Legislator
Legislator > Robert Karabinchak
State Assemblymember
Robert Karabinchak
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Assembly District 18
In Office - Started: 05/26/2016
contact info
Edison Office
3 Stephenville Parkway
Suite 2D
Edison, NJ 08820
Suite 2D
Edison, NJ 08820
Phone: 732-548-1406
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3850 | Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited. | Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3961 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to offer no-fee option to parents for making school lunch and other payments; requires payment processing platforms used by certain schools to provide users with information on user fees. | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to offer no-fee option to parents for making school lunch and other payments; requires payment processing platforms used by certain schools to provide users with information on user fees. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4113 | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5466 | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4544 | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Passed |
| A5768 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | In Committee |
| A5395 | Requires cancellation option for any subscription service and establishes certain standards pertaining to use of negative option features. | Requires cancellation option for any subscription service and establishes certain standards pertaining to use of negative option features. | Crossed Over |
| A5902 | Requires BPU to work with neighboring states to research and recommend certain action concerning electric capacity and transmission. | This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (board) to work collaboratively with neighboring states to research and recommend collective action to: (1) require any electric load serving entity in New Jersey to demonstrate to the board that it has contracted for at least 80 percent of the capacity needed to serve its load on a bilateral basis for at least five years into the future; (2) withdraw from PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) capacity market and either develop a multi-state compact to engage in the fixed resource requirement alternative to secure electric capacity through contracts with private entities, competitive capacity auctions, or some combination thereof, or (3) withdraw from the regional, high-voltage electric transmission grid operated by or managed by PJM and either establish an independent electric transmission grid or join an existing electric transmission grid. PJM's capacity market operates through competitive auctions to procure capacity for future delivery years. However, issues with PJM's interconnection process have delayed new energy generation, which reduces competition. Backlogs to PJM's interconnection queue undermine one of the goals of the capacity auction, which is to incentivize developers to bring more generation to the electrical grid. Further, the Organization of PJM States, Inc., of which the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities is a member, and the Independent Market Monitor for PJM have found flaws in the PJM capacity market, which they claim have led to capacity auction clearing prices that fail to reflect supply and demand. In July 2024, PJM's capacity auction for the 2025/2026 Delivery Year had clearing prices almost 10 times the prices from the previous auction. The increase in capacity clearing prices will result in $14.7 billion in costs to consumers, up from $2.2 billion from the prior delivery year. This result represents the highest capacity prices in the history of PJM's capacity auction. PJM's actions are resulting in increased costs and decreased affordability for ratepayers. And, PJM has not adequately addressed concerns about the impact of rate increases on ratepayers or been responsive to State energy policies. The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the best interest of the residents of New Jersey to work in collaboration with other states to explore alternative options to PJM's capacity auction for securing the capacity necessary for grid reliability. | Crossed Over |
| AR186 | Honors life of Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr. | This resolution honors late Congressman Pascrell. Congressman Pascrell, a tireless advocate for public health and safety who served New Jersey for decades, leaves behind a legacy of distinguished public service. Congressman Pascrell founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, an initiative that has played a critical role in advancing national policy, research, and resources for individuals affected by brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function, while acquired brain injuries (ABI) result from internal causes such as strokes, aneurysms, or tumors. Individuals who suffer from TBI or ABI often experience long-term disabilities ranging from minor impairments to severe and life-altering conditions, which affect their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Over the years the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has worked to increase awareness of brain injuries, support groundbreaking research initiatives, promote rehabilitation services, and address the long-term effects of brain injuries on individuals, families, and communities. As a co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Congressman Pascrell advocated for research initiatives focused on treatment, rehabilitation, and potential cures for TBI. Brain injuries impact thousands of New Jersey residents in every congressional district, affecting children, veterans, athletes, seniors, and survivors of accidents and medical conditions, all of whom need strong legislative advocacy and support at both the State and federal levels. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force remains a bipartisan effort, currently co-chaired by Democratic Congressman Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvannia and Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell from Texas, and continues to advance Congressman Pascrell's legacy of championing policies that improve brain injury awareness, prevention, research, and treatment. It is vital that New Jersey's congressional delegation continues Congressman Pascrell's legacy by joining and supporting the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to ensure that our State remains a leader in brain injury advocacy and policy. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| ACR169 | Respectfully urges Congress to appropriate emergency funds for and increase staffing at facilities supporting Newark Liberty International Airport. | Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a critical transportation hub for New Jersey, serving nearly 50 million passengers annually and supporting the State's economy through air travel, cargo transport, and tourism. In July 2024, control of EWR's airspace was transferred from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) to Philadelphia TRACON, a move intended to address understaffing at New York TRACON. The shift to Philadelphia TRACON did not increase the number of air traffic controllers available to manage EWR's airspace. In recent weeks, EWR has experienced multiple serious air traffic control system disruptions, including radar and communications outages which have resulted in flight delays, flight cancellations, ground stops, and air traffic controllers taking medical leave. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has struggled with outdated infrastructure for decades and has acknowledged that old systems, such as aging copper telecommunications lines and remote radar feeds, are contributing to the ongoing issues at EWR. The FAA is below targeted staffing levels nationwide and the Philadelphia TRACON remains affected by the nationwide air traffic controller shortage, with only 22 fully certified controllers and several others still in training, putting air traffic controllers in untenable situations and leading to precautionary flight caps at EWR, exacerbating flight delays and cancellations. On May 8, 2025, the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation announced a plan to build a brand new air traffic control system, but this long-term plan will take years to complete and action to modernize air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at EWR is urgently needed now. The safe, efficient, and modern functioning of the national airspace system is a federal responsibility, and ensuring system reliability and resilience at high-volume airports like EWR is essential to avoiding catastrophes and protecting public safety, regional economic continuity, and national mobility, and is in the best interests of the State. | Crossed Over |
| A5548 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | In Committee |
| A5153 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | In Committee |
| A5517 | Directs BPU to study feasibility of developing advanced reactors Statewide. | Directs BPU to study feasibility of developing advanced reactors Statewide. | Crossed Over |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Passed |
| A3742 | Requires Secretary of Agriculture to establish Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse school districts for costs expended in sourcing and procuring local foods for students; appropriates $4,500,000. | Requires Secretary of Agriculture to establish Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse school districts for costs expended in sourcing and procuring local foods for students; appropriates $4,500,000. | Crossed Over |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | This bill amends the definition of compensation for purposes of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to include additional pay for performing extracurricular duties beyond the regular school day or the regular school year. This additional pay is currently not included in the definition of compensation for pension purposes. Extracurricular duties include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities. | Passed |
| 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. | 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. | 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 |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | 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 |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Passed |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Passed |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Passed |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Passed |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Passed |
| SJR154 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | This joint resolution respectfully: (1) directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) Reliability Pricing Model; and (2) directs the State of New Jersey to collaborate with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM to implement market reforms and expeditiously review new electricity generation applications. PJM is the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of electricity and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution in New Jersey, several other states, and the District of Columbia. One of PJM's responsibilities is to administer a capacity market to ensure adequate resources exist on the grid to maintain reliability at the lowest possible cost through a competitive auction. The rising cost of capacity in PJM's capacity market auctions, which contributes to the overall increase in electricity bills for ratepayers, raises concerns about the alignment of capacity prices with the principles of affordability and transparency outlined in New Jersey's "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act". In addition, delays in PJM's interconnection queue have prevented new electric generation resources from becoming operational in a timely manner. As a result, these new resources, which are needed to maintain reliability at low costs, will be unable to compete in PJM's capacity market auctions in the near future. The BPU has been working to incentivize the development of new generation resources to help meet growing energy demand and thereby prevent increases in energy and capacity prices. The BPU has also been actively working to protect ratepayers from price increases and coordinating with other PJM states to push for capacity market reforms. The BPU's initiatives, led by Governor Murphy, are accompanied by the actions of consumer advocates, who have furthered the region's efforts to reduce prices through additional complaints at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which the BPU has pledged to support. | Passed |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Passed |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Passed |
| 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 |
| A4926 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | In Committee |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Passed |
| AJR216 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | This joint resolution respectfully: (1) directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) Reliability Pricing Model; and (2) directs the State of New Jersey to collaborate with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM to implement market reforms and expeditiously review new electricity generation applications. PJM is the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of electricity and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution in New Jersey, several other states, and the District of Columbia. One of PJM's responsibilities is to administer a capacity market to ensure adequate resources exist on the grid to maintain reliability at the lowest possible cost through a competitive auction. The rising cost of capacity in PJM's capacity market auctions, which contributes to the overall increase in electricity bills for ratepayers, raises concerns about the alignment of capacity prices with the principles of affordability and transparency outlined in New Jersey's "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act". In addition, delays in PJM's interconnection queue have prevented new electric generation resources from becoming operational in a timely manner. As a result, these new resources, which are needed to maintain reliability at low costs, will be unable to compete in PJM's capacity market auctions in the near future. The BPU has been working to incentivize the development of new generation resources to help meet growing energy demand and thereby prevent increases in energy and capacity prices. The BPU has also been actively working to protect ratepayers from price increases and coordinating with other PJM states to push for capacity market reforms. The BPU's initiatives, led by Governor Murphy, are accompanied by the actions of consumer advocates, who have furthered the region's efforts to reduce prices through additional complaints at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which the BPU has pledged to support. | In Committee |
| A4380 | 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. | In Committee |
| A4029 | 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. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| A5420 | Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. | This bill permits 30-calendar day extensions to cure periods for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. Under current law, a State agency, department, or authority may suspend enforcement of any monetary fine or civil penalty, for a period of 60 calendar days, that would otherwise be imposed on a business for a first-time violation that does not or would not result in a significant adverse impact to the public safety or welfare, result in loss of income or benefits to an employee, or present the risk of environmental harm. This bill provides that the State agency, department, or authority may extend the 60-calendar day cure period an additional 30 calendar days for a business where such agency, department, or authority determines that not providing the extension would be contrary to equity and good conscience. | Crossed Over |
| A1446 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | In Committee |
| A4215 | Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors. | This bill would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt rules and regulations concerning the construction and operation of small modular nuclear reactors in the State. The bill would also authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to incentivize the construction and operation of small modular nuclear reactors using moneys in the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" established pursuant to P.L.2007, c.340 (C.26:2C-45 et al.). As defined by the bill, "small modular nuclear reactor" means a nuclear fission reactor that: (1) has a rated electric generating capacity of not more than 300 megawatts; (2) is capable of being construction and operated either alone or in combination with one or more similar reactors if additional reactors are or become necessary at a single site; and (3) is required to be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill would require the BPU, whenever it considers a petition by an electric power supplier or basic generation service provider for the construction, purchase, or lease of a small modular nuclear reactor, to consider: (1) whether, and to what extent, the small modular nuclear reactor proposed by the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider will replace a loss of generating capacity in the State, resulting from the retirement or planned retirement of one or more existing electric generating facilities, which are located in New Jersey and which use coal or natural gas a fuel source; and (2) whether the small modular nuclear reactor that will replace an existing facility will be located on the same site as, or near, the existing facility and, if so, potential opportunities for the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider to make use of any land and existing infrastructure or facilities already owned or under the control of the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider, or create new employment opportunities for workers who have been, or would be, displaced as a result of the retirement of the existing facility. The bill would also establish other requirements for the operation of small modular nuclear reactors, as enumerated in subsections c. through e. of section 3 of the bill, including a requirement that a person that owns or operates a small modular nuclear reactor in the State may not store spent nuclear fuel or high level radioactive waste from the small modular nuclear reactor on the site of the small modular nuclear reactor without first meeting all applicable requirements of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. | Crossed Over |
| A4954 | Requires members of historic preservation commissions to complete historic preservation planning course. | This bill establishes a historic preservation planning course to be completed by members and prospective members of historic preservation commissions. The bill requires that all regular and alternate members of historic preservation commissions complete a historic preservation planning course to retain their membership on the commission. The course will be prepared and offered by the Department of Community Affairs. The course will be no more than five hours of instruction and will be structured so that a member is able to complete it within one day. The commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs will work in conjunction with the New Jersey Historic Trust and the New Jersey State Historic Preservation Office to establish standards for the curriculum and administration of the course. Under the bill, certain persons who are certified as professional planners or who have completed a more extensive course will be exempt from the course required in the bill. Historic preservation commissions established by law play a vital role in preserving the unique character of New Jersey's small towns and municipalities. New Jersey has over 300 years of history and the loss of the tangible remains of the past would diminish New Jersey's quality of life. This bill provides the tools to those who oversee the preservation of our built environment so that the vestiges of New Jersey's past will be carefully and thoughtfully woven into the future. | Passed |
| A4295 | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Crossed Over |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Passed |
| A3007 | Increases maximum age for pediatric long-term care facility residents to 26. | Increases maximum age for pediatric long-term care facility residents to 26. | Crossed Over |
| A5130 | Requires enforcing agency to conduct inspection of construction in specified time window. | This bill requires an enforcing agency to conduct an inspection of construction in a two and a half hour time window (time window); establishes a complaint process for an owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work to file a complaint on the Department of Community Affairs' (department) Internet website for violations of the bill; and authorizes the department to, after confirmation of a violation or violations, take corrective action, including the issuance of penalties, pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Specifically, the bill requires an enforcing agency to notify, in writing, the owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work, of the time window, during which the enforcing agency will conduct the inspection. The bill requires the notice to be provided within 24 hours of receiving a request for an inspection, and not later than 24 hours prior to the start of a time window set for an inspection. The enforcing agency and inspector would be subject to a complaint, brought at the discretion of the owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work, which would be filed on the department's Internet website, if the enforcing agency:§ fails to perform the inspection within the time window;§ fails to provide notice that the enforcing agency is unable to perform a requested or scheduled inspection;§ fails to perform inspections on the dates of, or during the time windows for, inspections on repeated instances;§ cancels an inspection on repeated instances sufficient to notably disrupt construction or completion; or§ is delinquent in the discharge of the enforcing agency's duties pursuant to the State Uniform Construction Code Act or the State Uniform Construction Code. The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to establish a complaint system, and in response to a complaint, after the department's confirmation of the violation or violations, the bill requires the department to take corrective action against the enforcing agency, including the issuance of penalties. Further, the bill requires the enforcing agency to notify the owner, agent, or other responsible person in charge of work no less than 24 hours prior to the start of the time window, that the enforcing agency is unable to perform the inspection within the allowed timeframes. The bill also requires each enforcing agency to establish a process for ensuring that the enforcing agency performs the inspection within the time window, or provides notice 24 hours prior to the start of the time window. This bill would take effect on the first day of the third month following the date of enactment, except the Commissioner of Community Affairs would be permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | Passed |
| A2090 | Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Requires solid waste management districts to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Crossed Over |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Passed |
| A5421 | Requires development of online tax training for small and micro-businesses. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Taxation (division) to develop, and update as necessary to reflect current law, an online training program for the purpose of providing instruction on the process of filing and remitting State taxes, including, but not limited to, the corporation business tax, gross income tax, and sales and use tax. The training program is required to be designed specifically for use by small businesses and micro-businesses and to be made available, free of charge, on the Internet website of the division. | Crossed Over |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5422 | Allows businesses to receive information via email concerning new regulations and economic incentives that affect business. | This bill provides businesses with the option of receiving notifications from the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services and, as applicable, from the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, on new statutory and regulatory requirements and economic incentives related to their industry. Current processes require that all businesses registered in the State receive these updates via traditional paper communication. The bill allows any business with the option of providing a registered email address to the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, which will coordinate the dissemination of these statutory, regulatory and economic incentive-related communications through the provided email. The bill also provides a method for businesses to revert to the traditional means of paper communication. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A5520 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | In Committee |
| A5892 | Requires DEP to conduct study of short and long term effects of water use by large-scale data centers. | This bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection (department) to conduct an evaluation of the short and long term effects of water use by large-scale data centers. Under the provisions of this bill, the study is to consider the short-term effects of water use by large-scale data centers, measured over the preceding three years; the long-term effects of water use by large-scale data centers, measured over the preceding seven years; the anticipated effects of water use by large-scale data centers which may be constructed in the future, as distinct from existing large-scale data centers; any efforts undertaken by the department or by large-scale data center operators to reduce the use of water by large-scale data centers; how the use of water by large-scale data centers has impacted overall State water use and costs; how the use of water by large-scale data centers has affected the operational efficiency, cooling requirements, or uptime of the large-scale data center due to water constraints; the direct or indirect costs associated with the use of water by large-scale data centers, including impacts on public water systems, ratepayers, or infrastructure upgrades required to meet demand; an analysis of any feasible water use reduction strategies which could be implemented by any large-scale data centers operated in the State; and any other information which the department determines to be necessary to produce a comprehensive study. The bill requires the department to report on the findings of the study, within fifteen months of the effective date of the act. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is authorized to submit recommendations for legislation to improve State laws regarding the use of water by large-scale data centers. | In Committee |
| A3036 | "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. | Crossed Over |
| A3558 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; appropriates $100,000. | This bill establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism. Under the bill, the term "definition of anti-Semitism" refers to the definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the "contemporary examples of antisemitism". The bill provides that in reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the State must take into consideration this definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the IHRA for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. Nothing contained in the bill would be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. Nothing in the bill would be construed to conflict with local, State, or federal anti-discrimination laws or regulations. This bill also appropriates $100,000 to the Office of the Attorney General for the creation of a public awareness campaign to promote bias crime reporting. Through extensive community outreach, the citizens of New Jersey will be empowered to identify and report bias crimes using the existing bias crime reporting hotline within the New Jersey Bias Crimes Reporting Unit. This appropriation represents an investment in safety and collective action against bias crimes, including acts considered anti-Semitic. | In Committee |
| A5265 | Authorizes enforcement of landscape irrigation law by local enforcing agency and increases penalties. | Authorizes enforcement of landscape irrigation law by local enforcing agency and increases penalties. | In Committee |
| A4975 | Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components. | Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components. | Crossed Over |
| A4688 | Requires MVC to utilize legal name including roman numerals on certain documents issued by MVC. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to permit an individual whose legal name includes a roman numeral to have the individual's legal name, including the roman numeral, displayed on the individual's standard basic driver's license; standard motorcycle license; standard special learner's permit; standard examination permit; standard probationary driver's license; standard identification card; REAL ID basic driver's license; REAL ID motorcycle license; REAL ID probationary driver's license; REAL ID identification card; or commercial driver license, provided that the individual has provided the commission with the required documentation to obtain such documents. As defined in the bill, "legal name" means the name recorded on a birth certificate unless otherwise changed by marriage, divorce, or order of court. | In Committee |
| A2255 | 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. | In Committee |
| A5777 | Establishes Bridge Transportation Asset Management Plan Pilot Program; appropriates $9.5 million. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (department) to establish the "Bridge Transportation Asset Management Plan Pilot Program" (pilot program) to inventory, assess, and make recommendations concerning the status of State, county, and municipal bridges. The commissioner of the department is required to collaborate with State agencies, county and municipal engineers, Rutgers University's Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the Stevens Institute of Technology to develop: (1) a digital inventory of every State, county, and municipal bridge in the State; (2) a bridge life-cycle risk scoring model to evaluate potential risks associated with each bridge; (3) a climate vulnerability assessment for each bridge; and (4) a public-facing performance dashboard accessible through the department's Internet website. As part of the pilot program, the department is required to establish the "Bridge Infrastructure Innovation Module" (module) to test the use of artificial intelligence-powered data analysis and sensor-based condition monitoring on high-risk and high-traffic bridges, as determined by the department. To effectuate this, the department is to coordinate with Rutgers University's Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the Stevens Institute of Technology on research, artificial intelligence modeling, and predictive analytics. The findings of the module are to then be applied to the pilot program to enhance bridge life-cycle risk scoring models and assessment accuracy and emergency response planning. The bill requires the department to seek federal matching funds to support the pilot program. In the first four years of the pilot program, the department is required to submit annual reports containing certain information to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation and performance of the pilot program and module. In the fifth and final year of the pilot program, the department is required to submit a final report on the pilot program. In part, the final report is to recommend whether the pilot program should be adopted and expanded Statewide. The bill appropriates $9.5 million from the General Fund to the department to support both the pilot program and the module. The sponsor intends to recognize the urgency of New Jersey's aging infrastructure by introducing legislation to establish this pilot program, which represents a transformative shift toward data-driven, lifecycle-based planning that prioritizes safety, resiliency, and long-term cost efficiency. | In Committee |
| A5423 | Requires EDA to include social media development services in services offered through Small Business E-commerce Support Program. | This bill requires that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) include the provision of social media development services among the services offered to eligible small businesses through its Small Business E-commerce Support Program. The authority created the Small Business E-commerce Support Program as a pilot product under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, established pursuant to the "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020." Under this pilot product, the authority offers e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services to eligible small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses that are situated in a commercial location within the State. Currently, the consultancy services offered through the pilot product generally include assistance related to the development of Internet websites, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing plans. The bill requires that these services also include assistance related to the development of social media platforms. | In Committee |
| A5784 | Permits county clerk to require electronic submission of certain documents. | This bill allows county clerks to require documents submitted to the county clerk's office by businesses that employ 10 or more individuals to be submitted electronically to the county clerk's office in a form and manner determined by the county clerk. | In Committee |
| A5783 | Removes project capacity limit for community solar energy projects. | This bill removes the capacity limit for individual solar energy projects registered through the Community Solar Energy Program. Under the bill, solar energy projects of any size will be allowed to participate in the program. Current law limits the capacity of each solar energy project to a maximum of five megawatts. | In Committee |
| A5760 | Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to adopt rules and regulations, within one year of the bill's enactment, to establish an Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program, which would establish alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with the State's Low Emission Vehicle program. Specifically, the bill would provide that in model years 2027 through 2031, manufacturers of new vehicles who elect to comply with the Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program shall be deemed in compliance with any provisions of the Low Emission Vehicle program regulating the production and delivery for sale in New Jersey of zero-emission passenger vehicles or light-duty trucks, including the provisions of N.J.A.C.7:27-29.6. Under the bill, a manufacturer of new vehicles who elects to comply with the Interim Alternative ZEV Compliance Program would be authorized to offer its New Jersey dealers a portfolio of vehicles comprised of the required share of zero-emission vehicles for each year under the Low Emission Vehicle program, up to its ability to manufacture the vehicles actually ordered by New Jersey consumers, without any requirement or mandate that a dealer or consumer purchase any specific vehicle. | In Committee |
| A4083 | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey"; appropriates $2.5 million. | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey"; appropriates $2.5 million. | In Committee |
| A1478 | Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy. | Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy. | In Committee |
| A575 | Directs DEP to develop guidelines concerning State and local government purchase of goods made from recycled material. | Directs DEP to develop guidelines concerning State and local government purchase of goods made from recycled material. | Crossed Over |
| A4986 | Codifies early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children in DOH. | Codifies early language instruction program for deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blind children in DOH. | Crossed Over |
| A1997 | Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students. | Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students. | Crossed Over |
| AJR215 | Designates July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey. On January 6, 2021, Officer Brian Sicknick was called upon to protect the United States Capitol. Officer Sicknick, who had served with the United States Capitol Police for more than 12 years, lost his life in the line of duty as a direct result of courageously defending Congress and the Capitol. Officer Sicknick was born on July 30, 1978 in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His life can best be described as dedicated to public service. Officer Sicknick joined the United States Capitol Police in July of 2008 and on his most recent assignment he served on the First Responders Unit. During his career, Officer Sicknick became a member of the mountain bike unit. His duties included patrolling the grounds and protecting those he was sworn to serve, as well as the public at large that visited the Capitol on a daily basis. It is altogether fitting and proper to designate July 30 of each year as "Brian Sicknick Day" in New Jersey to recognize Officer Brian Sicknick who lost his life protecting the United States Capitol on January 6, 2021. | Crossed Over |
| A1996 | Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for preeclampsia. | Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for preeclampsia. | Crossed Over |
| A4913 | Establishes certain State funding preferences for municipalities that enhance opportunities to develop housing. | Establishes certain State funding preferences for municipalities that enhance opportunities to develop housing. | Crossed Over |
| A3941 | Changes classification of State Investigators in civil service. | This bill changes the classification of State Investigators in civil service. State Investigators employed with the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety are currently in the unclassified service of the civil service. In New Jersey, employees serving in classified titles receive the full protections of the civil service system, while unclassified employees do not. This bill will allow all current and future State Investigators to receive those protections. | Crossed Over |
| A5701 | Designates overpass of Stelton Road on Interstate Highway Route 287 as "Officer Conklin-Officer Cady Memorial Overpass." | This bill designates the overpass of Stelton Road at milepost 5.88 of the northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate Highway Route 287 as the "Officer Conklin-Officer Cady Memorial Overpass" to honor the memory of Richard H. Conklin and William J. Cady, two South Plainfield police officers who died in the line of duty three years apart on or near this stretch of road. Consistent with Department of Transportation policy and other road designations, the bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used for producing, purchasing, or erecting signs bearing the designation for the "Officer Conklin-Officer Cady Memorial Overpass." The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to receive financial assistance from private sources for the costs associated with producing, purchasing, erecting, and maintaining signs bearing the designation. | In Committee |
| A4006 | Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered. | Permits partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts if each party to partnership or joint venture is independently registered. | In Committee |
| A5263 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to offer no-fee option to parents for making school lunch and other payments; requires payment processing platforms used by certain schools to provide users with information on user fees. | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to offer no-fee option to parents for making school lunch and other payments; requires payment processing platforms used by certain schools to provide users with information on user fees. | In Committee |
| A5356 | Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited. | Permits county boards of elections to extend distance within which electioneering is prohibited. | In Committee |
| A3019 | Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free. | Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free. | In Committee |
| A2596 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | In Committee |
| A4005 | Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires. | Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires. | In Committee |
| A5068 | Permits Department of Agriculture to regulate sale and distribution of hemp-derived consumable products under certain circumstances. | This bill establishes a licensing scheme for the regulation of hemp-derived consumable products by the Department of Agriculture (department) and hemp-derived beverages by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Licensing Businesses or entities involved in the manufacturing, distribution, or sale of hemp-derived consumable products (products) are required to obtain a license from the department prior to beginning operations or within 30 days after the department has adopted rules and regulations for the application and licensing of businesses. Entities holding certain existing licenses related to alcoholic beverages are permitted to sell or manufacture hemp-derived products by paying an annual fee and maintaining registration with the ABC. This includes the holders of the following ABC licenses: (1) plenary retail consumption license; (2) seasonal retail consumption license; (3) plenary retail distribution license; (4) plenary retail transit license; (5) club license; (6) sporting facility license; (7) plenary brewery license; (8) limited brewery license; (9) restricted brewery license; and (10) plenary wholesale license. See N.J.S.A.33:1-10 through N.J.S.A.33:1-12 for definitions of these license holders. Both new and existing licensees are subject to inspections, product sampling, and background checks in accordance with this bill and the rules and regulations adopted by the department. The various monies from licensing fees or penalties would be placed in the "New Jersey Hemp Farming Fund" established by N.J.S.A.4:28-13. The bill prohibits a license from being granted to any business that is attempting to operate and sell products within 1,000 feet of any elementary or secondary school, or any municipal or county playground. This does not apply to any business which was selling products before the effective date of the bill or where a school or playground is established within 1,000 feet subsequent to the bills enactment. Regulatory Authority The bill grants the department the authority to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill that concerns hemp-derived consumable products. The regulations will cover: (1) packaging and labeling requirements, including child-resistant packaging and consumer warnings; (2) product testing and safety standards; (3) advertising standards; (4) business operation standards; (5) the imposition of penalties for violations of the bill or the rules and regulations adopted by the department; and (6) standards and restrictions for non-liquid ingestible products, liquid ingestible products, and inhalable products. Restrictions on Sale of Products The bill prohibits selling products to individuals under 21 years of age, distributing samples of products in public spaces, operating without a license, selling products which contain a concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that is more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, and selling a product without proper packaging. Further, the bill requires that any retail sale of a product complies with the regulations adopted by the department, including placing products behind a counter and ensuring certification that the product was properly tested. Violations of these restrictions can result in various civil penalties, including increasing fines for repeat offenders, and suspension or revocation of licenses. Products with a concentration of delta-9 THC that is more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis and are retailed may be seized by the department. A person who sells a product without a valid license twice in violation of this bill would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense. If a person commits this offense a third or subsequent time, the person is guilty of a fourth degree crime. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Restrictions on Producers Producers of hemp that is intended for use in products are restricted to selling or transferring the products only to licensed manufacturers. Violations of this provision would result in penalties ranging from $500, for a first offense, to $2,000 for subsequent offenses within three years of the first violation. A producer may avoid suspension or revocation of its license by paying a $3,000 penalty. If payment-in-lieu-of-revocation is accepted by the department, the department is prohibited from revoking the license, though the department reserves the right to still suspend the license. Repeat offenders may face criminal charges, with a second violation of these restrictions resulting in a disorderly persons offense, and a third or subsequent offense potentially resulting in a fourth degree crime. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Manufacture and Distributor Restrictions The bill prohibits a manufacturer or distributor from distributing samples in public spaces, operating without a valid license issued by the department, and manufacturing or distributing a product that has a concentration of delta-9 THC that is more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis. A knowing violation of these restrictions would result in a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Further, the bill provides for civil penalties for a violation of these provisions, including license suspension or revocation, limitations on business hours, and increasing fines for repeat violations. Manufacturers and distributors may avoid suspension or revocation by paying a penalty of $8,000. If payment-in-lieu-of-suspension or revocation is accepted by the department, the department is prohibited from suspending or revoking the license. If the violation is related to a product that has a concentration of delta-9 THC that is more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis, the license holder is required to cover additional testing costs. For such a violation, the bill permits a license holder to avoid the additional penalties if the batch is recalled and the license holder proves compliance through an independent testing laboratory. The department is authorized to seize products that exceed the delta-9 THC threshold. General Restrictions The bill makes it illegal to provide a product to anyone under 21 years of age, and for individuals under 21 years of age to posses or attempt to purchase products. Further, the bill prohibits the fraudulent use of an identification, whether a fake identification or using someone else's identification, to buy product. Under the bill, violations of these provisions, relating to attempting to buy a product while under 21 years of age or the use of a fake identification card, are petty disorderly persons offenses. Providing a product to a person under 21 years of age or permitting the fraudulent use of another person's identification is a disorderly persons offense. A petty disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to 30 days imprisonment, a fine of up to $500, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill clarifies that individuals under 21 years of age are allowed to handle these products if doing so is part of lawful employment. Testing Requirements The bill requires that licensed manufacturers of products have the products tested for compliance with the bill and the rules and regulations adopted by the department prior to distributing the product to distributors, retailers, or sellers. Distributors are required to test the product if: the product is not packaged in a manner that may be sold to the consumer of the product when delivered to the distributor; or the distributor opens a product package that is packaged in a manner that may be sold to the consumer. The department is required to develop an application process for independent testing laboratories to qualify as designated laboratories for testing purposes. After approving such applications, the department is required to maintain a website of those laboratories and designate qualified independent testing laboratories for manufacturers and distributors to use. If testing is not completed in accordance with the bill, the department can impose penalties, including license suspension or revocation, or increasing fines for repeated violations. Manufacturers and distributors may avoid suspension or revocation by paying a penalty of $8,000. If payment-in-lieu-of revocation is accepted by the department, the department is prohibited from revoking the license, though the department reserves the right to still suspend the license. Taxes The bill imposes a 6% tax on the retail sale of products in New Jersey, with 1% of the tax revenue designated for social equity programs such as legal services and workforce development. Further, the bill requires retailers to pay the tax monthly, register with the New Jersey Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and file returns electronically. Finally, the bill directs that tax revenue will be split evenly between the Department of Treasury and the Department of Agriculture to regulate products. The bill permits municipalities to impose a local excise tax of up to 2% on the retail sales of products. Exemptions from Regulation Certain hemp products and facilities are exempted from regulation of the bill. These include any "safe harbor hemp product" or "safe harbor manufacture or storage facility." Under the bill, a "safe harbor hemp product" is a hemp-derived product or cannabinoid that is permitted to be processed and distributed within New Jersey for export but is not allowed to be sold or distributed within the State. A "safe harbor manufacturer or storage facility" is a facility involved in the production, packaging, or transport of such products, but only for export purposes. Limitations of Act The bill does not permit or legalize certain actions related to the products. Specifically, it does not: (1) allow performing tasks under the influence of products that would be considered negligent or malpractice if performed while impaired; (2) permit operating vehicles or machinery while impaired; (3) require employers to accommodate workplace use or tolerate impairment; (4) require retailers or sellers to permit access to a premises by a person under the influence; (5) exempt people from criminal prosecution for intoxication; (6) prohibit employers from maintaining drug-free policies; or (7) permit the possession or sale of controlled substances prohibited by New Jersey law. Schools The bill requires the New Jersey Department of Education to implement a policy banning the use of the products in school buildings and facilities, on school transportation, and at school-sponsored events involving students and staff. The bill does provide an exception for instructional or research activities which are supervised by faculty and which do not involve ingestion of any products. The bill permits school governing bodies to establish more stringent requirements than established under the bill regarding the use of the products. Repealer The bill repeals the recent enactment of P.L.2024, c.73 related to intoxicating hemp products. Specifically, the bill repeals N.J.S.A.24:6I-48.1; N.J.S.A.24:6I-48.2; N.J.S.A.24:6I-48.3; andN.J.S.A.24:6I-48.4. | In Committee |
| A1841 | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | In Committee |
| A5183 | Directs DOLWD to develop and maintain industry-valued credential list. | This bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to develop and maintain a list of industry-valued credentials identifying the specific credentials offered in New Jersey in which employers are most interested, based on analysis of State labor market data and on feedback from employers in the State. The industry-valued credential list is required to be updated annually and made available as a list and in a downloadable format on the Internet website of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. An industry-valued credential is a recognized degree, diploma, certificate, or certification awarded for an occupation that is valued and demanded by employers, with transferable skills that provide broad opportunities, may lead to opportunities for further training and education, and lead to higher wages, career advancement, or increased job security. | Crossed Over |
| A5134 | Requires certain providers of transportation services to develop and publish route schedules. | Requires certain providers of transportation services to develop and publish route schedules. | Crossed Over |
| A2993 | Authorizes local governments to provide voluntary contributions to certain nonprofit veterans' organizations. | Authorizes local governments to provide voluntary contributions to certain nonprofit veterans' organizations. | Crossed Over |
| A1825 | Establishes certain guidelines for SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid concerning step therapy protocols. | An Act concerning step therapy protocols and supplementing Titles 30 and 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3735 | Establishes crime of fertility fraud. | The bill establishes the crime of fertility fraud. Under the bill, a person commits fertility fraud if the person is a health care practitioner and knowingly performs an assisted reproduction treatment on a patient that results in a pregnancy using the person's own human reproductive material without the written informed consent of the patient, or using the human reproductive material of another person without the written informed consent of the patient. Fertility fraud is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill also requires the court to order the permanent revocation of any license or certification related to the provision of health care services that is held by the defendant. Under the bill, a prosecution for fertility fraud is required to be commenced within 20 years of the date the assisted reproduction treatment was conducted, or within 10 years of the date that the victim became aware that the crime occurred. | In Committee |
| A2813 | Enters NJ in Social Work Licensure Compact. | An Act concerning the Social Work Licensure Compact and supplementing Title 45 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2367 | Establishes public awareness campaign on dangers of social media use to minors; appropriates $500,000. | This bill requires the Department of Education to establish a public awareness campaign on the dangers of social media use to minors. The purpose of the campaign is to help the public, and in particular parents and guardians, better respond the needs of minors, and utilize current research findings, including those arising from the United States Surgeon General's May 2023 advisory on social media and youth mental health which finds that up to 95 percent of American minors between ages 13-17 report using a social media platform and more than a third saying they use social media "almost constantly." The Surgeon General's advisory cautions that childhood and adolescence represent critical stages in brain development that can make young people more vulnerable to harms from social media, and its use can disrupt activities that are essential for health, such as sleep and physical activity. Adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, such as symptoms of depression and anxiety. Social media use can also perpetuate body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behaviors, and low self-esteem, especially among adolescent girls. Extreme, inappropriate, and harmful content continues to be easily and widely accessible by children and adolescents, and some minors' deaths have been linked to suicide- and self-harm-related content and risk-taking challenges on social media platforms. Online harassment and online bullying occurs and is only partially addressed. Finally, social media platforms can be sites for predatory behaviors and interactions with malicious actors who target children and adolescents. Parents and guardians of young people would benefit from increased awareness about the dangers that social media use pose to minors. Increased awareness would help parents and guardians to utilize current research findings and recommendations to better respond to the needs of minors while encouraging safe social media practices. Under the bill, the Department of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, will develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the dangers of social media use to minors through media outlets which include, but are not limited to: Statewide newspapers, radio, public service announcements, social media, television ads, and any other media outlets deemed appropriate by the Commissioner, no later than 180 days after this bill is enacted. The public awareness campaign builds on the progress of the Commission on the Effects of Social Media Usage on Adolescents established by law on July 24, 2023. The Commissioner of Education will report to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than 24 months after the effective date of this act, on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign. Finally, the bill appropriates, from the General Fund to the Department of Education, $500,000 to develop and implement the public awareness campaign. | In Committee |
| A5632 | Requires MVC to establish and administer online application for REAL ID identification cards and REAL ID licenses. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to establish and administer an online application for REAL ID identification cards and REAL ID licenses. Specifically, under the bill, the MVC is required to establish an online application for New Jersey residents to obtain a REAL ID license or a REAL ID identification card through the commission's Internet website. As part of the application process, the MVC is required to accept and process electronically submitted copies of identity and lawful status source documents required under the federal "REAL ID Act of 2005," as authorized by the federal "REAL ID Modernization Act." If the MVC determines that an applicant has satisfied all of the requirements established by the federal "REAL ID Act of 2005," the MVC is required to approve and process the applicant's online application to obtain a REAL ID license or REAL ID identification card. If the applicant has failed to satisfy any requirement established by the federal "REAL ID Act of 2005," the MVC is required to deny the applicant's online application to obtain a REAL ID license or REAL ID identification card. The Chief Administrator of the MVC (chief administrator) is required to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this bill, including, but not limited to, establishing: (1) procedures as to how signature, verification, certification, witnessing, or other formal requirements are to be met with respect to documents or information permitted to be submitted in electronic or digital form pursuant to the bill; and (2) safeguards necessary to protect the privacy of, and prevent improper access to or disclosure of, any personal information that may be transmitted in an electronic or digital form. The procedures and safeguards established by the chief administrator pursuant to the bill are to comply with the requirements set forth under the federal "REAL ID Modernization Act," and the federal rules and regulations adopted to implement the act. | In Committee |
| A5667 | 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. | In Committee |
| A4844 | Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires certain entities to submit plans to implement individual beneficial building electrification and decarbonization programs. | This bill would direct the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a beneficial building electrification program, and would require electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans. As used in the bill, "beneficial electrification" means a change in end-use equipment from a nonelectric type to an efficient electric type for any building end use, including water heating, space heating, industrial process, or transportation, provided that the change: reduces cost from a societal perspective; reduces greenhouse gas emission, or promotes the increased use of the electric grid in off-peak hours. The bill directs the BPU to adopt, no later than one year after the bill becomes law, rules and regulations establishing a beneficial building electrification program. As part of the program, the BPU would develop greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for beneficial building electrification programs implemented by each electric public utility in the State and require electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans. The BPU would: (1) establish beneficial electrification program targets expressed in the amount of on-site greenhouse gas emission reductions; (2) establish program design elements and minimum filing requirements to achieve the goals of the energy master plan; (3) establish a cost recovery and performance incentive mechanism for programs established under the bill; (4) determine whether the electric public utilities or the board would be responsible for the implementation of building electrification programs for new construction; and (5) develop and provide direct incentives for the installation of electric heat pumps. The bill would require each electric public utility to prepare a multi-year beneficial electrification plan to achieve the targets established by the BPU. To be approved by the BPU, an electricity public utility plan would be required to meet or exceed on-site greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the board and be cost effective from a societal perspective utilizing a cost-effectiveness test that includes consideration of the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and methane emissions. Under the bill, a beneficial building electrification plan may meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set pursuant to the bill through the following: (1) conversion of fossil fuel-based space and water heating systems, including natural gas and propane systems as well as other unregulated fuels, to systems that employ high-efficiency electric heat pumps; (2) replacement of fossil fuel based appliances with high-efficiency electric appliances such as induction cooking ranges and heat-pump clothes dryers; (3) conversion of fossil fuel-based industrial equipment or processes to energy-efficient electric-powered equipment or processes; or (4) market transformation programs aimed at educating and training contractors to use appliances, equipment, and systems that are high-efficiency. | In Committee |
| A5593 | Requires DCA to enable certain construction subcode applicants to electronically submit certain materials for permit application review; limits requirements for physical seal on documents at worksite. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to accept electronic submissions from a licensed plumbing, electrical, or heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractor corresponding to the contractor's discipline. Submissions for which the bill requires DCA to accept electronic submissions include, but are not limited to, subcode application forms or documents supporting the applications, such as shop drawings or documents displaying the calculations necessary for compliance with the electrical, fire protection, or energy subcode. The bill prohibits DCA from requiring the physical seal or signature of these contractors to be affixed to the subcode application form. Additionally, this bill prohibits DCA from requiring physical copies of plans at the worksite of a licensed plumbing, electrical, or heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractor to have an affixed physical seal. This bill is to take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment, except that the Commissioner of Community Affairs is permitted to take anticipatory actions necessary to comply with the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S742 | Appropriates unexpended funds from "New Jersey Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement and Railroad Right-of-way Preservation Bond Act of 1989." | An Act concerning the improvement of the State transportation system and bridges and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5067 | Requires appointment of alternate members of Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Commission. | An Act concerning the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Commission and amending P.L.2009, c.132. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5133 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering. | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering. | In Committee |
| A3540 | Establishes criminal penalties for production or dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." | An Act establishing civil and criminal penalties for the production and dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media and supplementing Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3587 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | An Act concerning retail theft, amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5510 | 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 |
| A5508 | Permits Department of Human Services to appoint persons separate from civil service eligible list under certain circumstances. | Under current law, when the Department of Human Services requests an eligible list of hires from the Civil Service Commission for the purpose of hiring an American Sign Language interpreter to provide interpretation services, it may take several months to receive the eligible list, and in the meantime, positions go unfilled. In addition, there are times when the list is received and either there are no suitable persons, or the persons on the list do not accept the position. This bill will permit the waiving of the commission hiring requirements, enabling the department to fill vacancies. Under the bill, when the department requests a certified eligible list from the commission for the purpose of hiring an American Sign Language interpreter to provide interpretation services, and a list is not provided within 60 days, or an appointment does not result from the list, the department may hire an otherwise qualified candidate for the position. The department, with the written authorization of the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, must sign a waiver designed and authorized by the Civil Service Commission exempting the candidate from the civil service hiring process. Upon accepting appointment, the candidate must satisfactorily complete the working test period to be considered by the commission as qualified for the position and to have civil service status. The commission will not require the department to replace the candidate upon issuance of a subsequent certified eligible list. This bill will help reduce the number of vacancies within the Department of Human Services. | In Committee |
| A4492 | 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 |
| A4436 | Requires local unit to accept electronic payment of construction code fees. | This bill requires construction contracts entered into under the "Local Public Contracts Law" to allow the contractor to pay enforcing agency fees imposed under the "State Uniform Construction Code" by way of a card payment system or electronic funds transfer system. Under the bill, a local unit is required to establish a card payment system and electronic funds transfer system for payments required to be made under the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.). A local unit is required to establish a card payment system or electronic funds transfer system by passage of a resolution of the governing body. | Crossed Over |
| A3169 | Allows property tax rebate for disabled veterans. | Allows property tax rebate for disabled veterans. | In Committee |
| S2423 | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | An Act renaming the Juvenile Justice Commission and amending the various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4882 | Requires cell phone and social media guidelines to be developed by DOE and policy to be adopted by each school district. | Requires cell phone and social media guidelines to be developed by DOE and policy to be adopted by each school district. | In Committee |
| A5038 | Requires Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board approval for certain board of education leases exceeding 20 years; authorizes boards to enter into 20-year lease purchase agreements for improvements or additions to school buildings. | This bill extends the period of time in which a board of education may execute certain: 1) leases with the federal government, the State, a political subdivision of the State, or any other individual or entity authorized to do business in the State; and 2) lease purchase agreements for improvements or additions to school buildings. Pursuant to current law, a board of education may lease a building from the federal government, the State, a political subdivision of the State, or any other individual or entity authorized to do business in the State. To execute the lease, certain conditions are required to be met, including a condition that any lease in excess of five years is to be approved by the Commissioner of Education and the Local Finance Board in the Department of Community Affairs. This bill instead requires commissioner and finance board approval only when the lease exceeds 20 years. Current law also requires commissioner approval in cases in which a board of education seeks to acquire improvements or additions to school buildings through lease purchase agreements. The agreements, however, are prohibited from exceeding five years and are to only be approved by the commissioner if any operating expenses related to the agreement can be included within the district's tax levy growth limitation and will not result in the need for approval of additional spending proposals to maintain existing instructional programs and extracurricular activities. This bill extends the current time limitation on these lease-purchase agreements to 20 years. All other existing statutory requirements in regard to these lease purchase agreements are maintained under the bill. | In Committee |
| A5379 | Revises process for reporting lost or stolen registration plates to law enforcement agencies and MVC. | This bill revises the process for reporting lost or stolen registration plates to law enforcement agencies and the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission). The bill requires a law enforcement agency that receives a report of lost or stolen registration plates to provide a trackable case number that is linked to the report to the person whose registration plates have been lost or stolen, within 24 hours after a person files a report of the lost or stolen plates. Additionally, the Superintendent of State Police (superintendent), in consultation with the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (chief administrator), is required to promulgate or revise guidelines on filing police reports for lost or stolen registration plates, as appropriate, to implement this provision of the bill. The bill also amends current law to require a person whose motor vehicle has been stolen or whose registration plates have been lost or stolen to immediately file a report a with the law enforcement agency within whose jurisdiction the theft or loss occurred, rather than notify the chief of police or other peace officer as required under current law. Additionally, the bill requires the law enforcement agency who receives notice of a stolen motor vehicle or lost or stolen registration plates to take certain action rather than the chief or police or other peace officer as is required by current law. This bill also requires a person whose registration plates have been lost or stolen to notify the commission. When notifying the commission of lost or stolen registration plates, the person whose registration plates have been lost or stolen is required to submit: (1) a copy of the police report concerning the lost or stolen registration plates or the trackable case number linked to the report; and (2) a completed vehicle registration plate status form. The commission is required to update the vehicle registration plate status form to include: (1) a space to notate if the registration plates are lost or stolen; and (2) a space for the trackable case number linked to the report. Upon completion of the form, the commission is required to provide the person reporting lost or stolen registration plates with a copy of the completed vehicle registration plate status form. With this legislation, the sponsor intends to:(1) expedite the lost and stolen registration plate replacement process; and (2) enhance law enforcement's ability to track lost or stolen registration plates and prevent misuse. The bill establishes a structured and transparent process that enables individuals to obtain necessary documentation without unnecessary delays, while also ensuring that lost or stolen registration plates are properly documented. By requiring timely reporting and ensuring that lost or stolen registration plates are entered into official records, the bill helps to aid law enforcement and prevent fraudulent registrations and the unauthorized use of registration plates. | In Committee |
| A2308 | Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex. | Requires environmental sustainability plan for State House Complex. | In Committee |
| A2156 | Authorizes creation of honorably discharged veteran license plates. | Authorizes creation of honorably discharged veteran license plates. | In Committee |
| A4696 | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | In Committee |
| A3496 | Permits certain motor vehicles to display both amber and green warning lights. | Permits certain motor vehicles to display both amber and green warning lights. | 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 |
| A1672 | Makes disabled persons receiving disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act eligible to receive homestead property tax reimbursement. | An Act concerning eligibility to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement and amending P.L.1997, c.348. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4101 | Requires social media companies to establish toll-free telephone number for NJ account holders to report fraudulent account actions. | Requires social media companies to establish toll-free telephone number for NJ account holders to report fraudulent account actions. | Crossed Over |
| A5305 | Broadens public awareness signage to include notices in Chinese and Korean. | This bill broadens the public awareness signs containing national, 24 hour hotline information about human trafficking to include information in Chinese and Korean. This legislation is based upon Recommendation #4 contained in "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey," an October, 2024 report of the State Commission of Investigation. | Crossed Over |
| A5303 | Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking. | This bill requires the Attorney General to review the Statewide policy regarding the investigation of human trafficking. Currently, Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2012-2 sets forth standards and procedures for the investigation of human trafficking. Under the provisions of this bill, upon the review of the policy, the Attorney General is required to consider and address: 1) whether the use of audio or video recording by law enforcement officers conducting undercover investigations of human trafficking would protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the proper treatment of victims of human trafficking; 2) the implementation of strict policies for dissemination of the audio or video recording, if used, in order to protect victims of human trafficking; 3) the involvement of county prosecutors at the beginning of and throughout human trafficking investigations conducted by county or municipal law enforcement officers in order to address legal challenges as they arise; and 4) any other areas, as determined by the Attorney General. This bill is in response to a recommendation contained in a report issued by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation in October 2024 entitled "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey." | Crossed Over |
| S3735 | Extends certain provisions of P.L.2022, c.9. | An Act concerning the mandatory retirement age of police chiefs and fire department chiefs and amending P.L.2022, c.9. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR178 | 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 Assembly 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. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1673 | "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. | "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. | In Committee |
| A4755 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | In Committee |
| A4904 | Extends certain provisions of P.L.2022, c.9. | Extends certain provisions of P.L.2022, c.9. | In Committee |
| A2609 | Appropriates unexpended funds from "New Jersey Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement and Railroad Right-of-way Preservation Bond Act of 1989." | This bill reappropriates unexpended funds from the "New Jersey Bridge Rehabilitation and Improvement and Railroad Right-of-way Preservation Bond Act of 1989" (bond act) to the Department of Transportation (department). These funds were originally appropriated to support the costs of rehabilitations and improvements to bridges carrying State highways and local roadways, as well as the costs of the preservation and acquisition of railroad rights-of-way. The bill requires the funds appropriated to the department to be administered by the department and be reappropriated to offset any cost permitted under the bond act. The bill permits the funds to be allocated for emergency repairs, in various locations, at the discretion of the Commissioner of Transportation. | In Committee |
| A5341 | Requires health insurance coverage of screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for certain covered persons. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (insurance companies, health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and State and School Employees' Health Benefits Program contracts) to provide coverage for screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for a covered person who is 65 years of age or older. As used in the bill, "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" means forms of dementia characterized by a general loss of intellectual abilities of sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. | In Committee |
| A5304 | Upgrades penalties for certain prostitution crimes; creates crimes of leader of prostitution network and participant in prostitution network. | This bill upgrades certain crimes related to prostitution and creates the crimes of leader of a prostitution network and participant in a prostitution network. The bill upgrades the criminal penalties for the promotion of prostitution to a crime of the second degree and imposes a mandatory minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, or five years, whichever is greater, during which time the defendant would not be eligible for parole. Under current law, all crimes under the umbrella of promotion of prostitution are crimes of the third degree, except the crimes of soliciting a person to patronize a prostitute and procuring a prostitute for a patron, which are crimes of the fourth degree. The bill also upgrades the criminal penalties for compelling another to engage in or promote prostitution and promoting prostitution of one's spouse from crimes of the third degree to crimes of the second degree, and imposes a mandatory minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, or five years, whichever is greater, during which time the defendant would not be eligible for parole. The bill creates two new crimes: (1) leader of a prostitution network, a crime of the second degree; and (2) participant in a prostitution network, a crime of the third degree. The bill provides that it is an affirmative defense to the crime of participant in a prostitution network that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking during the commission of the crime. A disorderly persons offense is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. Under the bill, crimes related to prostitution, with the exception of engaging in prostitution as a prostitute, would be ineligible for admission into the Pretrial Intervention Program. This bill is in response to the State Commission of Investigation report released on October 17, 2024, entitled "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey." | In Committee |
| A4692 | Establishes certain requirements for State and local governments awarding contracts or grants to nonprofit organizations. | This bill establishes certain requirements for the State and local governments awarding contracts or grants to nonprofit organizations. This bill establishes a de minimis indirect cost rate of 15 percent of the modified total direct costs to nonprofit organizations that have been awarded a contract by a State agency or local government agency. This rate will apply when the source of funding is from federal funds or State funds. Any State agency or local government agency will be prohibited from limiting reimbursements of indirect, administrative, or overhead costs for nonprofit organizations participating in a contract or grant with such agency on or after the effective date of this bill. The Department of the Treasury will be required to oversee and manage the development and maintenance of a database which can be used by nonprofit organizations that intend to participate in contracts or grants offered by State agencies or local government agencies. All such organizations can submit to the database any general documents specified under this bill that are required for State or local contracts or grants. The State Treasurer can permit the submission of other documents relevant to bids for and awards of public contracts and grants as the State Treasurer determines to be appropriate for the purpose of the database. The information maintained in the database will exclude personal identifying information of individuals to prevent compromising personal privacy and security. State agencies or local government agencies seeking to award a contract or grant will be required to utilize the documentation submitted to the database by a nonprofit organization, unless the documentation is not available, in which case the agency can request the document from such nonprofit organization. This bill also requires State agencies and local government agencies to review and adopt the cost principles and federal grant reforms contained in the federal Office of Management and Budget's Uniform Guidance standards with regard to nonprofit organizations to the extent permitted by law. This bill permits the State Treasurer and local government agencies to create a list of common terminology relevant to contracts or grants for nonprofit organizations to define services, processes, and client populations and a list of common terminology for contracts or grants to be accessible to all State and local agencies. This bill also requires the amount of any contract, awarded by a State agency or local government agency, determined for the prior calendar year to be adjusted annually in direct proportion to the percent change in the Consumer Price Index over a 12-month period beginning November 1 and ending October 31. This bill also requires a contract awarded by a State agency or local government agency to be automatically extended for a period of three months if the extension or renewal process is not completed within 10 days of expiration of such contract. This bill prohibits any unilateral change of contract language or terms by a State agency or local government agency for a contract awarded to a nonprofit organization. This bill requires the State Treasurer and local government agencies to develop procedures to reduce redundant monitoring of nonprofit organizations that have been awarded contracts or grants by standardizing and integrating reporting procedures across all State or local agencies. This bill also requires that, if goods and services are rendered, a State agency or local government agency will be required to pay a nonprofit organization 30 calendar days from the date specified in the contract. If no required payment date is specified in the contract, then the required payment date is 30 calendar days from the receipt of a properly executed State agency or local government agency contract, or 30 calendar days from the receipt of goods or services, whichever is later. This bill requires interest on required payments that are not made on or before the required payment date pursuant to a properly executed State agency or local government agency to be paid at a rate of 1 percent of any amount approved and unpaid. Interest can be paid by separate payment to a nonprofit organization, but must be paid within 30 days of the late payment. This bill defines "local government" to mean a municipality, county, or other political subdivision of the State. This bill defines "nonprofit organization" to mean a private nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3). This bill defines "State agency" to mean any of the principal departments in the Executive Branch of the State Government, and any division, board, bureau, office, commission, or other instrumentality within or created by such department and any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality, or agency which is authorized by law to award contracts or grants. | In Committee |
| A2145 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | This bill establishes employment protections for paid first responders who are diagnosed with certain cases of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under the bill, an employer would be prohibited from discharging, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against an employee, or threatening to do so, with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, duties, or privileges of employment on the basis that the employee took or requested any leave related to a qualifying diagnosis of PTSD. The bill provides that if an employer violates its provisions, an employee or former employee would be authorized to institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief. All remedies available in common law tort actions would be available to a prevailing plaintiff. Additionally, the bill provides that a court would be authorized to order any or all of the following relief: (1) an assessment of a civil fine of $5,000 and $10,000 for each subsequent violation; (2) an injunction to restrain the continued violation of any of the provisions of the bill; (3) reinstatement of the employee to the same position or to a position equivalent to that which the employee held prior to unlawful discharge or retaliatory action; (4) reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; (5) compensation for any lost wages, benefits and other remuneration; (6) payment of reasonable costs and attorney's fees. | In Committee |
| A4451 | Establishes Task Force on Aging in State of New Jersey in DOH. | Establishes Task Force on Aging in New Jersey in DOH. | In Committee |
| A4733 | "Welcome Home Veterans Act"; requires MVC to provide veteran benefit information packets. | This bill establishes the "Welcome Home Veterans Act" which requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to provide information concerning federal and State benefits that are available to veterans upon the issuance of an initial license, renewal license, probationary license, or an identification card to a veteran, provided the document issued includes a veteran designation. The information required to be provided to veterans under the bill is to be available in both a hardcopy version at each commission agency as well as in a digital format on the commission's Internet website. The information provided to veterans is to include, at a minimum: (1) a copy of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs Veterans' Benefits Guide; (2) a copy of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' "Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" booklet; (3) information on where veterans can find more information about available benefits; and (4) any other information the commission, in conjunction with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, believes is necessary for veterans in this State. | In Committee |
| A5308 | Requires Director of Division of Local Government Services in DCA to establish grant program to enhance local government efficiency; appropriates $1.5 million. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Local Government Services (division) in the Department of Community Affairs to establish a local government unit management enhancement review grant program. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to local government units to contract with management enhancement review consultants, as defined in the bill, to conduct local government unit efficiency reviews and to make recommendations to streamline operations and reduce costs. Under the bill, to participate in the program, a local government is required to submit an application to the division detailing the local government unit's proposed plans for the grant funding, including, but not limited to:· the amount of grant funding being sought by the local government unit; · a description of how the grant funding will be used to conduct an efficiency review; and· the proposed sources of matching funding to be used by the local government unit to conduct the efficiency review. Under the bill, after reviewing the applications, the Director of the division is required to select local government units to receive a management enhancement review grant. In selecting grant recipients, the director is to consider factors specified in the bill. The maximum grant award under the program is $150,000 for a county-based local government unit and $100,000 for a municipal-based local government unit. The bill requires a local government unit that receives a grant under the program to contribute 25 percent of the grant award amount to the management enhancement review. Within one year of receiving a grant, each participating local government unit is required to submit a report to the director detailing:· the expenditures of the grant funds under the program; · the specific shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services achieved as a result of the management enhancement review; and· the specific cost savings achieved as a result of the shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services. The director is required to compile the reports submitted for inclusion in a comparative profile of the participating local government units and to post the profile for public inspection on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location. The bill appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the division to provide grants to local government units to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A5310 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | This bill makes various changes to State school aid, including extraordinary special education aid and vocational expansion stabilization aid, and establishes a new category of State school aid known as reduction adjustment aid. The bill also includes certain additional requirements for the issuance of the Educational Adequacy Report. The bill requires the Department of Education to make available on the department's Internet website the calculation of aid payable to each school district in the succeeding year in a user-friendly manner, including explanations of the variables used to determine the district's aid. The information is required to be posted each year within two days of the Governor's Budget Message. Under current law, a school district is reimbursed for certain special education costs in the form of extraordinary special education aid. However, in recent years the State's appropriation for extraordinary special education aid has covered only a portion of eligible costs provided in state, with the percentage covered fluctuating from year to year. The bill requires the State to increase the appropriation from year to year, or otherwise ensure that the percentage of a school district's costs reimbursed through extraordinary special education aid increases compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the bill provides that the amount of vocational expansion stabilization aid received by a county vocational school district is to be adjusted to allow for increases in resident enrollment. The adjustment is to equal the number of additional students enrolled in the district multiplied by the additional cost per pupil for county vocational school districts and the geographic cost adjustment. The bill also establishes certain municipal overburden protections to prevent a school district from receiving a reduction in State school aid. Pursuant to the bill, an SDA district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and if the district is spending below adequacy. In the case of a school district other than an SDA district, the district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is at least 10 percent greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and is spending at least 10 percent below adequacy. These municipal overburden protections would also apply to a regional school district if 50 percent or more of the district's constituent districts or municipalities met either of the aforementioned qualifying criteria. An SDA district that is spending above adequacy would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid that exceeds the amount by which the district is spending above adequacy. The bill also establishes reduction adjustment aid to ensure that the amount of State school aid provided to a school district is not decreased by more than two percent of the district's prebudget year total operating budget. The total operating budget is defined as the sum of a district's general fund revenues from local sources, State sources, federal sources, and other sources, less any withdrawals from reserve accounts and reimbursements for extraordinary special education aid. Additionally, the bill makes certain changes to the Educational Adequacy Report, which is submitted to the Legislature every three years to update the various parameters used to calculate State aid to school districts. Pursuant to the bill, the Commissioner of Education may initiate a review of certain elements of the school funding formula, including the metrics for adjusting costs in intervening years between reports. Additionally, the bill requires that a draft of the Educational Adequacy Report be made available for public comment for at least 30 days, during which time members of the public may provide remarks on the draft report at public hearings to be held at various locations across the State and through the submission of written and electronic testimony. During the development of the next Educational Adequacy Report following enactment of this bill, the commissioner is to engage a diverse group of stakeholders to review and make recommendations concerning: the calculation of a district's local share and whether the metrics used are best able to estimate a district's potential adjusted tax levy; the impact and feasibility of using multi-year averages in the calculation of local share; the abilities of the Department of Education and school districts to predict and anticipate State school aid amounts from year to year; and possible methods of improving upon the existing preschool funding methodology. Finally, the bill establishes the Special Education Funding Review Task Force for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of State aid provided to support special education costs, examining the possibility of a tier-based model for special education funding, and making recommendations regarding the implementation of a tier-based funding model. The task force is to consist of 11 members, each of whom is to have a background in, or special knowledge of, the legal, policy, and administrative aspects of special education in New Jersey. The task force is to issue a final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after the organization of the task force. | In Committee |
| A2792 | Concerns development of accessory dwelling units and related municipal land use regulations. | Concerns development of accessory dwelling units and related municipal land use regulations. | In Committee |
| A5272 | Prohibits health club services contracts from limiting liability for injuries caused by negligence of health club. | This bill prohibits health club services contracts from limiting the liability of the health club to a buyer for injuries caused by or resulting from the negligence of the owner or operator, or an agent or employee of the owner or operator, of the health club. This bill is intended to codify Justice Albin's dissent in the case of Pulice v. Green Brook Sports & Fitness, 236 N.J. 1 (2018); see also Stelluti v. Casapenn, 203 N.J. 286 (2010) (Albin, J., dissenting) (arguing that a contract limiting a health club's liability from its own negligence is void as against public policy). A violation of this bill would be an unlawful practice pursuant to the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), and is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. | In Committee |
| A5266 | Provides that fines for municipal housing or zoning code violations may be imposed by municipality each day violation continues. | This bill provides that a municipality may impose a fine upon an owner for a violation of the housing or zoning code for each day that the violation continues until the owner has cured or abated the violation. On June 20 2024, the Appellate Division issued a per curium opinion entitled Township of Deptford v. Malachite Group, Ltd., Docket No. A-0943-22. This opinion reversed certain provisions in municipal ordinances across the State that allowed municipalities to issue certain code violations for each day a violation continues. This bill is intended to specifically provide that a municipality may impose a fine for each day a violation continues and validate the prior imposition of the fines. | In Committee |
| A5296 | "Safe Mobility Education Act"; requires public school instruction on pedestrian, cycling, and motor vehicle safety. | This bill establishes the "Safe Mobility Education Act." The bill requires the State Board of Education to, at the next review and update to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS), adopt NJSLS in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education pertaining to pedestrian, cycling, and motor vehicle safety. The bill sets forth certain information, as age-appropriate, that is to be included in the content adopted by the State board pursuant to the bill. A board of education, in the first full school year following the State board's adoption of NJSLS pursuant to the provisions of the bill, is required to include the instruction in an appropriate place of the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the NJSLS in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, to develop a safe mobility education professional development module to ensure the effective delivery of the instruction required pursuant to the provisions of the bill. A teaching staff member who provides instruction on the required curriculum is to satisfactorily complete the safe mobility education professional development module. | In Committee |
| A1465 | Establishes expedited construction plan review program. | This bill establishes an alternate expedited plan review process under the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Under the bill, an applicant for a construction permit may opt to pay a premium fee to have review and approval of the plans and specifications submitted together with the application for the permit performed on an expedited basis, within ten calendar days of the date of submission of the permit application. The premium fee would be $500 for each required plan review subcode area. The applicant would make this option at the time of submitting a permit application. A municipality may offer expedited plan reviews by its construction code enforcing agency. If a municipality does not offer in-house expedited plan reviews, a construction permit applicant may retain any properly licensed private plan review agency to perform an expedited plan review. Because the local enforcing agency would retain supervisory control over the construction project, and retain the obligation and authority to issue the certificate of occupancy upon completion of the project, the bill provides for a bifurcation of the construction permit fees. Under the bill, a local enforcing agency would retain the generally applicable fees and the private plan review agency would receive the expedited plan review premium fee. The bill requires and empowers the Department of Community Affairs to develop and implement rules and regulations establishing program details, which would include a licensure program for businesses that want to privately perform expedited plan reviews. | In Committee |
| AJR63 | Designates January 13 of each year as Korean American Day in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates January 13 of each year as "Korean American Day" in New Jersey. On January 13, 1903, 102 courageous Korean immigrants arrived in the United States initiating the first wave of Korean immigration to America. These pioneering Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles as well as language barriers in America. They established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans. Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States, and the global marketplace. Their contributions include achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, the arts, and writing. Korean Americans have also made enormous contributions to the military strength of the United States and served with distinction in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam conflict, the Korean conflict, and subsequent military conflicts across the globe. This State should commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, and recognize the invaluable contributions Korean Americans have made to the United States. | Crossed Over |
| A3879 | Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO. | Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO. | Crossed Over |
| A2804 | Provides DHS and State Board of Medical Examiners to develop and implement process to improve efficiency of reviewing NJ FamilyCare provider applications. | Requires DHS and State Board of Medical Examiners to develop and implement process to improve efficiency of reviewing NJ FamilyCare provider applications. | Crossed Over |
| S684 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients's admission to long-term care facility. | An Act allowing for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients' admission to certain long-term care facilities and supplementing Title 56 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4284 | Eliminates fee for special plates for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads. | Eliminates fee for special plates for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads. | Crossed Over |
| S3308 | Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities. | An Act concerning certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3803 | Requires public institution of higher education to readmit student whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service. | This bill requires a public institution of higher education to readmit an undergraduate student who withdrew from the institution due to the student's service in the uniformed services, including service in the Armed Forces, or as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal or State authority. Under the bill, the institution is required to readmit the student with the same academic status as the student had when the student last attended the institution. The bill also provides that readmission is to be granted upon written request by the student for the next academic semester beginning after the date of the request. Finally, the bill provides that an institution cannot charge an application or other fee for a readmission request made pursuant to the bill's provisions. This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed. | In Committee |
| A3678 | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | In Committee |
| A5221 | Requires DCA to review and amend State Uniform Construction Code concerning parking structures to address increased weight of electric vehicles. | This bill requires the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (commissioner) to review and amend the State Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to address the increased weight imposed upon those structures due to electric vehicle occupancy. The commissioner is to review and amend the UCC to address both new and existing parking structures. The bill provides that, for new parking structures, the commissioner is to study, develop, and implement UCC requirements, which are to include, but not be limited to: (1) requirements for the increased weight of electric vehicles; (2) new installation codes for electric vehicle chargers; (3) distributing electric vehicle parking spaces for the reduction of load intensity; (4) an analysis of common parking structure construction types to determine whether the parking structure could withstand an increased load; and (5) establishing a minimum of 10 percent electric vehicle parking spaces in new parking structures. The bill further provides that, for existing parking structures, the commissioner is to study, develop, and implement UCC requirements, which are to include, but not be limited to: (1) a review of existing parking structure load requirements; (2) a process for monitoring, measuring, and documenting parking structure performance with increased electric vehicle occupancy; (3) publishing detailed example analysis and strengthening projects as models for assessment and upgrade; and (4) requirements for the owners of parking structures, which the department deems unsound or structurally deficient due to increased electric vehicle occupancy, to develop a remediation plan, including a timeline for coming into compliance within 90 days of the notice of deficiency, or the department is to be empowered to close the parking structure until the owner brings the parking structure into compliance. The bill provides that the commissioner is to, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill is to take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment, except that the commissioner is permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A4754 | Prohibits business entities from selling or manufacturing certain personal flotation devices not approved by United States Coast Guard. | This bill prohibits any business entity from selling, distributing, manufacturing, delivering, holding, or offering for sale in this State a personal flotation device (PFD) that is not approved by the United States Coast Guard. Under the bill, a "personal flotation device" is defined as a wearable device, including but not limited to a lifejacket, puddle jumper, water wings, or other flotation device designed for recreational swimming and to be worn or attached to the body of a person who is less than 12 years of age. Any business entity that violates the provisions of this bill would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. The penalty may be collected and enforced by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Several agencies and experts have issued warnings about the risks associated with certain PFDs, such as water wings, which can deflate or slip off, creating a false sense of safety for children and their parents. From 2018 to 2020, an average of 371 children under 15 drowned in pools or spas each year, and in 2022 there were about 6,400 non-fatal drowning incidents in the same age group. The American Red Cross advises children, inexperienced swimmers, and boaters to wear United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets. This bill aims to reduce confusion by prohibiting the sale and manufacture of unsafe PFDs from the market to better ensure that consumers can select reliable and effective PFDs for their safety. | In Committee |
| A2507 | 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 |
| A3679 | Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. | Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. | In Committee |
| A2345 | Prohibits public officials from accepting virtual currency and non-fungible tokens as gifts. | This bill amends definitions to provide that a gift includes all forms of virtual currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Under this bill, a public official would be prohibited from accepting any form of virtual currency or NFTs as a gift. | In Committee |
| S715 | Requires AG to establish rape kit tracking system. | An Act concerning sexual assault forensic evidence kits and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5175 | Reinstates automatic COLAs for retirement benefits of certain PFRS members. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, or accidental disability pension retirement benefits for certain members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al.), signed into law on June 28, 2011, had suspended the automatic annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of PFRS and other State-administered retirement systems until those systems reach a target funded ratio. Decades of underfunding those systems by the State had placed the systems in precarious financial conditions. Although this bill does not reinstate COLAs for other retirees, it serves as the first step in reinstating COLAs for all retirees of the State-administered retirement systems. Through the prioritization of PFRS, the State will begin this process with retired first responders, police and firefighters, to provide them greater financial security and stability at a time when inflation has significantly eroded the value of their retirement benefit payments, which are already based on the lower salaries of years ago. To that end, the bill includes restrictions intended to limit costs and focus on segments among PFRS retirees expected to be most in need of an immediate benefit. Under the bill, members of PFRS will receive automatic COLAs for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, and accidental disability pension benefits if the member has been retired and receiving retirement benefits for a minimum of ten years. Longer-term retirees generally will have lower pension benefits and be less able to obtain employment to offset the erosion of their benefits. Members of PFRS who are hired more than 30 days following the effective date of this act will not be considered eligible to receive these automatic COLAs. Additionally, members who are enrolled in deferred retirement will not be considered eligible for these automatic COLAs, nor will members who retired with 20 or more years of service but less than 25 years of service. The COLAs will only apply to future pension benefit payments. The bill does not provide for retroactive COLAs. The adjustment in eligible members' pension benefits will be calculated based on an amount up to $75,000 of a retiree's benefit for the first year following the enactment of this bill. Eligible members receiving up to $75,000 of pension benefits will receive a COLA tied to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This will ensure that greater initial benefits will be provided to those likely to be most in need. The adjustment in eligible member's pension benefits will be limited to one percent if the member receives more than $75,000 in benefits for the first year following the enactment of the bill. After the first calendar year following the enactment of the bill, the $75,000 threshold will be adjusted annually according to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, except that the adjustment will be calculated at a rate not to exceed three percent. The bill also grants the cost-of-living adjustment to the monthly pension or survivorship benefit of a surviving spouse, child, or beneficiary that is provided by PFRS. Under the bill, if the Board of Trustees of PFRS fails to comply with the provisions of this bill within six months following the effective date, then the State Treasurer will be responsible for implementing the cost-of-living adjustments. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate monies from the General Fund as necessary to effectuate the cost-of-living adjustments established under the bill that are sufficient to cover both State and local expenses, and to reimburse each PFRS local employer for the full cost incurred. The bill further provides that this appropriation will take precedence over any additional funding added to the annual State budget by the Legislature through non-emergency supplemental appropriations, resolutions or other changes to the Governor's budget message. | In Committee |
| A5160 | Provides PERS members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and transfers all current non-retired members of PERS to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of PERS. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to PERS, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to PERS. Any years of service credit transferred to PERS from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with PERS, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into PERS and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to PERS within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to PERS. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of PERS who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of PERS will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| A5158 | Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and transfers all current non-retired members of TPAF to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of TPAF. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to TPAF, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to TPAF. Any years of service credit transferred to TPAF from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with TPAF, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into TPAF and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to TPAF within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to TPAF. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of TPAF who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of TPAF will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| A2104 | Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide additional priority points to certain applicants that seek funding, for Blue Acres projects and for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. Specifically, under the bill, projects that include, or allow for, a flood mitigation project to occur onsite would receive additional priority points in the ranking for funding pursuant to the respective program. The DEP would factor these additional points into its calculations when establishing: (1) the list of projects eligible to receive "Blue Acres funding"; (2) the "clean water project priority list," pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-20); and (3) the "drinking water project priority list," pursuant to section 24 of P.L.1997, c.224 (C.58:11B-20.1). As used in the bill, "Blue Acres project" means any project of the State or a qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization to acquire, for recreation and conservation purposes, lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. | Crossed Over |
| A5018 | Concerns rights of juvenile defendants who elect to be tried as adults. | This bill provides that juvenile defendants who voluntarily elect to move their cases from the Family Part to the Criminal Part of the Superior Court in order to be tried as adults, pursuant to the waiver process set forth in section 8 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-27), shall be granted the following procedural rights: - a case would proceed as if it originated in the Criminal Part and be subject to applicable adult sentencing provisions, provided there would be a presumption that a convicted juvenile serve any custodial sentence imposed in a State juvenile facility operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission until reaching 21 years of age, except that: (1) a confined juvenile who has reached 18 years of age and whose continued presence in the juvenile facility threatens the safety of others, including other juvenile offenders, or the ability of the commission to operate juvenile programs at the facility, could be transferred to a State adult correctional facility; and (2) a juvenile who has reached or exceeds 21 years of age could continue to serve a sentence in the State juvenile facility at the discretion of the commission and with the consent of the juvenile; and - at any point during the proceedings of the case, with the consent of the juvenile and prosecutor, the court could remand the case to the Family Part to continue as a juvenile adjudication if it appears that the interests of the public and the best interests of the juvenile require access to programs and procedures uniquely available through the juvenile adjudication process, and the interests of the public are no longer served by the juvenile's original voluntary waiver to the Criminal Part. The above are similar to the procedural rights provided to juvenile defendants who are involuntarily waived by the prosecutor from the Family Part to the Criminal Part. See P.L.2015, c.89, s.1 (C.2A:4A-26.1). Additionally, the bill would require the court to approve the juvenile's voluntary waiver, which it could do only after conducting a hearing. At the hearing, the court would inform the juvenile of the differences in the maximum sentencing or disposition between adults and juveniles for the offenses charged, and the differences "in the consequences of magnitude" between proceeding under the "New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice" and the "New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice." A determination to approve the voluntary waiver would also require that the juvenile's action be found to be "knowingly, willingly, and voluntarily" made. | Crossed Over |
| A2845 | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Crossed Over |
| A1468 | Requires DEP to consider potential impacts to natural resources when classifying dams according to hazard potential. | This bill would amend the "Safe Dam Act," P.L.1981, c.249 (C.58:4-8.1 et seq.) to require that any classification system for the hazard potential of dams adopted by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) take into potential loss of life, property damage, and impacts to natural resources. Under current law, the DEP has adopted a classification system, which classifies dams as either: (1) Class I - loss of life or extensive property damage is probable upon dam failure; (2) Class 2 - likely significant damage to property and project operation upon dam failure, but loss of human life is not envisioned; (3) Class 3 - dam failure would cause loss of the dam itself but little or no additional damage to other property; or (4) Class 4 - for small dams that pose a negligible hazard potential. The bill would require the DEP to consider potential damage to natural resources when classifying dams, in addition to potential loss of human life and destruction of property. | Crossed Over |
| A1476 | Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission." | An Act establishing the "New Jersey Target Zero Commission" and supplementing Title 27 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5152 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | An Act concerning the date of the June 2025 primary election and adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4513 | Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities. | Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities. | In Committee |
| A908 | Requires AG to establish rape kit tracking system. | This bill requires the Attorney General to establish a sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit, commonly referred to as a rape kit, tracking system. Under the bill, the Attorney General is to issue guidelines or a directive establishing the system. The bill defines a "sexual assault forensic evidence kit tracking system" as an Internet-based system that allows a person, including a victim; a State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer; an employee of a healthcare facility or laboratory, as deemed appropriate by the Attorney General; and any other person, as deemed appropriate by the Attorney General, to track a sexual assault forensic evidence kit through the chain of custody from the time of collection at a healthcare facility to the transfer to a local law enforcement agency, submission to a laboratory, and final disposition. | In Committee |
| A2334 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | In Committee |
| A1878 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to DOH for Huntington's Disease Grant Program. | This bill makes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to Division of Community Health in the Department of Health (DOH) for the Huntington's Disease Grant Program. The amount appropriated under the bill, in addition to any other State or federal funds allocated for the same purposes, is to be allocated to support grants to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, or New Jersey based and operated research organizations for the provision of pre-symptomatic testing, neurology and psychiatry services, neurophysiological evaluations, treatment, disease management, and counseling for people living with or at risk for Huntington's disease. According to the department's Notice of Fund Availability, the Huntington's Disease Grant Program is currently estimated to distribute $200,437 in FY 2023. This supplemental appropriation would increase that amount to $700,437. Huntington's disease is a fatal rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Huntington's disease has a wide impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. Many describe the symptoms as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease simultaneously. According to the DOH, there are approximately 900 to 1,200 New Jersey residents who are living with Huntington's disease. The incidence of the disease is estimated between 1 in 8,000 and 1 in 10,000 State residents. There are also about 7,000 at-risk individuals in New Jersey. But since this is a fatal disease, this number may be low since the majority of people who go through genetic counseling decide to not get tested. | In Committee |
| A5149 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of date on which primary elections will be held if date coincides with period of religious observance. | This bill reschedules the June 3, 2025 primary to take place on June 10, 2025, the following Tuesday, in order to accommodate a period of religious observance. The bill requires the Secretary of State to inform all county clerks, county boards of election, superintendents of elections, municipal clerks, and members of the public at large in this State of the rescheduled primary election day no later than seven days following the effective date of this bill. The Secretary of State will also be required to make all necessary adjustments to all deadlines required to be met ahead of a primary election pursuant to Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, and publish a calendar containing the adjusted dates to be used for the 2025 primary election pursuant to the bill This bill also requires the Secretary of State to reschedule the date of primary elections in any future year if the date of the primary elections coincides with a period of religious observance that limits significantly the usual activities of the followers of a particular religion or that would result in significant religious consequences for such followers. In such a scenario, the secretary must inform all county clerks, county boards of election, superintendents of elections, municipal clerks, and members of the public at large in this State of the rescheduled primary election no later than the first working day in January of the year in which the rescheduled election is to occur. Whenever the date of a primary election is rescheduled, the Secretary of State will be required to make all necessary adjustments to all deadlines required to be met ahead of a primary election pursuant to Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, and publish a calendar containing the adjusted dates to be used for that primary election pursuant to the bill. The bill defines "a period of religious observance" as any day or portion thereof on which a religious observance imposes a substantial burden on an individual's ability to vote in person on election day. | In Committee |
| A4967 | Requires DEP to implement Advanced Clean Trucks regulations no earlier than January 1, 2027. | This bill would delay the implementation of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations to January 1, 2027. Under current law, N.J.A.C. 7:27-31.3, the regulations would become operative on January 1, 2025. The DEP adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations in 2021. Pursuant to P.L.2003, c.266 (C.26:2C-8.15 et al.), the DEP is authorized to implement California's Low Emission Vehicle Program in New Jersey. The ACT regulations would require, among other things, that manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles sell an increasing percentage of zero-emissions vehicles, capping at 40 percent to 75 percent of annual sales in 2035, depending on the type of vehicle sold. | In Committee |
| A4148 | Requires DOH to develop informational materials on type 1 diabetes and DOE to distribute to parents and guardians of enrolled students. | An Act concerning information provided on type 1 diabetes in public schools and supplementing chapter 40 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4563 | Directs DOE to create New Jersey Education Funding Portal to make available to school districts and public State school aid information. | This bill directs the Department of Education to create, maintain, and update a New Jersey Education Funding Portal. The portal is to make available to school districts and members of the public the data inputs and calculations used by the department in formulating State school aid for all school districts and allow individuals to estimate the effects of changes to enrollment, equalized property value. Under the bill, the portal is to provide user-friendly plain language to specify the: (1) manner in which school district adequacy budgets and local shares are calculated; (2) current methodology of measuring and weighting at-risk students and students with limited English proficiency; (3) weights applied to students in different grade levels, as well as those applied to students enrolled in county vocational school districts; (4) current methodology used to calculate the geographic cost adjustment; (5) current methodology used to calculate the amount of State funding a school district receives to educate its special education population; (6) provision of extraordinary special education aid and the cost thresholds used as the bases for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; and (7) methodologies used to calculate security categorical aid and transportation aid. The bill also requires the portal to be searchable by school district and include, for each school district: (1) measurements of the budgeted local share, district income, equalized valuation, and resident enrollment; (2) the total amount of State school aid received in each of the most recent three school years; and (3) the amount received by the district for each type of categorical State aid in each of the most recent three school years. Finally, the bill requires the portal to include links to: relevant State laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to school funding; current budgets for each school district and, as available, proposed budgets for the upcoming school year; and the Educational Adequacy Report. | In Committee |
| SJR29 | Designates August of each year as "Professional Engineers Month" in NJ and first Wednesday in August of each year as "Professional Engineering Day." | This joint resolution designates the month of August each year as "Professional Engineers Month" in New Jersey and first Wednesday in August of each year as "Professional Engineering Day." The licensing of professional engineers in the United States began in August 1907 to ensure that the engineering profession is practiced by qualified and ethically accountable professionals. Professional engineers are dedicated to applying scientific knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical, societal, and commercial problems while holding the public health, safety, and welfare paramount. Nearly 10,000 professional engineers in New Jersey contribute significantly to the technological growth and economic well-being of the State through their work in manufacturing, engineering services, scientific research and development, construction, education, government, industry, and private practice. The designated month and day will reflect that professional engineers should be recognized for their many achievements on behalf of the industries, commerce, and the people of New Jersey, and their commitment to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public above all other considerations. The designated month and day will also highlight that the engineering profession offers a unique and publicly oriented vocation for young people in the State to be educated and trained to continue the work, innovation, and accomplishments of their predecessors in improving the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The joint resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon the citizens of the State to participate fittingly in the observance of "Professional Engineers Month" and "Professional Engineering Day." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR103 | Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | This resolution declares New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." New Jersey veterans and active duty military members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation's freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President to veterans and active duty military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in our nation's Armed Forces. The recipients of the Purple Heart Medal deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that recipients have shown while serving our nation. Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are declared "Purple Heart States." Parts of 45 states are part of the "Purple Heart Trail," a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to the veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. New Jersey has multiple counties, cities, and locations that are part of the "Purple Heart Trail." The "Purple Heart Trail" was established at the 1992 Military Order of the Purple Heart convention, which was held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" honors the contributions and sacrifices of the New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Purple Heart Medal recipients from the State have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State's citizens. The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly served our country and the State. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to declare New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3561 | Establishes crime of doxxing. | This bill establishes the crime of doxxing. Under the bill, doxxing occurs if a person, with the purpose to subject another person to violence, stalking, physical restraining, mental anguish, or to cause a person to fear for their own safety or that of another, knowingly discloses personal identifying information without the person's consent. A crime is committed under the bill when the disclosure: (1) creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or physical harm to the person or a close relation of the person; (2) creates a substantial risk that the person or a close relation of the person is subjected to stalking; or (3) inflicts mental anguish upon the person or a close relation of the person and places the person or close relation in reasonable fear of physical harm. Under the bill, "close relation" is defined as a spouse; domestic partner; partner in a civil union couple; former spouse, former domestic partner; former partner in a civil union; parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, child, stepchild, or grandchild, whether related by blood or by law; any person who is a present household member, or who was, within the prior six months, a household member; or any person with a significant personal or professional relationship. The crime of doxxing does not occur if the disclosure was made: (1) in good faith to inform any member of the public of conduct by the person that the actor reasonably believed to be unlawful; (2) in good faith to inform law enforcement of conduct committed by the person that the actor reasonably believed to constitute a crime; or (3) while cooperating in an official investigation or prosecution of a violation of N.J.S.A.2C:33-4.1, cyber harassment. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that the actor did not act with the purpose established under the bill if the personal identifying information of another person was disclosed for the primary purpose of: (a) publishing, disseminating, or reporting in good faith conduct by an elected public official or law enforcement officer acting in their official capacity that the actor reasonably believe to be unlawful or an abuse of authority; or (b) engaging in lawful and constitutionally protected activity as it pertains to speech, assembly, press, or petition. Doxxing is a crime of the fourth degree unless the disclosure results in any serious bodily injury, physical harm, or stalking, at which time it becomes a crime of the third degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A3161 | 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 |
| A3505 | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Crossed Over |
| A4174 | Clarifies consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual manner does not include or imply consent to disclosure of image. | This bill amends the invasion of privacy statute, N.J.S.A.2C:14-9, to clarify that a person's consent to being photographed, filmed, videotaped, recorded, observed, or otherwise having their nude, sexual, or sexually suggestive image reproduced is not be construed to include or imply the person's consent to the disclosure of such image. The bill also requires that a person's consent to disclosure is strictly construed to be limited only to the express purpose for which consent was obtained. Under current law, a person's consent to the taking of the image could be construed to also waive any restriction on the subsequent disclosure of the image. Under the bill, taking an image and disclosing an image are two separate acts that require two separate instances of consent. | Crossed Over |
| A2946 | Criminalizes failure to return erroneous person-to-person electronic payments following proper notification. | Criminalizes failure to return erroneous person-to-person electronic payments following proper notification. | Crossed Over |
| SJR14 | Designates third Sunday of November of each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in NJ. | Designates third Sunday of November of each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in NJ. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5042 | 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 |
| A1457 | "General Contractor Licensing Act;" provides for licensure of general contractors. | "General Contractor Licensing Act;" provides for licensure of general contractors. | In Committee |
| A5037 | Revises procedures governing audits of election results. | This bill revises procedures governing the audits of election results. These changes include permitting post-election audits to be conducted by independent third-party electronic machines that are not in any way associated with the official ballot tabulation system for the election in addition to a hand-to-eye count. This bill eliminates certain requirements that audit procedures designed, adopted, and implemented by the audit team be implemented to ensure certain percentages of statistical power that a 100 percent manual recount of the voter-verifiable paper records would not alter the electoral outcome reported by the audit. Instead, post-election audit procedures will be published prior to elections and will be subject to public comment. | In Committee |
| A5036 | Establishes Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure. | This bill establishes the Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure in the Executive Branch of State Government. The office will be in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury, but the office will be independent of any supervision or control by the State Treasurer or the Department of the Treasury. The purpose of the office is to establish and implement cybersecurity policies for the State; establish, implement, and monitor technology infrastructure throughout the State in order for nonprofit and private organizations to interact with residents of this State in a secure manner; and establish artificial intelligence (AI) policies in order for public and private institutions to safely integrate AI into professional practices. The office will develop and maintain an Internet website or webpage providing information to the public concerning the operations of the office. Under the bill, the office will be led by a Chief Officer of Cybersecurity Infrastructure. The officer will be appointed by, serve at the pleasure of, and report directly to the Governor. The officer will devote full-time to the duties and responsibilities of the office and will receive a salary as determined by law. The Chief Officer of Cybersecurity Infrastructure, in consultation with the Chief Technology Officer of the Office of Information Technology, the Chief Information Security Officer of the State, and the Director of the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, will: establish the internal organizational structure of the Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure; coordinate and conduct technology operations in the Executive Branch of State Government, including agency cybersecurity technology operations, technology infrastructure operations, and AI integration operations; draft and establish Service Level Agreements with each department and agency in the Executive Branch of State Government; and enter into agreements as necessary with private and public entities or individuals in order to better secure cybersecurity infrastructure in this State. The Chief Officer of Cybersecurity Infrastructure will be authorized to appoint up to six Deputy Officers of Cybersecurity Infrastructure. Each deputy officer will be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the officer and will be responsible for cybersecurity planning, coordination, budgeting, technical architecture, and management of large-scale cybersecurity initiatives. The Chief Officer of Cybersecurity Infrastructure will provide periodic reports to the Governor and will issue an annual report to the Governor and to the Legislature regarding the cybersecurity infrastructure operations of the Executive Branch of State Government and the activities of the Office of Cybersecurity Infrastructure. The annual report will be issued on or before January 1 of each year and will be made available to the public on the office's website. | In Committee |
| A3897 | Requires municipalities, counties, and school districts to report cybersecurity incidents. | Requires municipalities, counties, and school districts to report cybersecurity incidents. | In Committee |
| AJR46 | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates January of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in the State of New Jersey in recognition of the many Hindu residents of this State and their rich and noteworthy history and cultural contributions to this State. Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world, dating back to a time between 3000-8000 BCE. Sacred texts have been passed on through generations for thousands of years, creating a strong following of 1.1 billion Hindus in the 21st century. Hindus believe in a variety of deities, each representing different concepts and values within Hinduism. Different sects of Hindus emphasize particular deities and practices over others, depending on their beliefs. Various Hindu gods and goddesses can be traced to origin points spanning several thousand years, making the traditions surrounding Hinduism and the Hindu deities rich and storied. Some deities have holidays celebrated in their honor, such as Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which celebrates Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune. Another well-known Hindu holiday is Holi, the Festival of Colors. It is a holiday celebrating the coming of spring, famous for colorful paste and water thrown on those celebrating. Hindus have made enormous contributions to cultural development throughout history across the globe. Significant achievements in math, science, and medicine used in the modern world can be traced to Hindus. New Jersey is lucky enough to be the state with the highest percentage of Hindu residents in the United States. The Hindu community has shown others the beauty of their beliefs, including though the establishment of the largest Hindu temple in the world, now located in Robbinsville, New Jersey. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AJR50 | Designates August of each year as "Professional Engineers Month" in NJ and first Wednesday in August of each year as "Professional Engineering Day." | This joint resolution designates the month of August each year as "Professional Engineers Month" in New Jersey and first Wednesday in August of each year as "Professional Engineering Day." The licensing of professional engineers in the United States began in August 1907 to ensure that the engineering profession is practiced by qualified and ethically accountable professionals. Professional engineers are dedicated to applying scientific knowledge, mathematics, and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical, societal, and commercial problems while holding the public health, safety, and welfare paramount. Nearly 10,000 professional engineers in New Jersey contribute significantly to the technological growth and economic well-being of the State through their work in manufacturing, engineering services, scientific research and development, construction, education, government, industry, and private practice. The designated month and day will reflect that professional engineers should be recognized for their many achievements on behalf of the industries, commerce, and the people of New Jersey, and their commitment to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the public above all other considerations. The designated month and day will also highlight that the engineering profession offers a unique and publicly oriented vocation for young people in the State to be educated and trained to continue the work, innovation, and accomplishments of their predecessors in improving the health, welfare, and safety of the public. The joint resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling upon the citizens of the State to participate fittingly in the observance of "Professional Engineers Month" and "Professional Engineering Day. | In Committee |
| AR128 | Commemorates 45th anniversary of enactment of Taiwan Relations Act and 35th anniversary of New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. | This resolution commemorates the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and the 35th anniversary of the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was passed by the United States. Congress on April 10, 1979 to sustain a close bilateral relationship and advance mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan. Since its enactment, the TRA has served as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations, preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a part of the South China Sea that separates the island of Taiwan from the Asian continent. The Taiwan Strait is crucial to the maintenance of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Its importance has been recently highlighted in global summits such as the G7, NATO and East Asian Summit. The TRA has served as the foundation for the mutually beneficial partnership between Taiwan and the United States. In 2023, a total of $27.5 billion in bilateral trade occurred between the United States and Taiwan, making Taiwan the 8th largest trading partner of the United States. In June 2023, the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was signed to enhance the existing trade partnership as a means to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for workers, as well as businesses. The United States has also assisted Taiwan in furthering their global participation through international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1989, New Jersey and Taiwan entered a sister-state relationship, which remains a continuous and prosperous affiliation today. In 2021, the relationship was expanded by a sister-city agreement between Newark, New Jersey and Taoyuan City, Taiwan. In 2023, New Jersey exported approximately $723 million worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the State's 5th largest export market in Asia. In October 2023, Governor Murphy announced plans to open Choose New Jersey's New Jersey Asian-Pacific Center in Taiwan and witnessed numerous Memorandums of Understanding between State executive agencies and Taiwan to establish powerful economic trade partnerships and bilateral educational infrastructure. As of March 2024, over 200 Taiwanese companies have invested in New Jersey leading to the creation of new jobs in the State. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AJR60 | Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | This resolution declares New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." New Jersey veterans and active duty military members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation's freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President to veterans and active duty military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in our nation's Armed Forces. The recipients of the Purple Heart Medal deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that recipients have shown while serving our nation. Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are declared "Purple Heart States." Parts of 45 states are part of the "Purple Heart Trail," a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to the veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. New Jersey has multiple counties, cities, and locations that are part of the "Purple Heart Trail." The "Purple Heart Trail" was established at the 1992 Military Order of the Purple Heart convention, which was held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" honors the contributions and sacrifices of the New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Purple Heart Medal recipients from the State have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State's citizens. The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly served our country and the State. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to declare New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." | In Committee |
| A2818 | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Crossed Over |
| A4985 | Requires DOT to ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to disabled drivers. | This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require, no later than 18 months after the effective date of the bill, that electric vehicle charging stations in the State are accessible to allow for independent use by drivers with disabilities. The bill requires electric vehicle chargers to be located on an accessible route for drivers with mobility devices. The bill requires the DOT to adopt technical requirements for accessible routes established under federal law. The bill establishes that a charging space with mobility features shall provide a vehicle space with a minimum width of at least 11 feet and a minimum length of at least 20 feet, and that chargers provide a clear floor or ground space which meet the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (ADA) requirements for ground and floor surfaces, including criteria for firmness, stability, and slip resistance. Further, under the bill, a reasonable number of chargers, as determined by the DOT, are required to comply with ADA operable parts requirements, including technical requirements for clear floor or ground space, reach ranges, and operation and a connector is required to allow operation with one hand and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and with no more than five pounds of force. Finally, the bill directs that all chargers operated or maintained by any entity within the State are required to comply with the technical requirements for hardware under the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973." | In Committee |
| A4987 | 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 is 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 |
| A3859 | Requires rental car company to provide notice to renter to delete personal information from motor vehicle computer system upon return of vehicle. | Requires rental car company to provide notice to renter to delete personal information from motor vehicle computer system upon return of vehicle. | In Committee |
| A4529 | Requires Attorney General to conduct study tracking residential burglaries and issue guidance to law enforcement and public. | This bill requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Superintendent of State Police, the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, and the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, to conduct a study and prepare a written report concerning residential burglaries in the State. The bill requires the report to include, but not be limited to:· annual State residential burglary statistics beginning with calendar year 2018 through the most recently available data, itemized by county, including, but not limited to: the number of residential burglaries reported, including whether the burglary occurred during the day, night, or weekend, and whether any weapon was used; the number of residential burglaries resulting in injury or death to a resident or law enforcement officer; the number of residential burglaries that coincided with theft of a motor vehicle; the average and median dollar value of property damage or theft incurred; and the number of adults and juveniles charged with and convicted or adjudicated delinquent of burglary of a residence; · a summary of law enforcement initiatives and activities, including public awareness activities, implemented during the reporting period to address the issue of residential burglaries Statewide, and the effects of those initiatives and activities; and· recommendations to decrease the number of residential burglaries committed in the State, including any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that may be necessary to effectuate this purpose. Under the bill, the Attorney General is required to submit an initial report to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of the bill's enactment, and to submit an annual report thereafter. | Crossed Over |
| A4008 | Requires notice of motor vehicle safety recalls upon inspection and registration of motor vehicle; requires motor vehicle manufacturers to pay annual fee to MVC in certain circumstances. | Requires notice of motor vehicle safety recalls upon inspection and registration of motor vehicle; requires motor vehicle manufacturers to pay annual fee to MVC in certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S3006 | Establishes crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. | An Act concerning burglary of residential dwellings, supplementing Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2607 | Authorizes taxicabs, limousines, and transportation network companies to provide paratransit services for two-year period. | An Act concerning paratransit services. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A516 | Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices. | Requires public water systems to provide certain notice of boil water notices. | Crossed Over |
| A2316 | Increases traffic threshold for local installation of certain speed humps on certain local streets without DOT approval. | Increases traffic threshold for local installation of certain speed humps on certain local streets without DOT approval. | Crossed Over |
| AJR112 | Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ. | Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ. | Crossed Over |
| A2029 | Directs DOE and DOH to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education concerning student vaping awareness campaigns. | This bill directs the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Health (DOH), to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education that will help facilitate the implementation of on-campus anti-vaping awareness campaigns that target student populations. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist school districts, colleges, and universities in equipping adolescents and young adults with research backed material on the dangers of vaping in effort to combat the increased use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults. The DOE and DOH are to review and update the guidelines annually. The guidelines, at a minimum, are to include recommendations for: (1) implementing an in-school and on-campus multi-tiered anti-vaping campaign that focuses on theories that promote age-appropriate positive behavior change among adolescents and young adults; (2) disseminating research backed materials on the dangers of vaping, as it relates to: its effects on the users' lungs, effects on mental health, how it compares to cigarette smoking, dangers to pregnant women, and its impact on people in the workplace and small children; (3) using decision-making models and decision-making aids to help students make healthy decisions and overcome peer pressure that encourages vaping; and (4) incorporating marketing materials, such as pamphlets, to promote on-campus age-appropriate anti-vaping information to middle school students, high school students, and college age adults. Under this bill, the DOE and DOH are to post the guidelines on the respective website of each department. | Crossed Over |
| A2835 | 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. | Crossed Over |
| AR164 | Recognizes and celebrates Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. | This Assembly Resolution recognizes and celebrates Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. Bruce Springsteen was born on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey and raised in Freehold, New Jersey by his working class family. Beginning in the late sixties and early seventies, Bruce Springsteen began his music career by touring with bands based in New Jersey, including The Castiles and Steel Mill, which eventually led him to several members of the now famous E Street Band. In 1972, Bruce Springsteen was signed to a record deal with Columbia Records and released the critically-acclaimed "Greetings from Asbury Park," launching his recording career as a musician. Throughout his career, Bruce Springsteen has established himself as a proud New Jersey native and as one of the greatest musicians of all time, selling over 120 million albums, winning 20 Grammys, and earning inductions in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen has also continuously pursued philanthropic endeavors, such as performing at numerous charitable concerts, contributing millions of dollars to humanitarian causes, and encouraging his audiences to give back, including bringing canned goods to his concerts to later be donated at local food banks. At the age of 75, Bruce Springsteen and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide, especially those who reside in his home state of New Jersey. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4299 | Establishes crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. | Establishes crimes of home invasion burglary and residential burglary. | In Committee |
| AJR48 | Designates third Sunday of November of each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in NJ. | Designates third Sunday of November of each year as "World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims" in NJ. | In Committee |
| A1497 | Removes requirement that local units may only provide broadband telecommunication service via wireless community service. | Removes requirement that local units may only provide broadband telecommunication service via wireless community network. | In Committee |
| A1424 | Establishes NJT Office of Customer Advocate and Rider Advocacy Commission. | This bill establishes a Rider Advocacy Commission (commission) in, but not of, the Department of Transportation and requires the commission to establish a New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate (office). Similar to the New York City Transit Riders Council, also known as the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council, which was created by the New York State Legislature in 1981 to represent New York City subway and bus riders, and users of the Staten Island Railway, the office is to investigate, monitor, advocate, promote, and advise on all customer-experience matters pertaining to the operation of the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The commission is to consist of three members, one member appointed by the Governor, one member appointed by the President of the Senate, and one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly. Each member is limited to a five-year term, except that of the members first appointed, the member appointed by the Governor is to be appointed for a one-year term, the member appointed by the President of the Senate is to be appointed for a two-year term, and the member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly is to be appointed for a three-year term. The commission is empowered to engage and dismiss staff as necessary, including the appointment of a Rider Advocate. The Rider Advocate is the head of the office, is required to report directly to the commission, and has the authority to carry out the purposes of the office, including, with the approval of the commission, temporarily retaining expert assistants as are necessary to protect the interests of NJT customers when exceptional circumstances arise. The responsibilities of the office include: (1) providing information and analysis to the NJT board of directors, Governor, and Legislature concerning the actual or anticipated impact of any NJT board or NJT actions on NJT's customers; (2) providing customer input and feedback to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature, including relaying the needs and concerns of customers to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature; and (3) representing the interests of NJT's customers as determined by the Rider Advocate. The office has the authority to conduct investigations; initiate studies; conduct research; present comments and testimony before the NJT board of directors, legislative committees, and other governmental bodies; prepare and issue reports; and undertake any other actions that further the purposes of the office. The office is also required to conduct meetings with NJT customers, which are to occur at least on a monthly basis, and would allow for a remote attendance option, for the purpose of relaying the concerns and needs of customers to the NJT board of directors and, when the Rider Advocate deems appropriate, to the executive management team of NJT. In addition, the office would also be required to allow for public input on NJT operations and experiences at any time, through the office's official Internet website and through voicemail. The office is also required to represent the interests of NJT's customers in areas such as proposed fare increases, proposed substantial curtailment of services, and any proposed expansion of service. Funds for the expenses of the commission and office are to be provided by the State Treasurer, as appropriated by the Legislature, and are to be independent of funds for the NJT. On or before March 31 of each year, the commission in consultation with the Rider Advocate is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the activities of the commission and office for the previous calendar year, including any reports provided to the NJT board of directors. The bill repeals a provision of law requiring NJT to employ a customer advocate. | In Committee |
| A4826 | Makes local government business administrators eligible for membership in PERS; provides for transfer from Defined Contribution Retirement Program to PERS. | This bill makes business administrators serving in local governments eligible for membership in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Business administrators currently participate in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). The bill defines "business administrator" as the executive and administrative officer of any political subdivision of the State or any agency, board, commission, authority, or instrumentality of the State or of a subdivision serving in a position with the title of business administrator, municipal or county administrator, municipal or county manager, city manager, town manager, village manager, borough manager, township manager, or any functional equivalent, as the case may be. The bill provides for the transfer to the PERS of a business administrator who is participating in the DCRP within 90 days following the effective date of the bill if the employee meets the eligibility requirements for membership in the PERS at the time of enrollment. The bill requires the PERS notify eligible business administrators of the required enrollment within 15 days after the effective date. The bill specifies that service credit transferred from a participant in the DCRP would be recognized as service credit in the PERS to determine eligibility for employer-paid health care benefits in retirement pursuant to current law. The bill also specifies that the membership tier will be determined by the member's participation date in the DCRP or their original enrollment date in the PERS, if applicable, whichever is earlier. Additionally, the actuary for the PERS is required to determine the unfunded accrued liability resulting from the transfer of the business administrators. This unfunded accrued liability will be amortized over a period of 20 years. The value of the account in the DCRP of the business administrator will be transferred to the PERS in accordance with relevant provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code and Internal Revenue Service guidance. The bill will take effect immediately. | In Committee |
| A4827 | Requires DOH and DEP to develop best practices, and certain health care providers to develop plan, concerning medical waste management. | This bill requires the Departments of Health and Environmental Protection to identify and develop best practices for hospital and medical offices concerning medical waste management that promote public health and environmental stewardship. The bill requires each hospital and medical office to develop a written plan on medical waste management based on the best practices developed pursuant to the bill. The plan will include, but not be limited to: guidelines for the rational use of personal protective equipment; methods to implement effective waste sorting; and instructions for accurately identifying and sorting waste at the point of generation. Each hospital and medical office will be required to ensure that the hospital's and medical office's employees receive training on the implementation of the plan developed pursuant to the bill to the extent that such training is necessary to comply with the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| A4573 | Requires study of vacant commercial space for small businesses. | This bill requires the Business Action Center in the Department of State to conduct a study on the impact of vacant commercial real estate in the State and prepare a report within one year of the effective date of the bill to be submitted to the Governor and to the Legislature. The report is required to include, but not be limited to: (1) information concerning existing county and local government efforts to track vacant commercial real estate within their jurisdictions; (2) the progress and efforts of municipal governments in utilizing the "Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act;" (3) an assessment of any existing county and local government programs that provide financial or technical assistance to address vacant commercial real estate within their jurisdictions; (4) a survey of business owners and prospective business owners and their satisfaction with using private real estate resources to identify vacant commercial real estate; and (5) any further recommendations that may help guide business owners and prospective business owners in their search for vacant commercial real estate. | In Committee |
| A3260 | Directs Department of Agriculture in consultation with DOE, to establish Internet-based school meals application. | Directs Department of Agriculture, in consultation with DOE, to establish Internet-based school meals application. | In Committee |
| A2402 | Authorizes special license plates for members of the United States Coast Guard. | This bill authorizes the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue United States Coast Guard license plates to current and former members of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and to the spouse and parents of current and former members of the USCG. The design of the license plate is to be chosen by the chief administrator, in consultation with the USCG. In addition to the required motor vehicle registration fees, there is an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the license plates. After deducting the costs to implement the license plate program, the additional fees collected are to be deposited into the "United States Coast Guard License Plate Fund." The proceeds of the fund are to be appropriated annually to the USCG. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of the specialty license plates. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the license plate program. The bill also requires that the USCG appoint a liaison to represent the USCG in all communications with the MVC regarding the license plates. The bill provides that State or other public funds may not be used by the MVC for the initial cost to implement the license plate program. The bill requires the USCG, or an individual or entity designated by the USCG, to contribute non-public monies, not to exceed $25,000, to offset the initial costs to design, produce, issue, and publicize the license plates and for any computer programming necessary to implement the program. The bill authorizes the USCG to receive funds from private sources to be used to offset the initial costs. The MVC is prohibited from designing, producing, issuing, or publicizing the availability of the license plates, or making any necessary programming changes, until: (1) the USCG, or an individual or entity designated by the USCG, has provided the MVC with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC in establishing the license plate program; and (2) the USCG, or its designee, has provided the MVC with a minimum of 500 completed applications for the license plates, upon the availability for purchase of those license plates. The provisions of the bill will remain inoperative until the first day of the 13th month after the date on which appropriate applications and fees required to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC are provided by the USCG or its designee. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month after enactment if sufficient applications and fees to offset the initial costs are not received by that date. | Crossed Over |
| A4527 | Concerns keyless locking mechanisms and burglar's tools. | This bill expands the definition of "burglar's tool" to include that which may be considered an "engine, machine, tool or implement." Under the bill, an engine, machine, tool, implement, or program manufactured or possessed in violation of N.J.S.2C:5-5 includes such which may provide access to a premises through a keyless locking mechanism. Under the bill, it is a crime of the fourth degree if the person manufactured such instrument or implements or published such plans or instructions for tools which may provide access to a premises through a keyless locking mechanism. If the person merely possesses an instrument in violation of the statute, then it is a disorderly persons offense. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | Crossed Over |
| A4296 | Establishes exemption from ban on importation of woodchucks under certain circumstances. | The bill establishes an exemption to the ban on importation of woodchucks into the State for the importation of a woodchuck for the purposes of replacing a groundhog in order for a county or municipality to celebrate Groundhog Day when the county's or municipality's groundhog has died, provided that every effort is made to replace the groundhog with a woodchuck found in the State or imported from a state in which a variant of rabies other than raccoon rabies is not endemic as provided for in the bill. The bill directs the Division of Fish and Wildlife to notify each county and municipality in the State of the limited exception established by the bill, provide guidelines for replacing a woodchuck that dies, and establish procedures for relocating a woodchuck or authorizing its importation. Finally, the bill directs the division to establish requirements for the proper housing and handling of the woodchuck placed in the custody of the county or municipality, as applicable. | Crossed Over |
| A1912 | Requires certain State employees to receive training in cybersecurity best practices. | This bill requires State employees to receive training regarding using best safety practices while utilizing State computers. The bill requires the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) in the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, to establish the cybersecurity training program for all State employees in the Executive and Legislative Branch of government who have access to a State computer. The bill requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to adopt guidelines to implement the program. The training should include a review of best practices for using State computers including updating passwords; detecting phishing scams; preventing ransomware, spyware infections, and identity theft; and preventing and responding to data breaches. The NJCCIC provides cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. Located at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), the NJCCIC promotes Statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices. Cybersecurity is a growing concern for State government and the private sector. It has enormous implications for government security, economic prosperity, and public safety. | In Committee |
| A3416 | Provides gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for expense of classroom supplies. | This bill provides a gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals employed by a New Jersey elementary or secondary school for certain expenses incurred by the educator or paraprofessional for classroom supplies during the taxable year. This New Jersey gross income tax deduction is modeled on the federal income tax deduction for educator expenses allowed under section 62 of the federal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.62). The bill defines an "eligible educator" as an individual who is employed as a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, speech language specialist, or principal by a public or private school located in this State for at least 900 hours during a school year. The bill defines a "paraprofessional" as an individual who is employed as a school aide or classroom aide who assists a teaching staff member with the supervision of pupil activities by a public or private school located in the State that provides elementary education or secondary education. The bill also allows the deduction of unreimbursed expenditures by an eligible educator or paraprofessional for supplies (other than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), books, computer equipment, including related software and services, and other equipment and supplementary materials used by the eligible educator or paraprofessional in the classroom. | Crossed Over |
| A1432 | Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems. | Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems. | In Committee |
| A4532 | Establishes separate crime of burglary of residential dwelling. | This bill establishes burglary of a residence as a separate crime from the crime of burglary pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:18-2, thus facilitating the tracking of the crime of burglary of residential dwellings in this State. Under the bill, "residential dwelling" is defined as: (1) any building or structure, though movable or temporary, or a portion thereof, which serves primarily as a residence for one or more persons; or (2) any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons. The penalties for burglary of a residence remain the same as under current law. It is a crime of the third degree to commit a burglary of a residential dwelling under this bill; except that it is a crime of the second degree if the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; (2) is armed with or displays what appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon; or (3) enters the residential dwelling while a resident or any other person, other than a person acting in concert with the actor, is present in the residential dwelling. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | Crossed Over |
| A4530 | Allows sentencing to extended term for repeat convictions of receipt of stolen property. | This bill provides that a person may be sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment for repeat convictions of receiving stolen property. Under the bill, a person is a persistent offender if the person has previously been convicted on two or more prior and separate occasions of receiving stolen property in violation of N.J.S.A.2C:20-7, regardless of the dates of the convictions. A persistent offender may be sentenced to an extended term, upon motion of the prosecutor, if the prior conviction is for a crime committed on a separate occasion and the crime for which the person is being sentenced was either: (1) within 10 years of the date of the defendant's last release from confinement for the commission of any crime; or (2) within 10 years of the date of the commission of the most recent violation of N.J.S.2C:20-7 for which the defendant has a prior conviction. | Crossed Over |
| A4531 | Limits negotiated plea agreements for crime of burglary when firearm involved. | This bill prohibits the prosecution from entering into a plea agreement for a lesser term of imprisonment or fine for the crime of burglary when a firearm is involved. Under current law, it is a crime of the second degree if, in the course of committing the offense of burglary, the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; or (2) is armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon. Under the bill, a person convicted of burglary while armed with a firearm would be ineligible to enter into a negotiated plea agreement to receive a lesser term of imprisonment or a fine. "Firearm" is defined as any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. "Firearm" also includes, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person. | Crossed Over |
| A4191 | Protects access to assisted reproductive technology. | This bill provides every woman in this State the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Under current law, the State provides the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, or to choose whether to carry a pregnancy, to give birth, or to terminate a pregnancy. Under the bill, the fundamental rights related to reproductive health choice in the State are expanded to include the use of ART. ART includes, but is not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This legislation is in response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), decided in February 2024. In LePage, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the state's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. New Jersey has long been a State that supports, and provides protections for, the reproductive freedom of its citizens, including the right to make the choice of whether to start or expand a family through IVF. | Crossed Over |
| A4528 | Establishes "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force." | This bill establishes the "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Under the bill, the purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations for manufacturers and installers concerning home security systems, including but not limited to keyless entry, camera, and alarm systems, meant to prevent residential burglaries. The bill provides that the task force will consist of 16 members as follows:· the chairperson of the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee of the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, who shall serve as the chair of the task force;· the Attorney General and the Superintendent of State Police, serving ex officio, or their designees;· one representative of each of the following organizations selected by that organization: the New Jersey Electronic Life Safety Association; the Electronic Security Association; the Monitoring Association; the Security Industry Association; the Insurance Council of New Jersey; the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association; the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association; the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police; and the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey; and· four public members, appointed by the Governor, with experience in the locksmithing and alarm business, including at least one licensed locksmith and one licensed burglar alarm installer. The bill requires the task force to submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the task force's recommendations concerning improvements in home security and anti-burglary measures through security system design features and product availability. The report will also include any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that are necessary to effectuate the improvements. | Crossed Over |
| S2435 | Revises certain requirements concerning eligibility for reimbursement from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund." | An Act concerning the "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund" and amending P.L.1992, c.143. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2810 | Changes membership of board of trustees of SPRS to remove requirement that two members be private citizens. | An Act concerning the membership of the board of trustees of the State Police Retirement System and amending P.L.1965, c.89. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S741 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus certain real property and improvements in City of Jersey City in Hudson County. | An Act authorizing the State Treasurer to sell certain surplus real property and improvements owned by the State in the City of Jersey City, County of Hudson. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2610 | Extends annual horse racing purse subsidies through State fiscal year 2029. | An Act concerning horse racing purse subsidies and amending P.L.2019, c.36. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4460 | Provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. | This bill provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. Under the bill, the owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to require at least a two-person crew on all dangerous hazardous trains. The owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to further require that all dangerous hazardous trains clearly display the name of the railroad company that owns the dangerous hazardous train. The bill provides for certain exceptions to the two-person crew requirement, including: when a train is performing helper service; when a train is a tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operation that is not part of the general railroad system of transportation; when a train is a locomotive that is not attached to railcars, is located inside a rail yard, and is being moved between tracks or moved to or from a maintenance shop; and when the owner or operator has been exempted from the two-person crew requirement by the Commissioner of Transportation. However, the bill specifies that the two-person crew requirement is mandatory when a train is transporting one or more loaded freight cars containing any material poisonous by inhalation or transporting 10 or more loaded freight cars or freight cars loaded with bulk packages or containing certain hazardous materials. The bill also prohibits a railroad company, including a short line, from operating any train that exceeds 8,500 feet in length on any main line or branch line within the State. Any person or railroad company that violates this maximum length is liable for a civil penalty of at least $500 but not more than $1,000 per foot exceeding the maximum train length allowed under the bill. The maximum penalty allowed is $250,000 in instances of gross negligence or a pattern of repeated violations that cause an imminent hazard of death or injury or that have caused death or injury, regardless of train length. The owner or operator of a privately owned railroad is required to submit a copy of federally required bridge inspection reports to the Commissioner of Transportation, the Governor, and the Legislature. Under the bill, the Board of Public Utilities (board), in conjunction with Department of Transportation (DOT), is required to work with each railroad company that operates in the State to ensure that wayside detector systems are installed and are operating along railroad tracks on which the railroad company operates and to ensure that such systems meet certain standards. If a railroad company refuses to work or otherwise cooperate with the board and the DOT in good faith, the board and the DOT are required to investigate the railroad company's safety practices and standards to determine whether the company appears to be in compliance with federal railroad safety standards. If the railroad company does not appear to be in compliance, the board and the DOT are then required to make a report to the Federal Railroad Administration (administration), within 60 days after this determination, detailing the results of the investigation and recommending that the administration take enforcement action against the railroad company. The bill requires the board and the DOT to send a copy of the report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill requires that all non-profit labor organizations representing a class or craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier contractor officials (non-profit labor organizations) be permitted onto railroad property to assist in inspecting for safety hazards and are permitted to identify any alleged safety hazards. Finally, the bill requires the DOT to work with non-profit labor organizations and local emergency response service providers to apply for federal grants. With the exception of the maximum length provisions of the bill, this bill does not apply to certain Class III carriers as defined by the Surface Transportation Board. | In Committee |
| A4718 | "New Jersey Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Act"; requires DOT to develop public awareness campaign for motorcycle day. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to develop and annually update a motorcycle safety public awareness campaign for the purpose of promoting motorcycle safety, encouraging vigilant driving, and reducing the number of motorcycle-related accidents on New Jersey roads. The public awareness campaign is required to include, at a minimum: (1) educational materials on the importance of motorcycle safety; (2) information on the risks associated with distracted driving; and (3) variable message signs to promote best practices for sharing the road safely with motorcyclists. | In Committee |
| S2188 | Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of certain public community water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings or facilities to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease. | An Act concerning Legionnaires' disease and supplementing P.L.1977, c.224 (C.58:12A-1 et seq.) and Title 26 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2837 | Authorizes school districts to submit separate proposals for additional spending for subsequent budget year at special school election. | An Act concerning separate proposals for additional school district spending and amending P.L.1996, c.138 and P.L.2007, c.62. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2876 | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | An Act designating the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2822 | Revises workers' compensation law to increase contingency attorney fee cap in contingency case from 20 percent to 25 percent. | An Act concerning contingency fees in workers' compensation matters and amending R.S.34:15-64. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4360 | "New Jersey Design Professional Self-Certification Act"; requires DCA to establish design professional self-certification program. | An Act establishing a design professional self-certification program and supplementing P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2884 | Provides for purchase of PFRS credit for service as class two special law enforcement officer. | An Act concerning the purchase of credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System for certain service and amending P.L.1991, c.153. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2288 | Establishes Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in DOE. | An Act establishing the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery and supplementing 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 |
| A3861 | "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act." | An Act concerning the report and collection of medical debt and supplementing P.L.1997, c.172 (C.56:11-28 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4478 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for transportation infrastructure projects for FY2025; makes appropriation. | An Act authorizing the expenditure of funds by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for the purpose of making loans to eligible project sponsors to finance the cost to construct transportation infrastructure projects, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3537 | Revises certain requirements concerning eligibility for reimbursement from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund." | Revises certain requirements concerning eligibility for reimbursement from "Emergency Medical Technician Training Fund." | In Committee |
| A4084 | Authorizes school districts to submit separate proposals for additional spending for subsequent budget year at special school election. | This bill authorizes school districts without a board of school estimate to submit to the voters of the district at a special school election a separate proposal or proposals for permission to raise additional funds for the subsequent school budget year beyond the district's authorized tax levy for that year. Under current law, a school district may submit to the voters at the annual school election, a separate question or proposal for permission to raise additional funds for the budget year beyond the district's authorized tax levy. This bill would allow districts to submit proposals to voters at a special school election to raise such additional funds for the subsequent school budget year. Special school elections may occur in January, March, September, and December. A separate proposal or proposals may only be submitted on a date of a special election once during a school year. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to prohibit the submission to the voters of a question for the approval of capital projects on the same special election date as the submission of a separate proposal for additional funds. | In Committee |
| A3986 | Revises workers' compensation law to increase contingency attorney fee cap in contingency case from 20 percent to 25 percent. | This bill revises the workers' compensation law to increase the cap in contingency fee matters from 20 percent to 25 percent. Attorneys for injured workers are often compensated on a contingency fee basis, and the original cap of 20 percent does not take into account additional duties that workers' compensation attorneys are required to handle since the cap's establishment. | In Committee |
| A1970 | Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of certain public community water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings or facilities to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease. | Requires DEP, DOH, owners or operators of certain public community water systems, and owners or operators of certain buildings or facilities to take certain actions to prevent and control cases of Legionnaires' disease. | Crossed Over |
| A2608 | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus certain real property and improvements in City of Jersey City in Hudson County. | Authorizes State Treasurer to sell as surplus certain real property and improvements in City of Jersey City in Hudson County. | In Committee |
| A3779 | Changes membership of board of trustees of SPRS to remove requirement that two members be private citizens. | This bill changes the membership requirements for the board of trustees of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS). Under the bill, two members appointed by the Governor will no longer be required to be private citizens who are neither an active nor retired member of the system. The SPRS board of trustees currently consists of two active or retired members of SPRS, two private citizens appointed by the Governor, and the State Treasurer. The board of trustees is responsible for the operations of the SPRS in accordance with current law and administrative regulations. | In Committee |
| AR138 | Designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. | This Assembly resolution designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey, in recognition of the achievements, contributions, struggles, and humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary, and pansexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Public officials and citizens of New Jersey are respectfully urged to commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2024 with appropriate activities. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4127 | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | In Committee |
| A4558 | Establishes Next New Jersey Program for artificial intelligence investments. | This bill establishes the "Next New Jersey Program" within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and modifies certain provisions of the "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020," P.L.2020, c.156 (C.34:1B-269 et al.). The purpose of the Next New Jersey Program would be to attract new investment to New Jersey in the artificial intelligence (or "AI") industry and AI-related industries, create new jobs and economic opportunities, and to position New Jersey as a leader in the innovation economy. Under the program, the EDA would provide tax credits to eligible businesses, following approval of an application by the EDA, to eligible AI businesses. Eligible AI businesses would include a business or division that is primarily engaged in the artificial intelligence industry or large-scale artificial intelligence data center industry. A business would be considered primarily engaged in such an industry if at least 50 percent of the business's employees are engaged in AI-related activities, or at least 50 percent of the business's revenue is generated from AI-related activities. The bill defines "artificial intelligence" or "AI" to mean the development of software and hardware, and the end-use application of technologies that are able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence, including, but not limited to, visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, translation between languages, and generative artificial intelligence, which generates new content in response to user inputs of data. The bill provides that an eligible business that executes a project agreement with the EDA pursuant to the provisions of the Next New Jersey Program may receive tax credits as authorized under the project agreement. The bill defines "project" to mean a capital investment at a qualified business facility and an employment commitment specified in the eligible business's project agreement. The bill defines "qualified business facility" to mean any building, complex of buildings, or structural components of buildings, and all machinery and equipment located therein, used in connection with the operation of an eligible business. Under the bill, the amount of the tax credit allowed for a particular project would equal to the lesser of: (1) the product of 0.1 percent of the eligible business's total capital investment multiplied by the number of new full-time jobs; (2) 25 percent of the eligible business's total capital investment; or (3) $250 million. The bill provides that up to $500 million in tax credits, originally allocated for the New Jersey Aspire Program and the Emerge Program, be made available to eligible AI businesses under the Next New Jersey Program. Additionally, the bill provides that if the EDA awards less than the annual limitation of tax credits under the New Jersey Aspire Program and the Emerge Program, then the uncommitted credits would also be made available to eligible AI businesses under the Next New Jersey Program. | In Committee |
| A3034 | Directs Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote State aquaculture products through Jersey Fresh Program; establishes annual $100,000 appropriation; appropriates $100,000. | This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote aquaculture products as part of the Jersey Fresh Program. The Jersey Fresh Program is the marketing and quality grading program that is currently used, by the department, to advertise and promote the availability of fruit and vegetable agricultural commodities that have been produced in the State and graded for quality. This bill would expand the Jersey Fresh Program to additionally include marketing for fish and shellfish that are produced in the State, or in State waters, through means of aquaculture, and the quality of which complies with standards adopted by the department and is verified thereby through the use of an appropriate quality grading system. The bill would require the department to develop and implement a quality grading system that is specific to the grading of aquaculture products, as distinguished from wild-caught seafood products, which system is to be consistent with, and similar to, the quality grading system that is used, by the department, to grade the quality of other agricultural commodities for the purposes of the Jersey Fresh Program. The bill provides an initial appropriation of $100,000 for the bill's purposes, and it additionally provides for an annual appropriation of $100,000 to be made in each fiscal year after the bill's effective date, in order to facilitate the ongoing marketing and promotion of aquaculture products under the Jersey Fresh Program. The monies made available under the bill would be in addition to any other monies that may be appropriated or allocated to the Jersey Fresh Program. | In Committee |
| A3797 | "CJ's Law"; Criminalizes manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom. | This bill, designated as "CJ's Law," would criminalize the manufacture, possession and sale of products containing kratom. Kratom, as known as mitragyna speciosa korth, mitragynine extract, biak-biak, cratom, gratom, ithang, kakuam, katawn, kedemba, ketum, krathom, krton, mambog, madat, Maeng da leaf, nauclea, or Nauclea Speciosa, is a botanical substance that grows naturally in Southeast Asia. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that kratom poses a threat to public health and has the potential for abuse. Kratom is frequently marketed on the Internet for its psychoactive and opioid-like analgesic effects, and for use in the treatment of morphine and heroin addiction. However, kratom is not approved in the United States for any medical use. In a statement released in April 2022, the FDA warned the public against using kratom, warning that the substance "affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine" and that it appears to have "properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence." According to the FDA, scientific literature has disclosed serious concerns regarding the toxicity of kratom in multiple organ systems, with consumption leading to a number of health issues, including depressed respiratory function, nervousness, agitation, aggression, sleeplessness, hallucinations, delusions, loss of libido, tremors, skin hyperpigmentation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and severe withdrawal signs and symptoms. Currently, possession and distribution of kratom is not barred by federal or New Jersey law. However, the FDA Import Alert # 54-15 provides guidance for FDA field personnel regarding the detention of dietary supplements and bulk dietary ingredients that contain kratom. The FDA has also issued a number of warning letters and conducted seizures of illegally sold, unapproved, or misbranded drug products containing kratom that make unproven claims about their ability to treat or cure opioid addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is banned or its uses restricted in several countries, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, France , Germany, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Kratom is also illegal in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Several states have passed laws restricting its sale and use, while several other states have introduced legislation that would ban this drug. This bill amends existing law to include kratom as a controlled dangerous substance and to sets out gradations for crimes involving the substance. The bill would make it a crime of the second degree to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or possess or have under one's control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a substance containing kratom in an amount of one ounce or more, including adulterants and dilutants. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. It would be a crime of the third degree to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or possess or have under one's control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a substance containing kratom in an amount of less than one ounce, including adulterants and dilutants. 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. Under the bill, the possession of one ounce or more, including adulterants and dilutants, of a substance containing kratom would be a crime of the third degree, and possession of less than one ounce, including adulterants and dilutants, would be a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. CJ's Law is designated in remembrance of Christopher James (CJ) Holowach, who died at age 33 from cardiac arrest caused by mixture of drugs that included his physician prescribed Adderol and kratom. While awaiting arm surgery, CJ Holowach consumed kratom to numb his arm pain without jeopardizing his recovery from opioid addiction. However, he was unaware of the dangers of kratom as the supplement's bottle provided no warning labels or suggestions on safe dosage amounts. Kratom is marketed in a way to make it appear to be a safe herbal pain supplement, when it poses serious health risks. Further, addiction experts warn, echoing the sentiments of FDA warnings, that kratom can be highly addictive and create risk of abuse and dependence. It is the sponsor's hope that this bill will stop the sale of kratom in New Jersey, avoiding further tragedies including death. | In Committee |
| A4217 | Authorizes EDA to use moneys in "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to support projects to refurbish or upgrade existing electricity generation facilities. | This bill would authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to use moneys in the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" to provide grants or other financial assistance to commercial, institutional, and industrial entities to support projects to refurbish or upgrade existing electric generation facilities in order to modernize, expand, or lengthen the lifespan of the facility. The bill would also clarify that projects may result in a measurable reduction of the emission of greenhouse gases (one of the conditions of receiving financial assistance from the "Global Warming Solutions Fund") through the use of fuel cells or carbon capture technology. The "Global Warming Solutions Fund," established pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2007, c.340 (C.26:2C-50), serves as the repository for moneys received from electric power generation facilities pursuant to New Jersey's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). | In Committee |
| A2784 | Authorizes school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for budget year and subsequent budget year. | Authorizes school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for budget year and subsequent budget year. | Crossed Over |
| A2369 | "New Jersey Works Act"; concerns businesses and pre-employment training programs; provides tax credit to businesses supporting pre-employment training programs; appropriates $1 million. | "New Jersey Works Act"; concerns businesses and pre-employment training programs; provides tax credit to businesses supporting pre-employment training programs; appropriates $1 million. | In Committee |
| A4588 | Requires Internet websites which deal in electronic dissemination of music or audiovisual works to disclose certain information. | This bill requires Internet websites which deal in the electronic dissemination of music or audiovisual works to disclose certain information. Under the provisions of this bill, a person who owns or operates an Internet website or online service dealing in substantial part in the electronic dissemination of third-party commercial recordings or audiovisual works, directly or indirectly, and who electronically disseminates the material to consumers in this State is required to clearly and conspicuously disclose the person's correct name, physical address, telephone number, and email address in a location readily accessible to a consumer using or visiting the Internet website or online service. The bill provides that an owner, assignee, authorized agent, or exclusive licensee of a commercial recording or audiovisual work electronically disseminated by an Internet website or online service in violation of the provisions of this bill may bring a private cause of action against a violator to obtain a declaratory judgment and injunctive relief. However, before filing an action under this section, the aggrieved party is required to make reasonable efforts to provide notice to the person alleged to be in violation of this bill in order to allow the alleged violator 14 days to cure the violation. If the alleged violator has failed to cure the violation within 14 days of receiving notice, the aggrieved party may institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief pursuant to the provisions of this bill. The prevailing party is entitled to recover necessary expenses incurred in an action under this section, including reasonable attorney's fees. A violation of the bill's provisions constitute an unlawful practice and a violation of P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). 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. | In Committee |
| A4012 | 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, approximately $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 $9.38 for every 15 minutes of service. | In Committee |
| A4144 | "New Jersey Student Support Act"; establishes program in Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to taxpayers contributing to organization which awards scholarships to certain nonpublic school students. | This bill directs the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to establish a program to provide tax credits to taxpayers that make contributions to a selected student support organization that awards scholarships for eligible students to attend participating nonpublic schools. The program established by the director would allow a taxpayer to claim a tax credit against the corporate business tax or personal gross income tax equal to 75 percent of any contribution made to a student support organization; in the case of the gross income tax credit, a taxpayer is required to contribute a minimum of $100 to a student support organization in order to claim a tax credit. The value of a credit for an individual taxpayer in a given year or privilege period is not permitted to exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the taxpayer's total tax liability or $1,000,000 for a tax credit against the corporate business tax or $100,000 for a credit against the personal gross income tax. The maximum amount of tax credits allowable in each State fiscal year may not exceed $37.5 million. The Director of the Division of Taxation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, is responsible for the administration of the program. The Director of the Division of Taxation is to select one student support organization, draft regulations to implement the program, and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on the implementation and results of the program. The regulations are to include a requirement that tax credits issued under the provision of the bill will be issued equitably among the counties. The Director of Taxation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, is also required to establish a five-person oversight committee to oversee the operation of the student support organization. The student support organization would receive contributions made to the program, spending no more than five percent of contributions on administrative costs, and distributing the remaining 95 percent as scholarships for eligible families. The student support organization is required to verify student eligibility prior to awarding a scholarship, not limit scholarships to students in a certain school or region, award scholarships equally to all eligible students who apply in a given school year, and provide a student with a scholarship that is not less than the amount the student received in the prior school year. The student support organization is to publicize the program, carry forward no more than 20 percent of funds each year, and submit an annual report to the State Treasurer and the Commissioner of Education. The student support organization is required to contract annually for an independent financial audit of the program and transmit a copy of the financial audit to the Division of Taxation, the State Treasurer, and the Commissioner of Education no later than December 1 of each year. To be eligible for a scholarship from the student support organization, a student is to reside in New Jersey and intend to enroll in grades kindergarten through 12 in the next school year. A student is required to have a household income that does not exceed the federal income guidelines for reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program multiplied by 2.6. To participate in the program, a school is to: be located in New Jersey; be a nonpublic school that is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program; comply with all federal and State anti-discrimination statutes; and comply with the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18:A37-13 et seq.). The bill also includes language requiring that the provisions of the bill not supersede, impact, or interfere with the full funding in each State fiscal year necessary to satisfy the requirement of the New Jersey Constitution that the Legislature provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the State between 5 and 18 years of age; the full funding of the veterans' $250 property tax deduction, required to be provided to eligible veterans pursuant to the State Constitution; the senior citizens' and disabled persons' $250 property tax deduction authorized by the State Constitution; the full payment of contributions required by law to be made to the State-administered retirement systems; and the full funding of the Stay NJ property tax credit program established in P.L.2023, c.75 (C.54:4-8.75a et seq.). No later than six months after the conclusion of the fourth school year in which scholarships are awarded under the program, the Department of the Treasury, in conjunction with the Department of Education, any relevant governmental organization, and stakeholders from the nonpublic school community, is required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature that will include: information on the number of scholarships and the amount of tax credits awarded under the program; recommendations on improvements to the program; and the number of nonpublic school closures five years prior to awarding any scholarships under the program compared to closures after the implementation of the program. The Department of Education is required to establish a Student Support Grant Program to provide grants to school districts in which at least 50 percent of the student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program. The grant funding is for student support services, including tutoring programs or opportunities, teacher retention bonuses, or the provision of mental health or counseling services. The department will establish an application process for the grants. As part of that process, the eligible school districts are required to demonstrate how the funding will assist the district in providing needed support to its students. The bill provides that the Legislature will annually appropriate from the General Fund to the Department of Education $37.5 million to fund the grant program. | Dead |
| A4483 | "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act." | This bill, to be known as the "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act," provides certain protections for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer patients. The bill: 1. Requires health insurance carriers (including health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations), entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCares/Medicaid program to provide coverage for individuals diagnosed with cancer and with a prognosis that is deemed Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal (1) parenteral treatment of the cancer; (2) survivorship care plan, including follow-up appointments; and (3) any other service or item as determined by the regulators of each type of carrier or contract. Under the bill, "parenteral treatment" means the intravenous, intra-arterial, intraperitoneal, or intrathecal administration of nutrition or medication bypassing the gastrointestinal system and "survivorship care plan" means a plan for an individual with cancer from diagnosis through the end of life that focuses on the health and well-being of the individual. This includes, but is not limited to, side effects from treatment, cancer recurrence, and quality of life. Any cost-sharing or copayment or coinsurance that may be required for coverage will not apply. 2. Prohibits residential mortgage lenders from providing a notice of intention to a residential mortgage debtor undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. Under the bill, a residential mortgage lender shall ensure, before sending a notice of intention to cure a default on a mortgage debtor's residential mortgage obligation, that the residential mortgage debtor is not undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. If a mortgage debtor is undergoing treatment, the mortgage lender will be prohibited from providing a notice of intention to the mortgage debtor until the mortgage lender receives notice from the physician of the mortgage debtor that the debtor is no longer undergoing treatment. Additionally, the bill provides that any foreclosure action to take possession of a residential property will be dismissed upon submission by the residential mortgage debtor to the residential mortgage lender of a letter from the physician of the debtor certifying that the debtor is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. 3. Prohibits a creditor from initiating a collection proceeding for a default on any debt against an individual who is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer and who submits to the creditor a letter from the individual's physician certifying treatment of the individual for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. The bill also provides that any collection proceeding against an individual who is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer is required to be dismissed upon submission by the individual of a letter from the individual's physician certifying treatment of the individual for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. 4. Requires that for eviction actions based on nonpayment or habitual late payment of rent, or for failure to pay a rent increase, the Superior Court will authorize a stay of eviction for up to 45 days if the tenant is actively undergoing Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer treatment. To qualify for this stay, the tenant must provide a confidential certification from their treating physician, submitted under seal. Additionally, during the stay period, the tenant has the right to renew their lease upon its expiration, subject to reasonable changes proposed by the landlord. The bill also provides the right to reinstatement to equivalent employment after a period of leave applies to all periods in which TDI or FLI benefits are provided, including extending that right to FLI leave takers employed by employers with less than 30 employees, as is presently the case for TDI leave takers. Under the bill, an employee who is eligible for both earned sick leave and either TDI or FLI benefits, may use either the earned sick leave or whichever is applicable of the TDI or FLI benefits, and may select the order in which they are taken, but may not receive more than one kind of paid leave benefits during any period of time. | In Committee |
| A3796 | Codifies Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at Eagleton Institute of Politics; makes appropriation. | Codifies Eagleton Science and Politics Fellowship Program at Eagleton Institute of Politics; makes appropriation. | In Committee |
| A4216 | Allows for operation of crematories at locations not situated on cemetery grounds or funeral homes properties; provides for issuance of permits for certain crematories. | This bill amends current law by allowing for the construction of crematories as stand-alone facilities separate and apart from cemeteries and funeral homes. Presently, New Jersey only allows crematories to be located on cemetery property or to operate as facilities that work in conjunction with funeral homes in existence prior to December 1, 1971. Under this bill, a governmental entity, a religious corporation or organization, or a cremation company, defined in the bill as "a person that owns, manages, operates or controls a crematory, directly or indirectly, that is a stand-alone facility located on property owned or leased by the cremation company and that is separate and apart from a cemetery and funeral home," is allowed to open and operate a crematory. The bill incorporates crematories and crematory companies into certain provisions of law that currently only apply to cemeteries. This includes provisions: 1) to allow crematories to be owned or operated only by a governmental entity, a religious corporation or organization, or a cremation company; 2) to require cremation companies to be formed as nonprofits, including cultural nonprofits, in compliance with Title 15A of the New Jersey Statutes; 3) to require a crematory company to file with the New Jersey Cemetery Board the paperwork showing the name and address of the company; 4) to mandate that a crematory company print and conspicuously post its regulations and charges for services; 5) on the disposition of human remains; 6) to allow for the establishment and enlargement of a crematory in a municipality only through the consent of the municipality by resolution; 7) to require board approval if a crematory company seeks to enlarge a crematory; 8) to allow a crematory company to make initial improvements and subsequent capital improvements upon the land it owns, if approved by the board; 9) to require licensure for any natural person who is compensated to act as a crematory salesperson for goods and services provided by a crematory company; 10) to establish that a crematory may be located on cemetery property, on property owned or leased by a funeral home created prior to December 1, 1971 and on property owned or leased by a crematory company; and 11) to allow crematory companies to be included on the registry maintained by the board. New provisions in the bill require the New Jersey Cemetery Board to offer 12 permits for distribution, through an application process, for the operation of a crematory. The applications approved by the board will be for crematories exempt from current statutory requirements regarding crematories. Additionally, the bill requires a crematory company to file an annual report with the board within 120 days after the close of the company's fiscal year. Crematory companies are required to establish rules and regulations addressing the use, management, and protection of the crematory. Crematory companies are prohibited from manufacturing or selling urns or other goods used as a vessel for cremains and from being involved in the conduct of any funeral home or of the business or profession of mortuary science. Crematory companies are also required to maintain records of each cremation performed by the company, including the name of the cremated party and the party who authorized the cremation, and will be exempt from several taxes of which cemeteries are also exempt, including real estate taxes, rates or assessment on personal property taxes on lands and equipment dedicated to crematory purposes. | In Committee |
| A500 | Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 72 hours. | Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 72 hours. | In Committee |
| A1431 | Establishes NJ Gross Income Tax EasyFile Program; pilot program to allow Division of Taxation to prepare gross income tax return forms for certain taxpayers. | This bill establishes a State pilot program known as the NJ Gross Income Tax EasyFile Program to allow the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury to prepare gross income tax return forms for certain taxpayers. The pilot program will implement a New Jersey gross income tax final return filing system that provides a simplified personal income tax return form that eligible taxpayers may elect to file, that is pre-filled by the division with information the division has available from the taxpayer's employer. The "pre-filled" tax returns will contain all the gross income tax data contained in a taxpayer's W-2 form. Taxpayers who qualify to receive the forms are "wage or salary only" earners, meaning that most of the information they supply on their New Jersey income tax returns comes solely from their employer W-2 forms. They must be "wage only" earners in the previous taxable year. However, for the applicable taxable year, the director may determine other conditions that may be applied to the simplified filing system. To receive the forms, taxpayers must also meet the following criteria for the applicable and previous tax year: are employed in New Jersey, are not self-employed, be a full-time resident all year, earn less than $75,000, have no dependents and use a single or "married, filing separate" filing status on their New Jersey gross income tax returns. The bill lists requirements for information provided on the forms, including notice of voluntary use of the forms by taxpayers and instructions for corrections to the form. The bill also allows taxpayers to submit the pre-filled returns via mail, telephone, or a secure internet website. The NJ Gross Income Tax EasyFile Program will not require the use of any third-party proprietary online filing software. The Director of the Division of Taxation will mail the forms to qualified taxpayers after the division receives New Jersey employee taxpayer withholding information (W-2). The bill aids taxpayers and the State by making filing a State return more convenient for certain taxpayers, and enables them to avoid the cost of private tax preparers, commercial software and the burden of completing complicated forms. Due to the ease of filing, taxpayers will likely return the completed forms back to the State well before the filing deadline and will help ensure the correct tax is paid by taxpayers. If the State receives these correctly completed returns earlier, it may have an earlier indication of final payments of gross income taxes and may better be able to forecast annual income tax revenue collections for budgeting purposes. California has successfully implemented a pilot program of pre-completed tax returns. In addition, other countries, such as Great Britain and Germany, have used similar forms for years. This bill may begin the process of making New Jersey's personal income tax collection process more streamlined and possibly more predictable. | In Committee |
| A1494 | Prohibits use of biometric surveillance system by business entity under certain circumstances. | This bill prohibits the use of a biometric surveillance system on a consumer under certain circumstances. Under the bill, a business entity is prohibited from using a biometric surveillance system on a consumer at the physical premises of the business entity, unless: (1) the business entity provides clear and conspicuous notice to the consumer regarding its use of a biometric surveillance system; and (2) the biometric surveillance system is used for a lawful purpose. The business entity may satisfy the notice requirement by posting a sign in a conspicuous location at the perimeter of any area where a biometric surveillance system is being used. However, under the bill, if a business entity uses information obtained through a biometric surveillance system to deny a consumer access to its premises or to remove a consumer from its premises, the business entity is required to provide the consumer with a detailed explanation regarding its actions and the criteria used by the business entity in making its determination. The bill provides that a business entity will not be liable for a first violation if, within thirty days, the business entity demonstrates compliance with the provisions of this section. In addition, the bill prohibits a business entity from selling, leasing, trading, sharing, or otherwise profiting from information obtained through the business entity's use of a biometric surveillance system on a consumer. A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. | In Committee |
| AJR86 | Designating fourth Wednesday in May of each year as "Crisis Professionals Day." | This joint resolution permanently designates the fourth Wednesday in May as "Crisis Professionals Day." Crisis professionals are trained professionals that engage with people who are experiencing a crisis. These professionals directly engage with people when they are most vulnerable, oftentimes as a result of their illness and trauma, in effort to deescalate the crisis using methods that center around empathy, support, and hope. Crisis professionals face high-stress situations on a regular basis and as a result have earned the State's highest respect and gratitude. It is fitting to recognize and honor the life changing and lifesaving services that crisis professionals provide, as well as, the invaluable contributions they have provided to thousands of New Jerseyans and communities throughout the State. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2364 | Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million. | Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million. | In Committee |
| A1679 | Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, and the State Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for mammograms for women age 35 or older, rather than age 40 and older as is required under current law. In addition, the bill also adds a new requirement for health benefits plans issued pursuant to the School Employees' Health Benefits Program to provide mammogram coverage under the same circumstances. | In Committee |
| A1487 | Directs BPU to establish rebate program for purchase of electric bicycles. | Directs BPU to establish rebate program for purchase of electric bicycles. | In Committee |
| A2776 | Exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from State laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling. | Exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from State laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling. | In Committee |
| A4004 | Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | In Committee |
| A4161 | Establishes Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to restore certain portions of State school aid reductions; permits certain school districts to exceed tax levy growth limitation in 2024-2025 school year; appropriates $44.7 million. | An Act concerning school district finances and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3495 | Concerns hospitality franchise agreements. | Concerns hospitality franchise agreements. | In Committee |
| A4359 | Requires BPU to allow low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to income for participation in community solar programs. | This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities to promulgate rules and regulations to allow low- and moderate-income residential customers to self-attest to the residential customer's income for participation in a community solar program established pursuant to P.L.2018, c.17 (C.48:3-87.8 et al.). | In Committee |
| A4358 | Requires juveniles to appear before court in county where alleged delinquency complaint occurred. | This bill requires juveniles to appear before the court in the county where the alleged delinquency complaint occurred. Under the court rules, juvenile delinquency complaints are filed in the county where the incident giving rise to the complaint allegedly occurred, but if the juvenile resides in a county other than the county of the alleged incident, the venue is set to be the county where the juvenile resides. This bill requires a juvenile accused of a delinquency complaint to appear before the court in the county where the incident giving rise to the complaint allegedly occurred. | In Committee |
| A2265 | Revises "New Jersey Money Transmitters Act"; provides consumer protections; increases reporting and record keeping requirements. | This bill makes various revisions to the "New Jersey Money Transmitters Act" to require licensed money transmitters and their delegates to provide more reporting, record keeping and consumer disclosures. The bill requires licensees to prominently display license information at their locations. The bill broadens the consent deemed to be given by licensees and delegates to include record inspection rights for appropriate law enforcement representatives in addition to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and requires licensees to keep records for five years instead of the three years required by the current act. The bill requires licensees to file quarterly reports with the commissioner, in addition to the annual reports presently required, and raises the penalty to $200 per day, from not more than $100 per day, as to any licensee who fails to file any report. The licensee shall also file annually with the commissioner, a copy of the licensee's most recent registration with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money transmitter business pursuant to 31 C.F.R. s.1010.100 et seq. The bill expands the liability of licensees for certain acts of their delegates and provides for license suspension upon conviction for certain crimes. The bill also requires a delegate to prominently display at each of its locations a notice indicating that the delegate is an authorized delegate of a licensee. Further, the bill mandates that the department maintain a website to make licensee and delegate information available to the public. Finally, the bill increases the crime of operating as a money transmitter without a license from a crime of the third degree to a crime of the second degree. This bill provides that funds belonging to a licensee and deposited in a financial institution shall not constitute trust funds, unless the financial institution has actual knowledge that such funds are owned by or belong to the licensee. The bill also provides that the licensee is liable to a purchaser or holder of an outstanding payment instrument which is issued by the licensee or received by the licensee's authorized delegate for transmission and set-off by the financial institution. If the licensee has insufficient assets to make the purchaser or holder whole, the purchaser or holder will be entitled to reimbursement under the surety bond that the act currently requires all licensees to have. The bill also makes technical corrections. | Crossed Over |
| A2165 | Permits spouses and dependents of military service members to qualify for in-State tuition in event that service member is transferred to another state. | Under current law, United States military personnel and their dependents who are living in New Jersey and are attending public institutions of higher education in New Jersey are regarded as residents of the State for the purpose of determining tuition. This bill amends that law to provide that:? the in-State tuition classification also applies to the military service member's spouse; and? in the event that the military service member is relocated out of the State due to the service member's continued military service, the service member's spouse or dependent will not lose their in-State tuition classification provided that: (1) the spouse or dependent was enrolled in a public institution of higher education in New Jersey prior to the service member's relocation; and (2) the spouse or dependent maintains continuous enrollment at the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| A3143 | Removing requirement of service during specified dates or in specified locations, thereby broadening eligibility for certain veterans' benefits. | 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 a veteran to serve for at least 90 days, exclusive of certain types of initial training, in order to be eligible for any of the veterans' benefits identified in the bill. The bill also requires a veteran of a Reserve Component of the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard, to serve the entire period to which called to federal active service, exclusive of training, in order to be eligible for the veterans' benefits. A veteran who is discharged as the result of a service-connected disability will be eligible even if the veteran has not completed the 90 day service period or the period to which called to federal active service. The benefits that an eligible veteran could apply for are (1) a civil service hiring 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 and PERS. In addition, the surviving spouse of a veteran or of a member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a Reserve Component thereof killed while in active service is eligible in certain instances for a civil service preference. The bill also provides that an active service member of the United States Armed Forces or a member of a Reserve Component thereof, including the National Guard, who has not been discharged from service is eligible for the civil service hiring preference provided that the member otherwise qualifies as a veteran. Eligibility for civil service hiring preference is contingent upon voter approval of an authorizing amendment to the State Constitution. | In Committee |
| A1471 | Provides tax credits for hiring certain military spouses. | This bill provides tax credits, to be awarded by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, for the hiring of certain military spouses. Under the bill, an employer may claim a tax credit for hiring an employee who is a nonresident of this State and 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. The final amount of the tax credit provided to an employer for hiring a nonresident military spouse employee is to equal: (1) for a nonresident military spouse employee who works for an employer for at least 120 hours but less than 400 hours in a taxable year or privilege period, 15 percent of the wages provided by the employer to the nonresident military spouse employee; or (2) for a nonresident military spouse employee who works for an employer for at least 400 hours in a taxable year or privilege period, 25 percent of the wages provided by the employer to the military spouse employee; or The bill limits the final amount of a tax credit for hiring a nonresident military spouse employee to $2,400 in a tax year. | In Committee |
| A4213 | Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations. | This bill would require a public community water system to sample and test the water supply on a quarterly basis for compliance with secondary drinking water regulations in accordance with testing protocols established by the Department of Environmental Protection (department). The testing protocols, in addition to requiring sampling when the water enters the distribution system, would require the public community water system to collect samples for testing from at least 10 percent of customer taps. The bill would also require that the owner or operator of a public community water system submit quarterly and annual test results to the department, to the governing body of each municipality within its service area, and to customers of the system. The bill would further require, whenever the test results of a water supply exceed the standards established in the secondary drinking water regulations, that the owner or operator of the public community water system formulate a compliance plan, within 30 days, that provides for the public community water system to take any action necessary to bring the water supply into compliance with the standard within 30 days after the plan's completion. Finally, the bill would require that the public community water system also develop and submit, for department approval, a maintenance plan for the system to ensure that the water supply continues to meet the standards set forth in the State's secondary drinking water regulations. | In Committee |
| A4214 | The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act." | This bill, known as the "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act," requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) to amend the State Uniform Construction Code (code) to prohibit the combustion of substances exceeding certain emissions levels of carbon dioxide in certain new buildings or structures. In New Jersey, the electrification of buildings and structures protects the environment, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, significantly impacts indoor air quality, protects the public health, and creates substantial savings for New Jersey residents in utility costs. Exposure to indoor air pollutants released by the combustion of natural gas and other similar substances can have severe, adverse effects on public health, including children. These potential health effects which include: premature mortality, lung and breast cancer, asthma, brain and heart toxicity, sleep disorders, birth defects, and neurological disorders. These effects are the highest for apartments due to smaller residence size, which disproportionately affects vulnerable, low-income renters in this State. Further, electrification lowers air pollution and reduces greenhouse gases, which are driving the current climate crisis. Across the country, crop yields are dropping, fires are destroying vulnerable communities, and the planet is experiencing the warmest years on record. Transitioning from natural gas and energy sources that significantly contribute to our current crisis is critical to ensure that the environment, and our communities, are protected for both present and future generations. In addition to severe health risks and crippling danger to our environment associated with the use of natural gas, electrification creates substantial savings for New Jersey residents, who could save up to 41 percent for utilities, while gas rates are expected to rise 35 percent by 2030. Further, not only is it less expensive to build homes with high energy efficiency mechanicals and appliances, across the country on clothes dryers alone, Americans could save more than $1.5 billion each year in utility costs if certain electric appliances were utilized instead of natural gas. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce New Jersey's reliance on natural gas that causes severe health effects and cripples the environment, in order to protect the public health and our planet, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create substantial savings for New Jersey residents on utility costs, and foster the electrification of new buildings and structures. The bill prohibits, in any new building or structure of less than seven stories, the combustion of any qualifying substance beginning 12 months after the bill's enactment. The bill extends this prohibition to include all new buildings or structures, regardless of height, beginning 36 months after the date of enactment. These prohibitions are subject to exceptions provided in the bill. The bill defines the term "qualifying substance" to mean a substance that, when combusted, emits 25 kilograms or more of carbon dioxide per million British thermal units of energy, as determined by the United States Energy Information Administration. Following the applicable date of the requirements set forth in the bill, the bill prohibits the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for any noncompliant building or structure. The bill requires the code to provide exemptions from the requirements of the bill for: (1) systems for emergency back-up power and standby power systems; (2) emergency management facilities; and (3) buildings or structures specifically designated for occupancy by a commercial food establishment. The code is required to limit, where an exemption is provided, the combustion of a qualifying substance to the system and areas of a building or structure for which compliance with the requirements is infeasible. The code is also to require to the fullest extent feasible, that an area or service within the building or structure, where there exists the combustion of any qualifying substance, be all-electric ready, as defined in the bill. The bill provides that financial considerations are not to constitute a sufficient basis to determine physical or technical infeasibility, and exemptions granted by the code are to be reviewed by the commissioner during each major code update cycle to determine whether the exemption remains necessary. The bill also provides that nothing in the bill is to be construed or interpreted as preempting a municipality from prohibiting infrastructure, building systems, or equipment that uses or combusts fossil fuels or any qualifying substances, or from prescribing standards that are more restrictive than the bill for infrastructure, building systems, or equipment that uses fossil fuels or any qualifying substances. The bill further requires the commissioner and the President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to submit a joint report to the Governor and Legislature concerning what changes to electric rate designs, new or existing subsidy programs, statutes, rules, regulations, or policies are necessary since the date of enactment of the bill. The bill is to take effect on the first day of the third month next following the date of enactment, except the commissioner is permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S349 | Concerns motor vehicles overtaking certain pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances. | An Act concerning motor vehicles overtaking certain pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances and amending P.L.2021, c.194. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2320 | Requires Department of Agriculture to take various actions to publicize and promote community supported agriculture in New Jersey. | This bill would require the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to take certain actions to publicize and promote community supported agriculture in the State. "Community supported agriculture" is a method of on-the-farm direct sales and marketing in which the retail sale, to a consumer, of a share of the agricultural output of a commercial farm is effectuated through a paid subscription service. "Community supported agriculture program" or "CSA program" is defined by the bill to mean a farm product retail sales and marketing program in which participating consumers agree to pay a seasonal or annual subscription fee to a farm in exchange for the consumers' regular and ongoing receipt of weekly shares of the farm's seasonal agricultural output. The bill would provide, in particular, that within 180 days after the bill's effective date, the Secretary of Agriculture is to develop and implement a publicity and marketing program to promote community supported agriculture in the State. As part of the program, the department would be required to: (1) establish and regularly update, on its Internet website, a webpage that is dedicated to community supported agriculture, which webpage, at a minimum, is to include a searchable list of all CSA programs in the State and the farms participating therein, and provide hyperlinks, or use another simple methodology, to enable members of the public to subscribe to CSA programs in their local area; (2) use all available means, including, but not limited to, print media, television, radio, road and other signage, the Internet, and social media to advertise and publicize: the availability of, and the benefits of participating in, community supported agriculture in the State; the names and locations of farms that participate in CSA programs; and the availability of the community supported agriculture webpage, established pursuant to the bill; and (3) develop, print, and distribute distinct promotional and marketing labels that may be used by farmers to identify agricultural products that are being marketed and sold through community supported agriculture. Nothing in the bill would prohibit the operator of a farm, after first consulting with the DOA, from creating the farm's own promotional labels and using those labels to identify agricultural products that are being marketed and sold by the farm through community supported agriculture. The bill would also require the DOA, acting in cooperation with the Department of Education and in coordination with farmers, public, private, and charter schools and their food services, the New Jersey Farm to School Network or its successor entity, and other interested and relevant organizations and groups, as determined by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Education to be appropriate, to establish and annually observe a week of promotional events to be known as "Community Supported Agriculture Week." "Community Supported Agriculture Week" would be intended to highlight and promote the value and importance of community supported agriculture, both as a means by which farming operations can better ensure their ongoing productivity, success, and financial stability, and as a means by which individuals, families, and businesses in the State can obtain fresh, seasonal, and easily accessible farm-to-table foods, throughout the year, while developing closer, more supportive, and reciprocal relationships with local farmers and becoming more invested in, and aware of the factors affecting, the seasonal and long-term success, stability, and viability of farming operations. The week would be celebrated on an annual basis, throughout the State, during the last full week in February, and would be observed through the holding of relevant promotional events. The bill would further require the DOA, through the State's existing "Farm to School Program," to encourage schools in the State to obtain fresh, locally grown or produced agricultural products for school meals by subscribing to, and becoming participants in, a community supported agriculture program, and to work in cooperation with the Department of Education to ensure that school curriculum addresses the value and importance of community supported agriculture, both to farmers and to the community as a whole, and the ways in which students and their families can become active participants in community supported agriculture. In addition, the bill would require the State's existing "Farm to School" website to: (1) provide opportunities for the execution of community supported agriculture subscription agreements between and among farmers, distributors, and schools or school districts; (2) facilitate the development and refinement of promotional events in association with "Community Supported Agriculture Week"; and (3) include a copy of any community supported agriculture subscription agreement that has been entered into and successfully implemented by any school or school district in the State. The bill would also require the existing State website that serves as a clearinghouse for farmers, and that currently provides a list of schools, school districts, and food banks that have a need for produce or dairy products, to additionally provide a list of schools, school districts, and food banks that are interested in participating as subscribers in a community supported agriculture program. The bill authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to solicit and receive funds, either as direct contributions, or from the sale of labels or the right to use labels authorized by the DOA, or from any other source, for the purposes of advertising and promoting the value and importance of community supported agriculture in the State, as provided by the bill. This authority would be supplemental to the secretary's existing authority to solicit and receive funds for the purpose of advertising and promoting the sale of NJ farm products and the "Jersey Fresh" program. Any monies received for the purposes of the bill are to be deposited in the State's existing "New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund." The bill would clarify that, in addition to the existing purposes for which monies in the "New Jersey Farm Products Publicity Fund" may be used, such monies may be used to publicize the value and importance of community supported agriculture; to cover the expenses of printing and distributing labels used in identifying products being marketed and sold through community supported agriculture; and to cover any other expenses that are incident to the implementation of this bill. | Crossed Over |
| A4131 | 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. | This bill would establish the Office of Clean Energy Equity ("office") in the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The office would be charged with promoting, guiding, and overseeing the equitable deployment of clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs and technologies in overburdened communities, and the equitable provision of the tangible benefits of clean energy, increased energy efficiency, and energy storage at the household and community level, including clean energy asset ownership, energy cost savings, and employment and economic opportunities, to overburdened communities. The bill would require the BPU to: (1) establish onsite solar or community solar programs, which benefit 250,000 low income households or 35 percent of the low income households in the State, whichever is larger, by 2030, with the goal of reducing these households' average energy burden to below six percent of household income; and (2) require the establishment of a minimum of 1,600 megawatt hours of energy storage to benefit overburdened communities by 2030. In addition, the BPU, in cooperation with the office, would be required to: integrate workforce development training into all clean energy and energy storage programs established by the BPU; provide outreach and recruitment campaign grants to community-based organizations to increase participation in clean energy and energy efficiency programs; develop, in coordination with community-based organizations, outreach materials in multiple languages; appoint a community liaison and establish an advisory board consisting of representatives of overburdened communities to review and evaluate the clean energy and energy storage programs available to overburdened communities; and coordinate with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DLWD) and the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) concerning their responsibilities pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of the bill. The bill would require the BPU to direct no less than 10 percent of the BPU's annual total clean energy budget, or at least $50 million annually, whichever is greater, to the office for the purposes of the bill. The BPU would be authorized to allocate additional funding, staff, and resources to the office as it determines appropriate. In addition, the bill would require the office, in collaboration with the DLWD, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation, and Technology (CSIT), and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) to establish program guidelines for clean energy job training and workforce development grants to be issued by the EDA, Department of Education (DOE), and the DLWD. The grants would be issued to community-based, diversity-focused nonprofit organizations, community colleges, vocational-technical schools, and other organizations to develop energy efficiency or clean energy paid workforce training programs that provide training to at least 2,500 individuals from overburdened communities by 2025. Under the bill, it would be a condition of a grant award that the programs be updated every two years to ensure that they prepare participants adequately for the current job market in the solar energy or clean energy industry. The bill would also direct the DLWD, in coordination with community-based organizations, to develop programs to provide entrepreneurial training, mentoring, apprenticeships, investment capital, loans, or other training, capacity building, technical, and financial support to residents of overburdened communities to help launch new clean energy enterprises or establish careers in the clean energy workforce. The bill would also direct the DCA, in consultation with the office, to require the all new construction located in an overburdened community be solar ready, subject to any specific exemptions that the DCA and the BPU deem reasonable and necessary and that the DCA adopts as rules and regulations. The bill would also require the DCA to give preference to applications for onsite, community solar, energy storage, or other clean energy projects that are sited in overburdened communities or include minority or women-owned businesses. Lastly, the bill would amend the law establishing the Community Solar Energy Pilot Program to require that the eventual permanent community solar program provide for access to solar energy projects for low and moderate income customers, in accordance with the requirements of the bill. In addition, the bill would require that the permanent community solar program be consistent with any land use provisions of the permanent successor to the SREC program. | In Committee |
| A1495 | Exempts receipts from sales of materials, supplies, and services for certain affordable housing projects from sales and use tax. | An Act exempting receipts from the sales of materials, supplies, and services for certain affordable housing projects from taxation under the sales and use tax, and amending P.L.1980, c.105. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1490 | Concerns motor vehicles overtaking certain pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances. | This bill concerns motor vehicles overtaking certain pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances. Under current law, the operator of a motor vehicle is required to take certain actions when approaching a pedestrian, bicycle, low-speed electric bicycle, low-speed electric scooter, or any other lawful personal conveyance on the roadways of this State. Additionally, current law does not define "personal conveyance." Under this bill, "personal conveyance" includes, but is not limited to, a low-speed electric bicycle, a low-speed electric scooter, a manual wheelchair, a motorized wheelchair or a similar mobility assisting device used by persons with physical disabilities or by persons whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired by age or illness, an electric personal assistive mobility device, a motorized scooter, a skateboard, a motorized skateboard, roller skates, or any other device used by a person for transportation. In addition, this bill makes clarifying changes to the current definition of "pedestrian." Under the bill, "pedestrian" includes, but is not limited to, a pedestrian as defined under current law or any other person who is upon the roadway and outside of a motor vehicle for work, emergency response, or recreation. | In Committee |
| A4082 | 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 |
| AR122 | Condemns Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. and pending federal legislation, H.R.431; reaffirms freedom of access and protection of reproductive health care services in New Jersey, including IVF. | This resolution condemns the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. and pending federal legislation, H.R.431; and reaffirms the freedom of access and protection of reproductive health care services in New Jersey, including in vitro fertilization. In the United States, one in six people of childbearing age struggle with infertility and require some type of professional assistance in order to conceive a child. Fortunately, 90 percent of infertility cases are treatable with medical therapies including drug treatment, surgery, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a process whereby an egg is removed from a person's body and combined with sperm inside a laboratory for fertilization; the fertilized egg, called an embryo, is then transferred into the uterus. In LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the State's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. With the support of over 120 representatives from the Republican party, Congressman Alexander X. Mooney of West Virginia introduced H.R. 431, which would implement equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution for the right to life of each "born and preborn human person." Under this bill, the terms "human person" and "human being" include "each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being." This legislation, if enacted, poses a significant threat to the reproductive freedoms of the citizens in New Jersey and the United States, particularly those related to IVF and other fertility treatments. A number of Republican senators joined the Democrats in criticizing the LePage ruling, and expressed their support for IVF. Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic Senator from Illinois who utilized IVF to conceive her two children, introduced legislation, S.3612, to protect the rights of individuals to seek reproductive assistance, such as IVF, and physicians who provide these services, without the fear of prosecution. Senator Duckworth urged her Republican colleagues to join the Democrats' efforts to protect access to IVF by unanimously passing this legislation, as many Republican Senators initially denounced the LePage ruling for the harmful precedent that the decision has set on reproductive assistance services,. However, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi blocked the unanimous passage of the bill by objecting to Senator Duckworth's request. When the United States Supreme Court's issued its 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Org., which overturned Roe v. Wade, the country faced fear and uncertainty around key reproductive rights issues. A number of states took action to interfere with a person's access to reproductive health care out-of-state, in some instances by seeking to prosecute a person in a state where reproductive health care access was criminalized following Dobbs, for seeking reproductive health care services in another jurisdiction where it remained legal. Such actions are designed to prevent individuals and health care providers from seeking and providing lawful reproductive health care services by instilling fear through the threat of prosecution. In stark contrast to actions taken in states to monitor private health information, the New Jersey legislature has acted to protect private medical information from prosecutors in other states, to ensure New Jersey law enforcement will not take part in extraditions to people who have sought reproductive health care that is legal in New Jersey, and to require the creation of a website so people who are confused about recent court decisions know what their freedoms are on reproductive health decisions in New Jersey The LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. ruling threatens the rights of Alabamians who are planning to have children, and endangers the fertility clinics that provide IVF services, those that have embryos stored, and the overall future of family planning in Alabama. It is in the public interest of the citizens of New Jersey to condemn, in the strongest terms, any ruling that infringes on citizens rights to exercise their reproductive freedom or their access to reproductive health care, including IVF. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4055 | Establishes "The Voter Convenience Act" to allow voters to vote at any polling place in their municipality on election day. | This bill establishes "The Voter Convenience Act," to allow voters to vote at any polling place in their municipality on election day. Under current law, a polling place is used by the voters of several election districts. When voters walk into their assigned polling place, they must then go to the table for their assigned election district, and vote on that district's voting machine. Under this bill, the Secretary of State in conjunction with all county clerks and county boards of elections, are directed to develop uniform guidelines to enable a county board of elections, at the discretion of the county board, to implement a process by which the voters of each municipality in that county may be permitted to cast their vote at any polling place in their municipality on the day of any election. Under the bill, the district boards of elections at each polling place in a municipality would be organized at the polling place in a manner that permits any member of a district board to check-in any voter walking into the polling place within their municipality, using electronic poll books. Under this process, the voter would be able to vote at any voting machine at the polling place, using the correct ballot for that voter, which would identify the voter's election district. To the extent made possible by available technology, the requirement to issue a voting authority to each voter would be replaced by a suitable procedure. The bill would allow this process to also be used to establish countywide polling places, whereby a voter who is a resident of that county would be able to cast their vote. This bill also amends current law to allow the county boards of elections to determine the number of district board members needed at each polling place where the bill's provisions are implemented. The bill also amends current law to include the location of the polling places under the bill on the primary election and general election sample ballots. | In Committee |
| A1484 | Creates task force to study feasibility of paperless State government. | Creates task force to study feasibility of paperless State government. | In Committee |
| AR45 | Urges Congress to establish national infrastructure bank. | This resolution respectfully urges Congress to pass H.R.3339, establishing a national infrastructure bank. American infrastructure is in dire need of investment, as outlined by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Increasing frequency of extreme weather events further strains infrastructure approaching the end of its useful life. In New Jersey alone, less than 30 percent of the roads and bridges are in good condition. As host to a large portion of the northeast corridor, New Jersey moves national and international trade, and millions of people each day along deteriorating structures. Nationally, broadband access, modernization of the energy grid, and remediation of the water supply systems are of paramount importance. Economic vitality, national security, public safety and quality of life, are dependent on sound infrastructure. Current funding mechanisms do not address the scope of the need. Direct competitors of the United States rely on an infrastructure funding method invented and previously used by America. H.R.3339 addresses funding shortfalls for large, innovative infrastructure projects by establishing a national infrastructure bank, perpetually generating funds in a manner similar to a commercial bank. A dedicated, regenerative, nonpartisan funding mechanism is required to remedy inadequacies in our energy grid, transportation and other systems, in addition to preparing us for a future of increasing extreme weather conditions. | In Committee |
| A2456 | Establishes Animal Advocate Program in AOC. | This bill establishes a two-year Statewide Animal Advocate Program in the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The bill authorizes a court to appoint an advocate in certain criminal cases that affect the welfare or care of an animal. The program would expire after two years notwithstanding a recommendation of continuing the program. In certain criminal court proceedings pursuant to R.S.4:22-17 et seq. (animal cruelty) or section 1 of P.L.2015, c.85 (C.2C:33-31 et al.) (dog fighting), or in any other criminal proceeding regarding the welfare or custody of an animal, the court may order, upon its own initiative or upon request of the State or a party or counsel for a party, that a separate advocate be appointed to represent the best interests of, and justice for, the animal. The bill directs the court to select an advocate from a list provided to the court by the AOC. The bill requires the AOC maintain two lists: one containing names of attorneys with knowledge of animal issues and the legal system; and the other containing law schools that have students with an interest in animal issues and the legal system. These attorneys and law students would serve as advocates on a voluntary basis. The advocate is to exercise the following duties: (a) monitor the case; (b) attend hearings; (c) share with attorneys for the State and defendant any information new to the case or prepared by the advocate; (d) have access to and review all relevant records concerning the condition of the animal and the defendant's actions, including, but not limited to, records from certified animal control officers, veterinarians and police officers; and (e) present information or recommendations to the court that relate to the best interests of, and justice for, the animal, including placement of the animal. The bill requires the director to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature containing information on the implementation of the program, which would include recommendations on the advisability of continuing the program two years following the establishment of the program. The bill is to take effect on the first day of the sixth month next following the date of enactment. The AOC may take administrative action prior to the effective date as necessary for the implementation of the program. This bill is modeled on Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. 54-86n, commonly referred to as "Desmond's Law" and named after a dog which was abused and strangled to death by its owner in 2012. | In Committee |
| A1447 | Provides secondary classroom experience credit towards meeting requirements of classroom training portion of registered apprenticeship. | This bill provides that partners participating in a consortium applying for a grant under the "Youth Transitions to Work Partnership Act," P.L.1993, c.268 (C.34"15E-1 et seq.), are required to consult and gain approval from the United States Department of Labor before making agreements which provide that secondary classroom experience may count as credit toward meeting the requirements of the classroom training portion of a registered apprenticeship. This requirement applies to any school-to-apprenticeship linkage program or apprenticeship program established under the grant. | In Committee |
| A2830 | Authorizes common law public nuisance suits regarding lead paint under State law; exempts Attorney General from certain aspects of public nuisance claims when pursuing lead paint actions. | This act would allow common law public nuisance suits under P.L.1971, c.366 (C.24:14A-1 et seq., and known as the "lead paint act"), and exempt the Attorney General from certain elements of a public nuisance claim when pursuing a public nuisance lead paint claim. Specifically, the Attorney General would be permitted to bring an action against a former or present lead paint manufacturer pursuant to a theory of public nuisance and would not be limited to injunctive relief. The Attorney General would not be required to demonstrate that a defendant physically controls lead paint, or real property that contains lead paint, to prevail on a public nuisance claim based upon the distribution of lead paint, nor demonstrate a special injury in order to prevail in those actions. Additionally, the bill provides that the exemption that already applies to environmental tort actions in the law regulating product liability actions, P.L.1987, c.197 (C.2A:58C-1 et seq.) would also apply to actions concerning lead paint, when brought by the Attorney General. The New Jersey Supreme Court, in In re Lead Paint Litigation, 191 N.J. 405 (2007), held that a group of municipalities could not bring a common law public nuisance action against lead paint manufacturers because (1) the lead paint act is the exclusive remedy provided by the Legislature for lead paint actions and the act does not allow for public nuisance claims against manufacturers; (2) government entities cannot bring claims for damages under common law public nuisance doctrine and may only seek injunctive relief; and (3) that the law regulating product liability actions, P.L.1987, c.197 (C.2A:58C-1 et seq.), does not exclude lead paint actions under its environmental tort exemption provisions, and that a public nuisance action against lead paint manufacturers was properly recognized as a products liability claim. The bill would amend the lead paint act and the law regulating products liability actions to allow the Attorney General to pursue public nuisance claims against lead paint manufacturers, and to remove the limitation on the relief available in actions brought by the Attorney General. | In Committee |
| AJR47 | Designates Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designates November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designates the month of November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of adoption services and the foster care system, to educate prospective parents about the options available to them when considering adoption, and to celebrate finalized adoptions for families. Many children in the foster care system do not receive the appropriate emotional and financial support necessary to succeed in life that other children receive from their families. Children in foster care may experience more physical, emotional, and psychological trauma in their lifetimes than their peers, adding to the difficulties endured while waiting for a permanent home. While adoption statistics are trending in the right direction, there is still a vast need to encourage more parents to consider adoption, and that begins with a willingness to expedite the adoption process and celebrate its success. Starting with former Los Angeles Presiding Judge Michael Nash in the 1990s, celebrations have been held during the month of November aimed at finalizing adoptions and recognizing the newly united families. Many county vicinages in New Jersey host National Adoption Day services during the week prior to Thanksgiving Day, in part to unite families before the holiday season, but generally to bring awareness to the thousands of children that continue to wait for a resolution, especially for children who spend years in the system and teenagers who are close to aging out and becoming independent. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to designate the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day as "National Adoption Day" and designate the month of November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| A2598 | Authorizes issuance of classic NJ license plates. | This bill authorizes the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to issue classic New Jersey license plates to replicate the license plates issued by the former New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles between 1979 and 1991. In addition to all fees otherwise required by law for the registration of a motor vehicle, there is an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the classic New Jersey license plates. After the deduction of the cost of designing, producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the license plates and of any computer programming changes that are necessary to implement the license plate program, additional fees are to be deposited into the " Special Transportation Fund." The proceeds of the fund are to be annually appropriated to support the State's transportation projects. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of the specialty license plates. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the license plate program. The bill requires the chief administrator and the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) to develop and enter into a memorandum of agreement setting forth the procedures to be followed in carrying out their respective responsibilities under the bill. The bill also requires that the commissioner appoint a liaison to represent the Department of Transportation (department) in all communications with the commission regarding the classic New Jersey license plates. The bill provides that State or other public funds are not to be used by the commission for the initial cost to implement the license plate program. The bill requires an individual or entity designated by the department to contribute non-public monies, not to exceed $25,000, to offset the initial costs to design, produce, issue, and publicize the license plates and for computer programming changes which may be necessary to implement the program. The bill authorizes the department to receive funds from private sources to be used to offset the initial costs. The commission is not required to design, produce, issue, or publicize the availability of the license plates or make any necessary programming changes, until: (1) the individual or entity designated by the department has provided the commission with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the commission in establishing the license plate program; and (2) the liaison appointed by the commissioner has provided the commission with a minimum of 500 completed applications for the license plates. The provisions of the bill will remain inoperative until the first day of the 13th month following the date on which the money to offset the initial costs to establish the license plate program and a minimum of 500 applications are provided to the commission. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month after enactment if sufficient applications and fees to offset the initial costs are not received by that date. | In Committee |
| A1451 | Concerns certain unfair practices of health insurers. | This bill provides that it shall be a deceptive and unfair practice for a health insurer to: (1) represent to any person that a health care provider is part of the managed care network of the health insurer, if the health care provider is not or will not be part of the insurer's managed care network; or (2) provide any person a financial inducement to purchase insurance from the health insurer, or to switch to a certain health benefits plan offered by the health insurer. As used in the bill, "inducement" means a monetary or other incentive, including, but not limited to a medical device. | In Committee |
| A1473 | Prohibits State from investing pension and annuity funds in manufacturers or wholesale distributors of tobacco products. | This bill prohibits the investment of the assets of any public pension or annuity fund under the jurisdiction of the Division of Investment in the stocks, securities, or other obligations of any corporation or other entity engaged in the manufacture or wholesale distribution of tobacco products. The bill provides that existing investments in such businesses shall be divested within three years of the bill's effective date. It also requires the Director of the Division of Investment to file periodic reports with the Legislature which will describe the progress made in divesting these assets and analyze the fiscal impact of the bill on the affected pension and annuity funds. The purpose of the bill is to prevent public pension funds from being used to support the manufacture and distribution of a product which is known to be harmful. | In Committee |
| A1482 | Directs DEP to establish rebate program for purchase of microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; appropriates $2.5 million. | This bill would require, no later than one year after the bill's effective date, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish and implement a program to provide rebates to State residents for the purchase of a microfiber washing machine filter or a replacement microfiber washing machine filter. The purpose of the rebate program would be to encourage the purchase of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters and reduce the amount of microfiber pollution in the State. As defined in the bill, "microfiber washing machine filter" means a device that attaches to a washing machine and is used to filter microfibers from the washing machine wastewater before the microfibers are released into a septic system or public sewage system. Under the bill, one-time rebates would be available to any resident of the State who purchases an eligible microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter, as determined by the DEP, submits a complete application for the rebate, in a manner and form determined by the DEP, and meets the bill's requirements. The amount of the rebate would not exceed the lesser of: (1) the cost of the microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; or (2) $100. The DEP would be required to determine the types or brands of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters that are eligible for the rebate, determine the manner and form for residents to apply for and, if eligible, receive a rebate, and adopt rules and regulations as necessary to implement the rebate program established by the bill. The DEP would be required to advertise the availability of the rebates offered pursuant to the bill on their Internet website. The bill would also require, no later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter, the DEP to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that includes, at a minimum: (1) a summary of the effectiveness of the rebate program in encouraging the purchase of microfiber washing machine filters and replacement filters and minimizing microfiber pollution in the State; (2) the total number of rebates provided during the year; (3) the total amount of money spent on the provision of rebates during the year; (4) the amount of funding still available for the provision of rebates in future years; (5) recommendations to improve the rebate program's effectiveness; and (6) recommendations concerning whether or not additional funding is needed to continue the rebate program. Finally, the bill would appropriate $2.5 million from the General Fund to the DEP for the purposes of providing rebates pursuant to the rebate program established by the bill. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), it is estimated that more than eight million tons of plastic enter our oceans every year. A leading source of this pollution is clothing and textiles. The majority of clothing is made from plastic-based materials such as polyester, rayon, nylon, and acrylic. When washed in a washing machine, synthetic clothing sheds tiny plastic fragments known as microfibers, which eventually end up contaminating shorelines and waterways. Microfibers are the most prevalent type of microplastic (plastic pieces less than 5 mm in diameter) found in the environment. Microfibers have been found in a variety of aquatic life, including fish and shellfish, and humans are exposed to microplastics through the consumption of food and water containing microplastics. The EPA recommends the installation of a microfiber washing machine filter to reduce the amount of microfibers that flow from washing machines to waterways. Certain microfiber washing machine filter manufacturers report that their product is able to prevent the release of up to 90 percent of microfibers that would otherwise be released during the process of doing laundry. It is crucial to take steps to minimize microfiber pollution in the State, and this bill will help to encourage the purchase of a product that can limit the amount of microfibers that enter the State's waters. | In Committee |
| A1133 | Provides for uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in this State. | This bill provides for the uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in the State by the State government and local government units (authorities). The bill prohibits an authority from regulating small wireless facilities in a manner inconsistent with the bill, including entering into an exclusive arrangement with any person or entity for the use of the right-of-way for: 1) the collocation of a small wireless facility; 2) the mounting or installation of a small wireless facility on new or replacement poles; 3) the installation of associated antenna equipment adjacent to a structure on which a small wireless facility is or will be collocated, mounted, or installed; or 4) the installation, operation, marketing, modification, maintenance, or replacement of associated poles. The bill provides that a wireless provider, as defined in the bill, is to have the right, as a permitted use not subject to zoning review or approval, and without the need for authority consent to: 1) collocate small wireless facilities; 2) mount or install small wireless facilities on new or replacement poles; 3) install associated antenna equipment adjacent to a structure on which a small wireless facility is or will be collocated, mounted, or installed; or 4) install, modify, or replace its own poles, or, with the permission of the owner, a third party's poles, associated with a small wireless facility, along, across, upon, and under the right-of-way. The bill provides that each new, replaced, or modified pole installed in the right-of-way for the purpose of collocating, mounting, or installing a small wireless facility is to follow certain height restrictions pursuant to the bill. A wireless provider is not to install a new pole unless the wireless provider has determined it cannot meet its service objectives by collocating on existing poles or structures. An authority may adopt aesthetics requirements governing the deployment of small wireless facilities and associated antenna equipment and poles in the right-of-way, subject to certain requirements pursuant to the bill. A wireless provider is to comply with undergrounding requirements that are consistent with the bill. The bill requires a wireless provider to repair all damage to the right-of-way caused by the activities of the wireless provider and to return the right-of-way to its functional and aesthetic equivalence before the damage, pursuant to the competitively neutral, reasonable requirements, and specifications of the authority. If the wireless provider fails to make the repairs required by the authority within a reasonable time after written notice, the authority may make those repairs and charge the applicable party the reasonable documented cost of the repairs. Under the bill, a wireless provider is not required to replace or upgrade an existing pole, except for reasons of structural necessity or compliance with applicable building codes. A wireless provider may, with the permission of the pole owner, replace or modify the existing pole, but any replacement or modification is to be consistent with the design aesthetics of the pole being modified or replaced. The bill requires wireless provider to notify an authority at least 30 days before the abandonment of a small wireless facility located within the authority's jurisdiction. Following receipt of the notice, the authority is to direct the wireless provider to remove all or any portion of the small wireless facility and associated antenna equipment that the authority determines would be in the best interest of the public. If the wireless provider fails to remove the abandoned small wireless facility within 90 days after the notice, the authority may undertake to remove the small wireless facility and recover the actual and reasonable expenses of the removal from the wireless provider, its successors, or assigns. The bill allows an authority to require an applicant to obtain a permit for: 1) the collocation of a small wireless facility; 2) the mounting or installation of a small wireless facility on a new, modified, or replacement pole; or 3) the installation, modification, or replacement of a pole or antenna equipment as provided in the bill. Each permit issued pursuant to the bill is to be of general applicability and is not to apply exclusively to a small wireless facility and an authority is to receive and process applications following certain requirements pursuant to the bill. Application fees for any permit issued pursuant to the bill are not to exceed certain amounts pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, the rates, fees, and terms and conditions for any make-ready work to collocate, mount, or install a small wireless facility on an authority pole and to install associated antenna equipment are to be non-discriminatory, competitively neutral, commercially reasonable, and are in compliance with the provisions of the bill. The bill further provides that all rates and fees established pursuant to the bill are to be a reasonable approximation of the authority's reasonable costs, and are to be applied by the authority in a non-discriminatory manner. An authority may not require a wireless provider to pay any rates, fees, or compensation to the authority or other person other than what is expressly authorized by the bill for the right to use or occupy the right-of-way for the collocation, mounting, or installation of a small wireless facility on a pole in the right-of-way, or for the installation, maintenance, modification, or replacement of associated antenna equipment or a pole in the right-of-way. The bill provides that an authority is not to have or exercise any jurisdiction or authority over the design, engineering, construction, installation, or operation of a small wireless facility located in an interior structure or upon the site of a campus, stadium, or athletic facility not owned or controlled by the authority, other than to require compliance with applicable building codes. Further, except as it relates to small wireless facilities subject to the permit and fee requirements established pursuant the bill or otherwise specifically authorized by State or federal law, an authority is not to adopt or enforce any regulations or requirements on the placement or operation of communications facilities in the right-of-way by a communications service provider authorized by federal, State, or local law to operate in the right-of-way, regulate any communications services, or impose or collect any tax, fee, rate, or charge for the provision of additional communications service over the communications service provider's communications facilities in the right-of-way. The bill allows an authority to adopt an ordinance that makes available to wireless providers rates, fees, and other terms and conditions that comply with the provisions of the bill. In the absence of an ordinance, a wireless provider may install and operate a small wireless facility and any associated poles and antenna equipment under the requirements of the bill. An authority may not require a wireless provider to enter into an agreement to implement the provisions of the bill, but agreements are permissible if voluntary and non-discriminatory. The bill provides that an authority may adopt reasonable indemnification, insurance, and bonding requirements related to a small wireless facility and associated pole permits and antenna equipment. The bill requires a wireless provider that owns or operates a small wireless facility or utility pole in the right-of-way to indemnify, protect, defend, and hold the authority and its elected officials, officers, and employees, agents, and volunteers harmless against all claims, lawsuits, judgements, costs, liens, losses, expenses and fees. The bill further provides that an authority may require a wireless provider to have in effect certain insurance coverage as provided in the bill. The bill also allows an authority to impose reasonable and non-discriminatory requirements for bonds, escrow deposits, letters of credit, or any other type of financial surety to ensure removal of abandoned or unused wireless facilities or damage to the right-of-way or authority property caused by the wireless provider or its agent. The bill provides that nothing in the bill is to be construed to authorize certain actions, including authorizing a person to collocate a small wireless facility on property owned by a public utility without consent of the public utility, to impact, modify or supersede any construction standard or other obligation applicable to certain entities that are not wireless providers, or to apply to a public utility's use of its own poles, facilities, or both for communications associated with its public utility operations. The bill provides that a court of competent jurisdiction is to have jurisdiction to determine disputes arising pursuant to the bill. A dispute is to be pursued in accordance with accelerated docket or complaint procedures, where available. | In Committee |
| A1781 | Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to conduct study and issue report on impact of artificial intelligence on growth of State's economy. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development (commissioner), in consultation with the New Jersey Commission on Science, Innovation and Technology, to conduct a study on the economic impacts of artificial intelligence on the State's economy concerning professions requiring a highly-skilled and highly-educated workforce. Following the completion of the study, the commissioner is to prepare and submit, within one year of the effective date of the bill, a written report concerning the study to the Governor, the Legislature, the chairperson of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, and the chairperson of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, or their successor committees. The written report is to include the predicted impact of artificial intelligence on the market for professions requiring a highly-skilled and highly-educated workforce and other professions requiring a post-graduate education, which jobs will be most impacted by this expansion, the educational implications of these findings, and any new professions that may come into being as a result of this expansion. | In Committee |
| A1949 | Establishes State board to oversee implementation and evaluation of State pilot programs. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Pilot Program Review Board" to oversee implementation and evaluation of State pilot programs. Under the bill, the "New Jersey Pilot Program Review Board" is established in, but not of, the Department of the Treasury. The board will be independent of any supervision or control by the Department of the Treasury except as expressly authorized under the bill. The board will consist of nine members as follows: (1) five members will be appointed by the Governor, of whom one will serve as chairperson; (2) one member will be appointed by the President of the Senate; (3) one member will be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; (4) one member will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; and (5) one member will be appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. Members of the board are required to have knowledge, expertise, and practice in at least four of the following areas: accounting and auditing, State, county, or municipal government, economic analysis, governmental finance and fiscal management, program evaluation, cost benefits analysis, and quantitative and qualitative research methods. Members of the board will serve for a term of four years, except that of the appointments first made to the board by the Governor, two of the appointments will serve for a term of two years, and except that the appointments first made by the minority leaders in each House will be for a term of two years. The term of each member will be deemed to commence on July 1 of the calendar year of the appointment and will expire on June 30 of the second or fourth calendar year thereafter, as the case may be for the first or subsequent appointments. The board is required to: (1) review all pilot programs periodically and not more than a year after the completion of the pilot program to measure the degree to which the pilot program is achieving its desired goals and outcomes and the overall effectiveness of the pilot program; (2) evaluate each pilot program using the objective performance measures established and developed by the implementing department division, or other agency of State government; (3) solicit both written and oral comments on the impact of a certain pilot program from the public, and to consider the views expressed by those parties in any report; and (4) provide a written report after each review of a pilot program to the Governor and the Legislature, in which the board shall provide recommendations on whether or not the pilot program is being properly implemented and meeting the programs intended goals and outcomes, and, if so, whether the program should be expanded Statewide and to a permanent status. The Department of the Treasury will provide primary staff support to the board and each department, office, division, or agency of the State is required to cooperate with the board and furnish it with such information, personnel, or assistance as may be necessary for the board to discharge its duties. | In Committee |
| A944 | 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 |
| A932 | Excludes certain contributions to deferred compensation plans and provides deduction for certain individual retirement savings under the gross income tax. | This bill provides taxpayers a gross income tax exclusion in the amount of contributions made to certain retirement plans, and allows a deduction for contributions to individual retirement accounts, or premiums paid to individual retirement annuities, that qualify for federal income tax deductions. The affected types of plans are: (1) a plan established under section 401(a) or section 401(k) of the federal Internal Revenue Code; (2) amounts paid for annuity contracts under section 403(b) of the federal Internal Revenue Code, allowed to employees of governments and nonprofits; (3) a deferred compensation plan of a state or local government that meets the requirements of section 457 of the federal Internal Revenue Code; (4) a federal Thrift Savings Plan; or (5) a standard Individual Retirement Account pursuant to section 408 of the federal Internal Revenue Code. The contributions to these plans are taxed upon distribution from the account. The bill applies to contributions made or premiums paid in taxable years beginning on or after January 1 next following enactment of the bill. | In Committee |
| A934 | Provides temporary gross income tax credit to first time home buyers and seniors. | This bill provides temporary but immediate property tax relief to first time home buyers and senior citizens while a structural solution for relief from high property taxes is developed. Pursuant to the bill, a gross income tax credit is provided to eligible taxpayers in the amount of 25 percent of the taxpayer's property taxes each year from 2019 through 2021, up to $2,500. If the value of the credit is more than what the taxpayer owes for income taxes, the amount of credit left over will be paid to the taxpayer. To be eligible for the credit, a taxpayer must have bought the home in 2019, 2020, or 2021, or instead, be at least 65 years old. | In Committee |
| A1697 | Requires each board of education to adopt policy establishing temperature control standards and guidelines for school district facilities. | This bill requires each board of education to adopt a policy establishing temperature control standards and guidelines for school district facilities. The policy must ensure, to the greatest extent feasible, that school buildings provide students with a temperature-controlled environment that is conducive to learning. The policy must: 1) require that a staff member is designated in each school building in the district to monitor compliance with the standards and initiate permitted corrective action; 2) establish a protocol to follow in instances where classroom temperatures are identified as being not conducive to learning; 3) identify what temperature control measures are permitted in accordance with local building and fire codes; 4) be informed by the Indoor Air Quality Standard established by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development; and 5) require that corrective measures be addressed, where feasible, by action outlined in the Indoor Air Quality Standard. The bill directs the Department of Education and the Department of Health to jointly develop guidance to assist school districts in establishing and implementing a policy concerning temperature control. | In Committee |
| A2871 | Increases amounts of property tax deductions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and veterans, from $250 to $500. | This bill would increase from $250 to $500 the annual property tax deductions provided to senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and veterans, to $500. The bill would take effect immediately, but remain inoperative until the approval by the voters of the State of amendments to the State Constitution that increase the amount of the property tax deductions for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, and veterans, to $500. | In Committee |
| A549 | Establishes Employment Application Registry database in Division of State Police. | This bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to establish and maintain an Employment Application Registry database. Under the bill, each law enforcement agency is required to maintain records of all applicants for employment in the agency, and report the information to the Superintendent of State Police for inclusion in the Employment Application Registry. The information contained in the Employment Application Registry is to be confidential and not a public record. The records to be maintained by the law enforcement agency are to include, but not be limited to: information related to the applicant's identity; the position for which the applicant submitted an application; whether an offer of employment was made and, if not, the reason, including, but not limited to, whether an offer was not made because the applicant was included in the Central Drug Registry established by the Attorney General as a result of a positive drug test; and whether the applicant is to be disqualified from employment with a law enforcement agency in this State. Under the bill, each law enforcement agency in this State is required to consult the Employment Application Registry prior to making an offer of employment to an applicant. The bill also requires the Attorney General to issue any necessary guidelines and directives including, but not limited to: procedures for the collection of information to be contained in the Employment Application Registry; the reasons for which an applicant is to be disqualified from employment; and procedures for maintaining the confidentiality of information contained in the database. | In Committee |
| A1442 | Eliminates requirement to submit sales tax exemption form for textbook purchases. | This bill eliminates the requirement that, for a purchase to be eligible for the sales tax exemption for textbooks, purchasers must provide the seller with a tax exemption form. In addition, the school will no longer need to declare the textbooks required for school, and the school will not need to be a school approved by the Department of Education or Secretary of Higher Education. Currently, sales and rentals of textbooks for use by students are exempt from sales tax. However, the purchaser must provide the seller with a form stating that the purchaser is a student and the particular book is required for school. When purchasing textbooks at a school bookstore, the process is usually streamlined as the bookstore has access to enrollment data and syllabi. In contrast, when purchasing from online sellers the requirement to supply the seller with a form can be particularly onerous. Pursuant to this bill, school textbooks will not need to be accompanied by a form for the purchase to be exempt from sales tax. In addition, the bill clarifies that rentals are included in the exemption, and regardless of what condition or form the book is in, the exemption will apply. | In Committee |
| A1496 | Requires DOT and DLPS to implement weigh-in-motion monitoring program. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS), to establish a weigh-in-motion monitoring program (program), which program is to be funded from the Transportation Trust Fund Account. The program is required to include the placement and use of weigh-in-motion stations to monitor vehicle weight as vehicles approach certain bridges. To determine locations for the weigh-in-motion monitoring systems, the DOT, in consultation with the DLPS, is to consider: (1) proximity to a bridge whose condition is categorized as poor by the National Bridge Inventory; (2) condition of a bridge as determined by a structural inspection or any other inspection of the bridge conducted in compliance with State or federal law; (3) frequency of recent violations documented on a roadway or in proximity to a bridge; and (4) any other factors determined by the DOT, in consultation with the DLPS, to be appropriate. Each system is required to include a scale, at least one camera to capture vehicle information, signage to indicate modified speed limits as needed, and other equipment as the DOT or DLPS find necessary. The bill provides that records of individual vehicle information or personal information are not to be retained, used, or disclosed for a purpose unrelated to the bill's provisions. Each system is required to be capable of automatically sending notifications upon detection of a violation to the DOT and the DLPS, which departments have respective duties under the bill. Department of Transportation The DOT is to receive a structural monitoring notification upon detection of such violations as the DOT may program the systems to report. Within 30 days of a structural monitoring notification, the DOT is required to determine whether a structural inspection of the bridge is necessary. Within 30 days of a determination that a structural inspection is required, the DOT is required to conduct the structural inspection or arrange for it to be conducted. The DOT is required to annually publish a report on the program on its Internet website. The DOT's annual report is to include: (1) the locations and dates of weigh-in-motion monitoring system use; (2) the total number of vehicles weighed and the total number of violations recorded by each system; (3) any patterns of violations by frequency, location, or amount of excess gross vehicle weight and axle weight, as the DOT deems relevant for analysis of the program; (4) the total capital spent on repairs or reconstruction following structural inspections; and (5) the total revenue realized by and expenses incurred by the DOT in connection with administering the provisions of the bill. The DOT is required to issue rules and regulations, including at a minimum: (1) criteria for the DOT to select locations and determine equipment needed for systems; (2) protocols for the collection, processing, use, and disposal of records created by systems, including individual vehicle information and personal information; (3) standards for the number and type of violations that, alone or in combination with other factors, and as the department deems appropriate, trigger a structural monitoring notice; (4) standards for the number and type of violations that, along or in combination with other factors, trigger a structural inspection; and (5) specifications for the acquisition and maintenance of equipment necessary to administer the provisions of the bill. Department of Law and Public Safety The DLPS is to receive an enforcement notification upon detection of such violations as the DLPS may program the systems to report. The DLPS is authorized to use the weigh-in-motion monitoring systems to enforce vehicle weight restrictions that already exist under current law. However, for any violation occurring within 90 days after a system becomes operational, the DLPS is required to issue a notice of warning, rather than commence an enforcement action, which notice of warning is to be issued to the driver, operator, owner, lessee, or bailee of a vehicle that is the subject of a violation within 30 days of a determination that the violation merits an enforcement action. The DLPS is required to annually publish a report on the program on its Internet website. The DLPS's annual report is to include: (1) the number of enforcement actions adjudicated; (2) the number of fines issued and total amount of fines paid after the first enforcement action is commenced; and (3) the total revenue realized by and expenses incurred by the DLPS in connection with administering the provisions of the bill. The DLPS is required to issue rules and regulations, including at a minimum: (1) protocols for the collection, processing, use, and disposal of records created by systems installed, including individual vehicle information and personal information; (2) standards for a violation to trigger an enforcement notification; and (3) standards for a violation to merit an enforcement action. | In Committee |
| A3021 | "New Jersey Ticket Consumer Choice Act." | This bill, the "New Jersey Ticket Consumer Choice Act," would guarantee the right of New Jersey ticket purchasers to opt-out of ticket restrictions that limit their ability to use, sell, or give away the tickets they have purchased. Specifically, this bill allows ticket issuers to sell tickets through a ticketing system that restricts the rights of consumers to resell their tickets only if, at the time of the initial sale, the consumer is offered the option to purchase the same ticket in a form not subject to restrictions by the issuer. Issuers would be permitted, however, to sell or give away tickets in a non-transferable form in the context of targeted promotions or private events. The bill prohibits any penalty or discrimination against a ticket holder solely because the ticket was resold or because of the specific ticket platform on which the ticket was resold. The bill provides for the recognition of the rights of issuers and venue owners and operators to institute policies governing overall operation of entertainment events and ticket sales. In addition, the bill removes the existing statutory caps on the resale prices of tickets. The consumer choice provisions of this bill protecting the right of ticket purchasers to resell their tickets have been in effect in New York State for six years. This bill provides an exemption to issuers of tickets for an entertainment event held in a venue owned or operated by an entity which is subject to a hotel and motel occupancy fee and located in a city the governing body of which has levied a retails sales tax. | In Committee |
| A1440 | Prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from requiring covered persons to use mail service pharmacies. | This bill prohibits pharmacy benefits managers from requiring covered persons to use mail service pharmacies. Specifically, the bill provides that pharmacy benefits managers, in connection with any contract or arrangement with a private health insurer, prescription benefit plan, or the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees' Health Benefits Program, may neither require covered persons to use a mail service pharmacy nor automatically enroll covered persons in a mail service pharmacy program. The bill provides that pharmacy benefits managers may provide benefits to covered persons through mail service pharmacies, provided that the covered persons are given the option to use a mail service pharmacy or a non-mail service pharmacy, and the covered persons consent in writing to the use of the mail service pharmacy. It has come to the attention of the sponsor that certain pharmacy benefits managers in New Jersey automatically enroll covered persons in a mail service pharmacy program without the covered persons' consent. This bill is intended to stop these automatic enrollments and to support the right of covered persons to use a non-mail service pharmacy if they so choose. | In Committee |
| A552 | Requires manufacturers of electric vehicles to establish and implement electric vehicle battery management plans. | The bill requires every manufacturer of electric vehicles sold within the State, either individually or as a part of a group of manufacturers, to develop, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (department), and submit an electric vehicle battery management plan to the department for review and approval. The plan is to provide for manufacturers to be responsible the collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling or disposal of all used electric vehicle batteries using environmentally sound management practices. The plan is required to prioritize the reuse and recycling of used electric vehicle batteries prior to disposal. The bill requires the electric vehicle battery management plan to include: (1) information identifying the make, model, and year of electric vehicles that may contain an electric vehicle battery, and the estimated number of electric vehicle batteries for which the manufacturer is responsible; (2) methods that will be used to remove, collect, and store the used electric vehicle batteries, including proposed collection services; (3) methods that will be utilized to transport the used electric vehicle batteries to authorized recycling facilities, including the name and location of all authorized recyclers to be directly utilized pursuant to the plan; (4) the processes and methods that will be utilized to reuse used electric vehicle batteries for alternate second-life purposes, recycle used electric vehicle batteries that cannot be reused for alternate uses including a description of the recycling processes that will be used, and, if necessary, a plan for final disposal of used electric vehicle batteries; (5) a strategy for informing consumers and residents of this State about the requirements to properly manage electric vehicle batteries, the environmental impact of the improper handling or disposal of used electric vehicle batteries, and the mechanisms for the collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling or proper disposal of used electric vehicle batteries that are available to consumers; (6) a plan for the implementation and financing of the electric vehicle battery management plan; and (7) any other information, policies, or procedures as the department deems appropriate. Under the bill, the electric vehicle battery management plan would, to the extent practicable, utilize the existing recycling infrastructure. Where the existing recycling infrastructure is not utilized, the electric vehicle battery management plan is required to include the reasons for establishing a separate infrastructure. An electric vehicle battery management plan is required to provide for the financing of the collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling or disposal of used electric vehicle batteries. The costs of such financing is required to be borne by the manufacturers of electric vehicles sold in the State. The department and the manufacturers would be responsible for jointly developing a method that ensures the prompt payment to recycling facilities for costs associated with electric vehicle battery collection, transportation, reuse, and recycling or disposal. An electric vehicle battery management plan would be reviewed and updated, as necessary, at least once every two years. The bill requires a complete electric vehicle battery management plan to be submitted to the department for approval prior to its implementation by manufacturers. The department may approve, disapprove, or conditionally approve the electric vehicle battery management plan. If the department approves the electric vehicle battery management plan, the manufacturer is required to implement the plan within 90 days after receipt of approval from the department or as otherwise agreed to by the department. If the electric vehicle battery management plan is disapproved, the manufacturer would have 30 days to submit a revised electric vehicle battery management plan to the department. The department may approve part, in part, an electric vehicle battery management plan, and may disapprove a part of the plan that does not comply with the requirements of the bill and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto. In this case, the manufacturer is required to implement the approved components, within 90 days after receipt of approval by the department or as otherwise agreed to by the department, and submit a revised electric vehicle battery management plan within 30 days after receipt of notification of the disapproval of the department in order to bring the entire plan into compliance. The department will review and approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove a revised electric vehicle battery management plan within 30 days after receipt of the revised plan. If, at the conclusion of the time period ending 120 days after receipt by the department of a complete electric vehicle battery management plan, the department has neither approved nor disapproved the electric vehicle battery management plan, the electric vehicle battery management plan is to be considered conditionally approved. A manufacturer, subject to any modifications required by the department, is required to implement a conditionally approved electric vehicle battery management plan within 90 days after the plan has been deemed conditionally approved by the department. Within 90 days after the department's approval of an electric vehicle battery management plan, or any revisions thereto, the department is required to post, at a publicly accessible location on its Internet website, each electric vehicle battery management plan and a list identifying each of the manufacturers participating in an electric vehicle battery management plan. Manufacturers implementing electric vehicle battery management plans are required to provide consumers with educational materials related to the electric vehicle battery management plan and the electric vehicle battery collection services that are available. The bill prohibits a manufacturer or retailer of electric vehicles from selling, or offering to sell, electric vehicles to any person in the State unless the manufacturer of the electric vehicle is engaged in the implementation of, or has fully implemented, an electric vehicle battery management plan. A retailer would be deemed to be in compliance with this sales prohibition if, on the date the electric vehicle is ordered thereby, the manufacturer of the electric vehicle is identified on the list maintained on the department's Internet website. If a manufacturer fails to comply with the conditions and terms of an approved electric vehicle battery management plan, the manufacturer would be prohibited from selling or offering for sale electric vehicles in this State. The bill also establishes penalties for violations of the bill's provisions or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. The bill also requires manufacturers to submit an annual report to the department, which describes or includes, among other things: (1) a description of the methods used to remove, collect, store, transport, reuse, and recycle or dispose of the used electric vehicle batteries under the electric vehicle battery management plan; (2) the number of used electric vehicle batteries collected during the preceding year; (3) the number of used electric vehicle batteries that were reused for second-life, alternate purposes during the preceding year and a description of what the electric vehicle batteries were used for; (4) the number of used electric vehicle batteries that were recycled in the preceding year; (5) the number of used electric vehicle batteries that were disposed of in the preceding year; (6) a list of all manufacturers implementing the electric vehicle battery management plan; (7) the total cost of implementing the electric vehicle battery management plan, including separate figures for the cost of collection, transportation, reuse, recycling, disposal, communication, and any other categories that involved cost; (8) samples of the educational materials provided to consumers of electric vehicles, together with an evaluation of the methods used to disseminate those materials, and an assessment of the educational and outreach effectiveness of those materials; (9) an evaluation of the effectiveness of the electric vehicle battery management plan and any steps necessary to improve the effectiveness of the electric vehicle battery management plan; and (10) any other information the department may require. The bill requires the department to review these reports and issue an annual report on the progress of the electric vehicle battery management plans. Finally, the bill authorizes the department to adopt rules or regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A515 | Allows utility lines necessary for certain solar energy generation facilities to cross municipally-owned preserved open space under certain circumstances. | This bill would allow the utility lines associated with certain solar electric power generation facilities to cross municipally-owned preserved open space subject to certain conditions. The bill contains two parallel sections to supplement 1) the statutes concerning lands acquired for recreation and conservation purposes by a local unit with financial assistance from the State in the form of a grant or loan of Green Acres bond funds, and 2) the "Garden State Preservation Trust Act." The bill provides that utility lines integral to a solar electric power generation facility approved by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) pursuant State law would not be deemed to constitute a disposal or diversion of lands preserved for recreation and conservation purposes, provided that: 1) the land was acquired for recreation and conservation purposes by the local unit prior to the date the bill is enacted into law; 2) the solar electric power generation facility will not be located on the land; 3) the installation of the utility lines will not interfere with the use of the land for recreation and conservation purposes, as determined by the local unit; 4) the utility lines will be located underground, and any land and vegetation disturbed by the installation of the underground lines will be restored to the satisfaction of the local unit; 5) the owner of the proposed solar electric power generation facility provides a report to the BPU, the Commissioner of Environmental Protection (commissioner), and the local unit demonstrating that there are no other available lands that could be traversed for the solar electric power generation facility to be "connected to the distribution system," as defined in law; 6) the owner of the solar electric power generation facility obtains the written approval of the local unit for the use of the land for the purpose of the utility lines; and 7) the owner of the solar electric power generation facility provides compensation for the use of the municipally-owned preserved open space as required pursuant to law. Prior to the installation of the solar electric power generation facility and the utility lines across the municipally-owned preserved open space, the owner of the facility would be required to notify the local unit and the commissioner of the proposed construction and the need for utility lines to cross municipally-owned preserved open space in order for the facility to be connected to the distribution system. The notice is to include: the location and a description, including photographs, of the lands where the solar electric power generation facility is proposed and the lands to be crossed by the utility lines; and documentation demonstrating that the construction complies with the conditions set forth in the bill. If the local unit finds that the proposed construction and the associated utility lines do not comply with the conditions set forth in the bill, the local unit would notify, in writing, the BPU, the commissioner, and the owner of the solar electric power generation facility of this finding and the reasoning therefor. The construction of the solar electric power generation facility and associated utility lines is not to proceed until the concerns of the local unit have been satisfied and the project complies with the conditions set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| A1488 | Prohibits collection of biometric identifier information by public or private entity under certain circumstances. | This bill prohibits the collection of biometric identifier information by public or private entities of this State under certain circumstances. Under the bill, any public or private entity of this State is prohibited from collecting, retaining, converting, storing, or sharing any biometric identifier information unless the public or private entity posts clear and conspicuous notice, written in plain language, at every common entryway regarding its use of a biometric surveillance system. The bill defines "biometric surveillance system" to mean any computer system or software that collects biometric identifier information using various methods, including but not limited, to facial, iris, retina, voice, fingerprint, or palm recognition technologies; and "biometric identifier information" to mean any data collected through a biometric surveillance system that assists in identifying a person or capturing information about a person based on the person's unique physical characteristics or traits. Any public or private entity of this State that violates the provisions of this bill would be liable to a civil administrative penalty of $5,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for any second or subsequent violation. In addition, any pattern of violations of the bill's provisions would constitute a fourth-degree crime. Under the bill, a pattern of violations would be established when a public or private entity is found to have committed five or more violations of the provisions of this bill, provided that each violation occurs on a separate day within the same thirty-day period. A subsequent violation of the bill's provisions committed by a public or private entity after being previously convicted of a fourth-degree crime would be a third-degree crime. A fourth-degree crime is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000, a term of imprisonment of three to five years, or both. | In Committee |
| A1455 | Authorizes religious corporations to hold remote meetings during state of emergency declared by Governor. | This bill allows members of religious corporations to hold, either solely or in part, meetings by means of remote communication during a state of emergency. Pursuant to current law, meetings of members are required to be held at a physical location, with no provision for members to participate by alternative means during a state of emergency. Under this bill, remote communication of meetings will be permitted if a state of emergency is declared by the Governor. During the state of emergency, a meeting of members may be held by means of remote communication to the extent that the board of trustees authorize and adopt guidelines and procedures governing such a meeting. The bill will also provide that members are deemed present if participating in a meeting by means of remote communication, regardless of whether the meeting is held solely by means of remote communication or in part. In times of crisis, remote meetings can offer broader accessibility to members and increase member participation. It also provides religious corporations with the flexibility that they may need to respond to any challenges that may occur because of a state of emergency declaration. | In Committee |
| A3185 | Permits dogs as service and emotional support animals at State veterans' residential facilities. | This bill permits veterans to have dogs as service and emotional support animals at a State veterans' residential facility. Under federal law, service animals are permitted on federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) property with some restrictions. The federal regulation defines service animals as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal are required to be directly related to the individual's disability. The federal regulation does not include emotional support animals in its definition of service animals; therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted on VA property. Under the bill, the State law is aligned with federal standards by permitting dogs as service animals at State veterans' residential facilities. The bill further expands beyond federal law to permit dogs as emotional support animals at State veterans' residential facilities. As veterans become increasingly diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health care providers are recommending an emotional support animal to many veterans. Under the bill, those veterans with emotional support needs will not be excluded from having a dog on State veterans' residential facility property. The bill prohibits animals other than service animals or emotional support animals on a State veterans' residential facility property unless the animal is present for law enforcement purposes or under the control of the Office of Research and Development in the Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also requires a veteran accompanied by a service animal or emotional support animal to provide documentation with the following information: (1) the animal has been certified, trained, or licensed as a service animal or emotional support animal, that lists the work or tasks the animal has been trained to perform; and (2) confirms the service animal or emotional support animal has had a current rabies vaccine as determined by State and local public health requirements, and current core canine vaccines and immunizations as dictated by local veterinary practice standards, which at minimum includes distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus-2. Under the bill, State veterans' residential facility" means any State veterans' memorial home or Veterans Haven facility. | In Committee |
| A1687 | Establishes Office of Supportive Action Functionality Experts to prepare for catastrophic loss of technological services. | This bill establishes the Office of Supportive Action Functionality Experts ("S.A.F.E.") to prepare for a catastrophic loss of technological services in this State. This bill establishes the Office of Supportive Action Functionality Experts in the State Office of Emergency Management. The purpose of this office is to analyze the potential risks and impacts of a catastrophic loss of technology and develop strategies for enhancing the State's response. The office's functions are to include, but not be limited to, gathering information about the impact of technological dependency; assessing the potential consequences of a catastrophic loss of technology; and developing procedures for managing the loss of technology. In addition, under the bill, the office is to provide quarterly reports to the Governor and Legislature on its research findings and develop a plan for essential services in case of a catastrophic technology loss. The Director of the State Office of Emergency Management, in consultation with the State's Chief Information Officer, is to appoint a director of the office who is qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The State's economy, public safety, and general welfare depend on the availability of technological systems and infrastructure. A catastrophic loss of technology could severely disrupt the State's essential services, including communication systems, medical services, transportation infrastructure, utilities, and financial services. It is essential to proactively address the potential risks from technological dependence and create strategies for managing the consequences of a catastrophic loss of technology. | In Committee |
| A1460 | Prohibits use of anti-concurrent causation clauses in homeowners insurance policies. | This bill prohibits the use of "anti-concurrent causation" clauses in homeowners insurance policies issued in the State. Currently, homeowners insurance companies are allowed to use these clauses in their policies with the result that, in situations in which a covered cause of loss or damage occurs concurrently or in any sequence with a non-covered cause of loss or damage, coverage for the entire loss or damage can be excluded and claims can be denied. This bill would end that practice by prohibiting the use of anti-concurrent causation clauses in homeowners insurance policies and providing that any such provision to exclude coverage shall be void and unenforceable. Homeowner insurance coverage controversies tend to arise with respect to anti-concurrent causation clauses in connection with water and wind damage from hurricanes and other extreme weather events. | In Committee |
| A1462 | Directs BPU to establish program concerning renewable natural gas; provides gas public utilities with customer rate recovery mechanism for costs associated with program. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a renewable natural gas program to encourage gas public utilities (utilities) to procure renewable natural gas and invest in renewable natural gas infrastructure. As part of this program, the bill also requires the BPU to adopt a ratemaking mechanism to allow for the recovery of all costs prudently incurred by a utility under the program. Specifically, the ratemaking mechanism would allow utilities to periodically recover the following costs from ratepayers, subject to approval by the BPU: (1) any capital investments in renewable natural gas infrastructure incurred by the utility for the purpose of providing renewable natural gas service under the program, including the cost of capital, as determined in the utility's most recent rate case, and any other incremental costs associated with these investments; (2) any operating costs incurred by the utility associated with the program; and (3) any costs of procuring renewable natural gas from a third party, including affiliates of the utility. When a utility procures renewable natural gas from a third party, the bill requires the utility to purchase the renewable natural gas supply at prices and on terms consistent with market conditions. The bill also requires the BPU to regulate the charges assessed to customers of the utility for the supply of renewable natural gas, which charges would be based on the utility's cost of providing such supply, including renewable natural gas commodity and capacity costs, as well as any related ancillary and administrative costs. | In Committee |
| A543 | Requires newly-manufactured school buses to be equipped with global positioning system. | This bill requires school buses manufactured on or after the 180th day after the bill is enacted to be equipped with a global positioning system (GPS). A GPS that is installed on a school bus is to provide information about the location and speed of the school bus in real time. | In Committee |
| A2599 | Requires electric public utility to charge residential rate for service used by residential customer for electric vehicle charging at charging stations within certain designated parking spaces. | This bill requires an electric public utility (utility) to charge a residential rate for service delivered to a residential utility customer of record (customer) if the customer uses an electric vehicle charging station (charging station) at a designated parking space located at the customer's premises or upon the premises of the planned real estate development (development) where the customer resides. The bill also prohibits a utility from charging greater than a residential rate, or greater than an equivalent electricity rate or load management program that is offered by an electric public utility specifically for residential electric vehicle charging, for service delivered to a development for the use of a charging station located at the development intended for the use of a specific resident in the development. However, in the event that the development has a contract for the purchase of electricity from a party other than the utility serving the development, the utility may charge the development an agreed upon rate. The bill's provisions would not prevent a development that has installed an electric vehicle charging station from setting the price of the sale of electricity for the use of its electric vehicle charging equipment provided as a service pursuant to section 10 of P.L.2019, c.362 (C.48:25-10). | In Committee |
| A1445 | Requires certain economic incentive recipients to pay penalty for nonperformance. | This bill requires that a recipient of a New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) economic incentive, as defined in the bill, that does not perform to program and incentive agreement requirements pay a penalty for nonperformance in an amount equal to the product of: (1) the applicable tax rate for the recipient in the privilege period or taxable year in which the EDA has made a determination of nonperformance; multiplied by (2) the total value of the respective benefit or incentive received up to that privilege period or taxable year. The penalty is to be paid to the Treasurer of the State of New Jersey for deposit in the General Fund. The bill further specifies that the value of a benefit or incentive properly included in the formulation of a penalty is not to be aggregated with the value of any additional benefit or incentive received in the event of any subsequent determination of nonperformance. The bill requires the EDA, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Office of the State Comptroller, and the Division of Taxation, to adopt rules and regulations to establish minimum standards for the administration of economic incentive programs to verify whether each benefit or incentive recipient has performed to all requirements under any applicable economic incentive program or incentive agreement. The bill specifies that for an award of a benefit or incentive made after the effective date of the bill, the EDA is required to annually determine whether each such benefit or incentive recipient has performed to all requirements under any applicable economic incentive program or incentive agreement. The EDA is required to notify the Director of the Division of Taxation of each benefit or incentive recipient that has not performed to a requirement under any applicable economic incentive program or incentive agreement. | In Committee |
| A553 | Requires MVC to establish system for salvage processors to electronically process salvage certificates of title. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to allow salvage processors to electronically submit applications for the issuance of salvage certificates of title and certificates of ownership, documentation supporting those applications, and any required fees. The bill also requires the chief administrator to allow salvage processors to print salvage certificates of title and certificates of ownership at the facility of the salvage processor. | In Committee |
| A1477 | "Green Building Tax Credit Act." | This bill, entitled the "Green Building Tax Credit Act," provides tax credits toward the corporation business tax, gross income tax, and certain other specified taxes for developers and owners who design and construct buildings and owners who retrofit buildings to meet certain "green building" criteria. The bill provides that developers or owners of newly constructed and retrofitted buildings would qualify for the tax credits if the building meets the green building standards set forth in section 7 of the bill to be adopted by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), or if the building meets the criteria required for Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status under the LEED Green Building Rating System or LEED Residential Green Building Rating System. The "Green Building Tax Credit Act" would be administered by the DCA in consultation with the DEP and the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. The bill directs the DCA, in consultation with the DEP, within one year after the date of enactment of the bill into law, to adopt standards for the "green building" criteria set forth in section 7 of the bill, and requires the standards to be reviewed and updated at least every two years from the date on which they are adopted. The tax credits provided by the bill would be available for seven years. The total of all credits which could be allocated in the first fiscal year after enactment would be no more than $20 million. In each of the subsequent six fiscal years, up to $50 million of credit allocations may be authorized per year, and any unused allocable amounts may roll over to subsequent fiscal years. An eligible taxpayer may apply no more than 20 percent of their total tax credit in any tax year. | In Committee |
| A1458 | Permits paid leave by public officers and employees for inactive duty military training. | This bill revises the law regarding paid leaves of absence for public officers and employees in the performance of certain service as a member of the organized State militia, which consists of the New Jersey Air and Army National Guard, Naval Militia, and State Guard, or the reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States, which includes the National Guard of other states. This benefit is commonly known as military leave. The bill permits public officers and employees in the State militia to use paid military leave for any required inactive duty training or other regularly scheduled required training. Currently, an officer or employee of a State agency, county, school district, or municipality who is a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States is entitled under N.J.S.A.38:23-1 to 30 work days per calendar year on military leave granted for any period of federal active duty. Under N.J.S.38A:4-4, officers or employees who are members of the National Guard, or other component of the organized militia, of New Jersey are entitled to military leave for State or federal active duty of up to 90 work days per calendar year. While the New Jersey National Guard is also a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States, members of the New Jersey National Guard are entitled under N.J.S.A.38A:4-4 to enhanced military leave benefits due to the vital State responsibilities in New Jersey assumed by the New Jersey National Guard in addition to its federal responsibilities. This bill would entitle public officers and employees to use paid leave within the current limits for any period of required inactive duty training or other regularly scheduled required training. The bill requires the State to reimburse a school district or local government for the additional costs incurred as a result of this bill. | In Committee |
| A562 | Requires DOE to establish comprehensive searchable website concerning educational programs and resources available to special education students. | This bill requires the Department of Education to establish and maintain a comprehensive website concerning educational programs and resources available for students classified as eligible for special education programs and services. The website's purpose is to provide current and complete information on disability resources in one easily accessible location. Under the bill, the website will include, but is not limited to, information on the following: approved in-State and out-of-State private schools for students with disabilities; other approved receiving schools that provide programs for students with disabilities, including educational services commissions, jointure commissions, regional day schools, county special services school districts, and public college operated programs for students with disabilities; special education programs operated by school districts that also serve out-of-district students; publicly or privately operated educational programs for special education students in the State that are specialized for particular disabilities; assistive technologies for students with disabilities; and support resources, including public and nonprofit organizations, that serve students with disabilities and their families. The information on the website will be electronically searchable by multiple criteria including keyword, type of disability, and geographic location of the educational program. The bill directs the department to consult with the New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council to assist in developing and maintaining the website. The department will work with the council on a continuing basis to ensure that the website contains complete and current information. The website must be updated on at least an annual basis. | In Committee |
| A2595 | Prohibits use of schools as polling places. | Under current law, a county board of elections may select schools, other public buildings, and commercial or private buildings under certain circumstances, to be used as polling places for any election in this State. This bill prohibits the selection and use of schools as a polling places for any election. | In Committee |
| A2285 | Establishes fund for DEP for Blue Acres acquisition and relocation projects; appropriates $25 million. | This bill establishes the Blue Acres Buyout Fund (hereinafter referred to as the "fund") as a nonlapsing, revolving fund in the Department of Environmental Protection and appropriates $25 million from the General Fund for the purposes of the fund. The fund would be administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to be used for relocation assistance for homeowners and tenants displaced by a Blue Acres acquisition, to acquire flood prone property under the Blue Acres program, and for administrative costs associated with the program. No more than five percent of the total annual revenue allocated to the fund in each fiscal year may be used by the DEP for administrative costs. | In Committee |
| A2303 | Requires institution of higher education to report allegation of sexual misconduct by health care professional to licensing board for investigation. | Under this bill, if an institution of higher education receives a report of alleged sexual misconduct committed by a health care professional employed by the institution, the institution will be required to promptly notify the State licensing board that issued the license to practice to the health care professional. The bill directs the licensing board to initiate an investigation concerning the information received by the institution of higher education in order to determine if disciplinary charges should be pursued or if an application to suspend or otherwise limit the health care professional's license should be initiated. The bill provides immunity from liability to institutions of higher education for good faith notifications made to licensing boards pursuant to the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| A1467 | Allows for operation of crematories at locations not situated on cemetery grounds or funeral home properties. | This bill amends current law by allowing for the construction of crematories as stand-alone facilities separate and apart from cemeteries and funeral homes. Presently, New Jersey only allows crematories to be located on cemetery property or to operate as facilities that work in conjunction with funeral homes in existence prior to December 1, 1971. Under this bill, a governmental entity, a religious corporation or organization, or a cremation company, defined in the bill as "a person that owns, manages, operates or controls a crematory, directly or indirectly, that is a stand-alone facility located on property owned or leased by the cremation company and that is separate and apart from a cemetery and funeral home," is allowed to open and operate a crematory. The bill incorporates crematories and crematory companies into certain provisions of law that currently only apply to cemeteries. This includes provisions: 1) to allow crematories to be owned or operated only by a governmental entity, a religious corporation or organization, or a cremation company; 2) to require cremation companies to be formed as nonprofits in compliance with Title 15A of the New Jersey Statutes; 3) to require a crematory company to file with the New Jersey Cemetery Board the paperwork showing the name and address of the company; 4) to mandate that a crematory company print and conspicuously post its regulations and charges for services; 5) on the disposition of human remains; 6) to allow for the establishment and enlargement of a crematory in a municipality only through the consent of the municipality by resolution; 7) to require board approval if a crematory company seeks to enlarge a crematory; 8) to allow a crematory company to make initial improvements and subsequent capital improvements upon the land it owns, if approved by the board; 9) to require licensure for any natural person who is compensated to act as a crematory salesperson for goods and services provided by a crematory company; 10) to establish that a crematory may be located on cemetery property, on property owned or leased by a funeral home created prior to December 1, 1971 and on property owned or leased by a crematory company; and 11) to allow crematory companies to be included on the registry maintained by the board. New provisions in the bill require a crematory company to file an annual report with the board within 120 days after the close of the company's fiscal year. Crematory companies are required to establish rules and regulations addressing the use, management, and protection of the crematory. Crematory companies are prohibited from manufacturing or selling urns or other goods used as a vessel for cremains and from being involved in the conduct of any funeral home or of the business or profession of mortuary science. Crematory companies are also required to maintain records of each cremation performed by the company, including the name of the cremated party and the party who authorized the cremation, and will be exempt from several taxes of which cemeteries are also exempt, including real estate taxes, rates or assessment on personal property taxes on lands and equipment dedicated to crematory purposes. | In Committee |
| AJR77 | Designates May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month." | This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month." Significant increases in global plastic production and a lack of proper recycling has resulted in negative environmental consequences and adverse health outcomes for fish and marine life. Single-use plastics, which are plastics designed to be used only once and then thrown away, are often disposed of in landfills, are incinerated, or become litter in the State's waterways and oceans. Plastics released in the environment do not biodegrade, but instead break down into smaller pieces, known as microplastics, which accumulate in the natural environment and are eaten by fish and other marine life. Single use plastic waste also creates visual pollution, degrades water quality, and impacts the tourism, fishing, and shipping industries, all of which are major contributors to the New Jersey economy. To address the consequences associated with the use of single-use plastic and prevent further damage from the use of single-use plastic, the State enacted P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.126 et seq.) phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags, among other single-use products, and encouraging the use of reusable bags throughout the State. As a result of this new law, beginning on May 4, 2022, no store or food service business will provide or sell a single-use plastic carryout bag to a customer, and no grocery store will provide or sell a single-use paper carryout bag to a customer. Although banning or limiting the use of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags is a significant step in the State's efforts to reduce reliance on single-use products, education and public awareness is required in order to create widespread change in bag use among New Jersey residents. For this reason, this joint resolution would designate May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month." Designating May of each year as "Bag Up NJ Month," would allow the public to become more educated concerning the benefits of utilizing reusable bags, what options of reusable bags are available, and the importance of improving the current state of the environment. During this month, appropriate activities and programs, such as educational programs, public and media engagement, and reusable bag distribution programs, may be utilized to bring awareness to this subject and promote change in the use of carryout bags by the State's residents. | In Committee |
| AJR64 | Designates November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day. | This joint resolution designates November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day in the State of New Jersey. Kimchi is a traditional dish in Korean cuisine consisting of salted and fermented vegetables made with a widely varying selection of seasonings. Kimchi has a long rich history dating back thousands of years. The preparation of kimchi allowed the Korean people a means of preserving food that served as a vital source of sustenance throughout history. Kimchi can be found in the homes of millions of Koreans around the world and is often eaten with every meal. While kimchi has historically been a critical source of nutrients, it has become so ingrained in the culture of the Korean people that it is now a source of national pride and identity. Kimjang, the tradition of preparing kimchi, brings whole communities together to collectively prepare and share large quantities to kimchi to ensure that every household has enough to sustain it through the long, often harsh, Korean winters. Kimjang is so culturally important to the Korean people that it has been recognized by the United Nations by being added in 2013 to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kimchi has been widely acknowledged as a probiotic food with well-established positive health benefits, serving as an excellent source of beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B, C, and K, which can potentially lower rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. National Kimchi Day is celebrated in South Korea on November 22 to promote the value of the kimchi. This date is in recognition of the 11 traditional ingredients of kimchi and the 22 health benefits its consumption promotes. New Jersey has a significant population of approximately 105,000 residents of Korean descent with 60 percent living in Bergen County. By setting aside November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day, we can celebrate the culture and traditions of Koreans around the world and in the State of New Jersey. | Dead |
| A931 | Increases from 18 to 21 age at which person is eligible to receive firearms purchaser identification. | This bill increases from 18 to 21 the age at which a person is eligible to receive a firearms purchaser identification card used to purchase shotguns and rifles. Under current law, a person 18 years of age and older may obtain a firearms purchaser identification card and a handgun purchaser is required to be at least 21 years old. Under the bill, a person under the age of 21 would be allowed to possess a handgun, rifle, or shot gun under the following circumstances: (1) in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, or some other person who holds a permit to carry a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card; (2) for the purpose of military drill under the auspices of a legally recognized military organization and under competent supervision; (3) for the purpose of competition, target practice, instruction, and training in and upon a firing range approved by the governing body of the municipality in which the range is located or the National Rifle Association and which is under competent supervision at the time of such supervision or target practice or instruction and training at any location; or (4) for the purpose of hunting during the regularly designated hunting season, provided that the person possesses a valid hunting license and has successfully completed a hunter's safety course taught by a qualified instructor or conservation officer and possesses a certificate indicating the successful completion of such a course. The bill permits active duty military or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of this State to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card while under the age of 21. The bill preserves current law allowing minors to obtain a youth hunting license and apprentice firearm hunting license. Persons between the ages of 18 and 21 who obtained a firearms purchaser identification card prior to the bill's effective date would also be permitted to maintain the card and continue to purchase and possess shotguns and rifles. | In Committee |
| A2241 | Prohibits court from awarding custody of or limiting visitation with child based on certain factors. | This bill provides for the protection of the custody and visitation rights of parents based on several factors, including, disability, age, health status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity. New Jersey recognizes that both parents in a child custody dispute have a constitutionally recognized equal, fundamental right to the control and upbringing of a child. The courts make the determination on custody arrangements by applying various statutory factors, such as the interaction of the child with the child's parents and the stability of the home environment, with the best interests of the child as the primary concern. This bill provides that in any child custody proceeding, the disability, health status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, or ethnicity of one or both parents is not to be the sole factor in the court's decision concerning child custody. If the court considers any of these when deciding custody or parenting time for an otherwise fit parent, the court is required to provide detailed finding of facts and conclusions of law in support of the decision. The bill does not limit the court's discretion to consider all relevant and appropriate factors pertaining to the best interest of the child in making an award for custody. The bill defines disability as having the same meaning set forth in section 3 of the "Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008," 42 U.S.C. s.12102. | In Committee |
| AR77 | Declares support for Ukraine; expresses solidarity with its citizens. | The resolution declares support for Ukraine in the current conflict with Russia and expresses solidarity with the people of Ukraine. This resolution condemns the actions of Russia, including the attacks and bombings of various regions of Ukraine, such as Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odessa and importantly, the city of Kyiv. This resolution calls on Russia to stop the violence and work to bridge peace with the Ukrainian people. Further, this resolution condemns the violations of international law committed by Russia in the annexation of Crimea, blocking of parts of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Finally, this resolution recognizes and supports Ukraine as a sovereign state, one that is free to choose its own leader and future. | In Committee |
| A1474 | Directs NJ Infrastructure Bank to establish financing program for electric school buses; allocates $20 million annually in societal benefits charge revenues to NJ Infrastructure Bank for purposes of program. | The bill directs the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to establish, within one year after the date of enactment of the bill into law, a program, to be known as the Electric School Bus Financing Program, to provide loans and other forms of financial assistance to school districts to finance the purchase of electric school buses in lieu of, or to replace, diesel-powered school buses for the daily transportation of students and the purchase and installation of related electric school bus charging infrastructure. A school district seeking financial assistance for the purchase of an electric school bus or the purchase and installation of related electric school bus charging infrastructure would be required to apply to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). As part of the application process, the school district would be required to perform an energy assessment of the school district's current fleet of school buses. The assessment would compare the costs of acquiring, operating, and maintaining an electric school bus versus those for a diesel-powered school bus, identify the potential environmental benefits of using electric school buses within that school district, and identify potential savings that may be realized over the estimated useful life of the electric school bus. The BPU, in consultation with the NJIB, would be required to develop criteria for the ranking of applications received for funding and specifications for the types of electric school buses and related charging infrastructure eligible for financing. The bill specifies that this criteria provide priority ranking for school districts located in overburdened communities. Upon approval of an application, the BPU would submit a certification of application approval to the NJIB. Subject to the availability of funds under the program, the NJIB may make and contract to make loans or other forms of financial assistance to the applicant to finance all or a portion of the costs of the purchase of an electric school bus or the purchase and installation of related electric school bus charging infrastructure, as identified in the certification of application approval, provided that the project is included on a "Electric School Bus Financing Program Project Priority List" prepared by the BPU pursuant to section 4 of the bill. Loans and other forms of financial assistance provided pursuant to the bill would be made subject to such terms and conditions as the NJIB deems appropriate. The bill provides that a school district may use performance and operational savings realized from the purchase and use of an electric school bus or related charging infrastructure to repay a loan issued pursuant to the bill. The BPU, in conjunction with the NJIB, would be required to, no later than one year after the first loan or other form of financial assistance is made, and for each succeeding year in which such financial assistance is made, prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, on the effectiveness of the program in promoting the purchase of electric school buses and related charging infrastructure by school districts. The report would identify each school district that received a loan or other financial assistance from the program established by the bill, describe the electric school buses and related charging infrastructure purchased, and provide an analysis of the environmental benefits achieved from the purchase and use of electric school buses. The report may also include any recommendations for legislative changes that may improve the effectiveness of the program. Lastly, the bill would require the BPU, in the State fiscal year commencing July 1 following the date of enactment of the bill into law, and each year thereafter, to transfer to the NJIB $20 million from available balances accumulated in accounts of the BPU from funds collected through the societal benefits charge (established by the "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act") for the purposes of the Electric School Bus Financing Program established pursuant to the bill. The BPU and the NJIB would be authorized to enter into any contract deemed necessary to implement this transfer of funds between the two entities. | In Committee |
| A593 | Requires local boards of education to employ certain number of staff with expertise in student mental health. | This bill requires local boards of education to employ and assign on a full-time basis to each school within the school district at least two staff members with professional expertise in student mental health. Persons eligible to fulfill this requirement include licensed school counselors and school psychologists. The bill further provides that, for each school with student enrollment above 500, the board is required to employ and assign on a full-time basis additional staff members with professional expertise in student mental health in a manner that is proportional to student enrollment. | In Committee |
| A1436 | Increases days of paid leave of absence for public employees who serve in United States Reserves. | Under current law, a public employer provides a paid leave of absence for federal active duty to public employees who are members of the Reserves of the United States military, including the National Guard of other states. Current law requires the employer to provide paid leave for 30 work days per year. Leave after 30 work days is provided without pay. This bill entitles a public employee who is a member of the Reserves of the United States military, including the National Guard of other states, to 90 work days of paid leave for federal active duty. Leave after 90 work days will be provided without pay. | In Committee |
| A1450 | Concerns carrier networks and health care providers in which carrier has financial interest. | This bill provides that the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance shall only approve the network adequacy of a managed care plan if the carrier has demonstrated, to the commissioner's satisfaction, that the provider network meets all network adequacy requirements without considering any health care provider that the carrier has a financial interest in. As used in the bill, "financial interest" means: (1) holding a position in a business as officer, director, trustee, or partner, or holding any position in management of the business, except that any position-holder in a non-profit organization who is not compensated for holding that position shall not be considered to have a financial interest in the organization; or (2) ownership of more than a five percent interest in a business, or ownership of a carrier and a health care provider by the same parent company. | In Committee |
| A592 | Requires local boards of education to employ at least one school social worker per school. | This bill requires local boards of education to employ and assign on a full-time basis to each school within the school district at least one school social worker. The bill further provides that, for each school with student enrollment above 500, the board is required to employ and assign on a full-time basis additional school social workers in a manner that is proportional to student enrollment. | In Committee |
| A541 | Expands volunteer tuition credit program to volunteers and eligible dependents enrolled in four-year public institutions of higher education and increases maximum value of tuition credit. | Through the Volunteer Tuition Credit Program, an active member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer first aid or rescue squad, and the dependent children and spouse of a volunteer, may enroll in a postsecondary program on a tuition-free basis in a county college, county vocational school, or county technical institute and be eligible to receive tuition credit in an amount not to exceed $600 per year, provided that available classroom space permits and that tuition paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. The maximum value of the tuition credit available through the program is currently set at $2,400 over a four-year period of eligibility. This bill expands the program to volunteers, and their dependent children and spouses, who enroll in a four-year public institution of higher education. This bill also increases the maximum value of the tuition credit available through the program to $1,000 per year, for a maximum total tuition credit of $4,000 over four years of eligibility. | In Committee |
| A1463 | Concerns development of safe indoor storage standards for certain energy storage system batteries. | This bill concerns the development of safe indoor storage standards for batteries. The bill provides that the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, would adopt a set of standards to allow for the safe indoor storage of batteries that are part of an energy storage system for a building or facility, as well as working to incorporate these safety storage standards into the State Uniform Construction Code. These standards would include but not be limited to: (1) developing specific indoor storage safety requirements for the batteries; (2) communicating with the fire official or code enforcement official of a municipality where the batteries are going to be stored; and (3) developing safe procedures, in consultation with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, for the disposal of batteries. Under the bill, the following types of qualifying batteries would require safety indoor storage standards: lithium-ion; nickel-cadmium; nickel metal hydride; flow or redox flow; and lead acid. | In Committee |
| A1489 | Establishes "Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Pilot Program" in DLPS; makes appropriation. | This bill establishes a two-year "Catalytic Converter Theft Prevention Pilot Program" in the Department of Law and Public Safety to deter theft and aid in the recovery of stolen property. The bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to identify vehicle models most likely to be targeted for theft of catalytic converters and to prioritize areas of the State most targeted for vehicle theft for participation in the program. Under the bill, certain auto dealers, mechanics, and vehicle owners will be provided with a method to mark a catalytic converter with a unique identifier. The bill requires the superintendent to maintain a registry of program participation to aid in the process of tracing and recovery of stolen property. An appropriation of $500,000 is made to the Department of Law and Public Safety to carry out the provisions of the bill. Upon expiration of the pilot program, this bill requires the Attorney General to issue a report to the Governor and Legislature of findings and recommendations. | In Committee |
| A1483 | Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million. | This bill establishes a disaster relief program within the Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation (division) in the Department of Community Affairs for the purposes of establishing a grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to be used to assist residents with disaster relief applications and other paperwork, and appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the division for the purposes of the program. The Office of Emergency Management, in consultation with the division, would establish: (1) an application process for municipalities to access grant monies for the purpose of providing training, technology, and supply stockpiles; (2) guidelines for priority in disbursals according to the Office of Emergency Management's risk assessment score for each municipality; (3) training guidelines for municipal employees who will assist residents with disaster relief paperwork and other paperwork, as appropriate; and (4) guidelines for supply stockpiles as appropriate for each municipality according to its municipal master plan. The division would disburse grant monies to municipalities based on the criteria established by the division. Each municipality receiving a grant would be required to submit a report one year after the initial disbursement to the division, the Office of Emergency Management, the Governor, and the Legislature regarding how grant funds were utilized, the current risks foreseen by the municipality, and data on how the grant money has improved the emergency preparedness and response capacity of the municipality. | In Committee |
| A591 | Allows certain State professional and occupational licensees to work from remote location under certain circumstances. | This bill permits certain State professional and occupational licensees to work from a remote location under certain circumstances. Only those licensees that are able to provide, from the remote location, services within the scope of practice of the specific profession or occupation in which the individual is licensed, certified, or registered, may be able to work from a remote location. Under the bill, a "remote location" is defined to mean the licensee's home or another location selected by the licensee. The bill authorizes a licensee to work from home if the licensee: (1) unless otherwise permitted by ensures that no in-person customer interactions are conducted at the remote location, and does not designate the remote location to consumers or customers as a business location; (2) maintains appropriate safeguards for licensee and consumer data, information, and records, including the use of secure virtual private networks, where appropriate; (3) employs appropriate risk-based monitoring and oversight processes of work performed from a remote location, and maintains records of the same; (4) ensures consumer information and records are not maintained at a remote location; (5) ensures consumer and licensee information and records remain accessible and available for regulatory oversight and exams; and (6) as appropriate, provides employee training to keep all conversations about, and with, consumers, conducted from a remote location confidential, as if conducted from a commercial location, and to ensure remote licensees work in an environment conducive and appropriate to that privacy. | In Committee |
| A1449 | Requires entities performing certain construction services on public contracts to carry errors and omissions insurance. | This bill requires parties in agreement or contracted on public contracts for construction services to carry errors and omissions insurance. No entity would be awarded a contract without sufficient proof of errors and omissions insurance. A copy of the insurance would be provided to the government entity or entities included in the contract or agreement. Errors and omissions insurance is a specialized type of liability protection that is not covered by traditional liability insurance. Errors and omissions coverage is designed to insure members of a particular professional group from the liability arising out of a special risk such as negligence, omissions, mistakes, and errors inherent in the practice of the profession. The construction services outlined in this bill include civil design, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, plumbing design, and structural engineering. The declarations page will be made available to the public on the official website of the Department of the Treasury, Department of Community Affairs, or Department of Education, as appropriate, and the official website of the municipality the construction is to take place. | In Committee |
| A1435 | Changes deadline for submission of public questions from school board to county clerk for printing on ballot to 35 days before April school election. | This bill changes the deadline for the submission of public questions to be voted upon by the voters in a school district conducting elections in April. The bill provides that the board of education is required to submit questions to the county clerk no later than 10am of the 35th day before the annual April school election or special school election. The bill changes the deadline from 18 days to 35 days before such school election. | In Committee |
| A2232 | Concerns procedures with respect to repair of certain public utility facilities and related street repaving. | This bill adds gas and sewer public utilities and cable television companies to the types of public utilities required to notify a municipality prior to the placement, replacement, or removal of the public utility's poles and underground facilities and includes the repair of these poles or underground facilities to the notification requirement. The bill removes the provision of law that requires a municipality to first adopt an ordinance requiring a public utility to notify the municipality prior to a public utility undertaking this work. The bill requires a public utility to repave a portion of a street, road, or highway that was excavated to undertake the work to restore the property to its previous condition as much as possible and require a public utility to pay workers no less than the prevailing wage rate for restoring the property where the work was undertaken to its previous condition as much as possible. The bill increases the amount of a fine a municipality may assess against a public utility in the event a public utility does not meet the law's requirements concerning the removal of debris and the restoration of property within a right of way to its previous condition from up to $100 per day to up to $1,000 per day. The bill prohibits a public utility from recovering from its ratepayers the costs of a fine assessed against a public utility as provided in the bill. | In Committee |
| A585 | Requires BPU to study and implement methods to allow additional distributed energy sources to interconnect to electrical grid. | This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study for the purpose of identifying, researching, and quantifying the effects of short-term solutions that could open segments of the electrical transmission and distribution system that are currently closed to new distributed energy generation sources. The bill would require the BPU to consider the following potential solutions, as well as any additional potential solutions identified by the BPU: (1) permitting the flow of electricity, through an electrical substation, from the distribution system to the transmission system; (2) requiring solar inverters to include technology that allows the inverter to autonomously control the reactive power passing through the inverter; (3) requiring energy storage systems to include technology that allows the power input and output of the system to vary in relation to the demand for electric power in the transmission and distribution system at a given time; and (4) requiring solar photovoltaic systems to include technology that enables the power output of the system to autonomously respond to weather conditions. As defined by the bill, "reactive power" means the portion of alternating current electricity, measured in volt-amperes reactive, that cannot do useful work due to a misalignment of the current and voltage waveforms of the electricity. The bill would require the BPU to submit a final report on its study to the Governor and the Legislature within one year after the bill's effective date, which contains recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or local governmental action. The bill would also require the BPU to adopt rules and regulations to implement the recommended regulatory action, within one year after the final report is published. The bill would direct the BPU to initially apply the recommendations as a pilot program and then, if successful, provide for Statewide implementation of the rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| A1430 | Requires construction of sidewalks along certain routes within certain radius of public schools. | Under the bill, a county or municipality, at the public expense, is to provide for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks within a two-mile radius of an elementary public school and a two and one half-mile radius of a secondary public school, on all portions of the county's or the municipality's streets that are located along hazardous routes that students use to walk to and from school. A county or municipality may use funds collected from permits, donations, county, federal, and State grants, and any other funds to provide for the construction and maintenance of sidewalks as required by the bill. | In Committee |
| A2605 | Permits eligible high school students to take certain courses at county college. | This bill permits eligible high school students to take certain courses at a county college. Under the bill, a county college is required to permit a high school student to enroll in courses through a career certificate program if there is available space and the student is 16 years of age or older and enrolled in grade 12, maintains good academic standing, and obtains written permission from the principal of the student's high school. Additionally, the bill specifies that a high school student enrolling in credit courses towards a career certification or license is not required to have a State-endorsed diploma or have completed the General Educational Development Test prior to enrolling in the courses. Finally, the bill stipulates that the provisions of the bill do not require a county college to waive its prerequisite course requirements or application procedures. | In Committee |
| A2831 | Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts. | This bill establishes a four-year pilot program in which the participating school districts will establish a mental health assistance program for students in grades kindergarten through 12. The purposes of the pilot program are to identify issues affecting student mental health and the possible impact of those issues on academic performance, and to provide intervention, support, and referral services in a confidential setting to help students who may be experiencing mental health difficulties. A school district that wants to participate in the pilot program will submit an application and proposal to the Commissioner of Education, and the commissioner will select up to 15 school districts for participation. Each participating school district will create a mental health assistance program which, among other things: identifies students who may be experiencing personal, school, or family difficulties impacting the student's mental health, regardless of whether the difficulties are associated with alcohol or other drug-related concerns; establishes procedures for the referral of students to the program; provides mental health education, support, and intervention services for students served by the program in order to foster risk reduction and positive asset development; and provides referrals, where appropriate, to community agencies and resources that may help address the particular needs of the student. In order to facilitate the mental health assistance program, each participating school district is required to appoint one or more student assistance counselors or contract with one or more third party mental health care providers, who will act as a resource for the entire school community and will work with students or groups in a confidential setting to carry out the work of the program. The student assistance counselors or the mental health care providers must receive specialized prevention and intervention training, and participate in ongoing professional development, in order to best serve the needs of the school district's students and schools. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the bill requires each participating school district to submit a report to the Commissioner of Education containing certain information on the district's mental health assistance program as well as voluntary feedback collected from students, staff, and parents regarding the program. The bill directs the commissioner, after receiving the reports from the participating districts, to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the implementation and effectiveness of the pilot program and the commissioner's recommendation on the advisability of the program's continuation and expansion to additional school districts in the State. | In Committee |
| A2184 | Requires registration of data brokers and prohibits brokering of certain health records. | This bill requires data brokers to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs ("the division") in the Department of Law and Public Safety and prohibits the brokering of physical or behavioral health records. Data brokers are businesses that collect and sell or license to third parties the personal identifying information of an individual with whom the business does not have a direct relationship. As used in the bill, "personal identifying information" means one or more computerized data elements about an individual that are categorized or organized for dissemination to third parties and that, alone or in combination with other information sold or licensed, would allow a reasonable person to identify the individual with reasonable certainty. Specifically, the bill requires the division to establish and maintain a public registry of data brokers doing business in New Jersey. Data brokers are required to register with the division, pay an annual registration fee of $100, and provide the division with certain information about the data broker's business as described in the bill. Collected registration fees will be used to implement the provisions of the bill. Under the bill, the information that data brokers are required to submit to the division at the time of registration includes: (1) the data broker's name and primary physical, email, and Internet addresses; (2) the data broker's policies for opting out of the data broker's collection practices; (3) whether the data broker uses a credentialing process for purchasers of data and, if applicable, a general explanation of that process; (4) a history of data breaches and other cybersecurity events affecting the data broker, including the number of individuals affected by each such data breach or cybersecurity event; (5) a separate statement detailing the data collection practices, databases, sales activities, and opt-out methods that are applicable to the personal identifying information of persons under the age of 18 and whether the data broker has actual knowledge that it possesses the personal identifying information of persons under the age of 18; and (6) any other information the division deems appropriate. Data brokers are required to update this information annually or at such other intervals as the division requires. Using the information submitted by data brokers, the division is to include in the registry, at minimum, each data broker's name and physical address, a general email address that may be used to request information about the data broker's privacy policies and data collection practices, a general Internet website address for the data broker, an Internet website address specific to the data broker's privacy policies, and any relevant opt-out information. The division is required to review and update this information at least annually. Data brokers that fail to submit and update information as required under the bill, or that fail to register and pay the registration fee required under the bill, will be liable for a civil penalty of $50 for each day the data broker is not in compliance. A business will not be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if the collection and sale or licensing of personal identifying information is incidental to one or more of the following activities conducted by the business: (1) developing or maintaining a third-party e-commerce or application platform; (2) providing 411 directory assistance or directory information services on behalf of or as a function of a telecommunications carrier; (3) providing publicly available information related to an individual's business or profession; or (4) providing publicly available information via real-time or near real-time alert services for health or safety purposes. A business that engages in these activities will still be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if the business collects and sells or licenses personal identifying information in any way that is not incidental to one or more of those activities. Additionally, a business will not be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if it is a financial institution or an affiliate of a financial institution subject to Title V of the federal "Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act," and the rules or regulations issued under its authority. The bill provides that in no case may a data broker sell, offer for sale, license, or otherwise furnish, provide, or transmit to any other individual or entity any physical or behavioral health record pertaining to an individual, including records describing physical or behavioral health care provided to an individual and records that otherwise identify an individual as having a physical or behavioral health condition or as receiving care or treatment for a physical or behavioral health condition. A data broker that violates this prohibition will be liable to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each physical or behavioral health record sold, offered for sale, licensed, or otherwise furnished, provided, or transmitted in violation of this prohibition. | In Committee |
| A1466 | Provides for licensure of landscape professionals and registration of professional landscaping businesses. | This bill establishes licensing requirements for landscape professionals. As defined in the bill, "landscape professional" means a person who installs, renovates, or maintains all or any part of the exterior or interior landscape environment and includes persons engaged in each of the landscape categories. The bill defines "landscape category" as an area of specialization of a landscape professional which includes: landscape management professional; landscape installation professional; and landscape lighting professional. The bill creates the Landscape Professional License Review Committee, which is to be overseen by the New Jersey State Board of Architects. The board currently regulates architecture and landscape architecture. The committee shall consist of 10 members who are residents of the State. Seven of these members, including the public member, will have voting rights and four of the members with voting rights will constitute a quorum. In addition, the bill requires the committee to establish continuing education requirements for licensed landscape professionals to complete as a condition of biennial licensure renewal. The bill also stipulates that every professional landscaping business is to register biennially with the committee as a requirement of doing business in this State. Moreover, the bill requires all landscaping contracts in excess of $500 to be in writing and to be in clear and understandable language. The bill permits a consumer to cancel a landscaping contract for any reason at any time before midnight of the third business day after the consumer receives a copy of the contract. The bill requires that the contract contain a conspicuous notice on the consumer's right to cancel. The bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to establish and undertake a public information campaign to educate and inform landscape professionals and consumers of the bill's provisions. The bill also requires the committee to provide a toll-free telephone number for consumers making inquiries regarding landscape professionals and professional landscaping business. | In Committee |
| AR52 | Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel. | April 25, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. This House commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades. This House recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region. | In Committee |
| A2606 | Revises requirements for assessing nursing home health, safety, and operations and for taking action against low-performing nursing homes. | This bill revises the requirements to take action against low-performing nursing homes. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Health (DOH) to develop standards in three categories encompassing the physical well-being of residents, the mental well-being of residents, and the nursing home's operational metrics. The DHS and DOH will annually review standards to determine their efficacy in evaluating health, safety, and operations in nursing homes, as well as the effectiveness of sanctions, corrective action plans, and other measures used to respond to a low-performing nursing home. In the event a nursing home receives a one-star rating from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) or fails to meet at least two of the DOH's standards in each of the three categories, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services (DHS) will be required to take a series of scaling actions against the nursing home, with the penalties and sanctions increasing in each additional quarter in which the nursing home has a one-star CMS rating or fails to meet the DOH standards. When evaluating whether to impose sanctions against a nursing home, the division will be required to consult with the DOH and review the information concerning the nursing home that is available on the DOH's nursing home data dashboard. In the event the division does not take action against a nursing home, the division will be required to document the reason why action was not taken. Under the bill, the division is to require a nursing home that receives a one-star CMS rating or fails to meet the DOH standards in any three of the preceding four quarters to submit an improvement plan. A nursing home that fails to comply with the requirements concerning the submission and implementation of an improvement plan will be ineligible to receive reimbursement under the Medicaid program. The bill specifies that nothing in its provisions is to be construed to diminish the authority of the DHS, DOH, or any other department or agency overseeing nursing homes, and that actions taken against a nursing home under the bill will be in addition to any other penalties that may be imposed against the nursing home for health or safety violations. The DOH and DHS will be required to prepare and submit a joint annual report to the Governor and the Legislature outlining the implementation of the bill and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the provisions of the bill in fostering improvements in the health, safety, and quality of care provided in nursing homes. | In Committee |
| A1443 | Establishes procedures for disqualification from public office or employment upon conviction of certain crimes; creates registry. | This bill would amend N.J.S.2C:51-2 concerning forfeiture of public office, position or employment upon conviction of certain criminal offenses. Currently under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:51-2 a court shall enter an order of forfeiture when the defendant is found guilty or pleads guilty in State court, or upon application of a county prosecutor or Attorney General when the criminal offense is based on another state's law or federal law. Currently under subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:51-2 any person convicted of an offense "involving or touching" his public office, position, or employment is forever disqualified from holding any office or position of honor, trust or profit in the State or any of its administrative or political subdivision. This bill would establish a procedure for disqualification in subsection d. similar to the procedure set out in N.J.S.2C:51-2 under subsection b. concerning forfeiture. The bill would require that the court order concerning the disqualification of employment set forth in subsection d. of N.J.S.2C:51-2 be entered at the same time the court enters the order of forfeiture set forth in subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:51-2. However, if the conviction is for an offense under the laws of another state or of the United States, the county prosecutor or the Attorney General would be required to make an application to a Superior Court judge designated by the Chief Justice for a disqualification order. This disqualification order would be deemed to have taken effect on the date the person was found guilty by the trier of fact or pled guilty to the offense. The Administrative Office of the Courts would be required to establish and maintain a central registry of all persons who have had disqualification orders entered pursuant to subsection d of the statute. | In Committee |
| A3022 | Requires entities to remove abandoned lines and mark information on certain lines. | This bill establishes several requirements concerning the maintenance and removal of certain telecommunications and cable lines, including the removal or correction of abandoned lines, the removal of copper telephone lines, and the marking of new and existing lines. Removal of Abandoned Lines The bill requires certain entities, including utilities, corporations, municipalities, and persons that own above-ground telecommunications or cable lines that are found to be abandoned, to either correct the condition that causes the line to be abandoned or remove the abandoned line from all points of attachment after receiving a request for removal submitted in accordance this bill. The bill also provides that when an entity ceases to do business in this State, the entity would be required to remove its lines from all points of attachment, except for any lines for which ownership was transferred to another entity and which is not otherwise deemed to be abandoned. Under the bill, the owner of a pole, building, or other structure to which a suspected abandoned line is attached may submit a request for removal to the entity owning the line. The bill also permits any person, municipality, utility, or corporation to submit a request for removal of a suspected abandoned line to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), which request would be transmitted to the entity that owns the line within five business days. In either case, the bill requires the BPU to prescribe the form and manner for the submission of these requests, except that the bill requires the BPU to allow these requests to be submitted through the official Internet websites of the entities and BPU, respectively. Within 30 calendar days after receiving a request to remove a suspected abandoned line, the bill requires each entity to investigate and determine whether the line is abandoned. If the line is deemed to be abandoned, the bill requires the entity to either correct the condition causing the line to be abandoned or remove the line from all points of attachment within 30 calendar days. Under the bill, an abandoned line would include any above-ground telecommunications or cable line that: (1) is not terminated at both ends to equipment or to a customer's premises; (2) is not maintained in a safe condition; (3) is not intended for future use; or (4) has not been in operation for a period of at least 24 consecutive months, and the owner of a structure to which the line is attached has submitted a request for removal of the line. However, the bill provides that any line that is overlashed would not be deemed to be abandoned. Additionally, the bill requires each entity to submit a written report to the BPU every 90 calendar days beginning after the effective date of the bill, which report is required to describe all notifications, complaints, and requests received by the entity concerning a suspected abandoned line. The bill also requires each entity to provide annual written notice to its customers concerning the provisions of the bill and including an explanation of the processes through which the customer may submit a request for removal of a suspected abandoned line. The bill requires the BPU to prescribe a form and manner for the provision of this notice, except that the notice would be provided to each customer using the same method as the entity provides a bill to the customer, and the notice would be made available in both English and Spanish. This bill also provides that during the course of the employee's employment, each employee of an entity who is responsible for installing lines or providing service calls or in-person technical assistance would have an affirmative duty to investigate any line owned by the entity to determine whether the line is abandoned. If the employee of an entity discovers an abandoned line during the course of the employee's employment, the employee would be required to either remove the abandoned line, if authorized by the entity, or report the abandoned line to the entity for further action. Within 90 calendar days of receiving the report, the entity would be required to transmit a copy of the report to the BPU. Marking of Entity Lines The bill provides that when an entity installs certain new lines, which lines are attached to a building or structure and owned by the entity, the entity would be required to mark certain information on the end of the line that is attached to the building or structure. This information would include the initials of the entity's name, abbreviation of the entity's name, corporate symbol, or other distinguishing mark or code by which ownership may be readily and definitely ascertained. The bill also provides that when an entity owns or maintains an existing line that is attached to a building or structure, which line was installed before the effective date of the bill and does not contain the marking required under the bill, the entity would be required to mark this information on the end of the line that is attached to the building or structure after the entity discovers that the line does not contain the markings. Penalty Provisions Under the bill, an entity that fails to comply with the requirements of the bill concerning the removal of abandoned lines or the marking of lines may be subject to a fine after the BPU has submitted a written notice of an alleged violation to the entity. Specifically, the bill provides that if the entity fails to cure the alleged violation within 30 calendar days after receiving the notice, the BPU may impose a fine of $100 for each day in which the violation exists, beginning on the 31st calendar day after the submission of the notice. The bill also sets forth various factors that the BPU may consider when determining whether to impose a fine, and if appropriate, the amount of the fine. Removal of Copper Telephone Lines The bill requires any entity owning one or more above-ground copper telephone lines, which lines are no longer in operation, to remove the lines from all points of attachment. Specifically, the bill requires each entity to submit a written plan to the BPU, within 12 months after the effective date of the bill, for the removal of all copper telephone lines. At a minimum, the bill requires each entity to remove all copper telephone lines owned by the entity within 10 years following the submission of the plan, except that no less than 10 percent of the lines may be removed during any year of this period. If an entity fails to comply with any requirements of the bill concerning the removal of copper telephone lines, the bill provides that the entity may be subject to a fine, in such amounts as the BPU deems appropriate. | Dead |
| A1940 | Requires domestic violence orders to be issued in other languages in addition to English under certain circumstances. | This bill would: (1) require law enforcement officers, after responding to a domestic violence incident, to provide information to domestic violence victims in English, Spanish, and up 10 additional high demand languages spoken in the State, regarding their right to file for temporary restraining orders and to file criminal complaints; and (2) task the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) with preparing standard templates for temporary and final restraining orders in English, Spanish, and other identified high demand languages for use by law enforcement, municipal courts, and the Superior Court when issuing such orders. Under current law, the information disseminated by law enforcement officers is provided in writing in both English and Spanish. The AOC currently implements, via its Directive #10-22 (September 30, 2022), a revised Judiciary Language Access Plan, which plan includes translating into several other languages information contained in restraining orders among other court documents, policies, and standards used when interacting with persons who are limited in their ability to speak or understand English or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Regarding the dissemination of information in English and Spanish by law enforcement officers, the current law simply states that it "shall be written" in a notice. The bill would specifically assign responsibility for the written materials to the Attorney General and, as previously mentioned, the writing would be made available in English and Spanish, and up to 10 additional "high demand languages spoken in the State." Regarding the issuance of restraining orders by courts, a domestic violence victim is currently permitted to file a domestic violence complaint seeking a temporary restraining order with the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part or, at times when the Family Part is closed, with a judge of the Family Part or judge of the municipal court assigned to accept such complaints and issue a temporary order. See section 12 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-28). To assist these courts as well as law enforcement regarding the issuance of the orders and their service on the alleged abuser, the AOC would prepare standard templates in English, Spanish, and other high demand languages identified in its Language Access Plan, as approved by the Supreme Court, to be provided to the victim and defendant. As to any subsequently issued permanent restraining orders, which are only issued by judges of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part upon a finding of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence, see section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29), multiple standard templates would be prepared by the AOC using the same, above described language criteria to be provided to the victim and defendant. | Dead |
| A1480 | Revises State renewable energy portfolio standards. | This bill would revise the State's renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS), the provisions in law that require each electric power supplier and basic generation service provider to sell a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources each year. Specifically, the bill would provide that, beginning in 2030, the RPS for Class I renewable energy (Class I RPS) would apply to the total electricity sold in the State after subtracting the amount of electricity generated by existing nuclear power plants and "zero-carbon" electricity sources that begin operation after 2030. The bill would define a "zero-carbon electric generating facility" as "any electric power generation facility that does not emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of combusting fuel to generate electricity." The bill would also require that, beginning in 2030, at least 50 percent of the renewable energy certificates (RECs) used by an entity to satisfy the Class I RPS be generated in New Jersey. The bill would also extend the Class I RPS to require that, beginning in 2045, 100 percent of the energy sold at retail in the State be from Class I renewable energy sources. The bill would also provide that the current RPS for Class II renewable energy, which requires that 2.5 percent of energy sold at retail be from Class II renewable energy sources, would expire in 2045. Finally, the bill would clarify that the Class I RPS may be satisfied by purchasing and retiring RECs. | In Committee |
| A1485 | Establishes tax credit for portion of qualifying educational expenditures made by taxpayer on behalf of child. | This bill would provide a gross income tax credit to a taxpayer in an amount equal to 25 percent of each qualified educational expenditure made by the taxpayer for a dependent child during the taxable year. The amount of the credit provided for each qualified educational expenditure shall not exceed $500 per qualifying dependent child. The bill defines "qualified education expenditure" as expenses incurred by the taxpayer for:· tuition at a nonpublic school offering any combination of grades kindergarten through 12;· school supplies required as part of a course of study such as binders; book bags; calculators; cellophane tape; blackboard chalk; compasses; composition books; crayons; erasers; folders, including expandable folders, pocket folders, plastic folders, and manila folders; glue, paste, and paste sticks; highlighters; index cards; index card boxes; legal pads; lunch boxes; markers; notebooks; paper, including loose leaf ruled notebook paper, copy paper, graph paper, tracing paper, manila paper, colored paper, poster board, and construction paper; pencil boxes and other school supply boxes; pencil sharpeners; pencils; pens; protractors; rulers; scissors; and writing tablets;· required instructional materials used to learn the subject matter being taught as part of a course of study such as textbooks, workbooks, reference books, and the purchase of computer software whose primary purpose is for teaching or self-learning;· annual school fees;· transportation of the qualified dependent child to a nonpublic school provided that payment for transportation is made directly to the nonpublic school and the child is not eligible for transportation services furnished by a board of education under State law;· payment of dues or purchases of materials, equipment, or special clothing for participation in extracurricular activities such as sporting events, musicals, plays, concerts, homecoming, prom or other similar event;· rental of a musical instrument and purchases of music books, sheet music, or lessons as part of the child's enrollment in a music course; and· fees to attend a school field trip occurring during school hours. For purposes of defining which nonpublic school payments qualify for a credit under the bill, a "nonpublic school" is defined as an elementary or secondary school within the State, other than a public school, offering education in grades K-12 or any combination thereof, wherein a child may legally fulfill compulsory school attendance requirements and which complies with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. A "qualified educational expenditure" would not include expenses incurred by the taxpayer for private instruction or tutoring services, the annual school yearbook, class rings, clothing for everyday use, and testing fees for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), or American College Test (ACT). | In Committee |
| A1438 | Permits four-year institution of higher education to award associate degrees. | This bill permits a four-year institution of higher education, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education and the New Jersey Presidents' Council, to establish a program to award an associate degree to students who earned 60 academic credits or more at the institution. Under the bill, an institution which establishes this program may also award an associate degree to transfer students who earn 60 academic credits, of which at least 30 academic credits were earned at the four-year institution. The bill requires a four-year institution of higher education seeking to award associate degrees through the bill's provisions to: (1) identify what associate degrees the institution will offer; (2) ensure that associate degrees awarded by the institution meet accreditation standards; (3) provide a student with academic advising that identifies the courses that the student needs to complete in order to attain an associate degree through the program; (4) notify a student of the student's potential eligibility for an associate degree under the program upon completion of 60 academic credits at the institution; (5) notify a student withdrawing from the institution prior to completion of a baccalaureate degree of the student's potential to earn an associate degree under the program; and (6) establish policies and procedures for the annual review of the associate degrees offered under the program. The bill also requires the Secretary of Higher Education to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the number of associate degrees conferred by four-year institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| A1475 | Authorizes certain large food waste generators to send food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for purpose of generating Class I renewable energy. | This bill would authorize certain large food waste generators to send their food waste to sanitary landfill facilities for the purpose of generating Class I renewable energy. Under current law, beginning in October 2021, large food waste generators were required to source separate their food waste and send the food waste to an authorized food waste recycling facility, with certain exceptions. This bill provides that a large food waste generator is deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of P.L.2020, c.24 if, as of the effective date of that law, April 14, 2020, the large food waste generator sent its food waste for final disposal to a sanitary landfill facility that collects and delivers landfill gas to a gas-to-energy facility as fuel for the generation of Class I renewable energy. The exemption would apply only so long as the large food waste generator continues to dispose of its food waste in this manner. Under section 3 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-51), "Class I renewable energy" is defined to include electric energy produced from methane gas from landfills. | In Committee |
| A1784 | Enhances protections against fraudulent deed recordings. | This bill enhances protections against fraudulent deed recordings by requiring the county recording officer to notify the transferor any time a deed transfer is being recorded for his or her property. To facilitate this requirement, the bill directs the recording officer to accept and retain a submission from a property owner of his or her preferred mailing address or e-mail address, or both. The "county recording officer" is also known as the "register of deeds and mortgages" in some counties, and the "county clerk" in the others. To further enhance protections against fraudulent deed recordings, this bill also requires the person recording the deed to submit an affidavit of title as a prerequisite to the actual deed recording. The bill allows the county recording officer to collect an additional $2 in addition to existing recording fees to offset the cost of the notification requirement. The bill takes effect on the first day of the third month next following enactment in order to allow recording offices to adjust fees. | In Committee |
| A2601 | Requires DOT to prioritize green stormwater infrastructure in design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish and implement a program to prioritize, to the extent practicable as determined by the Commissioner of Transportation, the use of green stormwater infrastructure methods in the design, construction, reconstruction, and repair of public highways in the State that are funded from the "Special Transportation Fund." "Green stormwater infrastructure methods" is defined to mean management practices that reduce stormwater runoff by allowing stormwater to be treated by vegetation or soils or to be stored and reused, and is to include but not be limited to pervious pavement, bio-retention basins, and grass swales. | In Committee |
| A1456 | Requires licensing of pet groomers and registration of certain other businesses; establishes certain licensing and operating requirements. | This bill defines a "pet groomer" as an individual who bathes, brushes, clips, or styles a pet for compensation, and requires pet groomers to be licensed. To be eligible for licensure as a pet groomer, an applicant must: be at least 18 years of age; be of good moral character; and pass an examination prepared by or approved by the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to determine the applicant's competence to practice pet grooming. The bill stipulates that in order to practice, attempt to practice, or hold himself out as being able to practice pet grooming, that person is required to be licensed in accordance with the provisions of this bill. In addition, as specified in the bill, none of the bill's provisions apply to: a registered student in a school licensed by the board if the student is performing grooming services under appropriate supervision at the school in which they are enrolled; or an individual engaged in performing grooming services while not enrolled in a school if the individual performs those services under the direct supervision of a licensed pet groomer and while training in preparation of the pet groomer's licensing examination. This bill also mandates that no business is to engage in or advertise or hold itself out as offering pet grooming services unless the business is registered with the board. Furthermore, any such business is required to provide to the board evidence of proof of general liability insurance or a letter of credit of a type and amount required by the board by regulation. In addition, the bill provides that a business engaged in or offering pet grooming services is required to comply with the following requirements: 1) Pets not in the grooming process are required to be caged separately in a structurally sound and clean cage large enough to allow each pet to make normal postural adjustments, including sitting, standing, and turning around; 2) An adequate water supply of drinking water is to be available to all animals at all times; 3) Drying cages are not to be utilized; 4) Sufficient lighting must be provided to facilitate the cleaning of pets and facilities; 5) The premises of the pet grooming facility is required to be maintained in a sanitary condition; 6) Surveillance cameras are required throughout the business, to provide recorded video surveillance of all areas of the business inside and outside on the property of the business, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and 7) The footage from the surveillance cameras is required to be kept by the facility at least 60 days. The bill also mandates that every pet grooming business is required to maintain a pet incident file to be submitted annually to the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, in a form as may be prescribed by the board, which must contain the following information: pet injuries sustained while at the facility that required veterinary contact; severe pet illnesses; veterinary treatment plans relevant to pet grooming procedures and processes; pet deaths; and pet escapes. The board may suspend or revoke the registration of any business offering pet grooming upon proof showing by a preponderance of the evidence that the business: has made false or misleading statements of a material nature in the application for registration; failed to demonstrate that each employee of the employer who is engaged in the performance of pet grooming is in possession of a license to practice pet grooming; failed to demonstrate proof of having general liability insurance or a letter of credit of a type and amount required by the board; failed to comply with the aforementioned sanitary and facility conditions required of businesses engaging in or offering pet grooming services; or failed to maintain the pet incident file, as required by the bill. Furthermore, the bill requires the State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners to establish and undertake a public information campaign to educate and inform the consumers of New Jersey of the provisions in this bill. The bill also mandates that the board provide a toll-free telephone number for consumers making inquiries or complaints regarding pet groomers or pet grooming businesses. | In Committee |
| A1444 | Excludes permit applications for construction of certain pipelines and related infrastructure from eligibility for automatic approval if DEP fails to take action on application within 90 days. | This bill would amend P.L.1975, c.232 (C.13:1D-29 et seq.), commonly referred to as the "90-Day Law," to exclude permit applications for the construction of natural gas or petroleum product pipelines, and related infrastructure, from eligibility for automatic approval if the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) fails to take action on an application within 90 days. Related infrastructure includes, but need not be limited to, compressor stations and transmission corridor projects. The "90-Day Law" governs permits generally referred to as waterfront development permits, coastal wetlands permits, Coastal Area Facility Review Act or "CAFRA" permits, stream encroachment or flood hazard area permits, and treatment works approvals, and sets forth timeframes to be followed by the DEP when processing applications for these permits. Currently, the law provides that the DEP must approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove an application for a construction permit within 90 days following the date that the application is deemed complete. If the DEP fails to take action on an completed application within 90 days, it will be deemed to have been approved. | In Committee |
| A1472 | Directs Department of Agriculture to establish "NJ Whole Food" pilot program; appropriates $1,000,000. | This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish the "NJ Whole Food" program, a two-year pilot program to increase the consumption of whole foods in school cafeterias. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 for this purpose. Under the bill, the department would identify no fewer than three school districts or charter schools in the State that the department considers to be appropriate for the pilot program. The department would also solicit appropriate vendors to participate in the program, hire additional staff as necessary to prepare school meals, and purchase any equipment necessary for the preparation of school meals. The department would be required to establish methods for measuring the health, learning, fiscal, and other benefits to students and school districts of using whole food in school breakfasts and lunches. The department may enter into a contract with a caterer, distributor, or other appropriate entity in order to implement the program. No later than three years after the effective date of this act, the department would submit a report to the Legislature on the "NJ Whole Food" program, including recommendations for future legislation. The program will expire upon submission of the report. | In Committee |
| AJR88 | Establishes working definition of antisemitism in NJ. | This joint resolution adopts a working definition of antisemitism for the State of New Jersey.Antisemitism, as well as discrimination, harassment, bias, and bigotry against those who are or who are perceived to be Jewish or have Jewish heritage remains prevalent throughout the world, including throughout the United States and in New Jersey and has both historical and contemporary contexts. According to data compiled by the New Jersey State Police, as of April 2022, anti-Jewish bias was cited as a motivation for 298 reported bias incidents in 2020 and 347 reported bias incidents in 2021. According to the Anti-Defamation League, one in four Jews in the United States reported having been impacted by antisemitism in 2021. In recent months, the country has witnessed a disturbing trend of public figures making comments, supporting viewpoints, and meeting with individuals that are widely regarded as antisemitic.Antisemitism is closely linked to other forms of bigotry and hatred. New Jersey law criminalizes acts of bias intimidation, defined as certain offenses committed with the purpose to intimidate or with the knowledge that the offense would intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of, among other protected characteristics, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. New Jersey law prohibits discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation on the basis of, among other protected characteristics, actual or perceived religion, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin. Despite these prohibitions, many acts and occurrences of bias and bigotry go unreported or unaddressed. It is the responsibility of the State of New Jersey to reject and speak out against bias and bigotry, including condemning antisemitism in all its forms. A critical component of combatting antisemitism is understanding what antisemitism is. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ("IHRA") is a thirty five-member intergovernmental organization created to focus on antisemitism and Holocaust-related issues. The IHRA has adopted a non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, illuminated by useful examples, illustrations, and distinctions, to help guide and empower governments to understand and address the rise in hate and discrimination against Jews and those with Jewish heritage. The working definition of antisemitism may be used as an education and training tool for public officials, law enforcement offices, educators, and other public and private employees so that they may effectively raise awareness of and call out antisemitism and understand its impact. 38 countries including the United States have adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, as have several state and local governments.The working definition, as adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016, reads: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". The IHRA also notes, in the context of defining the concept of antisemitism, that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.This working definition of antisemitism is intended as an analytical and educational tool and is not legally binding, and thus is not intended to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. | In Committee |
| A1434 | Permits pharmacists to adjust increment in which medication is dispensed for certain prescriptions. | This bill permits pharmacists to adjust increment in which medication is dispensed for certain prescriptions. Under the bill, a pharmacist may dispense a 90 day supply of medicine if the original prescription is for a 30 day supply of medicine with two or more refills permitted, provided that the overall quantity of medicine dispensed by the pharmacist does not exceed the overall quantity of medicine indicated on the original prescription. | In Committee |
| A841 | Requires BPU, electric power suppliers, and gas suppliers to publish certain information related to filing of customer complaints. | This bill requires electric power suppliers and gas suppliers (energy suppliers) to provide, in addition to all other requirements under current law, the phone number and website for filing complaints with the Board of Public Utilities, Division of Customer Assistance (BPU), and an explanation of the practice known as "slamming," which is the unauthorized change of a customer's electric power supplier or gas supplier, with customer contract summaries. The bill also requires energy suppliers, electric power utilities, and gas utilities to provide, in addition to all other requirements under current law, the phone number and website for filing complaints with the BPU on customer bills. The bill also requires the BPU to publish on its website, on a quarterly basis, a detailed report regarding customer complaints that does not include the names or other personal information of the customers who complained, but includes the names of the electric and gas public utilities, energy suppliers, private aggregators, and energy agents against which the complaints were filed. | In Committee |
| A1469 | Establishes limits on zoning restrictions for certain electric battery storage equipment installation. | This bill would amend and supplement the "Municipal Land Use Law," ("MLUL") P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.) to establish limits on how local zoning codes may restrict the installation of small electric battery storage equipment. The bill defines "small electric battery storage equipment" as the equipment, of up to 25 kilowatts in capacity, including the cables, cords, conductors, connectors, couplers, enclosures, attachment plugs, power outlets, power electronics, transformer, switchgear, switches and controls, network interfaces, and point of sale equipment and associated apparatus designed and used for the purpose of transferring energy from the grid or wind, solar or photovoltaic energy facility or structure to the residential, commercial, or industrial end use. At a residential property, the bill would require small electric battery storage equipment to be considered a permitted accessory use and permitted accessory structure in all zoning or use districts of a municipality. Under the bill, the small electric battery storage equipment installation component of an application for development at a residential property would not require a use variance, also known as a "d." variance. Additionally, the bill adjusts the "inherently beneficial use" definition in the MLUL to include small electric battery storage equipment, thereby enhancing the ease of obtaining a variance when needed for certain development. The bill defines "residential property" as any building being used, or to be used or held for use, entirely or partially as a home or residence, together with the land upon which it is situated, including, but not limited to, a single family dwelling, or a multiple dwelling as defined under subsection (k) of section 3 of the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-3). Under the bill, an application for development submitted solely for the installation of small electric battery storage equipment at a commercial or industrial property would not be subject to site plan or other land use board review, and would not require variance relief. These development applications would be approved through the issuance of a zoning permit, provided: (1) the proposed installation would not violate bulk requirements of the property, or conditions of the original final approval of the site plan or subsequent approvals for the property; (2) all other conditions of prior approvals for the property continue to be met; and (3) the proposed installation complies with the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.), any safety standards concerning the installation, and any State rule or regulation concerning small electric battery storage equipment. The bill also expressly establishes standards for when an application for development solely for the installation of small electric battery storage equipment at a commercial or industrial property would be deemed complete. Specifically, the application would be deemed complete if: (1) the application, including the permit fee and all necessary documentation, is determined to be complete; (2) a notice of incompleteness is not provided within 20 days after the filing of the application; or (3) a one-time written correction notice is not issued by the jurisdiction within 20 days after filing of the application detailing all deficiencies and identifying any additional information necessary. The bill also directs a power company when connecting certain small electric battery storage equipment, to collaborate with developers and owners, with consultation from the Board of Public Utilities, in implementing the requirements of the bill. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs, within 30 days of the bill's enactment, to publish a model land use ordinance to address installation, sightline, and setback requirements and other health- and safety-related specifications for small electric battery storage equipment. The model land use ordinance would not require the rulemaking process pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act." The bill authorizes the commissioner to periodically update the model land use ordinance through the "Administrative Procedure Act" process. The model land use ordinance would be effective in all municipalities., however, the bill authorizes By ordinance, a municipality would be authorized to adopt an ordinance deviating from the model land use ordinance through adoption of if it sets forth reasonable standards to address installation, sightline, and setback requirements or other health- and safety-related specifications for small electric battery storage equipment. However, the bill would not authorize a municipality to require site plan review by a municipal agency solely for the installation of small electric battery storage equipment. The bill would take effect on the first day of the fifth month next following enactment, except that the Commissioner of Community Affairs is directed may to take any necessary anticipatory actions necessary prior to that date for implementation. | In Committee |
| A2087 | Prohibits use of receipt paper containing bisphenol A. | This bill would prohibit a person from using or providing, as a business or banking record, a piece of paper to which bisphenol A (BPA) was added or used in the manufacturing process in order to provide a specific characteristic, appearance, or quality to the paper. A person who violates the provisions of the bill would be subject to a penalty of between $250 and $500. The bill would take effect 18 months after the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| A2602 | Permits municipalities to require developers to make contributions for mass transit improvements. | This bill would enable a municipality to require a developer to contribute to the cost of reasonable and necessary mass transit improvements located off-tract of a development, but necessitated or required by the development. Current law authorizes municipalities to require such developer contributions for streetimprovements and water, sewerage, and drainage facilities, but not for mass transit improvements. Municipalities would have to develop the regulations governing these mass transit developer contributions in consultation with the affected mass transit agencies. This bill is intended to help municipalities accommodate additional mass transit usage created by new developments. | In Committee |
| A1459 | Establishes ranking criteria for certain nonpoint source pollution control grants issued by DEP. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish, to the extent allowable under the federal "Clean Water Act," a ranking system for nonpoint source pollution control grants it issues pursuant to the "Water Pollution Control Act," P.L.1977, c.74 (C.58:10A-1 et seq.). The DEP's current nonpoint source pollution control grant program, known as "The Water Quality Restoration Grant Program," uses Corporation Business Tax revenues appropriated pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6, subparagraph (a) of the New Jersey Constitution and federal funds allocated to the State pursuant to the federal "Clean Water Act." Under the bill, the ranking system would be required, at a minimum, to provide for priority to be given to projects that are located in: (1) an area that is served by a stormwater utility; (2) a municipality that has an ordinance prohibiting the use of lawn fertilizers; (3) an area that has experienced recent economic hardship because nonpoint source pollution has limited the uses of a nearby waterbody; or (4) a municipality that has an ordinance imposing maintenance and inspection standards on the owners and operators of septic systems. | In Committee |
| A1439 | Provides that purchase of insulin is not subject to deductible; requires health insurers to limit copayments and coinsurance for insulin; requires insulin manufacturers to submit report to Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. | This bill makes certain findings and declarations concerning the rising cost of insulin and requires health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for insulin for the treatment of diabetes. The bill further requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations) and health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program to provide coverage for the purchase of insulin that is not subject to any deductible and to limit the copayment or coinsurance that may be required for an insulin prescription to $50 per 30 day supply of insulin. The bill specifies that nothing in the bill is to prevent the State Health Benefits Commission or the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission from reducing an enrollee's cost-sharing requirement by an amount greater than the amount specified in the bill or from utilizing formulary management, including a mandatory generic policy, to promote the use of lower-cost alternative generic drugs that are the therapeutic equivalent of the brand-name drug. Lastly, the bill requires insulin manufacturers to submit an annual report to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance containing certain information concerning the manufacture, pricing, and sales of insulin products. | In Committee |
| A1448 | Establishes certain penalties on clinical laboratories regarding receipt of Medicaid overpayments, and on entities engaged in business with such clinical laboratories. | This bill establishes certain penalties on clinical laboratories regarding the receipt of Medicaid overpayments, and on entities engaged in business with such clinical laboratories. As defined in the bill, "clinical laboratory" means any facility used for the performance of chemical, bacteriologic, virologic, parasitologic, serologic, hematologic, immunohematologic, biophysical, cytologic or other examinations of materials derived from the human body for the purpose of yielding information for: the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease; the assessment of a medical condition; or the testing of drugs. Any facility used for the collection, processing, and transmission of specimens to another facility for the performance of clinical tests falls within the purview of this bill. "Medicaid overpayment" means any Medicaid funds provided to a clinical laboratory due to the clinical laboratory's administration of contracts, cost reports, claims, bills, or any other expenditures of Medicaid funds in such a manner that does not comply with applicable laws, regulations, and guidelines. Specifically, the bill bars a clinical laboratory for a period of ten years from entering into or renewing a public contract, or engaging in any form of business, with any State-funded entity, and from receiving any State funds, grants, or loans, when: (1) the Office of the State Comptroller, Medicaid Fraud Division seeks a recovery of Medicaid overpayments totaling $100,000 or more from the clinical laboratory; or (2) an employee, officer, or agent of the clinical laboratory is convicted of a violation of section 3 of the "New Jersey False Claims Act," P.L.2007, c.265 (C.2A:32C-1 et seq.) or section 3 of P.L.1997, c.353 (C.2C:21-4.3), informally known as the New Jersey Health Care Claims Fraud Act, or section 17 of P.L.1968, c. 413 (C. 30:4D-17), which provides for penalties regarding Medicaid fraud, due to $100,000 or more in Medicaid overpayments. When the Medicaid overpayment increase to $1 million or more, the Department of Health is directed to permanently revoke the license of the clinical laboratory. Furthermore, a clinical laboratory that is reimbursing the State for Medicaid overpayments totaling $100,000 or more pursuant to an investigation, audit, or report issued by the Office of the State Comptroller, Medicaid Fraud Division upon the effective date of the bill is barred from entering into or renewing a public contract or engaging in any form of business with any State-funded entity, and from receiving any State funds, grants, or loans, during the time period in which the clinical laboratory is providing for such reimbursements, plus an additional three year period commencing on the date on which the final reimbursement is made to the State. Under the bill, "State-funded entity" is defined as any department, agency, or instrumentality of the State; any department, agency, or instrumentality of a county or municipality located in the State; or any contractor, grantee, or other recipient of State funds. The bill also directs the Department of Health to establish on the department's website a searchable database of the clinical laboratories subject to the penalties of the bill. The database is to include, at a minimum, the name and address of each clinical laboratory, and the length of time the clinical laboratory is subject to the penalties under the bill. Any entity that enters into or renews a public contract, or engages in any form of business, with a clinical laboratory listed in the database is to be barred from receiving any State funds, grants, or loans, or from engaging in any form of business with a State-funded entity, for five years. | In Committee |
| A1470 | Requires CATV companies to provide free broadband Internet service and associated equipment to public libraries and, under certain circumstances, other municipal buildings. | This bill requires a cable television (CATV) company that is applying for or renewing a municipal franchise to provide free Internet service, including routers or other necessary equipment, to at least one public library in the municipality served by the CATV company. The free Internet service requirement is to take effect as part of any new or renewed municipal franchise agreement that is issued or approved by the Board of Public Utilities after the effective date of the bill. The bill also requires a CATV company to provide the public library with a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs. Further, the bill require a CATV company that is applying for or renewing system-wide franchise to provide free Internet service, including a router or other necessary equipment, to all municipal buildings in a municipality served by that CATV company. The free Internet service provided to a public library by a CATV company that is a system-wide franchise shall have a business customer class Internet access bandwidth and circuit capacity proportional to the public library's needs. | In Committee |
| A3119 | Revises various provisions of law governing construction of school facilities projects and operations of New Jersey Schools Development Authority; establishes "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program" in EDA. | This bill provides various changes to the laws governing the construction of school facilities projects and the operations of the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA). Model School Designs The bill requires the SDA, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to establish a model school design program that would establish uniform standards for the exterior and interior design of school facilities projects. The bill defines the components of the model school design program. The bill requires all projects in SDA districts to conform to the standards of the model school design program. Non-SDA Projects The bill also provides several changes to the laws governing the construction of school facilities projects in non-SDA school districts. The bill allows a school district to raise bonds for a school facilities project without the approval of the voters of the district if the school district enters into a contract with one or more municipalities, wherein the municipality provides the district with not less than 60 percent of the payments in lieu of taxes received from one or more designated properties, and the district pledges those monies to the repayment of the bonds. However, after entering into the contract, the school district would also be required to submit an application to the commissioner before issuing the bonds without voter approval. Additionally, the bill permits the board of education of a district other than an SDA district to enter into an agreement with a county improvement authority to construct a school facilities project and to issue bonds to finance certain portions of the project. The bill also permits a board of education of a school district to draw against its capital reserve account in order to finance a portion of a project for which a school district and private entity enter into a public-private partnership agreement pursuant to current law. The bill also requires the commissioner, in consultation with the SDA, to promulgate regulations concerning the incorporation of construction contract provisions that encourage the completion of construction projects on schedule. SDA Finances and Operations The bill provides that bonds issued by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) for the State share of school facilities projects, the proceeds of which are transferred to the SDA, will not support the costs of either agency related to the issuance of the bonds. Bonds issued after the effective date of the committee substitute will not support the administrative, non-project insurance, operating and other expenses of the EDA to issue the bonds. Under the committee substitute, the costs related to the undertaking of the planning, design, and construction of school facilities projects will also not be supported by bonds issued after the substitute's effective date. These administrative costs would instead be annually supported by State appropriations. The bill also requires the SDA to establish three funds in which the net proceeds of the bonds issued for school facilities projects, and any State appropriations for school facilities projects, would be deposited. The three funds are as follows: (1) the SDA District Project Fund; (2) the Regular Operating District Construction and Maintenance Grants Fund; and (3) the SDA District Emergent Project Fund. The bill stipulates that no less than 70 percent of any appropriations providing direct funding for school facilities projects would be appropriated for SDA district school facilities projects and SDA district emergent needs. The remaining funds would be disbursed to the Regular Operating District Construction and Maintenance Grant Fund. School Facilities Projects of Charter Schools and Renaissance School Projects in SDA Districts and the Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program. The bill establishes the "Charter School and Renaissance School Project Facilities Loan Program," which would provide eligible borrowers with a loan, including but not limited to subordinate loans, to undertake or facilitate school facilities projects for non-profit charter schools and non-profit renaissance school projects located in an SDA district. | Dead |
| AJR49 | Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel. | April 25, 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. New Jersey commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for more than seven decades. New Jersey recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region. | Dead |
| A1441 | Requires municipal-wide reassessment of real property under certain circumstances. | This bill revises how real property assessments are determined across the State. Current law requires that the standard in the State for the assessment of a parcel of real property is its "true value," which is essentially the market value of a parcel of real property. This bill would require that the true value of real property be determined by a municipal-wide reassessment of that real property performed by municipal assessors when the ratio of assessed value to true value is lower than 90 percent or greater than 110 percent. The failure of an assessor to perform these periodic municipal-wide reassessments and maintain the ratio of assessed to true value in the municipality at not less than 90 percent or greater than 110 percent in any tax year would be considered "good cause" for the removal of the assessor from his or her position. The assessor of each municipality would be required to perform an initial municipal-wide reassessment of real property not later than January 1 of the third tax year next following the enactment of the bill, and then perform periodic reassessments as required by the bill. | In Committee |
| A2604 | Requires DOH to develop mobile cancer screening program; appropriates $100,000. | This bill requires the Department of Health (department) to develop a mobile cancer screening program. The bill provides that, within 180 days following the bill's effective date, the department, in partnership with community-based and faith-based organizations selected by the department, is to develop and implement a mobile cancer screening program. The program is to consist of the periodic deployment of staffed mobile vehicles to various locations throughout the State. Each vehicle is to be staffed by at least one health care professional who is qualified to perform a cancer screening. The types of cancers which are to be screened and the manner in which the screenings are to be performed will be determined by the particular medical expertise of the health care professional assigned to the mobile vehicle and the medical devices and supplies which are made available to the health care professional. Under the bill, no later than two years after the bill's effective date, the department is to submit a written report to the Governor, and the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), summarizing the program and the results therefrom and providing recommendations for legislative action if legislation action is deemed necessary. The bill appropriates from the State's General Fund to the department the sum of $100,000 to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A1452 | Concerns standards for non-renewal or termination of certain health care professionals from insurance carrier's provider network. | This bill requires carriers which offer managed care plans to establish a policy governing removal of health care providers from the provider network that provides, if a licensed health care professional has been participating in the carrier's provider network for five years or longer, the carrier may not fail to renew or terminate the professional's contract, unless the carrier: (1) provides the health care professional and the commissioner with written notice of the non-renewal or termination one year prior to the effective date of the non-renewal or termination, which documents the cause for the professional's non-renewal or termination; and (2) the commissioner finds that the non-renewal or termination is with good cause. The bill requires the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to adopt regulations within 180 days of the date of enactment of this act, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), necessary to carry out the purposes of the bill, which are to include standards for what constitutes good cause for non-renewal or termination of a licensed health care professional. | In Committee |
| A1454 | Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes. | This bill would require any candidate for State, county, or municipal elective public office to file with their nominating petition a specific affirmation that they are qualified to hold office, have not been convicted of any crime, and specifically have not been convicted of any disqualifying crime. Under current law, a candidate for Governor or Lieutenant Governor or the State Senate or General Assembly is required to annex to their nominating petition a statement signed by the candidate that they: (1) have not been convicted of any offense graded by Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes as a crime of the first, second, third or fourth degree, or any offense in any other jurisdiction which, if committed in this State, would constitute such a crime; or (2) have been so convicted, in which case, the candidate is required to disclose on the statement the crime for which convicted, the date and place of the conviction and the penalties imposed for the conviction. Records expunged pursuant to chapter 52 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes are not subject to disclosure. Under current law, candidates for school board are also required to file with their nominating petition a specific affirmation that they are qualified for such office and have not been convicted of any disqualifying crime. This bill would expand that requirement to include any candidate for State, county, or municipal elective public office. | In Committee |
| A1486 | Changes deadline for unaffiliated mail-in voters to declare their political party before primary election. | This bill allows an unaffiliated mail-in voter to vote using the mail-in ballot in a primary election if the voter submits a political party affiliation declaration form to the municipal clerk or the county commissioner of registration by 3 p.m. the day before the primary election, and requests the mail-in ballot by that deadline from the county clerk. Under current law, a voter is required to be deemed a member of a political party by the 55th day prior to a primary election in order to vote in a primary election of that political party. However, unaffiliated voters, meaning voters who are not affiliated with any political party, are permitted to vote in person on primary election day and thereby affiliate with a political party by voting that day, while unaffiliated mail-in voters receive a political party affiliation declaration form and information concerning how to affiliate with a political party and how to vote in person at a polling place on the day of a primary election. | Dead |
| AJR26 | Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. | On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others. The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed, and the designation of October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" would allow New Jersey residents to annually recognize the victims of that mass shooting and honor their memories. | In Committee |
| A1345 | 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 |
| A1453 | Caps interest rate for redemption of tax lien at nine percent per year. | This bill would cap the interest rate for the redemption of a tax lien to nine percent per year. Current law caps that interest rate at 18 percent per year. | In Committee |
| A1437 | Requires telecommunications service providers to provide call mitigation technology to subscribers. | This bill requires telecommunications service providers (providers) that provide telecommunications service to subscribers residing in this State to make telephone call mitigation technology, as that term is defined in the bill, to any subscriber in this State, at no additional charge to the subscriber. Further, the bill redefines the term "telemarketing sales call" to include "autodialed telephone calls," as that term is defined in the bill, which are also known as "robocalls." | In Committee |
| A2597 | Prohibits MVC from charging service fees for online services. | This bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) from charging any additional fee for any service provided through the MVC website that is not charged for the same service when that service is provided at an MVC agency or regional service center. In 2016, the MVC temporarily eliminated the service fee for MVC services provided through online transactions. On April 24, 2019, the MVC reinstated the online service fee. This bill permanently eliminates the online service fees that are not charged on services provided in-person at MVC agencies or regional service centers. | In Committee |
| A1493 | 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 |
| A2841 | Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million. | This bill would create a five-year Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources ("WATER") Pilot Program in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to provide grants to support funding for newly-established adult apprenticeship programs in the water infrastructure, water utilities, and other water-related sectors, focusing on underserved and underrepresented communities. Any organizational sponsor of an apprenticeship program, including a business, labor organization, college or university, workforce training provider, non-profit organization, public utility, local government entity or authority, or trade organization, would be eligible to receive a grant, provided that they have secured an industry partner or a monetary or in-kind funding contribution. Under the bill, the program is required to coordinate with the Center for Workforce Innovation in Construction established by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development as part of the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative. The DOLWD will be required to begin accepting grant applications not more than six months after the effective date of this bill, and initial grant awards are to be issued no later than one year after the bill's effective date. The DOLWD would be required to rank eligible applicants for grants based upon each applicant's potential to: (1) reach a broad audience through its recruitment and outreach efforts; (2) significantly increase enrollment in, and the completion of, the apprenticeship program, including among members of underserved and underrepresented communities; and (3) fill existing needs for skilled workers in the market. One year after the bill's effective date, and each year thereafter for the duration of the pilot grant program, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development would be required to submit to the Governor and the Legislature a report that evaluates the results of the WATER Pilot Program and its effectiveness. The bill would create a special, non-lapsing fund in the Department of the Treasury, which would be known as the "WATER Fund," and which would be used to collect and invest moneys for the purposes of the bill. The bill would also direct the Department of the Treasury to solicit grants and donations to the fund from interested public or private sources. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to the WATER Fund to effectuate the purposes of this bill. | In Committee |
| A1433 | Requires professional services contract for legal services on behalf of State agency be memorialized in writing within 30 days. | This bill requires that professional services contracts for legal services be memorialized, in writing, within 30 days of the date on which a State agency reaches an agreement with a professional firm for the provision of legal services. If a professional services contract is not memorialized, in writing, within 30 days, then a State agency may not pay the professional firm for the provision of legal services. | In Committee |
| A3120 | Establishes NJ Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program within EDA. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority ("EDA") to establish and maintain the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Pilot Program ("program") and the New Jersey Non-Profit Loan Guarantee Fund ("fund"). Under the bill, the authority is required, within six months of the effective date of the bill, to provide financial assistance in the form of loan guarantees to non-profit organizations to support the construction of new physical spaces that are capable of generating income sufficient to repay the loans. Application Criteria The bill requires the EDA to establish an application process. A non-profit organization that seeks a loan guarantee agreement under the program is required to submit an application to the EDA in a form and manner prescribed by the EDA. In addition to any other information that the EDA may deem appropriate, the application is required to request the non-profit organization to submit proof that the non-profit organization has: 1) been determined by the federal Internal Revenue Service to be a tax-exempt organization pursuant to federal law; 2) been in existence for 10 years prior to the effective date of the bill; and 3) received financial assistance from the State, including grants, loans, or any other form of assistance prior to the effective date of the bill. The EDA may only approve the application if the EDA determines: 1) that the loan for which the application for a loan guarantee has been submitted is expected to result in the creation of 10 or more full-time jobs upon completion of construction of a new physical space financed under the provisions of the bill; 2) based on the projections by the non-profit organization, including the data and assumptions forming the basis thereof, of the profitability and financial stability over the term of the loan guarantee, that the loan for which the application for a loan guarantee has been submitted will support the construction of new physical space that is capable of generating income sufficient to repay the loan through box office sales, private donations, sponsorships, or other sources of revenue; and 3) that the non-profit organization has a record of financial stability, good reputation, and credit worthiness. Loan Guarantee Agreements Under the bill, the EDA would enter into an agreement with a participating bank and a non-profit organization qualified pursuant to the bill to use the moneys from the fund to guarantee a direct loan or revolving line of credit provided by the participating bank to finance the construction of a new physical space by the qualified non-profit organization. Each loan guarantee agreement that the EDA enters into with a participating bank and non-profit organization will not exceed $15 million per qualified applicant or a period of more than 20 years. The agreements are also required to provide for any other terms or conditions that the EDA and the participating banks determine as being necessary or desirable to effectuate the purpose of the program. The EDA is also required to establish sufficient reserves and liquid reserves to provide a sufficient and actuarially sound basis for its pledges contained in any loan guarantee agreement entered into pursuant to the bill. Loan Fund The bill requires the fund to be credited with: 1) an amount from the Economic Recovery Fund that the EDA determines is necessary to effectively implement the program, within the limits of funding available from the Economic Recovery Fund; 2) any moneys received by the EDA from the repayment of the moneys in the guarantee fund used to provide loan guarantees pursuant to the bill and interest thereon; and 3) any other moneys of the EDA, including but not limited to, any moneys available from other business assistance programs administered by the EDA that are authorized and determined by the EDA to be deposited in the fund. Report Requirements Finally, within 24 months following the effective date of the bill, and on or before February 15 of each year thereafter in which a loan guarantee agreement entered into under the bill is in effect, the EDA is required to prepare a report on the program. The report may be issued separately, or in combination with any reports required by any law concerning financial assistance to non-profit organizations in New Jersey. The report is required to include, but need not be limited to, a description of the demand for the program from qualified non-profits and participating banks, the efforts made by the EDA to promote the program, the total amount of loan guarantees approved by the EDA under the program, and an assessment of the effectiveness of the program in meeting the goals of the bill. The EDA is required to submit its report to the Governor and the Legislature, including any recommendations for legislation to improve the effectiveness of the program. | In Committee |
| A455 | Clarifies notice required to be provided to property taxpayers of a change in interest rate on delinquent property taxes under certain emergency circumstances; permits municipality to extend grace period under certain emergency circumstances. | This bill permits a municipality to extend the 10-day grace period in which property taxes may be paid without accruing interest during a period in which a public health emergency has been declared by the Governor and is in effect, and would clarify the form and content of the notice required to be provided to property taxpayers when a municipality extends the 10-day grace period. The bill would require municipalities to provide notice to all taxpayers when the governing body extends the 10-day grace period during a public health emergency. The bill would permit the governing body of a municipality to satisfy the notice requirement by using either regular mail, or by using a telephonic system and one of the following alternatives: electronic mail, a text messaging system, or any other digital platform used by the municipality to disseminate information to municipal residents electronically. The municipality would also be required to notify the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs of its adoption of a resolution providing for an extension of the 10-day grace period not later than the third business day next following the municipal governing body's adoption of the resolution. | In Committee |
| A2603 | Permits municipalities to require that new construction be solar ready. | This bill would allow municipalities to require that all newly constructed buildings in the municipality be solar ready. Under the bill, a building is considered solar ready if rooftop solar panels and, if applicable, a solar water heating system may be installed thereon. This bill would give municipalities the flexibility to promote the expansion of solar power generation and usage by requiring that new buildings are designed to be easily equipped with rooftop solar panels and solar water heating systems. | In Committee |
| A1370 | Requires DOT to implement complete streets policy that considers persons with certain disabilities. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (department) to implement a complete streets policy to plan, design, construct, maintain, and operate new and rehabilitated public highways and public transportation projects to provide safe access for all users. The complete streets policy would require the consideration and implementation of design elements and infrastructure improvement projects that promote the ability of persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to travel independently. The bill also requires the department, as part of the complete streets policy, to develop universal design concepts that advance the mobility options for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Additionally, the department is required to develop guidance and policies concerning the means by which the universal design concepts would be incorporated into the planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of new and rehabilitated public highways and public transportation projects. The department is required to encourage regional and local entities that apply for funding through the local aid program to adopt a complete streets policy consistent with the bill. | In Committee |
| A1491 | Directs BPU to conduct study to determine feasibility, marketability, and costs of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems in State. | This bill, directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study of the feasibility, marketability, costs, and benefits of implementing large-scale geothermal heat pump systems (GHPs), as these systems are defined in the bill. The bill requires the BPU, in conducting the study, to assess the challenges and obstacles for the installation of large-scale GHPs in the State, and to consult with the United States Department of Energy, other states, geothermal experts and public and private entities with experience installing GHPs, and public utilities concerning the feasibility, costs, and benefits of the use of geothermal energy and large-scale GHPs. This bill requires the BPU, as part of the study, to: determine whether establishing a financial incentive system, or using other available means and methods, is necessary to encourage and incentivize the development and successful deployment of geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems; evaluate the costs of using geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems; conduct an assessment to compare the energy efficiency and costs of common energy sources to that of geothermal energy in commercial and residential buildings; and evaluate the marketability of geothermal energy and large-scale geothermal heat pump systems and consider methods to promote their use. The bill also requires the BPU to evaluate the costs and savings to ratepayers, government entities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the study findings and recommendations, and provide a recommendation on the feasibility of, need for, and design of, a pilot program in the State for the installation of large-scale GHPs. Finally, this bill requires the BPU, within one year after the bill is enacted into law, to prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing the findings from the study, and providing recommendations for the feasibility, need for, and design of a pilot program, and for legislative, executive, and other actions. | Dead |
| A1481 | Directs DEP to take certain actions concerning identification and testing of microplastics in drinking water, and requires DEP and BPU to study and promote use of microplastics removal technologies. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Drinking Water Quality Institute, to establish a definition of the term "microplastics," and a standard methodology to be used by public water systems in the testing of drinking water for microplastics. The DEP would be required to establish requirements for the testing and reporting of the concentration of microplastics in drinking water for a four year period by public water systems, and the public disclosure of test results. In addition, the DEP would be required to establish criteria to accredit qualified laboratories in New Jersey to analyze microplastics. The bill also requires the DEP and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to commence a study to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of the use of microplastics removal technologies by system owners or operators to remove microplastics from drinking water and wastewater in the State. In conducting the study, the DEP and BPU would cooperatively engage in a stakeholder engagement process, which shall include consultation with, and the solicitation of testimony and information from: (1) experts in the operation of water supply, water treatment, or wastewater collection or treatment systems; the operation of water filtering systems or removal technologies; the proper handling or disposal of microplastics; or the study or remediation of water pollution or contaminants; (2) marine biologists, oceanographers, water quality specialists, environmental scientists, toxicologists, public health experts, and other members of appropriate scientific fields; and (3) representatives of the plastics manufacturing industry; (4) members of the public; and (5) other relevant and interested parties. The bill would also require the DEP and BPU to authorize system owners or operators in the State to engage in pilot microplastics removal projects, with associated pilot project data to be included in the study. The bill would require the DEP to solicit and approve applications for, and take other appropriate action to facilitate, the implementation of pilot projects. No later than three months after completion of the study, the BPU would be required to prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and to the Legislature, identifying the findings from the study, and providing recommendations for legislative, executive, and other actions that can be taken to facilitate, encourage, and promote the increased use of microplastics removal technologies in the State. At a minimum, the report would include a strategic plan for the deployment and use of microplastics removal technologies. Following the submission of the report, the DEP and BPU would be required to engage in an ongoing, cooperative public education and awareness campaign in order to inform system owners or operators and members of the public about the dangers posed by microplastics, the importance of removing microplastics from drinking water and waste water, the technologies available on the market to remove microplastics from water, and the goals and primary elements of the strategic plan. | Dead |
| A1464 | Establishes State purchasing preference for pervious pavement material; provides CBT tax credit to certain taxpayers that purchase pervious pavement material for municipal, county, or State construction or improvement projects. | The bill would establish a State purchasing preference for pervious pavement material and provide a corporation business tax credit to taxpayers who purchase pervious paving material for a municipal, county, or State construction or improvement project within a privilege period. As used in the bill, "pervious pavement material" means an asphalt or concrete product that, when utilized, allows rainwater to penetrate the pavement and percolate into the supporting soils. The term expressly includes, but is not limited to, pervious concrete, also referred to as porous concrete or permeable concrete; pervious asphalt, also referred to as porous asphalt or permeable asphalt; and permeable interlocking pavers. "Stormwater management hierarchy" means a ranking system that evaluates and compares the ability of various pervious pavement materials to reduce stormwater runoff, filter out contaminants, and improve water quality, and which is established by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) pursuant to the bill. Specifically, the bill would require the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property and the Director of the Division of Property Management and Construction in the Department of the Treasury, and any State agency having authority to contract for the purchase of goods or services, when entering into a contract for the purchase of asphalt or concrete for any municipal, county, or State project that requires the use of asphalt or concrete, to apply a pervious pavement material discount to the price of bids for the purpose of bid assessment and selection. The pervious pavement material discount rate would be established by the State Treasurer, in consultation with the DEP, and would be applied to bid prices based on each pervious pavement material's placement on the DEP's stormwater management hierarchy. The pervious pavement material discount provided under the bill may not exceed five percent of the total bid price. For State-funded construction projects to be completed by a private contracting firm that has been contracted by the State, and for which asphalt or concrete will be procured by the contractor for the project, the contractor will be required to comply with the selection standards and rules established pursuant to the bill when subcontracting products or services from asphalt or concrete providers. The State Treasurer will be required to establish policies and procedures to assist private contracting firms in complying with the bill's requirements. In preparing the specifications for any contract for the purchase of asphalt or concrete for any municipal, county, or State construction or improvement project that requires the use of asphalt or concrete, a State entity will be required to include in the invitation to bid, where relevant, a statement providing for any response to the invitation that proposes or calls for the use of pervious pavement to receive the price discount rate established in the bill. The State purchasing preference would not apply to certain contracts as specified in the bill. No later than two years after the bill's effective date, the State Treasurer, in consultation with the DEP, will be required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature. The report is to: (1) include a cost-benefit analysis of the pervious pavement material procurement preference established in the bill, in order to quantify the budgetary impact of the program relative to the preference's stormwater management impact; (2) indicate whether the preference should be continued, modified, or repealed; and (3) include any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action to improve the preference. The bill would also provide a tax credit against the corporation business tax to compensate a taxpayer who purchases pervious pavement material for a municipal, county, or State construction or improvement project that requires the use of asphalt or concrete. The amount of the tax credit may not exceed the lesser of: (1) the full cost incurred for utilizing pervious pavement material instead of impervious asphalt or concrete; or (2) $3,000. A taxpayer may claim the credit authorized under the bill for up to eight different construction or improvement projects during a single privilege period. This bill is necessary to incentivize the use of pervious pavement material for municipal, county, or State construction or improvement projects. Utilizing pervious pavement material for construction or improvement projects, such as parking lots, sidewalks, or roads, can result in environmental benefits, including improved stormwater management, by significantly reducing runoff and improving water quality. | In Committee |
| ACR80 | Commemorates 126th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | This resolution commemorates the 126th anniversary of the Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV). The JWV was founded on March 15, 1896 when 63 Jewish Civil War veterans gathered in New York City with the goal of combatting anti-Semitism. The result was the creation of the Hebrew Union Veterans Association, now known as the JWV. The JWV is the oldest continually active veterans' organization in the country, and has played prominent roles in the wartime efforts of the United States of America during the past 126 years. In addition to providing wartime support to the country, the JWV advocates for the rights of Jewish military members and has a history of achievements including lobbying successfully in 1913 for service leave for Yom Kippur and supporting legislation to ensure that the graves of service members who died in World War I in France were marked with a Star of David. New Jersey is proudly home to 20 Jewish War Veterans posts: Augenblick-Marcus Post 669; Bayonne Post 18; Clearbrook Post 395; Dan Michelson-Livingston Post 740; David Blick Post 63; Essex-Preiskel-Miller-Glassberg Post 47; Furer-Barag-Wolf Post 126; Jersey Shore Post 125; Kaufman Harris Cone Wayne Post 695; Lt. Garr-Greenstein-Friedenberg Post 39; Lt. James I. Platt Post 651; Lt. Seth Dvorin Post 972; Memorial Post 601; Monroe Township Post 609; N. Hudson-J. George Fredman Post 76; Ocean County Post 178; Oglensky Jackson Post 359; Sanford L. Kahn Post 538; Sgt. Sheldon Sheinfine Post 311; and Spc. Mark Seiden-Ben Kaufman Post 444. The JWV continues to offer services to veterans and members of the military, and offers a number of programs, as well as providing grant funding through their Jewish War Veterans of the USA Foundation. | In Committee |
| A1461 | Establishes Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; imposes per-kilowatt hour charge on electric energy consumption to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects. | This bill would establish the Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program in the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) and impose a per-kilowatt hour charge on electric public utility customers to finance the program. The purpose of the program would be to provide low interest loans and other financial assistance, through the NJIB, for climate change mitigation and resilience projects. Under the bill, "climate change mitigation project" means a project whose primary purpose is the construction, development, or production of energy sources, infrastructure, land management techniques, or technologies that eliminate, reduce, or sequester greenhouse gas emissions in the State. Climate change mitigation projects would include Class I or Class II renewable energy sources, community solar projects, energy efficiency improvements, energy storage, zero-emission vehicle infrastructure, zero-emission public transportation, carbon capture and sequestration technologies, reforestation of degraded land, or wetlands preservation and restoration. "Climate change resilience project" means an infrastructure project whose primary purpose is to protect human health, safety, the environment, or public infrastructure from the adverse effects of climate change including drought, sea level rise, extreme weather events, and harmful algal blooms. Climate change resilience projects would include sea barriers or other flood protection projects; water storage systems; the removal, relocation, or redesign of public infrastructure; and projects to mitigate harmful algal blooms. The NJIB would be authorized to make both short-term and long-term loans to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects, and to issue bonds, notes, or other obligations to fund the program. Under the bill, the NJIB would be required to issue one or more separate series of bonds to be known as "New Jersey Climate Bonds." Proceeds from the bonds would be deposited into the State Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Bank Fund, established under the bill, and used to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects and for other costs associated with the financing program. Issuance of New Jersey Climate Bonds would be subject to existing laws concerning bonding, except that the trust would, to the greatest extent practicable, be required to make the bonds available for sale to individual investors, rather than institutional investors, and in denominations suitable for such sales. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) would be responsible for developing a priority system, ranking criteria, and funding policies for climate change mitigation and resilience projects financed under the bill. The DEP and the BPU would also be responsible for developing an annual project priority list to be submitted for approval by the State Legislature. The DEP would prioritize projects that have the largest impact on protecting human health, safety, the environment, and critical infrastructure in the State from the adverse effects of climate change; reducing the State's greenhouse gas emissions; and meeting the State's clean energy goals. The financing program would be funded by a non-bypassable, irrevocable charge imposed on the customers of each electric public utility in the State. Beginning 120 days after the effective date of the bill, the charge would be $0.0003 per kilowatt-hour sold to each customer. However, the charge would decrease over time as the State meets certain renewable energy targets established in law. The charge would phase out completely upon certification by the BPU that 100 percent of the kilowatt hours sold in the State are from Class I and Class II renewable energy sources. | In Committee |
| A1479 | Provides for notification to new residents regarding banned weapons. | This bill requires the Office of the Attorney General to create printed and online notices, informational graphics, pamphlets, and other relevant materials regarding weapons, components, and modifications thereof that are illegal or banned in this State. The Attorney General is required to post hyperlinks on its website to digital and printable copies of all materials created pursuant to this bill. This bill further requires real estate licensees to include in all sales contracts and leases for residential and commercial real estate property the web address of the materials created by the Attorney General pursuant to this bill. Additionally, this bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to publish on its website a link to the Attorney General's materials on illegal or banned weapons, components, and modifications. Finally, the bill requires institutions of higher education to publish a link to the Attorney General's online materials on illegal or banned weapons, components, and modifications on their websites. | In Committee |
| A2826 | Require business seeking to perform State contract to disclose certain labor and employment law violations. | Require business seeking to perform State contract to disclose certain labor and employment law violations. | In Committee |
| A2600 | Allows resident taxpayers to deduct from gross income fifty percent of amount paid through E-ZPass for NJTA tolls. | This bill allows resident taxpayers to deduct from gross income fifty percent of amount paid through E-ZPass or another electronic tolling system for New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) tolls. The NJTA tolls are the tolls on the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. A taxpayer may not include in the calculation of the deduction any amount paid through E-ZPass for fees or fines. Amounts that are reimbursed to the taxpayer or that are otherwise deductible under certain provisions of State law also cannot be included in the calculation of the deduction. | In Committee |
| A1492 | Requires DOT to study ability of each public highway to accommodate additional weight of electric vehicles. | This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Transportation (department), within six months of the bill's effective date, to conduct a study on the ability of the public highways of the State to accommodate the additional weight of electric vehicles. Under the bill, this study, at a minimum, would: (1) examine each public highway to determine if, and for what time period, each public highway is equipped to handle the additional weight of electric vehicles; (2) provide recommendations to improve the ability of each public highway to accommodate the additional weight of electric vehicles; and (3) develop a list of public highways that ranks each public highway from least-to-most able to accommodate the additional weight of electric vehicles. The bill also requires the department to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature containing the study's findings and recommendations, and the list developed by the department under the study. When considering public highway projects for inclusion in the Annual Transportation Capital Program, the bill also requires the department to prioritize those projects that would address public highways that are unable to accommodate the additional weight of electric vehicles. The bill provides that as a condition of receiving funding for a public highway project under the Annual Transportation Capital Program, the project sponsor would be required to certify that the project enables the public highway to accommodate the additional weight of electric vehicles. | In Committee |
| A862 | Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises. | This bill creates a State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises. The business assistance program establishes an annual goal for State contracting agencies, as well as guidelines for public institutions of higher education, in awarding contracts to certified and qualified business enterprises. The program is designed to assist socially and economically disadvantaged businesses in obtaining State government contracts in the following areas: construction, architecture and engineering; professional services; goods and services; and information technology services. The bill requires both of the criteria in the definition of "economically disadvantaged" to be met and includes a physical disability, but is not limited to, a service-connected disability declared by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor. The bill also includes sexual orientation, and gender identity in the definition of "socially disadvantaged." Additionally, the director is permitted to accept State-approved third-party certifications that show a business enterprise owner qualifies as socially and economically disadvantaged. The purpose of this bill is to recognize the need to encourage, nurture, and support the growth of socially and economically disadvantaged businesses, to foster their development, and to increase the number of qualified competitors in the marketplace. | Dead |
| A574 | 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 |
| A1919 | Allows voters to submit application to vote by mail using electronic mail-in ballot application form through website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election. | The bill allows voters to submit an application to vote by mail using an electronic mail-in ballot application form through a website maintained by the Secretary of State up to seven days before election. Under the bill, in addition to offering paper mail-in ballot applications, the Secretary of State must provide mail-in ballot applications electronically through a secure website maintained by the secretary. The bill provides that if an applicant submits an electronic mail-in ballot application, the application would be signed by the applicant using the applicant's electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System and electronically submitted to the appropriate county clerk. The bill provides that the electronic mail-in ballot application form must contain substantively the same information that is contained on a paper mail-in ballot application. The bill also provides that if a voter opted to receive mail-in ballots in all future elections, a voter may stop receiving such mail-in ballots if the voter submits a mail-in ballot application form without selecting the option to vote by mail in all future elections. | In Committee |
| A2067 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for certain imaging related to breast cancer detection. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, and the State Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for mammograms for women age 18 or older, rather than age 40 and older as is required under current law. In addition, the bill also requires health insurers to provide coverage for physician-directed imaging under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| ACR57 | Directs SCI to examine human trafficking activity at certain places of business. | This concurrent resolution directs the State Commission on Investigation to examine human trafficking activity at the places of business of persons who employ massage and bodywork therapists. This bill calls for the State Commission on Investigation to issue a report summarizing its investigation no later than two years after the resolution takes effect. The report may be delayed at the request of the Attorney General for up to an additional 120 days pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1996, c.44 (C.52:9M-8.1), due to information or evidence contained in the report showing a reasonable possibility of human trafficking or other criminal wrongdoing. The report would also include recommendations for consideration by the Governor and Legislature for further addressing human trafficking activity within these places of business. | In Committee |
| A642 | Permits application for PERS accidental disability benefit for injury sustained after January 2003 while employed at State psychiatric institution or correctional facility immediately prior to PERS membership. | This bill allows a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to apply for accidental disability benefits based upon an injury sustained while employed temporarily at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, any other State psychiatric institution or any State correctional facility, which injury continues to be disabling after the person becomes a PERS member. Temporary public employees are not eligible for PERS membership until the employment becomes permanent or the passage of one year, whichever occurs first. Currently, persons employed temporarily at any State psychiatric institution or any State correctional facility who are injured while ineligible for PERS membership are eligible for workers compensation benefits only. They are not eligible for PERS accidental disability benefits even after attaining PERS member status because the injury occurred when not a PERS member. The bill provides that, for purposes of application for a PERS accidental disability benefit, a traumatic event (1) occurring during and as a result of the performance of a State employee's regular or assigned duties as, but not limited to, a doctor, nurse, healthcare worker, social worker, or correction officer caring for or guarding individuals who are permanently or temporarily incarcerated for any reason at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital, any other State psychiatric institution or any State correctional facility and (2) occurring when the employee is employed temporarily and not yet eligible for membership in the retirement system will be deemed as occurring during membership, if the employee becomes a member of the retirement system without interruption in that employment. The bill's provisions would apply retroactively to January 1, 2003. In addition, the bill also adds to the duties of the Civil Service Commission a personnel orientation program that informs new employees of State psychiatric institutions and State correctional facilities of the risk of injury occurring during and as a result of the performance of their regular or assigned duties. | In Committee |
| A1883 | Prohibits social media platforms from using certain practices or features that cause child users to become addicted to platform. | The bill prohibits the owner or operator of a social media platform from using any practice, design, feature, or affordance that would cause child users to become addicted to the platform. Under the bill, the owner or operator of the social media platform would be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250,000 for each violation. However, the platform would not be deemed to violate the provisions of the bill if the owner or operator of the platform hires an independent third party to conduct an annual audit to determine whether any of its practices, designs, features, or affordances would cause, have the potential to cause, or contribute to the addiction of child users to the platform, and the owner or operator of the platform demonstrates that the platform does not use a practice, design, feature, or affordance that causes, or is likely to cause, the addiction of child users to the platform. If an audit reveals that a practice, design, feature, or affordance has the potential to cause or contributes to child user addiction, the owner or operator of the social media platform would also be required to correct the practice, design, feature, or affordance within 30 calendar days of the completion of the audit. The bill also requires that a social medial platform demonstrate that it does not use a practice, design, feature, or affordance that causes, or is likely to cause, the addiction of child users to the platform. Additionally, certain social media platforms would not be subject to the requirements of the bill. These social media platforms would include any platform that is controlled by a business entity that generated less than $100 million in gross revenue during the preceding calendar year, or any platform whose primary function is to enable users to play video games. The bill also clarifies that the owner or operator of a social media platform would not be subject to liability under this bill for: (1) any content generated, uploaded, or shared by users of the platform; (2) any content that is created by third-party entities and passively displayed by the platform; (3) any information or content for which the platform was not responsible for creating and developing; and (4) any conduct involving child users that would otherwise be protected under certain federal law, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Article I, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution. | In Committee |
| A3123 | Requires public and nonpublic schools with lunch programs to provide free lunch to increasing numbers of income-eligible students and, after five-year phase-in, to provide free lunch to all students, regardless of income or federal eligibility. | This bill, would require school districts and nonpublic schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to provide free lunch to gradually increasing numbers of income-eligible students over a five-year phase-in period and, at the end of that five-year phase-in period, to provide free lunch to all students enrolled in the district or at the nonpublic school, regardless of each student's household income or federal eligibility for free or reduced price school meals. The bill would additionally clarify that both school districts and nonpublic schools that offer school breakfasts under the federal School Breakfast Program will be required, pursuant to existing law at section 12 of P.L.2022, c.104 (C.18A:33-14a), to provide such breakfasts, free of charge, to students who are federally eligible for free or reduced price school meals, as well as to students who are federally ineligible for free or reduced price school meals, but who have an annual household income amounting to not less than 186 percent, and not more than 199 percent, of the federal poverty level. However, the bill would not expand the categories of students who are eligible for free breakfast under that existing law. Under existing federal law, a student is federally eligible to receive free or reduced price school lunch under the National School Lunch Program, or free or reduced price school breakfast under the federal School Breakfast Program, only if the student is determined to be categorically eligible for such benefits (i.e., is determined to be a homeless child, a migrant child, a runaway child, a foster child, or a Head Start Child, or is a participant in certain public benefits programs) or can demonstrate that the student lives in a low-income household (i.e., a household with an annual income that is not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level). Through the recent enactment of the "Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act," P.L.2022, c.104 (C.18A:33-3.2 et al.), the State of New Jersey has also provided for the expanded provision of free school lunches and breakfasts to students in the State who reside in certain middle-income families (i.e., those families having an annual household income of up to 199 percent of the federal poverty level). This bill would further expand the existing State law on this issue by providing for the continued, but gradual, expansion of subsidized school lunch eligibility (but not subsidized school breakfast eligibility) to students in higher income brackets, over the course of a five-year phase-in period, until all students are eligible for free school lunch, regardless of the students' income and federal eligibility therefor. Specifically, under the bill's provisions, school lunches are to be made available, free of charge, to enrolled students who are federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, in accordance with the following schedule: (1) during the 2023-2024 school year, and consistent with the provisions of the "Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act," to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, but who has an annual household income that is not less than 186 percent, and not more than 199 percent, of the federal poverty level (FPL); (2) during the 2024-2025 school year, to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, but who has an annual household income that is not less than 186 percent, and not more than 249 percent, of the FPL; (3) during the 2025-2026 school year, to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, but who has an annual household income that is not less than 186 percent, and not more than 299 percent, of the FPL; (4) during the 2026-2027 school year, to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, but who has an annual household income that is not less than 186 percent, and not more than 349 percent, of the FPL; (5) during the 2027-2028 school year, to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, but who has an annual household income that is not less than 186 percent, and not more than 399 percent, of the FPL; and (6) during the 2028-2029 school year, and during each school year thereafter, to each enrolled student who is federally ineligible for free or reduced price meals, regardless of the student's annual household income. All students who become newly eligible for free school lunch, under the bill's provisions, would also be eligible to continue receiving such free lunches through a summer meals program. Eligible public school students would additionally be able to continue receiving free lunches through an emergency meals distribution program that is activated during a period of school closure resulting from COVID-19. The bill would require the State to provide funding to each participating school district and nonpublic school, as may be necessary to reimburse the costs associated with the provision of free lunches thereby to expanding groups of State-eligible students who are federally ineligible for such meals under the National School Lunch Program. It would further require the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, to establish a standardized means by which to review the State reimbursement amounts being allocated under the bill in order to determine whether, and the extent to which, participating school districts and nonpublic schools have received adequate reimbursement, from the State, sufficient to account for each participating school's actual costs of meal delivery, including, but not limited to, food, labor, and other related costs. The bill would require each report that is annually submitted, to the Governor and Legislature, on the State's school lunch and breakfast programs to identify, as appropriate, for each participating school district and nonpublic school in the State: (1) the number and percentage of students receiving subsidized school meals who have been determined to be, respectively, federally eligible for free school lunch or breakfast, federally eligible for reduced price school lunch or breakfast, income-eligible for free school lunch or breakfast on the basis of State-level income eligibility requirements, or statutorily eligible for free school lunch, as provided by the bill, without regard to income; and (2) the number and percentage of such students who reside in low-income families with household incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level, middle-income families with household incomes between 186 and 399 percent of the federal poverty level, and upper-income families with household incomes at or above 400 percent of the federal poverty level. In addition to expanding eligibility for subsidized school lunches, the bill would also require school districts and nonpublic schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program to take steps to minimize or offset program costs, to the extent that such costs can be minimized or offset without compromising the nonpublic school's or district's ability to comply with minimum nutritional standards and other program requirements. To facilitate such legally compliant cost minimization activities, the bill would require the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, to: (1) monitor, inspect, and oversee school meals programs operating in the State to ensure that school meals served thereunder continue to satisfy minimum nutritional standards; (2) develop and publicize best practices, protocols, and model plans to help participating school districts and nonpublic schools effectively minimize and offset program costs without compromising the nutritional value of meals being served; and (3) work cooperatively with each participating school district and nonpublic school to review the program costs being expended thereby, identify various means and methods by which those program costs can be reduced, curtailed, or eliminated without sacrificing nutritional value or legal compliance, provide relevant financial recommendations, and undertake or recommend other appropriate actions to prevent the State's school meals programs from becoming overly bloated with unnecessary expenses and from otherwise becoming financially burdensome. | In Committee |
| A1850 | Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for purchase of certain hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. | This bill provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for the purchase of certain hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The credits are available to both businesses and individuals. The credits are available for the taxpayer tax periods beginning in calendar years 2023, 2024 and 2025. For hydrogen fuel cell vehicles purchased in 2023 tax periods, a taxpayer will be allowed a credit in an amount of 25 percent of the cost, up to $15,000 per vehicle. For vehicles purchased and installed in 2024 tax periods, the credit is 15 percent of the cost, up to $9,000 per vehicle. For a vehicle purchased and installed in 2025 tax periods, the credit is eight percent of the cost, up to $5,000 per vehicle. To qualify for the bill's tax credits, the taxpayer must file an application for a certification with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection that the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle purchased by the taxpayer is a qualified hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are electrically powered and they produce only water vapor as an emission. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles typically have a longer range than battery-powered electric vehicles and they can be refueled in approximately the same time and manner as a gasoline-powered vehicle. This bill would encourage New Jersey businesses to purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by defraying their purchase costs. | In Committee |
| A542 | Provides that average time to issue licenses to physicians shall not exceed 51 days. | This bill requires the State Board of Medical Examiners to ensure that the average time to grant or deny applications for a license to practice medicine and surgery does not exceed 51 days from the date the board has received all information necessary to process an application for licensure. The bill also requires the board to annually submit a report to the Legislature which provides information on the progress of the board towards the performance measure target provided in the bill. | In Committee |
| A3070 | Requires State entities to recycle certain materials and provide recycling bins in State buildings. | This bill would require State governmental entities to source separate and recycle any aluminum, corrugated cardboard, glass, paper, or plastic waste generated at buildings and facilities owned, leased, or operated by the State entity. Under the bill, every State entity would be required to establish procedures for the collection and storage of any materials to be recycled under the bill, and make necessary contractual arrangements for the collection, transportation, and recycling of those materials. State entities also would be required as to provide adequate receptacles, signage, information, education, and staffing at buildings and facilities owned, leased, or operated by the State entities to ensure compliance with the bill. The provisions of the bill would not apply to any building or facility located in a State park or forest where the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is implementing a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program in which visitors to the State park or forest are required to take their trash with them upon departing the State park or forest. The bill would require the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the DEP, to (1) prepare and distribute guidance to assist State entities with compliance, and (2) work with the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Legislature to ensure compliance with the requirements of the bill by the Judicial and Legislative Branches of State Government, respectively. | In Committee |
| A2991 | 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 |
| A2143 | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act," P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-55 et seq.), to prohibit smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Current law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces, with certain exceptions, including indoor public places and workplaces which are within the perimeter of casinos and casino simulcasting facilities and accessible to the public for wagering. This bill would eliminate these exceptions from the smoking ban. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that casino workers are at greater risk for lung and heart disease because of secondhand smoke, and a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that the air in casinos can have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles than the air on rush-hour highways. This bill would protect all workers in New Jersey from the hazards of second hand smoke by requiring that casinos and casino simulcasting facilities be smoke-free workplaces. | In Committee |
| ACR67 | 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 Committee |
| A3012 | Prohibits treatment, discharge, disposal, application to roadway, or storage of wastewater, wastewater solids, sludge, drill cuttings or other byproducts from natural gas exploration or production using hydraulic fracturing. | This bill prohibits, in New Jersey, the treatment, discharge, disposal, application to a roadway or other release into the environment, or storage of any wastewater, wastewater solids, sludge, drill cuttings or other byproducts resulting from hydraulic fracturing for the purpose of natural gas exploration or production in any state. | In Committee |
| A1778 | Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education. | This bill would establish the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program," to provide grants to assist school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools in enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs for students and to increase access to STEM education programs. Applications for grant awards under the pilot program would be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who would allocate the awards on a competitive basis. The grant awards would be distributed so that school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools can build upon existing STEM education programs or create new education programs along three distinct areas of concentration: project-based learning, afterschool STEM, and out-of-school STEM. This bill also establishes within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "STEM Scholars Grant Fund," for the provision of grants to school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools under the pilot program. The fund is to be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature and any moneys received by the State from corporate donors or other private sector support. No State funds may be used to support a grant under the pilot program unless there is an appropriation for the pilot program in the annual appropriations act for the respective fiscal year. | In Committee |
| A927 | Expands child tax credit eligibility to resident taxpayers with children ages six to 11. | This bill would expand eligibility for the child tax credit to resident taxpayers with children ages six to 11. Under current law, a resident taxpayer with New Jersey taxable income of $80,000 or less is allowed a credit against the State income tax for each child under age six. The amount of the credit is $1,000 per child for taxpayers with incomes of $30,000 or less and is incrementally reduced as certain income thresholds above $30,000 are met. The credit is completely phased out once a taxpayer's income exceeds $80,000. Beginning in tax year 2023, the bill would expand eligibility for the child tax credit to resident taxpayers with children between ages six and 11 by specifying that the credit is available to taxpayers with children who have not attained the age of 12. | In Committee |
| A911 | Requires institutions of higher education to maintain supply and develop policy governing use of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies. | This bill requires institutions of higher education to maintain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies and permits emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by licensed campus medical professionals and designated members of the higher education community. Under the bill, institutions of higher education would obtain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray pursuant to a standing order issued by a health care practitioner to be maintained in secure and easily accessible locations throughout the campus to respond to an opioid overdose emergency. Institutions also would be required to develop a policy concerning the emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray for opioid overdose emergencies occurring on campus. The policy would be required to: (1) designate a licensed campus medical professional to oversee the institution's program for the maintenance and emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray on campus; (2) permit a licensed campus medical professional to designate members of the higher education community to administer naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray to any person whom the member in good faith believes is experiencing an opioid overdose on campus; and (3) require the transportation of an overdose victim to a hospital emergency room by emergency services personnel after the administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, even if the person's symptoms appear to have resolved. A member of the higher education community designated to administer naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by a licensed campus medical professional would only be authorized to administer the spray after receiving required training. The bill also directs the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services and appropriate medical experts, to establish guidelines for the development of a policy by an institution of higher education for the emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray. Institutions of higher education would be required to implement the guidelines in developing a policy pursuant to the substitute. Specifically, the guidelines would include a requirement that a licensed campus medical professional and members of the higher education community designated by the licensed campus medical professional receive training on standard protocols for the emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray to a person experiencing an opioid overdose on campus. The guidelines would further specify an appropriate entity or entities to provide the training. The bill provides immunity from liability for licensed campus medical professionals, designated members of the higher education community, pharmacists, or authorized health care practitioners who issue a standing order for naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray to an institution of higher education for any good faith act or omission consistent with the provisions of the bill. The bill also provides that in the event that a licensed athletic trainer, who is designated to administer naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, administers the spray, it will not constitute a violation of the "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | In Committee |
| A2490 | 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 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 |
| A2757 | Authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments. | This bill would establish a limited preemption from local zoning regulations for applications to convert certain office parks and retail centers into mixed-use developments. Office parks and retail shopping centers located within suburban parts of the State have been termed "stranded assets," in part because their reuse or redevelopment is restricted by zoning regulations which limit their development to a single land use. This bill seeks to initiate interest among property owners to develop these sites by establishing a two-year window of time within which a developer may submit an application to convert an eligible property into a mixed-use development without being constrained by outdated zoning ordinances. The bill defines "eligible property" as an office park of at least 50,000 square feet or a retail center of at least 15,000 square feet, which office park or retail center has a vacancy rate of at least 40 percent. Further, an eligible property includes only properties within Planning Areas 1 and 2, designated centers, within one mile of a transit center or central business district, and within a Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") sewer service area. An eligible property does not include properties in or adjacent to a landfill, active garbage dump, trash incinerator, power plant, oil or chemical refinery, superfund site, jail, prison, wastewater treatment facility, or large warehouse distribution facility or other heavy industrial use. The bill provides that a mixed-use development is a permitted use, which does not require a use variance, if the mixed-use development is the subject of an application for development to convert an eligible property to a mixed-use development, the application for development is submitted for approval within two years of the bill's effective date, and the application for development proposes to:· reuse the existing building or buildings without expanding their square footage, · redevelop the eligible property without expanding the square footage of the building or buildings on the eligible property, or · extend beyond the building footprint square footage provided the development enhances a combination of stormwater management, the tree canopy, and street grid connectivity. If an application for mixed-use development proposes new residential units, then the use variance-related benefits of the bill would also be conditional on at least 20 percent of the residential units constructed for owner-occupancy and 15 percent of the residential units constructed for rental occupancy being reserved as low income housing, moderate income housing, or very low income housing. The use variance-related benefits of the bill are also conditional on the application enhancing the multimodal transportation connectivity of the area through the addition or enhancement of sidewalks, bicycle lanes, or other improvements. The bill would require a planning board or other approving authority to approve an application to convert an eligible property to a mixed-use development if the board determines that the application can be granted without causing substantial detriment to the public good and without substantially impairing the intent and purpose of the zone plan and zoning ordinance, and complies with the other requirements of the bill. While freeing developers of these properties from municipal use restrictions, the bill retains local control over other aspects of the approval of an application to convert an eligible property to a mixed-use development. The bill specifically authorizes approving authorities to condition approval of an application to convert an eligible property to a mixed-use development upon complying with requirements for parking, water supply, sanitary sewer capacity, storm water management, bulk standards, and all reasonable site plan review, recreation, and design standards. However, the bill imposes one limitation on this grant of authority by providing that the height and setback limitations applicable to a converted mixed-use development will be the greatest height and least restrictive setback limitations allowed within the zoning district under municipal ordinance or variance approved by the approving authority. Finally, the bill would direct the Department of Community Affairs ("DCA") to conduct an inventory of abandoned and underutilized retail centers, office parks, and other stranded assets, and report the results to the Legislature and the public within 12 months of the enactment of this bill. The bill directs DCA to periodically update the inventory and report. | In Committee |
| A3043 | Reduces parking spaces required in Statewide site improvement standards at residential developments relative to development's proximity to public transportation. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt regulations implementing certain reductions in required on- and off-street parking spaces in the Statewide site improvement standards by 20, 30, and 50 percent depending on a residential development's proximity to certain public transportation services. | In Committee |
| A1849 | Directs installation of hydrogen refueling stations at service areas on State's toll roads. | This bill directs the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to equip service areas along the toll roads under their jurisdictions with hydrogen refueling stations that would fuel hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The authorities are directed to recover costs associated with the refueling stations from motorists who use the stations, in proportion to the motorists' use. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are electrically powered and they produce only water vapor as an emission. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles typically have a longer range than battery-powered electric vehicles and they can be refueled in approximately the same time and manner as a gasoline-powered vehicle. This bill would encourage New Jersey residents to purchase hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by ensuring that there are facilities available to refuel them. | In Committee |
| A2819 | Prohibits creation or disclosure of deceptive audio or visual media, known as "deepfakes," under certain circumstances. | This bill concerns the creation or disclosure of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." The bill defines deceptive audio or visual media as "any video recording, motion picture film, sound recording, electronic image, photograph, or any technological representation of speech or conduct substantially derivative thereof that appears to authentically depict any speech or conduct of a person who did not in fact engage in the speech or conduct and the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, rather than the ability of another person to physically or verbally impersonate the person." The bill establishes a crime of the fourth degree if a person, without license or privilege to do so, generates or creates, or causes to be generated or created, deceptive audio or visual media for an unlawful purpose. The bill provides that the trier of fact may infer that the deceptive audio or visual media was generated or created for an unlawful purpose if the work is subsequently used as part of a plan or course of conduct to commit one or more of the following: (1) harassment; (2) cyber harassment; (3) theft by deception; (4) theft by extortion; (5) false incrimination or reports; or (6)invasion of privacy. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill also establishes a crime of the third degree if a person, without license or privilege to do so, discloses a work of deceptive audio or visual media that the person knows or should reasonably know was created in violation of the provisions of this bill without clearly identifying it as a work of deceptive audio or visual media. A crime of the third degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. However, the bill provides that a court may impose a fine of up to $30,000. Under the bill, a person would be liable to the individual depicted in the deceptive audio or visual media, who may bring a civil action in the Superior Court. The bill further provides that a conviction is not to be a prerequisite for a civil action. The civil action authorized by this bill is to be in addition to, and not in lieu of any other civil action, injunctive relief, or other remedy available at law. The bill provides that it should not be construed to alter or negate any rights, obligations, or immunities of an interactive computer service provider pursuant to 47 U.S.C. s.230. The bill also provides that criminal and civil penalties imposed pursuant to the bill only apply to the news media or a news agency, if the news media or news agency broadcasts or publishes a work of deceptive audio or visual media that the news media or news agency knows was created in violation of the bill and fails to clearly identify the work as deceptive audio or visual media. | In Committee |
| A2328 | Requires DCA to track natural disaster-related spending by State and local government. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs ("DCA"), in consultation with other State agencies and authorities as necessary, to track natural disaster-related spending by counties, municipalities, local authorities, fire districts, school districts, and by the State. The bill requires DCA to provide a plain-language summary of the natural disaster-related spending on the State's Internet website, and update the summary on an annual basis. The bill requires the natural disaster spending summary to provide the public with information on the natural disaster-related spending of the State, and of its various units of local government. The bill directs DCA to organize natural disaster-related spending into the following categories, and expand or refine each category as deemed appropriate:(1) Preparedness spending, consisting of measures intended to enhance the ability to mitigate against, respond to, and recover from a disaster, including pre-event contracting, public awareness or outreach campaigns, training, warning system installation, response and recovery planning, vital food and medical supply maintenance, emergency operation center management, and emergency personnel on mobilization;(2) Mitigation spending, consisting of measures to reduce or eliminate the potential harmful consequences of disasters, including retrofitting buildings and infrastructure, buying out vulnerable property, establishing hazard-mitigation plans, building tornado safe rooms, implementing building safety codes, and any measure consistent with eligibility for funding consideration from the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant Program;(3) Response spending following the declaration of a state of emergency by the Governor or the proclamation of a state of local disaster emergency within a municipality by a municipal emergency management coordinator, consisting of actions that address the immediate, direct results of a natural disaster, including the provision of search and rescue operations, emergency shelter and food provision, medical care, management of damaged utilities, the patrolling of looting-prone areas, and damage assessment; and(4) Recovery spending, consisting of short- and long-term activities designed to restore communities to normal or better conditions, including returning utility systems to operational standards; managing debris; reconstructing public infrastructure; providing redevelopment grants, loans, and legal assistance; and rebuilding communities. Within each category of spending, the bill directs the natural disaster spending summary to report where the funding originated for the various expenditures, and whether a reimbursement is anticipated. If spending originated with a different unit of government, such as the State or federal government, then the plain-language summary is required to indicate which unit was the source. Finally, in order to facilitate the reporting of expenditures from the various entities of local government, the bill directs DCA to require local government units, including school districts, to summarize their natural disaster-related spending as a part of user-friendly budget reporting, which is already provided annually. | In Committee |
| A2488 | The "Liberty State Park Protection Act"; establishes Liberty State Park Advisory Committee and requirements concerning DEP actions related to Liberty State Park. | This bill, to be known as the "Liberty State Park Protection Act," would preserve Liberty State Park as a public urban green open space with authority for limited privatization by establishing certain requirements concerning actions by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) related to Liberty State Park and establishing a Liberty State Park Advisory Committee (committee). The bill would prohibit the DEP from considering any proposal to commercialize, develop, or privatize Liberty State Park, except as provided in the bill. The bill would restrict the DEP from conveying, leasing, or otherwise transferring any property rights within the 235-acre natural restoration area in the interior of Liberty State Park, and at Caven Point Peninsula. The bill would require the DEP, within five years after the bill is enacted into law, and after consultation with the committee, to develop a management plan for Liberty State Park. The DEP would be required to consult the committee for review and recommendations: (1) prior to entering into any agreement for a concession, conveyance, or lease or any other transfer of property rights; and (2) prior to the extension or renewal for a term of one year or longer any lease in effect on the date the bill is enacted into law. In addition, the bill directs the DEP to develop and implement, in conjunction with the committee, a public participation process to allow public citizens and civic organizations to provide public input on any proposed changes in land use at Liberty State Park or to the management plan developed pursuant the bill, and to also, at least once each year, hold a public forum to receive input from the public concerning plans, improvements, preservation, conservation, and management of the park, in addition to any public hearings that may be required pursuant to law. The bill also directs the DEP to develop a map depicting Liberty State Park. Under the bill, the DEP would only approve an agreement for a concession, conveyance, lease, or other agreement with a private entity to provide small-scale commercial activities if the agreement enhances the experience of a visitor to Liberty State Park, such as a bicycle or kayak rental concession, food concession, temporary winter skating rink, commercial boat tour operating from an existing boat slip, and use of the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal ("CRRNJ Terminal"), and other uses identified in the management plan developed pursuant to the bill. In addition, whenever the DEP proposes to enter into a concession, lease, or other agreement for a duration of one year or longer, the DEP would be required to present the proposal to the committee for review and recommendations and provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposal, including holding two public hearings at Liberty State Park, with one hearing being held on a weekday evening and one on the weekend, and providing a 30-day public comment period. In addition, the DEP would be required to take these same actions when it intends to convey lands acquired or developed by the State with Green Acres funds, or acquired or developed by the State in any other manner and administered by the department, located within or adjacent to Liberty State Park. The Liberty State Park Advisory Committee established by the bill would be charged with assisting the DEP in conserving, preserving, protecting, and improving Liberty State Park. In carrying out its responsibilities, the committee would give due consideration to the natural, historic, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources and the local, State, and national significance of Liberty State Park. The committee's responsibilities would include: assisting the DEP in developing the management plan required by the bill, and advising the DEP on the ecological restoration of the 235-acre interior portion of the park and means to increase public access and public enjoyment of the natural, historic, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources of the park; reviewing and making recommendations concerning concessions, leases, or other transfer of property rights with a duration of one year or longer; and submitting to the DEP Commissioner any recommendations the committee deems necessary to improve, protect the park. In addition, this bill would amend the "State Park and Forestry Resources Act," P.L.1983, c. 324 (C.13:1L-1 et seq.), which, in part, allows the DEP to enter agreements with private entities for the construction, operation, and maintenance for private profit of any facility, utility, or device in State parks and forests as the DEP finds proper for the use and enjoyment of the lands by the public. This bill would amend the law to reflect the provisions of this bill concerning agreements related to Liberty State Park. Lastly, the bill would amend the "Hackensack Meadowlands Agency Consolidation Act" to delete the provision that provided the commission, i.e., the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which under current law is also referred to as the "Meadowlands Regional Commission," with certain authority concerning Liberty State Park. | In Committee |
| A1595 | Establishes two-year pilot program requiring certain law enforcement agencies to coordinate with local school districts to identify and assist at-risk youths. | This bill establishes in the Department of Law and Public Safety a two-year pilot program for at-risk youths to be administered by the Office of the Attorney General in consultation with the Commissioner of Education. Under the program, participating county and municipal law enforcement agencies would be required to coordinate with local school districts to identify at-risk youths within their communities and respond to their needs by providing necessary intervention resources to promote their success and prevent future criminal behavior or involvement with the criminal justice system. The bill defines an "at-risk youth" as a student under the age of 18 who has been involved in a police related incident in the school or community including, but not limited to, being: arrested; reported missing; subjected to violence, including domestic violence; witnessing the arrest of a parent or family member; habitually truant; diagnosed with a mental health issue or substance abuse issue; or affected by family substance abuse problems. The bill requires the Attorney General to select law enforcement agencies to participate in the program based on the commissioner's recommendation of the number of at-risk youths within a county or municipality. In selecting law enforcement agencies to participate, the Attorney General is to include at least two law enforcement agencies in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State and seek a cross section of urban, suburban, and rural municipalities. The Attorney General would have the discretion to expand the program to more law enforcement agencies. Law enforcement agencies participating in the program are required to conduct staff meetings comprised of members of the agency who are assigned to work with families and children. During the meetings, the staff are required to develop an action plan for each at-risk youth who has been involved with a police related incident within the local school district or community in the prior month. The purpose of the action plan is to connect each at-risk youth with certain resources. The resources may include, but are not limited to: (1) connecting the at-risk youth with a variety of available social and developmental resources; (2) identifying a teacher or other adult employed by the school district whom the at-risk youth trusts; (3) identifying an available diversion program for first time juvenile offenders; (4) informing the school principal, a school social worker, or a counselor of the specific needs of the at-risk youth; (5) initiating family counseling, if available, with a licensed social worker; (6) identifying community or support groups in which the at-risk youth may be eligible to participate; and (7) scheduling periodic visits for the at-risk youth with a safe schools resource officer or school liaison to law enforcement. In addition, the Attorney General would be required to develop and submit to participating law enforcement agencies a standard form to be used when a juvenile is present during the arrest of a parent or guardian or has witnessed a traumatic event. The form would be completed by the responding law enforcement officer and utilized to develop, if necessary, a youth's action plan. Law enforcement officers participating in the pilot program would be required to interview every at-risk youth who has been reported missing by a parent or legal guardian upon the youth's return. The interview would be a screening tool to identify at-risk youths who may have engaged in, or been exposed to, a traumatic experience, including but not limited to violence, physical or sexual abuse, substance abuse, or depression. A record of the interview would be used to develop, if necessary, a youth's action plan. Finally, the bill requires a safe schools resource officer or school liaison in the school district served by a participating law enforcement agency to report to the law enforcement agency when a student is habitually truant. The law enforcement agency would be required to maintain a record of the report for discussion at the staff meeting and, if necessary, the development of an action plan. The bill allows the Attorney General and Commissioner of Education to consult with county or municipal law enforcement agencies that have implemented similar programs when establishing the pilot program. The bill requires the Attorney General and Commissioner of Education to develop procedures for the evaluation of the impact of the pilot program and report to the Governor and the Legislature 12 months after the organization of the pilot program and within six month after the expiration of the pilot program. The reports are to include the nature and scope of intervention on behalf of participating law enforcement agencies; data pertaining to the recidivism rates of juveniles identified as at-risk youths; the success rates of the individual action plans; and recommendations for any modifications that may be made to the program. In addition, the bill requires the report to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program and recommend whether the program should be continued or expanded. | In Committee |
| A1684 | Permits public high school students to opt out of physical education and sports programs during Ramadan. | This bill permits any public high school student who observes Ramadan to opt out of physical education class. Under the bill, a student can substitute the required physical education course with an instructional course or study hall for the duration of the marking period in which Ramadan falls. The bill requires the student to submit a written notice to the principal of the school prior to the school district creating schedules for the marking period. The instructional course or study hall is required to provide the student with graduation credits equal to the number received for completion of the physical education course. This bill does not exempt students from the statutory requirement that they attend at least two and one-half hours per school week of health and safety education courses, when these courses are scheduled. Additionally, this bill permits a student-athlete to be excused from participation in an interscholastic sports program, intramural sports program, or cheerleading program during Ramadan. In order to be excused, a student-athlete is required to submit a written notice to the coach of the athletic program. The bill stipulates that a coach cannot penalize a student-athlete for not participating during Ramadan. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are required to abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk. As one of the five pillars of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Children are not expected to fast until they reach puberty, usually around the age of 14. It is the intent of this bill to acknowledge Muslim students who observe Ramadan by providing less intense alternatives to physical activity while these students practice their religious beliefs by fasting. | In Committee |
| A1689 | Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records. | This bill authorizes the issuance of certified copies of vital records electronically by the State registrar or local registrar. Upon the request of an individual authorized to receive a certified copy of a vital record, including records of a birth, death, fetal death, certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth, domestic partnership, civil union or marriage, the State registrar or local registrar will make the certified copy available to the requester in both a paper form and electronically. This bill requires the Commissioner of Health to establish standards for the furnishing of certified copies of vital records electronically including, but not limited to, protocols for data sharing, authenticating the identity of a requester, establishing a method of data encryption for accessing and transmitting electronic certified copies, and ensuring data privacy and security. | In Committee |
| AJR55 | Designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey. Service dogs play an important role in assisting veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorder. It is estimated that 29 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience PTSD, and 28 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience TBI. New Jersey has a current veteran population of over 300,000. However, despite federal law to expand the availability of service dogs to veterans, the training and placement of service dogs falls primarily upon community non-profit organizations that depend on charitable donations, such as Paws Healing Heroes of Glassboro. The average cost to rescue, train, and present a service dog to a veteran can be $3,000 to $5,000, which is not covered by insurance or other veterans' benefits. Designating "Paws Healing Heroes Day" will promote greater awareness of the unique role of service dogs in assisting veterans. | In Committee |
| A697 | Provides free admission to State parks, forests, and beaches for certain veterans and military personnel. | This bill would amend current law to provide free admission to State parks, forests, and beaches for certain veterans and military personnel. Specifically, the bill would provide free admission to veterans who are residents of the State, and to any person who is in active military service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States, including the reserves, who is a State resident or stationed in New Jersey, regardless of their residency status. Current law already provides free admission to State residents who are active members of the National Guard, totally disabled, or 62 or more years of age. | In Committee |
| A1680 | Vacant Storefront Registry Program; establishes public database of vacant commercial space for small businesses. | This bill requires the NJ Business Action Center (center), which is in the Department of State, to establish and maintain a public database of vacant commercial space available for purchase or lease by small businesses in this State. The database will include information such as: the square footage of any vacant commercial space; the capital equipment included in any vacant commercial space; and the building systems installed in any vacant commercial space, including, but not limited to, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, security systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Under the bill, the center is required, using information provided by commercial property owners, realtors, and municipalities in the State, to update the database on a monthly basis with new information concerning the availability of vacant commercial space. The bill requires the center to make the database available through its Internet web page and to publicize the availability of the database as part of an awareness campaign targeted at business associations, state and local chambers of commerce, and municipalities in the State. Under the bill, the Secretary of State is to require every owner of a commercial property in the State to notify, as necessary, the center when a commercial property belonging to such an owner becomes vacant, if no person or entity is presently scheduled to lease or purchase the property, or when such a property becomes occupied. For many industries, commercial space is often one of the most costly barriers to entry. The expense is compounded by the time dedicated to locating storefronts that are well-suited and appropriate for the needs of a business. The creation of a public database of vacant commercial space will expedite this process and help fill vacancies quickly. | In Committee |
| A5919 | Establishes autonomous vehicle pilot program. | Establishes autonomous vehicle pilot program. | Introduced |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A775 | "Fairness in Women's Sport Act." | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2090 | Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3099 | Establishes option for students nearing completion of program in chiropractic medicine to participate in preceptorship provided by State-licensed chiropractor. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3007 | Increases maximum age for pediatric long-term care facility residents to 26. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3035 | Prohibits certain vehicles from parking in electric vehicle charging spaces under certain circumstances. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2998 | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2390 | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2390 | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A551 | Permits certain consumers up to five business days to cancel home improvement contracts and up to three days to cancel certain consumer goods contracts. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2335 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| AJR128 | Designates August of each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3742 | Requires Secretary of Agriculture to establish Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse school districts for costs expended in sourcing and procuring local foods for students; appropriates $4,500,000. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2788 | Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3974 | Prohibits use of deceptive marketing practices by substance use disorder treatment providers. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3979 | Requires certain providers of substance or alcohol use disorder treatment, services, or supports to be assessed for conflicts of interest prior to receiving State funds, licensure, or certification. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3973 | Revises law concerning patient referrals to substance use disorder treatment facilities, recovery residences, and clinical laboratories. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4085 | Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3052 | Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4182 | Concerns conditions of employment of certain cannabis workers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3132 | Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4215 | Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4248 | Requires certain documentation as proof of voter identity to vote; updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4295 | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4302 | Amends current child labor laws to protect minor working as vlogger in certain circumstances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 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." | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4479 | Requires social media platforms to cooperate with nonprofit organization initiatives to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4521 | Concerns provision of services to defendants on pretrial release. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4544 | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4577 | Requires State departments and Office of Technology to provide reports on proposed technology upgrades. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4636 | Requires that notice concerning gift card fraud be posted by retail mercantile establishments that sell gift cards to consumers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4643 | Creates penalty for child endangerment via use of social media. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4651 | Establishes penalties for certain conduct related to public brawl and disorderly conduct. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4714 | Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4818 | Reduces and clarifies requirements for municipal tourist development commission disbursements for advertising. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3663 | Establishes reproductive health travel advisory. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3773 | Concerns requirements to report separations from employment under employee leasing agreements. | Assembly 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. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5000 | Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5004 | Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5077 | Extends statutory pause on collection of student growth objective data. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5146 | Removes exception to civil service working test period for political subdivision employees. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3992 | Modifies capital reserve funding requirements for certain planned real estate developments. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5213 | 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. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5195 | Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5260 | Prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain apparel containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5277 | Establishes public awareness campaign and call center for certain property tax relief programs; requires submission of annual report by Stay NJ Task Force. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5278 | Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR154 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5362 | Prohibits casino licensees from using non-wagering casino games to solicit future gaming. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5383 | Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5420 | Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5421 | Requires development of online tax training for small and micro-businesses. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5422 | Allows businesses to receive information via email concerning new regulations and economic incentives that affect business. | Assembly 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| AR180 | Urges DEP, Pinelands Commission, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to engage in alternative forest management practices during periods of drought when prescribed burning is unsafe. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 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. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5462 | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5517 | Directs BPU to study feasibility of developing advanced reactors Statewide. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5533 | Establishes requirements for receipt and purchase of scrap metals containing lithium-ion or propulsion batteries. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| Committee | Position | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee | 5 | |
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly State and Local Government Committee | Chair | 1 |
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee | 8 | |
| Detail | New Jersey Legislature State House Commission | Alternate | 3 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Assembly District 18 | Assembly | Democrat | In Office | 05/26/2016 |