not purchased, the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. Thus, whenever at the conclusion of the one or more buyout periods described above there remain any unpurchased interest from a cotenant that requested the partition by sale, or any cotenant remains that has requested a partition in kind, the special master would report to the court a recommendation to proceed with a partition in kind. The court would order the partitioning of the property into physically distinct and separately titled parcels, unless the court found that such partitioning would result in great prejudice to the cotenants as a group; the determination of "great prejudice" would be based on such factors as whether the property could be divided practicably amongst cotenants, whether doing so could decrease the aggregate values of the resulting parcels versus selling the property as a whole, and any cotenant's sentimental attachment to the property, including attachment arising because of any ancestral, unique, or special value to the cotenant. In a case in which a partition in kind would result in great prejudice, the court would order a partition by sale, unless no cotenant requested such action, resulting in the dismissal of the case and no further partitioning of the property. Any partition by sale would be an open-market sale unless the court finds that a sale by sealed bids or an auction would be more economically advantageous and in the best interest of the cotenants as a group. Any open-market sale would proceed under a licensed real estate broker, either agreed to by the parties or, absent agreement, appointed by the court. The real estate broker would be provided a reasonable commission on the sale as determined by the court. The broker would offer the property for sale in a commercially reasonable manner at a price no lower than the previously determined value of the property, and on the terms and conditions established by the court. The broker, after receiving an offer to purchase the property, would file a report with the court containing information about the purchase price, name of each buyer, terms of the proposed sale, including the terms of any financing, any amounts to be paid to lienholders, and other material facts relevant to the sale. Thereafter, the purchase could be completed in accordance with applicable State law and payments distributed based upon the former cotenants various interests in the property. This bill would take effect on the 30th day following enactment, and apply to any partition actions filed on or after that date. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Passed |
| S1297 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | In Committee |
| S1034 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | In Committee |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Crossed Over |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Passed |
| A1675 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Passed |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Passed |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Passed |
| SJR100 | Designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in NJ. | This resolution designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey. Cleft lip and palate, together commonly called orofacial clefts, are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth and results in an opening in the upper lip. The opening in the lip can be a small slit or it can be a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join together completely during pregnancy. Some babies are born with both the front and back parts of the palate open while others only part of the palate is open. Children with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate or a cleft palate alone often have problems with feeding and speaking clearly and are prone to have ear infections, hearing problems, and problems with their teeth. About one in every 1,700 babies is born with cleft palate in the United States. The causes of orofacial clefts among most infants are unknown and ongoing research is being conducted at the national level to better understand the root causes. Cleft lip and palate affects people worldwide, impacting speech, eating, and overall quality of life. Raising awareness about cleft palate is essential to foster understanding, compassion, and support for New Jersey residents and families affected by this condition, as well as to encourage medical research aimed at identifying the root cause of the orofacial disorder. | Crossed Over |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Passed |
| 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. | Passed |
| S3302 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | In Committee |
| A4603 | Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act". | This bill would strengthen the legal protections provided to farmers under the "Right to Farm Act." Specifically, the bill would allow farmers to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred in the defense of bad faith complaints against commercial agricultural operations, activities or structures when a county agriculture development board or the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), as applicable: 1) finds the farmer is entitled to the irrebuttable presumption established under the "Right to Farm Act"; and 2) determines, supported by a preponderance of the evidence, that the complaint was brought in bad faith and all or a portion of the costs and attorney fees are reasonable. Under the "Right to Farm Act," the established irrebuttable presumption is that a commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure or specific operation or practice does not constitute a public or private nuisance, or does not otherwise invade or interfere with the use and enjoyment of any other land or property, if: 1) the commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure conforms to agricultural management practices recommended and adopted by the SADC, or the specific operation or practice of the commercial agricultural operation has been determined to constitute a generally accepted agricultural operation or practice, either by the appropriate county agriculture development board or the SADC, as applicable; and 2) the commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure or specific operation or practice complies with all relevant federal and State statutes and regulations, and does not pose a direct threat to public health and safety. Under the bill, a farmer seeking an award of reasonable costs and attorney fees would submit an application therefor to the county agriculture development board or the SADC as applicable, after being found entitled to the irrebuttable presumption. The county agriculture development board or the SADC would then determine, whether a preponderance of the evidence supports a determination that the complaint was made in bad faith and if the costs and fees, or a portion thereof, are reasonable. If so, the county agriculture development board or the SADC would issue an order for the person filing the complaint to pay the reasonable costs and fees to the farmer. | Passed |
| S3662 | Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act". | This bill would strengthen the legal protections provided to farmers under the "Right to Farm Act." Specifically, the bill would allow farmers to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees incurred in the defense of bad faith complaints against commercial agricultural operations, activities or structures when a county agriculture development board or the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC), as applicable: 1) finds the farmer is entitled to the irrebuttable presumption established under the "Right to Farm Act"; and 2) determines, supported by a preponderance of the evidence, that the complaint was brought in bad faith and all or a portion of the costs and attorney fees are reasonable. Under the "Right to Farm Act," the established irrebuttable presumption is that a commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure or specific operation or practice does not constitute a public or private nuisance, or does not otherwise invade or interfere with the use and enjoyment of any other land or property, if: 1) the commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure conforms to agricultural management practices recommended and adopted by the SADC, or the specific operation or practice of the commercial agricultural operation has been determined to constitute a generally accepted agricultural operation or practice, either by the appropriate county agriculture development board or the SADC, as applicable; and 2) the commercial agricultural operation, activity or structure or specific operation or practice complies with all relevant federal and State statutes and regulations, and does not pose a direct threat to public health and safety. Under the bill, a farmer seeking an award of reasonable costs and attorney fees would submit an application therefor to the county agriculture development board or the SADC as applicable, after being found entitled to the irrebuttable presumption. The county agriculture development board or the SADC would then determine, whether a preponderance of the evidence supports a determination that the complaint was made in bad faith and if the costs and fees, or a portion thereof, are reasonable. If so, the county agriculture development board or the SADC would issue an order for the person filing the complaint to pay the reasonable costs and fees to the farmer. | In Committee |
| S3812 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Passed |
| 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. | Requires school bus personnel members to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires certain school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features; makes appropriation. | Crossed Over |
| S3891 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | In Committee |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Passed |
| S3917 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | Crossed Over |
| S3992 | Modifies capital reserve funding requirements for certain planned real estate developments. | Modifies capital reserve funding requirements for certain planned real estate developments. | Passed |
| 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 |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Passed |
| S4451 | Clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan. | This bill modifies certain requirements for the preparation and adoption of a municipal master plan pursuant to section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-28). Specifically, the bill requires a municipal master plan to include a housing plan element, and specifies that the housing plan element is to evaluate the need for, and establish a plan for, the provision of housing in the municipality, which is to include affordable housing. The bill amends section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-28) to require the housing plan element to include certain factors, currently provided in section 10 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-310), which the bill removes from section 10 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-310), and retains and reallocates to paragraph (3) of subsection b. of section 19 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-28), in order to clarify a municipality's obligations with respect to a housing plan element. The bill requires a municipality's land use plan element to: (1) describe the land use plan element's relationship to, and how it is designed to effectuate, the housing plan element; and (2) show adopted redevelopment plans for areas designated in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation pursuant to the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law", P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.), and the status of redevelopment projects in those areas. | Crossed Over |
| S4407 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | In Committee |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Passed |
| S4567 | Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | This bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues and various Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Of the total amount appropriated by the bill, $102,679,000 would be used by the DEP to provide grants or loans, or both, to assist local government units in the State to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, $3,000,000 would be used for a new planning grant program, and $2,320,000 would be used for the DEP's associated administrative costs. The total amount of funding allocated for local government projects listed in this bill is $102,679,000. Of this amount, $22,427,000 is for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 4 of the bill, and $80,252,000 is for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 5 of the bill. Of the sum for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $19,959,000 is allocated for planning incentive open space acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities and counties that have an open space tax and an approved open space plan); $2,086,000 is allocated for open space acquisition projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; and $382,000 is allocated for site-specific incentive acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that have an open space tax, but do not have an open space plan). Of the sum for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $29,145,000 is allocated for local park development projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; $11,951,000 is allocated for local park development projects in densely or highly populated municipalities or sponsored by highly populated counties; $6,638,000 is allocated for standard local park development projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that do not meet the criteria of the prior two categories); $4,247,000 is allocated for stewardship activity projects; and $28,271,000 is allocated for completely inclusive playground projects, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2018, c.104 (C.13:8C-27.1), otherwise known as "Jake's Law." The projects approved by the bill include projects in "urban aid" and densely or highly populated municipalities and counties. The bill defines a "densely or highly populated municipality" as a municipality with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile or a population of at least 35,000 persons; a "densely populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile; and a "highly populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. In addition, the bill would appropriate $3 million to the DEP in order to establish a new a Planning Grant program, the purpose of which would be to provide matching grants to local governments to fund the preparation of plans and other activities necessary to identify needs and opportunities for additional recreation and conservation initiatives in the State. To the extent that there are funds remaining after the local government unit projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the bill also authorizes the DEP, with the approval of the JBOC, to use those funds to provide additional funding for local government unit projects listed in this bill as well as for local government unit projects previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws. The projects listed in the bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT). | Passed |
| S4669 | Requires app stores to verify age of person creating account. | This bill imposes several requirements on app stores and developers related to age verification. Under the bill, an app store provider is required to verify the age of all State residents who create an account with the app store provider and if the individual is a minor, require the account to be affiliated with a parent account and obtain parental consent from the holder of the affiliated parent account before allowing the minor to download an app, purchase an app, or make an in-app purchase. Specifically the bill requires app store providers to: (1) request age information from an individual located in the State when the individual creates an account with the app store provider and verify the individual's age category; (2) if the age verification method determines the individual is a minor, require the account to be affiliated with a parent account and obtain verifiable parental consent from the holder of the affiliated parent account before the minor can download an app, purchase an app, or make an in-app purchase; (3) after receiving notice of a significant change, as defined in this bill, from the developer, notify the user of the significant change and for a minor account, notify the holder of the affiliated parent account and obtain renewed verifiable parental consent; (4) provide certain information to a developer as required under this bill; (5) notify a developer when a parent or guardian revokes parental consent; and (6) protect personal age verification data by various methods provided in the bill. Additionally, the bill requires developers to: (1) verify the age category of users located in the State and for a minor account verify whether verifiable parental consent has been obtained; (2) notify app store providers of a significant change to the app; (3) use age category data received from an app store provider to enforce any developer-created age-related restrictions, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and implement any developer-created safety-related features or defaults; and (4) request personal age verification data or parental consent, at the time a user downloads an app or purchases an app, when implementing a significant change to the app, or to comply with applicable laws or regulations. The bill authorizes developers to request personal age verification data or parental consent: (1) no more than once during each 12-month period, (2) when there is reasonable suspicion of account transfer or misuse outside the verified age category, or (3) when a user creates a new account with the developer. Under the bill, if an app store provider of a developer violates the bill, it is a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Additionally, bill permits a minor, or parent or guardian of a minor, who has been harmed by a violation of certain provisions on the bill to bring an action in the Superior Court against an app store provider or a developer. If the suit is successful, an individual would be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and court costs. An individual would also be entitled to up to the greater of actual damages or $1,000 for each violation. The bill includes a provision that includes circumstances under which developers would not be liable for a violation of the bill. | In Committee |
| S4691 | Eliminates Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid; establishes Municipal Property Tax Relief Fund. | This bill repeals sections of law providing for the distribution Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief and Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid, and replaces the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid program with a new initiative, the Municipal Property Tax Relief Program. The bill requires State revenues currently deposited into the Energy Tax Relief Property Tax Relief Fund to be deposited into the Municipal Property Tax Relief Fund and dedicates those revenues to support State aid payments to municipalities under the new program. For State fiscal year 2026, the amount credited to the "Municipal Property Tax Relief Fund" is to be $1,455,000,000 multiplied by the sum of 1.0 and the index rate or zero, whichever is greater. For State fiscal year 2027 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the amount credited to the "Municipal Property Tax Relief Fund" would be equal to the amount credited to the fund in the prior fiscal year, multiplied by the sum of 1.0 and the index rate or zero, whichever is greater. Under the bill, no municipality would receive less than the amount received in Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid in calendar year 2024, or State fiscal year 2025 for a municipality that utilizes a State fiscal year budget cycle. State aid provided to municipalities in excess of $1,455,000,000 would be distributed pursuant to a formula developed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, as specified in the bill. Similar to the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Act, the bill includes a provision providing that if the State does not make the appropriations and distributions required under the bill, the State would forgo the collection of certain corporation business tax revenues from all corporate taxpayers that are not public utilities for that tax year. Amounts distributed to municipalities from the "Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid Fund" in excess of the amount distributed to the municipality from the "Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund" during the State fiscal year 2002 is to be used for the purpose of reducing the amount the municipality is required to raise by local property tax levy for municipal purposes. Under the bill, in any year that certain net payments from specified sources to the State exceed $1.425 billion, 75 percent of the amount in excess of $1.425 billion would be required to be credited to the "Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid Fund" and distributed to municipalities as additional aid. | In Committee |
| S4569 | Appropriates $13,640,000 to DEP from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for grants of certain nonprofit entities for open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | The bill appropriates $13,640,000 to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), of which $11,959,000 is to provide grants to various nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, $1,000,000 is to establish a new planning grant program, and $681,000 is to be used by the DEP for associated administrative costs. Of the amount appropriated by the bill to provide grants to various nonprofit entities: $8,346,000 is allocated for eight acquisition projects; $2,133,000 is allocated for two park development projects; and $1,480,000 is allocated for four stewardship activity projects. In addition, the bill would appropriate $1,000,000 to the DEP in order to establish a new a Planning Grant program, the purpose of which would be to provide matching grants to nonprofit organizations to fund the preparation of plans and other activities necessary to identify needs and opportunities for additional recreation and conservation initiatives in the State. The bill also would allow the DEP to re-distribute certain other moneys, which have been returned to the department due to project withdrawals, cancellations, or cost savings, for the purpose of providing additional funding, for recreation and conservation purposes, to previously approved and funded projects of nonprofit entities, subject to the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. This additional funding, if provided from a Green Acres bond act, may include administrative costs. The projects listed in the bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution. The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund" was established by section 6 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." The act provides that a certain amount of the portion of dedicated CBT revenues allocated each year for the Green Acres program is to be used for: the acquisition of lands for open space, including Blue Acres projects, and development projects on State lands administered by the DEP's Division of Fish and Wildlife and Division of Parks and Forestry; grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects; and grants to nonprofit entities to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes. | Crossed Over |
| S4048 | Prohibits approving authority from approving construction of certain warehouses on lot of land within 1,000 feet of historic district. | Prohibits approving authority from approving construction of certain warehouses on lot of land within 1,000 feet of historic district. | In Committee |
| S756 | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | In Committee |
| S4633 | Establishes Statewide youth apprenticeship program; appropriates $25 million annually. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workplace Development to establish a dedicated youth apprenticeship program for students aged 16 to 21 years old. Under the bill, the program would be required to include, but not be limited to, creating career-connected learning in high school for students in 11th grade and 12th grade; combining paid, on-the-job training with dual-enrollment in community colleges; and creating pre-apprenticeship pathways into registered programs in high-demand sectors, including but not limited to health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and green jobs. The bill requires the commissioner, in consultation with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, to develop standardized curriculum for apprenticeship-related instruction; offer no-cost related technical instruction to apprentices; and expand the college credit for apprenticeship initiative, awarding credit for on-the-job training. The bill provides that employers who participate in the program will be provided with up to $5,000 per apprentice in tax credits or direct grants, provided that certain criteria are met, including but not limited to: paying apprentices at least 60 percent of journeyperson wages, escalating annually; committing to non-discriminatory recruitment and retention practices; and reporting annually to the department demographics, wage progression, and completion rates of apprentices. The bill requires State agencies and public contractors of large capital projects to develop or participate in registered apprenticeship programs. Under the bill, priority will be given to green energy and public infrastructure apprenticeships and partnerships with union-based Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs). The bill requires the department to issue an annual report, published on the department's Internet website that includes, but is not limited to: (1) apprenticeship participation by industry, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography; (2) completion rates and post-apprenticeship employment outcomes; and (3) State savings from reduced reliance on student aid and unemployment insurance.Finally, the bill provides that $25 million shall be allocated annually commencing in fiscal year 2026, for the purpose of funding the youth apprenticeship program established by the bill, including but not limited to providing start-up grants for newly registered apprenticeship programs; tuition-free related technical instruction at public vocational schools and community colleges; and wraparound support services for qualified low-income apprentices, such as transportation, childcare, and tools. | In Committee |
| S4627 | Creates criminal and civil penalties related to attacks by dogs; grants victim and owner of victimized animal hearing rights. | This bill: (1) establishes new criminal offenses related to dog owners and handlers responsible for unrestrained dog attacks or injuries to another person or animal; (2) imposes civil penalties separate from the criminal penalties for violations; and (3) grants victims or the owner of a victimized dog or cat the right to request a hearing to determine whether an attacking dog is vicious or potentially dangerous, regardless of whether that an animal control officer has already done so. Presently, animal control laws impose a uniform set of State requirements and related municipal court proceedings for when a dog is to be declared vicious or a potentially dangerous dog, but do not explicitly impose criminal culpability upon an owner or handler whose conduct permitted the dog to cause injury. The bill creates the offense of negligent handling of a dog to cases where on four or more occasions, a person violates a local law, rule, or regulation concerning the leashing of a dog outside of areas designated. Under the bill, records of the violations run with the person handling the dog, without regard to whether different dogs are involved. Allowing multiple dogs to run unleashed in violation of local law, rule, or regulation at the same time shall constitute one violation. Negligent handling of a dog is a petty disorderly persons offense. A petty disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment, a fine up to $500, or both. The bill also creates the crime of reckless handling of a dog. Under the bill, a person is guilty of reckless handling of a dog if the person allows the dog to injure a person, cat, or other dog without justification or provocation. Reckless handling of a dog is a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000, or both. Reckless handling of a dog where the injury requires hospitalization of a person or animal, or results in death, including medically recommended humane euthanasia of an animal, is a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both. Reckless handling of a dog is a crime of the third degree if the person handling the dog instructs the dog, by verbal command, bodily gesture, or other command to injure a person, cat, or other dog where there is no threat or imminent danger. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine up to $15,000, or both. The sponsor recognizes that while this offense may overlap with conduct constituting an assault under N.J.S.A.2C:12-1, the act of issuing a command may not, pursuant to the requirement of the assault statute, constitute conduct manifesting extreme indifference to human life. This provision in the bill would cover that circumstance. The bill creates separate civil penalties for violations committed under the bill. The bill provides that the owner of a dog who commits the offense of reckless handling of a dog shall be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $500 for a disorderly persons offense; $1,000 for a crime of the fourth degree; and $2,000 for a crime of the third degree, in addition to any other applicable penalty. The penalty may be reduced by the amount which is paid as restitution by the owner of the dog to the person or the owner of an animal suffering serious physical injury, as compensation for unreimbursed medical or veterinary expenses, lost earnings, and other damages. Any monies collected pursuant to this section are to be made payable to the municipality or county providing law enforcement or emergency services in response to the violation. Finally, the bill amends N.J.S.A.4:19-20, a provision in P.L.1989, c.307, the animal control law, concerned with providing notice to the owner of a seized dog. The amendment requires that notice be given to a victim or owner of a victimized dog as well. This notice will enable a victim or owner of the victimized animal to request a hearing to determine whether the attacking dog is vicious or potentially dangerous. The amendment further requires that an animal control officer who has issued four or more notices to the same individual shall refer the matter to the municipal prosecutor for a negligent handling investigation. This bill is based on Assembly Bill A8462A, legislation introduced May 16, 2025, in the New York Assembly, known as "Penny's Law," to create the offenses of negligent handling of a dog and reckless handling of a dog. | In Committee |
| S4653 | The "Vacant Property Revitalization and Affordable Housing Act"; establishes fund to revitalize certain real property and revises process for tax lien holder to foreclose the right of redemption; appropriates $50 million. | This bill: (1) establishes the "Vacant Property Revitalization Fund" (revitalization fund) in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (agency) to provide grants and low-interest loans to land bank entities and qualified housing nonprofits to support the acquisition, rehabilitation, and disposition of certain housing; and (2) modifies the timeframe during which a tax lien holder can foreclose the right of redemption. Specifically, the bill establishes the revitalization fund in the agency, which is to be a nonlapsing, revolving fund, to be administered by the agency, for the purpose of providing competitive grants and low-interest loans to:§ land bank entities, defined pursuant to the "New Jersey Land Bank Law," P.L.2019, c.159, (C.40A:12A-74 et seq.), for the acquisition, rehabilitation, and disposition of vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties; and§ qualified housing nonprofits partnering with land bank entities for the development of housing that is substantially reserved as affordable housing. The bill specifies that grants or loans are to be used for eligible costs, as set forth in the bill, and that priority is to be given for certain proposals. The bill requires the agency to develop and maintain a public dashboard on the agency's Internet website, which is to be updated annually by the agency, showing certain information required by the bill. The bill requires a land bank entity or qualified housing nonprofit that receives a grant or loan from the agency pursuant to the bill to:§ use not more than 20 percent of the total amount of the grant or loan for administrative costs and expenses, overhead costs, consultants, or other similar expenses;§ adopt, implement, and execute tenant protection and anti-displacement strategies that are promulgated by the Executive Director of the agency (executive director) and the Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention pursuant to the bill; and§ ensure that residential housing developed with a grant or loan under the bill contains an affordability deed restriction, as specified in the bill. The bill provides that a land bank entity or qualified housing nonprofit that violates the bill is to be liable to a penalty of not less than the grant or loan provided by the agency, which is to be collected in a civil action by the Attorney General. The bill requires that damages or other remedies are to be deposited into the revitalization fund. In addition to a penalty collected by the Attorney General, a land bank entity or a qualified housing nonprofit that violates the bill is to be subject to a complaint at the discretion of any person or entity, including a developer, residential tenant, or another land bank entity or qualified housing nonprofit, directly and adversely affected by a violation of the bill, if the affected person or entity files a complaint with the Superior Court of New Jersey, Law Division within 12 months of the date that the violation occurred. The bill permits the complainant to recover: a civil penalty equal to not less than 50 percent of the grant or loan provided by the agency, reasonable attorney's fees, court costs, expenses for expert witnesses, and other related fees and expenses incurred in proving a violation of the bill. For actions instituted by the Attorney General and by adversely affected persons or entities, the bill permits the court to award additional damages or other remedies as the court deems proper and that are necessary to deter violations of the bill. The bill requires the executive director to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature, which is to contain data from the public dashboard, outcomes, challenges, and equity impacts resulting from grants or loans provided pursuant to the bill. The bill requires the executive director and the Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of the bill, which are to include necessary updates to the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls, and rules that set forth requirements for the content, adoption, implementation, and execution of tenant protection and anti-displacement strategies, and which are to specify actions by a land bank entity or a qualified housing nonprofit that constitute a failure to adopt, implement, and execute tenant protection and anti-displacement strategies. The bill also modifies certain timeframes under the "tax sale law," R.S.54:5-1 et seq. (tax sale law), and the In Rem Tax Foreclosure Act (1948), P.L.1948, c.96 (C.54:5-104.29 et seq.) (In Rem Tax Act), to reduce the time period, after which, a municipality, or its assignee or transferee, or other person that acquires a tax sale certificate, may institute an action to foreclose the right of redemption. The bill reduces the time period to from six months to three months for a municipality, or its assignee or transferee, which is the purchaser of a tax lien, and from two years to one year for all other persons. The bill specifies that, for both the tax sale law and the In Rem Tax Act, a complaint to bar the right of redemption is only to be served by publication and by regular and certified mail, unless the notice by certified mail is returned as undeliverable or the service recipient's address is disputed by that recipient. The bill requires that notice of the action is to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality where the affected lands are located. If there is no newspaper of general circulation in the municipality, the bill requires that the plaintiff publish the notice on the Internet website of a newspaper that is targeted to reach readers residing in the municipality where the affected lands are located. Within seven days of the date of publication of the notice of foreclosure, the bill requires that the plaintiff serve a copy of the notice by regular and certified mail to any person, or business or government entity, entitled to notice of the foreclosure under the tax sale law or the In Rem Tax Act, respectively. The bill requires the notice to state that an answer is to be filed within 35 days of the date of publication, or the date of the mailing of the notice, whichever is later. The bill appropriates $50 million from the General Fund to the revitalization fund to effectuate the provisions of section 3 of the bill, which funds are to be initially allocated as grants or low-interest loans over a three-year period. The bill would take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment, except that the executive director and the Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention are required to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill related to the revitalization fund. | In Committee |
| S4039 | Exempts nonresident military spouses from "New Jersey First Act." | The "New Jersey First Act" requires most public employees in New Jersey to be residents of the State. This bill exempts nonresident military spouses from the residency requirement. This bill defines "nonresident military spouse" as a nonresident of this State who is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been transferred to this State in the course of the member's service, is legally domiciled in this State, or has moved to this State on a permanent change-of-station basis. | In Committee |
| S3900 | Permits court to take additional time to consider pretrial release or pretrial detention when firearm offense is involved. | Permits court to take additional time to consider pretrial release or pretrial detention when firearm offense is involved. | In Committee |
| S3893 | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices. | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of a machine gun conversion device. | In Committee |
| S3920 | Requires State Police to establish recovery leave policy for troopers presenting proof of pregnancy. | Requires State Police to establish recovery leave policy for troopers presenting proof of pregnancy. | In Committee |
| S3607 | Extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | This bill extends accidental death benefits for survivors of certain State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees. Under current law, the surviving spouse or child of a retired member of the SPRS who died on or before July 8, 2019 and had been receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance is permitted to apply to receive accidental death benefits if the retired member had a qualifying condition or impairment of health due to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill removes the limitation that only a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS retiree who died before July 8, 2019 is eligible, so that the provisions will apply regardless of when the SPRS retiree died. In addition, this bill establishes eligibility for a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS member who had been receiving an ordinary disability retirement, a special retirement, or a service retirement. This bill prohibits a written and sworn statement from being required when applying for the accidental death benefits. Under current law, a spouse or child is only eligible for accidental death benefits if the member's or retiree's death was the result of a qualifying condition or impairment of health which the medical board determines to be caused by participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill also allows the World Trade Center Health Program to make this determination. Under current law, the spouse of a deceased retired member who is receiving a pension due to the death of that member on or before July 8, 2019 is eligible to apply to the board of trustees and, upon approval of the application by the board, will receive the accidental death benefits if the surviving spouse submits sufficient documentation that the deceased retiree would have qualified for a retirement. This bill also allows the spouse to apply if the member did qualify for retirement or if the member previously filed the required written and sworn statement. This bill requires notification to SPRS surviving spouses and children of the changes made by the bill by certified mail within 60 days after the bill's effective date. Under current law, a surviving spouse, former surviving spouse, or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, must submit an application not later than two years after the effective date of the law. This bill allows survivors to submit an application not later than two years after the date of the member or retiree's death, or two years after the effective date of this bill, whichever is later. Under current law, a surviving spouse or former surviving spouse or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, is prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the effective date of the law. This bill also provides that these survivors are prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the date of the application approval if the date of approval is later than the effective date of the law. | Crossed Over |
| S2376 | Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years. | Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years. | Crossed Over |
| S699 | Establishes program in SADC for acquisition of development easements on privately-owned woodlands. | Establishes program in SADC for acquisition of development easements on privately-owned woodlands. | Crossed Over |
| S1042 | "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act"; establishes requirements, prohibitions, and programs for regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). | This bill would prohibit the sale of certain products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), require greater transparency in the labeling of cookware products containing PFAS, establish a source reduction program concerning the proper management of PFAS, and appropriate money for PFAS-related research. As defined in the bill, "PFAS" means substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Specifically, the bill would prohibit, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatment, and food packaging that contain intentionally added PFAS. In addition, the bill would require, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, manufacturers of cookware sold in the State that contains intentionally added PFAS in the handle of the product or in any product surface that comes into contact with food, foodstuffs, or beverages to list the presence of PFAS on the product label. Beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, and distribution of cookware that contains PFAS would be prohibited unless the cookware product and the manufacturer of the cookware has complied with the bill's cookware labeling requirements. The bill would also require the DEP to recommend to the Legislature products, in addition to those prohibited from being sold, offered for sale, or distributed pursuant to the bill, by category or use that should not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in this State if they contain intentionally added PFAS. Under the bill, the DEP would have the authority to audit or investigate a manufacturer to assess the manufacturer's compliance with bill's provisions. The bill would provide that any proprietary information or trade secrets included in any written notification, certification, or any other record submitted to the DEP pursuant to the bill would be required to be kept confidential from the general public pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), commonly known as the open public records act. The bill would require the DEP to establish, no later than one year after the bill's effective date, a source reduction program to reduce the presence of PFAS in the State's air, water, and soil by encouraging the proper management of materials that contain PFAS and the use of safer alternatives. The program would be required to include certain items enumerated in subsection a. of section 12 of the bill. The bill would also require the DEP to conduct PFAS-related research and comprehensive monitoring and testing of the presence and impact of PFAS on the environmental media within the State, including air, water, biota, and soil. The DEP's research would be required to include certain items enumerated in subsection b. of section 13 of the bill. No later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter, the DEP would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing their research findings and activities and providing recommendations for programs, policies, and legislation to address the presence of PFAS in the State. Finally, the bill would appropriate $5 million to the DEP for the purposes of implementing the source reduction program, conducting PFAS-related research, and monitoring and testing environmental media, such as air, water, and soil, for PFAS pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| S1989 | Enhances criminal penalties for persons invloved in certain human trafficking activities. | Enhances criminal penalties for persons involved in certain human trafficking activities. | Crossed Over |
| S1312 | Requires State Real Estate Appraiser Board to adopt alternative program to acquire experiential requirements for prospective real estate appraisers attempting to qualify for licensure or certification. | This bill requires the State Real Estate Appraiser Board to adopt an alternative program to acquire experiential requirements for prospective real estate appraisers attempting to qualify for licensure or certification. Under the bill, the board will be required to adopt the Appraisal Qualification Board's practical application of real estate appraisal (PAREA) program as an alternative means of acquiring experiential requirements for a prospective real estate appraiser looking to become a licensed or certified appraiser. Presently, a prospective real estate appraiser must locate a licensed or certified appraiser who is willing to supervise the prospective appraiser as they attain their experiential requirement. The process to find a supervisor is difficult, with no formal process to help aspiring appraisers find a supervisor that can oversee them. Under PAREA, prospective real estate appraisers can fulfill up to 100% of their experience requirements virtually by creating real-world simulations that combine appraisal theory and methodology. PAREA also provides prospective real estate appraisers with mentors to supervise them. | In Committee |
| S4260 | "Electric Public Utility Fair Profit Act"; requires electric public utilities to take certain actions regarding excess profits and directs fines for violations to fund utility assistance programs. | "Electric Public Utility Fair Profit Act"; requires electric public utilities to take certain actions regarding excess profits and directs fines for violations to fund utility assistance programs. | In Committee |
| S4374 | Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. | Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. | In Committee |
| S4600 | Requires each registered voter to receive mail-in ballots automatically for all elections unless voter opts out. | This bill changes The Vote By Mail Law to require that each new and existing registered voter automatically receives a mail-in ballot for all elections, unless the voter notifies the county clerk that the voter no longer wishes to do so, or unless the voter fails to vote by mail in four consecutive years. Under the bill, each voter would be permitted to vote in person at the voter's polling place on the day of the election or during the early voting period, provided the voter surrenders their mail-in ballot. Under current law, a registered voter can choose to vote by mail-in ballot in a single election or for all future elections, until the voter notifies the county clerk that the voter no longer wishes to do so, or unless the voter fails to vote by mail in four consecutive years. Current law also permits a voter to vote at the polling place by provisional ballot if the voter requested a mail-in ballot, but did not receive the ballot, or if the voter received the mail-in ballot, but appears at a polling place without the ballot. The bill provides that a voter who has received a mail-in ballot may vote at a polling place on the day of election or during the early voting period without using a provisional ballot provided that the voter surrenders their mail-in ballot, including the outer envelope with the voter's name and address written on it. The bill increases from five days to 10 days prior to the day of election that the county board of elections may begin opening the inner envelopes for each mail-in ballot and canvassing each mail-in ballot from the inner envelope. The bill also permits voters to deliver their voted mail-in ballots to each polling place. The Secretary of State is charged with establishing chain of custody procedures for the verification and acceptance of mail-in ballots surrendered by voters wishing to vote in person and if the polling place accepts mail-in ballots. | In Committee |
| S4598 | Establishes the "Food is Medicine NJ Pilot Program" in DHS; appropriates $5,000,000. | This bill establishes a three-year "Food is Medicine NJ Pilot Program" within the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Department of Health, and appropriates $5,000,000. The purpose of the pilot program is to adopt a nutrition program that integrates food-based interventions directly into the State's healthcare system in effort to enhance overall public health and reduce healthcare costs in the State. The pilot program will consist of delivering medically tailored meals, produce prescriptions, and nutrition education to Medicaid recipients with diet-related chronic illnesses. A third party evaluator will measure the effectiveness of the program on reductions in emergency room visits and hospitalizations, changes in medication adherence and biometric indicators such as A1C blood tests and blood pressure measurement, and overall cost savings to the Medicaid program. New Jersey is grappling with serious challenges stemming from widespread food insecurity, increasing rates of chronic disease, and the escalating costs associated with healthcare. Diet-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are among the leading causes of death and healthcare spending in New Jersey. In 2022, 26 percent of hospitalized patients in the State had eight or more chronic conditions, highlighting the growing burden of preventable illnesses. Compounding this issue, healthcare costs linked to food insecurity totaled over $1.3 billion in 2016, amounting to approximately $150 per resident. The Department of Human Services "Food is Medicine NJ Pilot Program" will present an interim report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and, in accordance with section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), to the Legislature no later than 18 months after the enactment of the bill. A final report will be submitted by the third year following the bill's enactment. The program will expire 30 days after the issuance of its report. | In Committee |
| S4599 | "New Jersey Workforce Housing Partnership Act"; incentivizes homebuyer assistance to certain employees, provides tax credits for development of certain workforce housing, and provides certain assistance and affordability protections for middle-income residents; appropriates $55 million. | This bill, designated as the "New Jersey Workforce Housing Partnership Act," incentivizes employers to provide financial assistance to certain employees buying homes, provides tax credits for the development of certain workforce housing projects, and provides certain assistance and affordability protections for low- and moderate-income residents. The Workforce Housing Assistance Program The bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) to establish a "Workforce Housing Assistance Program" (program) to provide incentives to qualified employers related to the provision of workforce housing assistance to qualified employees. The program consists of two components: (1) the provision of matching contribution grants for down-payment assistance provided by a qualified employer to one or more qualified employees; and (2) the provision of low-interest mortgage loans and loan guarantees to the qualified employees of a qualified employer for the purchase of workforce housing in this State. Under the bill, qualified employers are required to apply to the authority to participate in the program before the qualified employees of the employer may receive benefits under either component of the program. As defined in the bill, "qualified employee" means a full-time employee of a qualified employer who has worked for the qualified employer for a minimum of one calendar year prior to the employer's date of application for the program, which employee is middle-income or a member of a middle-income household. "Qualified employer" means a person or business entity doing business in the State, which person or business entity employs one or more qualified employees residing within this State. "Workforce housing" means housing that is affordable, according to federal Department of Housing and Urban Development or other recognized standards, for home ownership and rental costs and that is occupied or reserved for occupancy by households with a gross household income not more than 120 percent of the median gross household income for households of the same size within the housing region in which the housing is located. The bill authorizes the provision of matching contribution grants for distribution to qualified employees who receive a financial contribution of at least $5,000 from a qualified employer toward a down payment for the purchase of a workforce housing unit. However, to qualify for the matching contribution grant, the purchase of the workforce housing unit is required to occur within 12 months following the qualified employer's approval for the program, and the property is required to be occupied as the qualified employee's principal residence. Under the bill, the amount of the matching contribution grant is to equal: (1) for a qualified employer that employs 50 or more employees, an amount equal to the financial contribution paid by the qualified employer to the qualified employee, but not to exceed $10,000 per employee; or (2) for a qualified employer that employs fewer than 50 employees, in an amount equal to 200 percent of the financial contribution paid by the employer to the qualified employer, but not to exceed $15,000 per employee. In addition to receiving grants under the program, this bill authorizes qualified employees of a qualified employer that is approved to participate in the program to apply to the authority for a low-interest mortgage loan or loan guarantee for the purchase of a workforce housing unit, which purchase occurs within 12 months of the date of approval of the qualified employer's application for the program, and which housing is to be occupied as the qualified employee's primary residence in this State. The bill also provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for qualified employers that provide financial contributions for down payment assistance to qualified employees, in accordance with the requirements of the program. Under the bill, the tax credits are to be issued in an amount equal to 25 percent of the amount of the taxpayer's financial contributions, not to exceed $500,000 during a tax period. However, for a taxpayer that employs fewer than 50 employees, an additional amount of tax credits is available equal to 10 percent of the amount of the taxpayer's financial contributions paid in excess of $5,000 to each qualified employee during a tax period. Periodic Program Review and Funding of the Program This bill appropriates $50 million to the "Workforce Housing Assistance Program Fund," which is established under the bill for the purposes of providing grants, low-interest loans, and loan guarantees under the program. Under the bill, the authority, in coordination with the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (agency), is required to review on the effectiveness of the program every three years, which review is to include: (1) the impact of the program on employee retention in the State; (2) the rates of participation in the program by qualified employers; (3) the rates of participation in the program by qualified employers with fewer than 50 employees; (4) the rates of homeownership by qualified employees in the State; and (5) any other measure by which the authority determines the success of the program may best be studied. The authority, in coordination with the agency, is required to report its findings and recommend the continuation, modification, or termination of the Workforce Housing Assistance Program, including any recommended changes to funding for the program, to the Governor and the Legislature. Workforce Housing Development Incentive This bill provides for incentive awards in the form of tax credits, and potentially tax abatements, for qualified employers that convert underutilized commercial property into a workforce housing project. The bill defines "workforce housing project" as a residential housing project developed or financed by a qualified employer that primarily includes workforce housing and includes a minimum set-aside of 20 percent of units for households earning not more than 80 percent of the area median income determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. To receive an incentive award for the development of a workforce housing project, a qualified employer is required to demonstrate the following in an application to the authority: (1) the applicant is a qualified employer that seeks to convert underutilized commercial property into a workforce housing project; (2) evidence satisfactory to the authority that the development of the workforce housing project is in compliance with applicable State and federal laws and safety standards; (3) the anticipated project costs to be incurred by the qualified employer in developing the workforce housing project; (4) assurances deemed satisfactory to the authority that a minimum of 20 percent of units in the project will be set aside for low- and moderate-income households; and (5) any other information required by the authority. Under the bill, a developer that executes an incentive award agreement with the authority may receive tax credits as authorized under the agreement, subject to the approval of annual compliance reports submitted to the authority. After issuance of the certificate of compliance by the authority, the taxpayer is permitted to claim tax credits in an amount not to exceed 15 percent of approved project costs, as defined in the bill, for the development of a workforce housing project, which credits may be claimed over the course of an eligibility period, as determined by the authority. The bill also allows a taxpayer to apply for a tax credit transfer certificate so that all or part of the credit awarded may be sold or assigned to a third-party purchaser. Additionally, the bill authorizes a municipality to adopt an ordinance granting an abatement or exemption from taxation, or both, for property in development for the purpose of workforce housing a developer that converts underutilized commercial property into workforce housing or develops on-site workforce housing for qualified employees. If such ordinance is adopted, a developer may be eligible for a five-year tax abatement as described in the bill, subject to the requirement to make payments in lieu of taxes to the municipality. Zoning and Permitting Requirements The bill authorizes the adoption of certain municipal ordinances and requires that the adoption of such ordinances be a priority consideration for the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) when determining allocations of certain transportation funding for municipal projects within each county. Specifically, the bill provides that under the local aid program, the commissioner is required to determine priority for the funding, after the amount of aid has been allocated based primarily on the statutory formula, based upon whether a municipality has adopted an ordinance that permits the development of certain accessory dwelling units, development of duplexes and triplexes in an area zoned for single-family residential use, or mixed-use development. The commissioner remains required, as under current law, to consider criteria relating to volume of traffic, safety considerations, growth potential, readiness to obligate funds, and local taxing capacity. Additionally, this bill accelerates the processing timelines for certain permits necessary to the development of workforce housing. Workforce Housing Impact Relief Program The bill establishes a "Workforce Housing Impact Relief Program" (relief program) in the authority for the purpose of providing grants, in such amounts as may be determined by the authority, to certain long-term homeowners that reside in municipalities impacted by the development of one or more workforce housing projects. An individual is eligible for the relief program, provided that only one application may be approved in any household in any calendar year, if: (1) the individual's household earns not more than 80 percent of the area median income determined by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development; and (2) the individual's primary residence is located in a municipality impacted by the development of workforce housing under the bill, and the individual has owned the principal residence for not less than 10 years prior to the date of application for the relief program. To fund these grants, the bill appropriates $5 million to the "Workforce Housing Impact Relief Fund," which the authority is to establish pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| S4030 | Requires health care professionals to report cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease. | Requires health care professionals to report cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease. | In Committee |
| S1391 | Establishes New Jersey First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account Program; provides gross income tax benefits for certain contributions to and earnings on assets maintained in accounts established under program. | Establishes New Jersey First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account Program; provides gross income tax benefits for certain contributions to and earnings on assets maintained in accounts established under program. | In Committee |
| S63 | Concerns outreach and training for minorities and women in the construction industry. | This bill reconciles certain provisions concerning construction project funds set forth in P.L.2009, c.313 (C.52:38-7) and P.L.2009, c.335 (C.52:40-1 et seq.). Specifically, the bill modifies the language used in section 6 of P.L.2009, c.335 (C.52:40-6) to describe the use of 0.5% of construction project funds set aside for women and minority group members to make it conform to P.L.2009, c.313 by expanding the funded activities to include outreach as well as training, and to include not only construction trade occupations, but other occupations in the construction industry, such as management and engineering. The bill also modifies the scope of projects subject to the 0.5% set-aside under P.L.2009, c.335, to make it conform with the provisions of P.L.2009, c.313 that not only require the set-asides to apply to State projects, but permit political subdivisions to elect to use the set-aside for local projects. | In Committee |
| S1408 | Authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments. | Authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-used developments. | In Committee |
| S2347 | Concerns development of accessory dwelling units and related regulations. | Concerns development of accessory dwelling units and related regulations. | In Committee |
| S4564 | Adjusts qualification threshold for New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program. | The bill reduces the threshold for required participation in the New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program from businesses that have 25 or more employees to businesses that have one or more employees. The bill removes references to the term "small employer" in the "New Jersey Secure Choice Savings Program Act" to reflect this change. | In Committee |
| S4225 | Broadens scope of information sharing and civil immunity therefor, related to insurance fraud. | This bill broadens the scope of information a person or entity, such as an insurance carrier, may disclose to other parties related to actual or potential insurance fraud, and the scope of the related civil immunity covering the person's or entity's distribution of that information. The bill concerns information disclosure practices related to insurance fraud, with the intent of strengthening State and insurance industry efforts to hamper fraudulent activities. To that end, the bill amends and supplements the State statutes governing insurance information practices, P.L.1985, c.179 (C.17:23A-1 et seq.), popularly referred to as the "Insurance Information Practices Act," and the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act," P.L.1983, c.320 (C.17:33A-1 et seq.). Specifically, the bill: -Expands the definition of "insurance-support organization" regarding insurance information practices, to permit any such organization to collect and report information about any person or entity in connection with an insurance transaction, going beyond the current scope as expressed in the definition, which focuses only on information collecting and reporting concerning an individual insured, applicant, or claimant; -Similarly expands the definition of "privileged information" regarding insurance information practices, to indicate that such information may relate to any person or entity concerning an insurance transaction; -Modifies the scope of permitted information disclosures with respect to insurance information practices, so that an insurance carrier, among other insurance institutions, or an agent or insurance-support organization may disclose privileged information (as defined above) about a person or entity in connection with, or in reasonable anticipation of, an insurance transaction, to: 1) another insurance institution, agent, or insurance-support organization; 2) any other person or entity involved in detecting or preventing criminal activity or insurance fraud; or 3) a law enforcement or other governmental authority; -Expands the existing immunity provided to any person or entity for disclosing information, as well as the existing immunity associated with the mandatory reporting requirements and information furnishings set forth under the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act," to apply to a cause of action "of any nature," instead of the current law's more limited immunity against causes of action in the nature of defamation, invasion of privacy, or other related actions; and -Establishes a new, similarly expansive immunity under the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act" relating to making reports to, or providing information to, or receiving information from: 1) the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, or any employee, agent, or representative of the commissioner, including the Bureau of Fraud Deterrence; 2) federal, State, or local law enforcement, including the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor, or other governmental authority; 3) any person performing a business, professional, or insurance function concerning the detection or prevention of criminal activity, fraud, material misrepresentation, or material nondisclosure which violates the provisions of the "New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prevention Act"; 4) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a national nonprofit organization which assists state insurance regulators, individually and collectively, in serving the public interest and achieving insurance regulatory and market goals; or 5) the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing, detecting, and eliminating insurance fraud. By establishing a legal framework for the greater flow of information between the insurance industry and law enforcement, as well as among various parties within the insurance industry, the bill intends to strengthen the efforts of the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the insurance industry to thwart fraudulent activities. | In Committee |
| S4010 | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | In Committee |
| S4272 | Repeals law that requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in certain manner. | This bill repeals P.L.1995, c.63 (C.18A:62-22), which requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in a certain manner. It is the sponsor's belief that this law restricts the rights of students who participate in certain student organizations at public institutions of higher education from engaging in State legislative activity, effectively silencing these students. Under P.L.1995, c.63, the governing body of a public institution of higher education is prohibited from allowing funds for legislative agents or organizations which attempt to influence legislation to be assessed on student tuition bills. However, optional fees may be assessed for nonpartisan organizations that employ legislative agents or attempt to influence legislation provided that the fee has been authorized by a majority vote in a student referendum. An optional fee is an amount payable on a student tuition bill, appearing as a separately assessed item, but not a mandatory charge or a waivable fee. Optional fees that appear on student tuition bills are currently required to be accompanied by a statement as to the nature of the item along with an explanation that the item is not a charge required to be paid by the student, the student may add the charge to the total amount due, and that the item has appeared on the bill at the request of the student body and does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the governing body of the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| S4023 | Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act, which codifies the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development's New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative. Under the bill, the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development is required to operate a New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, the purpose of which is to provide students, workers, and job seekers with career pathways they need to pursue promising new careers and opportunities; to strengthen career pathways partnerships between county colleges and employers, primary and secondary schools, vocational technical high schools, four-year institutions of higher education, unions, and community based organizations; and to ensure that employers have access to a highly skilled workforce to meet critical labor market needs. The bill permits the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to establish Centers of Workforce Innovation that offer career pathways in various areas. The bill directs the Centers of Workforce Innovation to develop curriculum specific to each career pathway that is to be made publicly available, provide students with instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in a career pathway, promote the use of the Community College Opportunity Grants, promote the expansion of apprenticeship and other work-based learning opportunities for students, and to collaborate with business leaders and educational partners across the State. | In Committee |
| S1406 | Prohibits surgical declawing of cats and other animals. | This bill prohibits a person from performing, or causing to be performed, an onychectomy (declawing) or flexor tendonectomy procedure by any means on a cat or other animal, unless the procedure is deemed necessary for a therapeutic purpose by a licensed veterinarian. Any person who violates this provision would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to six months, or both. A violator would also be subject to a civil penalty of between $500 and $2,000. Under the bill, whenever a licensed veterinarian determines that an onychectomy or flexor tendonectomy is necessary for a therapeutic purpose, the veterinarian would be required to file a written statement with the Department of Health, and provide a copy of that statement to the owner of the animal. A veterinarian who fails to comply with this provision would be subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. For purposes of the bill, the term "therapeutic purpose" means for purpose of necessity to address the medical condition of the animal, such as an existing or recurring illness, infection, disease, injury, or abnormal condition in a claw that compromises the animal's health. "Therapeutic purpose" would not include cosmetic or aesthetic reasons or reasons of convenience in keeping or handling the animal. | In Committee |
| S4455 | Requires age verification to prohibit minors from accessing sexually explicit material online. | This bill amends the State's obscenity law for minors to require sexually oriented online entities to perform age verifications for sexually explicit obscene material available over the Internet. Under existing law, N.J.S.A.2C:34-3, it is a crime of the third degree to sell, distribute, rent, or exhibit sexually explicit obscene material to a person under 18 years of age. However, it is an affirmative defense that: (a) the person under age 18 falsely represented in or by writing that he was age 18 or over; (b) the person's appearance was such that an individual of ordinary prudence would believe him to be age 18 or over; and (c) the sale, distribution, rental, showing, or exhibition was made in good faith relying upon such written representation and appearance and in the reasonable belief that the person was actually age 18 or over. 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 obscenity law originates from a time before widespread use of the Internet, when sexually explicit material was generally available only through certain retail stores, or adult video stores, book stores, or theaters. Under the bill, the obscenity law is extended to apply to sexually oriented online entities, which are defined as persons or entities engaged in the business of exhibiting or showing obscene material through the Internet, and includes websites, social media platforms, file sharing platforms, video platforms, gaming platforms, mobile applications, bulletin board systems, and other Internet-connected networks, the primary purpose or substantial portion of which is to exhibit or show obscene material; to allow individuals to share or distribute obscene material with other individuals; or to allow individuals to generate obscene material. A sexually oriented online entity located in this State or that exhibits or shows obscene material to individuals in this State through the Internet will be required to verify that each individual that attempts to access or view the obscene material is at least 18 years of age. The bill provides that age verification may be performed through a proprietary system developed by the entity, commercial third-party services, or online driver's license checks available through the Motor Vehicle Commission, provided that certain data protections for user privacy are followed. A sexually oriented online entity that violates the age verification requirement will be subject to prosecution under the obscenity law and, if convicted, will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $50,000 in addition to any other penalty imposed. | In Committee |
| S4458 | Establishes New Jersey Baby Bond Account Program. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Baby Bond Account Program and Baby Bond Account Fund in the Department of the Treasury and appropriates the sum of $70,000,000 from the General Fund to the Baby Bond Account Fund. The purpose of the program is to credit each eligible individual in the State with a $2,000 deposit into an individual account in the Baby Bond Account Fund by the program. An eligible individual is any infant born on or after January 1, 2021 to a family domiciled in this State or outside of this State, provided the individual establishes residence in the State within six months of birth, and who resides in a household having an annual household income on the individual's date of birth that does not exceed 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The bill requires the State Treasurer to establish in the fund an account for each eligible individual and credit each account with $2,000. The State Treasurer will credit to each individual account the amounts credited to the fund, which are attributable to the account holder of the account. In the event a person or entity wishes to make a deposit into an individual account or an account holders wishes to transfer money to the individual account of a family member or dependent, the bill authorizes the State Treasurer to accept such deposits and to process such transfers, in a manner and method to be determined by the State Treasurer. The money within an individual account may only be distributed when the account holder attains the age of 18, with an exemption of qualified tuition and related expenses for eligible students, defined by the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986. The moneys within an individual account may only be used for the following expenses: (1) post-secondary educational expenses of the account holder; (2) acquisition costs of a primary residence of the account holder; (3) qualified business capitalization expenses of the account holder, as determined by the program; and (4) any other investment in financial assets or personal capital that provides long-term gains to wages and wealth, as determined by the program. This bill requires that the money in the Baby Bond Account Fund will be managed by an 11-member Baby Bond Account Board, established pursuant to this bill, and will be invested in permitted investments or held in interest-bearing accounts. The board will consist of five ex-officio members, as follows: the State Treasurer or the State Treasurer's designee; the State Comptroller or the State Comptroller's designee; the Director of the Office of Management and Budget or the director's designee; the Chief Executive of the Economic Development Authority or the chief executive officer's designee; the Commissioner of Human Services or the commissioner's designee; and six public members with the Governor, the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Senate President each appointing two members each. The board will hold a fiduciary duty to the fund and will make investments with the reasonable expectation that the return on each investment will be commensurate with the risk associated with each investment. The board will select and employ an executive director who will be responsible for the administration of the Baby Bond Account Program. The executive director will also be required notify each eligible individual's family of their potential eligibility for the Baby Bond Account Program. The executive director will also provide each eligible individual's family with information about the program's eligibility criteria, application process, guidelines, procedures, and requirements for withdrawing money from an individual account to be used for qualified expenses. Lastly, the executive director will be required to make economic literacy training available to each eligible individual's family. The board will determine the economic literacy training curriculum to fulfill this provision, provided that, at a minimum, the curriculum offers a basic understanding of budgets and savings accounts, credit and interest, how to use financial services, and how to use a savings plan to reach the account holder's savings goal for an individual account. | In Committee |
| S4453 | "New Jersey Rent-to-Own Rights Protection Act"; protects tenant-buyers in residential rent-to-own agreements. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Rent-to-Own Rights Protection Act" for the purpose of protecting tenant-buyers in residential rent-to-own agreements. The bill defines a "rent-to-own agreement" as a lease agreement for residential real property, between a landlord-buyer and tenant-seller, that includes an option or obligation to purchase the property through installments throughout the lease term or at a later date. The bill requires a rent-to-own agreement to be in writing, to be signed by the landlord-seller and tenant-buyer, and to contain a statement of all terms, including:· the total purchase price of the property;· the duration of the lease term before purchase;· the amount of the option fee and whether it is refundable;· the portion of rent payments, if any, credited toward the purchase price;· the party responsible for property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and utility payments;· the conditions under which the tenant-buyer may forfeit the right to purchase; · the rights of the heirs of the tenant-buyer in the event of the tenant-buyer's death or incapacity; and· any other information that the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) determines necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill, and that is in the public interest. The bill provides a tenant-buyer with a right to obtain an independent property inspection before signing a rent-to-own agreement and, if the agreement provides an option to purchase at a later date, prior to the tenant-buyer exercising that option. The landlord-seller is also to provide the tenant-buyer with:· a signed property condition disclosure statement, as provided for in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.76 (C.56:8-19.1);· a full accounting of how payments will be applied toward ownership;· a notice of any existing liens or legal claims on the property;· proof of the receipt of a certificate of occupancy for the property, obtained no more than six months prior to entrance into the agreement; and · any other information that the commissioner determines necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill, and that is in the public interest. The bill provides that a tenant-buyer is not to be required to forfeit payments made toward the purchase price unless the tenant-buyer has defaulted on the agreement after reasonable notice of at least 30 days and an opportunity to cure the default. The bill provides a tenant-buyer with a right to record a rent-to-own agreement with the county recording office, and permits the county recording officer to charge a fee for the recording not to exceed the greater of $1 per page or the actual costs to complete the recording. The bill prohibits a landlord-seller from engaging in certain fraudulent or deceptive conduct, which materially relates to the condition of a property, the terms of the rent-to-own agreement, or the ability, as permitted by the agreement, for the tenant-buyer to obtain financing towards the purchase of the property. The bill prohibits a rent-to-own agreement from containing any waiver of the tenant-buyer's rights as established by the bill, or any other applicable law. Further, the bill prohibits a property owner from entering a rent-to-own agreement if the property is in default on mortgage or property tax payment obligations. The bill prohibits the rights of a tenant-buyer in a rent-to-own agreement from being impaired by the sale of a property by a landlord-seller to a third party, or other form of disposition of the property from the landlord seller. The bill prohibits a landlord-seller from entering a rent-to-own agreement without a homeowner's insurance policy. If compensation is owed to the property owner as a result of eminent domain or an insurance payment, the payment is to be divided between the landlord-seller and tenant-buyer, unless used to reconstruct damage to the property for the tenant-buyer's continued use. The percentage of the value of the property that is represented by the equitable interest, as defined in the bill, is to be paid directly to the tenant-buyer. The bill also prohibits a rent-to-own agreement from impairing the implied warranty of habitability. A violation of the provisions of the bill is to constitute an unlawful practice under the New Jersey consumer fraud act (CFA), and subject to all applicable penalties set forth in the CFA. The bill permits a tenant-buyer who has been harmed by a violation of the bill to initiate a civil action for actual damages, statutory damages of $10,000, attorneys' fees, costs for expert witnesses, other costs incurred in proving a violation of the bill, and injunctive relief. The bill also provides the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety (director) with enforcement authority to investigate violations and impose penalties. The bill provides the Commissioner of Community Affairs with authority, in consultation with the director, to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the provisions of the bill. The bill is to take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment. | In Committee |
| S4452 | "New Jersey Neighborhood Homes Investment Act"; establishes gross income tax credit for certain residential development. | The "New Jersey Neighborhood Homes Investment Act," establishes a gross income tax credit for certain residential developments. This bill is intended to complement the federal Low Income Housing Tax Credit program, which supports affordable rental housing, but is not designed to facilitate the construction or rehabilitation of owner-occupied homes. The bill would authorize a project sponsor, who is financing the construction or substantial renovation of one or more qualified residences, to obtain a credit against taxes otherwise due under the gross income tax. The tax credit would be in an amount equaling the amount by which the reasonable development costs of the qualified project exceed the amount to be paid by a qualified homeowner in an affordable sale. However, the bill also prohibits the tax credit from exceeding 35 percent of the lesser of the total reasonable development costs, or 80 percent of the median sales price for a new home in the State. Further, the bill also directs the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (HMFA) to adopt rules and regulations to establish an alternative calculation of the tax credit amount to be permitted for a substantial rehabilitation of a home already owned by a qualified homeowner. In this circumstance, the credit is not to exceed the amount by which the reasonable development costs of the substantial rehabilitation exceed the increase in the assessed value of the home that results from the substantial rehabilitation. Under the bill, a qualified project consists of either: (1) the substantial rehabilitation of a qualified residence that is owned by a qualified homeowner, as defined in the bill; or (2) the construction of a qualified residence to be purchased by an eligible purchaser in an affordable sale. A sale qualifies as affordable if the sale does not exceed the median household income of the county, by household size, multiplied by three. Under the bill, an eligible purchaser or qualified homeowner is required to have a household income of 140 percent, or less, of the median household income for the State. The bill permits a residence to be included as a part of a qualified project if the residence:· consists of real property affixed on a permanent foundation;· consists of: (1) a building that is comprised of four or fewer residential units; (2) a condominium unit; or (3) a house or an apartment owned by a cooperative housing corporation; · is located within the designated area of a qualified project for which HMFA has made an allocation; and· is located in a qualified census tract, as defined in the bill. When entering an affordable sale conducted in compliance with the bill, the bill requires an eligible purchaser to certify an intention to reside in the home for no less than five years. If the qualified homeowner moves out before these five years are completed, then, depending on how close to five years the homeowner came to residing in the home, the bill requires the homeowner to pay HMFA a penalty of between 10 percent and 50 percent of the amount by which the price that the qualified homeowner sold the home for exceeds the initial affordable sales price, or, if the qualified homeowner has moved out but has not sold the home, between 10 percent and 50 percent of the amount by which the updated assessed value of the home exceeds the initial affordable sales price. The bill directs the Executive Director of HMFA to adopt rules and regulations, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, on or before the first day of the fourth month following enactment. The bill takes effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment. | In Committee |
| S4471 | Authorizes creation of special license plate honoring Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta. | This bill authorizes the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to issue special license plates (plates) honoring both the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated under the Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta license plate program (program). The bill provides that the plates are to display appropriate words or a slogan and an emblem honoring both organizations. The chief administrator is to select the design and color scheme of the plates in consultation with the International First Vice President of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the International Vice President of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In addition to all fees otherwise required by law for the registration of a motor vehicle, the bill imposes an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the plates. After the deduction of the cost to implement the program, any additional fee collections are required to be deposited into the special non-lapsing fund known as the "Phi Beta Sigma and Zeta Phi Beta License Plate Fund" (fund). To support the mission and programs of both organizations, the proceeds of the fund are to be annually appropriated to the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of the plates. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the program. The bill also requires the International First Vice President of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the International Vice President of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated to appoint one liaison to represent the two organizations in all communications with the commission regarding the program. The bill prohibits the use of either State or other public funds by the commission to cover the initial cost to implement the program. The bill requires the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated--or an individual or entity designated by the organizations--to contribute non-public monies, not to exceed $25,000, to offset the initial costs to design, produce, issue, and publicize the plates and for computer programming changes which may be necessary to implement the program. The bill authorizes the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated to receive funds from private sources to offset the initial costs of the program. The commission is not required to design, produce, issue, or publicize the availability of the plates or make any necessary programming changes, until: (1) the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated--or the individual or entity designated by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated--has provided the commission with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the commission in establishing the program; and (2) the liaison of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated has provided the commission with a minimum of 500 completed applications for the plates. The provisions of the bill will remain inoperative until the first day of the 13th month after the commission receives the appropriate number of applications and amount in fees required to offset the initial cost to implement the program. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month after the date of enactment if the required number of applications or amount in fees to offset the initial costs is not received. | In Committee |
| S4454 | Codifies certain requirements and stipulations for licensed veterinarians to engage in telemedicine and telehealth. | The bill codifies existing regulations to stipulate the requirements for veterinarians to follow when engaging in telemedicine and telehealth. Specifically, the bill provides that a licensed veterinarian is responsible for determining whether providing patient services through telemedicine or telehealth is consistent with the standard of care for those same services provided in-person. The licensee is to also provide notice regarding the risks and benefits of being treated through telemedicine and telehealth. The bill requires the licensee to establish licensee-client-patient relationships in advance of providing services through telemedicine or telehealth. In addition, the licensee will review the patient history through any available records and provide the client with the opportunity to sign applicable consent forms. The bill makes exceptions to the requirement for establishing licensee-patient-client relationships if: the purpose is for an informal consultation without the expectation of compensation; to provide consultation with a medical specialist in another jurisdiction; the assistance is provided in response to an emergency, provided there is no charge for the medical assistance; or, a substitute licensee is acting on behalf of an absent licensee on an on-call basis. Licensees engaged in telemedicine or telehealth are required to use two-way, interactive communication technologies and may use technology to allow for the electronic transmission of images, diagnostics, data, and medical information. Lastly, when telemedicine or telehealth is unable to provide all pertinent clinical information to provide care to the patient, the licensee is required to advise the client regarding the need for the patient to obtain an additional in-person medical evaluation. | In Committee |
| S4378 | Authorizes local governments to provide voluntary contributions to certain nonprofit veterans' organizations. | Authorizes local governments to provide voluntary contributions to certain nonprofit veterans' organizations. | In Committee |
| S4358 | Allows remote patient monitoring of pregnant patients; requires reimbursement for remote patient monitoring rendered to certain Medicaid beneficiaries. | This bill stipulates that a health care provider who establishes a proper provider-patient relationship with a patient who is pregnant may allow remote patient monitoring of the patient if the patient is unable to receive in-person services at a doctor's office or other licensed health care facility. As used in the bill, "remote patient monitoring" means the use of digital technologies to collect medical and other forms of health data from patients at one location to electronically transmit that information securely to health care providers at a different location for analysis, interpretation, and to make recommendations to, and manage the treatment of, such patients. "Remote patient monitoring" shall include the monitoring of clinical patient data such as weight, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, respiratory flow rate, musculoskeletal system status, blood glucose levels, and other patient-generated physiological data. The bill also provides that coverage under the State Medicaid program include benefits for expenses incurred for remote patient monitoring of a pregnant patient in accordance with the provisions of the bill. It is the sponsor's belief that remote patient monitoring of pregnant persons is extremely important. The use of remote patient monitoring helps health care providers support and facilitate the provision of health care services to patients, especially those who have difficulties receiving in-person services at a doctor's office or other licensed health care facility. | In Committee |
| S4355 | Permits certain use of virtual or remote instruction by schools during inclement weather to meet minimum 180-day school year requirement. | This bill permits certain use of virtual or remote instruction by schools during inclement weather to meet the minimum 180-day school year requirement. Under the bill, if the schools of a school district close due to inclement weather, the commissioner is to permit the district to apply to the 180-day school year requirement, a day of virtual or remote instruction for four or more hours in that same day. The bill permits a school district to apply the bill's provisions to no more than three days per school year. The bill directs the board of education of each school district and the board of trustees of each charter school or renaissance school project to develop and adopt a policy for the use of virtual or remote instruction on days in which schools are closed due to inclement weather in accordance with the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S4359 | Allows gross income tax credits to certain renters whose rent exceeds 35 percent of gross income. | This bill would establish a refundable gross income tax credit for certain renters whose rent exceeds 35 percent of their gross income. Under the bill, a taxpayer with gross income not in excess of $60,000, and who pays rent on the principal residence of the taxpayer in excess of 35 percent of the taxpayer's gross income, may be allowed a refundable gross income tax credit based on a percentage of the excess rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year, not to exceed $1,000. Under the bill, a taxpayer may elect to receive the refundable portion of the tax credit in monthly installments during the taxable year immediately following the taxable year for which the credit is claimed. Specifically, the amount of the tax credit would be determined according to the following schedule: (1) 100 percent of the excess rent, not to exceed $1,000, if: the taxpayer's gross income does not exceed $50,000 and the taxpayer resides in a high-cost area; or the taxpayer's gross income does not exceed $25,000 and the taxpayer does not reside in a high-cost area; (2) 75 percent of the excess rent, not to exceed $1,000, if: the taxpayer's gross income exceeds $50,000 but does not exceed $60,000 and the taxpayer resides in a high-cost area; or the taxpayer's gross income exceeds $25,000 but does not exceed $50,000 and the taxpayer does not reside in a high-cost area; or (3) 50 percent of the excess rent, not to exceed $1,000, if the taxpayer's gross income exceeds $50,000 but does not exceed $60,000, and the taxpayer does not reside in a high-cost area. As used in the bill, the term "high-cost area" is defined as any location in the State in which the small area fair market rent is used to calculate the tenant-based housing subsidy provided to participants of the federal Housing Choice Voucher Program during the taxable year for which the credit is claimed. The bill also provides that for any taxpayer who receives State or federal tenant-based housing subsidy, and who otherwise qualifies for the tax credit allowed under the bill, the taxpayer may instead elect to receive a tax credit in an amount equal to 1/12 of the unsubsidized rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. Additionally, the bill provides that the tax credit would be authorized retroactively, beginning on and after the taxable year immediately preceding the date of enactment of this bill. If a taxpayer qualified for the credit in the taxable year immediately preceding the date of enactment, the taxpayer would be required to file an amended tax return with the Director of the Division of Taxation within 90 days following the date of enactment to claim the credit or refund of any resulting overpayment of tax. | In Committee |
| S4356 | Imposes annual State tax on investment ownership of single family residences in this State by certain entities for purposes other than single family ownership, providing revenue for down payment assistance for family ownership. | This bill imposes an annual State tax on investment ownership of more than 20 single family residences in this State by certain entities for purposes other than for single family ownership. The revenue from the tax will be credited to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Assistance Agency to provide for down payment assistance for single family home ownership. The tax will serve as an economic disincentive to hedge funds and other investors from owning large portfolios of homes in this State, often obtained by large cash offers, and motivated primarily by long-term returns on investment. The holding of these homes in many developing, stable residential neighborhoods keeps them off of traditional residential markets that are accessible to family purchasers who must pursue standard down payments and purchase money mortgage financing during a tightening residential real estate market. Hedge funds are likely to hold a portfolio of residential properties for 5 to 10 years, but when they decide to sell, it is unlikely that those homes will show up on family accessible local real estate service platforms. Because the homes have been bundled, the hedge funds more likely will sell to other funds. This transforms residential properties into an asset class to be traded among institutional investors. Similar bundling is happening in cities to multi-family rental units, as private equity has been buying market-rate properties and raising rents. Once homes get bundled into a fungible asset, families are not going to be able to buy individual properties from that bundle. Some of those homes may become part of the rental market and will be unavailable to prospective homebuyers. To allow for an orderly exit from the housing investment market, this bill allows hedge funds and other investors to sell the homes they own for single family home ownership over a period of time, reducing their portfolio annually by at least 10 percent of the 20 or more homes they own at the start of a year, in order to avoid the annual tax at the end of the year. To ensure the tax focuses on problematic actors, the bill excludes nonprofit organizations, public government subsidized housing, as well as home builders. The bill includes a certification process for a purchaser to confirm that they do not own a majority interest in any other single family residential real estate. Grants provided by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Assistance Agency to provide for down payment assistance for single family home ownership from the tax revenue will prioritize support to families purchasing single-family residences from any taxpayer subject to the State tax. | In Committee |
| S4357 | Requires nonpublic school to forward student discipline records of students who transfer to public school. | This bill requires a nonpublic school to forward to a school district the student disciplinary records of a nonpublic school student who transfers to the school district. Under the bill, when a student enrolled in a nonpublic school transfers to a public school, upon the written request of the school district, the nonpublic school is to provide to the district all information in the student's record related to disciplinary action taken against the student by the nonpublic school. The nonpublic school is also required to notify the school district of any information the nonpublic school may have received from a court or a law enforcement or prosecuting agency in regard to any offense with which the student may have been charged. The provision of this information by courts and law enforcement agencies to school principals is authorized under existing law. Current law establishes a procedure for the transfer of student records, including student disciplinary records, of a public school student who transfers to another school district. This bill establishes a similar procedure for the transfer of student disciplinary records when a nonpublic school student transfers to a public school. | In Committee |
| S4360 | Allows municipalities to adopt certain zoning ordinances pertaining to outdoor firing ranges. | This bill requires a municipality in which an outdoor firing range is located to adopt a zoning ordinance establishing safety guidelines for outdoor firing ranges. The safety guidelines are to include requirements pertaining to the posting of signage that displays the location and presence of an outdoor fire range and the range's hours of operation. In addition, the municipality may establish requirements that are consistent with current law regarding the caliber and gauge of ammunition that may be used on the grounds of the outdoor firing range. The requirements also may include the location of side and impact berms on the outdoor firing range property and any other safety requirements deemed necessary by the governing body and consistent with current law and guidelines promulgated by the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires the municipality that enacts a firing range zoning ordinance to provide notice of the public hearing required under current law to the residents of the municipality in which the firing range is located and residents of municipalities located within one mile of the firing range. | In Committee |
| S3932 | Requires NJT to establish pilot program to supply certain light rail train sets with opioid antidotes; makes appropriation of $100,000. | Requires NJT to establish pilot program to supply certain light rail train sets with opioid antidotes; makes appropriation of $100,000. | In Committee |
| S4125 | Requires Division of Purchase and Property to issue annual report on State-owned underutilized real property with potential for other uses. | This bill would require the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury (division) to develop an inventory of all underutilized real property owned by the State, including property owned by an agency, authority, or other instrumentality of the State. In consultation with other State entities, including, but not limited to, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority, and the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, the bill requires the division to analyze the feasibility of developing, redeveloping, or renovating the various parcels of real property owned by the State for other uses. Upon the recommendation of DCA, the division is also required to evaluate all land use regulations and other site regulations applicable to each parcel included in the inventory and categorize each parcel included in the inventory for potential other uses, including certain potential uses specified in the bill. The bill requires the division to compile its inventory and analysis into a report, and submit this report to the Governor and Legislature, on or before the first day of the 13th month following the bill's effective date. The bill requires the report to be updated and resubmitted to the Governor and Legislature on an annual basis. Following each annual submission, the bill requires the director of the division to post the report on the division's Internet website. The bill would take effect immediately. | In Committee |
| S4069 | Requires cost-benefit analyses for long term tax exemption, and requires DCA to create database of exemptions; requires five-year tax exemption and abatement agreements to be filed with certain county officials. | Requires cost-benefit analyses for long term tax exemption, and requires DCA to create database of exemptions; requires five-year tax exemption and abatement agreements be filed with certain county officials. | In Committee |
| S4012 | Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation. | Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation. | In Committee |
| S2818 | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | In Committee |
| SJR121 | Designating May 15 of each year as "Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates May 15 of each year as "Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day" in New Jersey. Tuberous Sclerosis is a rare genetic complex that affects multiple organ systems. Tuberous Sclerosis leads to irregularities in one of two protein-encoding genes which regulate cell division and growth (TSC1 or TSC2), causing non-cancerous tumors to develop in different organs, primarily the brain, heart, kidneys, eyes, and lungs. The benign tumors and abnormal brain structures that are characteristic of Tuberous Sclerosis block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid to the brain and result in epilepsy, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and various mood complexes. Tuberous Sclerosis is a leading cause of epileptic seizures. Sixty percent of those with Tuberous Sclerosis experience autism. Tuberous Sclerosis affects one million individuals around the world and 50,000 individuals in the United States. At least two children born each day in the United States have Tuberous Sclerosis. Currently, there is no medical cure for the condition. Strategic research will prioritize earlier diagnosis, therapies, and mechanisms for prevention. Organizations such as the TSC Alliance, Matthew's Friends, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex International, and Tuberous Sclerosis Association convene to fund such research and support families influenced by Tuberous Sclerosis. The Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance designates the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group's Comprehensive Tuberous Sclerosis Clinic at Hackensack University Medical Center as a network clinic and referral center. May 15 is recognized as global Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day, designed to increase public awareness for this rare condition. By amplifying the voices of individuals in the Tuberous Sclerosis community, the State may benefit from innovative treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes. Designates May 15 of each year as "Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Awareness Day" in New Jersey. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4751 | Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer. | An Act concerning the purchase of service credit in the State Police Retirement System for certain military and police service and amending P.L.1965, c.89 and P.L.2013, c.87. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4163 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | An Act concerning health insurance coverage for biomarker precision medical testing and supplementing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3388 | Allows pharmacists to transfer Schedule II attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescriptions. | An Act concerning transference of prescriptions and amending P.L.2003, c.280. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3620 | Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers. | An Act concerning electric and gas public utilities and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3606 | Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer. | This bill allows a member of the New Jersey State Police Retirement System (SPRS) to purchase credit in the retirement system for military service in the Armed Forces of the United States, the period of enrollment in the New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as a class two special law enforcement officer prior to becoming a member. Under current law, a period of service in the United States Armed Forces qualifies as military service that a member of the SPRS may purchase for retirement purposes. This bill permits the purchase of the period of enrollment in a United States military service academy. The military service academies are the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. These four service academies educate young people to serve as commissioned officers in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces. They are the only academies whose students are on active duty in the United State Armed Forces from the day they enter the academy, with the rank of cadet and midshipman, and subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. This bill also allows a member of the SPRS to purchase credit in the retirement system for graduation from the New Jersey State Police Academy or for employment as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both, prior to becoming a member. The bill provides that a member may purchase credit for all or a portion of such service rendered while enrolled in the New Jersey State Police Academy or employed by a public employer as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both. Under the bill, the SPRS credit purchased for enrollment in the New Jersey State Police Academy or employment as a class two special law enforcement officer, or both, is equivalent to service in the State Police as a member of the SPRS in qualifying for retirement benefits. | In Committee |
| S3098 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | In Committee |
| S2200 | Creates pilot program to provide corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for value of certain fruit and vegetable donations made by commercial farm operators. | Creates pilot program to provide corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for value of certain fruit and vegetable donations made by commercial farm operators. | Crossed Over |
| S2078 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | In Committee |
| S165 | Expands definition of child under PFRS and SPRS. | This bill expands the definition of a child under the PFRS and SPRS to include the child of a deceased member that is under the age of 24 and that is enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester. Under current law, a person is considered a child under the PFRS and SPRS if the person is: (1) under the age of 18; (2) 18 years of age or older and enrolled in a secondary school; (3) under the age of 24 and enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester, provided that the member died in active service as a result of an accident met in the actual performance of duty at some definite time and place, and the death was not the result of the member's willful misconduct; or (4) any age who, at the time of the member's or retirant's death, is disabled because of an intellectual disability or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and the impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board. This bill would remove the requirement that if the child is under the age of 24 and enrolled in an institution of higher education, the child must be the survivor of a member who died in the line of duty to be considered a child under the PFRS or SPRS. This bill would permit any child of a deceased member that is under the age of 24 and that is enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester to be considered a child regardless if the member died in the line of duty or not. | In Committee |
| S908 | Requires portable anti-choking devices be placed in schools. | This bill would require public and nonpublic schools to ensure that at least one portable anti-choking device is made available in the cafeteria, school nurse's office, and any other similar location. The devices would be placed in an unlocked and easily accessible location during the school day and at any other time when a school-sponsored event is taking place. The locations of each portable anti-choking device shall have an appropriate identifying sign. A portable anti-choking device is a device that uses manually created suction to remove blockage from a person's airway during a choking emergency. These devices may only be used in schools provided they have been registered with the United States Food and Drug Administration. Each board of education and the governing board or chief administrator of a nonpublic school would be required to develop policies for the use of anti-choking devices by school nurses and school employees. The policies would include a requirement that all school nurses and school employees receive training in airway management and in the removal of any obstructions from the airway using a portable anti-choking device. The Commissioner of Education would ensure that annual educational opportunities are made available for school nurses and employees of both public and nonpublic schools regarding airway management and the use of portable anti-choking devices. The Department of Education would reimburse public and nonpublic schools for the costs incurred to implement the provisions of this bill. | In Committee |
| S3141 | Establishes Public Education Innovation Fund; provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses for making qualified education donations. | This bill establishes the Public Education Innovation Fund ("fund") in the Department of Education and provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses for making qualified education donations to the fund. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education would award grants from the fund to low-performing public schools in this State for the implementation of educational innovation programs. The commissioner would award grants to qualifying schools through a competitive application process, subject to the availability of monies in the fund. The bill defines "educational innovation program" as any program that implements innovative strategies to mitigate or eliminate one or more barriers to academic achievement at a low-performing public school. Under the bill, a "low-performing public school" is defined as a school located in New Jersey, under collegiate grade, that is operated by a school district or a charter school established pursuant to current law, and that meets the following criteria: (1) among all students in that school to whom a State assessment was administered, the sum of the percent of students scoring in the not yet meeting expectations and partially meeting expectations categories in both the language arts and mathematics subject areas of the State assessments exceeded 40 percent in each of the prior two school years; or (2) among all students in that school to whom a State assessment was administered, the sum of the percent of students scoring in the not yet meeting expectations and partially meeting expectations categories in either the language arts or mathematics subject areas of the State assessment exceeded 65 percent in each of the prior two school years. The bill provides that business entities may apply to the commissioner for corporation business tax or gross income tax credits for the amount of qualified education donations made to the fund in any year. For a business entity that is a corporation business taxpayer, the bill caps the amount of the credit at 75 percent of the business's tax liability otherwise due for the privilege period. For a business entity that is a gross income taxpayer, the bill caps the amount of the credit at $10,000 of the business's qualified education donations made during the taxable year. The bill limits the total amount of tax credits approved under the bill at $5,000,000 for each State fiscal year. | In Committee |
| S2974 | Revises standards for parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to development's proximity to public transportation. | Revises standards for parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to development's proximity to public transportation. | In Committee |
| S4037 | Establishes "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to be administered by Office of Planning Advocacy in Department of State and DOT; appropriates $25 million. | Establishes "Enhanced Transit Village Program" to be administered by Office of Planning Advocacy in Department of State and DOT; appropriates $25 million. | In Committee |
| S1445 | Requires public institution of higher education to readmit student whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service. | An Act concerning military service members at public institutions of higher education and supplementing chapter 62 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3825 | Provides project grant under "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion; appropriates $7.65 million. | An Act concerning project grants under the "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4252 | Prohibits use or recording of service agreements under certain circumstances. | This bill makes unlawful and deceptive service agreements if any part of the service subject to the agreement is not to be performed within one year after the time it is entered into and if the service agreement: (1) purports to run with the land or to be binding on future owners of interests in the real property; (2) allows for assignment of the right to provide services without notice to and consent of the owner of residential real estate; or (3) purports to create a lien, encumbrance, or other real property security interest. "Service agreement" is defined in the bill to mean a contract under which a person agrees to provide services in connection with the maintenance of or purchase or sale of residential real estate. In the bill, no person is to record or cause to be recorded an unlawful service agreement or notice or memorandum thereof in New Jersey. To record or cause to be recorded an unlawful service agreement or notice of memorandum shall be a Class A misdemeanor. A county recording officer may also refuse to accept for recordation an unlawful service agreement. If an unlawful service agreement is recorded in the New Jersey, it is not provide actual or constructive notice against an otherwise bona find purchaser or creditor. If an unlawful service agreement or a notice or memorandum thereof is recorded in New Jersey, any person with an interest in the real property that is the subject of that agreement may: (1) file a complaint with any court of competent jurisdiction in the county where the recording exists to enter a court order declaring the agreement unenforceable; and (2) recover actual damages, costs, and attorney's fees as may be proven against the service provider who recorded the agreement. The bill has several exemptions from its provisions. This includes a home warranty or similar item for maintenance of a major component, such as plumbing and HVAC; a maintenance or repair agreement entered by a homeowners' association in a common interest community; and a mortgage loan or a commitment to make or receive a mortgage loan. The bill is also not to impair the rights granted by a mechanics lien. The bill is intended to prohibit service agreements that are unlawful to an owner or a future owner of residential real estate. The prohibition is also intended to keep public records free from these agreements and subsequently, burdening future owners of real estate by getting the agreement removed from a chain of title. If a burden exists, remedies are presented through the bill, which also deter any drafting or subsequent recording of these service agreements. | 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 |
| S843 | Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. | This bill requires the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop, in coordination with appropriate departments and agencies, a program to assist veterans in accessing evaluation and treatment for a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis related to military service. The program may include offering support and guidance, transportation, assistance filing disability compensation claims, assistance updating discharge status, health care and other services or programs available at the local, State and federal level for obtaining and addressing a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis. Under the bill, "veteran" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or a Reserve component thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard. | In Committee |
| S1427 | Requires State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee include certain first responder titles in first responders primary care medical home program. | Under current law, the State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee of the State Health Benefits Program is responsible for and has authority over the various State employee health benefits plans and components of those plans, including for medical benefits, prescription benefits, dental, vision, and any other health care benefits, that are offered and administered by the State Health Benefits Program. The committee has the authority to create, modify, or terminate any plan or component, at its sole discretion. This bill requires the State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee to include certain first responder titles in any first responders primary care medical home program it adopts and implements. Under the bill, whenever the State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee establishes a primary care medical home pilot program or permanent program for first responders to provide comprehensive primary care services, including pharmacy, preventive care, episodic sick care, basic urgent care, disease management, medication management, behavioral health, pain management services, health and wellness coaching, immunizations, and lab draws and collections, and including the capability to coordinate care of comprehensive specialist, hospital, and outpatient services, the program would be required to include first responders as defined in the bill. Under the bill, "first responders" means, but may not be limited to, employees of police and fire departments, emergency medical service personnel, dispatchers, park rangers, State and local correctional facility personnel, child protection and permanency investigators, medical examiners, Office of the Attorney General investigators and county prosecutor's office investigators, and certain designated support staff, and similar personnel in first responder titles represented by the Communication Workers of America and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, as well as their dependents, who are covered by the State Health Benefits Program. | In Committee |
| S2948 | Provides that only registered design professionals or employees with certified fire escape contractors are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes. | Provides that only registered design professionals or employees with certified fire escape contractors are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes. | Crossed Over |
| S4133 | Changes current system for creation, issuance, administration, and discontinuance of various types of special license plates. | This bill restructures the current system for issuance of special license plates, which may be issued to New Jersey drivers in place of standard license plates. Under existing law, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) is authorized to issue three main types of special registration plates: 1) statutorily-established special license plates, which honor or recognize a person's affiliation with a certain group or organization; 2) statutorily-established dedicated cause special license plates, which support statutorily-established funds or social causes; and 3) special organizational vehicle registration plates, which are approved by the MVC for certain nonprofit alumni, community, or service organizations upon application to the MVC. The bill collectively refers to special license plates as "special registration plates," and divides the plates into two categories: "organization plates"; and "dedicated cause plates." The bill maintains elements of the current system by permitting a sponsoring organization to apply for and seek approval from the MVC for the issuance of an organization plate, but now also permits a sponsoring organization to apply directly to the MVC for the issuance of a dedicated cause plate and permits the MVC to phase out statutorily-established and MVC-established special registration plates that no longer meet certain criteria. Organization Plates The bill defines "organization plate" to mean a license plate bearing the name, initials, logotype, graphic, or identifying phrase of a sponsoring organization, which comprises members of a community, alumni, or service organization with common or shared professions, interests, educational backgrounds, or military service and has a method of determining membership or good standing in the organization. A sponsoring organization that seeks the approval for the issuance of an organization plate is required to provide proof that the sponsoring organization has met the following conditions: (1) the sponsoring organization has appointed a representative who will act as a liaison between the sponsoring organization and the MVC; (2) the application includes a copy of the charter of the sponsoring organization that indicates the organization's lawful purpose and a copy of the approval letter issued to the sponsoring organization by the IRS to provide proof of its nonprofit status; (3) the application includes a Certification of Membership; and (4) the application includes the name or initials the organization wishes to be placed at the bottom of the plate and a logotype, graphic, or identifying phrase of the sponsoring organization. Any person who is a member in good standing of a sponsoring organization that has been approved for an organization plate may apply to receive a set of organization plates after the payment of a $50 fee. Dedicated Cause Plates The bill defines "dedicated cause plate" to mean a license plate bearing the name, initials, logotype, graphic, or identifying phrase of a social cause that generally impacts New Jersey residents, including but not limited to, the promotion of public health, education, the arts, sports and athletics, the environment, the improvement of societal injustices, or issues that concern the general welfare of all New Jersey residents. A sponsoring organization that seeks approval for the issuance of a dedicated cause plate is to provide proof that the sponsoring organization has met the following conditions: (1) the sponsoring organization has appointed a representative who will act as a liaison between the sponsoring organization and the MVC; (2) the application includes: a copy of the charter of the sponsoring organization that indicates the organization's lawful purpose and a copy of the approval letter issued to the sponsoring organization by the IRS to provide proof of its nonprofit status; or, if the sponsoring organization is a government entity, the legal citation for the statute pursuant to which the government entity was established; (3) the application includes an Explanation of Social Impact. Dedicated cause plates are to only be approved for a sponsoring organization that has as its primary purpose service to the general public or the promotion of a social cause that generally impacts New Jersey residents; and (4) the application includes the name or initials the organization wishes to be placed at the bottom of the plate and a logotype, graphic, or identifying phrase that identifies the social cause that the dedicated cause plate will promote. Any person may apply to receive a set of dedicated cause plates after the payment of a $50 fee and a $10 annual renewal fee. The fees are to be deposited into a special non-lapsing fund created to support the approved social cause for which the dedicated cause plates were created. Discontinuance of Special Registration Plates Under existing law, the chief administrator has the authority to suspend previous approval of a special organization vehicle registration plate only if the organization no longer qualifies for a special plate under the law or has perpetrated fraud against the MVC in obtaining plates for its members. The bill expands this authority by permitting the MVC to discontinue, prohibit new sales of, and suspend any annual renewal fees of any special registration plates established by the MVC and certain statutorily-established special registration plates enumerated in the bill, if: (1) for certain organization plates, the sponsoring organization of the organization plate fails to comply with the provisions of State law governing the use of special registration plates; (2) fewer than 500 sets of the special registration plates have been sold in the first full fiscal year of sales after the effective date of the bill; (3) the revenue derived from the fees, which are dedicated to the support of the particular fund or cause, is less than $7,500; (4) after a fiscal analysis conducted by the MVC, the chief administrator determines that it is no longer cost effective to produce and sell the special registration plate; (5) the MVC determines that the sponsoring organization is no longer qualified for the type of special registration plate for which the sponsoring organization has applied; or (6) the sponsoring organization has perpetrated fraud against the MVC in obtaining a special registration plate. A person who owns a motor vehicle displaying valid, yet discontinued, special registration plates may continue to display those plates on the person's motor vehicle until the plates are recalled by the chief administrator, provided the motor vehicle's registration is properly renewed, the special registration plates remain legible, and the person is eligible to display the special registration plates pursuant to law. Special Provisions for the Discontinuance of Dedicated Cause Plates Prior to the discontinuance of any statutorily-established dedicated cause plate, the chief administrator is required to notify the sponsoring organization of the MVC's decision to discontinue the dedicated cause plate. Not later than the first day of the sixth month following the receipt of the MVC's notice to discontinue, an eligible sponsoring organization may apply to have the special registration plate reissued as an organization plate. Upon the discontinuance of a dedicated cause plate, the MVC is to cease collecting any fee for the renewal of the dedicated cause plate and to remit any remaining revenue generated to the statutorily established funds or the causes those plates support. The chief administrator may authorize an entity or organization that receives revenues generated through the issuance or renewal fees of a discontinued dedicated cause plate to solicit and collect voluntary donations from any registrant displaying discontinued plates. Other Provisions The bill changes the fee for transferring personalized, courtesy, or special registration plates to another motor vehicle from $4.50 to an amount to be determined by the chief administrator. Under the bill, the chief administrator has the sole authority to determine which special registration plates are to be made available at MVC field offices and motor vehicle dealerships. Finally, the bill repeals a statutory provision permitting special registrations and special registration plates for motor vehicles used in connection with a convention, conference, meeting, pageant, parade, celebration, or similar function. | In Committee |
| S3744 | Expands competitive contracting for local contracting units and boards of education; permits county colleges to utilize competitive contracting. | This bill expands competitive contracting for local contracting units and board of education and permits county colleges to utilize competitive contracting. Under current law, local contracting units and boards of education are permitted to use competitive contracting in lieu of public bidding for specialized goods and services exceeding the bid threshold. This bill expands the list of specialized goods and services for which local contracting units and boards of education can use competitive contracting. Specifically, the bill permits local contracting units to utilize competitive contracting for the provision or performance of goods and services for the purpose of producing Class I or Class II renewable energy. The bill also permits boards of education to utilize competitive contracting for: maintenance, custodial, and groundskeeping services; consulting services; grant writing services; or the provision or performance of goods and services for the purpose of producing Class I renewable energy. Additionally, the bill enables a county college to utilize competitive contracting in lieu of public bidding for the procurement of certain listed specialized goods and services that exceed the bid threshold. The bill authorizes the use of competitive contracting for the following purposes: (1) purchasing or licensing certain proprietary computer software; (2) hiring a for-profit entity or a not-for-profit entity incorporated under current law to operate, manage, or administer recreation or social services facilities or programs and data processing services; (3) obtaining services concerning energy conservation education; (4) procuring certain telecommunications services; (5) obtaining laboratory testing services; (6) procuring maintenance, custodial, and groundskeeping services; (7) contracting for grant writing services; (8) concessions; (9) contracting for specified services to produce Class I renewable energy; (10) procuring any service exempt from the requirements for public advertising under current law, at the discretion of the county college; and (11) operating, managing, or administering other services, with the approval of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs. The bill stipulates that contracts awarded for these purposes may be awarded for a term not to exceed five years, unless otherwise permitted by law. The bill enumerates the process by which competitive contracting may be utilized by the county colleges, including: the requirements for request for proposals documentation; the manner in which county colleges are to solicit competitive contract proposals; and the methods for awarding competitive contracts. Finally, the bill revises the process by which county colleges may purchase any materials, supplies, goods, services or equipment under a contract entered into on behalf of the State by the Division of Purchase and Property. The bill stipulates that the terms and conditions of the contracts awarded by the Division of Purchase and Property are to be binding. The bill also provides that a county college is not entitled to any bonding or indemnification protections provided to the State unless the vendor agrees to extend the protections to the county college. Under the bill, a county college is permitted to enter into these contracts for a period exceeding 24 consecutive months, up to the length of the contract term. | In Committee |
| S4123 | Upgrades offense of prostitution as patron; directs fines collected to "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." | This bill provides for enhanced penalties for the crime of engaging in prostitution as a patron. In New Jersey, the offense of prostitution encompasses different conduct by various actors; penalties for the offense vary, depending on the unlawful conduct. This bill addresses conduct by persons who purchase sexual activity, commonly referred to as "johns." Under paragraph (1) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:34-1, a person commits this offense if the actor engages in prostitution as a patron, or one who purchases sexual activity with another person in exchange for something of economic value, or the offer or acceptance of an offer to engage in sexual activity in exchange for something of economic value. Currently, a violation of this provision is a disorderly persons offense for a first offense, punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. For a second or third violation, it is a crime of the fourth degree, punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. For a fourth violation, it is a crime of the third degree, punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. In addition to any other disposition for the offense, N.J.S.A.2C:34-1.2 assesses additional penalties upon persons convicted of engaging in prostitution as a patron which include an assessment of $500, and can include participation in a prostitution offender program. This bill increases prostitution by a patron to a crime of the fourth degree, except that a fourth violation remains a crime of the third degree. In addition, the bill provides that any fine collected shall be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury to be deposited in the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" (the HTSAF) established by N.J.S.A.52:17B-238. It is the sponsor's view that in combatting prostitution, closely related to the crime of human trafficking, greater emphasis should be placed on eliminating the demand for persons who may be victims of sex trafficking by targeting persons who purchase sexual activity. All monies deposited in the HTSAF fund are required by the law to be used for the provision of services to victims of human trafficking, to promote awareness of human trafficking, and the development, maintenance, revision, and distribution of training courses and other educational materials, and the operation of educational or training programs. | In Committee |
| S4108 | Requires appointment of State Dementia Services Coordinator; appropriates $150,000. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to appoint a State Dementia Services Coordinator. The State coordinator is to be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the position. The duties of the State coordinator is to include: 1) developing and coordinating the implementation of a master plan to address the impact of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders or other forms of dementia; 2) coordinating with existing State programs, services, facilities, and agencies that provide services and other assistance to persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders or other forms of dementia; 3) developing procedures to facilitate communication, collaboration, coordination, and information sharing between, and prevent the duplication of dementia care services provided by, State departments, offices, divisions, agencies, and community-based organizations; 4) identifying service gaps in the provision of appropriate dementia care services and other assistance by State departments, offices, divisions, agencies, and community-based organizations; and 5) increasing awareness of, and facilitating access to quality, coordinated treatment and dementia care for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders or other forms of dementia. The appointed State Dementia Services Coordinator: is authorized to call upon any department, office, division, or agency of the State to supply the coordinator with data and any other information necessary to discharge the coordinator's duties; and may consult with experts or other knowledgeable individuals in the public or private sector on any aspect of the coordinator's mission. The provisions of the bill also require each department, office, division, or agency to cooperate fully with, and provide assistance to, the coordinator to perform the coordinator's duties. The bill appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| S4124 | Establishes solar energy grant program in BPU to provide grants to public schools for solar energy projects; appropriates $15 million. | This bill establishes a solar energy grant program, to begin no later than 180 days after the effective date of this act, within the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to provide grants for school districts, jointure commissions, educational services commissions, career and technical schools, and community colleges in New Jersey. The purpose of the program is to assist public schools with reducing present and future energy costs, increase resiliency of school energy systems, and to take a step towards the State's climate action goals. In order to be eligible for a grant, the applicant must be: a school district, a jointure commission, educational services commission, a State career or technical school, or a community college. The grant awarded by this bill would cover up to 50 percent of the eligible solar energy project's eligible costs, which are to be determined by the BPU in consultation with the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, the Department of Community Affairs, and the Department of Education. The bill requires the BPU to develop guidelines and procedures for the submission of grant applications, and criteria for the evaluation of applications; establish terms and conditions for the awarding of a grant and monitor grant recipients' compliance with the terms and conditions; provide technical assistance and information related to funding opportunities through the federal Inflation Reduction Act; develop educational materials about using, purchasing, financing, and maintaining eligible solar energy projects; and develop a financial risk and savings report that all eligible solar energy projects shall utilize and update monthly. The BPU may also require the grant recipient to report to the board information relating to its use of grant funds under the program. The bill directs the BPU to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, during each year in which a grant is awarded, on the effectiveness of the grant program. Within 90 days of the effective date of the bill, the BPU is required to publish the guidelines required by paragraph (1) of subsection f. of section 1 of the bill on the board's Internet website. The bill would appropriate $15 million, from the General Fund, to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A3894 | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | An Act concerning fire safety by making changes to certain licensure requirements, equipment requirements, advisory committee memberships, penalties, and fees and amending P.L.1991, c.92, P.L.2001, c.289, and P.L.1983, c.383. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1386 | Establishes system for portable benefits for workers who provide services to consumers through contracting agents. | Establishes system for portable benefits for workers who provide services to consumers through contracting agents. | In Committee |
| S1416 | Requires DOH to develop Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan. | This bill requires the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) in the Department of Health (DOH) to develop a Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan that provides for a comprehensive, coordinated, emergency medical services (EMS) system in New Jersey. The plan is to include both short-term and long-term goals and objectives, and may incorporate the use of regional emergency medical services plans tailored to the specific needs of regions within the State as may be designated by the OEMS. If used, regional plans are to be jointly developed by each county board of health within the designated region, and will be developed in consultation with local boards of health, as needed. Regional plans will be subject to approval by the OEMS; upon receiving such approval, the regional plan will be deemed to be part of the Statewide plan. The OEMS will be required to review and update the Statewide plan triennially, and to make such changes to the plan as may be necessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the State's EMS system of care. The DOH will be required to make the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan available on its Internet website. In developing and updating the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan, the OEMS will be required, at a minimum, to: (1) conduct an inventory of EMS resources available within the State; (2) conduct an assessment of the current effectiveness of the EMS system of care in the State; (3) determine the need for changes to the current EMS system of care, including any changes as may be needed to improve access to EMS in a given region of the State or for a given population within the State; (4) develop performance metrics with regard to the delivery of EMS, establish a schedule for achieving the performance metrics, develop a method for monitoring and evaluating whether the performance metrics are being achieved, and prepare a cost estimate for achieving the performance metrics; (5) work with professional medical organizations, hospitals, and other public and private agencies to develop approaches whereby individuals who presently use the existing emergency department for routine, nonurgent, primary medical care will be served more appropriately and economically; and (6) consult with and review, with appropriate EMS agencies and organizations, the development of applications to governmental or other appropriate sources for grants or other funding to support EMS programs. The bill additionally requires the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan to: (1) establish a comprehensive Statewide EMS system, incorporating facilities, transportation, manpower, communications, and other components as integral parts of a unified system that will serve to improve the delivery of EMS and thereby decrease morbidity, hospitalization, disability, and mortality; (2) seek to reduce the time period between the identification of an acutely ill or injured patient and the provision of definitive treatment for the illness or injury; (3) increase access to high quality EMS for all citizens of New Jersey; (4) promote continuing improvement in system components, including: ground, water, and air transportation; communications; hospital emergency departments and other emergency medical care facilities; health care provider training and health care service delivery; and consumer health information and education; (5) ensure performance improvement of the EMS system and of the emergency services and care delivered on scene, in transit, in hospital emergency departments, and within the hospital environment; (6) conduct, promote, and encourage programs of education and training designed to upgrade the knowledge and skills of EMS personnel, including expanding the availability of paramedic and advanced life support training throughout the State, with particular emphasis on regions underserved by EMS personnel having such skills and training; (7) maintain a process for designating appropriate hospitals as trauma centers, certified stroke centers, and specialty care centers based on an applicable national evaluation system; (8) maintain a comprehensive EMS patient care data collection and performance improvement system, which is to incorporate certain EMS data currently reported to the DOH; (9) collect data and information and prepare reports for the sole purpose of designating and verifying trauma centers and other specialty care centers, which data, information, and reports will not be considered a government record for the purposes of open public records access laws; (10) establish and maintain a process for crisis intervention and peer support services for EMS personnel and public safety personnel, including Statewide availability and accreditation of critical incident stress management or peer support teams and personnel. The accreditation standards are to include a requirement that a peer support team be headed by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or professional counselor who: (a) is licensed pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes; and (b) has at least five years of experience as a mental health consultant working directly with EMS personnel or public safety personnel; (11) coordinate with the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program to maintain, and update as needed, the Statewide program of EMS for children developed under current law; (12) establish and support a Statewide system of health and medical emergency response teams, including EMS disaster task forces, coordination teams, disaster medical assistance teams, and other support teams that will assist local EMS providers at their request during mass casualty events, disasters, or whenever local resources are overwhelmed; (13) establish and maintain a program to improve dispatching of EMS personnel and vehicles, including establishing and supporting EMS dispatch training, accrediting 911 dispatch centers, and establishing and maintaining public safety answering points; and (14) identify and establish best practices for managing and operating EMS providers, improving and managing EMS response times, and disseminating such information to the appropriate persons and entities. In developing the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan, the OEMS will be required to coordinate with the Emergency Medical Services for Children program and the State trauma medical director, both of which will be required to revise any plans, programs, protocols, or other requirements related to EMS as may be necessary to bring those plans, programs, protocols, or other requirements into conformity with the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan. | In Committee |
| S1411 | Requires stress testing on State's ability to provide services in various economic conditions. | This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to, once every third year, conduct and report on a stress test analysis of the State's ability to maintain services and provide necessary assistance to residents in various economic conditions. The stress test analyses required by this bill would include: (1) long- and short-term projections of major funding sources, including revenues from major taxes and funding from the federal government; (2) a comparison between projections of major funding sources and historical trends for each of those funding sources; (3) an analysis of expenditures that are likely to increase or decrease in various economic conditions; (4) an accounting of the State's reserves, including amounts deposited into the "Surplus Revenue Fund"; and (5) options that the State has to respond to, and lessen the negative impact of, economic recessions. Under the bill, the Department of the Treasury is required to make the stress test analyses publicly accessible on its website, and include it as part of the Governor's annual budget message. | Crossed Over |
| S2099 | Authorizes establishment of regional economic development partnerships. | This bill authorizes local governmental entities to enter into regional economic development partnerships for the purpose of engaging in joint regional economic planning and formulating an economic development or redevelopment strategy. Under the bill, regional economic development partnerships could include any combination of county governments, municipal governments, agencies or instrumentalities thereof, and public or private economic development organization. A regional economic development partnership may also include businesses, business organizations, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and other entities located within the region. | In Committee |
| S2639 | The "New Jersey Online Foreclosure Sale Act;" permits online foreclosure sales for real property. | The "New Jersey Online Foreclosure Sale Act;" permits online foreclosure sales for real property. | In Committee |
| S4068 | Restricts use of restrictive employment covenants for physicians and nurses. | Except as provided below, this bill provides that any contract or agreement that creates or establishes the terms of a partnership, employment, or other form of professional relationship with a licensed physician, which includes any restriction of the right of the physician to practice medicine in any geographic area for any period of time after termination of the partnership, employment, or professional relationship, is to be void and unenforceable with respect to the restriction. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to render void or unenforceable: (1) a restrictive covenant that prohibits a physician from leaving a hospital system or a group practice comprising 30 or more physicians to join any other hospital system or group practice comprising 30 or more physicians within a given geographic area; (2) a restrictive covenant that prohibits a physician from leaving a hospital system or a group practice comprising 30 or fewer physicians to join any other hospital system or group practice comprising 30 or fewer physicians within a given geographic area; (3) a restrictive covenant that prohibits a physician from leaving a federally qualified health center to practice medicine within a 10 mile radius of federally qualified health center for a period of time that is no longer than four years; (4) a restrictive covenant that prohibits a physician from leaving a hospital system or a group practice when the hospital system or group practice provided the physician a unique incentive to join the hospital system or group practice, which incentive is expressly identified in the contract between the physician and the hospital system or group practice; or (5) any remaining provisions of the contract or agreement that do not establish a restriction on the right to practice medicine in a geographic area. | In Committee |
| S3936 | Appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for recreation and conservation purposes to DEP for State capital and park development projects. | An Act appropriating $60 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues for the development of lands by the State for recreation and conservation purposes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4038 | Requires DOH to use Basic Screening Survey to access oral health in children. | This bill requires the Department of Health (department) to use the Basic Screening Survey to assess oral health in children. Under the bill, the Department of Health, in conjunction with one or more licensed dentists and related staff, is to collect a sufficient number of random data samples from each county in the State on a biannual basis using the Basic Screening Survey produced by the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors in order to formulate a general assessment of the oral health of pre-school and school aged children in this State. No data is to be collected without the informed, written consent of a child's parent or guardian. Any data that is collected is to be collected and used in a manner that is consistent with federal and State privacy laws. The bill requires the department to submit a report biennially to the Governor, and to the Legislature, which report is to contain any findings and recommendations based on the data collected pursuant to the bill's provisions. The Basic Screening Survey is used by states to assess oral health status. Developed by the American Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors, this survey can be performed in dental clinics, at health fairs, at other screening opportunities, and through a retrospective chart review. The Basic Screening Survey is not a thorough clinical examination and does not involve making a clinical diagnosis resulting in a treatment plan. The Basic Screening Survey is intended to identify gross dental or oral lesions. | In Committee |
| S4040 | Requires public entities purchase five percent of goods and services from Central Nonprofit Agency; requires Division of Purchase and Property establish training protocols for all purchasing agents; grants Central Nonprofit Agency right of first refusal. | Under current law, State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State that are authorized to purchase goods and services are required to make a good faith effort to purchase five percent of such goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, an agency established by the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." Under the bill, such State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State will be required to purchase five percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The bill clarifies reporting and oversight requirements. Under the bill, the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury must submit a report of purchasing data to the Central Nonprofit Agency for the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside program no more than six months after the effective date of this bill, and on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, the Department of the Treasury will be required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the compliance of State and local government entities and political subdivisions with the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Division of Purchase and Property, in collaboration with the Central Nonprofit Agency, must establish training protocols for all purchasing agents employed by State or local government entities or political subdivisions required to meet the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Central Nonprofit Agency will have a right of first refusal for all goods and services that may otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog so long as the Central Nonprofit Agency can deliver the goods or services that would otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog at a price that is within 15 percent of fair market value. The "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" assists persons who are blind or have a severe disability with achieving maximum personal independence through productive employment by assuring a continuous market for their goods and services, which are produced at qualified rehabilitation facilities and distributed through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The Central Nonprofit Agency is designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to facilitate the distribution of orders received from various State agencies as provided in the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." This bill furthers the goals of the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" to assist in the productive employment of individuals with special needs. | In Committee |
| S4036 | Makes $3 million supplemental appropriation for bonus awards for certain COVID-19 emergency essential frontline State workers of Local 195 International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. | This bill provides for a supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 from the General Fund to provide individual employee awards to the many essential frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers who provided emergency frontline workplace service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Independent Review of New Jersey's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic completed on March 7, 2024 noted that one of the strengths of New Jersey State Government's response was that staff across government departments and agencies went above and beyond what they were expected or paid to do. Many state employees put their lives on hold to ensure that the important work of their department or agency continued amidst the uncertainty, additional workload, and safety challenges posed by the pandemic. Many frontline agency workers also reported experiencing significant trauma due to the panic and urgency of the response and the demands associated with their jobs. Personal losses and increased workloads caused many State workers to endure prolonged exhaustion and pandemic fatigue. Workers were overwhelmed by the sudden and dramatic increase in their responsibilities, which agencies had to process while being understaffed. Across departments and agencies, state employees demonstrated resilience and flexibility. Many state agencies worked closely with their respective unions to ensure their staff were well placed to continue their work during the pandemic. Agencies that had pre-existing relationships with union leaders were able to have proactive discussions and continuous dialogue in the early stages of the pandemic, enabling rapid decision making concerning workplace attendance by staff deemed essential for the health and safety of human life. The many frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers ensured the continued operation and maintenance of the many crucial State facilities, which provide essential services to their clients and patients who could not survive a termination of services during the pandemic. This appropriation will ensure that the many thousands of these State employees receive additional compensation in the form of individual bonuses for their essential work during the most dangerous of times. | In Committee |
| S3746 | "Moose's Law"; prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; establishes presumption against pretrial intervention for certain persons. | "Moose's Law"; prohibits persons convicted of animal cruelty offenses from owning animals and from working or volunteering at animal-related enterprises; establishes presumption against pretrial intervention for certain persons. | Crossed Over |
| A3853 | Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth until July 1, 2026. | An Act regarding telemedicine and telehealth and amending P.L.2021, c.310. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2580 | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | Amends certain fire safety statutes to update licensure and equipment requirements and liability, fee, and penalty provisions; expands membership of Fire Protection Equipment Advisory Committee. | In Committee |
| S2988 | Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth until July 1, 2026. | Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth until July 1, 2026. | In Committee |
| S1397 | Requires certain disclosures by providers of commercial financing. | Requires certain disclosures by providers of commercial financing. | In Committee |
| S3984 | Establishes public-private partnerships to develop artificial intelligence job training. | This bill enables the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to establish public-private partnerships to develop and advance AI workforce training. The training will have a dual purpose of retraining workers displaced by AI and providing training in AI skills for active workers to enable the workforce to remain competitive in evolving AI technology. The public-private partnerships will enable the private entity to assume full financial and administrative responsibility for the development of training and retraining services related to AI in exchange for not being subject to certain procurement and prevailing wage criteria. The department will establish methods of publicizing the program, establish criteria for evaluating the proposals, and define the various administrative requirements. In addition, the department will establish an advisory council to provide targeted feedback on the progress of the program and insight on how that training can be improved. | In Committee |
| S3985 | Requires DOBI to establish integrated enrollment platform for State-based health insurance exchange and NJ FamilyCare program. | This bill requires the Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) to establish an integrated platform for the State-based health insurance exchange and the NJ FamilyCare program. Under current law, the Commissioner of Human Services is required to submit a proposal for available federal funding to integrate the Medicaid eligibility platform with the State-based exchange, but is not required to complete the integration. Under the bill, DOBI, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, will be required to integrate the State-based exchange with the State Medicaid program's eligibility platform to create an integrated platform that allows for individuals to determine their eligibility for health benefits plans under the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage Program, the New Jersey Small Employer Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCare program, which includes the State Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, will be required to submit a proposal for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this bill. | In Committee |
| S3980 | Dedicates certain funding to hospital capital improvement needs. | This bill requires that the assessments generated from the reorganization of a health service corporation to a mutual holding company as specified by P.L.2020, c.145 be deposited in a dedicated nonlapsing fund known as the Public Hospital Capital Fund. Specifically, the bill requires the funds paid by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to the State as a result of its reorganization to be used to fund capital project at public hospitals. Current law does not specify how the revenue generated by the assessments will be used. This bill would require that assessments are used to fund capital projects at public hospitals in New Jersey based on the recommendations of the Legislature. No more than 25 percent of the initial assessment can be expended in any one fiscal year. | In Committee |
| S3975 | Provides gross income tax exclusion for military compensation paid to State residents for out-of-State military service. | This bill allows a gross income tax exclusion for certain military compensation paid to members of the United States Armed Forces who are domiciled in New Jersey but who serve their military duty at a station or deployment outside of the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months of the taxable year. | In Committee |
| S305 | Requires Administrative Law Judges to be enrolled in Workers Compensation Judges Part of PERS. | This bill requires the enrollment in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) of Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Administrative Law, as a condition of employment for service as an administrative law judge for each judge enrolled after the effective date of the bill. Currently, administrative law judges are enrolled in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). Administrative law judges will be subject to and governed by the laws and regulations of the Workers' Compensation Judges Part which was established in 2001 and reopened in 2021. An administrative law judge who is currently a participant in the DCRP will be transferred out of the program to the Workers' Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days following the bill's effective date. An administrative law judge who is currently a participant in PERS will be transferred into the Workers' Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days following the bill's effective date. The account in the DCRP for each judge will be transferred and each judge will be given service credit for service during participation in the program of administrative law judges. The unfunded liability for the benefits provided by the transfer will be paid by appropriations from the State General Fund. | In Committee |
| S2402 | Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. The bill establishes a grant program in the Economic Development Authority that will support veterans' organizations and their building needs, throughout the State. These organizations, such as VFW posts, could be in need of new buildings or could have buildings that are in need of repair. Grants will be awarded when the buildings are used to assist veterans. In order to award the grants, this bill establishes a fund in the Department of the Treasury, to be known as the "Veterans' Organization Building Grant Fund." This grant program will be funded by the Legislature through yearly appropriations to the fund. The grant program also allows New Jersey taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their tax refund, or enclose a separate contribution, for the fund. There is appropriated from the General Fund $2,000,000 to the Economic Development Authority to fund the "Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program." | In Committee |
| S354 | Updates scope of practice of optometrists. | Updates scope of practice of optometrists. | In Committee |
| S1433 | Designates bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate Highway Route 295 North as "Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company Memorial Highway." | An Act designating the bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate Highway Route 295 North in honor of Army Specialist Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1430 | Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding. | An Act concerning use of affordable housing vouchers for homeownership expenses, amending P.L.2004, c.140, and supplementing P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3927 | Establishes penalties for appraisers who engage in discriminatory real estate appraisals and requires certain information to be provided to present and prospective owners or occupants of real estate. | Establishes penalties for appraisers who engage in discriminatory real estate appraisals and requires certain information to be provided to present and prospective owners or occupants of real estate. | In Committee |
| S286 | Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons. | Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons. | Crossed Over |
| S1407 | Requires Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services; establishes training and certification program for violence prevention professionals. | Requires Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services; establishes training and certification program for violence prevention professionals. | In Committee |
| S2693 | Establishes interagency council on menopause in DOH and requires certain lincensed health care professionals to distribute menopause informational pamphlets under certain circumstances. | Establishes interagency council on menopause in DOH and requires certain licensed health care professionals to distribute menopause informational pamphlets under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S3604 | Eliminates transaction nexus requirement under the Sales and Use Tax and Corporation Business Tax. | Eliminates transaction nexus requirement under Sales and Use Tax and Corporation Business Tax. | In Committee |
| S3497 | Requires high school students to receive financial literacy instruction. | Requires high school students to receive financial literacy instruction. | In Committee |
| S3673 | Permits person with certain brain injuries to voluntarily make notation on driver's license, identification card, and in MVC registry; establishes program to train law enforcement officers in interactions with persons with certain brain injuries. | Permits person with certain brain injuries to voluntarily make notation on driver's license, identification card, and in MVC registry; establishes program to train law enforcement officers in interactions with persons with certain brain injuries. | In Committee |
| S3915 | Requires municipalities to share certain payments in lieu of property taxes with school districts; informs counties, school districts, and DCA of certain information related to property tax exemptions and abatements. | This bill revises various aspects of the laws governing property tax exemptions. Specifically, the bill requires municipalities to share certain payments in lieu of property taxes (PILOTs) with school districts. The bill also requires notice to be provided to the county, school districts, and Department of Community Affairs (DCA) when a municipality considers and approves a property tax exemption. Under current law, any urban renewal entity that benefits from a long-term property tax exemption is required to make annual PILOTs to the municipality in which it is located. Currently, the municipality is required to remit five percent of the PILOT to the host county, thereby retaining 95 percent of the payment. Under the bill, municipalities would also be required to remit certain portions of these PILOTs to the school districts that serve the municipality, including regional school districts. For a residential property, the municipality would be required to provide those school districts with an amount equal to the product of: (1) the number of school-age children who attend a public school or regional school district that serves the municipality, and who reside in the project; and (2) the base per pupil amount determined by the Commissioner of Education for the previous school year pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-49). Alternatively, this amount would equal five percent of the PILOT, or an in-kind contribution equal in value to that amount, if the long-term tax exemption concerns nonresidential or mixed-use property. When an amount is remitted to more than one school district, the amount would be divided amongst those districts in proportion to each district's share of the total school tax levy in the municipality. The bill also provides that when an urban renewal entity applies for a long-term property tax exemption, the entity would be required to provide copies of the application to the county, school districts, and the Director of the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) in the DCA. The DLGS would be required to post this application on the Internet website of the DCA. Under current law, the mayor of a municipality is required to submit recommendations to the municipal governing body within 60 days of receiving an application from an urban renewal entity for a long-term tax exemption. The bill would require these recommendations to be simultaneously submitted to the county and the local school districts that serve the municipality. Thereafter, representatives of the county and school districts may submit recommendations to the governing body within 10 days of receiving the mayor's recommendations. The bill would also require a municipality to provide the DLGS and the school districts with a copy of an ordinance and financial agreement approving a long-term tax exemption. Currently, a municipality is required to only provide the county these documents. The bill also requires the DCA to post the ordinance and financial agreement on the DCA's website. After an application for a long-term property tax exemption is approved, current law requires the urban renewal entity to submit an annual audit to the municipality. Under the bill, this annual audit would be required to certify the number of school-age children attending public school who are residing in the approved project. The bill would also require an urban renewal entity to provide copies of the audit to the Director of the DLGS for publication on the DCA's website. The bill also requires a municipality to provide the DLGS with a copy of an ordinance that effectuates a five-year property tax abatement, and requires the DLGS to post this ordinance on the website of the DCA. | In Committee |
| S3170 | Increases annual limit of total tax credits certified for qualified projects under Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program. | Increases annual limit of total tax credits certified for qualified projects under Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program. | In Committee |
| S2826 | Provides certain resources to county prosecutors for enforcement of law regarding failure to pay wages; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), for purposes of supporting the enforcement of the provisions of State wage and hour laws, to provide funds and training to each county prosecutor's office for the investigation and prosecution of the abovementioned laws and worker exploitation. The bill requires the county prosecutor of each county to establish and assign an assistant prosecutor to the investigation and prosecution of violations of the State wage and hour laws. The bill makes an appropriation from the General Fund to the DOLWD, not to exceed $2,000,000, for purposes of effectuating the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S794 | Concerns workers' compensation insurance requirements for certain corporations and partnerships. | Concerns workers' compensation insurance requirements for certain corporations and partnerships. | 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 |
| S3743 | Expands financing opportunities for low and moderate income housing. | This bill revises certain aspects of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (agency) laws to encourage participation by certified minority-, women-, and veteran-owned development firms. The bill directs the agency to establish incentives and priorities to promote participation by minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, so that a realistic opportunity exists for these firms to successfully participate in providing low- and moderate-income housing options to residents of the State. The bill also specifically encourages the development of multi-family rental housing and home ownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families by allowing participating developing firms to satisfy existing bonding requirements through a valid letter of credit or traditional performance bonding. The bill also makes various procedural changes to help the agency carry out its housing priorities. | In Committee |
| S3772 | Concerns valuation of board and lodging with respect to workers' compensation. | This bill revises the workers' compensation law to modernize its treatment of board and lodging provided by an employer when calculating the rate of benefits. Currently, board and lodging furnished by an employer are regarded as part of wages and valued at $25 per week, unless a different amount is fixed at the time of hiring. The bill provides, instead, that, unless a different amount is fixed at the time of hiring, the value of employer furnished board and lodging be its market value, except that if the claimant continues to receive board or lodging during the period of total temporary disability, the value of the board or lodging will not be included in the calculation of the workers' compensation rate for purposes of temporary total disability. | In Committee |
| S1447 | Transfers New Jersey Historic Trust from Department of State to DCA and makes certain changes related to trustees and powers. | This bill statutorily transfers the New Jersey Historic Trust, which advances historic preservation in the State through several programs, from an entity in but not of the Department of State to an entity in but not of the Department of Community Affairs, and makes certain changes related to trustee qualifications and entity powers The New Jersey Historic Trust was created by legislation in 1967 and became affiliated with the Department of Community Affairs in 2002. This bill makes the statutory law consistent with its current affiliation with the Department of Community Affairs. The bill also provides that members of the New Jersey Historic Trust board of trustees, to include the Commissioner of Community Affairs or a designee, are required to possess a minimum of five years' experience in at least one of the following areas: historic preservation, fundraising, redevelopment and financing, architecture, planning, archaeology, or cultural nonprofit management. The bill also expands the New Jersey Historic Trust's authorization to collect fees for admittance to workshops or other education initiatives and allows the New Jersey Historic Trust to determine the amount of a fee to be collected for an application for a loan through the "Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund." | Crossed Over |
| S3670 | Provides for mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by remnants of Hurricane Ida. | An Act to provide mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection in response to the remnants of Hurricane Ida and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3278 | Extends permission to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests to EMTs. | Extends permission to administer glucagon and blood glucose tests to EMTs. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| S1887 | Creates offense of financial exploitation of the elderly. | Creates offense of financial exploitation of the elderly. | Crossed Over |
| A4811 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $20 million for provision of Summer Tuition Aid Grants in summer 2025; provides conditional authority for transfer of additional resources to Summer Tuition Aid Grants account. | A Supplement to the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, P.L.2024, c.22. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3468 | Requires firearm retailers to provide disclosure of customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms; advises customers it is unlawful to purchase firearms with intent to sell to disqualified persons. | This bill requires firearm wholesale or retail dealers to provide disclosure of a customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms and advise customers that it is unlawful to purchase a firearm with the intent to sell the firearm to a disqualified person. Under the provisions of this bill, all firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to provide customers with a disclosure, upon the retail sale or transfer of any firearm, printed in block letters not less than one-fourth of an inch in height. This bill requires that the disclosure be signed by the purchaser or transferee. In addition, the firearm wholesale or retail dealer is required to provide the purchaser or transferee with a copy of this written disclosure. Under the provisions of this bill, a firearm wholesale and retail dealer is required to collect and maintain a copy of each disclosure that is signed by a purchaser or transferee for a period of not less than 15 years. Furthermore, firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to conspicuously post the same disclosure at each purchase counter. Specifically, the disclosure advises customers of their responsibility to report a lost or stolen firearm within 36 hours to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the loss or theft occurred or to the Superintendent of State Police if the customer's municipality does not have a local police force. In addition, the disclosure advises customers that it is illegal to purchase a firearm with the intent to sell that firearm to someone who does not have the necessary firearm license or permit. Any firearm wholesale or retail dealer who violates the provisions of this bill will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for any subsequent offense. The civil penalty will be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction. Officials authorized by law or ordinance, or law enforcement officers, can issue summonses for violations. All penalties collected will be forwarded to the Office of Attorney General to be used for gun violence prevention efforts. | In Committee |
| S3089 | Concerns sexual assault forensic evidence kits. | Concerns sexual assault forensic evidence kits. | In Committee |
| S3277 | Requires transfer of certain excess animal control funds to prosecutors, municipalities, police departments, and Police Training Commission for enforcement of animal cruelty laws and training humane law enforcement officers. | Requires transfer of certain excess animal control funds to prosecutors, municipalities, police departments, and Police Training Commission for enforcement of animal cruelty laws and training of humane law enforcement officers. | In Committee |
| S1475 | "Consumer Legal Funding Act." | "Consumer Legal Funding Act." | In Committee |
| S3774 | "Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification Act"; requires Motor Vehicle Commission to establish online motor vehicle insurance verification system. | This bill, entitled the "Motor Vehicle Insurance Verification Act," requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to establish a system for the online verification of evidence of motor vehicle insurance, to assist in the identification of uninsured motorists. The bill also requires motor vehicle insurers to provide policy information for the online insurance verification system and to otherwise cooperate with the commission in establishing the system. The bill specifies certain requirements for the verification system, including that: (1) the online insurance verification system comply with certain standards of the Insurance Industry Committee on Motor Vehicle Administration (IICMVA); (2) the system be accessible to all law enforcement officers for the purpose of enforcing the mandatory motor vehicle insurance requirements of section 1 of P.L.1972, c.197 (C.39:6B-1) through capabilities for real-time verification of compliance with mandatory insurance requirements at traffic stops and other appropriate events; (3) the system include information to enable the commission to make inquiries to insurers about evidence of insurance; and (4) the commission may adopt rules and regulations to provide insurers who write a minimum number of policies, to be determined by the commission, the authority to use an alternative method for reporting insurance policy data. The bill also requires the commission to take other actions with respect to the verification system, including maintaining the system in a manner that allows it to be responsive to requestors, consulting with the insurance industry and private service providers, and maintaining a contact person. The bill also requires motor vehicle insurers authorized to do business in the State to cooperate with the commission in establishing and maintaining the system, to verify evidence of insurance for every motor vehicle insured by that company, and to maintain certain records regarding system data. The bill provides that when the commission has reason to believe that a motor vehicle has been or is currently being operated without insurance, the commission may suspend or revoke the owner's motor vehicle registration. The registration shall not be reinstated and a new registration shall not be issued unless evidence of insurance has been provided to the commission and any applicable reinstatement fees as prescribed by the commission have been paid. These fees shall be in addition to any other applicable fines, penalties, and fees. The bill also provides that not more than two years after the establishment of the online insurance verification system, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, after consultation with representatives of the motor vehicle insurance industry, shall report to the Governor and to the Legislature as to the costs for the system incurred by the commission, insurers and the public, and the effectiveness of the system in reducing the number of uninsured motor vehicles in the State. The bill requires the commission to establish a pilot program for a period of at least nine months during which the online insurance verification system shall be tested. The commission shall ensure that the pilot program is successfully tested and the verification system is fully operational within one year of the effective date of the bill. The bill provides that no enforcement action that is based on the system shall be taken until the commission has determined that the pilot program has been successfully completed. The bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in consultation with the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, to adopt, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill, including provisions for imposing appropriate civil penalties for any violation of the bill. The bill provides that it becomes effective on the 90th day next following enactment, but the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission may take any anticipatory administrative action in advance thereof as shall be necessary for the implementation of the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S3730 | Establishes process to monitor proprietary institution that converts to nonprofit corporation for transactions that constitute private inurement. | This bill establishes a process to monitor a proprietary institution that converts to a nonprofit corporation for transactions that constitute private inurement. The bill provides that, if a proprietary institution converts to a nonprofit corporation, the institution is to annually submit its Internal Revenue Service Form 990 to the Secretary of Higher Education for a period of five years following its incorporation as a nonprofit. The bill requires the secretary to annually review the Form 990 to ensure that there exist no reportable incidents that constitute private inurement. The secretary may, upon a finding of a reportable incident, recommend to the Secretary of State that the institution's certificate of incorporation be revoked. | In Committee |
| S3745 | Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $400,000 from General fund for grant to nonprofit organization to support purchase of pet food for pet owners undergoing medical care. | This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations act to make an additional appropriation of $400,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health to provide a grant to the nonprofit organization Living for a Cause to provide funding for the Patient Pet Food Security Wellness Program. The program would assist patients undergoing medical care in Burlington County and the surrounding counties who are experiencing economic hardship, to provide pet food to patients to alleviate the financial burden of pet ownership and prevent the surrender of pets to animal shelters. Living for a Cause is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Florence, New Jersey and dedicated to a range of philanthropic causes, including animal welfare activities. Since 2009, Living for a Cause has supported many animals and their owners across New Jersey by providing an array of animal emergency programs. The program has sponsored horses that have been rescued from unsafe circumstances, provided pet oxygen masks and K9 cooling vests to relieve animals from heat stroke, distributed K9 ballistic vests to police dogs, and organized large pet food distributions for local food pantries and home delivery. Living for a Cause launched the Patient Pet Food Security Wellness Program in 2023. | In Committee |
| S3140 | Requires eligible children from birth to five to receive early intervention services. | Requires eligible children from birth to five to receive early intervention services. | In Committee |
| S3742 | Requires artificial intelligence companies to conduct safety tests and report results to Office of Information Technology. | This bill requires the Office of Information Technology to establish minimum requirements for an artificial intelligence safety test and requires artificial intelligence companies to subject artificial intelligence technology to a safety test and report the safety test results to the Office of Information Technology. The bill also requires the Office of Information Technology to review each annual report submitted by an artificial intelligence company. An "artificial intelligence company" is defined as a private entity or public agency that sells, develops, deploys, uses, or offers for sale artificial intelligence technology in the State of New Jersey. Under this bill, artificial intelligence companies are required to annually subject all artificial intelligence technology sold, developed, deployed, used, or offered for sale in the State to a safety test and submit a report to the Office of Information Technology containing: (1) a list of all artificial intelligence technologies tested; (2) a description of all safety tests conducted; (3) a list of all third parties used to conduct safety tests, if any; and (4) the results of all safety tests administered. | In Committee |
| S2306 | "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. | "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. | In Committee |
| S2860 | Establishes Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program. | Establishes Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program. | In Committee |
| S2640 | Concerns discrimination based on membership in a labor organization. | This bill extends protection under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to members of a labor organization. The LAD, P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et. seq.), provides protections for those who are members of a protected class, including protection against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, land use, lending, and association membership. Under current law, a member of a protected class includes an employee who has one or more characteristics, including race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, sex, gender identity or expression, disability or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, or liability for service in the armed forces. This bill provides that members of a labor organization also are members of a protected class who are entitled protection under the LAD. In addition, the bill revises the definition of "labor organization" to include any organization of any kind, including a labor union or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which public or private employees participate and which exists and is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining, or of dealing with public or private employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment. | In Committee |
| S3672 | Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." | This bill creates a uniform code for State and local government entities, as well as health care facilities, regarding the use of resources to aid federal immigration law enforcement, and designates the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." Under the bill, the definition of government entities includes any of the principal departments of the executive branch of State government and any parts or creations thereof, any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency, including any public institution of higher education. The bill's definition also includes political subdivisions of the State and combinations of political subdivisions, independent authorities, commissions, instrumentalities and agencies created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions. Under the bill, government entities and healthcare facilities are prohibited from collecting certain personal and identifying information unless it is strictly necessary for program or service administration. Any record resulting from that collection, whether written or oral, would not be a government record under the "Open Public Records Act" unless an election agency requires it to ascertain the eligibility of a candidate when citizenship is required for an elected office. Any record also shall not be disclosed except as required to administer benefits or services pursuant to State or federal law, or valid court order or warrant, issued by a federal Article III judge or magistrate or the State equivalent. The bill provides that the prohibition on sharing information may be waived if the subject of the record or information provides written consent in that person's preferred language. The written consent shall include the following: (1) the exact record or information to be shared; (2) the purpose for sharing the record or information; (3) a statement clarifying that consent is voluntary and declining to consent shall not result in discrimination or retaliation by the government entity; (4) a statement clarifying that consent may be revoked, but that revocation does not impact a record or information already shared via prior written consent provided pursuant to this section; and (5) the person or agency to receive the record or information. The bill requires government entities to review their confidentiality policies, guidance and recommendations to identify any changes necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the bill and make any changes as expeditiously as possible, but no later than one year after the bill becomes effective. The bill also requires these entities to share their policies prominently on their Internet websites. This bill also requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Public Defender, to prepare a written notice explaining in plain language the provisions of section 6 of the bill. Section 6 of the bill details the prohibition of certain actions by law enforcement. The bill requires the notice and all translations to be posted to the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety and to be considered vital documents pursuant to P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.). The Attorney General is also required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities in the development of standardized training and guidance for law enforcement to comply with the bill's provisions. The AG also shall provide mandatory training to all State, county and local law enforcement agencies within one year of the bill's effective date. Any newly sworn officer is required to complete this training within a year of the officer's appointment. The Department of Human Services is required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities to develop and lead a multilingual campaign to promote public awareness of the bill's requirements for law enforcement agencies. As part of the awareness campaign, DHS is required to publish the text of section 6 of the bill's provisions and a plain language summary and explanation of those requirements on its Internet website within 180 days of the bill's enactment. . Under the bill, the Attorney General is also required to consult with other government entities and stakeholders in the development of model policies for sensitive locations. These locations include health care facilities, public schools, public libraries, shelters, and any other locations deemed appropriate by the Attorney General to ensure that eligible individuals are not deterred from seeking services or engaging with government entities. The model policies prohibit the request or collection of certain information regarding a person's immigration status, place of birth or taxpayer identification except to determine eligibility for services or program benefits. The model policies prohibit assistance or participation of immigration enforcement, and prohibit the permission of immigration enforcement on entity premises that are not open without restriction to the general public. The Attorney General is required to publish the model policies on the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires government entities with authority to regulate sensitive places to adopt the model policies within 180 days of issuance by the Attorney General's office and encourages facilities not regulated by government entities to adopt the policies. The bill prohibits certain actions by law enforcement. Specifically, State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officials shall not: (1) stop, question, arrest, search, or detain any individual based on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status, or actual or suspected violations of federal civil immigration law; (2) inquire about an individual's immigration status, citizenship, place of birth, or eligibility for a social security number; (3) make an arrest, detain, or prolong the detention of an individual based on civil immigration warrants; (4) use agency or department moneys, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin; or (5) make agency or department databases available to anyone or any entity for the purpose of immigration enforcement or investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin. The bill nullifies any agreement, policy or practice in place that permits in conflict with this clause. Law enforcement agencies in the State are also prohibited from: (1) participating in civil immigration enforcement operations; (2) providing to federal immigration authorities any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular person; (3) providing access to any State, county, or municipal law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property; (4) providing access to a detained individual for an interview; (5) facilitating or complying with immigration detainers, notification requests, and transfer requests from federal immigration authorities; (6) continuing to detain a person past the time the person would otherwise be eligible for release from custody based solely on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant; (7) entering into, modifying, renewing, or extending any agreement to exercise federal immigration authority or conduct immigration enforcement pursuant to section 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g), or otherwise exercising federal civil immigration authority or conducting immigration enforcement outside of the purview of 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g); or (8) providing or sharing funds, property, equipment, personnel, or access to facilities or real property not open to the general public for purposes of engaging in, assisting, supporting, or facilitating immigration enforcement. The bill provides that violations of the prohibitions on police conduct in the bill would be enforceable under the "New Jersey Civil Rights Act," P.L.2004, c.143. If an agency or law enforcement official intends to comply with an immigration detainer, notification request, civil immigration warrant, or transfer request concerning a person in custody, a written explanation specifying the legal basis for that action is required to be given to the person is custody. Lastly, the bill requires each State, county, and municipal law enforcement agency to submit to the Attorney General a report that includes: (1) the number of detainer requests, transfer requests, and notification requests made by immigration authorities, and the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. For any request that was granted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting that request; (2) the number of interviews requested and the number of interviews conducted, either in person or telephonically, by immigration authorities of people in State, county, or municipal law enforcement custody. For each interview conducted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting the interview; (3) any other requests made by immigration authorities for the agency's participation in immigration enforcement, the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, and the legal basis for granting the request; and (4) to the extent the law enforcement agency has knowledge, any information about State, county, and municipal databases to which immigration authorities have had access to at any time in the course of the year, including: the name of the database; an overview of information available on the database; the purpose for which immigration authorities have access to this database; the process through which immigration authorities requested access and agencies reviewed this request, if applicable; any legal basis for providing immigration authorities access to the database; and the frequency with which immigration authorities accessed the database over the course of the year. Law enforcement agencies have 180 days after the effective date of the bill to produce the first report and must then annually submit a report within 30 days of the end of the State's fiscal year. The Attorney General is initially required to publish the report on the office's website within 90 days of receipt, and then within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year thereafter. The Attorney General is also required to annually submit to the Governor and Legislature a report on each law enforcement agency's compliance with the provisions of this act. | In Committee |
| S3686 | Requires State agencies to periodically review administrative rules and regulations to ensure continued efficacy. | This bill would establish a mandatory review process for State agencies of any administrative rule or regulation set to expire at the end of each seven-year period. The review would require State agencies to determine whether the benefits of the rule continue to outweigh the costs and burdens of the rule, and whether the rule remains effective or has become outdated. The State agency would be required to report its findings to the Governor and the Legislature, and to the public in the New Jersey Register. Additionally, this bill would require State agencies to conduct a regulatory impact analysis of all proposed administrative rules. This analysis would be comparable to the review analysis for existing rules, and the State agency proposing the rule would be required to report its analysis to the Governor and the Legislature, and to the public. Although present law mandates that all administrative rules and regulations expire after a period of seven years, there is no mandatory review process in place to determine the continued efficacy of existing rules. With respect to proposed administrative rules, present law requires certain reviews to be conducted by State agencies prior to adoption of rules, and this bill would expand the requirements placed upon a State agency prior to adoption of any administrative rule. | In Committee |
| S3440 | Authorizes use of affordable housing and municipal development fee trust funds for planning and construction of certain child care centers. | Authorizes use of affordable housing and municipal development fee trust funds for planning and construction of certain child care centers. | In Committee |
| S3602 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $20 million for provision of Summer Tuition Aid Grants in summer 2025; provides conditional authority for transfer of additional resources to Summer Tuition Aid Grants account. | Makes supplemental appropriation of $20 million for provision of Summer Tuition Aid Grants in summer 2025; provides conditional authority for transfer of additional resources to Summer Tuition Aid Grants account. | Introduced |
| S1388 | Permits inclusion of volunteer firefighters and other emergency responders within municipal eligible employee group for purposes of the small employer health benefits plan statutes. | This bill resolves an apparent conflict between provisions in chapter 10 of Title 40A of the New Jersey Statutes, which permit municipalities to offer group health insurance benefits to volunteer fire fighters and emergency responders, and provisions in chapter 27A of Title 17B of the New Jersey Statutes regarding small employer health benefits plans. For example, although N.J.S.40A:10-30 authorizes a municipality to provide group health plans to volunteer firefighters, those volunteers are not considered eligible employees under the small employer health benefits plan statutes. This bill clarifies that these volunteers, as well as emergency responders, may be included in the group of eligible employees in municipalities regarded as small employers, and thereby receive coverage under the same group plan. | In Committee |
| SR112 | Expresses support for "Breakfast Bowl" held by Montclair State University and Rowan University and recognizes food insecurity efforts of these institutions. | This Senate resolution expresses support for the annual "Breakfast Bowl" between Montclair State University and Rowan University, which aims to bring attention to the fight against food insecurity many residents in this State endure. The winner of the annual event, along with receiving a trophy, will have the privilege of determining whether New Jersey's famous breakfast meat is to be called "Pork Roll" or "Taylor Ham" until the teams meet for the next year's "Breakfast Bowl." Montclair State University and Rowan University both operate food pantries that seek, in part, to provide fresh produce as part of their efforts to combat food insecurity. With successful football programs that enjoy strong alumni connections and widespread stakeholder support, the "Breakfast Bowl" provides a unique opportunity for the Montclair and Rowan communities, corporate sponsors, State residents, and elected officials to come together in the fight against food insecurity across New Jersey. This resolution also recognizes the significant contributions Montclair State University and Rowan University have made in higher education through academics, community development, and athletics. | In Committee |
| S3646 | Facilitates construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing built in part through sweat equity by eventual occupant. | This bill would facilitate the construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing that is built in part through sweat equity by the eventual occupant. "Sweat equity" refers to the provision of labor spent in construction or rehabilitation of a low- or moderate-income dwelling unit by one or more members of the low- or moderate-income household intended to occupy the unit. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) to establish an application process, and approve appropriate applicants as sweat equity certified nonprofits. The bill directs the commissioner to approve a certification application if the applicant:· possesses appropriate experience in facilitating the construction or rehabilitation of dwelling units, in part through sweat equity;· maintains appropriate controls on the affordability of dwelling units produced, in part through sweat equity, for low- or moderate-income households, to ensure that the units remain affordable for a reasonable period of time;· maintains a policy of promoting the opportunities that the organization offers in the production of housing through sweat equity to a diverse cross-section of the public; and · is organized under the "New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Act," N.J.S.15A:1-1 et seq., or as a religious organization under Title 16 of the Revised Statutes. If sweat equity is used in producing an affordable dwelling unit, and the unit's production is facilitated by a sweat equity certified nonprofit, then the bill directs that the adaptability requirements, which ordinarily apply to affordable housing construction, do not apply. The adaptability requirements concern compliance with the technical design standards of the barrier free subcode of the State Uniform Construction Code. Additionally, for sweat equity produced units facilitated by a sweat equity certified nonprofit, the bill would:· provide the units with an exemption from the ordinary affirmative marketing requirements of the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.); and· allow the controls on affordability maintained by the sweat equity certified nonprofit to be substituted for the equivalent requirements of the Uniform Housing Affordability Controls. The bill requires the commissioner to direct the appropriate offices or divisions of the Department of Community Affairs, to provide expedited assistance to sweat equity certified nonprofits and municipalities in:· ensuring that units, for which sweat equity is used in construction or rehabilitation, are counted towards the fair share affordable housing obligation of the municipality; · facilitating the transfer of abandoned property in the municipality, as appropriate for the production of affordable housing, to the sweat equity certified nonprofit through necessary processes, including but not limited to the process for individual abandoned property takings pursuant to section 37 of the "New Jersey Urban Redevelopment Act," P.L.1996, c.62 (C.55:19-56); and· facilitating use of the municipal affordable housing trust fund, and the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund," for the production of units for which sweat equity is used in the construction or rehabilitation. Additionally, the bill provides that a low- or moderate-income project for which sweat equity is used, and the construction or rehabilitation of the unit is facilitated by a nonprofit entity approved as a sweat equity certified nonprofit, is to be eligible to obtain advance funding from the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund." The bill directs the commissioner, by the first day of the fourth month next following enactment, to adopt the rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of the bill, including, but not limited to, rules and regulations to:· facilitate the provision of advance funding to sweat equity certified nonprofits for certain projects; and · specify appropriate processes for determining the amounts of advance funding that may be provided and the amounts that may be provided in relation to individual projects. The bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S3639 | Establishes "Minority and Women-Owned Businesses State Contractor Remedies Act." | This bill establishes the "Minority and Women-Owned Businesses State Contractor Remedies Act," amends the "Set-Aside Act for Small Businesses, Female Businesses, and Minority Businesses," and repeals various sections of the statutory law. The "Minority and Women-Owned Businesses State Contractor Remedies Act" establishes a new process for determining preference in awarding State agency contracts. State agencies are required to develop a plan for the fiscal year following the effective date of the bill and each fiscal year thereafter to encourage minority and women-owned businesses to submit proposals and encourage the awarding of contracts to those businesses. The bill establishes contract utilization goals for all State agencies based on the New Jersey Disparity Study on the Availability and Utilization of Small, Minority, Women, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses published in January of 2024. The State agency may adjust the percentages based on persuasive analysis that documents a statistically significant disparity between the availability and utilization of minority and women-owned businesses. In an effort to achieve the goals, the agency may establish bid criteria for contracts that result in a preference being afforded to minority and women-owned businesses. State agencies are required to make a good faith effort to attain the goals set forth in the bill. If the agency fails to make a good faith effort, a remedial action plan will be submitted to the Chief Diversity Officer. If it is determined by the Chief that the agency did not act in good faith to implement the remedial action plan within one year, the Chief may make the remedial action plan public to encourage implementation. If implementation still does not occur, the Chief may require that some or all of the agency's procurement be placed under the direction and control of another agency. Prime contractors are also required to make a good faith effort to attain the subcontractor goals set forth in the bill. Failure by a prime contractor to demonstrate a good faith effort may result in grounds for rejection of bids made by the prime contractor. The bill amends the "Set-Aside Act for Small Businesses, Female Businesses, and Minority Businesses" to only be applicable to small businesses by removing mentions of female and minority-owned businesses. The bill shifts chief, office, and departmental duties from the Chief of the Office of Small Business Assistance, the Office of Small Business Assistance, and the Department of Commerce and Economic Development to the Chief Diversity Officer, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and the Department of the Treasury. The bill changes the set-aside goals for small businesses from 15 percent to 25 percent and removes goals for minority and women-owned businesses. The bill establishes a goal that State agencies award at least 30 percent of their contracts to socially and economically disadvantaged businesses. The bill repeals the law establishing compliance calculations for contracting agencies awarding contracts to minority or women-owned businesses, P.L.1995, c.39 (C.52:32-22.1), and repeals the law establishing the goal of giving due consideration to veteran-owned businesses and the requirement that strategies be identified to expand the number of veteran-owned businesses interested in and eligible to benefit from State procurement, P.L.2011, c.147 (C.52:32-52). | In Committee |
| S3567 | Provides access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters through SHBP physicians and other providers. | This bill requires access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters serving in fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit, or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, without cost-sharing. Under the bill, physicians who participate in the State Health Benefits Program network will be required to offer these periodic examinations to volunteer firefighters and then a physician or other provider may request payment from the State for the provision of services not to exceed $1,250 in the aggregate per three-year period for each firefighter. According to the bill, fire district of this State, or a fire department, unit or company of or in this State or a political subdivision of this State, which relies on services from volunteer firefighters must maintain adequate records to facilitate the payment. Current law entitles paid firefighters enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program and paid firefighters eligible for enrollment in the State Health Benefits Program to periodic cancer screening examinations every three years without cost-sharing. By law, the State will reimburse public employers in an amount not to exceed $1,250 per three-year period for each firefighter. This bill extends the reimbursement provisions available to paid firefighters under current law to unpaid firefighters serving in any fire district with a volunteer fire department or wherein there exists one or more incorporated volunteer fire companies affording fire protection to the fire district, or any fire department, unit, or company of or in the State or a political subdivision of this State. | In Committee |
| S2311 | Requires criminal history background check for individuals seeking licensure issued by boards regulating certain health care professions. | An Act concerning criminal history background checks for certain health care professionals and amending P.L.2002, c.104. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2294 | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | Vetoed |
| A2280 | Codifies prohibition of discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and requires real estate appraisers to complete anti-bias training. | An Act concerning discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and supplementing and amending P.L.1991, c.68. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2644 | Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees. | An Act concerning student literacy and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3432 | Establishes Next New Jersey Program for artificial intelligence investments. | An Act concerning the development of artificial intelligence innovations, ventures, and facilities, and amending and supplementing P.L.2020, c.156. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3385 | Concerns deadline for municipality to report certain non-residential development fee information. | An Act concerning deadline for certain non-residential development fee reporting and amending P.L.2008, c.46. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1385 | Establishes four-year pilot program in Ocean County for electronic monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders; appropriates $2.5 million. | Establishes four-year pilot program in Ocean County for electronic monitoring of certain domestic violence offenders; appropriates $2.5 million. | Crossed Over |
| S1446 | Modifies down payment assistance program for benefit of first-generation and first-time homebuyers; makes an appropriation. | An Act concerning housing assistance for certain homebuyers and amending P.L.2023, c.78. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1443 | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | In Committee |
| S729 | Establishes tianeptine as Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. | Establishes tianeptine as Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. | In Committee |
| SJR45 | Designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." | Designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." | Crossed Over |
| S3484 | Provides health care practitioners discretion to determine which medical conditions could qualify patients for use of medical cannabis. | This bill provides health care practitioners the discretion to determine which medical conditions would qualify a patient for the use of medical cannabis. Under current law, a patient may only be authorized for the medical use of cannabis when the patient receives authorization from a health care practitioner, who is treating the patient's qualifying medical condition. Current law defines a "qualifying medical condition" to mean a seizure disorder, including epilepsy; intractable skeletal muscular spasticity; post-traumatic stress disorder; glaucoma; positive status for human immunodeficiency virus; acquired immune deficiency syndrome; cancer; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; multiple sclerosis; muscular dystrophy; inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease; terminal illness, if the patient has a prognosis of less than 12 months of life; anxiety; migraine; Tourette's syndrome; dysmenorrhea; chronic pain; opioid use disorder; or any other medical condition or its treatment that is approved by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. This bill amends the requirements under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act and expands the statutory definition of "qualifying medical condition" to include any other medical condition or disease for which a healthcare practitioner determines that a patient would receive palliative or therapeutic benefit from the use of medical cannabis. | In Committee |
| S3469 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $100 million to Affordable Housing Production Fund in DCA for completion of 100-percent affordable housing projects. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $100 million to the Affordable Housing Production Fund (fund) in the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to municipalities to support the completion of 100-percent affordable housing projects. The fund was established pursuant to P.L.2022, c.49. Under the law, "100-percent affordable housing project" means an affordable housing project in which 100-percent of the residential units are constructed for occupancy by low- and moderate-income households and that has been identified in a fair share affordable housing obligation judgment of repose entered into by the municipality. | In Committee |
| S3467 | Establishes "NJ Green Bank" in EDA; appropriates $50 million from societal benefits charge to initially fund program. | This bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to establish and maintain a program to be known as the "New Jersey Green Bank." The purpose of the bank would be to provide loans, loan guarantees, or other forms of financial assistance to New Jersey residents, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and businesses to fund environmentally beneficial energy projects. These projects may include, but are not limited to, the construction of a renewable energy generation facility or energy storage facility, an energy efficiency project, or a project to deploy an electric vehicle or associated infrastructure. The bill directs the EDA to develop separate programs for residential, municipal, small business, and larger commercial projects, and such other programs and projects as the EDA may determine useful and appropriate, to finance and otherwise support projects. The bill would require the EDA to develop and adopt standards to govern the administration of the New Jersey Green Bank through rules, policies, and procedures that specify borrower eligibility, terms and conditions of support, and other relevant criteria, standards, or procedures. The bill provides that the EDA may provide financing support if it determines that the amount to be financed by the EDA and other non-equity financing sources would not exceed 80 percent of the costs of a project to install a new renewable energy generation facility, or up to 100 percent of the costs of financing any other eligible project. The bill directs the EDA to establish a New Jersey Green Bank Fund. The bill appropriates $50 million from the societal benefits charge (a surcharge on energy bills) to the fund. The bill also provides that the EDA may enter into contracts with private sources to raise capital for the purposes of the New Jersey Green Bank. | In Committee |
| S2645 | Requires school districts to screen certain students for reading deficiencies. | This bill requires school districts to screen certain students for reading deficiencies. Under the bill, a school district is required to screen each student enrolled in kindergarten through grade three using a reading assessment approved by the Department of Education. The screening is to occur three times per school year. Additionally, a school district is required to screen newly-enrolled students in grades four through 12 using an approved reading assessment. The bill requires a school district to screen any enrolled student at the request of the parent or guardian of the student. Under the bill, the reading assessment is required to: (1) measure phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; and (2) identify students who have a reading deficiency. The department is required to enter into a contract with at least two screening providers that have a valid and reliable reading assessment with the ability to screen students pursuant to the provisions of this bill. Within the limits of available funds, the department is required to make these reading assessments available for use by school districts. Additionally, the department is required to establish and distribute a list of providers of reliable and valid reading assessments approved for school district use for the screening and monitoring of student progress toward grade level reading. The bill permits a school district to be granted a waiver of the requirement to use one of the department-approved reading assessments if it demonstrates to the department's satisfaction that it has selected a comparable reading assessment. Under the bill, a school district is required to notify a parent or guardian of a student who exhibits a reading deficiency no later than 15 days after the deficiency is identified. The school district is also required to provide appropriate evidence-based intervention strategies to any student that exhibits a reading deficiency. A school district is also required to annually report to the department the number of students screened and the number of students who were identified through the screening as exhibiting a reading deficiency. The bill defines a "reading deficiency" as scoring below grade level or being determined to be at risk of scoring below grade level based on a screening assessment. | In Committee |
| SCR81 | Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. | If approved by the voters of the State, this proposed constitutional amendment would increase the amount of the veterans' property tax deduction from the current $250 to $2,500. The increase would occur over four years. Veterans who are honorably discharged from active service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces qualify for the deduction. A qualified veteran's surviving spouse would receive the deduction after the qualified veteran dies. The amendment would increase the amount of the deduction to $1,000 in tax year 2025, $1,500 in tax year 2026, $2,000 in tax year 2027, and $2,500 in tax year 2028, and every tax year thereafter. The voters of the State last approved an increase in the amount of the deduction in 1999, from $50 to $250, over four years. The amount of the deduction has been $250 since 2003. | In Committee |
| S3443 | Requires State Contract Managers to monitor work conducted by subcontractors on State contracts. | This bill requires State Contract Managers to monitor the use of subcontractors that are certified businesses on State contracts. Under this bill, the State Contract Manager is responsible for monitoring that all certified businesses formally identified as subcontractors by prime contractors on State contracts are contracted to complete work within their identified area of expertise. During the execution of the State contracts, the State Contract Manager is responsible for monitoring and documenting the use of the identified certified businesses as subcontractors. If the prime contractor decides to discontinue their utilization of the certified business as a subcontractor, the State Contract Manager must require a formal explanation from the prime contractor. Each State Contract Manager is required to notify the Chief Diversity Officer on a quarterly basis of the number of instances when certified businesses formally identified as subcontractors by prime contractors are contracted to complete work outside their identified area of expertise. The report must include the name of the prime contractor, a description of the work of the certified business as a subcontractor, and how the work was outside the area of expertise of the certified business. As used in the bill, certified business means a small business, minority business, women's business, veteran business, disabled veteran business, LGBTQ+ business, economically disadvantaged business, or socially disadvantaged business as certified by the Division of Revenue Business Certification program in the Department of the Treasury. | In Committee |
| S3171 | Establishes distinction between residential tenant and other occupants of hotel or motel for purpose of determining permitted removal actions. | Establishes distinction between residential tenant and other occupants of hotel or motel for purpose of determining permitted removal actions. | In Committee |
| S3436 | Permits use of credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment for bingo, raffles, and penny auctions. | This bill would permit the use of credit cards, debit cards, and other electronic payment devices for the sale of shares, tickets, or rights to participate in raffles, bingo games, penny auctions, and any other legalized games of chance the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission deems appropriate. The bill requires the commission to adopt regulations to accept credit cards and other electronic payments. Current law does not expressly permit the use of credit card or electronic payments to purchase shares, tickets, or rights to participate in legalized games of chance such as raffles, bingo, and penny auctions. | In Committee |
| S931 | Updates definition of veteran to include discharged LGBTQ veteran; requires DMVA develop review process for such veterans. | This bill updates the definition of veteran in various statutes to include discharged LGBTQ veterans. This bill also requires the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to develop a review process for discharged LGBTQ veterans concerning lost benefits. An estimated 100,000 LGBTQ veterans were discharged from the military under less than honorable conditions from the start of World War II until the 2011 repeal of the military's 1993 "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Transgender veterans continued to be banned and discharged from service until the June 2016 Directive-Type Memorandum-16-005, issued by then-Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, which was subsequently reversed by the March 2019 Directive-Type Memorandum-19-004, issued by Deputy Secretary of Defense David Norquist. These veterans lost their right to both state and federal benefits by being discharged under less than honorable conditions. This bill adds a definition of "discharged LGBTQ veteran" to various statutory definitions of "veteran." "Discharged LGBTQ veteran" means a veteran who was discharged less than honorably from military or naval service due to their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, or statements, consensual sexual conduct, or consensual acts relating to sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, or the disclosure of such statements, conduct, or acts that were prohibited by the Armed Forces of the United States at the time of discharge. The added definition, along with the addition of a DMVA review process for discharged LGBTQ veterans, will restore State benefits for those veterans. | In Committee |
| S2010 | Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding. | This bill supplements the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977" and requires a minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding, thereby reinstating New Jersey's only State appropriated, unrestricted fund for local health departments. Such appropriation will be expended in accordance to the provisions of the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977." From 1966 to 2010, under the "State Health Aid Act" and later amended as the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," the State provided local health departments with flexibility to address local needs, emerging threats, and other priorities via the appropriation of dedicated funds. The State eliminated Public Health Priority Funding in the FY 2011 Appropriations Act. For context, in FY 2010, Public Health Priority Funding amounted to approximately 15 percent of the total funding for local health departments. Currently, local health departments in New Jersey are funded via local property taxes and State and federal funding that is designated for specific purposes, such as vaccines or environmental health services. | In Committee |
| S3387 | Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." | This bill sets forth certain requirements governing court ordered domestic violence counseling and creates the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee" within the Department of Children and Families. Under current law, as part of a final restraining order issued by the court in a domestic violence matter, the court may order the defendant to receive professional domestic violence counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court and, in that event, require the defendant to provide the court with documentation of attendance. Under the bill, any domestic violence counseling program in which a defendant participates based on a court order issued in a domestic violence matter would include the following components: (1) risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence and escalating risk factors, and include information provided by the courts; (2) working collaboratively with the courts to support offender accountability, requiring that offenders be held accountable for their behavior, and that offenders are provided with services geared towards behavioral change; (3) information and education concerning the tactics of power and control and the understanding of domestic violence as a domination and control issue; (4) a protocol to demonstrate the defendant's attendance in programming, and additional reporting as requested by the court to support a prompt and effective review by the court for noncompliance; and (5) regular reviews of the program and compliance by the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence or the Department of Children and Families for Batterers' Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Children and Families. The bill creates within the Department of Children and Families, the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." The advisory committee is to include representatives from the following: Administrative Office of the Courts, including representatives of the Municipal Court and the Family and Criminal Divisions of Superior Court; Department of Corrections; Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Department of Law and Public Safety; Department of Education; domestic violence advocates who represent underserved communities in rural and urban settings; practicing licensed mental health professional; community providers with experience providing treatment to domestic violence perpetrators; a person who has received abuse intervention services; community organizers providing restorative justice practices; and faith community leaders. In consultation with the committee, the Department of Children and Families would select an existing evidence-based, evidence-supported or promising Batterers' Intervention Program model. Based on strategic priorities and subject to the availability of funds, the Department of Children and Families is responsible for funding the selected abuse intervention programs. The Department of Children and Families is to access consultation and technical assistance from selected model developers or other field experts; support the development, refinement, and maintenance of the necessary implementation infrastructure including, but not limited to, model refinement, training, quality improvement, and evaluation; and provide periodic progress updates to the committee on the selected Batterers' Intervention Program model. The domestic violence counseling provisions of this bill embody recommendation 18 of the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence issued June 2016. | In Committee |
| S2535 | Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services. | This bill amends existing law, which established minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services, to include structured day program services. Current law is limited to community residential services. Under existing law, "brain injury service" means community-based services, residential services, day care services, and home care services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries, regardless of whether such services are provided through the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or the managed care delivery system. Specifically, the bill requires the Medicaid per diem or encounter reimbursement rates for Structured Day Program Services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for a brain injury, currently at $3.65 for every 15 minutes of services, when such services are provided by an approved brain injury service provider, to be equal to the average of the reimbursement rates for Day Habilitation Services - Tiers D and Tier E provided to a Medicaid beneficiary eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, currently at $9.09 for every 15 minutes of service. | In Committee |
| S3301 | Establishes Council for Community Recovery and Family Success; appropriates $4.0 million. | This bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs, which will develop strategies to promote the well-being of infants, children, youth, and families, and encourage family success. The council will consist of 25 members, including the Commissioners of Children and Families, Community Affairs, Corrections, Education, Health, Human Services, and Labor and Workforce Development, and the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or their designees, who will serve ex officio, and 17 public members, who will be representatives of certain entities that provide services to children and families, or have certain experience with receiving family services in New Jersey. The council will manage the development and implementation of a Statewide initiative concerning the social and economic well-being of infants, children, youth, and families, and the provision of holistic, age and developmentally appropriate services that support a child's development from birth to young adulthood. In order to implement the Statewide initiative, the council will: (1) advocate for a State Bill of Rights for Infants, Children, Youth, and Families, which will provide a framework for the initiative; (2) identify and develop policies, strategies, and financial priorities that promote family success; (3) recommend policies to improve the efficacy of existing State and community-based services and programs; (4) explore strategies to leverage public and private funding to provide preventive services; and (5) establish community recovery and family success councils in each county. The goal of the Statewide initiative will be to: promote positive family relationships, community connections, and preventive services to ensure financial security, quality education, health, safety, and permanency for infants, children, youth, and families through an integrated service planning and delivery system. The bill defines "distress services" to mean services to remediate circumstances that endanger the safety, permanency, health, and well-being of infants, children, and youth; and "preventative services" as those services that promote the safety, permanency, health, and well-being of the target populations and divert the need for distress services. The council will submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature that will include recommendations for legislative and administrative actions on the use of public and private resources to support family success initiatives and preventive services for all families. The bill appropriates $4.0 million from the General Fund to the council to implement the provisions of the bill, and provides that the council may use any unexpended appropriations in the succeeding fiscal year. | In Committee |
| S1311 | Codifies prohibition of discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and requires real estate appraisers to complete anti-bias training. | Codifies prohibition of discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and requires real estate appraisers to complete anti-bias training. | In Committee |
| S1435 | Establishes Downtown Economic Growth Program to encourage business development in certain small municipalities. | Establishes Downtown Economic Growth Program to encourage business development in certain small municipalities. | In Committee |
| S2079 | Clarifies procedures for revocation of pretrial release for certain defendants. | This bill concerns the temporary detention of a defendant who violates a condition of pretrial release, and clarifies the procedures for revocation of pretrial release for certain defendants. Under current law criminal courts are authorized to order the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or order pretrial detention of a defendant who is found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. A court may revoke a defendant's pretrial release and order the defendant to be detained pending trial if the defendant violates a condition of release or commits a new crime while on release if it finds by clear and convincing evidence that no monetary bail or conditions of release would reasonably assure the defendant's appearance in court and the public's safety, or reasonably prevent the defendant from the obstruction or attempted obstruction of the criminal justice process. Under the bill, a court may, upon motion of a prosecutor, temporarily detain a defendant who has been arrested or otherwise taken into custody if the defendant violates a condition of pretrial release or commits a crime while on pretrial release. The bill further provides that the procedures under current law for determining whether an eligible defendant is to be detained pending trial would apply to defendants who are temporarily detained for violating a condition of pretrial release. This bill encompasses Recommendation #22 of the Report of Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform, issued on June 7, 2023. | In Committee |
| S3251 | Establishes "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act." The bill establishes in the Department of Human Services (department) a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program. The purpose of this program will be to connect migrants and refugees with information and resources regarding public assistance programs for which they are eligible. The department will ensure that the information provided under the program will include, but not be limited to, information on: housing, healthcare, educational opportunities, job training, and legal services. The department will collaborate with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to facilitate access to these resources. Under the bill. the department will develop and implement an outreach campaign to inform migrants and refugees about the program. The outreach campaign will utilize multiple languages and media platforms to ensure widespread dissemination of information about the program. The department will submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, which report will: (1) detail the effectiveness of the program, including the number of migrants and refugees served and the types of assistance provided; and (2) include any recommendations for improvements to the program. | In Committee |
| S2404 | Permits voluntary participation in treatment as condition of pretrial release under certain circumstances. | Currently, under N.J.S.A.2A:162-24, upon a motion of the prosecutor, a court can revoke the release of an eligible defendant who is released from custody pending trial upon a finding that the defendant, while on release, violated a restraining order or condition of release, or upon a finding of probable cause to believe that the eligible defendant has committed a new crime while on release. The court may not revoke the release unless the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that no monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of release or combination of monetary bail and conditions would reasonably assure the eligible defendant's appearance in court when required, the protection of the safety of any other person or the community, or that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. This bill provides that the court may, after a finding for detention, permit an eligible defendant whose pretrial release has been revoked to voluntarily agree to enter, participate and complete drug, alcohol, or mental health treatment at an approved program or facility. The bill further requires that, if the court permits the eligible defendant to enter treatment under these circumstances, the court require the approved program or facility to provide participation reports to the court, and the eligible defendant agree to provide the approved program or facility with any release or authorization necessary to comply with the court's reporting requirements. It is ordinarily within the discretion of the court to require, as a non-monetary condition of pretrial release, that an eligible defendant take a specific action, including undergoing available medical, psychological, or psychiatric treatment, including treatment for drug or alcohol dependency. In this instance an eligible defendant whose pretrial release has been revoked would voluntarily agree to participate in treatment in lieu of detention and provide the court with necessary documentation of compliance with the order. This bill complies with Recommendation #24 of the New Jersey Supreme Court Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice Reform. | In Committee |
| S2348 | Requires Attorney General to review use of force policy at least every two years. | This bill requires the Attorney General to review and, if necessary, revise its use of force policy, as need may require and at least every two years. The bill also requires the Attorney General, in reviewing and revising the policy, to give due consideration to, at a minmum, the following core principles: · respecting the sanctity of human life and serving the community; · prioritizing other reasonable measures, including de-escalation, that must be attempted before resorting to the use of force; · promoting the use of only objectively reasonable, necessary and proportional force, including the use of deadly force only as a last resort; and · articulating other duties attendant to the use of force, such as a law enforcement officer's duty to intervene, to render medical assistance, and to report and review uses of force. The bill requires the policy to be transmitted to the chief or director of every municipal and county police department, every municipal and county prosecutor, and the Superintendent of State Police. | In Committee |
| S2438 | Requires Pretrial Services to recommend pretrial detention of certain repeat offenders. | Requires Pretrial Services to recommend pretrial detention of certain repeat offenders. | In Committee |
| S2648 | Concerns provision of services to defendants on pretrial release. | This bill concerns the provision of services to defendants on pretrial release. While current law provides a variety of services for individuals upon reentering society following their release from incarceration, there are limited supports and services offered to defendants in this State who are charged with certain crimes and who are ordered to be released pending a final resolution of their matter. This bill authorizes counties to appoint a county pretrial release coordinator to evaluate the needs of defendants in the county for whom a complaint-warrant has been issued for an initial charge involving an indictable offense or a disorderly persons offense, and pretrial release has been ordered. The pretrial release coordinator is required to advise each eligible defendant that the services are offered on a voluntary basis and that the defendant is not required to receive the services offered. The pretrial release coordinator is responsible for offering the following assistance to the defendants in accessing services deemed necessary pursuant to the evaluation:· scheduling and otherwise accessing appropriate treatment, services, and programming during the defendant's period of pretrial release; · providing information concerning, and assistance in completing, applications for appropriate State and county public assistance program benefits; · providing information concerning available substance use disorder treatment and services including, but not limited to, medication-assisted treatment;· providing information concerning relevant social services and rehabilitative programs;· providing information concerning services provided by the State's One-Stop Career Centers; · providing information concerning insurance eligibility;· providing information concerning any other treatment, services, and programming deemed appropriate based on the evaluation required pursuant to the bill; and· if appropriate, providing assistance with obtaining a non-driver identification card. In addition, the county pretrial release coordinator is required to consult and coordinate with the county board of social services or welfare agency, as appropriate, when providing information or assistance with respect to a benefit or service administered by the board or welfare agency. The coordinator is required to collect and analyze data related to the services provided; develop peer counseling programs; meet with community stakeholders to establish best practices in providing services to defendants on pretrial release; identify available county services; and make recommendations for the provision of services to defendants during pretrial release. The amounts deemed necessary to support the county pretrial release coordinators are to be annually appropriated. This bill would implement recommendation number 15 of the report of the reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice issued in June 2023. | In Committee |
| A4059 | Requires Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of FY 2025 appropriations act. | An Act concerning budget submissions for certain school districts. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1441 | Establishes School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program in DEP to provide proportional awards to eligible schools based on pro rata share of plastics collected, by each school, for upcycling purposes. | Establishes School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program in DEP to provide proportional awards to eligible schools based on pro rata share of plastics collected, by each school, for upcycling purposes. | In Committee |
| S3072 | Provides additional State school aid to certain school districts; appropriates $105,886,559. | This bill provides that a school district that is subject to a reduction in total State school aid for the 2024-2025 school year will receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid. The aid provided under the bill would ensure that the district's total State school aid in the 2024-2025 school year is equal to the amount of total State school aid received in the 2023-2024 school year. The bill defines total State school aid to include: equalization aid, special education categorical aid, security categorical aid, transportation aid, adjustment aid, educational adequacy aid, school choice aid, and military impact aid. To receive the aid provided under the bill, a school district is required to submit to the Commissioner of Education, in a manner and form to be prescribed by the commissioner, a written plan explaining how the district intends to fund operations in future school years in which the district does not receive Stabilization Aid or similar supplemental State school aid. A county vocational school district that receives vocational expansion stabilization aid in the 2024-2025 school year is not eligible to receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid under the bill. The bill appropriates a sum from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Department of Education and provides a list of school districts eligible to receive additional aid under the bill, as well as the amount of additional aid to be provided to each district. A total of 140 districts are eligible under the bill to receive a share of approximately $105.9 million in additional aid. | Dead |
| S3002 | Requires Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of FY 2025 appropriations act. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of the State fiscal year 2025 appropriations act. The commissioner is authorized under the bill to make any adjustments to the school budget calendar that are necessary to conform with the provisions of the bill, which adjustments include a compressed schedule by which a school district can enact its budget. The bill would apply to school districts, which are proposed to receive a State school aid reduction and are experiencing a reduction that is greater than the total amount of the district's unused tax authority permitted under current law. This unused tax authority is often referred to as "banked cap." Under current law, a school district may add to its adjusted tax levy in any one of the next three succeeding budget years, the amount of the difference between the maximum allowable amount to be raised by taxation for the current school budget year and the actual amount to be raised by taxation for the current school budget year. | In Committee |
| S876 | Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $17 million for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes. | This bill makes a one-time supplemental appropriation of $17 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from the General Fund. The bill directs the DEP to establish a program to use these funds for grants to assist qualified entities to pay certain costs associated with the management and maintenance of lakes for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill requires the DEP to develop criteria for the evaluation and ranking of applications to provide priority to projects submitted by qualified entities responsible for a lake with public access; and projects to improve water quality and increase recreational access and use of lakes, including projects to control nutrient levels in lakes in order to prevent future harmful algal blooms. The bill provides that a grant issued pursuant to the bill may be used for stormwater and nonpoint source pollution management activities, if the DEP determines that those activities would directly enhance, improve, or protect the use of a lake for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill defines "qualified entity" to mean: the Greenwood Lake Commission; the Lake Hopatcong Commission; a local government unit; an entity established pursuant to law or an entity established pursuant to ordinance by the municipalities surrounding a publicly-accessible lake for the management of the lake, including, but not limited to, the Deal Lake Commission or the Lake Topanemus Park Commission; or a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501 (c)(3) and whose mission is the management or maintenance of a publicly-accessible lake. In the 2020-2021 legislative session $10 million was appropriated to the DEP for the same purpose. | In Committee |
| S3164 | Establishes "New Jersey Reparations Task Force." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Reparations Task Force" to study and develop reparations proposals for African-Americans in this State. The task force would consist of 11 members, comprised of four legislators and seven public members. Three members would be appointed by the Governor and eight members would be appointed by the Legislative leadership. At a minimum, four of the public members would be appointed from persons recommended by organizations concerned with the issues of civil rights, human rights, racial, social and economic justice and equality, reparations and other issues concerning the African-American community. The members of the task force will appoint a chair and a vice chair of the task force. The members of the task force would not be compensated but may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties. This bill, among other things, requires the task force to: (1) examine the institution of slavery within the State of New Jersey; (2) examine the extent to which the State of New Jersey and the federal government prevented, opposed, or restricted efforts of former enslaved persons and their descendants who are considered United States' citizens to economically thrive upon the ending of slavery; (3) examine the lingering negative effects of slavery on living African-Americans and on society in New Jersey and the United States; (4) research methods and materials for facilitating education, community dialogue, symbolic acknowledgement, and other formal actions leading toward transformation, reparations remedies, a sense of justice, and economic justice among the descendants of enslaved African people in this State; (5) make recommendations for what remedies should be awarded, through what instrumentalities, and to whom those remedies should be awarded; and (6) address how said recommendations comport with national and international standards of remedy for wrongs and injuries caused by the State. The task force will hold at least six public meetings in different parts of the State, including Camden, Paterson, Newark, New Brunswick, Atlantic City, and Trenton. The Governor will call the first meeting of the task force to occur on or before the first day of the third month after enactment. The task force will issue an interim report of its progress to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 12 months following the initial meeting. The task force will submit its final report and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 24 months following the initial meeting. The task force will expire upon issuance of its final report. | In Committee |
| S3172 | Removes strict liability in certain circumstances for owners of dogs that bite and stipulates certain requirements for dog bites received in animal or veterinarian facilities. | This bill removes the strict liability currently applied under law to owners of dogs that bite an individual when the bite is received in an animal or veterinarian facility. An employee who is part of facility staff, which includes veterinarians and other individuals employed to assist with animals, can hold an owner of a dog that bites the employee only if the employee can demonstrate that the owner neglected to disclose a prior biting incident involving the dog. "Animal or veterinary facility" means any fixed or mobile establishment, veterinary hospital, animal hospital or premises wherein or whereon the practice of veterinary medicine or any part thereof is conducted. | In Committee |
| SCR104 | Condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance. | This resolution condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance, and declares the State of New Jersey as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans. This resolution recognizes that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. The United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation, attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as "Sanatana Dharma". The American Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and so much more. Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions. Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred". There have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. | In Committee |
| S3139 | Concerns conditions of employment of certain cannabis workers. | This bill provides cannabis workers employed by cannabis employers rights and protections equal to the rights and protections provided to other workers with respect to employee representation, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. Cannabis employers are defined in the bill as employers who are licensed or regulated under chapter 6I of Title 24 of the Revised Statutes. Currently, certain cannabis workers, most notably those employed by licensed cannabis cultivators, are excluded from protections against unfair labor practices provided to most private sector workers by the federal National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. s.151 et seq.)("NLRA"), and provided to public employees by the State public employment relations law, P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1 et seq.)("PERL") and the Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act, P.L.2018, c.15 (C.34:13A-5.11 et seq.) ("WDEA"). This bill brings those cannabis workers under protections similar to those laws, by expanding the responsibilities of the State Board of Mediation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding cannabis employment not regulated by the NLRA. It provides the board with the power to prevent specified unfair labor practices, thus providing rights to the cannabis workers similar to the rights provided to other private sector workers by the NLRA, and the rights provided to public employees by the PERL and the WDEA. The bill prohibits cannabis employers and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of the rights granted by the bill. 2. Dominating or interfering with any employee organization. 3. Discriminating against employees for making disclosures or otherwise exercising their rights. 4. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 5. Violating any board regulation. The bill similarly prohibits cannabis worker organizations and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights. 2. Interfering with, restraining, or coercing a cannabis employer in the selection of a representative for negotiations or grievance procedures. 3. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 4. Violating any board regulation. The board may order an offending party to cease any unfair practice and take reasonable remedial action, including, in the case of a discharge, reinstatement, paying lost wages, costs of action, and damages equal to the wages due. It is also an unfair practice under the bill for a cannabis employer to encourage or discourage employees from joining, forming or assisting an employee organization, or encourage them to end their employee organization membership or revoke authorization of the deduction of dues or fees. The board is required to order the employer to make whole the employee organization for any resulting losses to the organization. Current law, section 5 of P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1), directs the New Jersey State Board of Mediation to designate a labor organization to represent employees of any private sector employer not regulated under the NLRA, including an employer who is not a cannabis employer, if the employees select the organization in an election conforming with NLRA procedures, or, if only one labor organization seeks to represent the employees, a majority of the employees sign cards showing that they prefer that organization. The bill provides that in such cases, including cases of non-cannabis employers, the employee organization may petition the board to require the employer to provide a list of current employees with contact information. The bill increases penalties for employer non-compliance from not more than $1,000 to not more than $5,000 per day of non-compliance. Finally, the bill clarifies that the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1) concerning private employers not subject to the NLRA apply to employees not subject to the NLRA even if employed by an employer who has both employees not subject to the NLRA and employees who are subject to the NRLA. The bill provides, with respect to cannabis workers and employers, that if the employee organization petitions the board for that information, then the employer must also give the organization access to the employees, including allowing meetings in the workplace and employer-controlled living quarters. The bill provides that once the organization is designated as the employee representative, the employer must give the organization access to the employer's premises to investigate and discuss grievances and other issues, conduct meetings, and meet newly hired employees. The bill gives cannabis worker organizations the right to engage in publicity regarding products produced by an employer with which the organization has a dispute, including publicity asking the public to not patronize businesses distributing or selling the products. | In Committee |
| S1414 | Directs DCA to establish grant programs for public water systems. | This bill would direct the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to develop and implement two programs to provide grants to public water systems from the funds received by the State pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L.117-58. Under the bill, DCA would establish one grant program for public water systems that have less than 500 service connections for the purpose of funding improvements to the operational sustainability of eligible small public water systems through the identification and prevention of potable water loss due to leaks, breaks, and other metering or infrastructure failures. The bill also directs DCA to establish a second grant program for all public water systems, for the purpose of improving the sharing of information concerning water quality, water infrastructure needs, and water technology, including cybersecurity technology, between or among public water systems. For both programs, the bill would direct DCA to establish grant application processes and transparent eligibility and ranking criteria, and publish them on the DCA website no later than six months after the bill's effective date. The bill would also direct DCA to determine maximum grant amounts to ensure that grants are distributed throughout the State. Under the bill, DCA may use up to three percent of the money allocated to administer each program. The bill directs DCA, no later than three years after the bill's enactment, to prepare and submit reports to the Governor and the Legislature that provide details about the projects funded by the grant programs. After the report is submitted, or three years after the bill's enactment, whichever is sooner, the bill would expire. | In Committee |
| S3058 | Establishes inflationary State school aid growth limit; permits certain school districts to apply for Necessary Stabilization Aid. | This bill establishes an inflationary State school aid growth limit, which is generally to be applied to all school districts. The bill also establishes a new category of State school aid called Necessary Stabilization Aid for school districts that receive a smaller increase in State school aid with the implementation of the inflationary State school aid growth limit. Under the bill, the amount of State school aid provided to a school district is to be increased by no more than the inflationary State school aid growth limit when compared to the amount of State school aid provided in the prior school year. The inflationary State school aid growth limit would apply regardless of whether a school district is, under current law, to experience: an increase in State school aid that is greater than or less than the inflationary State school aid growth limit; a reduction in State school aid; or no change in State school aid under certain provisions of current law. The bill does not apply, however, to county vocational school districts receiving vocational expansion stabilization aid. For most school districts, the inflationary State school aid growth limit is to be consistent with the increase in the consumer price index for the New York City and Philadelphia areas. The limit for district factor group A school districts is to be the same rate plus one percentage point. The bill provides that a school district receiving a smaller increase in State school aid pursuant to the bill's provisions, when compared to current law, can apply to the Commissioner of Education for Necessary Stabilization Aid. A school district may receive an amount up to the difference between: 1) aid calculated pursuant to current law; and 2) aid calculated with consideration of the inflationary State school aid growth limit established by the bill. A qualifying school district is required to submit an application to the commissioner, which is to provide sufficient details justifying the awarding of aid and include a written plan explaining how the district intends to use the aid that may be awarded to it. | In Committee |
| S3009 | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." | This bill establishes the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." Under the bill, all statutes, rules, and regulations, in this State including all local laws or ordinances related to the elective franchise must be construed liberally in favor of: (1) protecting the right of voters to have their ballot cast and counted; (2) ensuring that eligible voters are not impaired in registering to vote; and (3) ensuring voters of race, color, and language-minority groups have equitable access to fully participate in the electoral process in registering to vote and voting. The bill prohibits the authority to prescribe or maintain voting or elections policies and practices to be so exercised as to unnecessarily deny or abridge the right to vote. The bill also prohibits a local election office or political subdivision from using a method of election that has the effect of impairing the ability of members of a protected class to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of elections, as a result of vote dilution. The bill requires that any policy and practice that burdens the right to vote must be narrowly tailored to promote a compelling policy justification that must be supported by substantial evidence. The bill provides factors for determining if a violation of the bill has occurred, including if a voter's right to vote has been violated or if the voter has experienced vote dilution. Under the bill, if a violation of the provisions of the bill occurs, the bill provides a remedy process, including for apportionment and redistricting maps. The bill provides that after a New Jersey Voter Empowerment Act (NJVEA) notification letter is mailed from a prospective plaintiff to a political subdivision, the political submission may pass an NJVEA resolution reaffirming: (1) the political subdivision's intention to enact and implement a remedy for a potential violation of the bill; (2) specific steps the political subdivision will undertake to facilitate approval and implementation of such a remedy; and (3) a schedule for enacting and implementing such a remedy. The bill provides that if the governing body of a political subdivision lacks the authority under this act or applicable State law or local laws to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, or fails to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, within 90 days after the passage of the resolution, or if the political subdivision is a covered entity as defined by the bill, the governing body of the political subdivision must coordinate with the Attorney General to resolve the violation, including reaffirming that any proposal is unlikely to violate the United States Constitution, New Jersey Constitution, or any federal or State law; and is feasible to implement. Under the bill, the Attorney General is provided with certain preclearance powers. The bill provides that if certain political subdivisions that have been the subject to court order or government enforcement action based on violations of the bill; the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; the 15th amendment to the United States Constitution, or a voting-related violation of the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution, may be subject to preclearance, which is the process of obtaining prior approval from the Attorney General or a court of this State for any changes related to election procedures in that political subdivision. The bill provides assistance to language-minority groups. Under the bill, a local election office or a political subdivision that administers elections must provide language-related assistance in voting and elections to a language-minority group in a political subdivision if, based on data from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey, or data of comparable quality collected by a public office, that: (1) more than two percent, but in no instance fewer than 100 individuals, eligible voters of a political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient; or (2) more than 4,000 of eligible voters of such political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient. The bill further provides that a local election office or political subdivision required to provide language assistance to a particular language-minority group pursuant to this section must provide voting materials in the covered language of an equal quality of the corresponding English language materials, including registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other physical or online materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots. Under the bill, any aggrieved persons or organization whose membership includes aggrieved persons or members of a protected class, organization whose mission, in whole or in part, is to ensure voting access and such mission would be hindered by a violation of this bill, or the Attorney General may file an action pursuant to the bill in court. The bill provides that any action or investigation to enforce any provision of this bill, the Attorney General would have the authority to take proof and determine relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil and criminal laws of this State. The bill also establishes the "New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute," at a public university in New Jersey, to maintain and administer a database and central repository of elections and voting data available to the public from all local election offices and political subdivisions in the State of New Jersey and to foster, pursue, and sponsor research on existing laws and best practices in voting and elections. The bill also contains a severability provision. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, or other portion of the bill is for any reason held or declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or preempted by federal law, or the applicability of that portion to any person or facility is held invalid, the remainder of the bill would not thereby be deemed to be unconstitutional, preempted, or invalid. The purpose of this bill is to: (1) encourage participation in the elective franchise by all eligible voters to the maximum extent; (2) ensure that eligible voters who are members of racial, ethnic, and language minority groups have an equal opportunity to participate in the political processes of this State and exercise the elective franchise; (3) improve the quality and availability of demographic and election data; and (4) protect eligible voters against intimidation and deceptive practices. This bill would take effect immediately. | In Committee |
| S3060 | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | As amended, this bill requires health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and commercial group health insurers to provide coverage for an annual prostate cancer screening without cost sharing for men who are between 40 and 75 years of age. Under current law, these health insurance carriers are required only to provide coverage for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors. The bill expands the definition of "prostate cancer screening" to mean medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. "Prostate cancer screening" shall also include subsequent follow up testing as direct by a physician, including, but not limited to: (1) urinary analysis; (2) serum biomarkers; (3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging. The bill also extends the prostate cancer screening requirements to commercial individual health insurers, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, which are not required to provide this coverage under current law. | In Committee |
| A2267 | Requires HMFA to establish affordable housing insurance pilot program; appropriates $5 million. | An Act concerning an insurance fund for certain for-profit affordable housing entities, supplementing Title 55 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation. | 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 |
| A3337 | Allows projects supported by State or municipal affordable housing trust fund to be exempt from property tax and to instead contribute to municipal services by making payments in lieu of taxation. | An Act authorizing municipalities to grant tax exemptions and negotiate payments in lieu of taxation for housing projects and programs supported by the State or municipal affordable housing trust fund, and amending P.L.1985, c.222 and P.L.2008, c.46. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1422 | Allows taxpayers to utilize alternative method of depreciation of certain expenditures in connection with construction of new affordable housing developments. | An Act allowing taxpayers to utilize alternative method of depreciation for certain expenditures under corporation business and gross income taxes, supplementing P.L.1945, c.162 (C.54:10A-1 et seq.) and Title 54A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1421 | Requires school report card to include information about placement of graduates, including apprenticeships. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to include information about the placement of students following graduation in the school performance reports, which are referred to as "report cards" under current law. School performance reports contain information on a number of student outcomes, including graduation and dropout rates, and post-secondary school enrollment. This bill would require the school performance report to contain additional information about the number of students achieving placement after graduating from high school. Under the bill, placement would include placement in an apprenticeship. | Crossed Over |
| S1415 | Requires HMFA to establish affordable housing insurance pilot program; appropriates $5 million. | Requires HMFA to establish affordable housing insurance pilot program; appropriates $5 million. | 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 |
| S2312 | Allows projects supported by State or municipal affordable housing trust fund to be exempt from property tax and to instead contribute to municipal services by making payments in lieu of taxation. | Allows projects supported by State or municipal affordable housing trust fund to be exempt from property tax and to instead contribute to municipal services by making payments in lieu of taxation. | In Committee |
| SR84 | Urges relevant State licensing boards to implement continuing education requirements on topics related to opioid pain medication. | This resolution urges the State Boards of Medical Examiners, Dentistry, Nursing, and Pharmacy to implement continuing education requirements on topics related to opioid pain medication, including responsible prescribing practices, alternatives to opioid medication for managing and treating pain, and the risks and signs of opioid misuse, abuse, and addiction. The boards are also urged to ensure that the continuing education requirements would remain in effect for the next biennial period for the renewal of professional licenses, registrations, or certifications, unless the time period is extended by the boards, and apply to physicians, physician assistants, advance practice nurses, dentists, pharmacists, professional nurses, practical nurses, and other health care professionals with the authority to prescribe opioid pain medication and those who do not have prescribing authority but frequently interact with patients who may be prescribed opioids. | In Committee |
| S2168 | Provides tuition fee waiver apprenticeship courses. | This bill requires public institutions of higher education to waive the tuition fees of certain courses which are qualified to serve as the classroom training or education component of a registered apprenticeship for eligible persons whose gross aggregate household income is below the State's median annual income. Under the bill, an eligible person is an individual whose gross aggregate household income at the time of admission to a New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school is below the State household median income as determined by the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey. The person is to be deemed eligible for a tuition fee waiver if: 1. tuition costs are not covered by the employer through employment benefits; 2. the person completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year and has exhausted all financial aid assistance; and 3. the person retains employment as an active registered apprentice under the registered apprenticeship program and maintains satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal of the tuition waiver. The bill requires the State to reimburse public institutions of higher education and county vocational schools for the cost of the tuition waivers. | In Committee |
| S2583 | Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals. | Establishes Second Chance Program in charge of providing opportunities through labor organizations for formerly incarcerated individuals. | In Committee |
| S1423 | Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain ambulance transportation services. | This bill establishes a minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate of $200 for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services, an increase of $142 from the State's existing rate of $58 per transport. In doing so, the sponsor aims to ensure that emergency ambulance transportation providers, which deliver integral medical services for those with unplanned urgent and life-threatening health conditions, are given the financial support necessary to serve the community. Currently, New Jersey has the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rate for basic life support emergency ambulance transportation services in the region. Surrounding states' rates range from $65.27 in Delaware to $293.90 in Connecticut. Moreover, pending legislation in Pennsylvania would increase that state's rate to $325 per transport, which would be the highest rate in the region. | In Committee |
| S2921 | Requires Cannabis Regulatory Commission to monitor prices and to establish price cap on prices, under certain conditions, regarding medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and clinical registrants. | This bill requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to adopt certain regulations regarding medicinal cannabis prices. First, the commission is to monitor the prices of all medical cannabis, medical cannabis products, and related supplies and paraphernalia sold or dispensed by medical cannabis cultivators, medical cannabis manufacturers, medical cannabis dispensaries, and clinical registrants. Additionally, the commission is to establish a process by which it would implement a six-month price cap on any medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis manufacturer, medical cannabis dispensary, or clinical registrant, if the commission determined that the prices of such an entity are unreasonable and inconsistent with the actual costs incurred by the medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis manufacturer, medical cannabis dispensary, or clinical registrant in connection with cultivating, acquiring and selling, transferring, or dispensing the medical cannabis or medical cannabis product and related supplies and paraphernalia. Under this process, the commission is permitted to amend the price cap over the six-month period and to implement as many price caps on a medical cannabis cultivator, medical cannabis manufacturer, medical cannabis dispensary, or clinical registrant as determined necessary, with no price cap to exceed a six-month period. | In Committee |
| S2827 | "Emission Reduction Innovation Act"; authorizes gas public utilities to develop and implement plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. | This bill, to be known as the "Emission Reduction Innovation Act," would authorize gas public utilities to develop and implement "utility innovation plans," which would aim to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with natural gas use in the State through the use of biogas, renewable natural gas, power-to-hydrogen, power-to-ammonia, carbon capture and utilization, the deployment of a hybrid energy, district energy, or energy efficiency project, and the use of other innovative technologies proposed by the utility. The bill would establish certain content requirements for utility innovation plans, as enumerated in subsections a. through c. of section 3 of the bill. The plans would be required to be submitted to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval. Each plan would be effective for five years, after which the utility would be authorized to submit an updated plan. The bill would require a gas public utility to show that the costs to implement an approved utility innovation plan are reasonable. If approved by the board, the utility could recover the costs of implementing the plan through the rates it charges to its ratepayers or using another methodology. The bill would authorize utilities to shift up to 25 percent of the total plan budget between individual projects or programs, after providing notice to the BPU and rate counsel. Shifts greater than 25 percent of the total plan budget would require BPU approval. The bill would require gas public utilities that are implementing approved utility innovation plans to submit an annual report to the BPU on the status of the plan. The bill would authorize the report to include certain items including the costs incurred under the plan and the lifecycle greenhouse gas reduction or avoidance accomplished under the plan; Section 4 of the bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the BPU, to review the methodology by which a utility innovation plan calculates the lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions associated with the plan. The DEP would be required to ensure that the methodology is consistent with its own current methodology for measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions, as well as that the plan is consistent with the State's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals established by the "Global Warming Response Act," P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-37 et al.). The DEP would have 180 days to complete its review. Section 4 of the bill would also require that, when the BPU reviews the cost-benefit analytic framework of a proposed utility innovation plan, it does so in a manner consistent with the board's existing guidelines and processes for other utility investment programs. | In Committee |
| S2828 | Establishes program to subsidize purchase price of medical cannabis for registered qualifying patients enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs. | This bill requires the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) to establish a program to subsidize up to 20 percent of the purchase price of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products dispensed to or on behalf registered qualifying patients who are currently enrolled in the State Medicaid program or the NJ FamilyCare program. The subsidy will reduce the purchase price of the medical cannabis or medical cannabis product as listed on the medical cannabis dispensary's or clinical registrant's website, and will be applied after any other discounts or price reductions are applied. The price reduction will apply at the point of purchase. The program developed by the CRC will include a mechanism for medical cannabis dispensaries and clinical registrants to quickly verify whether a registered qualifying patient to whom or on behalf of whom medical cannabis or a medical cannabis product is being dispensed is currently enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare. The CRC will be required to coordinate with the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services to develop this enrollment verification system. Medical cannabis dispensaries and clinical registrants are to make patients and their caregivers aware of the subsidy program through posted signage, and may provide additional notice of the program verbally, using written materials, or both, but are not to apply a subsidy or attempt to verify whether a patient is enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare except at the request of a patient or the patient's designated or institutional caregiver. The CRC will additionally be required to establish a process for medical cannabis dispensaries to apply for and receive reimbursement from the CRC for the amount of any subsidies applied to the purchase price of medical cannabis and medical cannabis products under the bill. Reimbursements for the subsidies will be paid out of funds available through the "Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Fund" established pursuant to P.L.2021, c.16 (C.24:6I-31 et al.), or other funds made available to the CRC for this purpose. | In Committee |
| S2459 | Applies prevailing wage rate to residential projects of limited size that are subject to certain redevelopment local property tax arrangements. | This bill will apply the prevailing wage rate to work performed in certain housing redevelopment projects that are four stories or less and are subject to certain tax abatements, payment in lieu of tax (PILOT) programs, or tax exemption agreements. The bill will apply to workers employed in the performance of any construction undertaken in connection with a project in a redevelopment area under the "Long Term Tax Exemption Law," the "Five-Year Exemption and Abatement Law," or the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law." An employer or any designated representative of a worker will be subject to the New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act even though these residential redevelopment projects may be undertaken by private entities that are not technically public bodies, but are under deferred, abated, or other property tax arrangements entered into with public bodies. The "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act" establishes a prevailing wage level for workers engaged in public works in order to safeguard the workers' efficiency and general well-being. The law intends to protect workers, as well as their employers, from the effects of serious and unfair competition resulting from wage levels that are detrimental to the efficiency and well-being of all concerned. The law requires the provision of minimum rates of pay to laborers, craftsmen, and apprentices employed on public works projects. Covered workers are required to receive the appropriate craft prevailing wage rate as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. Prevailing wage rates are based on the collective bargaining agreements established for a particular craft or trade in the locality in which the public work is performed. In New Jersey, these rates vary by county and by the type of work performed. | Dead |
| S1390 | Requires carriers to pass prescription drug savings to consumers. | This bill requires carriers to pass prescription drug savings on to consumers. The bill provides that all compensation paid by a pharmaceutical manufacturer to a pharmaceutical benefits manager as a result of negotiations of a reduced price for a pharmaceutical between a pharmacy benefits manager and a manufacturer, in relation to a contract between a pharmacy benefits manager and a carrier related to its insured prescription drug benefits, would be remitted to and retained by the carrier. Thereafter, the carrier would be required to use these amounts to lower the premium for covered persons under the carrier's health benefits plan or to allow for remittance directly to the covered person's at the point of sale to reduce the insured's out of pocket costs. In addition, the bill requires each carrier to annually file a report, with the commissioner, demonstrating how the carrier has complied with the provisions of the bill. The provisions of the bill are to apply to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1 of the calendar year after the date of enactment. Under the bill, "compensation" is defined as any direct or indirect financial benefit, but excludes any compensation paid by a manufacturer, developer, or labeler for the performance of services. | Dead |
| S972 | Establishes matching grant program in DCA to support community-based nonprofit organizations that provide shelter services during Code Blue alerts. | This bill establishes the Code Blue Shelter Matching Grant Program in the Department of Community Affairs (department) to provide matching grants to nonprofit community-based nonprofit organizations that provide shelter services during Code Blue alerts. To be eligible for a matching grant award a community-based nonprofit organization is required to submit an application to the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner), in accordance with application procedures and requirements prescribed by the commissioner. A grant application is required to relate to an underlying grant from a county or municipality received by the community-based nonprofit organization not more than 12 months prior to the date of application, and include information determined necessary by the commissioner, and at a minimum include information related to: (1) the identity, finances, and operations of the community based organization; (2) the amount and distribution date of the grant to the community based organization; and (3) plans for the proposed uses for the grant and the matching grant. The department is required to award matching grants based on review and analytical criteria adopted by the department. The department is further required to award matching grants to community-based nonprofit organizations in the order in which qualifying applications are received. The department is required to maintain a record of underlying grants provided by each county and municipality, and is prohibited from providing a matching grant for an application if an award of the amount requested would result in the department awarding matching grants in an amount exceeding $50,000, in that calendar year, for applications related to underlying grants provided by a particular county or municipality. The bill also authorizes the department to require a community-based nonprofit organization to verify award or receipt of an underlying grant from a county or municipality in an amount equal to the requested matching grant amount. The bill also specifically prohibits the department from establishing or enforcing a cap on the total number of matching grants or the total amount that any individual community-based nonprofit organization may receive from the department as matching grants. Under the bill, the commissioner is required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness of the matching grant program in addressing the needs of individual communities, homeless persons, and at-risk persons, and any recommendations concerning continuing or expanding the matching grant program. | In Committee |
| S2755 | Requires NJTA and SJTA to waive E-ZPass tolls for disabled veteran owned businesses. | This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to establish and maintain a toll waiver program for disabled veteran owned businesses who have an account with the New Jersey electronic toll collection system (NJ E-ZPass) for motor vehicles. The E-ZPass toll waiver is to be available for all vehicles owned, leased, or financed by a disabled veteran; used for a disabled veteran owned businesses that has at least $2,500 in revenues, is certified in the State, and does business in the State; registered in the State of New Jersey; and have an active New Jersey electronic toll collection system account for the motor vehicle. | In Committee |
| S2771 | Requires DHS to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. | This bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to available funds, is required to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The purpose of the program is to promote public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and the value of early detection and possible treatments, including the benefits and risks of those treatments. The DHS may accept for that purpose any grant of monies, services, or property from the federal government, an organization, or a medical school. The program is to include the following: (1) development of a public campaign to promote Alzheimer's disease awareness and education, including, but not limited to, the subjects outlined in the bill; (2) development of educational materials to be made available through local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics; and (3) development of educational programs for judicial staff, police officers, fire fighters, and social services and emergency medical service providers, to assist them in recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and understanding how to respond to the needs of persons with the disease in the course of performing their duties. The bill provides that the DHS, in consultation with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, is to prepare and make available on the DHS's Internet website, in English and Spanish, and in a manner that is easily understandable by the general public, information about the symptoms and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and any other information that the commissioner deems necessary. | In Committee |
| S2698 | Protects financial institutions and insurers doing business with cannabis industry from being penalized by State regulators. | This bill protects financial institutions and insurers doing business with the cannabis industry from being penalized by State regulators. Under the bill, a financial institution or insurer authorized to engage in business New Jersey may provide financial or insurance services to or for the benefit of a legitimate cannabis-related business and the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business subject to: (1) the laws and regulations applicable to the provision of financial or insurance services to other customers of the financial institution or insurer; (2) any applicable New Jersey consumer protection laws; (3) any additional requirements applicable to the financial institution or insurer established for the provision of services to a legitimate cannabis-related business or its business associates by a federal regulatory agency or the department; and (4) to the extent the financial institution or insurer is providing services to a legitimate cannabis-related business or its business associates in another jurisdiction, any additional requirements applicable to the financial institution or insurer established for the provision of the services by a regulatory agency of that jurisdiction. The bill provides that no agency or political subdivision of the State will: (1) prohibit, penalize or otherwise discourage a financial institution or insurer from providing financial or insurance services to a legitimate cannabis-related business or the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business; (2) recommend, incentivize or encourage a financial institution or insurer not to offer financial or insurance services to an account holder, or downgrade or cancel services provided to the account holder, solely because the account holder is a legitimate cannabis-related business or a business associate of a legitimate cannabis-related business; (3) take adverse or corrective supervisory action on a loan made to a legitimate cannabis-related business or a business associate of a legitimate cannabis-related business solely because the loan has been made to a legitimate cannabis-related business or a business associate of a legitimate cannabis-related business; (4) prohibit or penalize a financial institution or insurer performing financial or insurance services in association with another financial institution or insurer from providing financial or insurance services solely because the institution or insurer is providing financial or insurance services to a legitimate cannabis-related business or a business associate of a legitimate cannabis-related business in association with another financial institution or insurer; or (5) subject the legal interest of a financial institution in the collateral for a loan or another financial service provided to a legitimate cannabis-related business or the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business to civil or criminal forfeiture under New Jersey law or initiate or participate in proceedings for the civil or criminal forfeiture of a legal interest under federal law or under the laws of another state solely because the loan has been made to a legitimate cannabis-related business or a business associate of a legitimate cannabis-related business. Additionally, under the bill, no financial institution or insurer, or the directors, officers, employees, agents, owners, shareholders or members of a financial institution or insurer, will be subject to a criminal prosecution, sanction or claim for damages or any equitable remedy, solely because the institution or insurer is providing financial or insurance services to or for the benefit of a legitimate cannabis-related business or the business associates of a legitimate cannabis-related business. Finally, this bill provides that a legitimate cannabis-related business provide notice to a financial institution or insurer if a license, permit, registration or certification held by the business or its affiliates under federal law, the laws of New Jersey or a law established by another state is suspended or revoked. | In Committee |
| S2695 | Requires menopause information to be distributed under certain circumstances. | This bill requires menopause information to be distributed under certain circumstances. Under the bill, commencing 180 days following the bill's effective date, a licensed health care professional who performs an annual physical examination on a female patient who is 40 years of age or older is to provide the female patient an informational pamphlet on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, as prepared and published by the Department of Health pursuant to the bill, during the visit. The bill provides that, within 90 days following the bill's effective date, the Department of Health is to prepare and publish on its Internet website an informational pamphlet on perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause. | In Committee |
| S1395 | Concerns development of accessory dwelling units. | The bill concerns the development of accessory dwelling units. Under this bill, an accessory dwelling unit would be permitted on a lot that contains a single-family dwelling. The bill provides for the exclusion of dwellings within a common interest community that are not single-family detached dwellings from being permitted to have accessory dwelling units. The bill provides a municipal zoning ordinance may require a principal dwelling unit with an accessory dwelling unit to be subject to the same dimensional controls and other controls as are required for the same principal dwelling unit without the accessory dwelling unit, as long as such restrictions do not prohibit the construction of accessory dwelling units, as specified in the bill. Under this bill a municipal zoning ordinance would be prohibited from requiring: (1) a passageway between an accessory dwelling unit and a principal dwelling unit; (2) an exterior door for an accessory dwelling; (3) any parking space minimums or dedications for an accessory dwelling unit; (4) a familial, marital, or employment relationship between occupants of a principal dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit; (5) a minimum age requirement for occupants of an accessory dwelling unit; (6) a separate billing of utilities otherwise connected to, or used by, the principal dwelling unit; or (7) periodic renewals for permits for accessory dwelling units. The bill provides, however, that an accessory dwelling unit is not exempt from: (1) applicable building code requirements; (2) restrictions on the use of an accessory dwelling unit for short-term rentals or vacation stays; or (3) sewerage system related requirements where a private sewerage system is being used, provided that approval for an accessory dwelling unit shall not be unreasonably withheld. The bill requires that a municipal agency not condition the approval of an accessory dwelling unit on the correction of a nonconforming use, structure or lot, or require the installation of fire sprinklers in an accessory dwelling unit if sprinklers are not required for the principal dwelling unit located on the same developable site. Under the bill, an accessory dwelling unit would not be considered a new residential use for the purpose of calculating or imposing connection fees or capacity charges for a purveyor of water and sewer service, unless the accessory dwelling unit is constructed together with a new single-family dwelling unit on the same lot, or requires the installation of a new or separate utility connection directly to the accessory dwelling unit. The bill provides that a municipality may amend its land use regulations to comply with the provisions of "Municipal Land Use Law," P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.), prior to January 1, 2023. On and after January 1, 2023, any provision of a municipality's land use regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of the bill or other regulation would be null and void and a municipal agency would approve or deny applications for the development of accessory dwelling units in accordance with the requirements for regulations set forth under the bill. Under the bill, a municipality is prohibited from imposing additional standards related to the regulation of accessory dwelling units, except as provided for in the bill. Under the bill the governing body of a municipality, by a two-thirds vote of the full authorized membership, may opt out of the allowance of accessory dwelling units, provided the governing body: (1) convenes a public hearing; (2) states upon its record the reasons for opting out; and (3) not later than 15 days after such decision has been rendered, notifies the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) that the municipality has elected to opt out of the requirements and publishes notice of such decision in the official newspaper of the municipality, if there be one, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. The bill also prohibits a zoning ordinance from: (1) establishing for any dwelling unit a minimum floor area that is greater than the minimum floor area set pursuant to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," and any regulations adopted thereafter; and (2) requiring more than one parking space for each studio or one-bedroom dwelling unit, or more than two parking spaces for each dwelling unit with two or more bedrooms, unless the municipality opts out. The governing body of a municipality, by a two-thirds vote of the full authorized membership, may opt out regarding limitations on parking spaces for dwelling units, provided the governing body: (1) convenes a public hearing; (2) states upon its record the reasons for opting out; and (3) not later than 15 days after such decision has been rendered, notifies DCA that the municipality has elected to opt out of the requirements and publishes notice of such decision in the official newspaper of the municipality, if there be one, or in a newspaper of general circulation in the municipality. However, the bill provides that a governing body of a municipality cannot opt out of certain provisions of the bill regarding the allowance of accessory dwelling units if the accessory dwelling unit is age-restricted, as specified in the bill. The bill would also amend the "Fair Housing Act," P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-301 et al.), to require a municipality's master plan housing element to contain a consideration of lands and existing structures that are appropriate for the development of accessory dwelling units that can provide low- and moderate-income housing, and to provide that accessory dwelling units built or permitted after January 1 of the year next following enactment of the bill would only be credited towards a municipality's fair share affordable housing obligation as the equivalent of a studio apartment, which is affordable to a one person household. The bill defines an "accessory dwelling unit" as a second dwelling unit that: 1) is attached or detached, or located within or appurtenant to a permitted principal dwelling unit or single family dwelling; 2) is located on the same lot as a permitted principal dwelling unit; 3) contains 1,200 square feet of net floor space or less; and 4) has facilities and provisions for independent living, including space for sleeping, food preparation and sanitation. | Dead |
| S1425 | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Crossed Over |
| S1431 | Establishes foreclosure protection and mortgage relief for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | This bill would establish foreclosure protection and mortgage relief for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. Hurricane Ida initially approached the Gulf Coast as a category 4 hurricane, and caused severe damage to a large area of the south and northeast regions of the country. In New Jersey, thousands of families have been displaced and unable to return to their homes as a result of this storm. This bill would offer certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida temporary protections against foreclosure, and would require mortgage servicers to provide a temporary pause in the mortgage payment obligations of the storm-impacted homeowners. The bill defines a "storm-impacted homeowner" as a homeowner who, as of August 31, 2021, occupied a residential property as the homeowner's primary residence, and who obtained federal disaster assistance for disaster-related needs as a result of damage sustained to the home due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida. The bill directs a mortgage servicer to grant a mortgage forbearance to a storm-impacted homeowner if the homeowner submits a written request prior to the first day of the sixth month following the enactment of the bill, affirming that the homeowner:· suffered a negative financial impact resulting from damage to the homeowner's primary residence due to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, and obtained federal disaster assistance as a result;· has a gross household income for 2022, that does not exceed 150 percent of the most recent area median income by zip code; and · does not possess bank accounts that collectively contain more than six months' reserves of the homeowner's gross household income for 2021, although the mortgage servicer may require the homeowner to provide a cash asset certification to demonstrate compliance with this provision. Upon receipt of a written request or verbal authorization for a mortgage forbearance from a storm-impacted homeowner, the bill would require a mortgage servicer to provide to the homeowner with a mortgage forbearance and confirmation of this action in writing. The minimum initial mortgage forbearance period of a storm-impacted homeowner would be one year. If requested, the bill requires the mortgage servicer to provide a subsequent forbearance period of at minimum 180 days, for a total of at minimum 545 days. Fees, penalties, or interest, including attorney's fees beyond the amounts scheduled and calculated as if the storm-impacted homeowner made all contractual payments on time and in full under the terms of the mortgage contract, would not be assessed or accrue during or as a result of a mortgage forbearance. A forbearance would not impact property tax and insurance obligations. A mortgage servicer that grants a forbearance pursuant to the bill would be required to encourage owners to seek out certified housing counseling and provide confirmation of the approval of the forbearance, information concerning the process for forbearance, and information on how to request a subsequent forbearance. The bill prohibits a mortgage servicer from furnishing negative mortgage payment information to a debt collector or credit reporting agency related to mortgage payments subject to a mortgage forbearance under the bill. In response to a complaint to the Attorney General from an impacted homeowner, the Attorney General may bring an action alleging a mortgage servicer has violated this prohibition. Under the bill, the repayment period of any mortgage subject to the forbearance would be extended by the number of months the forbearance is in effect. The payments not made during the months of the forbearance would instead be due on a monthly basis during the period constituting an extension of the mortgage, unless the property owner chooses to make these payments earlier. A storm-impacted homeowner denied a forbearance under the bill by a mortgage servicer licensed by the Department of Banking and Insurance ("DOBI"), and not a State- or nationally-chartered financial institution, may file a complaint with DOBI. DOBI would be required to investigate the complaint and, if appropriate, would order the mortgage servicer to grant a forbearance to the impacted homeowner. To the extent required by the Administrative Director of the Courts and DOBI, the bill would require a mortgage servicer to provide information on the provision of forbearances to those entities. Under the bill, a storm-impacted homeowner who is the subject of a foreclosure proceeding would be awarded, by the court and upon application by the property owner, a stay in the foreclosure proceedings if the conditions necessary to obtain a mortgage forbearance are satisfied. An application to the court by a storm-impacted homeowner would be required to be made prior to the first day of the sixth month following the effective date of the bill, unless the courts in their discretion permit application submission for a longer period. The award of a stay pursuant to the bill would conclude upon the earlier of:· the conclusion of one year following the initial award of a stay of foreclosure proceedings; or · July 1, 2024. The bill would take effect immediately, and apply retroactively to mortgage payments missed subsequent to September 1, 2021. | Dead |
| S1429 | Allows municipalities to transfer inactive alcoholic beverage retail licenses for use in certain redevelopment and revitalization areas; establishes procedure to transfer inactive retail licenses. | This bill establishes several procedures by which a plenary retail consumption license, generally issued to bars and restaurants, may be transferred for use as part of an economic redevelopment plan or in connection with premises located in a redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area located in another municipality. The bill defines "redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area" as an urban enterprise zone; a downtown business improvement zone; a pedestrian mall or pedestrian mall improvement or special improvement district; a transit oriented development; an area determined to be in need of redevelopment; an area determined to be in need of rehabilitation; or any improvement which is 100 percent new construction, which is an entirely new improvement not previously occupied or used for any purpose. Under current law, a municipality may issue plenary retail consumption licenses until the combined total number in the municipality is fewer than one license for each 3,000 municipal residents. This bill allows a municipality that is entitled to issue an additional plenary retail consumption license to offer the license at public sale to the highest bidding governing body of any other municipality in this State. A license transferred to a receiving municipality only is to be used in connection with a premises as part of an economic redevelopment plan or located within a redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area. The bill requires the host municipality to provide notice of the public sale to the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control and other municipalities at least 90 days prior to the sale. The notice to the municipalities is to specify the minimum acceptable bid and general conditions of sale including a statement that the transferring municipality reserves the right to reject all bids where the highest bid is not accepted. The funds derived from the sale are to be remitted to the municipal treasurer for the general use of the host municipality. A receiving municipality that acquires the license would be entitled to offer the license at public sale. A license issued by the receiving municipality to a qualified bidder that is not actively used in connection with the operation of a premises within two years of the issuance date is to expire and not be reissued by the receiving municipality. The receiving municipality would be prohibited from acquiring more than one license through this bidding process in each calendar year. In addition, this bill establishes two procedures for transferring an inactive plenary retail consumption license to a different municipality. Under current law, an inactive plenary retail consumption license is a license to sell alcoholic beverages for on premises consumption that is not being used at an open and operating licensed premises. A licensee is required to place the license on "inactive status" when the licensed business ceases operation and the license continues to be held by the licensee of record. Under this bill, a license that remains inactive for two license terms is to expire. Prior to the expiration of the license, an inactive license is to be actively used by the license holder or transferred to another person who intends to use the license in a private transaction for fair market value. The bill also allows the holder of the inactive license to apply to the governing body of a sending municipality that issued the license and a receiving municipality located within the same county to use the license in connection with a premises located in the receiving municipality. An inactive plenary retail consumption license used in the receiving municipality only would be used as part of an economic redevelopment plan or in connection with a premises located within a redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area. The bill requires the transferred license to remain in the receiving municipality and prohibits the transfer of license to any other municipality. Under the bill, the sending and receiving municipalities are to submit to the director notice of the intent to transfer a license at least 90 days prior to the transfer. The bill requires the sending and receiving municipalities to adopt by majority vote identical resolutions authorizing the transfer of the license. The identical resolutions are to establish the license transfer fee agreed upon by both municipal governing bodies. A receiving municipality that acquires a license would be entitled to offer the license at public sale in accordance with current law. A license issued by a receiving municipality that is not actively used in connection with the operation of a premises within two years of the transfer date would expire and not be reissued by the receiving municipality. In addition, the bill provides that these licenses would be subject to certain restrictions. The receiving municipality would be required to issue the license to an applicant who certifies to the sending and receiving municipality that the license will be used in connection with the operation of a restaurant at which the retail sale of food is the primary and principal business. The license holder would then be required to annually submit to the issuing authority a report supported by receipts demonstrating that the sale of food constituted at least 60 percent of the store's total annual sales in the last full calendar year preceding the renewal date. A license holder who fails to demonstrate that the sale of food constituted at least 60 percent of the store's total annual sales in the last full calendar year may be subject to revocation of the plenary retail consumption license. The bill also requires the license holder to cease the sale of alcoholic beverages each day at the time that food service has ended or 11:00 p.m., whichever occurs earlier. A license holder would be entitled to transfer the license to another person in a private transaction, but the bill prohibits the license from being relocated to another premises. This bill also allows a receiving municipality that has reached the license population limitation established under current law to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to acquire an inactive plenary retail consumption license from any license holder in this State. The bill requires the receiving municipality to issue the license for use in connection with a premises as part of economic redevelopment plan or a redevelopment, improvement, or revitalization area. The RFP would specify a time and date after which no further applications from license holders will be accepted. The municipality is to publish the RFP in a newspaper circulating generally throughout the State by not less than two insertions, one week apart, the second of which is to be made not less than 30 days prior to the time and date specified in the notice as the time and date after which no further applications will be accepted. In addition, the request for proposal is to be published by the governing body on the official Internet website of the receiving municipality. The RFP is to require that all bids be sealed and remain confidential to other bidders. The holder of an inactive plenary retail consumption license is to apply for permission to transfer the inactive plenary retail consumption license from the sending municipality prior to submitting a bid in response to the RFP. The sending municipality may approve the application by resolution. The sending municipality would be prohibited from requiring the applicant to disclose the location of the proposed licensed premises. After the receiving municipality accepts a successful bid, the sending and receiving municipality are to submit to the director notice of the intent to transfer a license at least 90 days prior to the transfer. The bill requires the sending and receiving municipalities to adopt by majority vote identical resolutions authorizing the transfer of the license. The identical resolutions are to establish the license transfer fee agreed upon by both municipal governing bodies. The bill requires a license that is not actively used within two years of issuance date to expire. A receiving municipality that issued the RFP would be prohibited from acquiring more than one license through this process in each calendar year. Finally, the bill requires the director to establish a four-year timeline for the reissuance of inactive licenses based on the length of time that the license has been inactive. The plenary retail consumption licenses transferred to or acquired by a receiving municipality under the bill's provisions would not be included in the population formula used to issue new licenses. | Dead |
| S2642 | Establishes fee refund program for businesses applying for permits, licenses, or certifications in this State. | This bill establishes a fee refund program for businesses applying for permits, licenses, or certifications in this State. This bill requires State entities that issue permits, licenses, or certifications to compile a catalog of the types of permits, licenses, or certifications it issues and submit that catalog to the Governor. This bill establishes information to be included in the catalog. This bill requires the Governor's office to establish recommended application processing times for the various types of permits, licenses, and certifications. Any State entity that exceeds the recommended application processing time as established under this bill after having received a completed application will refund the amount of the application fee to the extent permitted by law. The refund will have no bearing on the disposition of the underlying application. This bill defines "State entity" as a State department or agency, board, commission, corporation, or authority. | In Committee |
| S2367 | Extends validity of and eliminates issuance fee for temporary instructional certificate issued to military spouse; requires expedited processing of military spouse application for NJ instructional certificate and eliminates fee to obtain certificate. | This bill provides that a temporary instructional certificate for a nonresident military spouse is to be valid for 365 days, with an option for an extension by the State Board of Examiners for an additional 365 days. The bill also prohibits the State board from charging a nonresident military spouse a fee for the issuance of a temporary instructional certificate. The bill further requires the Department of Education to establish procedures to expedite the processing of an application submitted by a nonresident military spouse for a New Jersey instructional certificate. The department and the State Board of Examiners are prohibited from requiring a nonresident military spouse to pay a fee for the issuance of the instructional certificate. | In Committee |
| S1392 | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | In Committee |
| S2383 | Establishes "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program" in DCA to support operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies; appropriates $10 million. | This bill establishes the "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program" in the Division of Fire Safety in the Department of Community Affairs to support the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies. The bill establishes a special, non-lapsing fund to be known as the "Volunteer Fire Company Assistance Program Fund" (fund), which is required to be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature. Under the bill, the Director of the Division of Fire Safety (division) is required to develop and administer a grant program to annually distribute monies in the fund to volunteer fire companies in the form of grants to support the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire companies, including the purchasing of emergency equipment. Under the bill, to participate in the grant program, a volunteer fire company is to be required to submit an application to the division. An application is required to include certain information detailing the volunteer fire company's proposed plans for the grant funding. The Director of the division (director) is required to establish an annual maximum grant award amount to ensure that the maximum number of program applicants receive a grant award, given available funding. Under the bill, within one year of receiving a grant, each participating volunteer fire company is required to submit a report to the division detailing the use and impact of the funds. The bill requires the director to compile the reports for inclusion in a comparative profile of the participating volunteer fire companies and post the profile for public inspection on the division's Internet website. The bill also provides that, within one year of posting the comparative profile, the director is to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that contains information on the implementation of the grant program. The bill appropriates $10 million, as specified in the bill, from the General Fund for the purpose of supporting the ongoing operations and sustainability of volunteer fire departments. | In Committee |
| S2381 | "New Jersey Infrastructure Capital Asset Reassignment Enterprise Fund Act"; creates trust fund for conveyance of certain assets for benefit of State-administered retirement systems; appropriates $20 million. | This bill, known as the "New Jersey Infrastructure Capital Asset Reassignment Enterprise Fund Act", establishes a trust fund for the conveyance of certain assets for the benefit of the State-administered retirement systems. The fund, known as the Infrastructure Capital Asset Reassignment Enterprise (ICARE) Fund, is established as an instrumentality of the State to exercise public and essential governmental functions. The purpose of the fund is to lessen the burdens of government by providing a fund through which a public entity may contribute, transfer or sell its revenue-producing assets, to a segregated or commingled account and share the risks and benefits of the performance of those assets, to maximize the performance and long-term value of those assets and to benefit the public entity. The fund will be administered by an Administrator retained, appointed, or procured by the Infrastructure Capital Asset Reassignment Enterprise Fund. The assets of the fund will be maintained as a separate account segregated from all other funds of the State, the administrator and the non-State public employers participating in State-administered retirement systems. The fund will be legally independent and separate, regardless of its treatment for tax, accounting, reporting, securities law, or other purposes. No person will use or authorize the use of the assets in the fund, or the investment earnings, for any purpose other than for the maximization of the value of the assets in the fund, including meeting or exceeding the level of service required to operate the asset pursuant to State and federal law and regulations for the safety of the public and the environment, and for the benefit of members and retirees in the State-administered retirement systems, and for the reasonable costs of administering the fund. The ICARE Fund will have a board of five members as follows: a member of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, a member of the Division of Investments or their designee, who will serve ex officio, and three members of the public appointed by the Governor. Members appointed by the Governor should have experience and expertise in ERISA law and laws governing public pension plans, experience and expertise in pension finance or experience and expertise in the construction trades. Each public member will be appointed for a term of three years, with staggered terms. Members will remain active until their successor is qualified. The chairperson will be determined by the Governor and the director of the Division of Investment will serve as treasurer of the board and as vice chairperson of the board. The position of secretary will be elected from among the three public members of the board. The term for secretary will be three years. The board will be constituted as an instrumentality of the State exercising public and essential governmental functions, and the exercise by the board of the powers conferred by this bill will be deemed and held to be an essential governmental function of the State. The members of the ICARE Fund will serve without compensation, but the fund will reimburse the members for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties The bill establishes an advisory committee to the board comprised of each municipality or county which is a benefitting public entity. The advisory committee members will serve for two years. Members of the advisory committee will be appointed by the secretary of the board upon the recommendation from the executive of the public entity. All public information that is distributed to board members relative to board meetings will also be provided simultaneously to the advisory committee members. The purpose of the advisory committee is to provide the board with advice and information relevant to local systems. The advisory committee will not have any voting or veto authority over the board. The advisory committee members will receive no compensation. The fund administrator will have a fiduciary duty to maximize the value of an asset over the long-term, to the holders of certificates of trust issued pursuant to this bill. The administrator will ensure that each asset meets or exceeds the level of service required to operate the asset pursuant to State and federal law and regulations for the safety of the public and the environment. The bill provides that a public entity may convey to the fund an asset held by the public entity. The conveyance will be governed by a transfer agreement, which will be proposed by the administrator, in consultation with the board, and approved by the public entity. Only that portion of the conveyed asset that is net of financing costs and amounts deposited into the investment account or other distributions made to, or on behalf of the public entity will be evidenced by certificates of trust and credited to the holding account of the Common Pension Fund as provided by this bill. Asset contributions on behalf of the public entity and the fund's asset distributions will be deposited in the investment account of the Common Pension Fund. The State-administered retirement systems will not be required or permitted to pay any expenses incurred in connection with the conveyance of an asset pursuant to this act. An asset proposed for conveyance to the fund will be valued by an independent valuation agent and be revalued periodically. The valuation agent will issue a report representing its opinion as to the valuation of the asset in accordance with an asset conveyance. An asset conveyance will not be effectuated until after the report has been issued and both the fund manager, upon approval from the board, and the public entity or non-public entity accept the proposed value. If either rejects the proposed value, the conveyance will not be effectuated, and any written agreement for the conveyance of an asset will be void. The bill amends the "Water Infrastructure Protection Act," to allow a municipality with a water or wastewater asset under emergent conditions to include conveyance of the asset to the fund as an option under that law. The bill appropriates $20,000,000 to the ICARE fund for the operating and administrative expenses of the fund and for the performance by the administrator and the board of their responsibilities. | In Committee |
| SR65 | Supports National Black Caucus of State Legislators efforts to ensure 40 percent of certain federal investments are made in communities of color and other disadvantaged communities. | This resolution supports the resolve and efforts of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators to: 1) ensure 40 percent of federal infrastructure investments are made in communities of color and other disadvantaged communities; 2) establish, through legislation, oversight committees to interact with federal agencies; and 3) otherwise work to accomplish the goals of President Biden's Justice40 Initiative so that the disadvantaged and underserved constituents of the legislators in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators receive the maximum economic, environmental, and infrastructure investment benefits from federal funding initiatives. The National Black Caucus of State Legislators issued Resolution ETE-23-34, in which the caucus resolved to establish, through legislation, oversight committees to interact with federal agencies to further President Biden's Justice40 Initiative and coordinate with local and State agencies to assure maximum benefits are received by the constituents of the legislators in the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. | In Committee |
| S2345 | Consolidates certain affordable housing and assistance applications. | This bill directs the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to establish, and make available on the Internet website of the New Jersey Housing Resource Center (center) or its successor, a single online application for individuals to pre-apply to multiple affordable and senior housing units and housing developments at one time. The bill also consolidates applications for housing and housing related subsidies into one application and incorporates this application into the online application to pre-apply for affordable housing. Under the bill, the online application serves only as a pre-application to determine initial eligibility and standing on waitlists for the available housing and is not to serve as a final determination of eligibility. The application is to provide an individual with the ability to select specific municipalities, counties, and general regions of the State for housing they wish to pre-apply. The application is to be applicable to all housing listed on the center's website, which is to include, but is not to be limited to: rental housing, for-sale housing, temporary housing, and priority housing. The bill also requires the consolidation of all applications for housing and housing related subsidies provided under any State or federal subsidy program into one application, which is to be incorporated into the single online application. The application consolidating housing and housing related subsidy applications is to have the capability to serve as a final determination of eligibility. The consolidated application is to include, but would not be limited to, several subsidy programs enumerated in the bill. | 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 |
| S2316 | Requires certain ratios of school library media specialists to students in public schools. | This bill establishes minimum ratios of school library media specialists to students required in school districts. The ratios are:· in each public school having an enrollment of less than 300 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one half-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement;· in each public school having an enrollment of between 300 and 1,499 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one full-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement; and· in each public school having an enrollment of 1,500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, two full-time staff members who hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. The bill specifies how much time in each school day the school library media specialist is required to devote to school library work in public secondary schools, which is dependent upon the enrollment in the school. The bill also requires a public school having an enrollment of 500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk, and to employ one additional full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk for each additional 500 students enrolled in the school. In order to be college- and career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. A qualified school library media specialist is uniquely suited through educational training and professional development to provide this educational foundation for all students. Many states currently require school library media specialists in their schools and most use student enrollment to determine the number of school library media specialists the schools employ. | In Committee |
| S1410 | Eliminates use of census-based funding of special education aid in school funding law. | Under the provisions of the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008," P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.), the State provides special education aid to school districts using the census-based method. Under this method, districts receive funding for special education based on the assumption that a fixed percent of the total student population requires special education services, rather than using the actual number of special education students to determine the amount of State aid that school districts will receive. This bill eliminates the use of the census-based methodology, and calculates State aid for special education based on the actual number of special education students included in the district's resident enrollment. | In Committee |
| S950 | Requires proof of ownership prior to resale of catalytic converter and upgrades theft of catalytic converter to one degree higher than underlying offense. | This bill modifies existing law on the regulation of scrap metal businesses to incorporate certain provisions concerning catalytic converters. The bill amends the definition of "scrap metal" to include a used catalytic converter, in whole or in part, if the used catalytic converter is not attached to a motor vehicle. The bill requires the owner of a scrap metal business to maintain, for at least five years, a record of all receipts or purchases of scrap metal in excess of 100 pounds or $50, whichever is less, including, among other items, the date of receipt or purchase of the scrap metal and the name and address of the person delivering or selling the scrap metal. The bill also expands the information the scrap metal business is to retain if a used catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle is purchased by the business from a seller that is not a registered business that, in the regular course of business, collects, stores, or sells a used catalytic converter or any other motor vehicle part. That information includes (1) the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the catalytic converter was taken; and (2) a copy of the certificate of title or registration, a receipt from a transaction of repair, or a bill of sale for the motor vehicle from which the catalytic converter was taken. The bill also provides that the owner of a scrap metal business is required to purchase or attempt to purchase only from a person delivering or selling scrap metal who provides the information required. The penalty for theft of a catalytic converter is also increased under the bill. Currently, theft offenses are graded based primarily on the value of the item involved or, for second and third degree crimes, graded by the attendant circumstances or category. While the theft of a converter may only net thieves between $50 to $150 per device, replacing one on a vandalized vehicle can cost thousands of dollars. It is the sponsor's view that this discrepancy between the value of the stolen part or the amount a purchaser would pay, versus the cost of replacing the part can incentivize theft of these devices, and should be addressed in the form of higher penalties for the underlying theft. This bill directs that if the property stolen is a catalytic converter, theft constitutes a crime one degree higher than the underlying theft offense. Lastly, the bill provides that offering or attempting to offer for sale a used catalytic converter, in whole or in part, that is not attached to a motor vehicle is to be limited to a scrap metal business, unless the seller of the used catalytic converter is a registered business that, in the regular course of business, collects, stores, or sells a catalytic converter or any other motor vehicle part. | In Committee |
| S1393 | Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis. | This bill authorizes the home cultivation of medical cannabis for a registered qualifying patient's personal medical use. Specifically, the bill provides that a registered qualifying patient who is 21 years of age or older who provides notice to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission of the intent to home cultivate medical cannabis will be allowed to either home cultivate medical cannabis himself or herself, or authorize a designated caregiver to home cultivate medical cannabis on the patient's behalf. A home cultivator will be allowed to cultivate and possess up to four mature cannabis plants and up to four immature cannabis plants. Medical cannabis may only be home cultivated at the residence of the authorized home cultivator that is on file with the commission. The notice of intent to home cultivate medical cannabis provided to the commission is to specify which individual will home cultivate the medical cannabis. In no case may more than one individual home cultivate medical cannabis for a registered qualifying patient at one time. A patient may change the designated home cultivator upon providing 10 days' notice to the commission. At least 10 days after providing the notice of change, but no more than 30 days after providing notice, any medical cannabis plants in the former home cultivator's possession may be transferred to the new designated home cultivator. Any plants that are not transferred to the new home cultivator are to be promptly surrendered to law enforcement for destruction. The failure to provide notice of a change in designated home cultivator will result in the patient's registration with the commission being deemed null and void. The commission will be required to promptly update the registry information for the patient and any affected designated caregiver upon receiving notice of the patient's intent to home cultivate medical cannabis or of a change in who is authorized to home cultivate medical cannabis for the patient. Any designated caregiver of a patient who elects to home cultivate medical cannabis will be authorized to possess, transport, and assist the patient with the administration of home-cultivated medical cannabis in dried form or in any other consumable form, regardless of whether the designated caregiver is designated as the patient's home cultivator. In addition to any other civil or criminal penalties as may apply, any individual in possession of home-cultivated medical cannabis in the form of a mature or immature plant or in any consumable form, who sells, donates, or furnishes the home-cultivated medical cannabis to any individual who is not authorized to be in possession of the home-cultivated medical cannabis under the bill, will be liable to a civil penalty of up to $1,000. In addition, the individual's registration with the commission will be deemed null and void, and the individual will be permanently ineligible for re-registration with the commission as a qualifying patient, a designated caregiver, or an institutional caregiver. It is the sponsor's intent to expand access to medical cannabis for registered qualifying patients who may find the medical cannabis that is available through a medical cannabis dispensary unaffordable, or who may otherwise benefit from the convenience of home cultivation or the ability to readily access medical cannabis in the strain and form appropriate to the patient's individual treatment needs. Of the 36 states that have approved a comprehensive medical cannabis program, 17, or nearly half, currently allow for home cultivation of medical cannabis: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. | In Committee |
| S1417 | Prohibits sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of firefighting foam containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires DEP to establish collection and disposal program; appropriates $250,000. | This bill would prohibit, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, manufacture, distribution, and use of any class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS within the State. As defined in the bill, "perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances" or "PFAS" means substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom and "class B firefighting foam" means foam designed to prevent or extinguish a fire in flammable liquids, combustible liquids, petroleum greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, and flammable gases. The bill's provisions would not apply to the sale, manufacture, distribution, or use of class B firefighting foam for which the inclusion of PFAS is required by federal law or regulation, including, but not limited to, 14 C.F.R. s.139.317. If a federal requirement to include PFAS in class B firefighting foam is revoked, the bill's provisions would apply one year after the requirement is revoked. The bill also: · authorizes certain temporary exemptions;· requires manufacturers of PFAS-containing firefighting foams to notify persons selling the product of the provisions of the bill;· requires manufacturers to recall PFAS-containing firefighting foams; and· establishes a voluntary program in the Department of Environmental Protection to collect and dispose of PFAS-containing firefighting foams. A violation of the bill's provisions would be an unlawful practice pursuant to P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), commonly known as the State's "Consumer Fraud Act." As provided by section 1 of P.L.1966, c.39 (C.56:8-13), an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. | Dead |
| S2204 | Establishes "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program"; appropriates $95,000. | This bill establishes the three-year "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program," which is to be developed and operated by the Commissioner of Education. The commissioner is to select one or more institutions of higher education that offers an educator preparation program, and one or more school districts, charter schools, or renaissance school projects that each employ at least one male teacher of color to participate in the pilot program. Under the pilot program, the commissioner is to select 19 male students of color from among the institutions of higher education selected for participation in the pilot program and 19 male teachers of color from the school districts, charter schools, or renaissance school projects selected for participation in the pilot program. To be eligible for the program, a student is required to be in the final year of an educator preparation program. The commissioner is required to pair each selected student with a current teacher, who is to serve as the student's mentor through the candidate's last year of the educator preparation program and, if the student is hired for employment in the participating district, charter school, or renaissance school project upon the student's graduation from an educator preparation program, for the first two years of the student's teaching career. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school project that provides mentoring services under the provisions of the amended bill is to conduct a review of the student's performance under the pilot program following completion of the student's final year in an educator preparation program. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school project that provides mentoring services to a student under the pilot program is required to make a good faith effort to hire the student following the student's graduation from an educator preparation program, if the student receives a favorable performance review under the review conducted by the school district, charter school, or renaissance school project. Under the pilot program, a mentor is to receive a stipend of $5,000 for each year of participation in the pilot program. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the commissioner is to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the pilot program, including the commissioner's recommendation on the advisability of the program's continuation and expansion to additional school districts, charter schools or renaissance school projects, and institutions of higher education in the State. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Education $95,000 to establish the "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program." | In Committee |
| S2240 | Provides temporary corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for certain employer-provided child care expenditures. | This bill provides businesses with credits against the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for certain employer-provided child care expenditures. The bill allows the tax credits for the three calendar years beginning after enactment. The bill permits businesses subject to the corporation business tax or the gross income tax to apply a credit against the tax liability otherwise due for a percentage of up to $50,000 of eligible expenditure made to acquire, construct, reconstruct, renovate, or otherwise improve real property to be used as a qualified child care center. The bill also permits businesses to apply a separate, additional credit for a percentage of up to $50,000 of eligible expenditures made in connection with the provision of certain child care services. The bill provides that the amount of the credit allowed for the construction of a child care center is equal to 50 percent of up to $50,000 of the cost paid or incurred by a business to acquire, construct, reconstruct, renovate, or otherwise improve real property in this State that is to be used by the business, or another person under contract or agreement with the business, to conduct, maintain, and operate a qualified child care center primarily for the children of individuals employed by the business. The bill provides that the amount of the credit allowed for the provision of child care services is equal to: -- 50 percent of up to $50,000 of the cost paid or incurred by a business to conduct, maintain, and operate a qualified child care center of the business that is used primarily by the children of individuals employed by the business; -- 50 percent of up to $50,000 of the amount paid by a business to another person to conduct, maintain, and operate, under contract or agreement with the business, a qualified child care center of the business that is used primarily by the children of individuals employed by the business; -- 50 percent of up to $50,000 of the amount paid by a business to another person under contract or agreement with the business, for the provision of child care to children of individuals employed by the business at a qualified child care center; or -- 10 percent of up to $50,000 of the cost paid or incurred by a business for the provision, by the business or by another person under contract or agreement with the business, of qualified child care information and referral services to individuals employed by the business. The bill provides that to be eligible to apply the credit for the construction of a child care center a business must make and enter into an agreement with the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. The bill specifies that the agreement must require the business to demonstrate the intended use and status of the real property acquired, constructed, reconstructed, renovated, or otherwise improved in this State, and require the business to use that property to conduct, maintain, and operate a qualified child care center primarily for the children of individuals employed by the business for a 60-month period. The bill defines a "qualified child care center" as a facility that is licensed as a child care center by the Department of Children and Families, and participates in Grow NJ Kids, but specifically excludes from that definition facilities licensed by the department if: the principal use of the facility is for some purpose other than the care, development, and supervision of children; the facility is not used on a regular basis to provide for the care, development, and supervision of children; enrollment in the facility is not open to children of individuals employed by the business claiming the credit; or use of the facility is limited or restricted under procedures, criteria, or other systems of selection that unfairly discriminate. The purpose of this bill is to encourage New Jersey businesses to take a more active role in the provision of child care to employees and their children. Businesses that are active in providing child care typically have a more engaged and productive workforce and play an integral part in reducing the overall demand for quality, affordable child care in this State. | In Committee |
| S313 | Makes total property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans retroactive to effective date of determination of total disability; requires State to reimburse municipalities for reimbursement of property taxes paid to veteran. | This bill provides that the total property tax exemption extended to totally disabled veterans is to be retroactive to the effective date of the determination of the veteran's total disability by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs. The bill also requires that the governing body of each municipality return all taxes collected on the veteran's property after the effective date of the determination of total disability by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, and requires the State to reimburse municipalities for the amount of such property taxes returned to a totally disabled veteran pursuant to the requirements of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1401 | Changes eligibility of Administrative Law Judges from DCRP to PERS. | This bill provides for the enrollment of Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Administrative Law in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). These judges currently participate in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). The bill also provides for the transfer into PERS of all judges currently participating in the DCRP. | In Committee |
| S238 | Establishes uptime requirement for electric vehicle charging station incentive programs. | This bill would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation, and any other State agency that offers an incentive for the installation of electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), pursuant to P.L.2019, c.362 (C.48:25-1 et seq.) or any other State law, to require compliance with a minimum EVSE uptime requirement as a condition of granting such incentive. EVSE is the equipment, including the cables, cords, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, attachment plugs, power outlets, switches and controls, network interfaces, and point of sale equipment and associated apparatus, that is designed and used for the purpose of transferring energy from the electric supply system to a plug-in electric vehicle. Specifically, the bill would require the BPU or any other State agency, as a condition of issuing a State-level EVSE incentive payment, to require the EVSE for which the incentive is granted, together with all other incentivized EVSE installed at the same site, to remain operational at least 97 percent of the time, not including any period of exempted downtime, and except as otherwise provided by the bill, as measured on an annual and site-wide basis. "Site-wide basis" is defined to mean the average site-wide uptime status of all incentivized EVSE that has been installed, at the same site of operations, on or after the bill's effective date. The bill would not require the site-wide uptime calculation to consider the uptime status of EVSE that has been installed, at the site, prior to the bill's effective date, even if such EVSE was installed pursuant to a State-level incentive. "Exempted downtime" is further defined to mean any EVSE downtime that results from factors outside the EVSE operator's control, including, but not limited to, any period of EVSE downtime resulting from an electricity utility or Internet service interruption or from a service outage or interruption caused by a vehicle. The bill would require State agencies to regularly review the site-wide uptime requirement being established by the bill, on at least a biennial basis, in order to ensure that it is consistent with the minimum uptime requirement that is applicable to recipients of federal funds under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, established pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L.117-58. Whenever a State agency determines that the minimum uptime requirement established for recipients of State funding is inconsistent with the minimum uptime requirement being applied to recipients of federal funding, under the NEVI Formula Program, the agency would be required to take appropriate action to revise the State-level uptime requirement, established pursuant to the bill, as necessary to ensure that it comports with the comparable federal NEVI Formula Program requirement. Each State agency, which is subject to the bill, would be directed to develop and implement a process to monitor compliance with, and to enforce, the site-wide uptime requirement established and modified under the bill. The bill would further require each State agency, when reviewing or modifying the site-wide uptime requirement, or when developing and implementing the compliance monitoring and enforcement system required by the bill, to engage in a comprehensive and public stakeholder engagement process and to review and consider the most recent standards, guidelines, and requirements related to EVSE uptime, downtime, and exempted downtime, which are applicable to federal funding recipients under the NEVI Formula Program. | Dead |
| S1031 | Increases accidental death benefit for certain members of PERS. | This bill enhances the accidental death benefit in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for the spouse and children of a member who served as a firefighter, emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, or fire instructor. Under current law, the PERS accidental death benefit provides to the surviving spouse a pension of 50 percent of the compensation upon which contributions by the member to PERS were based in the last year of creditable service. This bill increases the pension to 70 percent. The bill also provides an increase in benefits for the children of a member, from 25 percent for one child to 70 percent if there is no surviving spouse. The bill further provides an alternative benefit of $50,000 for the surviving spouse, if it is larger than the 70 percent, annually. The bill also provides that the State will pay the employer-sponsored health insurance program for the member's surviving spouse. The bill will make the benefits identical to those in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). The bill is retroactive to January 1, 2021 and provides that a benefit granted under N.J.S.A.43:15A-49 on or after January 1, 2021 will be converted to the benefit under this bill and a lump sum payment of the difference in the two benefits will be paid dating back to when the original benefit was granted. | In Committee |
| S2137 | Requires civil service examination for police and correctional police officers to include questions to identify implicit racial bias. | This bill requires the State Civil Service Commission to include on the Civil Service entry-level law enforcement examination questions designed to identify implicit bias, including racial bias, in candidates applying for appointment to law enforcement officer positions. The test is required for applicants for municipal and county police officers, adult and juvenile correctional police officers, sheriff's officers, and other law enforcement officer positions. Implicit bias refers to unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions and may cause feelings and attitudes about other people based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, age, and appearance. | In Committee |
| S2045 | Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance. | This bill requires any cat, dog, or ferret used for product testing or research conducted or contracted by a company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility in the State to be offered to an animal rescue organization or private individual for adoption when the testing or research is concluded, if the animal is assessed to be suitable for adoption. Current law limits circumstances under which animal product testing or research may be conducted by manufacturers and contract testing facilities. Current law also requires, pursuant to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act," P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), that cats and dogs used for educational, research, or scientific purposes by an institution of higher education or a research institution that contracts with an institution of higher education for such use of cats and dogs, to be assessed for the suitability of adoption, and if suitable, to be offered for adoption. The bill expands the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to include testing or research using ferrets and to provide for adoption of ferrets used in that way. The bill directs the Office of Veterinary Public Health (OVPH) in the Department of Health (DOH) to establish procedures for documenting the assessment and disposition of any cat, dog, or ferret used by a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or a research institution for such purposes. The bill authorizes the OVPH to monitor compliance with the procedures and enforce the provisions of section 1 of the bill and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), concerning the assessment of the suitability of animals for adoption and the requirements to offer suitable animals for adoption. The bill further requires that each company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility that is subject to the bill, and each institution of higher education and research institution that is subject to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to register with the OVPH when undertaking animal testing with cats, dogs, or ferrets, and to report to the OVPH: 1) the type and number of animals being used; 2) the date on which the testing or research is completed or upon which the animal is no longer being used in the testing or research; 3) an assessment of the condition of any animal no longer being used in the testing or research and its suitability for adoption; 4) the disposition of the animal, including the name and contact information of the animal rescue organization with which, or the animal rescue organization facility in which, the animal is placed; and 5) if an animal assessed as suitable for adoption is not adopted, documentation of the good faith effort to place the animal with an animal rescue organization or in an animal rescue organization facility, and any effort to offer the animal for private adoption. The bill provides that private individuals who have adopted animals would not have to be identified but requires documentation of which animals were adopted by private individuals. The bill establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the bill's provisions and requirements, and the provisions of the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act." The bill provides for a civil penalty of $10,000 for a first offense, and $50,000 for a second offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding brought by the DOH pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Upon finding of a third offense, the DOH is required to institute an action for an injunction to prohibit the company, corporation, manufacturer, contract testing facility, institution of higher education, or research institution from conducting animal testing. The bill provides that the Superior Court would have jurisdiction for enforcing the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999" and for imposing an injunction for a third violation. Finally, the bill requires the DOH to maintain a registry of animal rescue organizations and animal rescue organization facilities, directs the DOH to establish a database of those animal rescue organizations and facilities that accept animals that have been used in testing or research, and requires a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or research institution, as applicable, to contact an animal rescue organization or animal rescue organization facility listed in the database whenever a cat, dog, or ferret used in testing or research is determined to be suitable for adoption. | In Committee |
| S1076 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and requires State to reimburse municipalities for cost of exemption. | The bill grants a property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability in proportion to their disability percentage rating. The exemption is granted to those with a disability percentage rating of at least 25 percent, and the exemption is capped at $15,000. Those with a 100 percent disability percentage rating would still be allowed a 100 percent property tax exemption without a cap, as is the case under current law. In addition, the bill grants those honorably discharged veterans having less than a 100 percent service-connected disability, but who are unemployable, a 100 percent property tax exemption, which matches the current 100 percent property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a 100 percent disability percentage rating. As under current law, the bill allows the property tax exemption to extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran. The bill eliminates all references to medical conditions so that any service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, will make a veteran eligible for the property tax exemption. Finally, the bill requires the State to annually reimburse taxing districts, including for administrative costs, for the property tax exemptions granted to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill includes reporting provisions so proper reimbursement can be made. | In Committee |
| S2229 | Increases benefit amounts and expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program. | This bill increases the benefit amounts under the New Jersey earned income tax credit (NJEITC) program and expands eligibility for taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) and those taxpayers who have been victims of domestic abuse Currently, the program provides a tax credit equal to 40 percent of the federal earned income tax credit. The bill increases this amount from 40 percent to 45 percent over a five-year period. This bill allows taxpayers with ITINs to qualify for the NJEITC program. Under the federal earned income tax credit program, a taxpayer, including a spouse if filing a joint return, is required to have a Social Security number issued by the federal Social Security Administration in order to qualify. Eligibility for the NJEITC program is generally linked to the federal earned income tax credit program; thus, an individual taxpayer who has an ITIN does not qualify for either the federal or State programs. The bill modifies the eligibility criteria under the NJEITC program to allow taxpayers with ITINs to qualify for the tax credit. The bill also expands eligibility under the NJEITC program for taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse. Under the federal program, if a taxpayer is married, the taxpayer is required to file a joint return with their spouse to be eligible for the federal earned income credit. However, victims of domestic abuse typically file as married filing separately, losing their federal earned income credit and NJEITC program eligibility in the process. The bill exempts a married taxpayer from the joint filing requirement if the taxpayer files as married filing separately and the taxpayer: (i) was living apart from the taxpayer's spouse on the last day of the taxable year for which the credit is claimed; (ii) was a victim of domestic abuse, as defined by the bill, within the past three years; and (iii) indicates on the taxpayer's gross income tax return that the taxpayer meets the criteria set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| S681 | Requires certain disclosures when single-family homes with solar panels installed are sold. | This bill requires that a seller's property condition disclosure statement or contract, or rider or addendum to a contract, for sale of a single-family home with solar panels purchased by the owner installed on the home or its property is to include the name and contact information of the business that installed the solar panels. If solar panels installed on a single-family home or its property are leased, a seller's property condition disclosure statement or contract, or rider or addendum to a contract, for the sale of the home is to contain clear and precise language regarding if the owner selling the home is transferring the lease of the panels to a new residence or to the buyer of the home contracted for sale. If a lease is transferred to the buyer of the home, the name and contact information of the business that installed the solar panels are to be included in the seller's property condition disclosure statement or contract for sale, or a rider or addendum to the contract. Misrepresentation or false claims made by an owner of a single-family home who is a party to a contract for the sale of the home regarding the business that installed the solar panels purchased by the owner or leased by the owner, or who misrepresents that information in the seller's property condition disclosure statement, who then transfers the lease to the buyer of the home is liable to, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, a penalty of up to $1,000. To highlight the requirements of this bill for consumers, the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (commission) in the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance is to work in conjunction with the Clean Energy Program in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to develop and undertake a public education program. A component of the public education program is to include the posting on the Internet websites of the commission and the Clean Energy Program information about this new requirement and related penalties for noncompliance. | Dead |
| S1958 | Eliminates fee for filing certified copy of name change order. | Under current law, a $50 fee is charged for filing a certified copy of an order for change of name. Many New Jersey residents seek a change of name each year for reasons including marriage and divorce. This bill eliminates the fee for filing a certified copy of a name change order in this State. | In Committee |
| S1035 | Increases qualified research expenses tax credit for corporation business taxpayers engaged in targeted industries; increases basic research payment tax credit; allows research tax credit to be refundable. | This bill makes several changes to the research tax credit provided under the corporation business tax, including increasing the qualified research expenses credit for taxpayers engaged in targeted industries, increasing the basic research payments tax credit for all taxpayers, and allowing the total credit to be refundable. Under current law, a corporation business taxpayer may receive a research tax credit in an amount equal to (1) 10 percent of the excess of qualified research expenses for the privilege period over the base amount; and (2) 10 percent of the basic research payments for the privilege period. This bill increases the qualified research expenses tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for taxpayers who are primarily engaged in business in one or more targeted industries. For the purpose of calculating the qualified research expenses tax credit, the base amount is determined based on a fixed percentage of the taxpayer's average annual gross receipts. Qualified research expenses are also defined to include the sum of in-house research expenses and contract research expenses that are paid or incurred during the privilege period. Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would be responsible for periodically identifying a list of targeted industries. However, the bill requires the initial list of targeted industries to include advanced transportation and logistics, manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emission vehicle research or development, clean energy, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, non-retail food and beverage businesses including food innovation, and other innovative industries that disrupt current technologies or business models. Additionally, the bill increases the basic research payments tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for all taxpayers. State regulations define basic research payments to include cash payments provided by a corporation to qualified organizations (e.g., institutions of higher education, certain scientific research organizations, and certain scientific tax-exempt organization) for the performance of basic research. Under state regulations, the credit is calculated based on the provisions of section 41 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.41), as in effect on June 30, 1992. The bill also allows the research tax credit to be refundable for privilege periods beginning on or after the date of enactment. Under current law, the research tax credit cannot be refunded, and taxpayers are permitted to carry forward the unused portion of the credit for seven privilege periods. Under the bill, a taxpayer may instead elect to receive the unused portion of the credit as a tax refund, or carry forward the unused credit. When a tax credit is refundable, the State is required to provide the taxpayer with a cash payment in the amount of the unused credit, which represents an overpayment of tax. | In Committee |
| S1295 | Requires State agency to redact person's handwritten signature prior to publishing documents on agency's Internet website. | This bill requires a State agency to redact a person's handwritten signature prior to publishing documents displaying the person's handwritten signature on the State agency's Internet website, pursuant to any publication requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act." The bill requires a State agency to archive any document that displays a person's handwritten signature published on the State agency's website prior to the effective date of the bill. A State agency may republish the archived document if the State agency redacts the person's handwritten signature. Any document archived pursuant to the provisions of the bill is to be made available to the public through the open public records act. This bill takes effect six months following enactment. | Dead |
| S1030 | Requires DCA to establish procedures for inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities, and certification programs for mold inspectors and mold hazard abatement workers. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish certification programs for persons who wish to conduct mold inspections and mold hazard abatements, respectively, on residential buildings and school facilities. The bill also requires the DCA to establish procedures for the inspection and abatement of mold hazards in residential buildings and school facilities. These procedures would be used to develop the two certification programs and be based on industry standards and guidelines developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Under the bill, beginning on the first day of the sixth month after the DCA has established the certification programs, any person who conducts a mold inspection or mold hazard abatement on a residential building or school facility is required to possess the applicable certification. Moreover, the bill prohibits any person from presenting himself as an expert in mold inspection or mold hazard abatement unless certified by the DCA in accordance with the bill. However, the bill provides that an employee of a multiple dwelling or school district, who is engaged in the routine maintenance of a multiple dwelling or school facility, would not be required to possess either certification in order to address the presence of mold in a multiple dwelling or school facility owned and managed by their employer, provided that the multiple dwelling or school district otherwise complies with the procedures established by the DCA concerning the inspection, identification, evaluation, and abatement of mold hazards. In addition, a residential property owner would not be required to complete the certification programs in order to perform mold inspections or mold hazard abatements on his own property. The bill authorizes the DCA to (1) charge an annual fee for persons possessing the mold inspection and abatement certifications; (2) require the successful completion of a continuing education course for certified inspectors or abatement workers at least once every two years; and (3) conduct examinations to determine an applicant's proficiency with respect to State and federal laws, rules, and regulations and any standards or requirements applicable to the inspection or abatement of mold hazards. The bill also authorizes DCA to maintain a list of the names and addresses of all persons certified by DCA in accordance with the bill, and annually forward the list to the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety for inclusion and publication as an additional contractor list pursuant to the "Contractors' Registration Act," P.L.2004, c.16 (C.56:8-136 et seq.). In addition, the bill authorizes the DCA to adopt rules and regulations to enforce compliance with the mold inspection and mold hazard abatement certification programs established by the bill. The bill also authorizes the DCA to grant mold inspection and mold hazard abatement certifications to persons who demonstrate that they have successfully completed an accredited program in mold inspection and mold hazard abatement by a nationally accepted accreditation organization, provided that those persons pay the annual fee charged by the DCA, complete any continuing education course required by the DCA, and comply with any other rules and regulations adopted by the DCA. | In Committee |
| S1428 | Concerns regulatory guidance for local approving authorities on approval of warehouse development. | This bill directs the State Planning Commission (commission) to adopt rules and regulations, or publish a regulatory guidance document, or both, to assist municipal planning boards and other agencies acting pursuant to the "Municipal Land Use Law," P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.) (MLUL) in considering applications for the development of warehouses. The bill directs the commission to produce the guidance publication in a concise, plain language format, incorporating examples of questions and reports that would customarily be asked of, or requested from, a warehouse development applicant prior to the issuance of development approvals. These model questions and report requests are to address potential community benefits, including but not limited to, brownfield remediation and environmental mitigation, job creation, income and property tax creation, as well as concerns, including but not limited to, traffic volumes, road safety, and environmental considerations. The bill directs the commission to make the guidance publication available to the public on its Internet website. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) to incorporate the guidance document into the course offered to officials with responsibilities to enforce the MLUL. The commission would be required to notify the commissioner upon completion of the guidance document, and upon any updates. | In Committee |
| S2243 | Establishes five-year community schools pilot program. | This bill establishes a five-year Community Schools Pilot Program in the Department of Education. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Education is to identify and enter into a contract with an institution of higher education or a qualified nonprofit organization with the appropriate capacity and experience located in the State to manage the pilot program. The organization or institution and the department will be responsible for selecting one public school of a school district, renaissance school, or charter school in each county of the State that would receive direct assistance from a site coordinator assigned to the school. Additionally, the selected institution or organization is required to establish a technical assistance center that would be available to schools participating in the pilot program and would be responsible for making group training sessions and information about community schools available to any school district, renaissance school, or charter school interested in establishing a community school. The technical assistance center will be responsible for the Statewide dissemination of information on effective and promising practices in the establishment and ongoing management of community school strategies through professional development and technical assistance activities. Under the bill, the department, in coordination with the organization or institution, and the New Jersey Community Schools Coalition, is to develop specific criteria for selecting schools to participate in the program and receive direct support from a site coordinator. The selection criteria would be posted on the department's website. The organization or institution is required to employ and train individuals who would be assigned to serve as a site coordinator. Site coordinators are to be employees of the organization or institution, and not the school district, renaissance school, or charter school to which they are assigned. The salaries, wages, and other financial compensation of the site coordinators would be the responsibility of the organization or institution. The bill directs a public school selected to participate in the pilot to enter into an agreement with the selected institution or organization outlining at a minimum the role, responsibilities, and authority the site coordinator has in supporting the establishment of the community school site. The organization or institution can enter into an agreement with another nonprofit entity to assist it in fulfilling responsibilities enumerated in certain sections of the bill, subject to approval of the commissioner. The commissioner would receive an annual audit of the accounts and financial transactions of the organization or institution for the duration of the pilot program. The bill also directs the commissioner to enter into a contract with an independent entity to conduct an evaluation of the pilot program. The final report, which the commissioner would forward to the Governor and the Legislature, would be due no later than six months following the conclusion of the pilot program. The bill establishes the Community Schools Pilot Program Fund in the Department of Education. The fund is to consist of any funds that are appropriated by the Legislature, investment earnings of the fund, and moneys contributed to the fund by private sources. The bill allows the moneys in the fund to be invested and reinvested as other trust funds in the custody of the State in the manner provided by law. | 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 |
| S2073 | Requires Commissioner of Education to establish matching grant program for certain school districts and schools using federal funds to increase instructional time and accelerate learning. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a matching grant program to support school districts that use a portion of their eligible funds to increase student instructional time and accelerate student learning. Eligible funds as defined in the bill are moneys under a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project's local educational agency subgrant from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act ESSER Fund, excluding any amount required by the provisions of the ARP Act to be spent on evidence-based learning loss interventions. A district or school would be eligible to apply for funds under the grant program only if the percentage of students in the district or school who are not meeting or partially meeting grade-level expectation increased compared to the 2018-2019 school year. The aggregate amount of funds provided to school districts, charter schools, or renaissance school projects under the bill would not exceed $200 million. Under the bill, the program would be funded from the monies received by the State under the federal ARP Act. A school district, charter school, or renaissance school project seeking funds under the program is required to submit an application to the commissioner that is to include certain information enumerated in the bill. If the commissioner approves the application, the school district will receive a matching grant equal to 50 percent of the amount of the district's local educational agency federal allotment under the ARP Act that is dedicated to the intervention or program to increase student instructional time and accelerate student learning which has been specified in its application. | In Committee |
| S2016 | Appropriates $70 million in federal funds to EDA to support arts and culture organizations negatively impacted by COVID-19 pandemic. | This bill appropriates $70 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to support arts and culture organizations, including for-profit businesses and non-profit organizations, that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the bill, the EDA, in consultation with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts (council), would be required to award $50 million in grants to support the financial recovery, resiliency, and growth of qualifying arts and culture organizations. However, of this total, $10 million in grants would be dedicated to arts education organizations that provide programs and services for public schools or afterschool programs. Specifically, these grants may be used to offset any revenue losses that occurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic or provide the cash reserves necessary to ensure continued operations in the event of future pandemic-related shutdowns. Additionally, the bill requires the EDA, in consultation with the council, to award $20 million in grants to qualifying arts and culture organizations to support the completion of placemaking projects in public spaces. Under the bill, placemaking projects would include any creative or artistic project intended to beautify or enrich public spaces, such as artistic paintings on roadways or sidewalks, landscape plantings in public areas, educational signage, and other artistic, cultural, or educational installations. The monies appropriated under the bill would be provided from the State's allocation of funds from the federal "Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund," established pursuant to the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021". | In Committee |
| S792 | Indexes for inflation taxable income brackets under New Jersey gross income tax. | This bill indexes for inflation the taxable income brackets under the New Jersey gross income tax. This adds to the State personal income tax a common-sense taxpayer protection called inflation indexing that has been provided under the federal income tax since the 1980s. Inflation indexing means that tax brackets are revised annually to reflect nominal price and wage increases that result from inflation. When tax brackets are not indexed for inflation it results in what is called "bracket creep," which is an increase in effective tax rates caused by inflation. Higher income can bump a taxpayer into the next tax bracket, even if that higher income is merely keeping pace with inflation. A lack of inflation adjustment can also push more of a taxpayer's income into the highest bracket for which they qualify. The final result is a tax increase that occurs without any legislation being passed. Indexing addresses this by altering each bracket level each year by the level of annual inflation. Under this bill the inflation adjustment for taxable income brackets is the national consumer price index for all urban consumers as prepared by the United States Department of Labor. This is the same measure of inflation that is used for indexing the taxable income brackets under the federal Internal Revenue Code. The bill compares an annual inflation measure from the year prior to the one for which taxes will be imposed to a base year measure from the year prior to the one in which the bill is enacted. This delay allows the Director of the Division of Taxation to determine the adjusted amounts when the tax year begins. | 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 |
| S990 | The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for qualified wages of certain veterans. | This bill is entitled "The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act." The bill provides a corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credit for qualified wages of certain veterans. The two credits established by this bill provide an employer with a credit in the amount of 10 percent of the wages paid to a qualified veteran. The credits may not exceed $1,200 for each qualified veteran per tax year. The bill defines a qualified veteran as a resident of this State initially hired by the taxpayer on or after January 1, 2010 that has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service, occurring on or after January 1, 1965, in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, and shows proof of military service by providing a copy of the DD-214 form, its equivalent, or federal activation orders showing service under Title 10, section 672 or section 12301, of the United States Code. The bill requires that for purposes of the credits' availability, the wages of a qualified veteran must be subject to the gross income tax and paid on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. To be creditable, wages must also arise from employment of a qualified veteran for at least 185 business days of the applicable tax year. To qualify for a credit, the bill imposes a series of conditions on a taxpayer as an employer. For a tax year that the credit is claimed, the bill requires that 25 percent of the taxpayer's new employees be qualified veterans. For tax years immediately subsequent to a prior credit year, the bill further requires that 50 percent of the qualified veterans hired in that prior tax year must remain employed by the taxpayer. In addition to employment criteria, the bill conditions credit qualification on other aspects of veteran employment. The bill requires a taxpayer to provide veteran support services that are accessible in the workplace. The bill further conditions credit qualification on a taxpayer's regular recruitment efforts to hire qualified veterans and their nuclear family members while providing support to outreach efforts of veteran support organizations. The bill also conditions credit qualification on compliance with the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the provision of privileges in excess of the rights protected by that act. In addition to providing the terms of credit qualification, the bill contains provisions aimed at preventing potential misuse of the credit. The bill prohibits taxpayers from simultaneously using the wages or employment of a qualified veteran to qualify for the credit and any other generally available employment incentive that comes in the form of a State tax credit or grant. The bill also empowers the Director of the Division of Taxation to recapture credit, plus an additional 50% penalty, if the Director determines that the employer displaced employees to replace them with qualified veterans for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the credit. The credits established by this bill are limited in duration in that they are available for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. | In Committee |
| S151 | Authorizes CRDA to finance transportation projects between Atlantic City Airport and Atlantic City Tourism District. | This bill authorizes the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority ("authority") to enter into a contract or agreement with the State or the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority to provide for, or assist in, the financing of a transportation project. The bill defines a "transportation project" as the planning, acquisition, engineering, construction, reconstruction, or improvement of any highway transportation project or public transportation project which provides direct access between the Atlantic City Airport and the Atlantic City Tourism District. Current law requires all available assets and revenues of the authority be devoted to the purposes of the Atlantic City Tourism District and community development in Atlantic City, or the enhancement of air service at the Atlantic City Airport, or the provision of transportation service between the Atlantic City Airport and the Atlantic City Tourism District. Current law requires all available assets and revenues of the authority be devoted to the purpose of the Atlantic City Tourism District and community development in Atlantic City. | Dead |
| S1623 | Establishes Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program in EDA for certain small businesses implementing certain resiliency projects. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to establish and maintain the Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program (program) and Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Fund (fund). Loan Program Eligibility The EDA is to provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans to qualified businesses that are engaging in or have completed resiliency projects. Under the bill, a qualified business is a business that: 1) is registered to do business in New Jersey with the Director of the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury; 2) intends to maintain its principal business operations in the State after receiving assistance from the EDA under the program; and 3) employs not more than 50 full-time employees at the time of approval of financial assistance to the business. Under the bill, a resiliency project means those projects or activities, which may include, but are not limited to, projects or activities that improve or support the treatment or management of drinking water, wastewater, and storm water; enhance the reliability and resiliency of the electrical grid and public utility infrastructure; expand access to broadband internet; or utilize technology, infrastructure improvements, and other materials that mitigate against or protect the business in the event of climate change-related natural hazards, including, but not limited to, increased temperatures, drought, flooding, hurricanes, and sea-level rise. Application Criteria The bill requires the EDA to establish an application process. A qualified business that seeks assistance under the loan program is required to submit an application to the EDA in a form and manner prescribed by the EDA. In addition to any other information that the EDA may deem appropriate, the application is required to request an applicant to submit information demonstrating that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements and an outline of the anticipated use of loan proceeds. Under the bill, the EDA is required to approve applications for the loan program on a rolling basis or on one or more dates, subject to the availability of funds. Loan Awards and Loan Requirements Under the program, the EDA is to provide financial assistance in the form of low-interest loans for qualified businesses that are engaging in or have completed resiliency projects, with priority consideration, as determined by the EDA in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, given to a qualified business based the long-term impact of the qualified business on the State economy, the type of resiliency project, and whether the principal business operations of the qualified business are located in a municipality of the State that has incorporated a climate change-related hazard vulnerability assessment into the land use plan element of the municipality's master plan. Upon approval of an application, the EDA is required to enter into a loan agreement with the qualified business and provide a low-interest loan to the qualified business. Each loan issued under the program is required to bear interest at rates lower than and provide more flexible repayment terms than are customarily made available through conventional business loans issued by private lenders. A qualified business that receives financial assistance under the loan program is to annually report to the EDA until such time as the full balance of the loan has been repaid to the EDA. At a minimum, the annual report is to include information outlining the expenses supported by the loan and the financial information of the qualified business, audited by a certified public accountant, which is to include a consolidated summary of the performance of the qualified business. Any information about the performance of a qualified business is considered confidential and not subject to the law known commonly as the open public records act. Loan Fund Any monies received by the EDA for the repayment of a loan issued pursuant to the program would be deposited into the non-lapsing revolving loan fund. Any interest collected from loans provided by the loan program may be used by the EDA to offset the costs of the administration of the loan program, or otherwise are required to be deposited into the fund. The EDA may also credit the fund with monies received from State, federal, or private sources and may use those funds to provide financial assistance to qualified businesses in a manner consistent with federal law or the private source of funds. | In Committee |
| S1424 | Permits court to effectuate equitable distribution when complaint for divorce or dissolution of civil union has been filed and either party has died prior to final judgment; provides that surviving party would not receive intestate or elective share. | This bill provides that if a complaint has been filed for divorce, dissolution of a civil union, termination of domestic partnership, or divorce from bed and board, and either party dies prior to the entry of a final judgment, or the parties had and remained entered into an equitable distribution cut-off agreement, termination agreement, or marital settlement agreement where the underlying subject matter was for such divorce, dissolution, or termination and a party to that agreement died prior to the entry of a final judgment, the court would be authorized to proceed with awarding an equitable distribution of the couple's property. The bill further provides that under these circumstances, in which the surviving spouse or partner would still be entitled to a divided portion of the former couple's property, that person would not instead have a right to an intestate share of the decedent's estate pursuant to N.J.S.3B:5-3, or an elective share of one-third of the decedent's augmented estate pursuant to N.J.S.3B:8-1 et seq. The bill would further make the following types of surviving spouse or partner ineligible to receive an intestate share or elective share of the decedent's property, because of an earlier arrangement providing for a distribution of the couples' property: - if the person, at the time of death of the decedent, had (1) ceased to cohabit with the decedent under circumstances which would have given rise to a cause of action for divorce or nullity of marriage to a decedent prior to his or her death under the laws of this State; and (2) where, through written agreement, affirmative acts, or both written agreement and affirmative acts of the person and decedent there had been a division of assets equivalent to equitable distribution; and - a person who, at the time of death of the decedent, had entered into a validly executed marital settlement agreement with the decedent where the underlying subject matter of the marital settlement agreement is divorce, dissolution of civil union, termination of domestic partnership, or divorce from bed and board. Under current law, if a spouse or partner dies while the divorce, dissolution, or termination is pending, the survivor is excluded from an award of equitable distribution, as the matter gets removed from the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part (the "family court") to be handled as a probate matter of the decedent's estate. In such probate matters, if the surviving spouse or partner was no longer cohabitating with the other spouse or partner at the time of death, the probate law precludes that surviving spouse or partner from being able to claim an elective share of the decedent's estate. Thus, in some scenarios, a surviving spouse or partner who was still legally married or partnered at the time of the other's death, having not gotten an equitable distribution through the family court, may also not have a claim on any share of the estate. This bill would address this by permitting the family court action to proceed and the surviving spouse or partner receiving an award of equitable distribution of the former couple's property. In addition to addressing the interplay between family law and probate law as heretofore described, the bill clarifies the laws of intestate succession and those governing elective shares of augmented estates by expressly including the surviving partner in a civil union among the types of surviving persons who may have claims under such laws. Currently, the statutes being amended by the bill only expressly list a surviving spouse or surviving domestic partner, however they apply to a surviving civil union partner by virtue of section 4 of P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-37), which states that "[c]ivil union couples shall have all of the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law . . . as are granted to spouses in a marriage." Expressly listing them in these statutes provides further clarity as to their applicability to civil union partners. | Dead |
| S1518 | Establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts. | The purpose of this bill is to ensure that no public services are privatized unless there are cost savings without increased charges or reduced services to the public, or lowered workforce standards. Each prospective private contractor would be required to demonstrate cost reductions based on improvements such as management efficiencies or technical innovation, not based on added burdens imposed on the members of the public using the services or the employees producing them. The bill requires that a contract for the privatization of public services not be entered into without cost analyses demonstrating that there will be actual cost savings for the public agency and the taxpayers without increased fees, fares, or other charges to the public, reduced quantity or quality of services, or lowered workforce standards, including reduced staff qualifications and remuneration. The bill further requires sustained oversight and public disclosure regarding those contracts to provide accountability to taxpayers, public users of the services, and employees producing the services, that the cost savings actually occur without increased charges, or reduced services or workforce standards, and provides penalties and sanctions for any noncompliance involving agency or contractor misrepresentation, fraud or other malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance. The bill prohibits any agency of the State or political subdivision from entering into a contract of $500,000 or more, if the agency is a political subdivision, or $1 million or more if it is not a political subdivision, to purchase from private entities services previously performed by agency employees, other than legal, management consulting, planning, engineering or design services, prevailing wage construction work, or certain services provided by disabled individuals employed by rehabilitation facilities, unless: 1. The agency solicits competitive sealed bids for the contracts based on a comprehensive statement of requirements by the agency; 2. The contract requires that the public not be charged fares, fees or other charges greater than those currently charged, that the quantity and quality of the services provided equal or exceed the quantity and quality of services currently provided, that the contractor is qualified, and that contractor employees have qualifications and wage and benefit rates at least equal to the agency employees currently performing the services. Contractors are required to submit payroll records to the agency and, upon any failure to pay the agreed upon wage and benefit rates, are subject to the remedies and penalties provided by the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act," P.L.1963, c.150 (C.34:11-56.25 et seq.) for failure to pay the prevailing wage; 3. The agency permits the union of the affected agency employees to review the agency's estimate of current costs and submit an alternative cost estimate and propose cost saving measures compliant with requirements of the bill and the agency reviews the union estimate and proposal and makes a determination whether to reduce the agency's estimate of current costs; 4. The contract requires compliance with antidiscrimination standards, requires available positions to be offered to qualified displaced agency employees, and requires the agency to prepare a plan of training and assistance for displaced employees; 5. The contractor and specified associates have no adjudicated record of substantial or repeated noncompliance with any federal or State law pertaining to the operation of a business, including laws regarding contracting and conflict of interest; 6. After receiving bids, the agency publicly designates the bidder to which it proposes to award the contract and issues a comprehensive written analysis of the total contract cost of the designated bid; and 7. The agency provides written certification that the agency and the proposed contract are in compliance with all provisions of the bill and the total estimated contract cost is less than the cost of agency employees performing the services, with a statement of the amount of the savings. The Office of the State Comptroller would be required to review the certification and prohibit the agency from entering into the privatization contract if the office provides a written determination that the bid does not provide cost savings or that the agency has otherwise failed to comply with any requirement of the bill. The State Auditor would be required to conduct post-audits of contracts subject to the bill, evaluating whether the projected cost savings were obtained without raising charges, cutting services, or lowering workforce standards. If the noncompliance was related to agency or contractor misrepresentation, fraud or other malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance, the agency or contractor would be subject to penalties and sanctions including, where appropriate, debarment or rescission of contracts, or reimbursement of excess charges to the public and underpayments of employees. The requirements of the bill do not apply to any privatization contract first entered into before the effective date of the bill or to the renewal, extension, or transfer of any privatization contract first entered into prior to that effective date, but do apply to the renewal, extension, or transfer of any contract entered into after the effective date. | In Committee |
| S2239 | Extends duration of law requiring certain provider subsidy payments for child care services be based on enrollment. | This bill extends the applicability of P.L.2021, c.324, which requires that subsidy payments to licensed child care providers be based on enrollment of students who are eligible for child care services, rather than on attendance, to provide that the provisions of the law continue for an additional three years, instead of expiring on June 30, 2022 as provided for in existing law. The bill provides that a licensed child care provider or registered family day care provider receiving subsidy payments based on enrollment is required to pay wages to its staff, and determine the number of hours worked by staff, based on the number of children enrolled with the provider who are eligible for child care services. At no time will the amount of wages paid to staff or the number of hours worked by staff be based on the attendance of children eligible for child care services. The bill stipulates that a licensed child care center or a registered family day care provider receiving subsidy payments based on enrollment will continue to receive such payments until the Division of Family Development (the division) in the Department of Human Services issues the report required pursuant to the bill, at which time the division may consider to extend the payment of enrollment-based subsidies to licensed child care centers and registered family day care providers in accordance with P.L.2021, c.324. The bill requires the division to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the study conducted under the provisions of P.L.2021, c.324 within three years following the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1545 | Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduates. | This bill expands the Tuition Aid Grant program to part-time undergraduate students who are enrolled in an eligible institution in New Jersey. The bill provides that part-time grant awards would be prorated against the full-time grant award for public and independent institutions of higher education as determined by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Under the current statute, the amount of a tuition aid grant may not exceed the maximum amount of tuition normally charged at a public institution or 50% of the average tuition normally charged at an independent institution. Appropriations for each program category of part-time tuition aid grants would be made separately by line item in order to ensure that funding for the part-time tuition aid grants would not lead to a reduction in the funding for the full-time tuition aid grants. | In Committee |
| S1420 | Establishes "VETeach Pilot Program" in DOE to facilitate teacher certification of veterans. | This bill establishes the "VETeach Pilot Program" in the Department of Education. The purpose of the pilot program is to address the shortage of certified public school teachers by taking advantage of the qualified workforce represented by the State's veterans. Under the pilot program, a participating four-year public institution of higher education will enroll, in a 36-month teacher preparation program, veterans who served in the armed forces on or after September 11, 2001. The program will lead to a baccalaureate degree and completion of the requirements necessary to apply to the State Board of Examiners for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, which will authorize the veteran to seek employment as a teacher in grades kindergarten through eight, and in certain secondary education fields. Under the bill, a four-year public institution of higher education that wishes to participate in the pilot program is to submit an application to the Commissioner of Education in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner is to select up to four institutions to participate in the pilot program. | Dead |
| S1413 | Requires health insurance coverage of preimplantation genetic testing with in vitro fertilization under certain conditions. | This bill requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and in vitro fertilization for covered persons who are not infertile to prevent certain serious genetic medical conditions from being passed on to offspring under certain conditions. Under the bill, health insurance carriers (which include hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, group health insurance policies, and any entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program) will be required to cover PGT with in vitro fertilization even if the covered person is not infertile, where (1) both partners are known carriers of an autosomal recessive disorder; (2) one partner is a known carrier of a single gene autosomal recessive disorder and the partners have one offspring that has been diagnosed with that recessive disorder; (3) one partner is a known carrier of a single gene autosomal disorder; (4) one partner is a known carrier of a single X-linked disorder; and (5) the genetic condition, if passed on to the covered persons' offspring, would result in significant health problems or severe disability For the purposes of this bill, "preimplantation genetic testing" is defined as a technique used to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization before pregnancy. | In Committee |
| S722 | Requires MVC to issue blue envelopes that hold documents required to operate motor vehicle to persons diagnosed with autism. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services, the Superintendent of State Police, and at least one organization that advocates on behalf of persons who have been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, to design and make available blue envelopes that may be utilized by a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder to hold documents required for the operation of a motor vehicle. Under the bill, the blue envelopes are required to: (1) be of a color shade easily recognizable to law enforcement officers; (2) be capable of holding a person's driver's license, motor vehicle registration certificate, and insurance identification card; (3) provide written information on the outside of the envelope identifying the envelope holder as a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder; and (4) provide written guidance to assist law enforcement officers in effectively communicating with a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. The bill also requires that the chief administrator, in consultation with the commissioner, establish the documentation required to be produced by a person who has been diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder, or by the parent, guardian, or caregiver of the person, in order to obtain a blue envelope. The bill is based on a 2020 Connecticut statute. | In Committee |
| S1437 | Requires law enforcement develop protocol for social media in certain circumstances. | This bill requires the State Police and local police departments that use social media to post information regarding missing or wanted persons to develop and implement a protocol for the posting of that information and for the removal of the posting no later than six months after the issue is resolved. Currently, there is no statutory requirement for the State's law enforcement to remove social media postings of wanted or missing persons. Therefore, a person no longer sought by police could be denied opportunities, such as employment, for appearing as a wanted person. Similarly, a person who is no longer missing could endure unnecessary scrutiny. This bill seeks to alleviate the potential for harm that may be caused by the persistence of outdated information posted by the police on the Internet. | In Committee |
| S1485 | The "Safe Playing Fields Act"; restricts use of lawn care pesticides at child care centers and certain schools. | This bill would be known as the "Safe Playing Fields Act," and would restrict the use of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any child care center and certain schools. The bill would prohibit the use of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any child care center, except as an emergency response to an immediate threat to human health, and would restrict child access to pesticide treated areas for at least seven hours after the application. In addition, the bill would prohibit the use of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of any school which enrolls students in kindergarten or in any grade between grade one through eight, except as an emergency response to an immediate threat to human health, as determined by school officials, in consultation with the local health officer, as appropriate. The bill would direct the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to adopt rules and regulations concerning pesticide application, record keeping, and staff and parental notification procedures at child care centers with the goal of mitigating potential health risks to young children. The bill defines a "lawn care pesticide" as any pesticide labeled, designed, or intended for use on lawns, gardens, turf or ornamental plantings, and the definition of "pesticide" excludes low impact pesticides as defined pursuant to current law. The bill would take effect on the first day of the 13th month following the date of enactment of the bill into law. | In Committee |
| SJR31 | Designates second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey." | This Joint Resolution designates the second week of September of each year as "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey." Libraries are critical institutions and dynamic centers of lifelong learning that play a unique role in ensuring the public's right to know and empowering people from all walks of life to make informed decisions about the world around them. Libraries also play a key role in the national discourse on intellectual freedom and equity of access to information and are the cornerstone of our democracy. It is therefore appropriate to foster public pride and support of the State's libraries, promote awareness and use of their valuable resources, and recognize the many contributions of library professionals by establishing a "Library Awareness Week in New Jersey." | In Committee |
| S1650 | Establishes New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council in DHS. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Statewide Suicide Prevention Coordination and Oversight Council in the Department of Human Services. The purpose of the council will be to: (1) periodically survey and evaluate existing activities, programs, initiatives, and services related to suicide prevention efforts operating throughout the State; (2) develop standards and guidelines for suicide prevention entities operating in the State to report certain data to the council as required under the bill; (3) assist suicide prevention entities by providing standardized guidance, based on prevailing best practices, concerning the content of informational materials made available to persons who report an attempted or completed suicide; (4) provide guidance and assistance to suicide prevention entities concerning compliance with regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Human Services to implement the provisions of the bill; (5) serve as a centralized hub for reporting, analyzing, and retaining certain non-identifying and de-identified data collected from suicide prevention entities operating within the State, including: the individual's age, gender, race, and ethnicity; whether the suicide was completed; the method of attempted or completed suicide; the person's status as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, undesignated/nonbinary, questioning, queer, or intersex; the person's status a current or former law enforcement officer; the person's status as active or retired military; the municipality in which the attempted or completed suicide occurred; whether the person had previous involvement with a mental health professional or a professional specializing in the treatment of substance use disorders; and any other metric the council requires to be reported, provided that the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families, and the Attorney General have each approved collection of the additional metric by the council; (6) collect information from suicide prevention entities operating within the State concerning the entity's programs, activities, and initiatives related to suicide prevention and intervention, including any requests for proposals issued by the entity, any grants for which the entity applies and whether those grants involve State, federal, or private monies, and any other sources of State, federal, or private funding sought out by the entity; and (7) compile and make available to appropriate entities, including the Department of Health and other State and federal authorities authorized to acquire such data and related information, certain data collected by the council, as well as the council's findings and recommendations related to completed suicides and suicide attempts, provided that any data or other information furnished by the council to another entity does not contain any private or personal identifying information, and the data and other information is furnished in a manner that is not violative of State or federal privacy laws. With regard to the entities that are subject to the reporting requirements under the bill, the term "suicide prevention entity" is defined to mean any entity operating under imprimatur of State authority that engages in activities related to suicide prevention or collecting data specific to attempted and completed suicides, regardless of whether the entity was established by statute, regulation, or executive or administrative action. The council will consist of 25 members, including: the Commissioners of Health, Human Services, Children and Families, Corrections, and Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, the executive director of the Juvenile Justice Commission, the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, the Executive Director of the Board of Directors of NJ Transit, the Chief State Medical Examiner, the assistant commissioner of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, the chair of the Governor's Council on Mental Health Stigma, and the Chief Technology Officer of the Office of Information Technology, or their designees, who will serve ex officio; (2) four public members appointed by the Governor, three of whom are to be faculty members at institutions of higher education who have expertise in the area of mental health, and one of whom is to be either a law enforcement officer in the Office of the Attorney General with expertise related to suicide or a mental health professional; (3) four public members appointed by the President of the Senate, one of whom is to have experience as a mental health professional in the private sector with experience in youth suicide prevention and counseling, one of whom is to have experience as a psychiatrist in the private sector in the provision of services to elderly persons, one of whom is to be a person who identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, undesignated/nonbinary, questioning, queer, or intersex, and one of whom is to be a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor who is also a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with individuals in crisis; and (4) four public members appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, two of whom are to be current or former mental health professionals with experience providing services in a secondary school, one of whom is to be a survivor of suicide or have a family member who has been affected by suicide, and one of whom is to have experience as a primary health care practitioner. The public members will serve for a term of five years. The council will be required to issue an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature containing a summary of the data compiled by the council that includes aggregate demographic information about persons who attempt or complete suicide and any findings made by the council concerning attempted and completed suicides. The report will include recommendations for legislation or administrative or other actions as may be necessary to facilitate the accurate and efficient collection of data and promote more effective suicide prevention and intervention activities, programs, and initiatives. | In Committee |
| S1383 | Enhances certain reporting and disclosure concerning State tax expenditures. | This bill enhances certain reporting and disclosure requirements regarding State development subsidies, including tax expenditures. Under current law, the Executive branch of State government is required to review and evaluate certain State development subsidies, including tax expenditures, to determine if the tax incentives have met expectations. State tax expenditures and preferences are special or selective tax relief or benefits authorized by law that are designed to accomplish certain public goals by forgoing State tax dollars to the direct benefit of certain taxpayers. The relief or benefit provided through tax expenditures typically is intended to encourage investment, create jobs, and facilitate economic development or to relieve the tax on certain favored or important products, services, or financial decisions. This bill enhances the current review and evaluation required of the specific goals, purposes, and objectives that each State tax expenditure is intended to achieve. The bill requires an enhanced annual evaluation of specific data collection and improved reporting requirements imposed upon the recipient of tax expenditures, the comprehensive presentation of the State costs of development subsidies, including tax expenditures, and review of the specific data and baseline measurements to be collected and remitted in each year that a tax expenditure is in effect, necessary to measure any change in performance indicators for evaluation of the overall benefit of tax expenditures, and a return on investment analysis. The bill amends the definition of "development subsidy" to increase the threshold of a reportable subsidy from $25,000 to $100,000 for purposes of the Development Subsidy Job Goals Accountability Act. The bill also prohibits the granting body or State Treasurer or any current or former employee of either, or any person who has secured information, from divulging, disclosing, examining for any reason other than required in the performance of official duties, or using for their own personal advantage information obtained from the applications submitted to granting bodies pursuant to that act and from the progress reports filed pursuant to that act. The bill modifies the definition of "State tax expenditure" in section 1 of the bill to specify that for purposes of the State tax expenditure report, currently required by law to be transmitted to the Legislature as part of the Governor's annual budget message, State tax expenditures are those revenue losses attributable to provisions of State tax law which deviate from the generally applicable tax structure. Currently, State tax expenditures are defined as those revenue losses attributable to provisions of State tax law which establish special tax treatment. The bill also changes the definition of "tax expenditure" in section 2 of the bill to make the definition of tax expenditure used in the Development Subsidy Job Goals Accountability Act consistent with the definition of "State tax expenditure" for purposes of the State tax expenditure reporting requirements in section 1 of the bill. The bill requires that each recipient entity of a development subsidy include on their progress reports to the granting body, information concerning the recipient's supplier diversity goals and policies, including amounts paid, during the previous fiscal year for products and services supplied by a female business, a small business, a minority business, or a veteran-owned business as defined by the bill. Further, the supplier diversity information provided is to be summarized and included in the annual Unified Economic Development Budget Report, prepared by the State Treasurer and transmitted to the Legislature as part of the Governor's Budget Message. The bill also requires that the annual State tax expenditure report detail instances in which the benefit of a particular State tax expenditure exceeds 10 percent of the recipient's State tax liability. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment. | In Committee |
| S1494 | Establishes crime of law enforcement officer choking another person; designated as George Floyd's Law. | This bill establishes a first degree crime of a law enforcement officer choking another person. Under the bill, a law enforcement officer who knowingly places pressure on a person's throat, windpipe, or carotid artery, thereby hindering or preventing that person's ability to breathe, or interfering with the flow of blood from the person's heart to the brain, is guilty of a crime of the first degree. First degree crimes are punishable by a prison term of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. On June 5, 2020, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General issued notice that it will ban police departments from using chokeholds, carotid artery neck restraints, or similar tactics, except where deadly force is necessary. This bill prohibits these chokeholds. The bill is designated as George Floyd's Law, after George Floyd, who died while being choked by a Minneapolis law enforcement officer during an arrest for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. | In Committee |
| S1193 | Allows voter registration at polling place on election day or at early voting site during early voting period. | This bill allows for voter registration at polling places on election day or at early voting sites during the early voting period. Under current law, a person must register to vote at least 21 days before the election. This bill allows a person who has not registered to vote by that deadline to register at a polling place on the day of the election or at an early voting site during the early voting period. This bill also allows a person to cast a provisional ballot if the person has registered to vote within the period of 21 days before the election if the person can affirm that the person has not previously voted in that election. If the county commissioner of registration is not able to verify the person's Motor Vehicle Commission New Jersey driver's license number or non-driver identification number, or the last four digits of the person's Social Security Number, the county commissioner of registration will notify the person by mail, e-mail, or telephone within 24 hours that they must provide valid identification no later than 48 hours prior to the final certification of the results of the election in order for their ballot to be counted. | In Committee |
| S1608 | Broadens eligibility for certain civil service and pension benefits for veterans by eliminating requirement of service during specified dates or in specified locations. | This bill broadens the eligibility for certain veterans' benefits by eliminating the requirement that a veteran serve during specific wars or other periods of emergency, and, in certain instances, that a veteran serve in a war zone. Instead of service during specific dates or in specific locations, the bill requires federal active service in any branch of the United States Armed Forces or a Reserve component thereof. The benefits in the bill are (1) a civil service preference under Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes; (2) a veteran's retirement allowance under the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) or the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); and (3) the purchase of additional military service credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), TPAF, PERS, and the State Police Retirement System (SPRS). Eligibility for the civil service benefits for all veterans is contingent upon voter approval of an authorizing amendment to the State Constitution. | In Committee |
| S230 | Requires HMFA to establish "Sustainable Tiny Home Pilot Program" in three regions of State; appropriates $5 million. | This bill creates the "Sustainable Tiny Home Pilot Program" (pilot program) as a three-year pilot program to combat climate change and reduce the State's carbon footprint through the construction of small environmentally friendly homes. This bill requires the Executive Director of the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (executive director) in the Department of Community Affairs to select municipalities in three regions of the State to participate in the pilot program. The executive director also is to manage the pilot program to award grants to builders for the construction of housing developments consisting of homes having no greater than 300 square feet of interior floor space. The executive director, in consultation with the Commissioner of Community Affairs and the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, is to be required to adopt green building standards for tiny home dwelling units for the purposes of determining eligibility for a grant under the pilot program. Under the bill, any tiny home dwelling unit constructed in accordance with this pilot program is to be considered a permitted use in all residential districts of a pilot municipality. This bill appropriates $5 million from the general fund, of which the executive director would distribute $1.65 million during each of the three years the pilot program is in operation to qualified builders for the construction of housing developments consisting of tiny homes. The executive director is to be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the pilot program's progress in decreasing the State's carbon footprint and combating global warming. | In Committee |
| S609 | Excludes farmland from definitions of "redevelopment area" and "rehabilitation area" in "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law." | This bill would amend the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law," P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.), to specify that farmland is not a redevelopment area or an area in need of redevelopment under that law. Specifically, this bill amends the definitions of "redevelopment area" and "rehabilitation area" used in the law to specifically exclude any land actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use that is valued, assessed, and taxed pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (C.54:4-23.1 et seq.). The classification of productive farmland as an area in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation under the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law" is detrimental to the State's agricultural economy. Retaining productive farmland is critically important to New Jersey, nicknamed "The Garden State," as agriculture is one of the State's largest industries. | In Committee |
| S1491 | Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act," P.L.1958, c.143 (C.43:3B-1 et seq.), for members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, the Judicial Retirement System, the Public Employees' Retirement System, the Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System. Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al), signed into law on June 28, 2011, cancelled the automatic, annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of these State-administered retirement systems. COLAs protect retirement benefits against erosion by inflation, the ills of which were addressed by the Legislature, both for the individual and the State, with the enactment of the "Pension Adjustment Act" in 1958. Without the annual adjustment, retirees and beneficiaries will gradually see significant reductions in their purchasing power. The loss of COLAs will impact their everyday lives, and, over time, make it harder to afford more necessary elements of living, such as out-of-pocket medical costs, groceries, and utility bills. Retirees and beneficiaries will find it more prudent, or perhaps necessary, to leave this State for other states with a comparably lower cost of living. For the State, such outbound migration will result in the loss of the economic activity of those retirees and beneficiaries, and any tax revenues concomitant with such activity. In addition, New Jersey's fiscal outlook may be further strained by the retirees and beneficiaries who remain. These persons will continue to slip further downward on the socioeconomic scale. In some cases, they will require, or at the least become eligible and utilize, greater levels of public assistance under the many taxpayer funded social programs administered by the State, counties, and municipalities, requiring more revenues to meet this increased demand. In the interests of the retirees and beneficiaries of the State-administered retirement systems, and the State, this bill reinstates the automatic COLAs for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act." | In Committee |
| S1012 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having service-connected permanent disability; extends eligibility to veterans suffering from mental illness; establishes eligibility of property owned by disabled veteran with surviving partner for exemption. | This bill revises current law regarding the property tax exemption provided to totally disabled, honorably-discharged veterans who incur a 100 percent service-related disability during their service in the United States Armed Forces. Proportional Property Tax Exemption Under current law, veterans who are not 100 percent totally and permanently disabled are not eligible to receive a proportional property tax exemption. This bill allows all honorably-discharged veterans who have a service-related disability rating resulting from their service in the United States Armed Forces, including those who receive a 100 percent disability determination, to receive a proportional property tax exemption in an amount equal to the degree of their service-connected, permanent disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). A veteran who was determined by the VA to be 100 percent totally and permanently disabled due to a service-related disability would continue to receive the full property tax exemption under the current exemption statute. Broadening of Eligibility The bill extends eligibility for the property tax exemption to veterans granted a disability rating due to mental illness. The bill broadens the eligibility criteria for the property tax exemption granted to surviving civil union partners and domestic partners of disabled veterans. The bill extends the property tax exemption to the surviving civil union partner or domestic partner of a disabled veteran until such time as the surviving partner enters into a new civil union, establishes a new domestic partnership, or remarries. The bill also allows the surviving civil union partner or domestic partner to receive the property tax exemption when a disability declaration is granted after the veteran's death. Under current law, only the surviving spouse of a veteran who at the time of death was entitled to the exemption is entitled to receive the same exemption. This bill provides that an eligible surviving spouse, surviving civil union partner, or surviving domestic partner of a deceased disabled veteran, after filing a proper claim with the municipal tax collector, shall be exempt from all property taxation in the succeeding year. | In Committee |
| S999 | "Manufacturing in Higher Education Act"; requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to manufacturing industry. | This bill requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to the manufacturing industry. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, Commissioner of Education, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and representatives of the business community, will promote and support the implementation of the manufacturing career pathway offered through the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce Development to provide students interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing with the instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing or advanced manufacturing sectors. The manufacturing career pathway will include traditional and advanced manufacturing processes and methods of production including, but not limited to, the machinery, technology, tools, and equipment used in a wide range of manufacturing industries. The bill establishes a "Higher Education Manufacturing Grant Program," to be administered by a three-person commission which will include the Secretary of Higher Education, a representative of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, and a representative of the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. The commission will annually award $10 million to New Jersey institutions of higher education, proprietary institutions, and county vocational school districts for the purpose of establishing or expanding programs in the manufacturing fields, and marketing and promoting current programs in the manufacturing fields. Under the bill, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, will designate an existing or newly hired employee of the Business Action Center in the Department of State to act as a liaison between the State and manufacturing businesses located in this State. The duties of the liaison will be to assist manufacturing businesses by:· advertising manufacturing businesses' products or services nationally and internationally through the Business Action Center; · establishing a business referral service where manufacturing businesses may be referred to other State, federal, or private business resource organizations; and· identifying and promoting opportunities throughout the State for postsecondary pathway programs to actively reskill and upskill the current workforce to better meet the needs of manufacturing fields. The Secretary of State is to work with State departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities to direct resources, create incentives, and provide technological, financial, and workforce development opportunities for manufacturing businesses. The bill also establishes in the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, the New Jersey Advanced Manufacturing Council. The council will consist of 11 members who are individuals with experience in the fields of labor, education, or workforce development or training. The bill directs the council to:· convene and enable industry-led, private-public partnerships focused on engaging New Jersey institutions of higher education in manufacturing innovation;· design and implement an advanced manufacturing initiative to facilitate collaboration and information sharing across State departments and agencies;· assist private companies to enhance technological transfer in New Jersey manufacturing industries to help companies overcome technical obstacles to scaling up production of new technologies; and· submit an annual report to the Governor, to the Legislature, and to the State Employment and Training Commission, of its assessments and recommendations to enhance State policy related to the advanced manufacturing industry in New Jersey. | Dead |
| S1552 | Requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts and establishes uniform age requirement for enrollment in kindergarten. | This bill requires all school districts to provide full-day kindergarten programs for their students. If a school district does not currently provide a full-day kindergarten program, and is classified in district factor groups A, B, CD, or DE, then the district would be required to begin offering such a program by the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year. All other school districts would be required to provide such a program by the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year. The bill also establishes a uniform age requirement for a student to enroll in kindergarten. Under current law, each school district determines the date by which a child must attain the age of five years in order to enroll in kindergarten. Under the bill, a child would have to be five years old by October 1 of the school year in order to enroll in kindergarten. | In Committee |
| S1399 | Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions. | This bill allows county clerks to begin canvassing early votes cast during the early voting period, and county boards of elections to begin canvassing mail-in ballots, before election day under certain conditions. However, the bill excludes provisional and emergency ballots from being counted during the early canvassing process for early votes and mail-in ballots: Under current law, early votes cast during the early voting period may not be canvassed or counted until the polls close on election day. Similarly, mail-in ballots may begin to be canvassed or counted on election day. Under this bill, county clerks are permitted to begin canvassing each early vote no earlier than 24 hours after the conclusion of the early voting period. The bill also allows county boards of elections to open the inner envelopes of mail-in ballots no earlier than five days prior to election day and may begin canvassing each mail in ballot from the inner envelopes no earlier than three days prior to election day. The bill provides that the Secretary of State can establish guidelines concerning the canvassing process to ensure the security and secrecy of the votes cast. The canvassing results would remain confidential and be disclosed only in accordance current law, regulations, and guidelines concerning the disclosure of election results. The bill prohibits the disclosure of the canvassing results prior to the close of polls on the day of the election. Under current law for mail-in ballots, any person who is authorized to receive and canvass completed mail-in-ballots who knowingly discloses to the public the contents of a mail-in ballot prior to the time designated by law for the closing of the polls for each election is guilty of a crime of the third degree. This bill extends the same penalties to the disclosure of early voting results. The bill also requires the board of elections to transmit the media for the early vote canvass to the county clerk no later than the opening of the polls on election day. The bill further requires the county board of elections to transmit the media containing the canvass of mail-in results to the county clerk no later than one hour following the close of the polls. The bill also provides, to the extent capable, the scanning and tabulation system for mail-in ballots to restrict the generation of any tabulation or results report to system administrators only and prohibits administrator passwords from being shared. The bill further prohibits tabulation and results reports from being generated before 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election, and, to the extent such system is capable, requires each county board of elections to submit to the Division of Elections no later than 24 hours following the close of the polls on the day of the election a complete copy of the scanning and tabulation system's audit log. The bill provides that the results from the early canvassing process for mail-in ballots be reported as a separate columns alongside the columns for election day results and early voting results: The bill also requires that the county clerks rather than the board of elections certify the results of the votes cast for members of the county committees to the respective municipal clerks following the canvass of mail-in ballots. | In Committee |
| S1987 | Permits victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify in criminal proceedings via closed circuit television; permits judge to make motion to seek closed circuit testimony. | This bill would permit all victims and witnesses of human trafficking to testify in criminal proceedings via closed circuit television. Under current law, victims and witnesses of human trafficking involving sexual activity, among others, are permitted to testify via closed circuit television. Also under current law, the victim or witness, the prosecutor, or the defendant or their counsel may make a motion seeking closed circuit testimony. The bill would also permit a trial judge to make a motion. | In Committee |
| S1389 | Requires notification to consumers of collection and disclosure of personal data by certain entities. | This bill imposes requirements on certain entities (i.e., controllers) that determine the purposes and means of processing personal data. However, the provisions of the bill would only apply to controllers, which conduct business in the State or produce products or services that are targeted to residents of the State, and which control or process the personal data of a minimum number of consumers each year. The bill requires a controller to provide notice to consumers of the collection and disclosure of "personal data," as that term is defined in the bill, to third parties. The bill also sets forth various requirements concerning the information that is required to be included in this notice. The bill also imposes other requirements and limitations on controllers regarding the processing of personal data, including limiting the collection and processing of personal data, taking reasonable measures to protect personal data, and obtaining consumer consent before processing certain data. Specifically, the bill imposes additional restrictions on the processing of sensitive data, as defined in the bill, or the processing of a child's personal data. Additionally, the bill requires a controller that processes personal data for purposes of targeted advertising, the sale of personal data, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning a consumer to allow consumers to exercise the right to opt-out of such processing through a user-selected universal opt-out mechanism. The bill permits a consumer to authorize another person to act on the consumer's behalf to opt out of the sale of personal data. The bill prohibits a controller from discriminating against a consumer if the consumer chooses to opt out of the processing for sale, targeted advertising, or profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects of the consumer's personal data, provided certain exceptions. The bill requires a controller to complete data protection assessments, as described in the bill, and to make such assessments available to the Division of Consumer Affairs. The bill provides that a processor, in addition to a controller, has certain duties under the bill. A processor is required to cooperate with a controller so that a controller remains in compliance with the bill. Under the bill, the consumers of a controller may submit a verified request to exercise any rights established under the bill. The bill requires a controller to respond to each verified request within 45 days, except as extended in certain circumstances. Any information provided in response to a verified request would be provided free of charge, except that a controller may charge a fee for a second or subsequent request submitted within a 12-month period. The bill also requires a controller to establish a process for consumers to appeal the controller's refusal to take action on a request. The bill also establishes certain consumer rights concerning personal data, including the right to: confirm whether a controller may process or access the consumer's personal data; correct inaccuracies in the consumer's personal data; delete personal data concerning the consumer; obtain a copy of the consumer's personal data held by the controller in a portable format; and opt out of the processing of personal data for the purposes of (i) targeted advertising; (ii) the sale of personal data; or (iii) profiling in furtherance of decisions that produce legal or similarly significant effects concerning the consumer. | Dead |
| S1592 | Adopts State definition of Islamophobia for certain civil and criminal purposes. | This bill adopts the first-ever State definition of Islamophobia in New Jersey and in the nation. Attacks on persons who are Muslim or perceived to be Muslim have grown significantly since September 11, 2001. From 2014 to 2019, there were 10,015 anti-Muslim bias incidents, which included 1,164 anti-Muslim hate crimes. This rise in Islamophobic sentiment is widely acknowledged by the American people, as a 2019 study by Pew found that most American adults (82%) say that Muslims are subject to at least some discrimination in the United States today. According to the FBI, approximately 19% of religion-based incidents from 2015-2019 were against Muslims, who make up only about 1% of the United States population. Furthermore, the United States Attorney General has commented that since September 11, 2001, the Justice Department has led more than 1,000 investigations into "anti-Muslim hatred" acts and bigoted behavior that have led to more than 45 prosecutions. According to a 2017 Pew Poll, while perceptions of religious groups improved overall in 2017, Muslims rated most negatively of all religious groups, scoring a 48 out of 100. New Jersey ranked among the top 10 states for anti-mosque incidents according to the ACLU, including multiple incidents against Muslim persons and Muslim institutions. This bill provides a State definition of Islamophobia modeled in part after the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), which is composed of British Parliament Members of both the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Awareness of this definition of Islamophobia will increase understanding of the parameters of contemporary Islamophobia crime and discrimination. Under the bill, the definition of Islamophobia in the bill would not include any criticism of any Muslim-majority country similar to that leveled against any other country. The bill provides that in reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts under the civil or criminal laws of this State, a public official or law enforcement officer is required to take into consideration the definition of Islamophobia contained in this bill for the purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by Islamophobia and discriminatory anti-Muslim intent. Nothing contained in this bill is to be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution, and nothing in this bill is to be construed to conflict with local, State, or federal anti-discrimination laws or regulations. | In Committee |
| S149 | Eliminates shellfish license fee for veterans and active duty service members. | This bill exempts honorably discharged veterans and active duty members of the U.S. military from the resident's recreational shellfish license fee. Currently, New Jersey residents under the age of 62 are required to pay a $10 license fee for the license, which allows them to harvest shellfish such as hard and soft clams, surf clams, oysters, bay scallops, and mussels during the summer months. Licensees may harvest up to 150 shellfish per day for non-commercial use. | 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 |
| S344 | Establishes School Safety and Security Task Force. | This bill establishes the School Safety and Security Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study and develop recommendations to improve school safety and security, and to ensure a safe learning environment for students and employees. The task force consists of 15 members as follows: the Commissioner of Education, or a designee; the Director of the Office of Homeland Security, or a designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, or a designee; seven members appointed by the Governor including one each from the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, the New Jersey Education Association, the New Jersey School Boards Association, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities, the New Jersey Public Charter Schools Association, the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, and the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; and five members of the public, three of which have demonstrated expertise in the development or implementation of school security standards or technology, one of which is an active or retired law enforcement officer, and one of which is an active or retired mental health professional. The members of the public will be appointed by the Governor, upon consideration of the recommendations of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly. It is the duty of the task force to identify potential breaches of security in the public schools, and make recommendations to improve school safety and security. The issues studied by the task force include: (1) placing screening systems at school entrances; (2) stationing school resource officers in each school building; (3) improving response times to emergency situations, including lockdowns, active shooter, and bomb threats; (4) requiring advanced student and visitor identification cards; (5) using biometric, retina, or other advanced recognition systems for authorized entrance into school buildings; (6) the effectiveness of installing panic alarms in school buildings to alert local law enforcement authorities to emergency situations, required under "Alyssa's Law"; (7) scheduling periodic patrols of school buildings and grounds by local law enforcement officers; (8) hardening the school perimeter and building entryways; and (9) considering strategies to ensure the needs of students with disabilities are reflected in all areas of emergency planning and response measures. Also under the bill, the task force is required to review and develop recommendations on building security and assessment standards for existing school facilities and new construction, including, but not limited to, standards for: (1) architectural design for new construction; (2) assessing and abating security risks in existing school facilities; (3) emergency communication plans; (4) staff training; and (5) addressing elevated risk factors, such as proximity to a chemical facility or nuclear power plant. The task force is required to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations, including any recommended legislation, to the Governor and the Legislature no later than six months after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire upon the issuance of the final report. | Dead |
| S1566 | Prohibits placing primary election candidates into political party lines on primary ballot. | The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the placement of primary election candidates on the ballot used in the election onto political party lines or onto a particular row or in a column that indicates endorsement by a particular political party or a faction of a particular political party. Nothing in this bill would prohibit two or more candidates who are members of the same political party and are seeking the same office party or public office from being grouped or bracketed together in a primary election. | In Committee |
| S1990 | Requires transportation network company drivers to complete anti-human trafficking training course. | This bill requires transportation network company (TNC) drivers and applicants to complete an anti-human trafficking training course, which is to be approved by the Attorney General. A TNC is required to provide the anti-human trafficking course prior to the approval of an applicant and to current TNC drivers within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The anti-human trafficking training course may be provided via web based video or digital format and is required to include: (1) an overview of human trafficking, including how human trafficking is defined; (2) guidance on the role TNC drivers play in reporting and responding to human trafficking; and (3) information on how to report suspected human trafficking. Upon completion of the anti-human trafficking training course, a TNC driver is required to certify to any TNC whose digital network the driver uses that the driver completed an anti-human trafficking training course. If a driver fails to provide a TNC with the required certification, the TNC is required to prohibit the driver from utilizing the TNC's digital network to provide rides until the driver submits the required certification. The bill also requires each TNC to create a list of drivers who did not provide the required certification. Completion or failure to complete the anti-human trafficking training course will be noted in the individual record of each TNC driver and maintained by the TNC. | In Committee |
| S1384 | Requires annual State debt affordability analysis be included in State Debt Report. | This bill requires the State Debt Report to include an affordability analysis to provide executive and legislative policymakers a clear, data-driven framework for evaluating and establishing future State debt management and issuance priorities. The purpose of the bill is to enable a more fully informed fiscal policy discussion on the State's long-term debt portfolio to ensure sufficient financial capacity for essential capital projects. The annual State Debt Report includes all forms of debt including general obligation debt, all forms of State tax-supported debt outstanding, including, but not limited to, appropriations-backed contract bonds issued by State independent authorities, other debt issued by a State conduit bond-issuer, debt and obligations issued by the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund Authority, the New Jersey Transit Corporation, any other transportation authority established by State law, capital leases and installment obligations, all items comprising long-term liabilities as recorded in a schedule of long-term debt changes (bonded and non-bonded) in the State's comprehensive annual financial report, the unfunded actuarial accrued liability for State administered retirement systems, and the unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities for post-retirement medical and other benefits. The bill requires the State Debt Report to include a detailed metric-based analysis and written narrative discussion of the State's ability to afford an increase in each form of its overall debt and the affordability of the amount of any such increase. The affordability analysis that will apply to each form of State debt will include:? An estimate of revenues generally or specifically available for the next 10 fiscal years to pay debt service; ? An estimate of additional debt issuance for the next 10 fiscal years for the State's existing borrowing programs;? A schedule of the annual debt service requirements, including principal and interest allocation, on outstanding State debt and an estimate of the annual debt service requirements on the additional debt projected for existing borrowing programs for each of the next 10 fiscal years;? The calculations and listing of pertinent debt ratios, including, but not limited to, debt service to State revenues available to pay debt service, State debt per capita, debt as a percentage of Statewide personal income, debt as a percentage of the valuation of assessed property, debt as a percentage of State gross domestic product, and debt per capita for the State's net tax-supported debt;? The estimated debt capacity available over the next 10 fiscal years benchmarked to various debt ratios of debt service to State revenue exceeding current actual percentages;? A comparison of the State's debt ratios with the comparable debt ratios for the 10 most populous states, 10 states with comparable economic conditions, 10 states with the most similar debt management characteristics, 10 states with the most similar state tax structures, and for states receiving the highest general obligation credit ratings by at least three major credit rating agencies;? An overview of the State's general obligation credit rating and the credit ratings of all debt and obligation issuers included in this debt report and a review of the criteria used by municipal securities rating services in rating governmental obligations; and ? Such other information as the Commission on Capital Budgeting and Planning deems relevant to the foregoing matters. The bill requires State agencies, independent authorities, and other entities issuing debt secured by State revenue, or assisting in the issuing of that debt, or included in this debt report to provide all information determined necessary by the commission to complete the debt affordability analysis. In an effort to finance essential capital projects for the benefit of State residents at favorable borrowing terms, the State must strive to establish a stable and improved credit standing with investors. Authorizations of state debt must take into account the ability of the State to meet its total debt service requirements in light of other demands on the State's fiscal resources. This bill will assist the Executive and the Legislative branches to exercise a long view of full, fiscally relevant and future-looking analysis of debt affordability to exercise prudence in undertaking the authorization and issuance of debt. The bill also requires the commission to transmit to the Governor and the Legislature its annual detailed capital project plan that it submits to the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury. | In Committee |
| S1409 | Revises number of qualified disabled veterans' businesses required to designate set-aside contract from three to two. | This bill revises the number of qualified disabled veterans' businesses required to set aside a contract under the "Set-Aside Act for Disabled Veterans' Businesses" from three businesses to two businesses. Designating set-aside contracts for disabled veterans' businesses is difficult given the relatively low number of registered disabled veterans' businesses in this State. Neighboring states as well as the federal government use a "rule of two" when designating set-aside contracts for disabled veterans' businesses. This bill updates New Jersey's requirements to reduce the number of businesses needed to designate a set-aside contract from three to two. | Dead |
| S1948 | Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure. | This bill revises the reporting requirements for transfers of nursing home ownership and assignments of substantial management control over a nursing home to a third party entity. Specifically, the bill requires nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home and third party entities exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, to provide an organizational chart identifying: parent entities and wholly-owned subsidiaries; principals that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home; and unrelated parties that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home that are paid $200,000 or more by the nursing home. In the case of an applicant for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home, these disclosures will be based on expectations with regard to services, facilities, supplies, and payments. For applications for transfer of ownership of a nursing home, the organizational chart is to be posted on the Department of Health's (DOH's) Internet website, along with a copy of the transfer of ownership application, which is currently required to be posted on the DOH's website. The bill removes a current provision of law that allows applicants for transfers of ownership to prepare and submit a summary of the application information that omits proprietary information and can be used for public disclosure purposes. The bill additionally removes a provision of current law that provides nothing in a transfer of ownership application may be used in an adverse licensure or disciplinary action against the applicant. The bill revises the current requirements for approval of a transfer of ownership application to provide that approval is contingent on review of the applicant's history of disciplinary actions involving facilities owned, operated, or managed by the applicant in both New Jersey and in any other jurisdiction; under current law, this review is limited to New Jersey facilities. Under current law, approval is additionally conditioned on payment of outstanding and issued Medicaid audit claims and penalties issued by the Department of Health (DOH); the bill adds as a condition of approval that there be payment of all Medicaid overpayments, and requires payment of any State-issued penalty, not just those issued by the DOH. The amended bill further specifies that, if any Medicaid overpayments are identified after the transfer of ownership occurs, the new owner will be required to submit an affidavit to the DOH and to the State Comptroller identifying the responsible party for the overpayments. The bill revises the mandatory components of the annual reports nursing homes are required to submit to the DOH to additionally require balance sheets include information concerning equity, and statements of operations include specifically itemized expenses related to leases of land, buildings, and equipment, loans of equipment, and contracts in excess of $10,000 per year for any service, as well as details concerning any mortgagee for the land or building used by the nursing home. The reporting requirements will also include information concerning the owners and operators of related parties to the nursing home and entities other than a nonprofit organization that have an ownership interest of five percent or more in a private equity fund that is invested in the nursing home. The bill revises the threshold for reporting certain interested party transactions from $2,500 per year to $10,000 per year. The bill further requires enhanced disclosure of the owners and principals of the owners, management companies, and related parties to a nursing home, including the owners and principals of holding and parent companies and subsidiaries, as well as limited liability companies. The bill further revises the current financial disclosures required for nursing home owners and operators, to require the submission of an owner-certified financial statement that: 1) is reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant and performed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in effect the day the application or statement is submitted; and 2) includes: a balance sheet detailing the assets, liabilities, and equity the end of the reporting entity's fiscal year; a statement of income, expenses, and operating surplus or deficit for the annual fiscal period; a statement of changes in equity; a statement detailing patient revenue by payer, including, but not limited to, Medicare, NJ FamilyCare, and other payers, and revenue center; a statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to, ongoing and new capital expenditures and depreciation; a combined financial statement that includes all entities reported in the owner-certified financial statement; and any other information, data, and documents as may be required by the Commissioner of Health or the State Comptroller. The bill specifies that an owner-certified financial statement required under P.L.2021, c.457 (C.26:2H-46.3 et seq.) is to meet the requirements for owner-certified financial statements established under the bill. The bill further specifies that a health care system consisting of more than one nursing home will be required to submit owner-certified financial statements that consolidate the financial data across all nursing homes that are a part of that health care system, together with a statement of operations or income with respect to each nursing home in the health care system, which statements of operations or income may be submitted in a supplemental schedule. A nonprofit nursing home that files a copy of its most recent Internal Revenue Service Form 990 Public Inspection Copy with the DOH and the State Comptroller, and a nursing home that files with the DOH and the State Comptroller a cost report with an audited financial statement that has been submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, may each be deemed to have satisfied all or part of the requirements of an owner-certified financial statement established under the bill. For applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities seeking to delegate management of a nursing home, this information will be included with certain materials that current law requires be provided to the Department of Health (DOH). The bill expands the disclosure requirements under current law to additionally reference limited liability companies, which will be required to make the required disclosures for each member of the limited liability company. The bill revises a current requirement for nursing homes to submit certain information to the DOH within 90 days after the end of the fiscal year to require the information be submitted 150 days after the end of the fiscal year. The DOH will be required to immediately transmit submitted nursing home reports to the State Comptroller. All information submitted under the bill with regard to transfers of ownership, annual reporting, and delegations of substantial management control, is to be certified under penalty of perjury that the information is accurate and complete. All information submitted will additionally be deemed a public record. The bill revises the current penalties that apply for failure to make a required report or for submitting false information. Current law authorizes a civil penalty of $10 to $100 per day for each day the report is not filed or corrected. The bill revises the civil penalty to up to $200 per day, makes the penalties discretionary, and authorizes the DOH to curtail resident admissions to the nursing home. The bill provides that the State Comptroller, in consultation with the DOH and the Department of Human Services, will be authorized to monitor, review and audit owner-certified financial statements in accordance with certain existing statutory authorities, and will be authorized to obtain information and testimony, issue reports, make referrals, and coordinate with and require the cooperation of State agencies in the same manner as permitted under those existing statutory authorities. The bill grants the DOH and the State Comptroller express authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the bill, and the authority to issue temporary notices to implement the bill, which notices will be valid for no more than one year after the date the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| S1440 | Increases amount of gross income tax exclusion for gains from sales of principle residences. | This bill increases the amounts excludable from gross income tax for gains from sales of principle residences. The limits on the excludable amounts are doubled from $250,000 to $500,000 for single filers and from $500,000 to $1,000,000 for joint filers. The current limits were incorporated into the New Jersey gross income tax law in 1998 and have not been changed since. The median United States home sale price from 2000 to 2022 has increased by 147 percent while inflation over the same period has risen by 67 percent. Home prices outpace inflation rates because homes are consistently in demand but are limited by strained supplies and finite amounts of land on which to build them. Qualifying for the exclusion is based on federal guidelines, which requires a taxpayer to have sold the taxpayer's principal residence in New Jersey and to meet the criteria under the Ownership Test, the Use Test, and the Additional Home Test. To satisfy the Ownership Test, a taxpayer must have owned the residence for two or more years during the five-year period ending on the sale date. To meet the Use Test, the taxpayer must have lived in the home as the taxpayer's principal residence for two or more years during the five-year period ending on the sale date. Finally, to satisfy the Additional Home Test, the taxpayer must not have excluded a gain from another home during the two-year period ending on the sale date. Several other federal requirements will continue to apply under this bill as under current law New Jersey law, but the total allowable exclusions will be doubled with a goal of allowing the maximum exclusion amounts to keep up with inflation and other factors that impact the average long-term growth in residential home sale prices. | In Committee |
| S1396 | Establishes requirements for State entities to enter into bulk purchasing arrangements for pharmaceutical products. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury to review all State pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements, contracts, and initiatives, and consider options to maximize the State's bargaining power with regard to pharmaceutical products and pharmacy services, which may include recommending appropriate statutory, administrative, or executive action. The director will be required to create and maintain a list of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that may appropriately be prioritized for bulk purchasing initiatives or reexamined for potential renegotiation with the manufacturer, which list shall be reviewed and updated by the director at least annually. The director's determination as to which prescription drugs, devices, and biological products are to be prioritized will include: consideration of the price of the drug, device, or biological product; the extent to which therapeutically-equivalent alternatives are available; and the 25 prescription drugs, devices, or biological products that represented the highest cost to the State in the prior calendar year, based on total purchases by State programs and entities. If any of the 25 highest-cost prescription drugs, devices, or biological products is not recommended for prioritization, the director is to provide a written explanation as to why the drug, device, or biological product was not recommended for prioritization. The current prioritization list will be posted on the Internet website of the Division of Purchase and Property. The director is to use the prioritization list to, in coordination with the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Corrections, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, the State Treasurer, the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services, the State Health Benefits Commission, the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, and any other appropriate State departments, divisions, offices, agencies, programs, and entities as may be designated by the director, develop and implement bulk purchasing arrangements for high-priority drugs. The director will additionally be required to develop outreach efforts and establish processes for county and local governments, as well as private purchasers, including small businesses, health benefits plans, and self-insured individuals and entities, to benefit from State bulk pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements. Commencing 18 months after the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, the director will be required to report to the Governor and to the Legislature concerning implementation of the bill, including, but not limited to: the specific drugs, devices, and biological products that are subject to bulk purchasing arrangements; the effects of bulk purchasing arrangements on the price and consumer availability of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that are subject to a bulk purchasing arrangement; an analysis as to whether bulk purchasing arrangements have affected the price and consumer availability of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that are not subject to a bulk purchasing arrangement; and any participation in, and any benefits realized by, county and local governments and private purchasers in association with a bulk purchasing arrangement. | In Committee |
| S201 | Establishes Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program; authorizes BPU to transfer up to $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program. | This bill would establish the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing (REEF) program in the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB). The purpose of the REEF program would be to provide loans and other forms of financial assistance, as the NJIB deems appropriate, to State entities, local units, and school districts to finance cost-effective energy efficiency improvements in buildings and other property owned or operated by the State entities, local units, or school districts. The NJIB would also be authorized to provide loans and other financial assistance directly to a private entity for an energy efficiency improvement project sponsored and guaranteed by a local unit. A State entity, local unit, or school district seeking financial assistance under the REEF program would be required to apply to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in a form and manner determined by the BPU. The BPU, in consultation with the NJIB, would develop criteria for the approval or disapproval of applications. As part of the application process, an applicant would be required to perform an energy efficiency assessment of the buildings or other property owned or operated by the applicant. The assessment would identify the energy efficiency improvements that could be installed and operated in the buildings or other property at a total cost that is less than the energy cost savings, in the form of lower energy bills, realized by the applicant over the lesser of a 10-year period or the useful life of the energy efficiency improvement. Upon approval of an application, subject to the availability of funds, the NJIB would make loans or other forms of financial assistance to the applicant to finance all or a portion of the cost of the energy efficiency improvements identified in the assessment. The loans and other forms of financial assistance would be made subject to terms and conditions determined by the NJIB. The installation or contract for the installation of the energy efficiency improvements would be required to address provisions concerning payment schedules, monitoring, inspection, measuring, and warranties as are necessary to ensure that the energy efficiency improvements installed and operated in the building or other property are cost-effective. The bill establishes in the NJIB a special, nonlapsing fund to be known as the Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Fund. Monies in the fund would be used by the NJIB to make loans and other financial assistance under the bill, and for administration of the REEF program. The fund would be credited with: (1) moneys obtained from the payment of principal and interest on loans made under the bill; (2) moneys transferred to the NJIB from the BPU under the bill; (3) any other moneys appropriated by the Legislature or made available to the NJIB for the purposes of the bill; and (4) any interest earnings or other investment income earned or received on the moneys in the fund. Under the bill, in next the State fiscal year after the bill's enactment and each year thereafter, the BPU would be required to transfer to the NJIB up to $20 million from available balances accumulated in accounts of the BPU from funds collected through the societal benefits charge (a surcharge imposed on all electric and gas public utility customers in the State) for the purposes of the REEF program. The BPU and the NJIB would be authorized to enter into any contract deemed necessary to implement the payment arrangement between the two entities. The BPU, in consultation with the NJIB, would be required to develop a priority system for energy improvement projects and establish ranking criteria and funding policies for the energy efficiency improvement projects to be funded under the program. The BPU would be required to set forth a "Renewable and Efficient Energy Financing Program Project Priority List" for funding by the NJIB each fiscal year. Finally, the BPU and the NJIB would be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the effectiveness of the program in promoting energy efficiency and energy cost savings for State entities, local units, and school districts. | In Committee |
| S1418 | Directs DOE to establish advertising campaign to attract candidates to teaching and education support professions; appropriates $1 million. | This bill directs the Department of Education, in consultation with the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, to establish a multimedia advertising campaign to attract candidates to the teaching and education support professions. The campaign will promote the teaching and education support professions as engaging, dynamic, and rewarding career opportunities. The campaign is required to promote financial support opportunities for those seeking careers in the teaching and education support professions and to use a combination of digital outlets, television, radio, print, and other media for its purposes. The department, in developing and administering the general advertising campaign, is also required to create targeted advertising to increase the recruitment of teachers and education support professionals: (1) from underrepresented racial groups; (2) into high-demand fields, including special education, teaching careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) field, world languages, bilingual education, and any other high-demand fields identified by the Commissioner of Education; and (3) into high-demand fields of education support professions, as identified by the commissioner. The bill appropriates to the Department of Education the sum of $1,000,000 which will, to the extent permitted by federal law, be paid for from the funds received by the State under the federal "American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act," Pub.L.117-2 to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2241 | Extends child care subsidies to families earning up to 300 percent of federal poverty level; appropriates funds. | This bill raises the annual household income limit for determining initial income eligibility under the State's subsidized child care assistance program. Currently, initial eligibility determination in the State's subsidized child care assistance program is limited to families that report a maximum annual gross family income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is $55,500 for a family of four in 2022. However, according to the most recent ALICE Report by the United Ways of New Jersey, the average ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - Household Survival Budget in the State was $88,224 for a family of four in 2018. In 2018, 37 percent of New Jersey's 3.2 million households struggled to make ends meet, with 27 percent of these households categorized as ALICE households. This bill raises the maximum initial income eligibility, and subsequent redetermination income eligibility, for the State's subsidized child care assistance program to 300 percent of the FPL, which is $83,250 for a family of four in 2022. The Commissioner of Human Services will be required to establish and utilize at least four tiers to determine initial income eligibility and placement on the Division of Family Development's co-payment schedule for child care services under the State's subsidized child care assistance program. The bill specifies that nothing in its provisions precludes the commissioner from establishing a child care assistance income threshold that is higher than 300 percent of the FPL. The bill additionally appropriates such sums as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill, which appropriation will be in an amount determined by the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to approval by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Department of the Treasury. | In Committee |
| S995 | Establishes "Household Water Assistance Program"; appropriates $75 million. | This bill would require the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to establish the "Household Water Assistance Program" (program). The purpose of the program would be to provide affordability assistance for water, sewer, and stormwater utility services, to eligible households throughout New Jersey. Under the bill, "eligible households" means a household regardless of the federal immigration status of the members of the household that: (1) has an income at or below an adjusted gross income to be determined by the department, which shall be equal to or greater than 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines; (2) has individuals residing in the eligible household who are receiving the following: (a) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; (b) Supplemental Security Income payments under title XVI of the Social Security Act; (c) food stamps; (d) payments under section 415, 521, 541, or 542 of the title 38, United States Code, or under section 306 of the "Veterans' and Survivors' Pension Improvement Act of 1978;" or (e) payments under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; (f) benefits under the Universal Service Fund; (g) benefits under the Lifeline Credit Program; (h) benefits under the Tenants' Lifeline Assistance Program; (i) benefits under the Winter Termination Program; (j) benefits under the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program; or (k) benefits as defined under P.L.1997, c.14; or (3) can demonstrate either temporary or ongoing financial hardship according to the department. Additionally, the bill defines "water system" to include all of the following: (1) a public community water system, as that term is defined by section 3 of P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-3); (2) a stormwater utility established pursuant to P.L.2019, c.42 (C.40A:26B-1 et seq.); and (3) an authority, as defined in P.L.1983, c. 313 (C.40A:5A-3), municipal public utility, as defined in P.L.1960, c.169 (C.40A:1-1), or public utility, as defined pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1983, c.78 (C.48:2-13.1), that provides sewer service. The bill provides that the program would provide the following types of financial assistance: (1) direct assistance; (2) assistance to renters and other households who do not receive a bill from a water system but pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water system service; (3) water crisis intervention assistance; (4) water efficiency, leak detection, and plumbing repair measures for eligible households; and (5) debt relief for arrears, including arrears accrued prior to implementation of the program. The commissioner is required to coordinate the program with any existing assistance programs and in developing the program, the commissioner would consider adapting elements of one or more existing low-income energy assistance programs, including the Universal Service Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The bill provides that in administering the program, the commissioner is required to consult and coordinate with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities and the Household Water Assistance Advisory Group to develop and publish performance metrics that are disaggregated by utility name, type of water service provided, municipality, and zip code, which include enrollment levels water shutoffs for inability to pay, and on-time payment levels. The bill would establish a "Household Water Assistance Advisory Group" to advise the commissioner in the development of the program. The advisory group would include representatives of each of the following entities, to be appointed by the Governor: a public community water system that is not a public utility; a public community water system that is a public utility; a stormwater utility once created; an authority or municipal public utility that provides sewer services; three representatives of non-governmental organizations; a member from the public that comes from an eligible household; at least one technical assistance provider, such as organizations that support the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or other low income utility assistance programs; at least one local agency or non-profit organization that manages multifamily housing serving low-income residents; at least one person with technical expertise in measuring the affordability of water services; at least one municipal official appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities; and at least one county official appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Association of Counties The bill provides that the commissioner would be required to consult, coordinate, and collaborate with the advisory group on certain matters. The bill would also require the commissioner to annually adopt an expenditure plan for assistance to be provided under the program through the "Water Rate Assistance Fund" (fund) created pursuant to the bill. The fund would be a non-lapsing fund to contain monies appropriated annually by the Legislature, federal and other grants received by the State, and any other monies made available to fund the water affordability assistance required to be provided in the bill. The bill provides that no later than one year after the enactment of this bill, BPU would be required to establish a mechanism for public utilities that provide electric or natural gas services to regularly share data with the department regarding customers currently enrolled in low-income energy assistance programs. Additionally, the commissioner would be allowed to enter into agreements with municipal public utilities that provide electric or natural gas service, for the purposes of regularly sharing data with the department regarding utility customers enrolled in, or eligible to be enrolled in, affordability programs benefiting low-income households. The board and the commissioner would be required to ensure that the data shared and collected under the bill would be subject to existing confidentiality protections provided under State law. The bill would appropriate $75 million to the fund within the department for the purpose of administering the program from the funds provided to the State by the United States government under the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," Pub.L. 117-2. | In Committee |
| S1398 | Increases disclosure of political contributions by business entities with public contracts; creates uniform law for contributions by such entities; repeals local option to set contribution limits for business entities. | This bill modifies the current law regulating the awarding of public contracts to business entities that make campaign contributions, commonly referred to as the "pay to play" law. Specifically, the bill provides that political party committees, namely the State committee of a political party or any county or municipal committee of a political party, would no longer be barred from receiving a contribution from a business entity seeking to enter into or holding a contract with the State, or a State agency, a county or municipality. Instead, a business entity seeking to enter into or holding a public contract would be barred from making a contribution to a political committee, or continuing political committee, in addition to candidate committees and legislative leadership committees. In addition the bill would: 1) create one uniform "pay to play" law applicable at all levels of government, including the Executive Branch, State authorities, the Legislative Branch, counties, and municipalities, and to add sections covering local elective boards of education and fire districts; 2) eliminate provisions of existing law that exclude contracts awarded pursuant to a "fair and open process" from "pay to play" proscriptions and provide instead that only contracts that are valued at $17,500 or less will be excluded; 3) increase the amount that may be contributed by business entities from the current $300 to $1,000; 4) modify the definition in the law of the term "business entity" to match the definition set forth in Governor Corzine's Executive Order No.117 of 2008; 5) modify the disclosure requirement for business entity that contracts with a single State agency, or a county, municipality, independent authority, board of education, or fire district for $17,500 or more and makes a contribution of money or other thing of value to an independent expenditure committee to disclose all such contributions; and 6) add a definition of "independent expenditure committee" for the purpose of the reports required to be made by business entities of their contributions. As part of these changes to create a uniform "pay to play" law, the bill repeals sections of law that: 1) prohibit a government aggregator that is a county or municipality from awarding a contract to a licensed power supplier if that supplier has made a contribution to the committee of any candidate for public office; 2) apply "pay to play" in the context of State Executive Branch contracting; and 3) allow local governments to adopt their own "pay to play" ordinances and policies. | In Committee |
| S1643 | Makes $250,000 supplemental appropriation to New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders for pediatric clinical services at Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University. | This FY 2024 supplemental appropriation provides $250,000 to the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) to support diagnostic assessments and counseling services for children at the Tourette Syndrome Clinic of Rutgers University, New Brunswick. The clinic, established jointly by the NJCTS and the Rutgers University Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), provides psychological assessments, social-emotional skills groups, and individual and family therapy for children, adolescents, and adults with Tourette Syndrome. The clinic offers sliding scale rates for services delivered to individuals and families with demonstrated financial need. According to a 2022 data from the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of every 50 children between the ages of five and 14 years have a persistent tic disorder, including Tourette Syndrome. | In Committee |
| S1444 | Prohibits sewerage authority from imposing connection fee in certain circumstances. | This bill would encourage redevelopment of obsolete or vacant property by prohibiting a sewerage authority from imposing a new connection fee if the property being redeveloped was previously connected to the sewerage system for 20 or more years. This exclusion would apply although:· the property has not been in active use for a period of time since initial connection to the sewerage system, or · the redevelopment project proposes an addition, alteration, or change of use to the property, even if the proposed addition, alteration, or change of use requires a modification and relocation of an existing connection to the sewerage system. The bill would also require a sewage authority to reimburse the fee for a new connection, paid in protest by the owner or occupant of the property, that was imposed by the authority prior to the effective date of the bill. The Legislature has, in the past, recognized, and continues to recognize, the value and benefit to the public of redeveloping obsolete properties and vacant properties. The policy of the State encourages redevelopment of obsolete properties and vacant properties. Many redevelopment sites have been connected to public sewerage systems for years. In some instances, past and present owners of such sites have already contributed economically to the sewerage systems either through direct cash payments, past connection fees, or past service fees. In these instances, requiring the redeveloper of obsolete or vacant property to pay a new connection fee, which may reach into the millions of dollars, is inequitable, even if a new connection, or modification of an existing connection, is required, because the new connection fee inhibits redevelopment efforts. | In Committee |
| S1985 | Legalizes growing or possessing up to six marijuana plants for personal recreational use, and up to 10 plants for personal medical use, by persons aged 21 or older. | This bill would make it legal for a person aged 21 or over to grow and possess certain amounts of marijuana for personal use. P.L.2021, c.16, which legalized the personal use of cannabis, provides that possession of six ounces or less of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, is not subject to any punishment, as this possession is not a crime, offense, act of delinquency, or civil violation of law. Under the enactment, possession of more than six ounces of marijuana, including any adulterants or dilutants, constitutes a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months or a fine of up to $10,000 or both. P.L.2021, c.16 does not make it legal for a person to grow their own marijuana for personal use. Under the bill, growing or possessing marijuana plants for personal recreational use or personal medical use by a person aged 21 or older would also not be a crime, offense, act of delinquency, or civil violation of law. The bill would apply under the following circumstances: (1) A person aged 21 or older may grow or possess up to six marijuana plants for personal recreational use, with a maximum of 12 plants per household; and (2) A qualifying patient as defined in section 3 of P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-3), aged 21 or older, or a designated caregiver, as defined in section 3 of P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-3), aged 21 or older, on behalf of the qualifying patient, may grow or possess up to 10 marijuana plants for personal medical use, with a maximum of 12 plants per household. | In Committee |
| S125 | Allows corporation business tax credits as incentives for redevelopment of distressed shopping centers. | This bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) to establish a program to certify taxpayers that make retail investments to redevelop partially or completely vacant shopping centers in New Jersey as eligible to receive a corporation business tax credit of up to $15,000, but not exceeding the amount of 50 percent of corporation business tax owed by the taxpayer. The bill defines a retail investment as expenses of at least $5,000 incurred to make improvements to existing distressed shopping centers provided that such improvements are necessary, as determined according to standards established by the authority, to attract retail tenants to lease vacant properties and that the lease of such vacant properties are a benefit to the community. The bill defines distressed shopping centers as shopping centers of at least 35,000 square feet of retail rental space, with at least three retail establishments that have been at their location for at least 10 years and shall have had, for the year prior to the year for which the shopping center's developer is first deemed eligible by the authority to receive a credit, an average rate of vacancy during that year of at least 35 percent of the total retail square footage available for lease during that year. | In Committee |
| S1983 | Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. | This bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including restrictions that limit the ability of APNs to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia, and establishes new requirements for APNs to prescribe medications. The bill expressly provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, an APN with greater than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice will be authorized to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider. With regard to prescribing medications, the bill requires the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and satisfying continuing professional education requirements related to pharmacology and prescribing controlled substances. An APN with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be permitted to prescribe medication only if a formal joint protocol with a physician or experienced advanced practice nurse is in place. The bill revises the requirements for APNs to authorize patients for medical cannabis and to issue written instructions for medical cannabis, to provide that the APN will only be required to meet the requirements set forth under the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.). Those requirements include: possessing active State and federal registrations to prescribe controlled dangerous substances; being the health care practitioner responsible for the ongoing treatment of a patient's qualifying medical condition; and complying with various other requirements for issuing written instructions for medical cannabis. The bill further provides that every APN who is an APN-Anesthesia and who has completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be authorized to practice as an APN-Anesthesia to the full scope of practice for APNs-Anesthesia, without any requirement for supervision by a licensed physician and without any requirement that the APN-Anesthesia enter into joint protocols with a licensed physician. The bill provides that any State law or regulation that requires the signature or similar endorsement of a physician will be deemed to require the same of an APN, to the extent consistent with an APN's scope of practice. The bill revises and repeals certain sections of law that are obviated by the changes made under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1885 | Broadens eligibility for certain veterans' benefits by eliminating requirement of service during specified dates or in specified locations. | This bill broadens the eligibility for various veterans benefits by eliminating the requirement that to be considered a veteran a person must have served during periods of war, in specific war zones, or during periods of emergency. Instead, the bill provides that a person will be considered a veteran if he or she served for at least 90 days, exclusive of certain types of initial training, in order to be eligible for veterans benefits. The bill specifies that to be considered a veteran and eligible for veterans benefits, a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces (including the National Guard) must serve the entire period to which he or she is called to federal active service, exclusive of active duty for training. A person who is discharged as the result of a service-connected disability will be classed as a veteran even if he or she did not meet the 90-day service requirement. The veterans benefits include: (1) civil service preference under Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes; (2) veteran's retirement allowance under the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) or the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); (3) the purchase of additional military service credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), TPAF and PERS; (4) the annual property tax deduction provided under Article VIII of the New Jersey Constitution ($250 each tax year) or the property tax exemption provided under N.J.S.A.54:4-3.30 for a veteran who is certified permanently 100% disabled by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs; and (5) surviving spouse benefits for veterans killed in active service, including civil service preference and the property tax deduction or exemption. The bill provides that an active service member of the United States Armed Forces or a current member of a military reserve component (including the National Guard) who has not been discharged from service is eligible for the civil service preference and the property tax deduction provided that he or she qualifies as a veteran. Eligibility for the property tax benefits and civil service preference is contingent upon voter approval of authorizing amendments to the State Constitution. Article VIII, Section I, paragraph 3 (concerning property tax benefits) and Article VII, Section I, paragraph 2 (concerning civil service preference) of the State Constitution currently refer to service in time of war. The bill repeals a section of existing civil service, pension and tax law regarding wartime service which is no longer necessary because of the elimination of the wartime service requirement. | In Committee |
| S1419 | Concerns structural integrity regulations for certain residential buildings. | This bill, supplements the "State Uniform Construction Code Act" (UCCA) to require that certain covered buildings, which are limited to condominiums and cooperatives, and plans be inspected and reviewed by a structural inspector, as defined in the bill, during the building's pre-construction, construction, and post-construction phases. In addition, this bill assures that planned real estate developments have adequate reserve funds to make certain required maintenance repairs to building components and common areas. Specifically, this bill supplements the UCCA to require that a structural inspector, designated by the construction permit applicant or, in the absence of a designation, chosen by the enforcing agency, review the construction plans submitted with a construction application, set forth an inspection schedule to confirm that the primary load bearing system conforms to the building plans, and issue a written report which determines whether the primary load bearing system conforms to the building plans. A certificate of occupancy is not to be issued under this bill until the structural inspector's report confirms that the construction of the primary load bearing system of the building is in conformance with the approved construction plans. Further, a certificate of occupancy is not to be issued under this bill if the construction permit applicant does not state at the time of application, or prior to the first occupancy creating a condominium or cooperative, that the building is to be a condominium of cooperative, until the required inspections have occurred. Similarly, this bill precludes the issuance of a certificate of occupancy until any necessary repairs, renovations, alterations, or modifications to the structural components of a covered building are made pursuant to the inspector's report. Under the bill, certain timelines for inspections are dependent on when a certificate of occupancy was issued. Any additional cost to the enforcing agency incurred as a result of inspections required under this bill are to be recovered through a fee associated with the construction application. In addition, this bill requires that a planned real estate development undertake a capital reserve study to identify and assess the adequacy of the association's capital reserve funds to meet the anticipated costs associated with maintaining the structural integrity of the buildings that the association is obligated to maintain. This capital reserve study is to be conducted by a credentialed reserve specialist, or licensed engineer or architect, and is to include an analysis of certain provisions enumerated in the bill. In addition, this bill requires that a planned real estate development create and fund a plan to ensure that adequate reserve funds are available to repair or replace one or more components of common elements and facilities that the association is obligated to maintain without need to create a special assessment or loan obligation. The bill also allows an planned real estate development's executive board to adopt an assessment payable by the owners over one or more fiscal years, or obtain a loan on terms as the board determines to be reasonable, when necessary to fund the cost of corrective maintenance of the primary load bearing system of the planned real estate development. Prior to adopting the assessment, the board is to be required to obtain a written report from a licensed engineer or architect explaining that the failure to undertake corrective maintenance of the primary load bearing system would produce certain results enumerated in the bill. The bill requires that the developer of a planned real estate development prepare a document setting forth a schedule for the preventative maintenance tasks to be undertaken by the association over the life of the common area components, including, but not limited to, periodic inspections of the structural components of the buildings or common areas that the association is obligated to maintain. This document is also to be made available to prospective purchasers or owners of units, parcels, or other interests of the planned real estate development. This preventative maintenance document is to also be updated pursuant to the specifications of any structural inspections or reports performed under the UCCA. | Dead |
| S1969 | Establishes Office of Child Advocate. | This bill establishes the Office of the Child Advocate in, but notof, the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill provides that the child advocate would seek to ensure the provision of effective, appropriate, and timely services for children at risk of abuse and neglect in the State, and that children under State supervision due to abuse or neglect are served adequately and appropriately by the State. The Office of the Child Advocate would be deemed a child protective agency for the purposes of N.J.S.A.9:6-8.10a. The bill allows the Child Advocate to: investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate any State agency response on, or disposition of, an allegation of child abuse or neglect in this State; inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of juvenile detention centers, resource family homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, shelters for the care of abused or neglected children, shelters for the care of juveniles considered as juvenile-family crisis cases, shelters for the care of homeless youth, or independent living arrangements; and any other public or private residential setting in which a child has been placed by a State or county agency or department; review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by any State agency providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children in State or institutional custody, or children who receive child protective or permanency services; review, monitor, and report on the performance of State-funded private entities charged with the care and supervision of children at risk of abuse or neglect by conducting research audits or other studies of case records, policies, procedures, and protocols, as deemed necessary by the child advocate to assess the performance of the entities; receive, investigate, and make referrals to other agencies or take other appropriate actions with respect to a complaint received by the office regarding the actions of a State, county or municipal agency, or a State-funded private entity providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect; hold a public hearing on the subject of an investigation or study underway by the office, and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the child advocate deems appropriate; establish and maintain a 24 hour toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring problems to the child advocate, both individual and systemic, in how the State, through its agencies and contract services, protect children; and intervene in or institute litigation, or intervene in or institute administrative proceedings before any department, commission, agency, or State board, to assert the broad public interest of the State in the welfare of children and to protect and promote the rights of children. The bill provides that the Child Advocate would seek to ensure the protection of children who are in an institution or resource family home by reviewing, evaluating, and monitoring the operation and activities of the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in DCF. The bill also provides that the Child Advocate would report annually to the Governor, Commissioner of Children and Families, and Legislature on: the activities of the office; priorities for children's services that have been identified by the child advocate; and recommendations for improvement or needed changes concerning the provision of services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, and are in State or institutional custody, or receive child protective or permanency services by State agencies and State-funded private entities, and make the annual report available to the public and post the report on DCF's website. | In Committee |
| S698 | Expands Community College Opportunity Grant Program to include career and technical education programs at county colleges and county vocational schools. | This bill expands eligibility for the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program to include career and technical education programs offered at county colleges and county vocational schools. Under current law, the CCOG Program provides last-dollar grants to eligible county college students to pay for the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees that are not covered by any other need-based grants and merit scholarships. Grants provided by the program cover up to 18 credits in any semester for courses towards an associate's degree, certificate, or a three plus one degree program. The bill expands the CCOG Program to students enrolled in at least six credits of a career and technical education course or program at a county college for a maximum of six semesters of eligibility. The bill also expands the CCOG Program to adult students enrolled in a career and technical education course or program longer than four months in duration at a county vocational school for a maximum of two years of eligibility. Programs and courses permitted under the bill are to prepare a student to earn a license or industry-recognized certification or to take a nationally-recognized exam. Under the bill, grants provided by the program cover up to the recognized equivalent of 18 academic credits in a postsecondary career and technical education course or program as determined by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. | In Committee |
| S1302 | Requires architects disclose insurance coverage. | This bill provides that an architect shall disclose to any other party to a contract for architectural services the type of professional liability insurance carried by the architect. The disclosure shall be made prior to the parties entering into an agreement for architectural services. In addition, the bill requires that any architect entering into a public contract for architectural services is required to carry errors and omissions insurance. | 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 |
| S2012 | Requires certain public schools that receive State aid to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 AM. | This bill provides that, in order to receive any State aid pursuant to the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" or any other law, a school district, charter school, renaissance school project, county vocational school district, or county special services school district that includes grades 9 through 12 will be required to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 AM. | In Committee |
| S806 | Permits purchase of service credit in PERS, TPAF, PFRS, and SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy. | Under current law, a period of service in the United States Armed Forces qualifies as military service that a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF), the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and State Police Retirement System (SPRS) may purchase for retirement purposes. This bill permits the purchase of the period of enrollment in a United States military service academy. The four service academies affiliated with the United States military educate young people to serve as commissioned officers in the various branches of the United States Armed Forces. They are the only academies whose students are on active duty in the United State Armed Forces from the day they enter the academy, with the rank of cadet and midshipman and subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The military service academies are the United States Military Academy, Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, and the Coast Guard Academy. | In Committee |
| S1436 | "New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act"; provides rental assistance and case management services for certain young adults leaving foster care or kinship care; appropriates $10 million. | This bill would establish the "New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Act" to provide rental assistance and case management services for certain young adults leaving foster care or kinship care. The bill directs the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to establish the New Jersey Fostering Success Voucher Program (voucher program) to provide rental assistance vouchers and case management services to eligible young adults. In order to be eligible to obtain rental assistance vouchers and services through the voucher program, the bill requires a young adult to:· be between 18 and 26 years of age;· have been in foster care or kinship care;· be experiencing homelessness, or at imminent risk of homelessness, and have voluntarily agreed to participate in services offered and provided by a case management agency;· reside in the State; and· have an income that does not exceed standards established in the bill. Rental assistance vouchers would be provided in amounts comparable to those amounts and standards established for the State rental assistance program pursuant to P.L.2004, c.140 (C.52:27D-287.1 et al.). A young adult who receives a rental assistance voucher would be required to participate in case management services provided by a case management agency that meets standards established in the bill. The bill requires a case management agency to make reasonable efforts to engage a program participant, and support the participant in coming into compliance with the program requirements prior to terminating services. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill on or before the first day of the seventh month following enactment. The bill would appropriate $10 million from the General Fund to DCA for the implementation of the program. | In Committee |
| S1988 | Eliminates statute of limitations for prosecution of human trafficking crimes. | This bill would eliminate the statute of limitations for prosecution for the crime of human trafficking. Currently, under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:1-6 there is no statute of limitations for prosecutions for the following crimes: murder; manslaughter; sexual assault; and criminal offenses arising from violations of certain environmental statutes concerning widespread injury or damage. Prosecution for other crimes, such as human trafficking, must be commenced within five years, except for certain crimes enumerated in the statute such as: (1) bribery and official misconduct offenses which must be commenced within seven years; (2) criminal sexual contact or endangering the welfare of a minor which must be commenced within five years after the victim attains the age of 18 or two years after discovery, whichever is later. Prosecutions for disorderly persons offenses must be commenced within one year after they are committed. By eliminating the statute of limitations for human trafficking crimes, the prosecution for these crimes may be commenced at any time rather than within five years after it is committed. | In Committee |
| S2071 | Requires five-year average of equalized property valuation be used in calculation of local share under State school funding formula. | This bill makes changes to the calculation of a school district's local share in determining the district's State school aid. Under current law, a district's local share is calculated by multiplying the district's prebudget year equalized valuation by the Statewide property value rate, divided by two, and adding this to the product of the district's income and the Statewide income rate, divided by two. This bill amends the calculation to use the district's average equalized valuation over the preceding five school years instead of the district's prebudget year equalized valuation. | In Committee |
| S816 | Expands purpose of Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by eligible individuals in accessing support group meetings. | This bill expands the purpose of the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by an eligible individual in accessing support group meetings. Under the bill, support group meetings mean any gathering of individuals with traumatic injuries who congregate in order to obtain information and perspective, relative to their injuries, and to improve their general well-being. Pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:141-1.11, the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund currently provides payment to an eligible individual for transportation services related to accessing medical appointments, treatment facilities, or vocational programs. The Traumatic Brain Injury Fund purchases supports and services for eligible New Jersey residents of any age, who have survived a traumatic brain injury, to foster independence and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources, or public programs are unavailable to meet those needs. A portion of the fund also is used to support public education, outreach, and prevention activities related to traumatic brain injuries. A $.50 surcharge on motor vehicle registration fees generates revenue for the fund. | In Committee |
| S362 | Allocates 10 percent of Green Acres funding to local government units for development of completely inclusive playgrounds. | This bill provides that 10 percent of the Green Acres funding provided for grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects would be allocated as grants for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds by local government units. The "Preserve New Jersey Act" implements the constitutional dedication of corporation business tax (CBT) revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. For State fiscal years 2017 through 2019, the act provides that of the 60 percent of dedicated CBT revenues allocated each year for the Green Acres program: 55 percent shall be used for State open space acquisition and development projects; 38 percent shall be used for grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects; and 7 percent shall be used for grants to fund open space acquisition and development projects undertaken by qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Currently, the Green Acres program requires all development projects to comply with all applicable federal and State requirements of the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" and "barrier free" codes. This bill would provide that of the funding for local government open space acquisition and development projects, 10 percent would be allocated as grants for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds, including the retrofitting of existing playgrounds, by local government units. The bill further provides that a grant by the State for development of a completely inclusive playground by a local government unit that is not an urban aid municipality would be for 50 percent of the cost of development of the playground. This bill would provide that a portion of Green Acres funds be specifically allocated for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds by counties and municipalities. | In Committee |
| S1301 | Concerns discriminatory appraisals of property on basis of race, creed, color, national origin, or certain other characteristics. | This bill concerns discriminatory appraisals of property on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, or certain other characteristics. Under the bill, named the "Fair Appraisals Act," holders of an appraisal license, certificate, or appraisal management company registration, will be subject to fines or have their licenses, certificates, or registrations suspended or revoked, if the holder is found to have discriminated in the appraisal of real estate on the basis of the actual or perceived race, creed, color, national origin, affectional or sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, disability, or other characteristic listed pursuant to New Jersey's "Law Against Discrimination" of the property buyer, property owner, agents of the property buyer or owner, or present owners or occupants of the properties within the neighborhood of the property subject to appraisal. Any appraisal of real estate found to be discriminatory shall be void and of no effect and the holder of the license, certificate, or registration shall be required to make restitution of the cost of the discriminatory appraisal. If the State Real Estate Appraiser Board suspends a holder of a license, certification or registration, then the board is required to notify the holder of the board's rationale in writing. The board must also provide opportunity for a hearing to be held in accordance with the State's Administrative Procedure Act. Additionally, prior to the initiation of a property appraisal, a holder of a license, certification or registration is to provide a property owner or agent of the property owner with a document, given free of charge and in a form and manner prescribed by the State Real Estate Appraiser Board, informing the property owner of the opportunity to report, through the Division on Civil Rights within the Department of Law and Public Safety Internet website or telephone number, any suspicion of a discriminatory appraisal by the holder of a license, certificate, or registration pursuant to the provisions of the bill. When receiving a report of an alleged discriminatory appraisal, the Division on Civil Rights shall ascertain the basis for the allegation and solicit from the complainant relevant demographic information, including but not limited to, the identity of the complainant within the characteristics listed under the bill. The complainant may provide the demographic information solicited by the division on a voluntary basis. Information concerning the prohibition of discriminatory appraisals of property, including the statutory basis for the prohibition, is to be published on the Division of Consumer Affairs website. The bill requires a licensed real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson to provide, upon first interaction with a property owner or agent of the property owner, a free document informing the property owner of the opportunity to report any suspicion of a discriminatory appraisal. The bill requires a property owner to provide, during a private sale of real estate and upon first interaction with a property buyer or agent of the property buyer, a free document informing the property buyer of the opportunity to report any suspicion of a discriminatory appraisal. The bill requires a licensed mortgage broker, real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or other mortgage salesperson to, within three days of receiving a mortgage loan application, provide a mortgage loan applicant with a document informing the applicant of the opportunity to report any suspicion of a discriminatory appraisal to the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety. | In Committee |
| S1432 | Establishes additional municipal review processes and procedures related to development of certain large warehouses; requires certain real property revaluations and reassessments. | This bill establishes new review processes related to applications for development of certain large warehouses, and requires certain real property revaluations and reassessments after completion of the large warehouse development. The bill's requirements would apply to development applications for a "large warehouse," which the bill defines as a large facility or site that: meets guidelines promulgated by the State Planning Commission (commission), and is designed predominantly for receiving and storing goods and materials before they are sold, used, or redistributed. Under the bill, a municipality's planning board upon receiving a development application for a large warehouse, and prior to considering the application, is to complete a special reexamination of the municipality's master plan and development regulations, and prepare and adopt a special reexamination report (report) for the purpose of incorporating the commission's guidelines, unless the master plan and development regulations were updated for that purpose within the prior 12 months. If a municipality's master plan and development regulations were not updated within the prior 12 months, the planning board would consider the number and nature of variances that were granted in the prior 12 months, pertinent to the application for development. A planning board is required to deliver the report to the municipal governing body within 90 days of the receipt of an application for development of a large warehouse, and upon receipt of a report, the municipal governing body may amend the municipality's development regulations in accordance with the report, within 90 days of the receipt of the report. The bill further specifies that such amendments are to be applicable to the previously submitted application for development of a large warehouse. Under the bill, the 45-day period for determining whether an application for development is complete, under section 5 of P.L.1984, c.20 (C.40:55D-10.3), is not to commence, for an application for development of a large warehouse that is subject to a report, until the 91st day following the governing body's receipt of a report. The bill further provides that if a municipality that has approved a large warehouse development project has not performed a municipal-wide revaluation or municipal-wide reassessment of all real property in the municipality within the 60 months immediately preceding the approval of the large warehouse development project, the municipality is to perform a municipal-wide revaluation or municipal-wide reassessment of real property within the municipality not later the 24th month following issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the large warehouse. | In Committee |
| S732 | Establishes Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program in EDA; appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds. | This bill establishes the "Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program" (grant program) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) for the purpose of providing grants to qualified applicants for the expansion and improvement of broadband telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of broadband telecommunications service in rural areas of the State. The bill requires the authority, in conjunction with the Board of Public Utilities (board) to establish and administer the grant program. In order to qualify for the grant program, a qualified applicant is required to submit certain information to the authority and demonstrate to the authority that certain criteria is met. As defined by the bill, "qualified applicant" means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, business entity, non-profit organization, political subdivision, or any other entity in the State that is authorized to construct or repair broadband telecommunications infrastructure or provide broadband telecommunications service within the State. Under the grant program, the authority may approve applications for the grant program on a rolling basis, subject to the availability of funds. However, the authority would be required to prioritize applications that address unserved areas. As defined by the bill, "unserved area" means an area in which customers are without broadband service at speeds of at least 25 megabits per second download and 3 megabits per second upload. Upon approval of an application, the authority would provide a grant, in the amount determined by the authority, to the qualified applicant to support the expansion and improvement of broadband telecommunications infrastructure and the provision of broadband telecommunications service in rural areas of the State. The grants provided under the grant program would be made to a qualified applicant in an amount not to exceed $75,000 per project, provided the qualified applicant would be required to contribute private capital, in an amount not less than 25 percent of the value of the grant, to finance the proposed project. To the extent permitted under federal law, a qualified applicant may use any monies received from the federal "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," to support the required contribution of private capital. Specifically, the bill requires these grants to be utilized for the acquisition, construction, equipment, and site-preparation costs associated with the deployment of broadband telecommunications infrastructure, as well as any other purpose related to the provision of broadband telecommunications service in rural areas of the State. The bill requires the authority to prepare and submit a report on the "Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Program" to the Governor and the Legislature within 12 months of the approval of the program's first qualified applicant and to make the report available on the authority's Internet website. The report would be required to include the number of qualified applicants that applied for the grant program, the number and names of the qualified applicants approved for the grant program, the total number of grants distributed, the amount received per qualified applicant, and any other information the authority determines necessary to evaluate the progress of the grant program. The bill also requires the authority to establish and maintain a non-lapsing revolving fund, which would be known as the "Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Fund." The revolving fund would serve as the repository of all monies used to support the grant program. Finally, the bill appropriates $2.5 million in federal funds to the authority for deposit into the "Rural Broadband Infrastructure Grant Fund." Specifically, this appropriation would be supported by certain federal monies provided to the State pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act." | In Committee |
| S1204 | "Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act"; doubles pension amounts for beneficiaries of certain deceased volunteer emergency service providers; provides for burial expenses and adjusts life insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters; permits fire code inspection surcharge. | This bill, designated as the "Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act," would double the survivor pension amounts that the State is required to pay to beneficiaries of volunteer firefighters, first aid workers, rescue squad workers, and emergency medical technicians who die as the result of injuries sustained while performing their duties. Additionally, this bill would require municipalities served by volunteer fire companies to pay reasonable funeral and burial expenses of an assured firefighter to the extent those costs are not covered by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association or a firemen's relief association. The bill also increases from $25,000 to $250,000 the maximum group life insurance policy coverage that a municipality may undertake or pay the premium for. Municipalities may raise funds to provide these benefits to volunteer firefighters by establishing a surcharge for each fire code inspection in the municipality. | In Committee |
| S1404 | Provides refundable gross income tax credit for early principal payments on certain home mortgages. | This bill provides for a refundable gross income tax credit for 50 percent of early home mortgage principal payments that taxpayers make in addition to their required monthly mortgage payments. Extra payments made in addition to home mortgage required monthly payments are required to be credited as a payment on the principal amount of the mortgage loan amount. The annual refundable tax credit is allowed up to $1,000 per year and can be claimed for up to 10 taxable years. This bill is modeled on federal legislation referred to as the Building Equity for the American Middle-Class Act (BEAM Act) that will encourage families to build equity in their home, pay down their home mortgage more quickly, thus creating more wealth while securing the American dream of homeownership. This bill will provide a gross income tax break that rewards middle class families that chose to more quickly pay down the principal amounts of their home mortgages. Mortgages eligible for this tax credit are purchase money mortgages or refinanced purchase money mortgages that must: (1) be for a primary residence, (2) be for a term between 15 and 30 years, and (3) require payments that are each the same amount and made in equal intervals during the term of the mortgage. The $1,000 limit on the amount of the credit phases down for single taxpayers who have taxable income between $125,000 and $135,000 and for married individuals filing jointly who have taxable income between $250,000 and $270,000. No credit is allowed for single taxpayers with taxable income over $135,000 and for married individuals filing jointly with taxable income over $270,000. Married individuals must file a joint return to claim the credit. | In Committee |
| S1380 | Establishes Civil Air Patrol Fund to be supported by annual appropriations of $100,000; appropriates $100,000. | This bill would create a "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Under the bill, the "Civil Air Patrol Fund" is a non-lapsing fund which is to be credited by all monies appropriated annually by the Legislature, federal and other grants received by the State and any donations made by members of the public. This bill would require an appropriation to the fund of $100,000 annually from the General Fund. The monies in the "Civil Air Patrol Fund" shall be used by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to provide support and funding to the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The bill also appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to implement the provisions of the bill. The Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1936 by Gill Robb Wilson, a World War I aviator and the New Jersey director of aeronautics. Wilson envisioned mobilizing America's civilian aviators for national defense and shortly after, launched his national program. The Civil Air Patrol was approved by the federal government and national recruiting began on December 8th, 1941. Since the program's inception, the Civil Air Patrol has played key roles in World War II, the Cold War, and national defense in a post-9/11 world. Today, the Civil Air Patrol continues to have a profound impact by aiding in mobilizations for COVID-19 by delivering supplies, building and staffing field hospitals and transporting vaccine vials. The Civil Air Patrol also develops pertinent new programs and new technology, such as multispectral imaging for post-disaster damage assessment. | 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 |
| S1442 | Modifies use of cooperative purchasing agreements by certain public contracting units for construction services; prohibits time-and-materials contracts in certain circumstances; allows indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity public contracts in certain circumstances. | This bill modifies cooperative purchasing requirements for construction services used by certain contracting units. Under current law, any contracting unit can make purchases and contract for services through the use of a nationally-recognized and accepted cooperative purchasing agreement when available and determined to have a cost savings. This bill requires that, for construction services for a public works project, cooperative purchasing agreements can only be used if the contract is awarded by a contracting unit in the State of New Jersey and is competitively bid in compliance with all requirements regarding public bidding, bid security, performance guarantees, insurance, and other public contracting requirements that are applicable to public works contracts. Public works projects undertaken by a contracting unit through a cooperative purchasing agreement would be subject to the "Public Works Contractor Registration Act" and the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act." The bill also prohibits the use of time-and-materials contracts that are available through a cooperative purchasing agreement by contracting units to undertake a public works project subject to the "Public Works Contractor Registration Act" and the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act." Additionally, the bill requires contracting units that award a contract for construction services for a public works project through a cooperative purchasing agreement to verify and maintain a copy of certain contractor contact information for prevailing wage enforcement purposes. The bill also allows a contracting unit to award indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contracts for goods or services, including public works, without final plans and specifications for an individual project, provided the bid advertisement for the contract promotes free, open, and competitive bidding and sets forth the process by which individual purchase orders may be issued. As used in this bill, "contracting unit" means any: County; Municipality; Special district; School district; Fire district; State college or university; Public research university; County college; Board, commission, committee, authority or agency, which is not a State board, commission, committee, authority or agency, and which has administrative jurisdiction over any district, included or operating in whole or in part, within the territorial boundaries of any county or municipality which exercises functions which are appropriate for the exercise by one or more units of local government, and which has statutory power to make purchases and enter into contracts awarded by a contracting agent for the provision or performance of goods or services; and New Jersey Transit Corporation. | In Committee |
| S58 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemptions. | The bill grants a property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability in proportion to their disability percentage rating. The exemption is only granted to those with a disability percentage rating of at least 30 percent, and the exemption is capped at $10,000. Those with a 100 percent disability percentage rating would still be allowed a 100 percent property tax exemption without a cap, as is the case under current law. In addition, the bill grants those honorably discharged veterans having less than a 100 percent service-connected disability, but who are unemployable, a 100 percent property tax exemption, which matches the current 100 percent property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a 100 percent disability percentage rating. As under current law, the bill allows the 100 percent property tax exemption to extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran. However, the newly allowed property tax exemption for a veteran with a less than 100 percent property tax exemption would not extend to the surviving spouse. The bill also eliminates all references to medical conditions so that any service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, will make a veteran eligible for the property tax exemption. Finally, the bill proclaims that the State shall annually reimburse taxing districts, including for administrative costs, for the property tax exemptions granted to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill includes reporting provisions so proper reimbursement can be made. | In Committee |
| S1002 | Directs DEP to develop State water infrastructure investment plan; requires NJ Infrastructure Bank to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects; appropriates $200,000 to NJ Infrastructure Bank. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prepare a State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan every five years. The bill would also require the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to publish additional information about water infrastructure projects in the State. No later than 12 months after the bill's effective date and every five years thereafter, the bill would direct the DEP, in consultation with the NJIB and, where appropriate, the Board of Public Utilities and the Department of Community Affairs, to prepare and submit to Governor and the Legislature a State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan (plan). The plan would serve as the State's long-term capital investment strategy for upgrading and maintaining the State's drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. The bill would establish various requirements for the contents of the plan, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 2 of the bill. In addition, each time the DEP prepares a plan, the bill would require the DEP to conduct at least three public meetings on the proposed plan, and meet with other stakeholders as described in subsection c. of section 2 of the bill. The bill would also require the NJIB to prepare an Annual Water Infrastructure Capital Program (annual program), which would provide details about current water infrastructure projects in the State. The annual program would be submitted to the Governor, Legislature, and the DEP. The bill would establish various requirements for the content of the annual program, as enumerated in subsection a. of section 3 of the bill. The bill would also require the NJIB to develop and maintain an Internet website that provides similar details about water infrastructure projects in the State. The bill would require the NJIB to update the website at least twice a year. In addition, the bill would establish various requirements for the content of the website, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 4 of the bill. In addition, the bill would require municipalities to review and consider any applicable recommendations of the current State Water Infrastructure Investment Plan before adopting or amending their municipal master plans. Finally, the bill would appropriate $200,000 to the NJIB to develop and maintain the website required under section 4 of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1412 | Allows small employers to claim tax credit for paying certain health benefits plan premiums. | This bill allows taxpayers with fewer than 20 employees to claim a tax credit if they pay for their employees' health benefits plan premiums for a health benefits plan that is at least as comprehensive as the essential health benefits requirements of the federal Affordable Care Act. A taxpayer will be entitled to a credit up to $250 for each employee enrolled in a single plan and $500 for each employee enrolled in a family plan. The employer may only claim the full amount of the credit if the employer pays the full premiums. The bill provides a reduced credit if the employer pays at least half of the amount of the premium. The credit will also be reduced to account for employees that are not enrolled for the full taxable year. | In Committee |
| S1434 | Provides reimbursement to emergency shelter following certain evictions. | This bill requires State reimbursement to an emergency shelter operator in event of an eviction action against a temporary guest. The bill clarifies that an operator of an emergency shelter may bring an eviction action against a shelter occupant for refusing to vacate the space in which the shelter occupant was authorized to stay after the duration of time authorized by section 2 of P.L.2013, c.204 (C.55:13C-2.2). In the event that the shelter occupant is evicted from the emergency shelter, the bill allows the operator of the emergency shelter to seek reimbursement from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for costs incurred and revenue forgone due to the shelter occupant refusing to vacate the emergency shelter while the eviction action was pending. The bill requires the reimbursement request form to include, at minimum, the name of the emergency shelter, the date range and the amount for which the operator is requesting reimbursement, and any supporting documents concerning the evicted person's refusal to vacate and subsequent eviction action. An operator of an emergency shelter would be required to submit a request for reimbursement to the Department of Community Affairs within 30 calendar days after the evicted shelter occupant is served a warrant for removal. The bill further requires DCA to provide reimbursements for qualifying costs. The bill includes a provision requiring annual appropriations from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs as necessary to effectuate the purposes of the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1426 | Requires request for proposal to establish demonstration program to develop electric vehicle charging depots serviced by distributed energy resource charging centers for certain electric vehicle use. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to develop a request for proposal (RFP) to determine eligibility for the establishment of a demonstration program (program). Under the program, approved applicants would develop electric vehicle charging depots, serviced by one or more distributed energy resource charging centers (charging centers), which would be used to charge electric vehicles. Under the bill, the electric vehicle charging depots would be developed within six regionally diverse locations within the State, except that at least one depot is required to be developed within the service territory of each electric public utility operating in the State. However, the EDA may approve the development of more than one electric vehicle charging depot within any one service territory. The bill also requires the RFP to describe, in detail, the requirements for the provision of electric vehicle charging depots; however, at a minimum, each depot is required to be capable of supporting very high, coincident peak vehicle electric loads. The EDA would also be required to establish guidelines for the approval, designation, operation, reporting, and re-designation of the program. Under the bill, applicants intending to establish a program would be required to submit certain information to the EDA. The bill also requires the EDA to give preference to applications for a program that: (1) is located within a brownfield; (2) provides an environmental justice net public benefit within a low-income, urban, or environmental justice community; (3) provides job creation and job training for disadvantaged persons; or (4) results in an expansion of the State's manufacturing base for an emerging clean transportation economy, and demonstrates collaboration with a State-certified educational training entity. Upon approval by the EDA, the bill requires approved applicants to enter into agreements with the EDA, which agreements contain certain information set forth in the bill. Within six months after the first approval for an application for a demonstration program, and every six months thereafter, the EDA would be required to submit a report to the DEP and BPU concerning the progress made by approved applicants. The bill also requires the EDA to annually post information from these reports on its Internet website. Additionally, the bill requires the BPU to incorporate any applicable information from these reports in the State's Energy Master Plan. Five years after the effective date of the bill, the EDA would also be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature concerning the results of the establishment of the program. Under the bill, the EDA may seek and accept gifts, donations, grants, or loans from private or public sources, including, but not limited to, any federal funding provided for the purposes of the demonstration program. However, the EDA may not accept a gift, donation, grant, or loan that is subject to any conditions that are inconsistent with any other law of this State. | Dead |
| S250 | Requires BPU to designate solar portion of critical renewable microgrid as solar energy project under Community Solar Energy Program; requires Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to designate certain microgrids as assets of importance. | This bill would require, no later than three months after the bill is enacted into law, the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop a program that would allow certain solar energy systems that are connected to a critical renewable microgrid to be designated as solar energy projects and eligible for incentives under the permanent Community Solar Energy Program, established pursuant to subsection f. of section 5 of P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.11). A solar energy system that is approved for designation in the program would be eligible for SREC-IIs at the monetary value designated for low- or moderate-income customers and may have a rated capacity larger than five megawatts. As defined in the bill, "microgrid" means a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the electric grid, which can connect and disconnect from the electric grid to enable it to operate both connected to, or independent of, the electric grid. As also defined in the bill, "critical renewable microgrid" means a microgrid that utilizes renewable energy as its primary source of energy, to the largest extent technically and economically feasible, and that serves a critical function in protecting the State's economy, public health and safety, and transportation sector during power outages caused by natural or man-made disasters. In order for a solar energy system to receive this designation, and therefore be eligible for incentives under the permanent Community Solar Energy Program, the solar energy system would be required to: (1) demonstrate that the solar energy system will devote at least 75 percent of its energy output to low- or moderate-income customers, at a price that is at least 20 percent lower than the value of a community solar credit provided on a community solar program subscriber's utility bill; and (2) meet the eligibility requirements, as developed by the BPU. In developing the program pursuant to this bill, the BPU would be required to establish eligibility criteria for solar energy systems that are connected to a critical renewable microgrid and an application and approval process for such systems. The bill would also: (1) limit the total annual capacity of approved solar energy systems that are connected to a critical renewable microgrid to no more than 100 megawatts per year; (2) provide that solar energy systems' participation in the program would be for a term of 25 years; (3) require that approved solar energy systems that are projected to have a total rated capacity of greater than 15 megawatts are constructed in a manner to add a rated capacity of no more than 15 megawatts per year; (4) establish a process, in a form and manner determined by the BPU, for municipalities to partner with, support, and acquire customers for a solar energy system that is connected to a critical renewable microgrid, which may include the use of automatic enrollment of customers to participate in the solar energy system as long as the customers are notified of their enrollment and ability to opt-out; (5) provide that any incentives, including SREC-IIs, provided to a solar energy system that is approved for designation in the program and is designated as part of an asset of importance for homeland security pursuant to section 2 of this bill would not be subject to the Class I renewable energy requirement cost cap established by paragraph (2) of subsection d. of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87); and (6) provide that any solar energy system that meets the eligibility requirements would be eligible to participate in the program, and that the owners or operators of the system may apply or reapply until accepted into the program. The solar capacity of solar energy systems that are connected to critical renewable microgrids and designated by the BPU as community solar projects would be in addition to the capacity of community solar projects approved by the BPU pursuant to the permanent Community Solar Energy Program. The bill would also require, no later than six months after the bill's effective date, the Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (director) to develop standards for designating a critical renewable microgrid as an asset of importance for homeland security. If a critical renewable microgrid is so designated by the director, the State incentives provided for the solar energy system connected to the critical renewable microgrid, pursuant to the bill, would not be subject to the Class I renewable energy requirement cost cap established by paragraph (2) of subsection d. of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87). Microgrids can provide a multitude of benefits to the State, such as improving electric reliability, enhancing energy resilience, lowering energy costs, strengthening the central electric grid, bolstering cybersecurity, and improving overall community well-being. Hurricane Sandy caused tens of billions of dollars of damage to New Jersey, and caused the curtailment or loss or of vital infrastructure protecting the economy, the environment, public health, public safety, and transportation. Several other unusual weather events have caused widespread and long-lasting power outages in the State during recent years. The frequency and intensity of such events is expected to increase as a result of global warming. In response, many state and local governmental entities and quasi-governmental entities plan to develop microgrids to provide resilient power to facilities providing critical public functions. Microgrids can play a vital role in protecting the State's economy, environment, public health, public safety, and transportation during future widespread power outages. The planning and development of renewable microgrids is essential in providing resilient power throughout the State and in combating the adverse effects of climate change. For these reasons, solar energy systems that are connected to critical renewable microgrids should be eligible for incentives under the Community Solar Energy Program. | In Committee |
| S292 | Eliminates past conviction of indictable offense as disqualifier for jury service. | This bill permits persons with past convictions of indictable offenses to serve on juries. Under current law, past convictions, whether based on violations of New Jersey law, another state's law, or federal law, are automatic disqualifiers for jury service. This bill eliminates this disqualifier, making persons with past convictions eligible for jury service. Eliminates past conviction of indictable offense as disqualifier for jury service. | In Committee |
| S635 | Requires State Board of Education meetings to be accessible virtually and in person. | This bill requires all public meetings of the State Board of Education to be accessible to the public both in person and virtually. The bill also requires that a link providing virtual access to meetings be publicly available on the State Board of Education's website. Finally, for any meeting in which the State Board of Education accepts public comment, the bill stipulates that members of the public will be able to provide comments by means of remote communication. | In Committee |
| S239 | Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries. | This bill authorizes a third party grocery delivery service or a grocery store to provide, or sell to customers for a fee, any of the following options for groceries prepared for delivery, pickup, or curbside pickup: 1) single-use paper carryout bags, provided that the bags contain at least 40 percent postconsumer recycled content; 2) cardboard boxes; or 3) reusable bags. Under the bill, if a grocery store or third party grocery delivery service provides customers more than one packaging option, the customer may choose one of the available packaging options. A grocery store or third party grocery delivery service may also provide customers the option of receiving unpackaged groceries to a receptacle provided by the customer where the groceries can be safely delivered. Beginning three years after the bill's effective date, third party grocery delivery services and grocery stores would no longer be authorized to provide paper bags or cardboard boxes. Finally, the bill requires grocery stores and third party grocery delivery services that provide reusable bags for home delivery to establish a program for the return, sanitation, and reuse of the reusable bags, a program to recycle the returned reusable bags, or a donation program to donate the reusable bags returned by customers to a food bank or food pantry. Grocery stores and third party delivery services would not be required to take back reusable bags provided to customers by another grocery store or third party delivery service. | In Committee |
| S1438 | Concerns regulation of automated systems and artificial intelligence used by State agencies. | This bill concerns the regulation of automated systems and artificial intelligence used by State agencies. The bill establishes the position of the Artificial Intelligence Officer, who would be appointed by the Chief Technology Officer, and is required to have extensive knowledge on automated systems and artificial intelligence. Under the bill, the Artificial Intelligence Officer is required to develop, and update every two years, procedures regulating the use of automated systems by State agency making critical decisions, which procedures would distributed to all State agencies and posted on the Office of Information Technology's Internet website. Thereafter, each State agency would be required to comply with the automated system procedures developed by the Artificial Intelligence Officer. The Artificial Intelligence Officer is also required to organize the inventories of automated systems, submitted by each State agency, and publish the inventories on the Office of Information's Internet website. This bill also establishes the New Jersey Artificial Intelligence Advisory Board ("board") within the Legislative Branch, which board would consist of 10 voting members and eight non-voting members, and would include two co-chairs, one selected by the Speaker of the General Assembly and one selected by the President of the Senate. Notably, the bill requires the board to take certain actions concerning the development of the automated systems procedures by the Artificial Intelligence Officer. Specifically, the bill requires the Artificial Intelligence Officer to submit a copy of preliminary procedures to the board, requires the board to hold a public hearing on the preliminary procedures, and requires the board to submit suggested revisions to the preliminary procedures to the Artificial Intelligence Officer for final adoption. The bill also requires the board to advise State agencies on artificial intelligence and automated systems policies, issue reports and recommendations to the Legislature on matters concerning artificial intelligence and automated systems by State agencies, request any State agency to appear before the board at the request of at least two members of the board, and create by-laws to govern the board. Additionally, this bill establishes the position of Artificial Intelligence Implementation Officer, who would be appointed by the Chief Technology Officer. Under the bill, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, before a State agency is permitted to develop, utilize, or procure a new automated system, the State agency would be required to submit the proposed automated system to the Artificial Intelligence Implementation Officer, who would approve or deny the proposed automated system based on whether the proposed system satisfies the requirements of the automated system procedures. Under this bill, the Artificial Intelligence Implementation Officer may periodically reevaluate the automated systems to ensure the system complies with the automated system procedures and is required to reevaluate the automated systems of State agencies at least biennially if, in the officer's discretion, there is a determination that the automated system poses any significant risk. Both officers and the board would be subject to the open public records act. Nothing in this bill should be construed to require the disclosure of a trade secret, abrogate any work product protection or restrict either officer, the board, or any State agency's ability to conduct any internal research to develop, improve, or repair any product, service, or technology, prevent, detect, protect against or respond to, or investigate, report, or prosecute any person responsible for, any security incident, identity theft, fraud, harassment, malicious or deceptive activity or illegal activity, or preserve the integrity or security of any system. This bill also creates a task force to study artificial intelligence and create an artificial intelligence bill of rights. The task force is to consist of 11 members and is required to submit a report on its findings to the Governor and the Legislature within one year of the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S1405 | Requires that election infrastructure vendors disclose financial ties for approval as vendor by Secretary of State; requires report of known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to Division of Elections. | This bill requires election infrastructure vendors to disclose any financial ties for approval by the Secretary of State. Currently, voting system vendors must meet a number of requirements prior to approval and certification of voting systems in the State. However, the vendors are not required to disclose financial and investment ties. In addition, vendors of other election services are not required to disclose financial and investment ties. The bill defines election infrastructure to mean storage facilities, polling places, and centralized vote tabulation locations used to support the administration of elections for public office, as well as related information and communications technology, including electronic voting systems, voter registration databases, voting machines, electronic mail and other communications systems, and other systems used to manage the election process and to report and display election results on behalf of a county board of elections or the New Jersey Division of Elections in the Department of State. This bill also defines election infrastructure vendor to mean and include any individual, firm, joint venture, partnership, corporation, or company proposing to assist or assisting the State or a political subdivision of the State by providing, maintaining, and supporting election infrastructure. This bill would require all election infrastructure vendors to disclose any owners or shareholders with a five percent or greater interest or share in the company, in any subsidiary companies, or in the vendor's parent company. This bill would also require approved election infrastructure vendors to obtain additional approval with the Secretary of State any time ownership stake in the vendor changes above the five percent or greater interest or share threshold. An election infrastructure vendor will not suspend business in the State while seeking this additional approval. Failure to disclose ownership stake changes that are five percent or greater would result in a civil penalty for the vendor. For the first offense, the vendor would be subject to a fine not less than $10,000. For the second and subsequent offense, the vendor would be subject to a fine not less than $20,000. This bill is a response to the recent elections security issues. Several states have taken steps to address potential security risks. In Maryland, the state moved to require voting system vendors to disclose its investment ties following the revelation that a former First Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, owned the firm that financed the buyout of Maryland's voting system vendor. In June of 2019, North Carolina's State Board of Elections voted unanimously for each voting system vendor seeking certification in the state to disclose any owners or shareholders with a five percent or greater interest or share in the company, in any subsidiary companies or in the vendor's parent company. This bill draws on the actions of these states and expands the vendors to include all election infrastructure vendors to ensure the security of the elections of the State of New Jersey. This bill also requires election infrastructure vendors to report any known or suspected security incidents involving election systems to the Division of Elections in the Department of State no later than 10 days after the vendor first knows or suspects that the incident occurred. | In Committee |
| S985 | Establishes green infrastructure financing program. | This bill establishes a regulatory financing structure that authorizes New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority), in conjunction with the Board of Public Utilities (board), to acquire and provide low-cost financing, to be deployed through a financing program to make green infrastructure equipment and installations accessible and affordable for New Jersey's electric and gas public utility (utility) customers desiring financing for this purpose, achieve measurable cost savings, and attain the State's clean energy goals. Green infrastructure equipment is infrastructure improvements, equipment, and personal property to be installed to deploy clean energy technology, demand response technology, and energy use reduction and demand side management infrastructure. Specifically, the bill: 1) establishes a green infrastructure loan program (loan program) for the purpose of acquiring and providing alternative low-cost financing for green infrastructure equipment and installations accessible and affordable for utility customers, through a financing program administered by the authority, and may include loans made to private entities who may lease or provide green infrastructure equipment to utility customers, as well as direct loans to utility customers, on terms approved by the authority; 2) authorizes the creation of green infrastructure property consisting of all property, rights, and interests of the loan program, which shall vest in the authority for the purpose of securing bond amounts payable under the loan program, and other financing costs; 3) establishes a green infrastructure fee, a non-bypassable bill fee imposed on and collected from those utility customers receiving a loan made to finance the purchase or installation of green infrastructure equipment on the property enhanced by the equipment under the loan program and, if there is an outstanding obligation on the loan, that obligation is to be transferred to the new property owner; 4) authorizes the authority to issue revenue bonds to finance the loan program; 5) establishes a green infrastructure fund to be administered by the authority and to receive the proceeds of the green infrastructure fee, green infrastructure property, the loan program and other monies expended on the operations of the loan program, including through credits to utility customers subject to the green infrastructure fee for reimbursement of excess green infrastructure fees collected; and 6) authorizes the authority to issue up to $200,000,000 in revenue bonds to establish and administer the loan program. Up-front costs of green infrastructure equipment are a barrier preventing many utility customers from investing in these installations and thereby achieving lower energy costs. Existing programs may not serve the entire spectrum of New Jersey's energy market, particularly those utility customers who lack access to capital or who cannot afford these up-front costs, thereby creating an underserved market. This measure will establish a means of acquiring and providing alternative low-cost financing to underserved markets, enabling the installation of green infrastructure equipment in those markets. Significant investment in green infrastructure equipment will help the State achieve its goals of energy self-sufficiency and greater energy security and diversification, support its efforts to meet the State's renewable portfolio standards and energy efficiency requirements as its energy market is evolving, and provide affordable and accessible energy options for New Jersey utility customers. | In Committee |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2019 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2346 | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3424 | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR96 | Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2951 | Authorizes provision of monetary awards to whistleblowers who report State tax law violations committed by employers in construction industry. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Abstain |
| 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 | Abstain |
| 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 | Abstain |
| 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 | Abstain |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4135 | Provides allowance for certain redevelopment projects undertaken by institutions of higher education under New Jersey Aspire program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5378 | Modifies provisions of Cultural Arts Incentives Program, New Jersey Aspire Program, and Grow New Jersey Program; eliminates Community-Anchored Development Program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in House Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5546 | Concerns financial powers and responsibilities of Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5688 | Imposes surcharge on hotel occupancies in certain municipalities to fund fire services; provides for appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4451 | Clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | 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 |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Senate District 07 | Senate | Democrat | In Office | 01/09/2018 | |
| NJ | District 7 | House | Democrat | Out of Office | 11/21/2011 | 01/23/2024 |