Legislator
Legislator > John McKeon
State Senator
John McKeon
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 27
In Office - Started: 01/09/2024
contact info
West Orange Office
555 Northfield Ave.
Suite C
West Orange, NJ 07052
Suite C
West Orange, NJ 07052
Phone: 862-930-7071
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A4113 | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3064 | Modifies tax on certain forms of online gaming and wagering. | Modifies tax on certain forms of online gaming and wagering. | In Committee |
| S3287 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| S2335 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Passed |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | "Travel Insurance Act." | Passed |
| S2019 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Crossed Over |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3663 | Establishes reproductive health travel advisory. | This bill requires the Department of State to establish the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. While many pregnancies are safe and uneventful, there is always some risk that a pregnancy will unexpectedly result in a medical emergency endangering the life or health of the patient. The effective treatment of such emergencies sometimes requires termination of the pregnancy. In the states that limit reproductive health care services, it is unclear to what extent necessary medical treatment for pregnancy-related emergencies will be permitted. There is thus a need to create an advisory that will inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States limit reproductive health care services so that they may make informed travel decisions while pregnant. Pursuant to this bill, the travel advisory is to provide a description of each state in the United States with respect to reproductive healthcare services, including but not limited to, gestational duration bans, waiting periods, insurance coverage bans, medication restrictions, constitutional protections, reproductive health care funding, and criminal and civil liability for patients and healthcare providers. The travel advisory is required to provide the information according to the following tiered system: (1) "Blue: Exercise normal caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have access to all forms of reproductive medical care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution; (2) "Yellow: Exercise increased caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in civil or criminal prosecution; and (3) "Red: Reconsider travel," which signifies that pregnant individuals have extremely restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in an adverse medical outcome, pregnant individuals being subject to civil or criminal prosecution, and individuals seeking emergency reproductive medical care not being provided life-saving care due to state law. The Department of State is to publish the travel advisory in a prominent location on its website and update the advisory for each state every time a state experiences a change in its law, rules, or regulations concerning reproductive healthcare services. | 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 |
| S3812 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| S3797 | 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. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Passed |
| S4282 | 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. | 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. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S4423 | Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site. | This bill would provide that the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is the sole State agency authorized to provide site approval for the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) in the State. The bill would also authorize the operator of a small modular reactor to store any spent nuclear fuel generated by the reactor on-site. As defined by the bill, "small modular reactor" means a nuclear fission reactor that: (1) has a rated electric generating capacity of no more than 300 megawatts; (2) is capable of being constructed and operated either alone or in combination with one or more similar reactors if additional reactors are or become necessary at a single site; and (3) is required to be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Specifically, the bill would authorize the BPU to provide site approval to an SMR in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill would authorize the BPU to approve a site for an SMR only if it is located in a municipality in which a nuclear energy facility has previously been constructed. The bill would provide that the BPU's site approval would supersede any municipal or county decisions to the contrary. The bill would also require the BPU to develop, within one year after's the bill's enactment, an incentive program to provide financial incentives to support the construction of SMRs in the State. The bill would provide that an SMR's authorization to store spent nuclear fuel would last until the development of a national high-level radioactive waste repository pursuant to the federal "Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982." Under that law, the United States Department of Energy was directed to develop a permanent storage site for radioactive waste, but currently, a permanent storage site for radioactive waste has yet to be developed. As a result, spent nuclear fuel is most often stored at the site of the nuclear reactor. | Crossed Over |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Passed |
| SCR131 | Approves FY2026 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank. | The passage of a concurrent resolution by each House is the means for the Legislature's approval of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Plan of the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The consolidated Financial Plan is required by law to be submitted to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the General Assembly on or before May 15, 2025 to implement financing of clean water and drinking water projects on the eligibility lists developed by the Department of Environmental Protection. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4660 | Promotes equity in health insurance appeal process. | This bill eliminates fees for appeals against health insurance carriers pursuant to the Independent Health Care Appeals Program. This bill is in response to the Governor's Fiscal Year 2026 budget recommendations to enact legislation to permanently eliminate fees for consumer appeals against insurance carriers that deny, reduce, or terminate benefits. | In Committee |
| A5803 | Modifies tax on certain forms of online gaming and wagering. | This bill increases the Internet casino gaming tax, the Internet sports wagering tax, and the daily fantasy sports operating fee from 15, 13, and 10.5 percent, respectively, to 19.75 percent. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5810 | Promotes equity in health insurance appeal process. | This bill eliminates fees for appeals against health insurance carriers pursuant to the Independent Health Care Appeals Program. This bill is in response to the Governor's Fiscal Year 2026 budget recommendations to enact legislation to permanently eliminate fees for consumer appeals against insurance carriers that deny, reduce, or terminate benefits. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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. | 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. | Passed |
| S4100 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | In Committee |
| S2426 | Requires solid waste management districts to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Requires solid waste management districts to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | In Committee |
| S4630 | Directs DEP to establish scrap tire hauler license and scrap tire storage, collection, and disposal site permit. | This bill would prohibit persons from engaging in scrap tire collection unless they possess a license issued by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would define "scrap tire collection" to mean the pick-up and transportation of scrap tires from their source to a licensed scrap tire facility, disposal facility, storage facility, or other destination. The bill would require the DEP to establish a scrap hauler license, including an application process and eligibility requirements for applicants. The bill would require the DEP to establish a system for the manifesting, tracking, collection, recycling, and disposal of scrap tires, and would authorize the DEP to require licensed scrap tire haulers to utilize the system. The bill would establish various requirements for obtaining a scrap tire hauler license, including that each tire hauler would be required to maintain financial assurance in the amount of no less than $150,000 per hauler. The bill would also prohibit licensed tire haulers from storing tires at any location unless the location meets all applicable safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements established by the DEP. The bill would also require the DEP to establish a permit for scrap tire storage, collection, or disposal sites. The bill would require that these sites maintain adequate financial assurance for closure as a condition of approval, in an amount sufficient to ensure proper cleanup and site restoration in the event of abandonment or noncompliance. The bill would also establish certain exemptions from the permit requirement, including for persons who store fewer than 1,000 in secure, enclosed containers. The bill would establish a civil administrative penalty of not more than $7,500 for a first offense, not more than $10,000 for a second offense, and not more than $25,000 for a third and every subsequent offense, for violations of the bill's provisions. The bill would also establish a civil penalty of up to $7,500 for violations of the bill's provisions, and a civil penalty of up to $50,000 for persons who fail to obey administrative orders, court orders, or to pay civil administrative penalties in full. The penalties would be assessed for each day during which the violations continued. | In Committee |
| S4634 | Requires DEP to establish maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium in drinking water. | This bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (department), no later than one year after the bill's effective date, to adopt a maximum contaminant level for hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) of 10 parts per billion in drinking water beginning: (1) two years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with 10,000 of greater service connections; (2) three years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with 1,000 to 9,999 service connections; and (3) four years after the bill's effective date for public water systems with fewer than 1,000 service connections. The bill would also permit the department to adopt a more stringent standard for hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) upon recommendation of the Drinking Water Quality Institute. The bill's provisions would not alter the maximum contaminant level for total chromium in drinking water, as adopted by the department pursuant to any federal or State law, rule, or regulation, except that hexavalent chromium (chromium-VI) would be prohibited from exceeding the maximum contaminant level of 10 parts per billion, as established under the bill. | In Committee |
| S4626 | "Mattress Stewardship Act;" requires mattress producers to join stewardship organization and implement mattress stewardship program. | This bill would require every producer of mattresses sold in the State to join a stewardship organization in order to implement a mattress stewardship program. The purpose of a mattress stewardship program is to provide for the environmentally sound management of discarded mattresses in the State. The bill would require a stewardship organization to prepare and submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Protection (department) for the development and implementation of a mattress stewardship program. The bill would also establish a process for proposed amendments to the plan and would require a stewardship organization to provide notice to the department prior to implementing certain changes to an approved plan. The bill would also require each retailer or renovator that sells or offers for sale mattresses in this State to register with a stewardship organization and comply with the bill's provisions. Beginning one year after the bill's effective date, a producer, a renovator, or retailer would be prohibited from selling or offering for sale any mattress in the State unless the producer, renovator, or retailer is registered with a stewardship organization. Under a mattress stewardship program, a retailer would be required to: (1) purchase a mattress only from a producer or renovator that is registered with a stewardship organization; (2) collect the mattress stewardship assessment and remit the stewardship assessment to the stewardship organization, unless the retailer or renovator elects to cover the costs of the stewardship assessment; and (3) provide to consumers information on collection opportunities for discarded mattresses. The bill would allow a retailer or renovator to elect to directly pay the applicable charge of the stewardship assessment to the stewardship organization on behalf of the consumer or ultimate end user of the mattress if the retailer or renovator enters into a written agreement with the stewardship organization to remit the applicable charge of the stewardship assessment to the stewardship organization on behalf of the consumer. The department would also be required to publish a list on its Internet website of all producers, renovators, and retailers that are in compliance with the bill's provisions and update the list to remove producers, renovators, or retailers that are found to not be in compliance. The bill also provides that when the department determines that any producer, renovator, or retailer is in violation of the bill's provisions, the department may assess a civil administrative penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation and a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation, and each day of violation would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct violation. Finally, the bill would require, no later than July 1 of the year a mattress stewardship program is implemented, and annually thereafter, a stewardship organization to prepare and submit a written report to the department evaluating the implementation of the mattress stewardship program. Within 90 days of receiving the initial annual report, the department would be required to establish an annual fee to be paid by the stewardship organization that is reasonably calculated to cover the actual costs of the department to administer, implement, and enforce the bill's provisions. For future years, the department would be required to provide notice to a stewardship organization, no later than April 1 of each year, of the annual fee for the upcoming calendar year. All penalties and annual fees collected by the department would be required to be deposited in the "Mattress Stewardship Fund," established by the bill. | In Committee |
| S4644 | Requires employees of gambling and addiction related State entities to participate in problem gambler training program. | This bill requires State employees who encounter problem gamblers throughout the course of their employment to participate in a training program to better handle interactions with problem gamblers. The training will be developed by the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Division of Gaming Enforcement and the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. The training will be developed to ensure that State employees can respond to problem gamblers with empathy, provide accurate information on available resources, and guide patrons through the gambling self-exclusion process in a supportive manner. The training program may be updated and re-administered to State employees upon recommended updates to guidelines on how to best treat gambling addiction. Public-facing employees of the New Jersey Racing Commission, the Division of the State Lottery and State Lottery Commission, the Casino Control Commission, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, and any other State entity the Governor deems appropriate at the recommendation of the Attorney General will be required to participate in the training. | In Committee |
| S4646 | Establishes Unified Responsible Gambling Evaluation Board; requires board to collect and publish gambling information and problem gambling resources online. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Unified Responsible Gambling Evaluation Board to review and assess current gambling practices in the State, recommend reforms to support responsible gambling and address problem gambling, and provide resources to the general public regarding problem gambling. The board, at a minimum, will: (1) study the rate of persons gambling in this State, the methods of placing wagers, including in-person retail and online wagering, the types of gambling most frequently engaged in, rates of underage or otherwise illegal gambling, and the prevalence of problem gambling; (2) review existing responsible gambling practices being implemented by casinos, sportsbooks, racetracks, the State Lottery, and other gambling operators, and those required or supported by the State; (3) assess the effectiveness of current responsible gambling practices, and gambling education, treatment, and prevention programs; (4) identify trends in gambling, including new methods of social gambling which may disproportionately affect young people, and how other states may be responding to such trends; and (5) compile information and resources available through various different government entities and sites, and through the private sector. The board will also establish and maintain an Internet website that will serve as a hub for all State publications and reports related to gambling, and for resources that are available to persons struggling with gambling addiction. All State agencies and entities will be required to prominently share a link to the board's Internet website on their own Internet website, in order to promote all the resources and information being collected by the board. | In Committee |
| S4643 | Requires those on self-exclusion lists to watch educational and counseling videos prior to removal from self-exclusion lists; permits third party requests for individuals to be excluded from gambling under certain circumstances. | This bill requires the New Jersey Racing Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement to issue regulations to require that individuals seeking removal from the list of self-excluded persons review educational and counseling videos concerning the risks associated with gambling, coping strategies, resources available for continued support, and any other information or content as may be appropriate, as determined by the commission or division, prior to removal from the self-exclusion list. The bill also permits third parties to request that another person be added to a list of persons who are to be excluded or ejected from any licensed gambling establishment by providing documentation to the commission or the division, as applicable, which demonstrates, at a minimum, the following: (1) proof of the third party's sole or joint financial responsibility for funds that may be used or deposited for gambling purposes; (2) proof that the third party is jointly obligated on the persons credit or debit card; (3) proof of legal dependency of the person on the third party; (4) evidence of a court order making the third party responsible for the person's debts; or (5) evidence of a court order requiring the person to pay unmet child support obligations. The division or commission may request such additional verification documentation as may be necessary to confirm the relationship between the third party and the person to be excluded. Under the bill, when a third party seeks to have a person added to the exclusion list, there must be a process in which notice to the person being sought to be excluded, as well as an opportunity for that person to appear before a hearing on the matter, must be provided. If, upon completion of a hearing on the petition for exclusion, it is determined that placement of the name of the person on the exclusion list is appropriate, an order to that effect must be made, which will be served on all licensed casino establishments and simulcasting facilities or racetracks and licensed off-track wagering facilities and will be subject to review by the Superior Court. The bill also requires the division and commission to promulgate regulations to establish procedures for removal from the list of excluded persons, which must: (1) include a requirement that those seeking removal from the list of excluded persons review educational and counseling videos concerning the risks associated with gambling, coping strategies, resources available for continued support, and any other information or content as may be appropriate, as determined by the division, prior to removal; (2) establish procedures for the transmittal of identifying information concerning excluded persons; and (3) require the establishment of procedures designed, at a minimum, to remove excluded persons from targeted mailings or other forms of advertising or promotions and deny excluded persons access to credit, complimentaries, check cashing privileges club programs, and other similar benefits. | In Committee |
| S4645 | Authorizes Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to enjoin conduct of unauthorized amusement games; establishes civil penalty for violations. | This bill authorizes the Legalized Games of Chance Control Commission to seek and obtain in a summary proceeding in Superior Court an injunction prohibiting any action, conduct, or practice in violation of the Amusement Games Licensing Law, or related regulations. The bill also establishes civil penalties for violations of such law and regulations that shall not be more than $7,500 for the first offense and $15,000 for the second and each subsequent offense. The Attorney General may bring an action in the name of the control commission for the collection or enforcement of civil penalties for the violation of any provision of a law or regulation administered by the control commission. | In Committee |
| S699 | Establishes program in SADC for acquisition of development easements on privately-owned woodlands. | Establishes program in SADC for acquisition of development easements on privately-owned woodlands. | Crossed Over |
| S4374 | Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. | Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. | In Committee |
| S4004 | Revises law on extended employment programs for persons with disabilities. | Revises law on extended employment programs for persons with disabilities. | In Committee |
| S4143 | Requires energy usage plan for proposed artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to be derived from new clean energy sources. | Requires energy usage plan for proposed artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to be derived from new clean energy sources. | In Committee |
| S4554 | Allows State, municipality, and county to implement automatic enrollment of their employees in deferred compensation plans. | This bill permits the State and a county or municipality to adopt an automatic enrollment arrangement where a deferred compensation plan provision permits the employer to defer and deduct a specified percentage from an employee's salary unless the employee affirmatively elects not to defer or to defer a different percentage. This bill provides that, for a county or municipality, such an automatic enrollment arrangement will be optional at the municipality's or county's discretion to adopt. For the State, the automatic enrollment arrangement will be mandatory for employees hired on or after the first January after the bill's effective date unless the employee makes an affirmative election not to defer or to defer at a different percentage. The bill provides that in the case of a plan that includes an automatic enrollment arrangement, the named fiduciary will designate a default investment into which an employee's deferred salary will be invested in the absence of an affirmative investment election from the employee. The bill requires an employer whose employees are represented by a union that is designated as the majority representative pursuant to the "New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act," and eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan, to negotiate the terms of a deferred compensation plan with such majority representative, including whether such employees represented by the majority representative will be automatically enrolled in the plan, the default deduction percentage from an employee's salary, if any, and the default investment, if any. The bill also requires the State, and any other employer whose employees are represented by a union that is designated as the majority representative pursuant to the "New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act," and eligible to participate in the New Jersey State Employees Deferred Compensation Plan, to negotiate the terms of a deferred compensation plan with such majority representative, including whether such employees represented by the majority representative will be automatically enrolled in the plan, the default deduction percentage from an employee's salary, if any, and the default investment, if any. The terms of a negotiated deferred compensation plan must be consistent with any applicable rules and regulations adopted by the New Jersey State Employees Deferred Compensation Board. The bill provides that absent a written agreement between an employer and a majority representative, in order to participate in a deferred compensation plan, an employee represented by the majority representative must be required to affirmatively elect to participate. | In Committee |
| S2155 | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| S3282 | Expedites process for filling vacancy from this State in United States House of Representatives under certain circumstances. | This bill expedites the process for filling a vacancy from this State in the United States House of Representatives under certain circumstances. Under current law, and pursuant to the United States Constitution and federal law, vacancies in the United States House of Representatives are required to be filled by special election. In contrast to the provisions for filling vacancies in the United States Senate, where the Governor may make a temporary appointment to fill the vacancy until it can be filled by election for the unexpired term, the United States Constitution does not provide for the temporary appointment of a Representative. The Governor has the responsibility to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy, while the Legislature may prescribe by law the election's scheduling. Current law provides that it is the duty of the Governor to issue a writ of election to fill such vacancy, unless the term of service for the vacant office will expire within six months next after the happening of the vacancy. Therefore, if the vacancy happens on or after July 3 of the second year of the Representative's two-year term of office, then the vacancy is not required to be filled. Current Law Circumstances and Timeframes Current law specifies three different vacancy scenarios under which the Governor is required or permitted to designate the next general election day to fill the vacancy, permitted to designate a special election day to fill the vacancy, and whether a primary election or a special primary election is required to nominate the candidates for election. (1) General Election With a Primary Election - if the vacancy happens in any year, not later than the 70th day prior to the day for holding the next primary election for the general election, the Governor is required to issue a writ of election to fill the vacancy designating the next general election day as the day on which the election will be held to fill such vacancy, with the nomination of candidates made in the same manner as the nomination of other candidates at said primary election. This scenario would typically cover vacancies occurring in January, February, and most of March of either year of the Representative's two-year term of office, with the primary election occurring in June and the general election occurring in November. (2) General Election Without a Primary Election - if the vacancy happens in any year later than the 70th day prior to the day for holding the primary election for the general election but before the 70th day preceding the day of the general election, and the unexpired term to be filled exceeds one year, the Governor is permitted to designate the next general election day as the day on which the election will be held to fill such vacancy, and that no primary election will be held for the nomination of candidates. Each political party selects its candidate to fill such vacancy in the same manner as under current law for selecting candidates to fill vacancies that arise among candidates that won the primary election and were thereby nominated to appear on the general election ballot. This scenario would typically cover vacancies occurring in the period from the last days of March through the last days of August, but only in the first year of the Representative's two-year term of office, with the general election occurring in November. (3) Special Election With a Special Primary Election - the Governor is permitted in the writ of election to designate a special day for the election to fill the vacancy, specifying the day on which a special primary election must be held, which must be not less than 70 days nor more than 76 days following the issuance of the writ, and specifying the day on which the special election must be held, which must be not less than 64 days nor more than 70 days following the day of the special primary election. Under this scenario, the special election to fill the vacancy could occur approximately 134 to 143 days after the issuance of the writ of election. Current law does not specify a timeframe for the Governor to issue the writ of election. Expedited Timeframes Under the Bill This bill expedites the process for filling a vacancy from this State in the United States House of Representatives under certain circumstances. Specifically, the bill establishes a timeframe of within 10 days of the occurrence of the vacancy for the Governor to issue a writ of election. The bill also requires a special election to be held to fill the vacancy when such vacancy occurs in any year earlier than in the month of July. A special election would also be required to be held under the bill when such vacancy occurs after the 70th day preceding the day of the general election and the unexpired term to be filled exceeds one year. Finally, the bill eliminates the requirement to hold a primary election or a special primary election in all House of Representatives vacancy scenarios. Each political party would select its candidate to fill such vacancy in the same manner as under current law for selecting candidates to fill vacancies that arise among candidates that won the primary election and were thereby nominated to appear on the general election ballot. The bill specifies three different vacancy scenarios under which the Governor would be required to issue a writ to fill the vacancy at either the general election or at a special election. (1) General Election - if the vacancy happens in any year not earlier than July 1 but on or before the 70th day preceding the day of the general election, the Governor, in issuing a writ of election to fill the vacancy, would be required to designate the next general election day as the day to fill the vacancy and that no primary election will be held for the nomination of candidates. This scenario would typically cover vacancies occurring in the month of July through the end of August in any year of a Representative's two-year term of office, with the general election occurring in November. (2) Special Election in Any Year - if the vacancy happens in any year earlier than July 1, the Governor, in issuing a writ of election to fill such vacancy, would be required to designate in said writ a special election day as the day to fill the vacancy and that no primary election will be held for the nomination of candidates. The day designated for the special election would be not less than 70 days nor more than 80 days following the issuance of the writ of election. This scenario would cover vacancies occurring in the months of January through June in any year of a Representative's two-year term of office, with the special election occurring at least 70 days but not more than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, when accounting for the "within 10 days" timeframe established under the bill for the Governor to issue the writ of election. (3) Special Election in First Year - if the vacancy happens after the 70th day preceding the day of the general election and the unexpired term to be filled exceeds one year, the Governor, in issuing a writ of election to fill such vacancy, would be required to designate in said writ a special election day as the day to fill the vacancy and that no primary election will be held for the nomination of candidates. The day designated for the special election would be not less than 70 days nor more than 80 days following the issuance of the writ of election. This scenario would typically cover vacancies occurring from the end of August through the month of December in the first year of a Representative's two-year term of office, with the special election occurring at least 70 days but not more than 90 days after the occurrence of the vacancy, when accounting for the "within 10 days" timeframe established under the bill for the Governor to issue the writ of election. The minimum 70-day timeframe before an election is derived from the amount of time needed for election officials and candidates to meet the various deadlines, such as ballot printing and mailing, established for conducting an election in this State in compliance with State and federal law requirements. | In Committee |
| S4366 | Requires Division of Gaming Enforcement to arrange study and implement certain language requirements in gambling advertisements; restricts advertisements and promotion in certain locations. | This bill requires the Division of Gaming Enforcement in the Department of Law and Public Safety to arrange for the conduct of a study of the effectiveness of using various words and phrases in advertisements for casino games and sports pools to deter illegal or irresponsible gambling, challenge perceptions of gambling, and to encourage the use of responsible gambling tools. The study will evaluate whether: (1) certain words of phrases resonate with members of the public; (2) certain words or phrases are more likely to cause persons engaged in gambling activities to bet responsibly; (3) the placement of words and phrases in different locations on an advertisement may better draw the attention of viewers; (4) the size of the font and any distinguishing features of the text, such as bold or underline, may emphasize the message for members of the public; (5) the use of different messages would be more effective in reaching problem gamblers, persons on the list of self-excluded persons established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.39 (C.5:12-71.2), and persons under the legal age to gamble in this State; and (6) the repeated use of the same words and phrases diminishes their effectiveness. The bill requires the study to be completed within 12 months and for the division to publish a copy of the study on its Internet website. The division will then review and use this study as the basis for developing not less than three, but not more than 10 key words or phrases to be included in advertisements for casino games and sports pools, in addition to language already required such as "If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." These words and phrases will also be required to be used in advertisements at a frequency which optimizes their effectiveness. The division may modify these words or phrases from time to time, as necessary to maintain their effectiveness. The bill also authorizes the division to adopt rules and regulations to prevent advertising and promotions, to the extent practicable, from being placed in or near locations, such as schools or college campuses, or on media which would predominantly target underage or other prohibited persons, including those on the list of self-excluded persons. | In Committee |
| S4424 | Establishes geothermal energy pilot program for gas public utilities. | This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (board) to establish a three-year pilot program to authorize a gas public utility (utility) to recover the cost of a geothermal energy project (project), which project involves the replacement of aging or leaking natural gas pipelines with geothermal energy infrastructure, through the utility rates charged to its ratepayers. To participate in the pilot program, a utility is to submit an infrastructure plan with any information regarding the project that the board deems necessary. While reviewing a plan, the board is to consider: (1) the size, scope, and scale of the project; (2) the cost of the project; (3) the expected benefits of the project; (4) the project's financial impact on the utility's ratepayers; (5) whether the project's benefits justify the cost of the project; and (6) any other criteria that the board deems appropriate. In addition, a utility is required to submit certain information on the operations of the pilot program to the board. The bill requires the board to, at a minimum, summarize this information in an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature until the expiration of the pilot program. In its third and final report, the board is required to also determine whether to expand the pilot program to a permanent program. If the board decides to expand the pilot program, after considering laws, rules, and regulations in other states with similar programs, the board is to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the transition from a pilot program to a permanent program. The pilot program is to expire 30 days after the board's submission of its third and final report on the pilot program, provided that the board has not decided to expand the pilot program to become a permanent program. The board is to publish the reports on its Internet website. In addition, the bill amends current law to provide that the term "public utility" is to include an entity that owns, operates, manages, and controls geothermal energy within the State. Under the bill, "geothermal energy" means a renewable energy source derived from heat stored within the earth. "Geothermal energy" includes networked geothermal energy and deep geothermal energy. In addition, the bill defines "geothermal energy infrastructure" to mean utility-scale distribution infrastructure that supplies heating or cooling from geothermal energy sources. | In Committee |
| S4307 | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | In Committee |
| S3184 | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | In Committee |
| S4342 | Makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for VCCO compensation under certain circumstances; establishes Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. | This bill makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for compensation from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) under certain circumstances and establishes the Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. Under current law, victims of certain crimes are eligible to receive compensation from the VCCO for certain expenses, including certain medical bills, counseling, loss of earnings, and funeral costs. This bill expands the crimes for which compensation is available to also include a motor vehicle crash involving a fatality or the removal of a victim from the scene of the crash by an ambulance. In addition, this bill establishes the Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. The bill provides that traffic crash victims are entitled to the following rights: 1) To obtain, upon request, a free, timely copy of the initial police report and, upon completion, any investigation report, evidence, and materials related to the crash, including but not limited to any follow-up report and documents, photographs taken at the scene of the crash or during postmortem examination, audio and video recordings from body worn cameras as defined under current law, audio and video recordings from the motor vehicle, any other audio or video recordings of the crash, and any summonses that were issued. These provisions are not to be construed as limiting or restricting any rights pursuant to the provisions of the open public records act; 2) To be notified of court proceedings and be permitted to give an impact statement in related adjudicatory proceedings, including any hearing regarding the suspension or revocation of the driver's license of the other driver; 3) To have the right to reasonable leave from the person's employer to participate in any hearings conducted by the Motor Vehicle Commission that are related to the motor vehicle crash or exercising any other rights provided by law; 4) To be free from intimidation, threats, or harassment from the other driver; 5) To be eligible to receive compensation and assistance pursuant to the provisions of the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971"; and 6) To receive, upon request of information from a law enforcement agency regarding the crash, a copy of the provisions set forth in the bill and information provided by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office regarding the rights set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| S3710 | 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 |
| S4170 | Designates State House Complex Welcome Center as "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center." | An Act designating the State House Complex Welcome Center as the "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center" and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3620 | Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers. | An Act concerning electric and gas public utilities and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR140 | Designates month of March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates the month of March as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis, extend the life expectancy of those who may be unaware that they are suffering from the disease, and help improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with the amyloidosis. Designates month of March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4300 | Eliminates solar renewable energy portfolio standard and directs BPU to replace solar renewable energy certificates with fixed-rate incentives. | This bill would eliminate the State's solar renewable energy portfolio standard commencing on June 1, 2025. The bill would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to develop a system to provide solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) incentive payments, in lieu of SRECs. The SREC incentive payments would have a fixed rate of $95 per megawatt hour of solar energy produced. Each owner of a solar electric power generation facility that was properly registered in the SREC registration program established by the BPU pursuant to subsection u. of section 38 of P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87) would be eligible to receive SREC incentive payments, one for each SREC for which the facility would have been eligible. Finally, the bill would authorize the BPU to adopt rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill that would be effective immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law for a period of 18 months. | In Committee |
| S4283 | Establishes State stockpile of medicine and medical supplies; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Health (department), in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management, to establish a Statewide strategic essential buffer stock for emergency preparedness and drug shortage prevention to be used and dispensed in the event of public health emergency, outbreak, or other emergency, including, but not limited to a natural disaster, man-made disaster, or mass casualty event at the local and State level. The bill defines "essential buffer stock" to mean an essential buffer stock of emergency and chronic disease medication, vaccines, and medical supplies, an essential medicine reserve, or a strategic inventory of essential medicines. Under the bill, the department, in collaboration the State Office of Emergency Management, will establish guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies items in the essential buffer stock. The bill requires the department, in consultation with the State Office of Emergency Management and other relevant agencies, define a list of entities that may receive resources from the essential buffer stock. The department may contract with a private entity for the procurement of strategic emergency readiness supplies for, and the management and distribution of, the essential buffer stock, including a virtually sequestered buffer stock. The department may contract for the reservation of supplies stored by a private vendor-managed entity for the essential buffer stock, and the distribution of those supplies to locations specified by the department, consistent with the guidelines established pursuant to the bill. The bill requires the department, in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management, and other stakeholders, as necessary, to conduct demand planning and essential buffer stock modeling to help determine which emergency readiness supplies are to be included in the essential buffer stock at the discretion of the department. In maintaining and securing supplies pursuant to the bill, the department will seek to maximize available federal and State funding to implement the provisions of this act. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the department such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S4284 | Requires prior approval from Commissioner of DOBI for rate filings for long-term care insurance issued on group basis. | This bill modifies the regulation of long-term care insurance to require that rate filings for long-term care insurance, issued on a group basis, must receive prior approval from the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. Currently, only rate filings for long-term care insurance issued on an individual basis require prior approval from the commissioner. | In Committee |
| S4271 | "Electronic Cigarette Extended Producer Responsibility Act." | This bill, to be known as the "Electronic Cigarette Extended Producer Responsibility Act," would require producers of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and their component parts to form a producer responsibility organization (PRO) and develop and implement a plan to provide for the sound disposal of e-cigarettes. The bill would require the formation of the PRO within two years after the bill's enactment. The bill would require the PRO to be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and to meet certain standards established by the bill. Within five years after the bill's enactment, the bill would require the PRO to submit an "e-cigarette stewardship plan" to the DEP. The plan would be required to, among other things, provide collection site locations Statewide that will accept post-consumer e-cigarettes such that: (1) at least 90 percent of State residents have a permanent collection site within 15 miles of their residence; (2) permanent collection sites be established for every 30,000 residents of a population center, and (3) collection sites be distributed to provide convenient and equitable access for residents within each population center. The bill would also require the PRO to charge fees to its members, in order to fund the PRO's activities and the implementation of the e-cigarette stewardship plan. The fees would be based, in part, on the quantity of e-cigarettes sold by the member in the State. The fees would also be based on the environmental impact of the e-cigarette, with, for example, lower fees being charged for reusable e-cigarettes and e-cigarettes that contain recycled content. The bill would require the DEP to approve the e-cigarette stewardship plan, according to certain procedures established in section 6 of the bill, and the bill would require the plan to be updated at least every five years. Beginning six years after the bill's effective date, the bill would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes made by producers that do not join the PRO, and the bill would establish civil penalties of $500 for producers, distributors, and retailers that sell the prohibited e-cigarettes. The bill would authorize the DEP, municipalities, and county environmental enforcement agencies to enforce this prohibition. The bill would also authorize the DEP to assess civil administrative penalties of up to $10,000 per violation for any violation of the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S4270 | Prohibits NJT from displaying advertisements that promote gambling, tobacco products, or vapor products. | This bill prohibits the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) from displaying or maintaining an advertisement that promotes gambling, tobacco products, or vapor products. Specifically, this bill prohibits NJT from displaying or maintaining any advertisement that: (1) proposes the use of, or promotes, a casino game or sports pool, unless such advertisement is promoting prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gamblers; (2) proposes the use of, or promotes, tobacco or tobacco-related products; or (3) proposes the use of, or promotes, vapor products. This bill defines "vapor product" as any device that may be used to deliver any aerosolized or vaporized substance to the person inhaling from the device, including, but not limited to, an e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, vape pen, or e-hookah. "Vapor product" includes any component, part, or accessory of the device and also includes any substance that may be aerosolized or vaporized by such device, regardless of whether the substance contains nicotine. "Vapor product" does not include any drug, device, or combination product approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration pursuant to the "Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act." | In Committee |
| S4117 | "Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act"; requires certain business entities to publicize annual greenhouse gas emissions data. | "Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act"; requires certain business entities to publicize annual greenhouse gas emissions data. | In Committee |
| S4265 | Imposes criminal liability on persons who allow minors to access firearms used to commit crimes. | This bill amends the statutes concerning community guns and the prevention of child access to firearms. Under existing law, a "community gun" is a firearm that is transferred among, between, or within any association of two or more persons who, while possessing that firearm, engage in criminal activity or use the firearm unlawfully against the person or property of another. Possessing, receiving, or transferring a community gun is a crime of the second degree. The bill amends the "community gun" definition to clarify that "any association of two or more persons" can apply to members of the same family or household. The bill also amends the definition to clarify that criminal activity may be carried out either jointly or individually. The bill also amends the child access prevention statute, which imposes criminal liability where a minor obtains an improperly stored firearm. Under existing law, allowing a minor under the age of 16 to gain access to an improperly stored loaded firearm is a disorderly persons offense. The bill extends the statute to include firearms improperly stored in motor vehicles, removes the requirement that the firearm be loaded, changes the age of 16 to the age of 18, and upgrades the offense to a crime of the third degree. Additionally, under the bill, if a minor gains access to an improperly stored firearm and, while possessing that firearm, engages in criminal activity or uses the firearm unlawfully against the person or property of another, the firearm shall be deemed to be a community gun and the person who facilitated the minor's access to the firearm will be guilty of a crime of the second degree under the community gun statute. 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. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to ten years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. It is the sponsor's intent to strengthen the child access prevention statute by extending community gun liability to parents or other adults who purposely or recklessly facilitate a minor's access to a firearm, where the minor uses that firearm to commit a crime. According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, between 70 percent and 90 percent of guns used in youth suicides, unintentional shootings among children, and school shootings perpetrated by shooters under the age of 18 are acquired from the child's home or the homes of relatives or friends. | In Committee |
| S4264 | Requires State Police to inform local law enforcement if certain prohibited persons attempt to purchase firearm or ammunition. | This bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to inform local law enforcement in a municipality in which a person resides if that person had previously been convicted of a serious crime or had a firearms seized pursuant to a domestic violence restraining order or extreme risk protection order and attempts to purchases a firearm. If the municipality in which the person resides does not have a municipal law enforcement agency, the superintendent would be required inform the appropriate commanding law enforcement officer with jurisdiction over the municipality. Current law provides that a person who is convicted of certain crimes is prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, it currently is a crime of the second degree for a person to purchase, own, possess, or control a firearm or ammunition if that person has been convicted of certain serious crimes, including: aggravated assault; arson; burglary; escape; extortion; homicide; kidnapping; robbery; aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; bias intimidation; endangering the welfare of a child; stalking; a crime involving domestic violence; certain crimes related to unlawful possession of weapons; certain crimes related to controlled dangerous substances; carjacking; gang criminality; racketeering; terroristic threats; and unlawful possession of a machine gun, handgun, or an assault firearm. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a fine of up to $150,000, imprisonment for a term of between five and 10 years, or both. A person who has had firearms seized pursuant to a domestic violence restraining order or extreme risk protection order and attempts to purchase a firearm is guilty of 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. Under the bill, if a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) reveals that a person convicted of one of these crimes attempts to purchase a firearm, the superintendent would notify a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over that person. | In Committee |
| SCR124 | Condemns President Trump's decision to withdraw U.S. from Paris Climate Accord. | This resolution condemns President Trump's decision to withdraw the United States from the Paris Climate Accord, and urges him to rejoin it. | In Committee |
| A3667 | Permits dental service corporations to be subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies. | This bill amends the current law to permit dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parents. Under the current law, a dental service corporation is prohibited from spending more than 10 percent of its assets or more than 50 percent of its surplus, whichever is less, on investments. This puts dental service corporations at a disadvantage compared to other health insurance companies, despite the fact that dental service corporations have more predictable risks of loss and thus have less need for limiting the use of company funds. Allowing dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies, while still imposing all statutory requirements on the dental service corporations themselves, would give a nonprofit parent freedom to invest funds and be better able to help its dental service corporation subsidiary compete with larger health insurance companies that offer dental services. At the same time, the dental service corporation subsidiary would still have to comply with the "Dental Service Corporation Act of 1968," including the limitation on investing company funds. By amending the current law, this bill promotes competition in the dental service market and ensures that patients are still adequately protected. | Vetoed |
| S3237 | Requires DOT to erect and maintain certain electric vehicle charging station signs. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to erect and maintain highway exit signs to assist motorists in the identification of, availability of, and direction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. The bill requires that the dimensions and location of each EV charging station highway exit sign comply with all applicable federal and State laws and meet all design and placement guidelines for such signs as established pursuant to the provisions of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways." | In Committee |
| S3466 | Extends expiration date of special appraisal process for Green Acres and farmland preservation program; provides aid for watershed lands. | An Act concerning the preservation and protection of land in the Highlands Region, amending P.L.1999, c.152, and amending and supplementing P.L.2004, c.120. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1118 | Requires use of uniform silver flags to mark certain pesticide applications. | This bill requires every commercial pesticide applicator to use uniform silver flags to mark areas on which pesticides have been applied. The flags used must be silver in color, must be a uniform size and type, must provide information in English and Spanish, and must stay in place for a minimum of 72 hours after the pesticide application. In addition, the bill would prohibit the use of silver flags to mark anything likely to be confused with a pesticide application. The exclusive color requirement is intended to distinguish pesticide flags from, among other things, those used for invisible dog fences, underground utility lines, septic tanks, and underground piping. The bill also directs the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate rules and regulations effectuating these requirements. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S843 | Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. | This bill requires the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop, in coordination with appropriate departments and agencies, a program to assist veterans in accessing evaluation and treatment for a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis related to military service. The program may include offering support and guidance, transportation, assistance filing disability compensation claims, assistance updating discharge status, health care and other services or programs available at the local, State and federal level for obtaining and addressing a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis. Under the bill, "veteran" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or a Reserve component thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard. | In Committee |
| S4193 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 to Division on Civil Rights. | This bill appropriates $3 million to the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety. This appropriation is intended to specifically fund the New Jersey Bias Investigation Access System (NJ BIAS) updates needed to ensure State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies properly and uniformly track all bias crimes. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is the State agency charged with enforcing New Jersey's civil rights laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act. The mission of DCR is to protect the people of New Jersey from discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. | In Committee |
| S3666 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | In Committee |
| SCR11 | Amends Constitution to prohibit construction of new fossil fuel power plants. | Amends Constitution to prohibit construction of new fossil fuel power plants. | In Committee |
| S2556 | Requires installation of smart thermostats in all new residential construction. | This bill would require the installation of a smart thermostat in all new residential construction. For the purposes of this bill, a "smart thermostat" is defined as a thermostat with a wireless Internet connection, which may be used alone or as part of a larger home automation platform. This type of thermostat is also commonly known as a "wi-fi thermostat." In order to obtain a construction permit for new residential construction, an applicant would be required to include provisions in the construction permit application for the installation of a smart thermostat in each residential unit to be constructed. The bill directs the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities, to adopt regulations to effectuate the purposes of this bill. These regulations would include energy efficiency standards for smart thermostats. This bill would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment into law. | In Committee |
| S4102 | Allocates $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue for preservation of land in Highlands Region. | This bill would amend and supplement the "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), to allocate $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (council) for the preservation of land in the Highlands Region. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, which dedicates six percent of the CBT for certain environmental purposes. Under the "Preserve New Jersey Act" (act), P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), of the dedicated CBT revenues allocated for open space, farmland, and historic preservation, each year: 62 percent is allocated to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for recreation and conservation purposes; 31 percent is allocated to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation; and the remaining seven percent is allocated to the New Jersey Historic Trust for historic preservation. Under this bill, $5 million of the amount allocated each year to the DEP and $2.5 million of the amount allocated to the SADC would be deposited into the "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund," a new fund created by the bill. These moneys, totaling $7.5 million each year would be used by the council to preserve lands located in the Highlands Region. | In Committee |
| S4101 | Codifies United States Supreme Court ruling that in defamation suit, public official must prove defendant had actual malice: knowledge that defendant's statement was false or reckless disregard of whether it was false. | This bill would codify the standard set by the United States Supreme Court concerning civil suits for defamation brought by public officials. In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), the court ruled that in an action for damages by a public official for defamation relating to official conduct by the public official, the public official is barred from recovery unless the public official proves that the allegedly defamatory statement was false and was made with actual malice. This bill embodies that standard. In addition, the bill codifies the longstanding common law principle that proof of the truthfulness of an allegedly defamatory statement is an absolute defense against any recovery by the public official. As noted by the court: "The First Amendment requires that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide open, and such debate may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials." See Sullivan at 270. | In Committee |
| SCR123 | Strongly condemns decision of President Trump to permit immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. | This concurrent resolution condemns the decision of President Donald J. Trump to rescind the longstanding federal policy of prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from taking action in sensitive locations, which included: schools; places of worship; hospitals and other healthcare facilities; shelters; relief centers; and public demonstrations, like rallies and protests. These sensitive locations have long been recognized as safe havens essential for public trust and the well-being of our communities. Removing the protected status of these locations undermines this trust and prohibits vulnerable individuals from accessing critical resources and service. This resolution condemns the decision of President Donald J. Trump to rescind longstanding federal policy and reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to providing equal access to essential services. | In Committee |
| S1125 | 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. | In Committee |
| S2844 | Establishes Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program. | This bill establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program. The program is to provide scholarships to eligible students who are employed in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages. To be eligible to participate in the program, a student is required to: have graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in the State in the past year or plan to graduate within six months of the date of application; be a resident of the State; be a United States citizen; be employed full-time in a paid position in an eligible public service sector providing, at a minimum, an hourly wage commensurate with the State minimum wage or be placed in an open position in a public service sector; and meet any other minimum qualifications as determined by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Placement positions are required to, at a minimum, pay an hourly rate commensurate with the State's minimum wage. The bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce development to establish a list of eligible public service sectors experiencing critical workforce shortages, which may include employment in hospitals or public schools or employment as a crossing guard or first responder. Under the bill, an eligible student who completes one-year of full-time employment in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages is to receive a scholarship toward the cost of attendance for study at a public institution of higher education in the State for two academic years, not to exceed $25,000 total. An eligible student who completes two-years of full-time employment in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages is to receive a scholarship toward the cost of cost of attendance for study at a public institution of higher education in the State for four academic years, not to exceed $50,000 total. To be eligible to receive the scholarship upon completion of each year of full-time employment as required by the program, a program participant is required to: maintain residency in the State; apply and be accepted to a full-time degree granting program at a public institution of higher education; and have applied for all other available forms of State and federal financial aid, excluding loans. Finally, the bill stipulates that a program participant's scholarship be terminated and required to be repaid if a program participant is dismissed from the public institution of higher education for academic or disciplinary reasons, or withdraws from the institution without approval from the authority. The bill also stipulates that the scholarship is to be terminated if the program participant who has received approval from the authority and withdraws due to illness, the illness of a member of the student's immediate family, or a family emergency, and the program participant would not be required to repay the scholarship. Under the bill, scholarship funds that exceed a program participant's cost of attendance are permitted to be remitted to the program participant. | In Committee |
| S1138 | Permits dental service corporations to be subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies. | This bill amends the current law to permit dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parents. Under the current law, a dental service corporation is prohibited from spending more than 10 percent of its assets or more than 50 percent of its surplus, whichever is less, on investments. This puts dental service corporations at a disadvantage compared to other health insurance companies, despite the fact that dental service corporations have more predictable risks of loss and thus have less need for limiting the use of company funds. Allowing dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies, while still imposing all statutory requirements on the dental service corporations themselves, would give a nonprofit parent freedom to invest funds and be better able to help its dental service corporation subsidiary compete with larger health insurance companies that offer dental services. At the same time, the dental service corporation subsidiary would still have to comply with the "Dental Service Corporation Act of 1968," including the limitation on investing company funds. By amending the current law, this bill promotes competition in the dental service market and ensures that patients are still adequately protected. | 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 |
| S1285 | Makes disabled persons receiving disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act eligible to receive homestead property tax reimbursement. | This bill would make disabled persons who receive disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act, (45 U.S.C. s. 231 et seq.), eligible to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement. Under current law, only disabled persons who receive monetary payments pursuant to Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.401 et seq.) are eligible to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement. | In Committee |
| S4040 | Requires public entities purchase five percent of goods and services from Central Nonprofit Agency; requires Division of Purchase and Property establish training protocols for all purchasing agents; grants Central Nonprofit Agency right of first refusal. | Under current law, State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State that are authorized to purchase goods and services are required to make a good faith effort to purchase five percent of such goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, an agency established by the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." Under the bill, such State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State will be required to purchase five percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The bill clarifies reporting and oversight requirements. Under the bill, the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury must submit a report of purchasing data to the Central Nonprofit Agency for the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside program no more than six months after the effective date of this bill, and on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, the Department of the Treasury will be required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the compliance of State and local government entities and political subdivisions with the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Division of Purchase and Property, in collaboration with the Central Nonprofit Agency, must establish training protocols for all purchasing agents employed by State or local government entities or political subdivisions required to meet the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Central Nonprofit Agency will have a right of first refusal for all goods and services that may otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog so long as the Central Nonprofit Agency can deliver the goods or services that would otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog at a price that is within 15 percent of fair market value. The "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" assists persons who are blind or have a severe disability with achieving maximum personal independence through productive employment by assuring a continuous market for their goods and services, which are produced at qualified rehabilitation facilities and distributed through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The Central Nonprofit Agency is designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to facilitate the distribution of orders received from various State agencies as provided in the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." This bill furthers the goals of the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" to assist in the productive employment of individuals with special needs. | In Committee |
| S3997 | Provides PERS members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and transfers all current non-retired members of PERS to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of PERS. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to PERS, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to PERS. Any years of service credit transferred to PERS from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with PERS, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into PERS and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to PERS within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to PERS. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of PERS who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of PERS will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| S3998 | Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and transfers all current non-retired members of TPAF to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of TPAF. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to TPAF, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to TPAF. Any years of service credit transferred to TPAF from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with TPAF, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into TPAF and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to TPAF within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to TPAF. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of TPAF who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of TPAF will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S361 | Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission." | Establishes "New Jersey Target Zero Commission." | In Committee |
| S2402 | Establishes New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program. The bill establishes a grant program in the Economic Development Authority that will support veterans' organizations and their building needs, throughout the State. These organizations, such as VFW posts, could be in need of new buildings or could have buildings that are in need of repair. Grants will be awarded when the buildings are used to assist veterans. In order to award the grants, this bill establishes a fund in the Department of the Treasury, to be known as the "Veterans' Organization Building Grant Fund." This grant program will be funded by the Legislature through yearly appropriations to the fund. The grant program also allows New Jersey taxpayers to voluntarily contribute a portion of their tax refund, or enclose a separate contribution, for the fund. There is appropriated from the General Fund $2,000,000 to the Economic Development Authority to fund the "Veterans' Organization Building Grant Program." | In Committee |
| S3967 | Provides cancer and cardiovascular screenings to law enforcement officers; establishes fund; appropriates $20 million. | This bill provides cancer and cardiovascular disease screenings to law enforcement officers. The screenings will be conducted by a physician not less than three years after the start of the law enforcement officer's employment as a law enforcement officer and every three years thereafter during the course of the law enforcement officer's employment. The screenings will be for colon, lung, bladder, oral, thyroid, skin, blood, breast, cervical, testicular, and prostate cancers. The bill also provides reimbursement to public employers of up to $2,500 for law enforcement officers who are enrolled in a healthcare plan other than SHBP through their public employer. The bill establishes a dedicated, non-lapsing fund called the "SHBP Law Enforcement Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Screenings Fund" to offset the costs of the cancer and cardiovascular screenings for law enforcement officers provided for in the bill. The bill establishes a $10 motor vehicle summons surcharge to be applied to each motor vehicle fine and penalty imposed and collected through a court under authority of any motor vehicle or traffic violation in the State. The $10 surcharge will be deposited in the law enforcement fund. The bill also appropriates $20 million to be deposited into the law enforcement fund. | In Committee |
| S3975 | Provides gross income tax exclusion for military compensation paid to State residents for out-of-State military service. | This bill allows a gross income tax exclusion for certain military compensation paid to members of the United States Armed Forces who are domiciled in New Jersey but who serve their military duty at a station or deployment outside of the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months of the taxable year. | In Committee |
| S3972 | Revises penalty for underage gambling to be civil penalty; provides for all associated fines to be used for gambling addiction treatment. | Under current law, anyone who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility while under the legal age of 21 is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble, while they are in that person's legal care or custody, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble is guilty of a disorderly persons offense as well. This bill changes the penalties for each of these actions from that of a disorderly persons offense, which is of a criminal nature, to instead be a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for the second offense, and up to $2,000 for any offense thereafter. The fines collected will used for prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S3545 | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | In Committee |
| S3802 | Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content. | This bill would require State-funded construction projects carried out by the State, a county, or a municipality to incorporate plastic construction materials that contain 10 percent postconsumer recycled content until two years after the bill's enactment, and 15 percent thereafter. The bill would apply to construction materials that contain greater than 50 percent plastic, calculated by cost. The bill defines "construction material" as an article, material, or supply that is brought to the site of a construction project for incorporation into the building or work, which meets applicable standards related to performance and is of a satisfactory quality. The bill would provide exemptions to the bill's postconsumer recycled content requirements if: (1) the use of plastic construction material that contains the necessary recycled content would increase the overall cost of the project by 25 percent, or (2) plastic construction materials that contain the necessary recycled content do not exist for the intended application, or are not available in sufficient quantities. | In Committee |
| S3494 | Requires four-year public institution of higher education to develop and implement reproductive health services plan; requires county college to develop referral network for reproductive health care services. | This bill requires four-year public institutions of higher education to develop and implement a reproductive health services plan. Pursuant to the bill, the plan is required to include: making available on-campus services provided by health care professionals, or referrals to off-campus services provided by health care professionals or health care facilities, for: obtaining contraception, including non-prescription and prescription emergency contraception and pharmacist authorized, self-administered hormonal contraceptives; services for preventing, testing for, and treating sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; prenatal care; and abortion. The plan is also required to include: methods to provide students with 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception through the student health center, on-campus retail establishments, or vending machines; the provision of evidence-based reproductive health education services provided by the student health center, peer educators, or other health education programs; and the development of a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus health care services located within the county that the four-year institution of higher education is located. The bill also requires county colleges to develop a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus reproductive health care services in the county in which the county college is located in. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services, to develop guidelines to assist public institutions of higher education in developing and implementing a reproductive health services plan and county colleges in developing the referral network. Finally, the bill stipulates that the provisions of the bill are not to be construed to require a public institution of higher education to be a direct provider of reproductive health care services, including abortion. | In Committee |
| S3496 | Provides for voluntary contributions for taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support reproductive health care services. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" and provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund to support equitable access to reproductive health care services for individuals who cannot afford them. Under the bill, the State would be required to annually appropriate the amounts deposited into the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" for distribution, in equal amounts, to the three largest providers of reproductive health care services to Medicaid patients in the State during the previous calendar year, as determined by the Commissioner of Health. The bill requires these monies to be used to provide reproductive health care services to individuals who cannot afford such services. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" to mean medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including services relating to pregnancy or the termination of a pregnancy. | In Committee |
| A3446 | "Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians. | An Act concerning public school libraries and public libraries and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3492 | Creates "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to strengthen access to reproductive health care. | This bill implements various measures to strengthen access to reproductive health care services in the State and establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to address those purposes. The fund will be used for the following purposes: (1 "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program"; (2) "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program"; and (3) "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program". The purpose of the "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program" established in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety will be to protect access to reproductive health care by ensuring that there are sufficient number of health care professionals to provide reproductive health care services. For instance, the program will ensure that the coordinating organization has demonstrated experience in coordinating health care training programs for reproductive health care services and family planning services. The coordinating organization will also be responsible for administering grants to develop and sustain reproductive health care services. The bill provides that the "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will make available grants to eligible reproductive health care facilities which the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness determines are at a high risk of being the target of unlawful activity, including acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, cyber attacks, and harassment. Grants provided under the program will be used to hire security personnel and target-hardening equipment. Further, the "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program" will award loans to eligible reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care services. Under the bill, loans awarded will be used to support establishing or renovating existing health care facilities, investments in technology to facilitate care, the recruitment and retention of staff, and other operational needs that increase reproductive health care services. The bill requires that the Department of Health conduct a Statewide needs assessment to examine the gaps in access and delivery of reproductive health care services in the State, including the impact that out-of-State restrictions have had on the need for reproductive health care services and the provider network in the State. Finally, the bill appropriates monies from the General Fund, subject to availability, to the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund." The FY 2024 Appropriations Act includes a $5 million appropriation for OBGYN Clinical Training Program to provide training to licensed members of the health care community. Another $5 million in FY 2024 is appropriated for the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program toward securing clinics. These grants support reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care with target hardening support. The FY 2024 Governor's Budget recommends language in which the Office of Homeland Security Preparedness will receive reimbursement to administer the grant. | In Committee |
| S3493 | Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. | This bill requires health care providers, business associates of a covered entity, and carriers to receive affirmative written consent in order to disclose a patient's or covered person's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. Under the bill: "health care provider" means an individual or entity which, acting within the scope of its licensure or certification, provides a health care service; a "business associate of a covered entity" means the same as those terms are defined under federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act" rules, or a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities that involve the use or disclosure of protected health information on behalf of, or provides services to, health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers; "carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State; and "reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system including, but not limited to, services relating to pregnancy, contraception, or termination of a pregnancy. Specifically, this bill prohibits a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier from intentionally sharing, selling, using for marketing, or otherwise disclosing any personally identifiable medical information regarding reproductive health care services for any purpose not necessary to provide, or pay benefits for, those services, without the affirmative written consent of the patient or the covered person, or an authorized legal representative. Under the bill, "Medical information" includes information that is acquired using in-person or telephone communication, submitted documentation, a mobile application, an Internet website, or a wearable device. Further, "affirmative written consent" means a freely given, specific agreement collected on a standalone form, which clearly states to the patient how records containing medical information could be used and to whom the contents of the records could be disclosed, and allows the patient to refuse consent for specific disclosures. The bill further mandates that a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier are required to inform a patient or a covered person, or authorized legal representative, of the right to withhold such affirmative written consent at or before the time reproductive health care services are rendered or at such time as the covered person discloses any information relating to reproductive health care services that have been previously rendered. The bill allows for disclosure without affirmative written consent under certain circumstances. These exceptions include when disclosure is: 1) to medical personnel to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency; 2) to the extent that the health care provider or carrier is a covered entity and the disclosure is made to a business associate under a valid business associate agreement; 3) as required to comply with the laws of this State, federal law, or the Rules of Court; 4) pursuant to a court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State upon a showing of good cause; 5) by a health care provider or carrier against whom a claim has been made, for use in the defense of the action or proceeding; 6) to certain State entities or licensing boards for records of a patient or covered person in connection with an investigation of a complaint, if the records are related to the complaint; 7) to a federal or State agency charged with investigating known or, in good faith, suspected child abuse, abuse of an elderly individual, abuse of an individual who is incapacitated, or abuse of an individual with a physical or mental disability, if such disclosure is requested in connection with an investigation of abuse that would constitute a crime under the laws of this State and such records are related to such investigation; and 8) pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioners of Health and Banking and Insurance. Under the bill, if a court of competent jurisdiction finds that a health care provider or carrier has violated the provisions of this bill, the court may award damages, computed at a rate of $1,000 per violation, reasonable attorney's fees, and the costs incurred in maintaining that civil action. Finally, nothing contained in the bill is to be construed to limit, diminish, or abrogate the rights of a person under the federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-191 or the obligations of a health care provider or carrier under that law. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S2421 | "Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians. | "Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians. | In Committee |
| SJR94 | Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. | On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others. The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed, and the designation of October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" would allow New Jersey residents to annually recognize the victims of that mass shooting and honor their memories. | Crossed Over |
| SJR12 | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | Designates October of each year as "Hindu Heritage Month" in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S1887 | Creates offense of financial exploitation of the elderly. | Creates offense of financial exploitation of the elderly. | Crossed Over |
| S3843 | Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial group health insurers; health maintenance organizations, and health benefits plans issued pursuant to the Individual Health Coverage Program and the Small Employer Health Benefits Program) and group health plans that provide dependent coverage of children to continue to make that coverage available for adult children who are 26 years of age or older if the child is: (1) incapable of self-sustaining employment by reason of intellectual disability or physical handicap; (2) and is chiefly dependent upon the subscriber for support and maintenance. | In Committee |
| S3842 | "Patient and Provider Protection Act." | This bill, the "Patient and Provider Protection Act," establishes certain requirements for pharmacy benefits managers relating to contractual agreements with manufacturers and pharmacies. Under the bill, pharmacy benefits managers have a fiduciary duty to the long term health outcomes of covered persons. In addition, pharmacy benefits managers are prohibited from engaging in any marketing activity that uses inaccurate or misleading information to convince or attempt to convince covered persons to use a contracted or network pharmacy. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that an agreement between a pharmacy benefits manager and a manufacturer is not valid if the contract conditions any rebate on the exclusion of generic drugs from coverage. As it relates to pharmacy benefits managers and pharmacies, the bill stipulates that a contract between a pharmacy benefits manager and a contracted pharmacy or network pharmacy is, in the event of a dispute, to be presumed to be a "contract of adhesion." A contract of adhesion is a standardized contract in which one party has significantly superior bargaining power. In a contractual dispute involving a contract of adhesion, the courts may subject the contract to special scrutiny. The bill also requires pharmacy benefits managers, for a prescription drug, to reimburse: (1) a contracted pharmacy or a network pharmacy at a rate that is at least equal to the pharmacy's cost of acquiring the prescription drug; and (2) an independent pharmacy at a rate that is up to five percent lower than the lowest reimbursement rate provided to a contracted pharmacy or a network pharmacy, but not less than the pharmacy's cost of acquiring the prescription drug. The bill also stipulates that a pharmacy benefits manager may not prohibit an independent pharmacy from offering a prescription drug to a covered person in the same quantity and at the same price as a contracted pharmacy or a network pharmacy. Lastly, the bill stipulates that a pharmacy and therapeutics committee is to ensure that no decision concerning the inclusion of a prescription drug in a formulary system, or in a particular tier of the formulary system, places a prescription drug with a higher cost in a more favorable position than a generic or biosimilar prescription drug with a lower cost. | 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 |
| S2433 | Requires paint producers to implement or participate in paint stewardship program. | This bill requires every producer of architectural paint sold in the State to implement, or participate in, a Statewide architectural paint stewardship program. The bill requires every architectural paint producer, or a representative organization established on behalf of two or more such producers, to develop and implement a plan for an architectural paint stewardship program designed to minimize the involvement of, and eliminate costs to, the public sector in association with the collection, transportation and processing of post-consumer architectural paint by reducing its generation, promoting its reuse and recycling, and negotiating and executing agreements for its collection, transportation, reuse, recycling, burning for energy recovery, incineration, and disposal using environmentally sound management practices that are consistent with the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Waste Management Hierarchy (federal waste management hierarchy), a four-tiered hierarchy that guides waste management by promoting source reduction, recycling, energy recovery, and waste treatment and disposal, in that order. The bill requires any such plan to: (1) provide for convenient and available Statewide collection of post-consumer architectural paint from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State in a manner that, at a minimum, ensures collection rates and a level of convenience equal to or greater than that provided by other collection programs available to consumers prior to the establishment of the architectural paint stewardship program; (2) provide collection site locations Statewide that will accept post-consumer architectural paint; (3) address, to the extent reasonably feasible and mutually agreeable, the coordination of the architectural paint stewardship program with the existing infrastructure of local governments and the existing household hazardous waste collection infrastructure in the State, to the extent that there are no additional costs to the local, county, or State government, for the collection, transportation, or processing of post-consumer architectural paint; (4) describe how the program will follow a hierarchy that is consistent, to the extent feasible, with the federal waste management hierarchy; (5) describe the educational materials and outreach efforts that would be used to inform consumers about the architectural paint stewardship program and the paint stewardship assessment including a notice provision stating that the costs of program operation will be included in the purchase price of all architectural paint sold in the State; (6) identify an appropriate amount for the paint stewardship assessment; (7) provide two lists respectively identifying each producer participating in the architectural paint stewardship program, and the brands of architectural paint included under the program; and (8) include a proposed budget that has been reviewed and certified by an independent financial auditor, and which confirms that the paint stewardship assessment included in the price of each unit of paint sold in the State will cover and sustain, but not exceed, the costs of the architectural paint stewardship program. No sooner than five years and no later than six years, after the effective date of this act, all architectural paint stewardship plans would be required to be amended to provide for the environmentally sound collection, transportation, reuse, recycling and disposal of aerosol paint. Under the bill, a producer or representative organization is also required to establish, as a funding mechanism for the program and the implementation of its plan, and to include in the program plan, a paint stewardship assessment amount that is uniformly included in the sale price of all brands of architectural paint covered under the architectural paint stewardship program. The bill prohibits the assessment amount from exceeding the costs of implementing and sustaining the architectural paint stewardship plan and the architectural paint stewardship program. Each producer is required to include the paint stewardship assessment in the cost of each container of architectural paint sold thereby to a retailer or distributor in the State, and each retailer or distributor is then required to include the paint stewardship assessment in the purchase price of the producer's architectural paint. If a producer is a member of a representative organization, the producer is required to remit to the representative organization the paint stewardship assessment received for each container of architectural paint sold by the producer in the State. The bill requires an architectural paint stewardship program plan to be submitted to the DEP for approval prior to its implementation by a paint producer or representative organization. The bill authorizes the DEP to approve or disapprove of a proposed plan. If the DEP disapproves of a plan, the bill provides a procedure for subsequent plan revision by the producer or representative organization, and DEP review of the revised plan. If the DEP is dissatisfied with a revised plan, the bill authorizes the DEP, in the interests of expediency, to propose any modifications or substitutions to the plan's provisions it deems necessary. The bill requires notice to the DEP if there are any changes to the location or number of collection sites, the identity of the processors that manage the post-consumer architectural paint, or the transporters of the post-consumer architectural paint collected by the program. An amendment to the plan is required if there is any change to the amount of the paint stewardship assessment or the goals of the architectural paint stewardship program. The bill directs the DEP to charge and collect from each producer or representative organization that submits a plan pursuant to the bill an annual administrative fee, not to exceed the DEP's costs in administering the provisions of the bill. The bill requires a producer or representative organization to implement the program described in a proposed plan within 90 days after its approval or modification by the DEP. The producer or representative organization is further required to submit an annual report to the DEP, which describes or includes, among other things: the pounds of post-architectural paint collected in the State; the methods used to collect, transport, reduce, reuse, recycle, and process post-consumer architectural paint; a list of all producers participating in the program; the estimated volume collected at each collection site; a list of the processors of post-consumer architectural paint and the disposition method used by each processor; an evaluation of the effectiveness of the program and any steps necessary to improve the program; samples of the educational materials provided to consumers of architectural paint; and a certification to the validity of the information contained in the report. The bill prohibits a producer, distributor, or retailer of architectural paint from selling architectural paint, or offering it for sale, in the State unless the producer of the paint, or a representative organization of which the producer is a member, is engaged in the implementation of, or has fully implemented, an architectural paint stewardship program plan or revised plan approved by the DEP commissioner. A distributor or retailer is deemed to be in compliance with this sales prohibition if, on the date architectural paint is ordered thereby, the producer of the paint and the brand name of the paint are each identified on the DEP's Internet website as being included in an architectural paint stewardship program plan. The bill provides that any producer, distributor, or retailer who fails to comply with the bill's sales prohibition is subject to a written warning for a first offense, and a penalty of $500 for each subsequent offense. The bill authorizes the DEP to institute a civil action for injunctive relief to prevent a continuing violation of this sales prohibition. However, in order to allow time for the submission, approval, or modification of the plans required by the bill, the sales prohibition and penalty provision do not take effect until the first day of the 18th month following enactment of the bill into law. The bill also provides that when the DEP determines that any producer, distributor, or retailer is in violation of the bill's provisions, the DEP may assess a civil administrative penalty of not more than $500 for each violation, not to exceed a maximum penalty of $10,000 during a calendar year, and each day of violation would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct violation. A civil administrative penalty would not be levied until a violator has been notified by certified mail or personal service of the following: the statutory or regulatory basis of the violation; the specific act or omission that constituted the violation; the amount of the civil administrative penalty to be imposed; the right of the violator to contest, through a hearing, any matter contained in the notice; and the procedures for requesting a hearing on any contested matter. The bill also provides that the DEP may post on its Internet website a list of producers, distributors, and retailers that are in violation of this act. Finally, the bill specifies that a producer or the representative organization participating in a post-consumer paint stewardship program will not be liable for any claim of a violation of antitrust, restraint of trade, unfair trade practice, or other anticompetitive conduct arising from conduct undertaken in accordance with the program, including, without limitation, the types or quantities of paint being managed consistent with the federal waste management hierarchy. This protection against antitrust liability is, however, not applicable to: (1) any agreement establishing or affecting the price of architectural paint, except an agreement to establish a paint stewardship assessment, as authorized by the bill; or (2) any agreement restricting the output or production of architectural paint or the geographic area or customers to which paint will be sold. | In Committee |
| S3195 | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | In Committee |
| S3043 | Revises provisions of "Dry Cell Battery Management Act." | This bill would revise the provisions of the "Dry Cell Battery Management Act," P.L.1991, c.521 (C.13:1E-99.59 et seq.) to expand the types of batteries and consumer products that are covered under this law. The bill would amend most of the provisions of the "Dry Cell Battery Management Act" to provide that the law would apply to "covered batteries," rather than to mercuric oxide batteries, nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries and sealed lead rechargeable batteries, as in current law. The bill would define a "covered battery" as a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery that weighs up to 25 pounds or a rechargeable battery that stores up to 2000 watt-hours of energy, whether embedded in a product or sold separately. This would entail, among other things, that persons would be prohibited from selling a covered battery or a battery-embedded product unless the manufacturer of the battery or product, as applicable, has developed a battery management plan, which has been approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would require each manufacturer of a covered battery to submit a battery management plan to the DEP no later than nine months after the bill's enactment. The bill would also modify the provisions of the "Dry Cell Battery Management Act" to prohibit the use of curbside recycling for the collection of covered batteries, and to require additional items be included in a battery management plan, including a requirement that each manufacturer provide for at least one permanent collection site for used, portable, covered batteries within a 15-mile radius of no less than 95 percent of the residents of the State, and within a 25-mile radius of each resident of the State. The bill would delete a provision of current law that requires retailers to accept used nickel-cadmium and sealed lead rechargeable batteries from customers. The bill would also delete a provision in current law that requires retailers to post certain signage regarding nickel-cadmium and sealed lead rechargeable batteries in their retail establishments. In addition, the bill would repeal section 6 of P.L.1991, c.521 (C.13:1E-99.64), which prohibits persons from selling certain rechargeable consumer products, unless certain conditions are met, including that the rechargeable battery is readily removable from the product. | In Committee |
| S1475 | "Consumer Legal Funding Act." | "Consumer Legal Funding Act." | In Committee |
| S3785 | Creates Office of Nonprofit Ombudsperson in Department of Treasury; appropriates $329,000. | This bill creates the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson in but not of the Department of the Treasury. The purpose of the ombudsperson is to provide information and assistance to, and act as an advocate for, nonprofit organizations interacting with State agencies. The office will be independent of any supervision or control by the Department of the Treasury or any board or officer thereof, or any other cabinet-level department, board, or officer thereof. Under the bill, the Governor will appoint a Nonprofit Ombudsperson, who is qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office, and be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity who is skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism. The ombudsperson will organize and direct the work of the office, including creating and maintaining a website, and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The ombudsperson will: 1) participate in, monitor, and report on the participating State agencies' compliance with the nonprofit information center portal established in the Department of State that provides information accessible on the internet for nonprofit organizations regarding various resources available to assist them in their daily operations; 2) communicate and consult regularly with nonprofit organizations operating in the State and associations representing these nonprofit organizations; 3) provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations to assist in compliance with the regulations of State agencies; 4) investigate complaints from nonprofit organizations about State agencies, and assist these nonprofit organizations in seeking a resolution; 5) report nonprofit organizations' concerns and recommendations to the heads of the various State agencies; and 6) develop and share innovative procurement and contracting practices to increase opportunities for nonprofit organizations. The bill also amends the law that created the nonprofit information center portal in the Department of State to provide information accessible on the internet for nonprofit organizations. The bill requires the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson to participate in the nonprofit information center portal and monitor the designated home website of each department and agency participating in the nonprofit information center portal. The bill requires the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the activities and compliance issues of State agencies with respect to the requirements of the law establishing the nonprofit information center portal. Finally, the bill appropriates $329,000 from the General Fund to the Department of the Treasury to support the costs of establishing and operating the Office of the Nonprofit Ombudsperson. | In Committee |
| S3786 | 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 |
| S3792 | Designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" in NJ; encourages DOE to provide resources on water safety. | This bill designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" to raise awareness for safe water practices and accident and drowning prevention. The bill encourages the Department of Education (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), to provide resources to school districts to hold presentations and educational activities during "Water Safety Month" for students in grades kindergarten through five to provide water safety education. The bill stipulates that the presentations and educational activities may be held in partnership with nonprofit organizations. The bill also encourages the DOE, in consultation with the DOH, to provide resources to public schools to educate students on water safety. | In Committee |
| S3793 | Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters. | This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations act to provide $750,000 in supplemental funding to the Office of the Public Defender's (OPD) Trial Services to Indigents program. The OPD is in-but-not-of the Department of Treasury. More specifically, the funding will provide for eight additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile post-dispositional work and juvenile caseload reduction in some of the highest volume regions, namely, Essex and Atlantic counties. According to the OPD, youth custodial sentences are on the rise. In 2022, New Jersey had 277 youth in custody. As of April 4, 2024, there were 339. The OPD notes that the length of stay is also on the rise. For example, in Atlantic County, the length of a custodial sentence for a juvenile has increased by 359 percent between 2022 and 2024. The OPD estimates a 25-30 percent increase in youth defense caseloads in the next fiscal year. P.L.2021, c.383 expanded the mandate of the OPD to require representation of juvenile defendants, many of whom are on the cusp of reentering society as adults. This has resulted in an increase in juvenile cases for the OPD. | In Committee |
| S3791 | 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 |
| S3763 | Requires physicians and certain hospital employees to complete training on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. | This bill requires physicians and certain hospital employees to complete training on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Under the bill, the State Board of Medical Examiners is to require that the number of credits of continuing medical education required of each person licensed as a physician include one credit of educational programs or topics concerning communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The bill provides that the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services is to create a dedicated training and outreach unit to develop and administer a training program on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing for individuals who work in the emergency department of a general hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.). In consultation with the Division of Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services, the emergency department of a general hospital licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.) is to develop a training protocol on proper communication and treatment of individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing for employees who may interact with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing during the course of employment in the emergency department. | In Committee |
| S3687 | 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 Depford 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 |
| S3672 | Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." | This bill creates a uniform code for State and local government entities, as well as health care facilities, regarding the use of resources to aid federal immigration law enforcement, and designates the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." Under the bill, the definition of government entities includes any of the principal departments of the executive branch of State government and any parts or creations thereof, any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency, including any public institution of higher education. The bill's definition also includes political subdivisions of the State and combinations of political subdivisions, independent authorities, commissions, instrumentalities and agencies created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions. Under the bill, government entities and healthcare facilities are prohibited from collecting certain personal and identifying information unless it is strictly necessary for program or service administration. Any record resulting from that collection, whether written or oral, would not be a government record under the "Open Public Records Act" unless an election agency requires it to ascertain the eligibility of a candidate when citizenship is required for an elected office. Any record also shall not be disclosed except as required to administer benefits or services pursuant to State or federal law, or valid court order or warrant, issued by a federal Article III judge or magistrate or the State equivalent. The bill provides that the prohibition on sharing information may be waived if the subject of the record or information provides written consent in that person's preferred language. The written consent shall include the following: (1) the exact record or information to be shared; (2) the purpose for sharing the record or information; (3) a statement clarifying that consent is voluntary and declining to consent shall not result in discrimination or retaliation by the government entity; (4) a statement clarifying that consent may be revoked, but that revocation does not impact a record or information already shared via prior written consent provided pursuant to this section; and (5) the person or agency to receive the record or information. The bill requires government entities to review their confidentiality policies, guidance and recommendations to identify any changes necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the bill and make any changes as expeditiously as possible, but no later than one year after the bill becomes effective. The bill also requires these entities to share their policies prominently on their Internet websites. This bill also requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Public Defender, to prepare a written notice explaining in plain language the provisions of section 6 of the bill. Section 6 of the bill details the prohibition of certain actions by law enforcement. The bill requires the notice and all translations to be posted to the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety and to be considered vital documents pursuant to P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.). The Attorney General is also required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities in the development of standardized training and guidance for law enforcement to comply with the bill's provisions. The AG also shall provide mandatory training to all State, county and local law enforcement agencies within one year of the bill's effective date. Any newly sworn officer is required to complete this training within a year of the officer's appointment. The Department of Human Services is required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities to develop and lead a multilingual campaign to promote public awareness of the bill's requirements for law enforcement agencies. As part of the awareness campaign, DHS is required to publish the text of section 6 of the bill's provisions and a plain language summary and explanation of those requirements on its Internet website within 180 days of the bill's enactment. . Under the bill, the Attorney General is also required to consult with other government entities and stakeholders in the development of model policies for sensitive locations. These locations include health care facilities, public schools, public libraries, shelters, and any other locations deemed appropriate by the Attorney General to ensure that eligible individuals are not deterred from seeking services or engaging with government entities. The model policies prohibit the request or collection of certain information regarding a person's immigration status, place of birth or taxpayer identification except to determine eligibility for services or program benefits. The model policies prohibit assistance or participation of immigration enforcement, and prohibit the permission of immigration enforcement on entity premises that are not open without restriction to the general public. The Attorney General is required to publish the model policies on the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires government entities with authority to regulate sensitive places to adopt the model policies within 180 days of issuance by the Attorney General's office and encourages facilities not regulated by government entities to adopt the policies. The bill prohibits certain actions by law enforcement. Specifically, State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officials shall not: (1) stop, question, arrest, search, or detain any individual based on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status, or actual or suspected violations of federal civil immigration law; (2) inquire about an individual's immigration status, citizenship, place of birth, or eligibility for a social security number; (3) make an arrest, detain, or prolong the detention of an individual based on civil immigration warrants; (4) use agency or department moneys, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin; or (5) make agency or department databases available to anyone or any entity for the purpose of immigration enforcement or investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin. The bill nullifies any agreement, policy or practice in place that permits in conflict with this clause. Law enforcement agencies in the State are also prohibited from: (1) participating in civil immigration enforcement operations; (2) providing to federal immigration authorities any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular person; (3) providing access to any State, county, or municipal law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property; (4) providing access to a detained individual for an interview; (5) facilitating or complying with immigration detainers, notification requests, and transfer requests from federal immigration authorities; (6) continuing to detain a person past the time the person would otherwise be eligible for release from custody based solely on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant; (7) entering into, modifying, renewing, or extending any agreement to exercise federal immigration authority or conduct immigration enforcement pursuant to section 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g), or otherwise exercising federal civil immigration authority or conducting immigration enforcement outside of the purview of 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g); or (8) providing or sharing funds, property, equipment, personnel, or access to facilities or real property not open to the general public for purposes of engaging in, assisting, supporting, or facilitating immigration enforcement. The bill provides that violations of the prohibitions on police conduct in the bill would be enforceable under the "New Jersey Civil Rights Act," P.L.2004, c.143. If an agency or law enforcement official intends to comply with an immigration detainer, notification request, civil immigration warrant, or transfer request concerning a person in custody, a written explanation specifying the legal basis for that action is required to be given to the person is custody. Lastly, the bill requires each State, county, and municipal law enforcement agency to submit to the Attorney General a report that includes: (1) the number of detainer requests, transfer requests, and notification requests made by immigration authorities, and the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. For any request that was granted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting that request; (2) the number of interviews requested and the number of interviews conducted, either in person or telephonically, by immigration authorities of people in State, county, or municipal law enforcement custody. For each interview conducted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting the interview; (3) any other requests made by immigration authorities for the agency's participation in immigration enforcement, the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, and the legal basis for granting the request; and (4) to the extent the law enforcement agency has knowledge, any information about State, county, and municipal databases to which immigration authorities have had access to at any time in the course of the year, including: the name of the database; an overview of information available on the database; the purpose for which immigration authorities have access to this database; the process through which immigration authorities requested access and agencies reviewed this request, if applicable; any legal basis for providing immigration authorities access to the database; and the frequency with which immigration authorities accessed the database over the course of the year. Law enforcement agencies have 180 days after the effective date of the bill to produce the first report and must then annually submit a report within 30 days of the end of the State's fiscal year. The Attorney General is initially required to publish the report on the office's website within 90 days of receipt, and then within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year thereafter. The Attorney General is also required to annually submit to the Governor and Legislature a report on each law enforcement agency's compliance with the provisions of this act. | In Committee |
| S3698 | Permits surviving spouse of retired member of PFRS to be enrolled in SHBP and to continue to receive pension benefit after remarriage in certain circumstances. | Under this bill, certain surviving spouses of retired members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) will receive State-paid health care benefits through the State Health Benefits Program and a continuation of pension benefits after remarriage. The surviving spouse of a retired member of the PFRS who died prior to, on, or after the effective date of this bill and who was receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance at the time of death will be eligible to enroll for health care benefits coverage in the State Health Benefits Program after the effective date of this bill and the annual premiums for such coverage for the surviving spouse and any dependent children will be paid in full by the State. Such a surviving spouse will also be eligible to continue to receive upon remarriage the pension benefit provided by current law to surviving spouses of deceased retired members. The State will be responsible for any increase in contributions to the retirement system required of employers other than the State due to the continuation of the payment of the pension benefit after remarriage. This bill will only apply if the surviving spouse provides documentation, approved by the Board of Trustees of the PFRS, demonstrating that the injury that caused the disability, the complications from that disability, or the aggravation or acceleration of a preexisting condition caused by the disability was a significant contributing factor in the retired member's death. An eligible surviving spouse whose pension was terminated due to remarriage prior to the effective date of this bill may apply to the board to have the pension benefit reinstated and payable again commencing from the date of application. | In Committee |
| S3655 | Authorizes Division of Gaming Enforcement to participate in national self-exclusion list for gaming activities, and to create necessary forms for participation. | Under current law, the Division of Gaming Enforcement is responsible for the establishment of a self-exclusion program in this State, which allows individuals to request that they not be permitted to enter casinos or otherwise participate in gambling in this State. Many states operate similar programs, which only apply within the boundaries of each state. As a result, a person who wishes to self-exclude from gambling in multiple states, which they may live near or visit frequently, must do so in each individual state. This bill would authorize the division to join multi-state or national self-exclusion programs that would allow individuals to request to join multiple self-exclusion lists, in multiple states, through one form at one time. The bill would also allow the division to enter into an agreement with other states for the mutual enforcement of their self-exclusion lists. The bill directs the division to establish the necessary rules, procedures, and forms for the implementation of such programs or agreements. The division would be required to allow an individual requesting self-exclusion to select the jurisdictions from which they wish to be excluded. The division would be prohibited from sharing the individual's information with any jurisdiction not explicitly authorized by the person. | In Committee |
| S3619 | Requires filtration system to capture microfibers and microplastics on washing machines sold on or after January 1, 2030. | This bill prohibits the sale or offer for sale, on or after January 1, 2030, of a new washing machine for residential, commercial, or State use unless the washing machine: (1) contains a microfiber filtration system with a mesh size of not greater than 100 micrometers; and (2) bears a conspicuous label that is visible to the consumer, in the form of a sticker or any other label type, that includes the following statement: "NOTICE: THIS WASHING MACHINE CONTAINS A FILTER TO CAPTURE MICROFIBERS. CHECK THE FILTER REGULARLY AND DISPOSE OF CAPTURED LINT IN A WASTE BIN." The bill also establishes a civil penalty for violations of the bill's provisions of up to $10,000 for a first violation, and up to $30,000 for each subsequent violation, to be collected by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." Finally, the bill authorizes the DEP to adopt regulations necessary to implement the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S3584 | Requires use of helmets when operating or riding upon electric bicycle or electric scooter. | This bill requires a person operating or riding upon a low-speed electric bicycle or low-speed electric scooter to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet. A person who violates the provisions of the bill is to be fined a maximum of $25 for a first offense and a maximum of $100 for any subsequent offense. | In Committee |
| S3605 | 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 |
| S3626 | Establishes minimum student to employee ratio for calculating State support for employee fringe benefit costs at four-year public institutions of higher education. | This bill establishes a minimum student to employee ratio for calculating State support for employee fringe benefit costs at four-year public institutions of higher education. The bill directs the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury, when determining a four-year public institution of higher education's number of State-funded full-time employee positions for which the State pays fringe benefit costs, to ensure that the number of State-funded full-time positions does not exceed a ratio of nine full-time equivalent enrolled students for every one full-time employee position. The bill further provides that nothing in the bill's provisions is to be construed to prohibit the director from using, for any one four-year public institution of higher education, a ratio of full-time employee positions to full-time equivalent enrolled students that is less than nine-to-one when determining the number of State-funded full-time employee positions. The number of State-funded full-time employee positions at any one four-year public institution of higher education is not to exceed the number of employees at the institution. | In Committee |
| S3546 | Requires certain high-traffic facilities to obtain permit from DEP and annually implement measures to reduce air pollution caused by facility. | This bill would establish a program in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to require certain high-traffic facilities to obtain a permit from the DEP and annually implement measures to reduce air pollution caused by the facility. Specifically, the bill would apply to "regulated facilities," defined by the bill as (1) a facility used for the purpose of goods distribution, whether leased or used as a proprietary facility, which has 100,000 square feet or more of business area; (2) a facility located in an overburdened community and used for the purpose of goods distribution, whether leased or used as a proprietary facility, which has 50,000 square feet or more of business area; or (3) a facility that generates 50 or more truck trips per day, including a port or any part of a port. The bill would require each owner or operator of a regulated facility to obtain, and abide by the terms of, an indirect source air pollution permit issued by the DEP. A newly constructed regulated facility would not be allowed to commence operations without first obtaining an indirect source air pollution permit issued by the DEP. The goal of the indirect source air pollution permit program would be to reduce air pollution from regulated facilities to zero by the year 2050. Each permit would require the regulated facility to implement an annual quota of air pollution mitigation measures, determined by the DEP using a points-based accounting system. Points would be awarded for measures, as enumerated in subsection a. of section 4 of the bill, including purchasing battery-electric trucks, purchasing and using battery-electric forklifts, yard trucks, or other on-site equipment and using battery-electric trucks at the regulated facility or in truck trips to or from the regulated facility. Persons who violate the bill's provisions could be liable for civil administrative penalties of between $10,000 and $20,000 per violation, and civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation. In order to monitor compliance with the bill's provisions, the bill would require the DEP to annually conduct truck counting on a representative sample of roads adjacent to regulated facilities, and to annually conduct monitoring of idling and hoteling activities at a representative sample of regulated facilities. In addition, the DEP would be required to annually conduct an inspection of at least 10 percent of the regulated facilities located in overburdened communities, and at least five percent of all other regulated facilities, using a randomized selection process. The bill would require owners or operators of regulated facilities to pay an annual permit fee, which would be set at a level sufficient to cover the DEP's administrative costs in implementing the bill's provisions. The first annual permit fee paid by a regulated facility would also include an amount sufficient to fund the cleanup and restoration of the facility and its land once the facility is no longer in commercial operation for longer than one year. The DEP would be required to provide certain public notifications under the permit program, including public notice of the submission of permit applications, renewals, or revisions, and the full permit application, the draft and final findings by the consulted agencies, and the agencies' response to comments, for each permit. Finally, the bill would require the DEP to post a list of regulated facilities, along with certain items of information enumerated in subsection c. of section 7 of the bill, on its website, and to submit an annual report on the program established by the bill to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S3532 | Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000. | This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:16-1, the crime of bias intimidation,to specifically include Sikhism in the protected classes set forth in the statute. Sikhism is the monotheistic religion founded in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. New Jersey is home to approximately 100,000 Sikhs, which is one of the largest Sikh populations in the United States. On October 16, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") released its annual report of hate crime statistics, which recorded 198 anti-Sikh hate crime incidents. According to the FBI report, Sikhs remain the second-most targeted group in the nation for religiously-motivated hate crime incidents. Current law enumerates the protected classes of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and ethnicity in the bias intimidation statute. Under the provisions of the bill, a person is guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts, conspires, or threatens the immediate commission of certain specified offenses with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group because of their membership within a protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, or Sikhism, or knowing that the conduct would cause an individual or group to be intimidated on that basis or under circumstances in which the victim believes he was targeted on that basis. Pursuant to this bill, all local, county, and State law enforcement entities in New Jersey are to report all violations under the statute to the State and federal law enforcement agencies responsible for preparing bias crime reports. Further, this bill sets forth that the Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Education, is to: (1) develop training, for the dissemination to county and local law enforcement agencies, on Sihkism, which shall include, but not limited to, visible Sikh identity features, including turbans, bracelets, moustaches, beard, and physical attire, and the classification of bias intimidation cases as anti-sikh, to prevent the misclassification of hate and bias incidents. (2) coordinate with other State agencies and departments in the creation of a public awareness campaign and educational initiatives on Sikhism; and (3) annually report to the Governor and the Legislature on the public awareness campaign,educational initiatives on Sikhism executed through the public awareness campaign across different public platforms, and on the steps taken to include Sikhism education across curriculum standards in different grades across township boards of education within this State. Pursuant to this bill, the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the New Jersey field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, shall develop a transnational repression recognition and response training program that is to include how to identify different tactics of transnational repression and best practices for appropriate county, local and state law enforcement prevention, reporting, and response tactics. Current law establishes within the Division of Purchase and Property in the State Department of the Treasury, the position of Chief Diversity Officer. This bill expands the Chief Diversity Officer's responsibilities to include: ensuring that each public entity of this State incorporate the definition for anti-Sikh hate into the bias intimidation policy of the public entity; and ensuring that the definition of anti-Sikh hate is incorporated into the diversity, equity, and inclusivity promotion policies in any program offered by the State or any political subdivision of the State. This bill appropriates $100,000, for three consecutive years following enactment, from the General Fund to the Office of the Attorney General to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives and outreach efforts to the Sikh community. | In Committee |
| S3541 | Prohibits amusement games licensees from offering or advertising gambling activities related to amusement games. | This bill prohibits the holder of an amusement games license from accepting wagers on their premises, or on any amusement game authorized to be played under their amusement games license. The bill also prohibits the holder of an amusement games license from allowing any other party to facilitate such gambling activities on the license holder's property or on games conducted by the license holder, and from advertising any such gambling activities. An amusement games license holder who engages in any conduct prohibited under the terms of the bill would be committing a disorderly persons offense, and could be subject to forfeiture of their amusement games license, as well as the applicable penalties for illegal gambling. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S3275 | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | This bill revises certain provisions of the film and digital media content production tax credit program to include eligibility for wages and salaries paid to persons who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Under the film and digital media content production tax credit program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awards corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to eligible taxpayers based on the qualified film production expenses or qualified digital media content production expenses incurred for use within certain parts of the State. In addition to certain other eligibility requirements, at least 50 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred by a taxpayer are required to be for wages and salaries paid to full-time or full-time equivalent employees in New Jersey in order to qualify for the digital media content production tax credit. Under current law, the terms "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" are defined to include, among other expenses, the wages and salaries paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are subject to the tax imposed by the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Current law also defines the term "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include persons working not less than 35 hours per week, or other standard of service accepted by custom or practice as full-time or full-time equivalent employment, and whose wages and salaries are subject to withholding as provided in the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." This bill expands the scope of qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses to include wages and salaries that are paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. The bill also provides that these expenses would include any payments made by the taxpayer to a loan out company for services performed in New Jersey by individuals who are employed by the loan out company and whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Additionally, the bill amends the definition "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include otherwise eligible persons whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Currently, the State has entered into a reciprocal income tax agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the terms of this agreement, compensation paid to Pennsylvania residents who are employed in New Jersey is not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Accordingly, the bill provides that wages and salaries paid to certain Pennsylvania residents may be included as qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses, provided that these persons are employed in the New Jersey for the purposes of the film or digital media content production. The provisions of this bill would take effect immediately and apply retroactively beginning on January 1, 2024 to any taxpayer who has not received a tax credit certificate or tax credit transfer certificate from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority before this date. However, any taxpayer that has previously received a tax credit certificate, but has not used such tax credit certificate before January 1, 2024, would be allowed to surrender the tax credit certificate to the authority and receive a new tax credit certificate in accordance with the provisions of this bill. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4572 | Appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects; and for certain administrative expenses. | An Act appropriating $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to help local government units acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3399 | Requires end-of-life recycling of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures. | Requires end-of-life recycling of solar and photovoltaic energy generation facilities and structures. | Crossed Over |
| S3473 | Appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects; and for certain administrative expenses. | This bill appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues, and various Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Of the total amount appropriated by the bill, $99,286,535 would be used by the DEP to provide grants or loans, or both, to assist local government units in the State to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and $2,410,000 would be used for the DEP's associated administrative costs. Of the total amount appropriated by the bill, $24,321,885 is allocated for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes, as identified in section 4 of the bill, and $74,964,650 is allocated for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, as identified in section 5 of the bill. Of the $24,321,885 sum being appropriated for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $20,766,435 is allocated for planning incentive open space acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities and counties that have an open space tax and an approved open space plan); $1,437,500 is allocated for standard open space acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that do not have an open space tax); $459,950 is allocated for site-specific incentive acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that have an open space tax, but do not have an open space plan); and $1,658,000 is allocated for urban aid acquisition projects. Of the $74,964,650 sum being appropriated for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $29,429,150 is allocated for local park development projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; $7,556,770 is allocated for local park development projects in densely or highly populated municipalities or sponsored by highly populated counties; $3,072,700 is allocated for standard local park development projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that do not meet the criteria of the prior two categories); $1,758,610 is allocated for stewardship activity projects; and $33,147,420 is allocated for completely inclusive playground projects, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2018, c.104 (C.13:8C-27.1), otherwise known as "Jake's Law." While Green Acres funding for Jake's Law purposes has, in prior funding rounds, been made available only to eligible counties, in the current funding round, both counties and municipalities are eligible for non-competitive grant awards for completely inclusive playground projects thereunder. The bill defines a "densely or highly populated municipality" as a municipality with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile or a population of at least 35,000 persons; a "densely populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile; and a "highly populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. The projects listed in the bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT). To the extent that there are funds remaining after the local government unit projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the bill also authorizes the DEP, with the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC), to use those funds to provide additional funding for local government unit projects listed in this bill, as well as for local government unit projects previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws. | In Committee |
| S2806 | "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act." | "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act." | In Committee |
| SJR45 | Designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." | Designates June of each year as "Gun Violence Awareness Month." | Crossed Over |
| S226 | Prohibits use by certain retailers of shipping box greater than two times volume of product being shipped. | Prohibits use by certain retailers of shipping box greater than two times volume of product being shipped. | Crossed Over |
| S3503 | Provides corporation business and gross income tax credit for certain Pre-Broadway and Post-Broadway theater productions. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to production companies for costs incurred for certain accredited theater productions. Specifically, the bill provides that a production company may receive tax credits for costs related to eligible pre- and post-Broadway theater productions that are performed at qualified facilities in New Jersey. The credits would equal 35 percent of the production's eligible production and performance expenditures. Under the bill, production and performance expenditures include: (1) expenditures for design, construction, and operation, including sets, special and visual effects, costumes, wardrobe, make-up, and accessories; (2) costs associated with sound, lighting, staging, facility expenses, rentals, per diems, and accommodations; (3) payroll costs up to $250,000 per week; and (4) certain advertising and public relations expenditures and transportation expenditures. The bill requires production companies to apply to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for the initial approval of tax credits. However, the bill provides that the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury would be responsible for the final approval of tax credits. Under the bill, the total value of tax credits awarded in each fiscal year may not exceed $10 million. | In Committee |
| S3487 | Requires reporting of certain attempted and completed suicides by minors. | This bill requires reporting of certain attempted and completed suicides by minors. Under the bill, for the purpose of assembling data regarding suicide in minors, each hospital is to annually report to the New Jersey Poison Control Center of Rutgers, The State University, or to its successor agency, the number of attempted and completed suicides involving minors in which a minor uses a drug to attempt or complete suicide. A hospital is to also report, if available, additional information as may be required by the Department of Health, including but not limited to, the age, ethnicity, gender, and race of the minor as well as the drug used to attempt or complete suicide. The New Jersey Poison Control Center is to submit to the Governor and to the Legislature an annual report containing statistics based on data submitted to the center pursuant to the bill's provisions. Under the bill, names and individual identification data collected pursuant to the bill's provisions are not to be disclosed unless required by law, and nothing in the bill is to be construed to require disclosure of any private or confidential health information in violation of State or federal privacy laws. | In Committee |
| S3491 | Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states. | This bill establishes certain protections for individuals seeking abortion or gender-affirming health care services, as well as certain protections for professionals who provided abortion-related health care services. Crime: Interference with Reproductive or Gender-Affirming Health Services This bill creates the new crime of "interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health services." A person is guilty of the crime if the person purposely or knowingly, with the purpose to unlawfully restrict another's access to or receipt or provision of reproductive or gender-affirming health care services or to intimidate the person from becoming or remaining a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer or assistant: (1) inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily injury; (2) obstructs any person seeking to enter into or exit from a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility; (3) intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any person or entity because that person or entity is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant; (4) damages, defaces, or destroys the property of a person, entity, or facility, or attempts to do so, because the person, entity, or facility is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care service patient, provider, assistant, volunteer, or facility; (5) videotapes, films, photographs, or records by electronic means, within 100 feet of the entrance to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility, a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant without that person's consent; or (6) discloses or distributes a videotape, film, photograph, or recording of the person. Interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a crime of the fourth degree, but is a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers significant or serious bodily injury. Further, interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a disorderly persons offense if the act would cause a reasonable person to suffer: (1) damage to the victim's business or personal reputation; (2) financial harm; or (3) pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional harm. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is a punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Civil Action: Interference with Reproductive or gender-affirming Health Services The bill also authorizes a person to bring a civil action against a person who unlawfully interferes with another person's reproductive or gender-affirming health care services. Under the bill, a court may award: (1) injunctive relief; (2) compensatory damages in an amount not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $1,000 for each violation; (3) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law; (4) reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs; and (5) any other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate. Under the bill, the Attorney General may bring a civil action to enjoin a violation of the law, for compensatory damages, and for the assessment of a civil penalty against each person who violates the law. The civil penalty imposed on each actor will be up to, but not exceed, $10,000 for a first violation, and $25,000 for any subsequent violation. Dispersal of Gatherings The bill authorized any law enforcement officer to order the immediate dispersal of a gathering that substantially impedes access to or departure from an entrance or driveway to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care facility during the business hours of the facility. Failure to comply with an order to disperse issued by the Attorney General or a law enforcement officer is a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Licensing Boards The bill prohibits a board from imposing any additional or alternative penalties, in accordance with N.J.S.A.34:1-22, on the holder of a certificate, registration, or license based solely on the holder providing, authorizing, participating, referring to, or assisting with any health care, medical service, or procedure related to an abortion for a person who resides in a jurisdiction where the provision, authorization, participation, referral, or assistance is illegal. Applicability of Laws of Other States The bill establishes that a law of another state that authorized a person or government entity to bring a prosecution, civil action, or any other legal action to deter, prevent, sanction, or punish any person engaging, aiding, or assisting in providing or prescribing any legally protected health care activity is against the public policy of this State. Further, such laws of another state are prohibited from being applied to any matter, case, or controversy heard in a State court or in an administrative tribunal of this State. The prohibition does not apply to an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the laws of this State, or an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the similar laws of another state. This includes, but is not limited to, an alleged act of malpractice or negligence by a person in the person's profession or occupation. Protection of Patient Information This bill updates P.L.2022, c.51 to provide a definition of "legally protected health care activity" and "gender-affirming health care services." P.L.2022, c.51 provides certain protections with respect to the disclosure of patient information relating to reproductive health care services, as well as protecting access to health care, medical services, and procedures related to an abortion for persons who come to this State from jurisdictions in which these actions are illegal. The bill provides that in any civil action or other proceeding preliminary thereto, a medical provider or other covered entity, as described under federal law concerning medical privacy and security, is barred from disclosing the following communications or information, unless the patient or patient's conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative explicitly consented in writing to the disclosure: (1) any communication made to the covered entity, or any information obtained by the covered entity from, a patient or the conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity; or (2) any information obtained by personal examination of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity that is permitted under the laws of this State. Additionally, under the bill, a public entity of this State or employee, appointee, officer or official or any other person acting on behalf of a public entity would be prohibited from providing any information, or expending or using time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel or other resources in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon a person or entity for: (1) the provision, receipt, or seeking of, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State; or (2) assisting, advising, aiding, abetting, facilitating, soliciting, or conspiring with any person or entity providing, receiving, seeking, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State. Extradition This bill updates N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 to prevent a person from being extradited to another state under certain circumstances related to "legally protected health care activity." Under current law, N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 prevents extradition as it relates to "reproductive health care services." Under the bill, "Legally protected health care activity" is defined as activity providing, seeking, receiving, assisting with, or inquiring about reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services that are lawful in this State, regardless of the patient's location. Relatedly, the bill also defines "gender-affirming health care services" to mean all supplies, care, and services of a medical, behavioral health, mental health, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative, rehabilitative, or supportive nature, including medication, relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. "Gender-affirming health care services" does not include sexual orientation change efforts as defined by N.J.S.A.45:1-55. In Vitro Fertilization Protections This bill strengthens reproductive health care freedom in New Jersey by specifying that: every individual present in this State, including, but not limited to, an individual who is under State control or supervision, shall have the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including, but not limited to in vitro fertilization (IVF); and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under any of the laws of the State. Medicolegal Investigations This bill removes the requirement that a medical examiner conduct a medicolegal investigation of a death in the State related to a fetal death occurring without medical attendance. This provisions seeks to ensure that a woman who has a miscarriage or fetal complications is not investigated or the fetal death criminalized. Repealers The bill repeals the following statutes, which have either been obviated by court decision or would be obviated by this bill: (1) N.J.S.A.2A:65A-5 through N.J.S.A.2A:65A-7 (banned partial birth abortions); (2) N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.1 through N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.12 (required parental notification for minors' abortion); (3) N.J.S.A.30:4D-6.1 (barred Medicaid payment for abortion except where necessary to save the woman's life). | In Committee |
| S2937 | Requires definitions of Antisemitism and Islamophobia be included in State's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging policies, and in any such policy for recipients of State's funds. | Requires definitions of Antisemitism and Islamophobia be included in State's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging policies, and in any such policy for recipients of State funds. | In Committee |
| S1292 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; appropriates $100,000. | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; and appropriates $100,000. | In Committee |
| S249 | Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification and decarbonization plans. | Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification and decarbonization plans. | In Committee |
| S3035 | "New Jersey Student Support Act"; establishes program to 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 |
| S2535 | Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services. | This bill amends existing law, which established minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services, to include structured day program services. Current law is limited to community residential services. Under existing law, "brain injury service" means community-based services, residential services, day care services, and home care services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries, regardless of whether such services are provided through the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or the managed care delivery system. Specifically, the bill requires the Medicaid per diem or encounter reimbursement rates for Structured Day Program Services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for a brain injury, currently at $3.65 for every 15 minutes of services, when such services are provided by an approved brain injury service provider, to be equal to the average of the reimbursement rates for Day Habilitation Services - Tiers D and Tier E provided to a Medicaid beneficiary eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, currently at $9.09 for every 15 minutes of service. | In Committee |
| S1032 | Requires DHS and DCF to conduct study on service provider workforce, and to evaluate rates paid to, and assess cost of living adjustments for, service providers. | Requires DHS and DCF to conduct study on service provider workforce, and to evaluate rates paid to, and assess cost of living adjustments for, service providers. | In Committee |
| A3939 | Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for professional firefighters not enrolled in SHBP, but who are eligible for SHBP by virtue of public employment. | An Act mandating access to periodic cancer screening examinations for full-time paid firefighters not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program, and amending P.L.2021, c.478. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3369 | Revises film and digital media content production tax credit program to allow certain production expenses to be eligible for tax credits. | This bill revises certain provisions of the film and digital media content production tax credit program to increase the amount of credits that may be awarded based on certain post-production costs. The bill also revises other provisions of the program, including increasing eligibility for compensation paid to persons who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Under the film and digital media content production tax credit program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) awards corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to eligible taxpayers equal to (1) 30 percent of the qualified film production expenses incurred for use within certain parts of Northern New Jersey, or 35 percent of qualified film production expenses incurred for use within all other parts of the State; and (2) 35 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred through vendors located in certain counties in Southern New Jersey, or 30 percent of all other qualified digital media content production expenses incurred through vendors within the State. In addition to certain other eligibility requirements, current law also provides that to qualify for the digital media content production tax credit, at least 50 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred by the taxpayer are required to be for wages and salaries paid to full-time or full-time equivalent employees in New Jersey. Increased Digital Media Content Production Tax Credits The bill increases the amount of digital media content production tax credits that may be awarded to taxpayers for qualified digital media content production expenses related to certain post-production services, including visual effects. Specifically, the tax credit would be equal to 40 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses of the taxpayer incurred during the tax period for post-production services performed at a New Jersey film-lease production facility, provided that at least $500,000 of these expenses were incurred for services performed at the New Jersey film-lease production facility. Additionally, the tax credit would be equal to 35 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses of the taxpayer incurred during the tax period for post-production services performed by independent post-production companies, as defined in the bill. In either circumstance, if the taxpayer includes a diversity plan with their tax credit application and complies with all relevant requirements established in that plan, the taxpayer's tax credit may be increased by an additional four percent. Compensation Subject to Tax Reciprocity Agreements Under current law, the terms "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" are defined to include, among other expenses, the wages and salaries paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are subject to the tax imposed by the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Current law also defines the term "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include persons working not less than 35 hours per week, or other standard of service accepted by custom or practice as full-time or full-time equivalent employment, and whose wages and salaries are subject to withholding as provided in the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." This bill expands the scope of qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses to include wages and salaries that are paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. The bill also provides that these expenses would include any payments made by the taxpayer to a loan out company for services performed in New Jersey by individuals who are employed by the loan out company and whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Additionally, the bill amends the definition "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include otherwise eligible persons whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Currently, the State has entered into a reciprocal income tax agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the terms of this agreement, compensation paid to Pennsylvania residents who are employed in New Jersey is not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Accordingly, the bill provides that wages and salaries paid to certain Pennsylvania residents may be included as qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses, provided that these persons are employed in New Jersey for the purposes of the film or digital media content production. Tenants of New Jersey Film-Lease Partner Facilities The bill also provides that certain tenants of New Jersey film-lease partner facilities would be eligible for tax credits under the program. Specifically, the bill provides that any film production company that enters into a lease or sublease with the owner or developer of a designated New Jersey film-lease partner facility before receipt of the facility's temporary or final certificate of occupancy, which lease or sublease is for not less than three years and includes at least 36,000 square feet of soundstage space, and which company executes a contract to provide production services for all films produced at the New Jersey film-lease partner facility, would be eligible for the tax credit allowed for a taxpayer designated as a New Jersey film-lease production company, provided that the film production company satisfies all other eligibility requirements for New Jersey film-lease production companies. If the EDA determines that a New Jersey film-lease partner facility has failed to meet the requirements of the program, the EDA may rescind the New Jersey film-lease partner facility designation. In this circumstance, the bill provides that any tenant of the New Jersey film-lease production company that has entered into a lease for the film-lease partner facility would not be entitled to the portion of any tax credit that is only available to the New Jersey film-lease production company by virtue of the company being a tenant at a New Jersey film-lease partner facility. | In Committee |
| S3340 | "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus. | This bill, entitled the "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" prohibits the disbursement of any State aid to an institution of higher education that:· authorizes, facilitates, provides funding for, or otherwise supports or encourages antisemitism or any event or organization promoting antisemitism on campus; · fails to enforce its own student code of conduct and policies and procedures on harassment, intimidation, and bullying; or· fails to adequately and appropriately punish the perpetrators of antisemitism with academic, professional, and legal consequences, which may include expulsion and referral for criminal prosecution. The bill defines "antisemitism" to mean the same as the term defined in the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016. | In Committee |
| S3344 | Establishes public awareness campaign concerning risks of gambling and resources available to compulsive gamblers; appropriates $200,000. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement to establish a compulsive gambling public awareness campaign to educate the general public on the inherent risks of gambling and the resources available to help compulsive gamblers in the State. Under the bill, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, will develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the inherent risks of gambling and the resources available to help compulsive gamblers in the State 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 Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement will report to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than 24 months after the effective date of this bill, on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign. Finally, the bill appropriates, from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety $200,000 to develop and implement the public awareness campaign. | In Committee |
| S2816 | Requires electric public utilities to submit to BPU and implement electric infrastructure improvement plans. | Requires electric public utilities to submit to BPU and implement electric infrastructure improvement plans. | Crossed Over |
| S3251 | Establishes "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act." The bill establishes in the Department of Human Services (department) a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program. The purpose of this program will be to connect migrants and refugees with information and resources regarding public assistance programs for which they are eligible. The department will ensure that the information provided under the program will include, but not be limited to, information on: housing, healthcare, educational opportunities, job training, and legal services. The department will collaborate with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community groups to facilitate access to these resources. Under the bill. the department will develop and implement an outreach campaign to inform migrants and refugees about the program. The outreach campaign will utilize multiple languages and media platforms to ensure widespread dissemination of information about the program. The department will submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, which report will: (1) detail the effectiveness of the program, including the number of migrants and refugees served and the types of assistance provided; and (2) include any recommendations for improvements to the program. | In Committee |
| S3284 | Requires sports wagering advertisements and applications to include warning of risks of gambling. | Under current law, all sports wagering advertisements are required to include the phrase "If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." This bill modifies the required warning on sports wagering advertisements to be "Gambling is risky and can become addictive, resulting in catastrophic life consequences. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." The bill also requires this warning to be displayed any time a user opens an Internet site or mobile application that includes access to online sports pools. | In Committee |
| S3283 | Establishes annual fee for sports wagering licensees; directs funds from such fees to Council on Compulsive Gambling and gambling addiction treatment programs. | Under current law, the Division of Gaming Enforcement is authorized to establish by regulations the license issuance and renewal fees for sports wagering licenses. Such fees are currently set at $100,000 annually, with 50 percent of these fees being dedicated to gambling addiction treatment programs. This bill establishes an annual fee to be paid by sports wagering licensees, in addition to license issuance and annual renewal fees. The bill establishes this fee as $250,000, with $140,000 being allocated to the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and the remaining $110,000 being used for other compulsive gambling treatment programs in this State. | In Committee |
| S3135 | Requires producers of plastic packaging and certain other plastic products to reduce quantity of plastic sold; restricts additional substances under "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act." | Requires producers of plastic packaging and certain other plastic products to reduce quantity of plastic sold; restricts additional substances under "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act." | In Committee |
| S3065 | Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction. | Excludes environmentally sensitive and flood-prone land from designation as vacant or available for purposes of affordable housing construction. | In Committee |
| S2890 | Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for professional firefighters not enrolled in SHBP, but who are eligible for SHBP by virtue of public employment. | This bill mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for firefighters who waive employer-sponsored health care coverage, but are eligible for coverage under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) by virtue of employment with a public employer that participates in the SHBP. Current law entitles a firefighter enrolled in the SHBP, or a firefighter employed by a public employer that does not participate in the SHBP, to a cancer screening examinations every three years and specifies that the State will reimburse providers or such public employers an amount not to exceed $1,250 per three-year period. The bills extends these reimbursement provisions to firefighters who waive employer-sponsored health care coverage, but are eligible for coverage under the SHBP by virtue of employment with a public employer that participates in the SHBP. | In Committee |
| S876 | Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $17 million for grants for certain lake management activities for recreation and conservation purposes. | This bill makes a one-time supplemental appropriation of $17 million for Fiscal Year 2024 to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from the General Fund. The bill directs the DEP to establish a program to use these funds for grants to assist qualified entities to pay certain costs associated with the management and maintenance of lakes for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill requires the DEP to develop criteria for the evaluation and ranking of applications to provide priority to projects submitted by qualified entities responsible for a lake with public access; and projects to improve water quality and increase recreational access and use of lakes, including projects to control nutrient levels in lakes in order to prevent future harmful algal blooms. The bill provides that a grant issued pursuant to the bill may be used for stormwater and nonpoint source pollution management activities, if the DEP determines that those activities would directly enhance, improve, or protect the use of a lake for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill defines "qualified entity" to mean: the Greenwood Lake Commission; the Lake Hopatcong Commission; a local government unit; an entity established pursuant to law or an entity established pursuant to ordinance by the municipalities surrounding a publicly-accessible lake for the management of the lake, including, but not limited to, the Deal Lake Commission or the Lake Topanemus Park Commission; or a nonprofit organization that is exempt from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501 (c)(3) and whose mission is the management or maintenance of a publicly-accessible lake. In the 2020-2021 legislative session $10 million was appropriated to the DEP for the same purpose. | In Committee |
| S3173 | Requires certain group homes to install electronic monitoring devices in common areas, upon request and with uniform resident consent. | This bill provides certain requirements in association with the use of electronic monitoring devices (EMDs) at group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible to receive Individuals Supports Services - Tier C and Beyond provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS). An "EMD" is a camera or other electronic device that uses video, but not audio, recording capabilities to monitor the activities taking place in the area where the device is installed. Specifically, the bill would allow group home residents or their authorized representatives to decide whether to allow for the installation and use of EMDs in the common areas of the group homes. The bill would require group homes, as defined in the bill, to install EMDs in the common areas, upon the agreement, request, and uniform consent of all residents. The DDD would be authorized to impose any additional consent, consent declination, or withdrawal of consent requirements as necessary. The bill includes a provision that grandfathers-in and exempts from the bill's provisions group homes that have already installed, and are utilizing, EMDs as of the bill's effective date. If a group home's common areas do not contain EMDs on the bill's effective date, the licensee will be required to comply with the bill when installing new EMDs in unmonitored areas. Any recordings produced by an EMD in a group home's common areas and any consent forms, consent declination forms, withdrawal of consent, and notice of intent forms submitted under the bill are to be retained by the group home for a period of time to be determined by the DDD. Within 180 days after the bill's effective date, each group home will be required to develop and submit to the division a written internal policy specifying the procedures and protocols that are to be used by program staff when installing and utilizing EMDs. Any residential program that fails to comply with the bill's requirements will be subject to a financial penalty and an appropriate administrative penalty, in an amount to be determined by the DHS. The Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the assistant commissioner of the DDD, is to annually report to the Governor and Legislature on the implementation of the bill's provisions. The bill further requires the DDD, within five years of the bill's effective date, to provide the Governor and Legislature with a written report that identifies best practices for, and provides recommendations regarding the implementation of new legislation, policies, protocols, and procedures related to, the use of EMDs in group homes. | In Committee |
| SCR104 | Condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance. | This resolution condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance, and declares the State of New Jersey as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans. This resolution recognizes that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. The United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation, attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as "Sanatana Dharma". The American Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and so much more. Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions. Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred". There have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. | In Committee |
| S2422 | Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD. | Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD. | In Committee |
| S1114 | Establishes task force to examine issues and make recommendations concerning youth sports, including abusive coaching, confrontational parents, and bullying of players. | This bill establishes the Youth Sports Task Force. Under the bill, the task force will consist of 13 members including six members, two will be appointed by the Senate President, two will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and two will be appointed by the Governor, who each have a background in, or special knowledge of, the legal, policy, educational, social, or psychological aspects of bullying. The task force will also consist of seven members of the public to be appointed by the Governor, including: the parents or guardians of athletes participating on youth sports teams; a youth who was a victim of harassment, intimidation, or bullying while participating on a youth sports team; and three coaches representing various aspects of youth sports. The task force will study and consider issues of youth sports including, but not limited to:· protection for parents, guardians, and athletes from unscrupulous business practices conducted by for-profit entities sponsoring youth sports activities; · financial oversight to strengthen the business practices of youth sports team organizations and for-profit entities sponsoring youth sports activities;· training for coaches to recognize the signs and symptoms of harassment, intimidation, and bullying;· ways to acknowledge and promote youth sports as an extension of the classroom;· developing training workshops for parents and guardians to recognize the signs and symptoms of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and abusive coaching, and on proper spectator conduct; and · protection for sports officials from abusive behavior while engaged in the performance of their duties. The bill directs the task force to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of its final report. | In Committee |
| S3027 | Regulates use of social care information. | This bill regulates the use of social care information. The bill defines "Closed-Loop Referral System" or "CLRS" to mean any system that stores the social care information of one or more individuals; enables the sharing of social care information with and between participating entities for the purpose of referring individuals for social care; and is capable of updating or showing updated referral activity, including data related to participating organizations completing referrals. "Participating organization" means any entity that has the ability to create, receive, or update referrals, or other social care information in a CLRS, including, but not limited to, healthcare providers, health plans, public agencies, charitable and nonprofit organizations, CLRS technology vendors, and entities that provide social care. "Social care" means care, services, goods, or supplies related to an individual's social needs. "Social care" includes, but is not limited to, support and assistance for an individual's food stability and nutritional needs, housing, transportation, economic stability, employment, education access and quality, child care and family relationship needs, and environmental and physical safety. "Social care information" means any information that relates to the need for, payment for, or provision of social care, and identifies the person receiving social care, or for which there is a reasonable basis to believe the information can be used to identify the individual receiving social care. The bill provides that a participating organization is not to sell or license social care information that is stored in or transmitted through a closed-loop referral system. Under the bill, social care information stored in or transmitted through a closed-loop referral system is not to be used for any purpose other than the purpose for which that information was collected or generated. The bill provides that a participating organization that sells, offers for sale, licenses, or otherwise furnishes, provides, or transmits to any other individual or entity social care information in violation of the bill's provisions is to be liable to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each violation. | In Committee |
| S3063 | Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities. | This bill permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities, and their employees, for their failure to withhold gaming privileges from, or restore gaming privileges to, persons voluntarily participating in the New Jersey Casino Self-Exclusion Program, or for permitting a self-excluded person to engage in gaming activity while on the self-exclusion list, if the casinos and simulcast facilities, or their employees, acted with reckless indifference or intentional misconduct against self-excluded persons. Under current law, a licensed casino or simulcasting facility, and their employees, cannot be held civilly liable to any party in any judicial proceeding for any harm which may arise as a result from their failure to withhold gaming privileges from, or restore gaming privileges to, or for permitting a self-excluded person to engage in gaming activity. The New Jersey Casino Gambling Self-Exclusion Program was established in 2001 to allow people with a gambling problem to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling in all Atlantic City casinos. In 2013, the program was expanded to also include self-exclusion for Internet gaming activities. | In Committee |
| S3062 | Prohibits casino licensees from using non-wagering casino games to solicit future gaming. | Under this bill, a casino licensee, through its agents, employees, or any contracted operator, or any party with which the casino licensee has a relationship, to conduct a non-wagering casino game that provides a reward for immediate or continued participation or that serves to solicit future participation in wagering activities. As used in this bill, "non-wagering casino game" means any game, conducted in person or via the Internet, which offers participants an experience equivalent to, or with similar odds of winning as, a game that ordinarily requires a casino license to be conducted, except that the game does not require any initial monetary investment on behalf of the participants to play. This bill is intended to address a practice whereby casinos may engage with applications with games that simulate the experience of playing real casino games, but for fictitious points or credits rather than real world things of value. The participants in these games, some of whom may be underage at the time, are incentivized to "practice" playing the games with the promise that one day they may be able redeem those points or credits for better terms, or something else of value, received from the casino licensee. This bill would make it unlawful for any casino licensee to engage in this practice. | In Committee |
| S3042 | 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 |
| S3044 | Requires testing of electrical systems of certain electric bicycles, powered mobility devices, and batteries prior to sale, rental, lease, or other distribution to consumers. | This bill would prohibit the sale, lease, rental, or other distribution, and the offering for sale, lease, rental, or other distribution, of a low-speed electric bicycle, powered mobility device, or storage battery used to power such an electric bicycle or mobility device, unless: (1) the bicycle, mobility device, or battery has been tested by a accredited testing laboratory for compliance with an appropriate Underwriters Laboratories standard or other appropriate standard established by the Department of Transportation; and (2) confirmation of the testing is displayed using a logo, wordmark, or name of the accredited testing laboratory, either on packaging or documentation that is provided to the consumer at the time of sale, rental, lease, or other distribution thereto, or directly affixed to the bicycle, mobility device, or battery. Persons who violate the bill's provisions would be subject to a written warning for a first offense and a penalty of up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense occurring no later than two years after the date of the first offense. The bill would take effect on the first day of the eighth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S3009 | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." | This bill establishes the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." Under the bill, all statutes, rules, and regulations, in this State including all local laws or ordinances related to the elective franchise must be construed liberally in favor of: (1) protecting the right of voters to have their ballot cast and counted; (2) ensuring that eligible voters are not impaired in registering to vote; and (3) ensuring voters of race, color, and language-minority groups have equitable access to fully participate in the electoral process in registering to vote and voting. The bill prohibits the authority to prescribe or maintain voting or elections policies and practices to be so exercised as to unnecessarily deny or abridge the right to vote. The bill also prohibits a local election office or political subdivision from using a method of election that has the effect of impairing the ability of members of a protected class to elect candidates of their choice or influence the outcome of elections, as a result of vote dilution. The bill requires that any policy and practice that burdens the right to vote must be narrowly tailored to promote a compelling policy justification that must be supported by substantial evidence. The bill provides factors for determining if a violation of the bill has occurred, including if a voter's right to vote has been violated or if the voter has experienced vote dilution. Under the bill, if a violation of the provisions of the bill occurs, the bill provides a remedy process, including for apportionment and redistricting maps. The bill provides that after a New Jersey Voter Empowerment Act (NJVEA) notification letter is mailed from a prospective plaintiff to a political subdivision, the political submission may pass an NJVEA resolution reaffirming: (1) the political subdivision's intention to enact and implement a remedy for a potential violation of the bill; (2) specific steps the political subdivision will undertake to facilitate approval and implementation of such a remedy; and (3) a schedule for enacting and implementing such a remedy. The bill provides that if the governing body of a political subdivision lacks the authority under this act or applicable State law or local laws to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, or fails to enact or implement a remedy identified in the resolution, within 90 days after the passage of the resolution, or if the political subdivision is a covered entity as defined by the bill, the governing body of the political subdivision must coordinate with the Attorney General to resolve the violation, including reaffirming that any proposal is unlikely to violate the United States Constitution, New Jersey Constitution, or any federal or State law; and is feasible to implement. Under the bill, the Attorney General is provided with certain preclearance powers. The bill provides that if certain political subdivisions that have been the subject to court order or government enforcement action based on violations of the bill; the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965, as amended; the 15th amendment to the United States Constitution, or a voting-related violation of the 14th amendment to the United States Constitution, may be subject to preclearance, which is the process of obtaining prior approval from the Attorney General or a court of this State for any changes related to election procedures in that political subdivision. The bill provides assistance to language-minority groups. Under the bill, a local election office or a political subdivision that administers elections must provide language-related assistance in voting and elections to a language-minority group in a political subdivision if, based on data from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey, or data of comparable quality collected by a public office, that: (1) more than two percent, but in no instance fewer than 100 individuals, eligible voters of a political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient; or (2) more than 4,000 of eligible voters of such political subdivision are members of a single language-minority group and are limited English proficient. The bill further provides that a local election office or political subdivision required to provide language assistance to a particular language-minority group pursuant to this section must provide voting materials in the covered language of an equal quality of the corresponding English language materials, including registration or voting notices, forms, instructions, assistance, or other physical or online materials or information relating to the electoral process, including ballots. Under the bill, any aggrieved persons or organization whose membership includes aggrieved persons or members of a protected class, organization whose mission, in whole or in part, is to ensure voting access and such mission would be hindered by a violation of this bill, or the Attorney General may file an action pursuant to the bill in court. The bill provides that any action or investigation to enforce any provision of this bill, the Attorney General would have the authority to take proof and determine relevant facts and to issue subpoenas in accordance with the civil and criminal laws of this State. The bill also establishes the "New Jersey Voting and Elections Institute," at a public university in New Jersey, to maintain and administer a database and central repository of elections and voting data available to the public from all local election offices and political subdivisions in the State of New Jersey and to foster, pursue, and sponsor research on existing laws and best practices in voting and elections. The bill also contains a severability provision. If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, sentence, or other portion of the bill is for any reason held or declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be unconstitutional or preempted by federal law, or the applicability of that portion to any person or facility is held invalid, the remainder of the bill would not thereby be deemed to be unconstitutional, preempted, or invalid. The purpose of this bill is to: (1) encourage participation in the elective franchise by all eligible voters to the maximum extent; (2) ensure that eligible voters who are members of racial, ethnic, and language minority groups have an equal opportunity to participate in the political processes of this State and exercise the elective franchise; (3) improve the quality and availability of demographic and election data; and (4) protect eligible voters against intimidation and deceptive practices. This bill would take effect immediately. | In Committee |
| S2992 | Upgrades certain types of assault against sports officials to aggravated assault. | This bill would upgrade any simple assault committed against a sports official for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event to an aggravated assault. Under the bill, a person commits aggravated assault if the person is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official; or because of the person's status as a sports official. The bill defines "sports official" as meaning "any person who serves as a referee, umpire, timer, scorer, coach, athletic trainer, manager, or assistant for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event, or serves in a similar capacity but may be known by a different title, whether the person is compensated or a volunteer." Under current law, an assault committed against a sports official would constitute a disorderly persons offense. Under the bill, assault against a sports official would be upgraded to aggravated assault, which is a crime of the fourth degree if the official suffered no bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if bodily injury occurred. A crime of the fourth degree is potentially 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 potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The changes to the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S2993 | Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy. | This bill prohibits a motor vehicle liability insurance policy from limiting the full payment of recovery amounts under a covered person's policy. Specifically, the bill prohibits a motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting the amount that may be recovered by a person insured under the insurance policy, whether or not an insured person is a named insured or a permissive user under the policy, to an amount less than the maximum recovery limit provided in the policy for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments coverage. If the policy insures more than one private passenger automobile, the limits available to the permissive user shall be the limits associated with the vehicle used by the permissive user when the loss occurs. | In Committee |
| S2994 | Clarifies that owners of self-driving motor vehicles must comply with existing insurance requirements. | This bill clarifies that, for the purposes of insurance, a self-driving car must comply with compulsory automobile and motor vehicle insurance requirements. Current law provides, with certain limited exceptions, that every owner or registered owner of a motor vehicle registered or principally garaged in this State shall maintain motor vehicle liability insurance coverage. This bill clarifies that this mandate includes self-driving motor vehicles that are capable of operating without active control or monitoring by a human operator. Further, the "New Jersey Automobile Reparation Reform Act," P.L.1972, c.70 (C.39:6A-1 et seq.) created a system of "no-fault" insurance for private passenger automobiles. The bill amends the definition of "automobile" under that act to include a self-driving private passenger automobile that is capable of operating without active control or monitoring by a human operator. Therefore, the bill extends the requirements of the New Jersey Automobile Reparation Reform Act, including the requirement for owners and registrants to maintain liability insurance and the requirement that applicable insurance policies include personal injury protection benefits, to self-driving cars. | In Committee |
| S2995 | Renames Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital as Richard J. Codey Psychiatric Hospital. | This bill renames Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital as Richard J. Codey Psychiatric Hospital. The Department of Health will be required to alter its official publications to reflect this designation, and will make expeditious efforts to replace any existing signs, advertisements, or any other public indicators of the hospital's name to reflect this designation. Under the bill, any reference made in any law, rule, regulation, contract, or document to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital will refer to the Richard J. Codey Psychiatric Hospital. The bill revises any references to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in current law to Richard J. Codey Psychiatric Hospital. | In Committee |
| S2996 | Requires successful completion of firearms education program to obtain initial firearms purchaser identification card and permit to purchase a handgun. | This bill requires an applicant for an initial firearms purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun to successfully complete a firearms education program approved by the Superintendent of State Police. Under the bill, acceptable evidence of successfully completing a firearms education program includes: a certificate indicating satisfactory completion of a National Rifle Association firearms course; a certificate that the applicant is a certified National Rifle Association Firearms Instructor; a copy of a firearms or hunting license or permit from any other jurisdiction that requires the holder to successfully complete a substantially equivalent firearms education program; or any other documentation, certificate, or certification deemed substantially equivalent by the superintendent. The bill authorizes substantially equivalent training through law enforcement or military service to be substituted for the education program. The bill limits the firearms education program to no more than four hours. It may be offered by the National Rifle Association, a State or local law enforcement agency, junior college, college, university, firearms training school, or any other entity approved by the superintendent. The bill requires the superintendent to prescribe the basic curriculum for the firearms education program, in consultation with a firearms safety panel. The panel is to consist of four members. Two members are to represent organizations, associations, or clubs promoting hunting or shooting sports or competitions, one each to be appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the General Assembly. The two other members are to represent organizations, associations, or other entities advocating gun violence prevention, one each to be appointed by the President and the Speaker. The superintendent is designated as chair of the panel and is responsible for determining when and where the panel will meet. The bill requires the basic curriculum of the firearms education program to include classes relating to responsible firearms ownership, safe storage, restricting access to firearms by unsupervised minors, and any other matters concerning the safety and well-being of this State's families and children. The basic curriculum is to be adopted within 60 days of the appointment of the members of the panel. If the panel is not appointed or does not adopt the curriculum within the required 60 days, the bill directs the superintendent to independently prescribe the curriculum. The superintendent is responsible for developing the form or certificate evidencing successful completion of the firearms education program. The form or certificate is required for an initial application for a firearms purchaser identification card or initial permit to purchase a handgun, but not for a renewal of a card or permit. | In Committee |
| S2997 | Requires vehicle identification number be stamped on catalytic converters of motor vehicles. | According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, theft of catalytic converters has dramatically increased in recent years. In 2019, approximately 3,400 claims of catalytic converter theft were filed. In 2020, the number of claims more than tripled. Under this bill, car manufacturers would be required to engrave or stamp the vehicle identification number onto the catalytic converter of a motor vehicle sold within the State. It is the sponsor's belief that this bill is necessary given the increasing number of thefts, and that once scrap yards and would-be thieves become aware of the new requirements, thefts will decrease. | In Committee |
| S2999 | "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act." | This bill establishes the "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act." Under the bill, a peer-to-peer car sharing program will assume the liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties or uninsured and underinsured motorist or personal injury protection losses during the private vehicle sharing period in an amount that is no less than the minimum coverage amount for private passenger vehicles. The bill will also require a peer-to-peer car sharing program to assume primary liability if there is a dispute as to who was in control of the shared vehicle at the time of the loss. The bill additionally provides for exclusions in motor vehicle liability insurance policies that will exclude any and all coverage and the duty to defend or indemnify for any claim afforded under a shared vehicle owner's motor vehicle insurance policy. The bill further provides recordkeeping requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs pertaining to the use of a vehicle and contains consumer protection disclosure requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs such as daily rates, fees, and if applicable, any insurance or protection package costs that are charged to the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver. The bill also provides that a peer-to peer car sharing program notify the shared vehicle owner if the shared vehicle has a lien against it, among other provisions. | In Committee |
| S2998 | Revises eligibility criteria for adult medical day care services. | This bill revises the eligibility criteria for adult medical day care services. Under the bill, a Medicaid enrollee is to be deemed eligible to receive adult medical day care services if the individual: (1) requires assistance or supervision with at least one activity of daily living; (2) possesses a letter or prescription from a physician recommending the individual receive adult medical day care services; and (3) furnishes an up-to-date copy of the individual's medical history and a current report of a physical examination of the individual completed by a physician. The bill defines "activity of daily living" to mean a function or task that is completed for self-care. "Activity of daily living" is to include, but is not to be limited to: dressing, bathing, toilet use, transfer, locomotion, bed mobility, and eating. "Adult medical day care" means a community-based group program designed to meet the needs of functionally or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care structured to provide a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting during any part of a day but less than 24 hours. Adult medical day care allows individuals with a functional impairment to remain in a community setting, rather than being institutionalized, and is the preferred method of providing services to this population. It is the sponsor's belief that the current eligibility criteria for adult medical day care services are too onerous, and prevent people who would benefit from adult medical day care services from receiving those services while remaining in their own communities. It is the sponsor's intent to ease the eligibility criteria for adult medical day care services in order to expand the population benefitting from those services. | In Committee |
| SCR43 | Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights. | Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights. | In Committee |
| S258 | Requires electric public utilities to develop and implement grid modernization plans; appropriates $300 million. | Requires electric public utilities to develop and implement grid modernization plans; appropriates $300 million. | In Committee |
| S2843 | Requires State Planning Commission to adopt model ordinance for siting certain warehouses and permits conforming updates to municipal master plans and zoning ordinances and establishes fund in DCA; appropriates $5 million. | This bill requires the State Planning Commission to prepare and adopt model ordinances detailing different regulatory options for the siting of warehouses and permits municipal master plans and zoning ordinances to be consistent and compatible with one or more of those model ordinance's provisions. Innovation within the warehousing sector of the economy has led to the development of very large warehousing facilities on sites that were zoned for smaller, traditional types of warehouses. While these types of developments are of Statewide economic importance, the unanticipated development of large-scale regional warehousing facilities has, at times, resulted in significant negative regional impacts. In order to better inform municipal governments and local planning officials of this problem and possible solutions, the State Planning Commission prepared a warehouse guidance document in September 2022. The State Planning Commission should be commended for preparing and circulating the warehouse guidance document. The guidance notes that municipalities in New Jersey are finding that their communities are particularly vulnerable to poorly sited and scaled warehousing projects after having previously zoned large areas of their communities for "light industrial" land uses, especially with respect to farmland in rural areas. The guidance also notes that public outcry over approved warehouse projects has occurred in instances where the projects largely conform to existing zoning standards. The guidance proposes that in order to systematically address warehouse development, communities should proactively plan for warehouse projects to prevent land-use conflicts that harm residents, other communities, and the environment before they materialize. Proactive planning, as described in the guidance, could allow municipalities to locate large warehouses away from residential neighborhoods, downtown commercial areas and main streets, schools, daycare centers, places of worship, hospitals, overburdened communities, scenic corridors, historic districts, important public and civic outdoor spaces, and recreational facilities. However, in order for a local government to benefit from the State Planning Commission warehouse guidance, the local government should reconsider and revise its master plan and zoning ordinances before it receives a complete application to develop a warehouse. Preparation, adoption, and dissemination of model ordinances will better enable a local government to select the model ordinance, or aspects of several ordinances, most appropriate for the individual community, and enable a local government to quickly update its land use documents to be prepared for receipt of an application to develop a warehouse. This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner) to establish within the Office of Local Planning Services a fund for the purpose of reimbursing a municipality for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in updating the municipality's zoning ordinances pursuant to the bill. A municipality may submit to the commissioner an application, in a form and manner to be determined by the commissioner, for a grant of up to $50,000 for reimbursement. This bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs the sum of $5 million for the purposes of administering this fund. | In Committee |
| S2845 | Requires rental car company to delete personal information of customer from motor vehicle computer system upon return of vehicle. | This bill requires rental car companies to delete the personal information of a renter from the motor vehicle computer system upon processing the return of any rented vehicle. When deleting a renter's personal information from a vehicle, the rental car company is required to comply with data-clearing protocols in accordance with the Guidelines for Media Sanitization developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology using techniques specified by the vehicle manufacturer to overwrite data or by using a menu option to reset the device to original factory settings. A rental car company that violates the provisions of this bill is subject to a civil penalty of $500 for a first offense, and $1,000 for any subsequent offense, to be collected and enforced by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. Under the bill, a "rental car company" means any person engaged in the business of renting motor vehicles to the general public at retail, including renting vehicles on an hourly, daily, per trip, or other short-term basis. | In Committee |
| S1425 | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Expands culpability requirements for firearms trafficking offenses and violations of regulatory provisions relating to firearms. | Crossed Over |
| SJR73 | Designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey, and respectfully calls on the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Transgender Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs. Transgender individuals, who are people whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is different from those typically associated with the individual's assigned sex at birth, face considerable challenges in society, including discrimination, harassment, physical abuse, and social isolation. In the face of a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being introduced nationwide, with numerous bills seeking to limit access to health care, housing, education, and free expression for transgender individuals and transgender youth in particular, the Legislature finds it fitting and appropriate to increase awareness and understanding of the prejudice, discrimination, and violence that transgender persons face, as well as to recognize the beauty, strength, and resilience of the transgender community and the myriad contributions transgender individuals make to the life, culture, and social fabric of the United States. | In Committee |
| S2500 | Establishes Office of Ombudsman for Children. | This bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Children in, but not of, the Office of the Attorney General in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill provides that the office is to ensure the provision of effective, appropriate, and timely services for children at risk of abuse and neglect in the State, respond to the concerns and addressing the needs of children in the resource family care, and that children under State supervision due to child abuse or neglect are served adequately and appropriately by the State. The Office of the Ombudsman for Children is deemed a child protective agency for the purposes of N.J.S.A.9:6-8.10a. The bill requires the ombudsman to: (1) investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate any State agency response to, or disposition of, an allegation of child abuse or neglect in this State, or the out-of-placement of children under the care, custody, and supervision of the State; (2) inspect and review the operations, policies, procedures, and contracts of all juvenile detention centers or facilities, resource family homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, shelters for care of abused or neglected children, homeless youth, or juveniles considered as juvenile-family crisis centers, or independent living arrangements operated, licensed, or approved for payment, by the Departments of Children and Families, Community Affairs, or Health, or any other public or private setting in which a child has been placed by a State or county agency or department; (3) review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by any State agency providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children in State or institutional custody, children in out-of-home placement, and children who receive child protective or permanency services; (4) review, monitor, and report on the performance of State-funded private entities charged with the care and supervision of children due to abuse or neglect or children, as deemed necessary by the ombudsman to assess the performance of the entities; (5) intervene in or institute administrative proceedings before any department, commission, agency, or State board, to assert the broad public interest of the State in the welfare of children and to protect and promote the rights of children; (6) hold a public hearing on the subject of an investigation or study underway by the ombudsman, and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the ombudsman deems appropriate; and (7) establish and maintain a 24-hour toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring problems to the ombudsman, both individual and systemic, in how the State, through its agencies or contract services, protects children. The bill also provides that the ombudsman report annually to the Governor, Commissioner of Children and Families, and Legislature on: (1) the activities of the office; (2) priorities for children's services that have been identified by the ombudsman; and (3) recommendations for improvement or needed changes concerning the provision of services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children in State or institutional custody, children in out-of-home placement, and children who receive child protective or permanency services by State agencies and State-funded private entities. The report is to be posted on the Office of the Attorney General's and the Department of Children and Families' websites. | In Committee |
| S2511 | Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act." | This bill repeals the "Pet Purchase Protection Act," P.L.1999, c.336 (C.56:8-92 et seq.) and replaces it with a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops. The bill also imposes several other requirements concerning the sale and adoption of animals. The bill provides that, without limiting the prosecution of any other practices which may be unlawful pursuant to State consumer fraud laws, it would be an unlawful practice and a violation of State consumer fraud law, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), for any breeder or broker to knowingly sell a cat or dog that is unfit for purchase. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" as having any disease, deformity, injury, physical condition, illness, or defect which is congenital or hereditary and severely affects the health of the animal, and which was manifest, capable of diagnosis or likely contracted on or before the sale and delivery of the animal to the consumer. The bill specifies that the death of an animal within 14 days of its delivery to the consumer, except by death by accident or as a result of injuries sustained during that period, would be construed to mean the animal was unfit for purchase. The bill establishes a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and establishes a $500 fine for each violation of this prohibition to be collected in a civil action under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999. The bill authorizes a pet shop to: 1) sell or offer for sale any other type of animal as may be otherwise permitted pursuant to State law or regulation, or sell or offer for sale pet supplies for any type of animal, including a cat, dog, or rabbit, if it is licensed by its municipality to do so; and 2) offer, in collaboration with an animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, space in the pet shop to showcase cats, dogs, and rabbits that are available for adoption, provided that no payment or compensation, monetary or otherwise, is exchanged between the pet shop and animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, for the use of the pet shop or for the adoption of any cat, dog, rabbit, or any other animal. The bill prohibits animal rescue organizations, animal rescue organization facilities, pet shops, shelters, or pounds from obtaining a cat, dog, or rabbit from a breeder or broker in exchange for any type of compensation. The bill specifies that: 1) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke the requirements for pet dealers that are not pet shops or the rights of a consumer purchasing an animal from a pet dealer that is not a pet shop, as may be provided elsewhere in law or any rule or regulation; 2) any provision of law or regulation pertaining to pet shops that does not pertain to the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits would continue to apply to pet shops; and 3) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke any recourse or remedy that is otherwise available to a consumer purchasing a cat, dog, rabbit, or any other type of animal and provided under any other law. The bill specifies that the bill's provisions may not be construed to interfere with the implementation of, or otherwise invalidate, or limit or restrict any municipality, county, local health agency, or municipal or county board of health from enacting or enforcing, any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation that places additional obligations or restrictions on pet shops, pet shop sales, pet dealers, breeders, brokers, or breeder or broker sales. | In Committee |
| S210 | Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations and for commercial zero emission vehicle fleet conversions. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations and for the purchase of commercial zero emission vehicles. The first component of the credit is based on the amount a taxpayer pays to purchase and install an electric vehicle charging station at their business, trade, or occupation, at the taxpayer's primary residence in this State, or at a multi-family or mixed-use property for use by tenants or guests. The credit is capped at 50 percent of the amount paid towards the purchase and installation of the electric vehicle charging station during a privilege period or taxable year, or $1,000 per station, whichever amount is less. The second component of the credit is based on the difference in the amount paid by a taxpayer for a qualified commercial zero emission vehicle compared to what the taxpayer would have paid for a comparable conventionally fueled vehicle. This credit is capped at 50 percent of the difference between the amount paid during the privilege period or taxable year towards the purchase of a qualified commercial zero emission vehicle and the amount that would have been paid for a comparable conventionally fueled vehicle, except that the credit cannot exceed $25,000 if the qualified commercial zero emission vehicle weighs less than 14,000 pounds, $50,000 if the vehicle weighs 14,001 to 26,500 pounds, and $100,000 if the vehicle weighs more than 26,500 pounds. A taxpayer is required to submit an application with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, who is responsible for certifying a taxpayer's application for the credit, and providing a copy of the certification to the taxpayer and the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. These tax credits are non-refundable, but may be carried forward for seven years after the privilege period or taxable year during which the credit are initially earned. The credit would be available for a five-year period commencing on January 1 next following the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S245 | Requires BPU to study and implement methods to allow additional distributed energy sources to interconnect to electrical grid. | This bill would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to conduct a study for the purpose of identifying, researching, and quantifying the effects of short-term solutions that could enable segments of the electrical transmission and distribution system to host greater amounts of power from distributed energy generation sources. The study would also including planning for the testing and implementation of the solutions. The bill would require the BPU to consider the following potential solutions, as well as any additional potential solutions identified by the BPU: (1) permitting the flow of electricity, through an electrical substation, from the distribution system to the transmission system; (2) requiring solar inverters to include, activate, and use technology that allows the inverter to inject and absorb reactive power autonomously or in response to remote control; (3) requiring energy storage systems to include, activate, and use technology that allows the energy storage system to inject or absorb real and reactive power; and (4) requiring solar photovoltaic systems to include, activate, and use technology and services that enable the power output of the system to respond to short term prediction of weather conditions to control the rate-of-change of the power output, or other system parameters. As defined by the bill, "reactive power" means the portion of alternating current electricity, measured in volt-amperes reactive, that cannot do useful work due to a misalignment of the current and voltage waveforms of the electricity. The bill would require the BPU to submit a final report on its study to the Governor and the Legislature within one year after the bill's effective date, which contains recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or local governmental action. The bill would also require the BPU to adopt rules and regulations to implement the recommended regulatory action, within one year after the final report is published. The bill would direct the BPU to initially apply the recommendations as a pilot program and then, if successful, provide for Statewide implementation of the rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| S1392 | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | In Committee |
| S2424 | Establishes various programs in DEP concerning management of publicly owned forested land; appropriates $60 million. | This bill would establish various programs and in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) concerning the management of publicly owned forested land in the State. The bill would appropriate $50 million in constitutionally dedicated corporate business tax (CBT) revenues and $10 million from Green Acres bond act funds to implement the programs established by the bill. Specifically, the bill would require the DEP to conduct a comprehensive survey, mapping, and planning process for publicly owned forested lands, including lands owned by the State, and parcels of land owned by local government units that are larger than a size threshold that the DEP is to determine under the bill. The bill would require the survey to include certain items, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 2 of the bill, including the identification of forests that are suitable to be designated as part of the New Jersey Natural Areas System and the identification of areas suitable to function as carbon reserves. The bill would require the DEP to update the survey at least every 10 years. The bill would direct the DEP to establish a program to designate appropriate forested areas of the State as Carbon Reserve Forests. The bill would require that the program have the goals of (1) sequestering sufficient carbon in the State to advance the State's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals, (2) protecting mature forests, and (3) providing for the development of old growth forests in the future. Under the bill, active management (e.g., tree felling) of a Carbon Reserve Forest would be required to have the aim of addressing an ecological or safety threat. Under the bill, the DEP would be required to adopt, within one year after the bill's enactment, rules and regulations to provide interim guidelines for forest stewardship and other management plans for publicly owned forested lands. The DEP would be required to cease approving such plans until the rules and regulations are adopted. In addition, the bill would require the DEP to adopt more comprehensive rules and regulations concerning forest stewardship plans on public forests, within three years after the bill's enactment. The bill would establish certain requirements for the rules and regulations, as enumerated in subsections b. and c. of section 6 of the bill. The bill would require any forest stewardship or other management plan for a State-owned parcel of forested land, or for a locally owned parcel of forested land that is larger than the size threshold established by the DEP, to conform to the rules and regulations. The bill would require that this threshold be not less than 10 acres. The bill would direct the DEP to establish a program to measure the deer population on publicly owned forested lands. The bill would also direct the DEP to begin developing programs to reduce the deer population, including: (1) establishing a pilot program for commercial sale of venison; (2) studying the viability of reintroducing natural predators into the State; (3) implementing fertility control measures on deer populations, including sterilization; and (4) revising current rules, regulations, and guidelines regarding deer baiting and feeding practices. The bill would amend the "Natural Areas System Act," P.L.1975, c.33 (C.13:1B-15.12a) to authorize the DEP to add additional acres of appropriate forested lands to the State's Natural Areas System. The bill would also require the DEP to develop and implement an appropriate management plan for each natural area in the Natural Areas System. The bill would amend the "Prescribed Burn Act," P.L.2018, c.107 (C.13:9-44.11 et seq.) to require the DEP to develop and administer a program for prescribed burning on public and private lands within 18 months after the bill's enactment. The bill would also require that certain provisions be included in the program. Current law authorizes the DEP to conduct prescribed burning or mechanical vegetation removal on an area of land which is determined by the Forest Fire Service to be in reasonable danger of wildfire. This bill would require the DEP to conduct prescribed burning or mechanical vegetation removal on an area of land which is determined by the Forest Fire Service to be in danger of wildfire. The bill would also require the DEP to adopt rules and regulations to implement the "Prescribed Burn Act" within 18 months after the bill's enactment. Finally, the bill would appropriate $50 million in constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for those portions of the bill's provisions that qualify as development or a stewardship activity on lands permanently preserved for recreation and conservation purposes. The bill would also appropriate $10 million from Green Acres bond act funds to implement the bill's provisions, provided that the use of the moneys is consistent with the provisions of the relevant bond act. | In Committee |
| S2425 | Establishes low-carbon transportation fuel standard program in DEP. | This bill would establish a low-carbon transportation fuel standard program in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Under the program, each refiner, wholesaler, or importer of diesel or gasoline, and each producer of alternative fuel, would be required to ensure that the fuel refined, sold, imported, or produced by the entity, as applicable, and supplied for use in the State, meets the low-carbon transportation fuel standard, on an annual basis. The low-carbon transportation fuel standard would be a maximum level of greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire life-cycle of a given unit of fuel, including its production, transportation, and consumption. An alternative fuel, under the bill, is any fuel used for transportation other than gasoline or diesel. Such fuels could include hydrogen, biodiesel, or electricity. In implementing the program, the DEP would be required to establish a system of salable and tradable credits and deficits, under which a given unit fuel that exceeds the low-carbon transportation fuel standard would generate a credit and a given unit of fuel that does not meet the standard would generate a deficit. Entities regulated under the program would be required to ensure that they do not generate any net deficits in a given year, after offsetting their deficits with credits they generate or purchase from third parties. The bill would establish certain requirements for the low-carbon transportation fuel standard program, as enumerated in subsection b. of section 3 of the bill, including the requirement that the program reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the diesel and gasoline used in the State by 10 percent below 2019 levels by the year 2030. The bill would also enumerate certain optional requirements for the program, in subsection c. of section 3 of the bill, including mechanisms whereby producers of alternative fuel can voluntarily opt-in to the program to generate credits when the fuel use displaces the combustion of gasoline or diesel for a non-transportation use. Finally, the bill would direct the DEP to consult with fuel and transportation experts while developing the program, and it would authorize the DEP to consider linking New Jersey's program with similar policies in other jurisdictions. | In Committee |
| S2351 | Permits persons at horse racetracks and off-track wagering facilities to place wagers on previously-recorded live horse races. | This bill would permit wagering at racetracks and off track wagering facilities in this State on previously-recorded live running or harness horse races that do not identify the actual race. Pari-mutuel wagers of the same pool type would be placed using an electronic pari-mutuel wagering. The bill provides that the "takeout" or that portion of a wager which is deducted from or not included in the parimutuel pool, and which is distributed other than to persons placing wagers, will not be more than 20 percent, and will be 20 percent in the absence of an agreement prescribing a lesser takeout percentage. The takeout rate amount for previously-recorded live wagering conducted at an off-track wagering facility or at a racetrack will be distributed as follows: 15 percent to purses; 1 percent to breeder awards and 4 percent to Sire Stakes or State-bred awards; 15 percent to race technology fees; 3 percent to simulcasting fees; and 62 percent to the permit holder, who shall be responsible for operating expenses, marketing, and awards. Under the bill, previously-recorded live race wagers may be commingled into interstate common pools for previously-recorded live race wagering. The bill also imposes a tax at a rate of 1.5 percent of money wagered on previously-recorded live races during the State fiscal year. A portion of these revenues will be dedicated to pay for public employee retirement benefits, New Jersey Racing Commission expenses, support of the Equine Science at Rutgers University, equine programs at public institutions of higher education, and equine drug testing. The bill further provides that a portion of the amounts dedicated for purses to the Standardbred Breeders' and Owners' Association of New Jersey or to a standardbred permit holder, and to the New Jersey Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association or to a thoroughbred permit holder, may be expended for other purposes that benefit the racing and breeding industries in this State, pursuant to an agreement between the respective permit holder and association, and subject to reporting in the annual financial reports required to be submitted to the commission. The distributions established in the bill would not be construed as to abrogate any contractual agreement among permit holders in this State providing for previously-recorded live racing revenue sharing. Under the bill, the New Jersey Racing Commission would promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S2349 | 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 (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 |
| S2323 | Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to make comprehensive list of its programs available to public. | This bill requires the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to include on its website and make available in print to a member of the public, upon request, a comprehensive list of available services and supports from DDD for individuals with developmental disabilities. The list is to include a detailed description of the different services and supports, including, but not limited to, those available through: the Supports Program to persons residing in unlicensed settings such as the home of a family member or their own home; the Community Care Waiver to persons residing in licensed residential settings such as group homes, supervised apartments, and supported living arrangements; the self-directed services program; and any other program providing services and supports funded in whole, or in part, by DDD. The comprehensive list would also include the specific criteria for eligibility for each program, which would, at a minimum, include any requirements for: application for and maintenance of eligibility for the Medicaid program; the level of care needed by the individual with a developmental disability seeking services and supports from DDD; an assessment of the needs of an individual with a developmental disability, and the different amounts of funding to be made available for services and supports for the individual based on those needs, as applicable. The list would also provide information about the availability of transitional planning for individuals with developmental disabilities, guardianship services from DDD, and any other information that DDD deems necessary to help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. The bill also requires DDD to update the list as necessary to ensure that the list reflects a current and comprehensive list of available services and supports, and to prominently display on the DHS website, or include with any printed materials, information about any webinars or presentations offered by DDD that may help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. | In Committee |
| S1143 | Strengthens State's assault weapons ban. | This bill would strengthen the State's current assault weapons ban by revising the definition of an assault weapon to include: rifles with detachable magazines and one military style feature; semi-automatic shotguns with one military style feature; and semi-automatic pistols with one military style feature. The current definition of an assault weapon sets forth a list of prohibited firearms and specifically includes any firearm that is "substantially identical" to any of the enumerated firearms. Under State regulations, a semi-automatic firearm is to be considered substantially identical to an enumerated firearm if it meets certain criteria. This bill codifies these regulations while expanding the number of firearms that would be considered assault weapons by adding criteria and reducing the number of criteria that must be met from two to one. For example, under current regulations, a semi-automatic rifle that has the ability to accept a detachable magazine and has at least two listed criteria would be considered an assault weapon. These criteria include: a folding telescoping stock, a pistol grip that protrudes conspicuously beneath the action of the weapon; a flash suppressor or threaded barrel designed to accommodate a flash suppressor; and a grenade launcher. Under the bill, additional criteria are added including a thumbhole stock and a second handgrip or a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand. The bill also requires that only one criteria be met, rather than the currently required two. | In Committee |
| S1140 | Imposes gross receipts tax on firearms and firearms ammunition. | This bill imposes on a person making retail sales of firearms or ammunition in this State: a 2.5 percent tax on gross receipts from retail sales of firearms, and a 10 percent tax on gross receipts from retail sales of firearms ammunition. Sales to agencies of federal, State, or local government are exempt from the taxes imposed by the bill. The bill defines "firearms" as any weapons that expel a projectile with potentially lethal force via the action of an explosive or other form of combustion, which weapons are capable of being transported and fired by a person. "Firearms ammunition" is defined as self-contained cartridges or shotgun shells and their components sold for use in loading firearms ammunition, including, but not limited to, primers, bullets, shot, slugs, missiles or other projectiles, casings, shells and hulls, black powder, smokeless powder and other propellants, and other products incorporated in firearms cartridges and shells or used in muzzle loads, such as wads and sealants. The bill takes effect upon enactment and applies to gross receipts from sales made beginning on or after the first day of the first calendar quarter beginning at least 30 days after the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| S1144 | "State Bank of New Jersey Act." | This bill, the "State Bank of New Jersey Act," creates the State Bank of New Jersey. The bill authorizes the creation of a board of directors to oversee the bank and the State Treasurer or any other person in control of State funds to deposit State moneys in the bank. The bill provides that all income earned by the bank for its own account on State moneys that are deposited in or invested with the bank to the credit of the State are to be credited to and become a part of the revenues and income of the bank. The bill permits the bank to make loans subject to the limitations of the act and any rules adopted by the State Treasurer. The bill also provides that the State bank is permitted to charge the same rate of interest, provide for the same terms for a loan or extension of credit, and to exercise any other power or authority permissible to a State-chartered bank. Under the bill, the bank is required to invest State moneys in any manner that ensures appropriate cash management. The bank is prohibited from making a loan to any board member, the president, or any officer of the bank, including any immediate family member of that person, or any entity with which that person is associated or in which he has an interest. The bill also provides that the bank may: (1) Buy and sell federal funds; (2) Lease, assign, sell, exchange, transfer, convey, grant, pledge, or mortgage all real and personal property, title to which has been acquired in any manner; (3) Acquire real or personal property or property rights by purchase, lease, or the exercise of the right of eminent domain and may construct, remodel, and repair buildings; (4) Receive deposits from any public source and deposit its funds in any bank or other financial institution; (5) Perform all acts and do all things necessary, advisable, or desirable to carry out the powers expressly granted or necessarily implied in the bill through or by means of its president, officers, agents, or employees or by contracts with any person, firm, or corporation; (6) Provide loans or other assistance for transportation projects; (7) Coordinate with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to further access to postsecondary education, whether by loans, grants, scholarships, savings programs, or other means and shall have the authority enumerated in section 1 of P.L.1999, c.46 (C.18A:71A-9), as appropriate; (8) Purchase mortgage loans on residential real property originated by financial institutions; and (9) Provide loans or other assistance to small businesses. The bill creates a 13 member board of directors to govern the bank. The board consists of: (1) the State Treasurer, or the State Treasurer's designee, as an ex officio member; and (2) twelve members, who are residents of this State, to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including: one person who shall have experience in bank administration; one person who shall have experience in credit union administration; one person who shall have experience in consumer financial advocacy; one person who shall have experience in public administration; two additional public members; and of the six other persons, two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the President of the Senate, two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly, one shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate, and one shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. The board is required to appoint a president of the bank to supervise the administrative affairs and general management and operations of the bank. The bill provides that the president of the bank is to serve at the pleasure of the board and receive such compensation as the board shall determine. With the approval of the board, the president is charged with: (1) planning, directing, coordinating, and executing the administrative functions of the bank in conformity with the policies and directives of the board; (2) employing professional and clerical staff as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill; (3) reporting to the board on all operations under the president's control and supervision; (4) preparing an annual budget and managing the administrative expenses of the bank; and (5) undertaking any other activities necessary to accomplish the purposes of the bank. The bill provides that all employees of the bank, except the president, are to be in the career service of the Civil Service. All meetings of the board are subject to the open public meetings act and, except as provided by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, records maintained by the bank shall be subject to the open public records act. The bill includes post-employment restrictions on members of the board or employees of the bank. Except for a secretarial or clerical employee, while serving as a member of the board or an employee of the bank, and for a period of two years immediately following such service or employment, a person, any member of his immediate family, any entity with which that person is associated or in which he has an interest, or any partner, officer, director, or employee while he is associated with that entity, shall not be employed by, a consultant to, a member of the board of directors of, affiliated with, or otherwise a representative of, any person or entity that has obtained a loan from, or has otherwise done substantial business with, the bank. The bill also provides that members of the board and the President of the State bank shall make the same financial disclosures, whether required by law, rule, regulation or Executive Oder, including an annual filing of Financial Disclosure Statements, and in the same manner, as are required of the heads of each principal department in the Executive Branch. The bill requires the board to meet regularly with the management of the bank to review the bank's operations and make recommendations to the president on the operations of the bank. The bill also provides that the State bank is exempt from the payment of all fees and all taxes levied by the State or any of its subdivisions. In addition, all deposits in the bank are guaranteed by the State and are exempt from State, county, and municipal taxes. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance is required to examine the State bank in the same manner as a State-chartered financial institution and may conduct any additional investigation of the bank which may be necessary to ensure the proper operation of the bank, at the bank's cost. The commissioner shall report the examination results, and the results of any necessary investigation, to the Governor and to the Legislature. In addition, the State Auditor shall contract with an independent certified public accounting firm for an annual audit of the bank in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. The State Auditor is required to contract for an annual audit of the separate programs and funds administered by the bank. The auditor selected shall prepare an audit report that includes financial statements presented in accordance with the audit and accounting guide for banks and savings institutions issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The auditor also shall prepare audited financial statements for inclusion in the comprehensive annual financial report for the State. The State Auditor may conduct performance audits of the bank, including the separate programs and funds administered by the bank. The auditor shall report the results of the audits to the Governor and to the Legislature. The bank or its separate programs and funds shall pay the costs of the audits. The bill also provides that, by December 1st of each year, the State Treasurer shall make an annual report to the Governor, and to the Legislature on the affairs of the bank. The report may include any recommendations that would improve the affairs of the bank. Additionally, immediately following the close of each calendar month, the State Treasurer shall prepare a report as to the State of the general fund, the bank, and every other fund under the State Treasurer's control. The monthly report is to be made available on the Department of the Treasury website. | In Committee |
| S1137 | Provides CBT credit for development of anaerobic digestion facilities that process food waste. | This bill would incentivize the development and construction of anaerobic digestion facilities that process food waste within the State by providing a tax credit against the corporation business tax to compensate a taxpayer for the costs incurred during the development and construction of the anaerobic digestion facility. The tax credit would be available for a period of six years. The bill defines "anaerobic digestion facility" as a facility that operates and hosts an anaerobic digester. The bill defines "anaerobic digester" as a device that promotes the decomposition of organic material into simple organics and gaseous biogas products, in the absence of elemental oxygen, by means of controlling temperature and volume, and that includes a methane recovery system. The bill also defines "food waste" to mean food processing vegetative waste, food processing residue generated from processing and packaging operations, overripe produce, trimmings from food, food product over-runs from food processing, soiled and unrecyclable paper generated from food processing, and used cooking fats, oil, and grease. "Food waste" does not include food donated by the generator for human consumption, any waste generated by a consumer after the generator issues or sells food to the consumer, or any waste regulated by 7 C.F.R. ss.330.400 through 330.403 and 9 C.F.R. s.94.5. The amount of the tax credit provided by the bill may not exceed the lesser of: (1) 50 percent of the costs incurred to develop and construct the anaerobic digestion facility, or (2) $250,000. The bill would also limit the cumulative total of tax credits awarded pursuant to the bill to $15 million. To qualify for the tax credit allowed pursuant to this section, a taxpayer would be required to apply to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection (commissioner) for a certification that provides: (1) that the anaerobic digestion facility developed by the taxpayer is eligible for the tax credit; and (2) the amount of the tax credit. The application to the commissioner would be required to demonstrate that the anaerobic digestion facility was developed and constructed prior to applying for the tax credit. The application would also be required to include a receipt demonstrating the total cost of the development and construction of the anaerobic digestion facility, a certification that the anaerobic digestion facility will be used to process food waste, and any other information determined relevant by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would require the DEP, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Taxation, to adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the bill's provisions Finally, the bill would require, no later than six years after the bill's effective date, the DEP to prepare and submit to the Governor, the State Treasurer, and the Legislature, a report that, at a minimum, summarizes the effectiveness of the tax credit in incentivizing the development and construction of anaerobic digestion facilities that process food waste in the State. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, between 30 and 40 percent of food in the United States is wasted. In 2017, nearly 41 million tons of food waste was generated and only 6.3 percent of that food waste was diverted from landfills and incinerators for composting. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) reports that unwanted and discarded food squanders resources, including water, land, energy, labor, and capital, and that when food waste is dumped into a landfill, it rots and creates methane, which is a powerful greenhouse gas. Food waste also contributes to approximately 8 percent of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. A valuable way to divert waste food waste from landfills is anaerobic digestion. Food waste can be converted through anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, which can be used to generate heat and electricity, or can be injected into the natural gas pipeline. According to the DEP, electricity produced from the combustion of biogas from food waste qualifies for Class I Renewable Energy Certificates from the Board of Public Utilities. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are three types of anaerobic digestion facilities that accept food waste, such as stand-alone food waste digesters, on-farm digesters that co-digest food waste, and digesters at water resource recovery facilities that co-digest food waste. A 2017-2018 report by the EPA concerning anaerobic digestion facilities that accept food waste in the United States, reported that there are only four anaerobic digestion facilities that accept food waste in New Jersey. The EPA also reports that there are many anaerobic digestion facilities in the country that currently do not accept or process food waste. Overall, this bill would incentivize the development of anaerobic digestion facilities that accept food waste in the State in an effort to reduce food waste, limit the amount of food waste being dumped into landfills and incinerators, and further protect the environment from the adverse effects of climate change. | In Committee |
| S1136 | Provides for BPU incentives for district energy collaboratives and certain combined heat and power facilities. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (board) to provide incentives for district energy collaboratives (DEC) and certain combined heat and power facilities. Under the bill, the board is to adopt standards which require electric public utilities (utilities) to offer non-discriminatory rates to a DEC. For each kilowatt-hour of electricity sold by the DEC for which the utility receives assigned PJM payments, the utility is to pay the DEC an amount equal to the then prevailing per kilowatt-hour basic generation service rate for fixed price customers, or if there is no such rate, a reasonably comparable amount determined by the board. The payments are to be made by the utility to the DEC on a monthly basis and may be made through a tariff or contract as determined by the utility. The bill provides that DECs that are connected to the distribution system may earn eligible energy credits or other applicable incentives. All DECs are to be licensed by the board, which is to adopt and implement a DEC licensing procedure within 30 days after the bill's effective date. Under the bill, the board is to issue a solicitation to advertise the availability of grants for projects to install or expand combined heat and power facilities owned or operated by commercial and industrial energy pricing class customers in this State. The solicitation is to indicate that grants are to be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for projects that satisfy the criteria set for in the bill. The solicitation is to further provide that the amount of each grant is be a function of the kilowatt-hours of electricity and the number of British thermal units (Btu) per hour of thermal energy that the combined heat and power facility generates over a period of four years beginning with the facility's commencement of operation. The amount of the grant per kilowatt-hour and per Btu per hour is to be calculated so that a facility receives a grant in the amount of $6 for each percent of its electric capacity factor. | In Committee |
| SR43 | Urges Governor to impose moratorium on fossil fuel projects. | Global climate change is threatening present and future generations with severe economic and environmental consequences. Emerging evidence indicates that growth in greenhouse gas levels leads to climate change, with rising temperatures resulting in higher sea levels and associated coastal flooding, more frequent wildfires, longer periods of drought, and an increase in the number and intensity of storms. Governor Murphy's draft Energy Master Plan sets a goal to provide 100 percent clean energy in the State of New Jersey by 2050, however, the plan does not address the existing and proposed numerous fossil fuel infrastructure projects, such as pipelines and power plants in the State. | In Committee |
| S1113 | Establishes crime of possessing firearm during public demonstration for purpose of causing civil disorder. | This bill establishes a third degree crime of knowingly possessing a firearm during a public demonstration for the purpose of causing civil disorder. Under the bill, a person may be found guilty of the crime irrespective of whether the person possesses a valid permit to carry a firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card. The bill defines "civil disorder" as a public disturbance involving acts of violence by assemblages of two or more persons which creates a risk of imminent danger to the public health, safety, or welfare or causes bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. "Public demonstration" is defined by the bill as a procession, gathering, or assembly of persons in a public place, where the gathering is in pursuit of a common purpose of demonstrating support for, or opposition to, a person, matter, or thing. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| SR44 | Supports Israel as it defends itself against the terrorist attacks by Hamas. | This House strongly condemns Hamas for its terroristic attacks against Israel and the atrocities perpetrated against innocent people. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a massive, unprovoked war on Israel by air, land, and sea. Hamas terrorists crossed the land border and began killing Israelis, abducting people as hostages, slaughtering ordinary civilians and entire families, including babies and elderly people, setting houses on fire, and raping women. Since October 7, 2023, Hamas has launched over 4,500 rockets into southern and central Israel, at least 1,400 people have been confirmed dead in Israel, of whom 30 were American citizens, and another 3,400 have been injured. Hamas is a Foreign Terrorist Organization, designated as such by the United States and the European Union, for its history of suicide bombings and rocket attacks against Jewish people and the State of Israel. Israel is a non-NATO ally and strategic partner of the United States, and the United States has declared its commitment to Israel, reaffirming our 75-year partnership with Israel and the Jewish people in the advancement of our shared democratic values and cultural ties. The Israeli people and its government have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of terrorism by Hamas. The State of New Jersey is proud of its strong relationship with Israel and its citizens, and reaffirms its commitment to Israel in the face of these terrorist attacks. New Jersey condemns the terrorist acts of Hamas against Israel and supports Israel as it defends itself. | In Committee |
| S1133 | Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution. | This bill would require that State parks and forests, State recreation areas, State historic sites, State natural areas, and State wildlife management areas would continue to be open to the public for a period not to exceed seven calendar days if a state of emergency is declared due to the failure to enact a general appropriation law by the deadline prescribed by Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution. The Department of Environmental Protection would be required to develop a plan for the continued operation of those locations if such a state of emergency is declared which would designate those State employees necessary to continue to provide services. | In Committee |
| S1115 | Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in companies manufacturing, importing, and selling assault firearms for civilian use. | This bill prohibits the State of New Jersey from investing any assets of any pension or annuity fund under the management of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury in companies that manufacture, import, or sell assault firearms for civilian use. The bill exempts from the ban investments in companies that manufacture, import or sell assault firearms for the exclusive use by nations' official military organizations and law enforcement agencies. As for existing investments that are held in violation of the prohibition, the Division of Investment has up to three years to divest from the prohibited companies. The bill's definition of assault firearms is identical to the definition of the term under the existing New Jersey ban on the sale of assault firearms under N.J.S.A.2C:39-1. | In Committee |
| S1345 | Creates "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force". | This bill establishes the New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. The task force will be permanent and consist of 18 persons, at least five of whom will be members of the public. The bill requires the task force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. In performing this duty, the task force will: (1) Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation relative to the history and current status of anti-Semitism at college campuses and state universities and the world, with a focus on New Jersey-specific information. The task force's documentation and examination will include, but not be limited to, facts related to: (a) The definition and ideology of anti-Semitism; (b) Misconceptions and stereotyping relative to the Jewish people; and (c) Discrimination and systemic failings relative to the fair treatment of the Jewish people; (2) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the New Jersey public of the task force's findings; and (3) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the task force's findings. The task force will hold at least four public meetings each year, with at least one of those meetings being held in-person. The other meetings may be conducted virtually, via videoconferencing. Meetings via conference call will not be permitted. The task force will issue a report each year to the Governor and the Legislature and will provide its first annual report no later than 12 months following its initial meeting. | In Committee |
| S816 | Expands purpose of Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by eligible individuals in accessing support group meetings. | This bill expands the purpose of the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by an eligible individual in accessing support group meetings. Under the bill, support group meetings mean any gathering of individuals with traumatic injuries who congregate in order to obtain information and perspective, relative to their injuries, and to improve their general well-being. Pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:141-1.11, the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund currently provides payment to an eligible individual for transportation services related to accessing medical appointments, treatment facilities, or vocational programs. The Traumatic Brain Injury Fund purchases supports and services for eligible New Jersey residents of any age, who have survived a traumatic brain injury, to foster independence and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources, or public programs are unavailable to meet those needs. A portion of the fund also is used to support public education, outreach, and prevention activities related to traumatic brain injuries. A $.50 surcharge on motor vehicle registration fees generates revenue for the fund. | In Committee |
| S1130 | Permits municipalities to prohibit gas connections in new construction. | This bill would allow municipalities to prohibit gas connections in new structures and buildings. Electric power, the primary energy alternative to natural gas, is becoming a cleaner source of energy, contributing fewer carbon emissions that cause climate change. This bill would give municipalities the flexibility to promote cleaner energy sources, and help combat climate change, by prohibiting new construction that uses natural gas as an energy source. | In Committee |
| S1129 | Permits municipalities and counties to issue bonds to fund buy-out of accumulated leave time in order to reduce future terminal leave expenses. | This bill would enable a municipality or county to borrow at low rates today to purchase accrued leave time that will be more expensive to convert to money upon the retirement of its officers and employees in the future. This is because if the compensation paid to officers or employees increases over time, then it will be more expensive to buy-out their accrued leave, which is calculated and paid at each officer or employee's final compensation rate. | In Committee |
| S1122 | Increases statutory mandatory retirement age for Supreme Court Justices, Superior Court Judges, Tax Court Judges, Administrative Law Judges, Workers' Compensation Judges and county prosecutors from 70 to 72. | This bill would amend various sections of the statutory law to reflect the new mandatory retirement age of 72 for Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Superior Court based on an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution. The bill would also increase the statutory mandatory retirement age for Judges of the Tax Court, Administrative Law Judges, Judges of the Division of Workers' Compensation, and county prosecutors to 72. This bill has a bifurcated effective date since the retirement age for Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Superior Court Judges are set forth in the New Jersey Constitution. In this regard, those sections which pertain to the justices and judges, as well as Judges of the Tax Court (whose statutory salary, pension, and benefits are the same as those for Superior Court judges) would only take effect if the voters of this State approve a constitutional amendment increasing the mandatory retirement age from 70 to 72 within one year of such a proposed amendment being submitted to the voters (see bill sections 1, 3, and 4). Those sections of the bill which increase the retirement age for Administrative Law Judges, Judges of the Division of Workers' Compensation, and county prosecutors from 70 to 72 would take effect immediately (see bill sections 2, 5, 6, 7, and 8). It is not the intent of the sponsor to make any other substantive changes to existing law other than to increase the mandatory retirement age, and thus the bill would not affect the current service eligibility requirements for retirement at age 70. | In Committee |
| S285 | 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 |
| S1193 | Allows voter registration at polling place on election day or at early voting site during early voting period. | This bill allows for voter registration at polling places on election day or at early voting sites during the early voting period. Under current law, a person must register to vote at least 21 days before the election. This bill allows a person who has not registered to vote by that deadline to register at a polling place on the day of the election or at an early voting site during the early voting period. This bill also allows a person to cast a provisional ballot if the person has registered to vote within the period of 21 days before the election if the person can affirm that the person has not previously voted in that election. If the county commissioner of registration is not able to verify the person's Motor Vehicle Commission New Jersey driver's license number or non-driver identification number, or the last four digits of the person's Social Security Number, the county commissioner of registration will notify the person by mail, e-mail, or telephone within 24 hours that they must provide valid identification no later than 48 hours prior to the final certification of the results of the election in order for their ballot to be counted. | In Committee |
| S256 | Requires electric public utilities to submit new tariffs for commercial customers for BPU approval; regulates non-volumetric electricity fees charged to operators of fast charging electric vehicle chargers. | This bill would require each electric utility in the State to submit a tariff for commercial customers to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) for approval. The bill would require the tariffs to be submitted no later than 180 days after the bill's enactment, and to be designed to: (1) utilize alternatives to both traditional demand-based rate structures and capacity demand charges; (2) establish cost equity between commercial electric vehicle tariffs and residential tariffs; (3) remain neutral with respect to the various types of electric vehicle charging technology; (4) accelerate third-party investment in electric vehicle charging infrastructure for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles; and (5) promote electric vehicle adoption in the State. The tariffs would also be required to include an alternative rate structure, which does not utilize demand charges, for commercial customers who own or operate electric vehicle charging systems, and to satisfy other requirements enumerated in the bill. The BPU would be required to expeditiously review and approve each tariff submitted under the bill, in accordance with the provisions of the "Energy Discount and Energy Competition Act," P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-49 et al.). The bill would also prohibit an electric utility from charging certain fees to the operators of certain electric vehicle charging stations until the utility receives approval of its tariff from the BPU, pursuant to the bill's provisions. Specifically, beginning 60 days after the bill's enactment, the bill would prohibit an electric utility from imposing a demand charge, subscription charge, or other non-volumetric tariff structure on a direct current fast charging facility, unless the BPU has approved the utility's tariff application under the bill, and only to the extent that the approved tariff utilizes such a rate structure. A "direct current fast charging facility" is defined, by the bill, as a location that provides commercial access to a type of electric vehicle charging station known as a "direct current fast charger," a "DCFC," or "Level 3 charger," which provides at least 50 kilowatts of direct electrical current to a vehicle's battery. | In Committee |
| S669 | Extends COVID-19 Medicaid per diem rate, and requires Medicaid coverage without prior authorization, for certain partial care behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment services. | This bill requires the extension of certain policies established by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding the reimbursement and coverage of partial care behavioral health services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the bill, "partial care services" means comprehensive, individualized, structured, non-residential behavioral health care and support services for an adult with severe mental illness or substance use disorder in order to facilitate community integration and prevent hospitalization and relapse. Partial care services may include, but are not limited to: psychiatric care, individual and group counseling, case management, and prevocational services. First, the bill requires the division to reimburse partial care services providers under Medicaid at the per diem rate, established by the division for partial care services provided by telehealth during the COVID-19 emergency period, for 180 days following the expiration of the federal Medicaid waiver authorizing the per diem rate. Telehealth services reimbursed under the bill are required to be provided without the imposition of any prior authorization or other utilization management requirements and in accordance with the policy guidance issued by the division regarding the qualifications for the per diem rate, provided that a partial care services provider: is open for onsite services; and submits a status report to the division following day 90, day 150, and day 180 of the 180-day period. The status report is required to include data on the total number of patients served, the number of patients receiving in-person services, and the nature of the in-person services rendered as a means to demonstrate the provider's best efforts to expand in-person services over the course of the 180-day period. Furthermore, the bill directs the division to use the status reports to assess the need to continue the per diem rate beyond the 180-day period. The division is required to make a determination to extend the per diem rate no later than 20 days prior to the end of the 180-day period. During an extension of the 180-day period, partial care services providers are required to comply with the provisions set forth in the bill, except that providers are tosubmit a status report to the division every 60 days. The per diem rate was established at the onset of the pandemic to allow partial care providers to continue to support patients via telehealth, while the basis of most programs - in-person, group services intended to promote socialization - was contraindicated because of the virus. Currently, the per diem rate will remain in effect until the end of the federal waiver authorizing the rate, and is equal to $89.60 per diem for partial care behavioral health services provided via telemedicine, and $78.31 per diem for partial care substance use disorder services provided via telemedicine. By extending the per diem rate 180 days beyond the expiration of the federal waiver, this bill affords providers the necessary time to stabilize their operations and cash flow as they gradually transition their staff and patients from primarily telehealth services back to in-person services. Second, the bill permanently extends the division's policy to not require prior authorization requirements for partial care services under Medicaid during the COVID-19 emergency. Under the bill, the division is required to provide coverage of such services to an eligible individual on an hourly basis for up to five hours a day, five days a week, without the imposition of any prior authorization or other utilization management requirements. In doing so, this bill reduces the burden on providers to secure approval for services and allows them to focus, instead, on making the appropriate clinical decisions based on each patient's needs. | In Committee |
| SCR46 | Proposes constitutional amendment to increase mandatory retirement age for judges and justices from 70 to 72. | This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to Article VI, Section VI, paragraph 3 of the New Jersey Constitution which would increase the mandatory retirement age for Justices of the Supreme Court and Judges of the Superior Court. Currently, the Constitution requires these justices and judges to retire at age 70. Under the amendment, mandatory retirement would be at age 72. | In Committee |
| S1128 | Disallows tax deduction under corporation business tax and gross income tax for punitive damages paid in connection with legal action; includes amount paid as punitive damages on behalf of taxpayer in income for tax purposes. | This bill disallows tax deductions under the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for punitive damages paid or incurred in connection with a judgment in or settlement of a legal action and includes in a taxpayer's taxable income the amount paid to, or on behalf of, the taxpayer as insurance or otherwise by reason of the taxpayer's liability or agreement to pay punitive damages. Under current law, a corporation or an individual business owner may deduct the cost of court-ordered punitive damages as an "ordinary business expense." This tax loophole allows companies to wreak horrible damage to public assets and private property, destroying lives and livelihoods, and write it off as a cost of doing business. This bill eliminates that tax break, and requires corporations risking environmental destruction to face the true costs of their actions. | In Committee |
| S1120 | Establishes requirements for newly installed and replacement electric utility poles and transmission towers. | This bill requires the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt standards to require that electric public utilities installing new or replacement electric distribution utility poles install the highest class of wood poles. The bill provides that the utilities may install poles constructed of a material other than wood provided that any such material of the highest class or grade, as appropriate. The bill also requires that the BPU adopt standards, consistent with federal law, concerning the installation of new or replacement transmission towers. The standards require that the utilities install towers constructed of the highest class or grade of material, as appropriate. The BPU is directed to reference applicable national electrical standards in its classification of electric distribution utility poles and transmission towers. | In Committee |
| S1116 | Imposes tax on high-quantity processors of financial transactions at $0.0025 per transaction. | This bill imposes a tax on persons or entities that process 10,000 or more financial transactions through electronic infrastructure located in New Jersey during the year. The tax is $0.0025 (a quarter of a cent) per financial transaction processed in New Jersey. There are reportedly billions of financial transactions processed daily, and many of those are processed through electronic infrastructure located in New Jersey. This tax, which is on the processor but may be passed along to the purchaser or seller, can therefore potentially raise a significant amount of revenue for New Jersey. For purposes of the tax, a financial transaction is a transaction involving the purchase or sale of a financial security. Security includes, but is not limited to, a futures contract, options contract, futures option contract, swap contract, credit default swap contract, derivative, or share of stock in an entity. | In Committee |
| S1134 | Concerns resentencing and parole for certain juvenile defendants. | This bill requires the court to consider mitigating factors related to youth when sentencing juveniles as adults. The bill also provides an opportunity for resentencing for juveniles whose sentence amounts to life without parole eligibility and establishes parole eligibility for these juveniles. Specifically under the bill, the court is required to consider the following mitigating factors when sentencing a juvenile offender: (1) he defendant's age at the time of the offense; (2) the role of the attendant characteristics of youth in the offense, including impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, immaturity, and susceptibility to peer pressure; and (3) obstacles the defendant may have faced as a child, such as parental abuse or neglect, developmental disorders, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, poverty, and lack of education. Also under the bill, a juvenile defendant who is tried as an adult and receives an aggregate sentence of incarceration with a period of parole ineligibility of 20 years or more is eligible to petition the court for a resentencing hearing any time after 10 years following the date of conviction. The defendant has the right to counsel at the hearing. At the resentencing hearing, the court is to determine whether the offense for which the defendant was convicted while a juvenile was the result of mitigating qualities of youth or whether the offense reflects irreparable corruption. This determination is to be made by consideration of the following factors: (1) the defendant's age at the time of the offense; (2) the role of the attendant characteristics of youth in the offense, including impulsivity, risk-taking behavior, immaturity, and susceptibility to peer pressure; (3) obstacles the defendant may have faced as a child, such as parental abuse or neglect, developmental disorders, substance abuse, addiction, trauma, poverty, and lack of education; (4) any effort the defendant has made prior to and while incarcerated to overcome these obstacles; (5) the defendant's attempt at rehabilitation since incarceration, including but not limited to, participation in available rehabilitative, educational, or other programs; (6) whether the defendant poses the same risk to society that the defendant posed at the time of the initial sentence; and (7) evidence of maturity, growth, self-improvement and consideration of the welfare of others. A juvenile who has been sentenced to incarceration for 20 years or more within the last 10 years is not eligible for a resentencing hearing. Defendants are eligible for only one resentencing hearing. If the court finds that the offense for which the defendant was convicted while a juvenile was the result of the mitigating qualities of youth, the defendant is to be resentenced to a term that allows the defendant a meaningful opportunity for release. If the court finds the offense reflects irreparable corruption, the defendant is not to be resentenced. The bill also specifies that a juvenile defendant who is tried as an adult and receives an aggregate sentence of incarceration with a period of parole ineligibility of 20 years or more is to be eligible for parole no later than 20 years after being incarcerated. At the parole hearing, the State Parole Board is to consider the age of the juvenile, the mitigating qualities of youth, and enhanced potential for rehabilitation of juveniles. The defendant is entitled to counsel and may testify and call witnesses, including expert witnesses. The testimony is to be recorded or transcribed. A determination by the State Parole Board is required to be in writing. If parole is denied, any future eligibility term is not to exceed 48 months. | In Committee |
| S1119 | Directs BPU to study feasibility of adopting certain requirements for installation of new and replacement electric distribution utility poles and transmission towers. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to study and prepare and submit, within six months of the effective date of the bill, to the Governor and to the Legislature, a written report making findings and recommendations concerning the feasibility of establishing requirements concerning the installation of new or replacement electric distribution utility poles. The BPU would consider: 1) the feasibility of requiring the installation of concrete, steel, or fiberglass-reinforced composite electric distribution poles; 2) the feasibility of requiring the installation of higher classes of wood electric distribution utility poles than are currently in use; 3) the feasibility of installing higher class or grades of transmission towers than are currently in use; 4) the feasibility of establishing increased height requirements for electric distribution utility poles which support transformers and related distribution infrastructure; and 5) the implementation of standards related to foundation design, embedment depth, and advanced engineering methods for utility pole installation. In conducting the study, the board is directed to: 1) consult with relevant persons and public and private entities in other states that have utilized the types of utility poles, transmission towers, or other standards described in the bill; 2) consider the requirements of the National Electrical Code, the National Electrical Safety Code, the American National Standards Institute, and other applicable national and international standards; and 3) consider the cost to ratepayers, municipalities, electric public utilities, and the State associated with the implementation of the requirements described in the bill. | In Committee |
| S1139 | Requires vehicle manufacturers to provide real-time access to motor vehicle data to vehicle owners and representatives. | This bill requires motor vehicle manufactures to provide the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative with real-time access to certain motor vehicle data. Under current law, a person other than the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative is generally prohibited from obtaining or using certain motor vehicle data, known as "recorded data," which is collected from a recording device within the motor vehicle. However, a person other than the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative may obtain or use recorded data in certain circumstances, such as upon the consent of the owner or representative. Under the bill, when the manufacturer of a motor vehicle obtains recorded data through a vehicle data interface, the manufacturer would be required to provide the owner of the motor vehicle or the owner's representative with access to the recorded data through the vehicle data interface. For the purposes of this bill, a "vehicle data interface" is defined as any device, application, program, or other mechanism that enables a manufacturer or other person to obtain and maintain direct, real-time, bidirectional accessibility and interoperability to the recorded data of a motor vehicle as collected by a recording device. The bill also revises the definition of "recorded data" to include all data generated, or generated and retained, by the operation of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the bill requires a manufacturer to provide access to recorded data: (1) free of charge, and without undue delay, upon the written request of the owner or representative; (2) in same quality as the recorded data is available to the manufacturer, except that the data is required to be transmitted in a continuous, real-time manner through the vehicle data interface and accessible in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format; and (3) without condition or limitation, including, but not limited to, a fee or license to decrypt the recorded data or a requirement to use a device provided by the manufacturer to access and use the recorded data. After the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative receives access to recorded data from the manufacturer, the bill provides that the owner or representative may transmit the recorded data to any other person or entity authorized by the owner. The bill also provides that the owner of the motor vehicle may delete any recorded data or other information that was input by the owner into the motor vehicle or recording device, except as such deletions are otherwise prohibited under current law. Under the bill, a manufacturer is prohibited from requesting, encouraging, or requiring the owner of any motor vehicle to waive the right to access recorded data. Any waiver entered into after the date of enactment of this bill would be deemed null and void. | In Committee |
| S1127 | Provides $3,000 gross income tax deduction for certain taxpayers providing home care for an elderly relative. | This bill provides a $3,000 deduction from gross income for New Jersey taxpayers who provide more than one-half of the support of a relative, at least 70 years of age, who lives in the taxpayer's home for at least six months of the taxable year. To qualify for this deduction the gross income of a taxpayer filing an individual return may not exceed $35,000 and the gross income of a taxpayer filing a joint return may not exceed $50,000. | In Committee |
| S1142 | Broadens statute that criminalizes cyber-harassment of minor. | Under current law, cyber-harassment is a crime of the third degree if the offender is 21 years of age or older at the time of the offense and impersonates a minor for the purpose of cyber-harassing a minor. This bill broadens the statute regarding the cyber-harassment of a minor by providing that a person is guilty of this third-degree crime if the person is 18 years of age or older and engages in any form of cyber-harassment of a minor. The bill eliminates the provision that the adult actor also impersonate a minor in order to be guilty of the crime. 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. | In Committee |
| S1307 | Establishes process to bar certain health care providers from receiving reimbursement under PIP. | This bill establishes a process by which certain health care providers can be barred from collecting reimbursement from the medical expense benefits under the personal injury protection (PIP) coverage of an automobile insurance policy. Specifically, the bill provides that the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance (the "commissioner"), in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, shall, by regulation, promulgate standards and procedures for investigating and, as appropriate, temporarily suspending or barring a health care provider from demanding, requesting or receiving reimbursement for services or equipment for which payment is to be made by an automobile insurer under PIP coverage. The bill requires the commissioner to ensure adequate due process protection to health care providers, including notice and opportunity to be heard, and to provide notice to health care providers at least 90 days in advance of the effective date of the regulations implementing the bill. The bill establishes a process in which the commissioner, either by his own initiative or based on the recommendation of the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services or the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, may conduct an investigation into any health care provider who the commissioner reasonably believes: (1) may be guilty of professional misconduct, incompetence, or negligence; (2) exceeded the limits of his or her professional competence in rendering medical care or may have knowingly made a false statement or representation as to a material fact in any medical report under PIP; (3) has solicited, or has employed another to solicit for himself or herself or for another, professional treatment, examination or care of an injured person in connection with certain claims; (4) has refused to appear before, or to answer upon request of, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services, the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, or any duly authorized officer of the State, any legal question, or to produce any relevant information concerning his or her conduct in connection with rendering medical services; or (5) has engaged in patterns of billing for services which were never rendered, are of no diagnostic value or are medically unnecessary. The bill then requires the commissioner to notify any health care provider being investigated and provide the health care provider with adequate notice and opportunity to be heard. Under the bill, the commissioner is then required to make a determination, based on the investigation and the health care provider's response, whether to temporarily suspend or bar the health care provider from demanding, requesting or receiving reimbursement for services or equipment for which payment is to be made by an automobile insurer under PIP coverage. The bill also requires the commissioner to compile a list of those health care providers who are barred from collecting reimbursement under the bill. Health care providers who are barred from collecting reimbursement under the bill are prohibited from subsequently treating for remuneration, as a private patient, any person seeking medical treatment under personal injury protection coverage. An injured claimant so treated or examined is permitted to raise this as a defense in any action by that health care provider for payment for treatment rendered at any time after that health care provider has been barred from demanding or requesting payment for medical services pursuant to this section. The bill also provides that the commissioner, the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs shall make the list of health care providers who are barred from reimbursement under the bill's provisions available to the public by means of a website and by a toll free number. The bill also permits the commissioner, while conducting an investigation pursuant to the bill and, after a hearing and upon written notice to the provider, to temporarily suspend a health care provider from demanding, requesting or receiving any reimbursement for services or equipment for medical expense benefits for which payment is to be made by an automobile insurer under PIP coverage. The bill is not intended to affect or alter the provisions of P.L.1989, c.19 (C.45:9-22.4 et seq.), which pertain to referrals of patients by practitioners. | In Committee |
| S1126 | Establishes State bank for handling of marijuana-related funds. | This bill creates the State Bank of New Jersey to provide financial services to marijuana-related businesses. The bill authorizes the creation of a board of directors to oversee the bank. The bill permits the bank to make loans to marijuana-related businesses subject to the limitations of the bill and any rules adopted by the State Treasurer. The bill permits the State bank to charge the same rate of interest, provide for the same terms for a loan or extension of credit, and to exercise any other power or authority permissible to a State-chartered bank. The bill permits the bank to accept deposits from any marijuana-related business. The bill creates a 13 member board of directors to govern the bank. The board consists of: (1) the State Treasurer, or the State Treasurer's designee, as an ex officio member; and (2) twelve public members, who are residents of this State, six of whom are to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, including: one person who shall have experience in bank administration; one person who shall have experience in credit union administration; one person who shall have experience in consumer financial advocacy; one person who shall have experience in public administration; and two additional public members. Of the six other persons, two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the President of the Senate, two shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Speaker of the General Assembly, one shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the Senate, and one shall be appointed upon the recommendation of the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. The board is required to appoint a president of the bank to supervise the administrative affairs and general management and operations of the bank. The bill provides that the president of the bank is to serve at the pleasure of the board and receive such compensation as the board shall determine. With the approval of the board, the president is charged with: (1) planning, directing, coordinating, and executing the administrative functions of the bank in conformity with the policies and directives of the board; (2) employing professional and clerical staff as necessary to implement the provisions of the bill; (3) reporting to the board on all operations under the president's control and supervision; (4) preparing an annual budget and managing the administrative expenses of the bank; and (5) undertaking any other activities necessary to accomplish the purposes of the bank. The bill provides that all employees of the bank, except the president, are to be in the career service of the Civil Service. All meetings of the board are subject to the open public meetings act and, except as provided by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, records maintained by the bank shall be subject to the open public records act. The bill includes post-employment restrictions on members of the board or employees of the bank. Except for a secretarial or clerical employee, while serving as a member of the board or an employee of the bank, and for a period of two years immediately following such service or employment, a person, any member of the person's immediate family, any entity with which that person is associated or in which the person has an interest, or any partner, officer, director, or employee while the person is associated with that entity, shall not be employed by, a consultant to, a member of the board of directors of, affiliated with, or otherwise a representative of, any person or entity that has obtained a loan from, or has otherwise done substantial business with, the bank. The bill also provides that members of the board and the President of the State bank shall make the same financial disclosures, whether required by law, rule, regulation or Executive Order, including an annual filing of Financial Disclosure Statements, and in the same manner, as are required of the heads of each principal department in the Executive Branch. The bill requires the board to meet regularly with the management of the bank to review the bank's operations and make recommendations to the president on the operations of the bank. The bill also provides that the State bank is exempt from the payment of all fees and all taxes levied by the State or any of its subdivisions. In addition, all deposits in the bank are guaranteed by the State and are exempt from State, county, and municipal taxes. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance is required to examine the State bank in the same manner as a State-chartered financial institution and may conduct any additional investigation of the bank which may be necessary to ensure the proper operation of the bank, at the bank's cost. The commissioner shall report the examination results, and the results of any necessary investigation, to the Governor and to the Legislature. In addition, the State Auditor shall contract with an independent certified public accounting firm for an annual audit of the bank in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. The State Auditor is required to contract for an annual audit of the separate programs and funds administered by the bank. The auditor selected shall prepare an audit report that includes financial statements presented in accordance with the audit and accounting guide for banks and savings institutions issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The auditor also shall prepare audited financial statements for inclusion in the comprehensive annual financial report for the State. The State Auditor may conduct performance audits of the bank, including the separate programs and funds administered by the bank. The auditor shall report the results of the audits to the Governor and to the Legislature. The bank or its separate programs and funds shall pay the costs of the audits. The bill also provides that, by December 1st of each year, the State Treasurer shall make an annual report to the Governor, and to the Legislature on the affairs of the bank. The report may include any recommendations that would improve the affairs of the bank. Additionally, immediately following the close of each calendar month, the State Treasurer shall prepare a report as to the state of the bank. The monthly report is to be made available on the Department of the Treasury website. | In Committee |
| S1145 | Provides that firearms purchaser identification card is valid for four years; requires training prior to issuance of firearms cards and handgun purchase permits; revises procedures for passing of firearms to heir or legatee. | This bill imposes additional safeguards on the issuance of firearms purchaser identification cards, imposes training requirements, and revises the procedures for an heir or legatee to inherit or receive possession of a firearm. Under current law, a firearms purchaser identification card is valid indefinitely, unless the holder becomes subject to any of the disabilities that disqualify a person for firearms ownership. The bill provides that a firearms purchaser identification card issued or renewed after the bill's effective date would expire during the fourth calendar year following its date of issuance and on the same calendar day as the card holder's date of birth. The holder of a firearms purchaser identification card issued prior to the bill's effective date would expire to within four years of the bill's enactment and on the same calendar day as the card holder's date of birth. The bill further provides that a firearms purchaser identification card may be renewed if the holder is not subject to any of the statutory disabilities and after filing of a renewal application and payment of the required fee. In addition, this bill requires certain applicants for a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card to demonstrate that, within four years prior to the date of the application, he or she satisfactorily completed a course of instruction approved by the Superintendent of State Police in the lawful and safe handling and storage of firearms. This provision is not applicable to an active or retired law enforcement officer or a veteran who was honorably discharged as a member of the United States Armed Forces or National Guard and who received substantially equivalent training. A person who obtained a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card prior to the bill's effective date would not be required to complete a course of instruction. Under current law, a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card is not required for the passing of a firearm to an heir or legatee upon the death of the owner, whether the firearm is passed by testamentary bequest or by the laws of intestacy. This bill requires the heir or legatee to possess a permit to purchase a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card prior to taking possession of the firearm. An administrator or executor of the estate who does not possess a valid firearms purchaser identification card or permit to purchase a handgun is to surrender custody of the firearm within 30 days to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the decedent resided or, if municipality does not have a police department or force, the superintendent. The chief law enforcement officer or superintendent, as appropriate, would retain custody of the firearm until the heir or legatee obtains a valid permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card. If the heir or legatee does not obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card, the heir or legatee is required to sell the firearm to a licensed retail dealer of firearms or arrange for the sale of the firearm by the licensed retail dealer. The licensed retail dealer is to provide the heir or legatee with a receipt and record the date of surrender, the name of the heir or legatee, and the serial number, manufacturer, and model of the surrendered firearm. The bill permits an heir or legatee who possesses a valid permit to purchase a handgun or firearms purchaser identification card to take possession of the firearm directly from the administrator or executor of the estate or from the chief law enforcement officer or superintendent, as appropriate, if the heir or legatee files a signed certification as prescribed by the superintendent. The certification would be filed with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the decedent resided or, if there is no chief law enforcement officer, the superintendent. | In Committee |
| S1141 | Increases certain firearms permit fees. | This bill increases the application fees for firearms purchaser identification cards, permits to purchase a handgun, and permits to carry a handgun. Under current law, the one-time application fee for a firearms purchaser identification card is $5. This bill increases that fee to $100. The $2 application fee for a permit to purchase a handgun for each handgun purchased is increased to $50 under the bill. Finally, the $20 fee for the initial application for a permit to carry a handgun and subsequent two-year renewals of the permit is increased to $200. According to the sponsor, fees for firearms permits have not been changed since the 1960s and therefore, the increases in the fees set forth in the bill are warranted. | In Committee |
| S804 | "New Jersey Disability Savings Act." | This bill expands the "New Jersey Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program," P.L.2015, c.185 (C.52:18A-250 et al.) to incentivize qualified individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged savings accounts, known as ABLE accounts. Pursuant to current federal statute, qualified individuals who have significant disabilities with onset prior to age 26 years, and who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, may contribute as much as the federal gift tax limit, or $16,000 in 2022, to a qualifying ABLE account. Individuals with disabilities, or their parent or guardian, may open an ABLE account in the individual's state of residence, or in another state. As of January 2022, there are 49 ABLE plans operating nationwide. Funds deposited into an ABLE account may only be used for qualifying disability-related expenses such as transportation, housing, education, assistive technology, legal fees, and personal support services. Distributions from a New Jersey ABLE account are not subject to federal tax, provided the distributions do not exceed the individual's disability-related expenses for the year. New Jersey statute currently limits total lifetime contributions to an ABLE account to $305,000. Once the value of an ABLE account exceeds $100,000, SSI cash benefits for the ABLE account owner are suspended until the account's value falls below this threshold. However, a qualifying individual will not lose Medicaid benefits, no matter the balance in an ABLE account. Pursuant to the bill, all contributions to a qualifying New Jersey ABLE account are fully-deductible on a New Jersey State tax return, similar to qualifying contributions to the State's Section 529 educational savings program, known as the NJBEST. As amended, the bill additionally incentivizes taxpayer savings in New Jersey ABLE accounts by providing up to $750 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds for taxpayers whose gross annual income equals $150,000 or less, and who deposit funds into a newly opened ABLE account. It is important to note, however, that the savings incentives instituted under this bill are subject to the annual appropriations process. Therefore, the bill authorizes the Department of Human Services to select a methodology for allocating these incentive funds in years in which State appropriations for these incentive payments are insufficient to fulfill the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1124 | Bars public entities and public employees from entering into confidential settlements of "whistleblower" claims; provides that such settlements constitute public records. | This bill would bar public entities and public employees from entering into any agreement to settle claims or actions where the public employee asserts the protections of the "Conscientious Employee Protection Act," P.L.1986, c.105 (C.34:19-1 et seq., informally referred to as the "Whistleblower Act"), if: (1) the agreement provides for the terms and conditions to be confidential; or (2) the purpose or the effect of such agreement is to conceal information relating to any claim or action concerning the public interest. The bill provides for an exception for agreements involving matters of national security. Under the bill, such settlement agreements constitute public records under the open public records laws, P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) and P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.). Under current law, set out in P.L.1989, c.336 (C.2A:82-46), the name, address, and identity of a victim of a sex crime or child abuse who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense shall not appear on the indictment, complaint, or any other public record. The bill specifically provides that the provisions of the bill are not intended to affect this requirement. The bill would also require the Attorney General to make such agreements publicly available online. The bill would require that a list of the settlement agreements be in a searchable format in a prominent location on the department's website. The information would include: (1) the date the parties entered into the agreement; (2) the names of the parties; (3) a description of the claims; (4) the total amount each party is obligated to pay; and (5) the total amount of compensation for any outside legal counsel. In addition, the bill provides that any other agreement to settle a claim or action where a public entity is a party would be considered a public record within the meaning of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.) and P.L.2001, c.404 (C.47:1A-5 et al.), except for matters involving national security. | In Committee |
| S649 | Creates the "Mold Safe Housing Act." | Entitled the "Mold-Safe Housing Act," this bill would create mechanisms for tenants living in mold-contaminated rental housing to have the mold effectively removed, or be relocated to safer rental housing. In addition, the bill provides a system of inspection of all rental housing for the presence of mold. Single family and two-family rental housing will be required to be inspected upon a change in occupancy, as well as every five years as part of the multiple dwelling inspection. Multiple dwellings will be inspected every five years for mold under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," which is enforced currently by the Bureau of Housing Inspection in the Department of Community Affairs. The bill provides that a prospective home purchaser can specify that an inspection for presence of mold be performed by a licensed home inspector, should they retain such an inspector prior to purchase. The bill permits tenants whose landlords fail to abate a mold hazard, upon written request to do so, to notify the Department of Community Affairs, who shall investigate each claim and determine whether to relocate the tenant. Current relocation assistance laws would apply in such circumstances. In addition, the bill requires the court to notify the department whenever a tenant is constructively evicted due to mold or some other issue of habitability in the rental property. | In Committee |
| SCR47 | Proposes amendment to Constitution permitting justices and judges to engage in extra-judicial activities for compensation as permitted by court rule. | This proposed amendment to the New Jersey Constitution would permit State Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges to participate in and receive compensation for certain extra-judicial activities, as permitted by the Supreme Court by court rule and subject to Supreme Court regulation. Presently, State Supreme Court Justices and Superior Court Judges are not permitted to engage in the practice of law or other gainful pursuit. See N.J. Const., Art. VI, Sec. VI, par. 6. The total compensation a justice or judge could receive in a single year would be limited to no more than 15 percent of the justice's or judge's annual salary. Additionally, a justice or judge would not be permitted to receive compensation in the form of an honorarium, which is a payment of money or any other thing of value for an appearance, speech, or article directly related to the justice's or judge's official duties or status. | In Committee |
| S1146 | Prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities. | This bill prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities. Under the provisions of this bill, a retail dealer of firearms is prohibited from being located within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school; a child care center; a child care facility that provides services to children with an intellectual or developmental disability; a preschool or nursery school; a public or independent institution of higher education or a proprietary school; a licensed health care facility; a funeral home; another retail dealer of firearms; a church, synagogue, temple, or other place of public worship, including a building used for Sunday school or religious school; an establishment which sells alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises; an establishment which sells alcoholic beverages for consumption off the licensed premises; a playground; or a public park. | In Committee |
| S1111 | Establishes registration and operational requirements for retail health clinics and urgent care facilities. | This bill establishes an annual registration requirement and certain operational requirements for retail health clinics and urgent care facilities. Retail health clinics are health care facilities that are located within a retail store, supermarket, pharmacy, or similar retail outlet that offer walk-in services limited to preventative and wellness care, vaccine administration, and related services. Urgent care facilities are health care facilities that offer episodic, walk-in care for the treatment of acute, but not life-threatening, health conditions. Each retail health clinic and urgent care facility that is not otherwise licensed as an ambulatory care facility will be required to register with the Department of Health on an annual basis. The clinic or facility will be required to submit with its annual registration information concerning: its location and hours of operation; the names of its medical supervisor, operational supervisor, and chief customer service officer; the names of any health care professionals employed by or affiliated with the clinic or facility; the nature and scope of health care services provided and conditions treated at the clinic or facility; and any other information as may be required by the department. Registry information for retail health clinics and urgent care facilities will be made available on the department's Internet website. The operational supervisor of each clinic or facility will be responsible for ensuring the clinic or facility is compliant with all State and federal requirements regarding patient privacy and the confidentiality of patient information, medical records, proper credentialing of affiliated health care professionals, vaccine reporting requirements, and prohibitions against self-interested referrals and patient steering practices. The medical supervisor of each clinic or facility is responsible for overseeing all health care services provided at a retail health clinic or urgent care facility. A person may simultaneously serve as operational supervisor and medical supervisor at a retail health clinic or urgent care facility, provided the person does not have a supervisory role at more than three retail health clinics or urgent care facilities. Each retail health clinic and urgent care facility is to have a chief customer service officer, who will serve as the point of contact for consumer complaints, appeals, and inquiries. Retail health clinics and urgent care facilities will be required to make the patient's treatment record available to the patient upon request, and to furnish a copy to the patient's primary care provider upon request. Records are to be forwarded to the patient's primary care provider no later than five days after the request is made or any related testing is completed, whichever is later, and may be transmitted in any form that can be accessed by the primary care provider. The fees charged for furnishing or forwarding copies of the patient's treatment record are not to exceed the actual costs of providing the records. If the treating professional indicates in writing that it is not medically advisable to provide a copy of the medical record to the patient, the record will be provided to a person authorized to make health care decisions on the patient's behalf. Patients receiving health care services at a retail health clinic or urgent care facility are to be urged by the treating professional to follow up with the patient's primary care provider. If the patient does not have a primary care provider, the retail health clinic or urgent care facility will be required to offer to assist the patient in locating a primary care provider. Except in emergent circumstances, retail health clinics and urgent care facilities will be prohibited from providing health care services to individuals younger than 18 years of age or to individuals currently enrolled in the Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs. The bill establishes an enumerated list of patient rights. The operational supervisor of each retail health clinic and urgent care facility will be required to insure that a written summary of these rights is given to the patient or the person authorized to make health care decisions on behalf of the patient prior to the provision of health care services, and that a written notice listing these rights is posted in a conspicuous place in the clinic or facility. The commissioner will be permitted to adopt rules and regulations concerning retail health clinics and urgent care facilities, including requirements regarding the nature, scope, and specific health care services that may be provided at retail health clinics and urgent care facilities, as well as any additional standards and requirements for the operation of retail health clinics and urgent care facilities as may be appropriate. | In Committee |
| S1132 | Creates Highlands Conservation Trust to preserve land in Highlands Region, and authorizes Highlands conservation license plate to raise revenue therefor. | This bill would create the Highlands Conservation Trust in but not of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The purposes of the trust would be to acquire and hold, or acquire and convey to other governmental entities or to qualified nonprofit organizations, environmentally important, valuable, or sensitive lands located in the New Jersey Highlands Region. These lands would be permanently preserved and managed in their natural state or in a largely natural or undeveloped state for the purposes of (1) conserving and enhancing the exceptional natural resources of the Highlands Region, such as clean air, contiguous forest lands, wetlands, pristine watersheds, and habitat for fauna and flora, (2) preserving sites of historic significance, and (3) providing abundant passive recreational opportunities. Any lands acquired by the trust would become exempt from taxation and the payment of any in lieu of tax obligation upon the date of acquisition. The trust would be administered by a seven-member board of trustees comprising: four private citizens appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate; the Commissioner of Environmental Protection; the Executive Director of the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council; and a mayor, or elected chief executive, of a municipality in the Highlands preservation area appointed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The trust would be empowered, among other things, to: (1) plan and implement strategies to maximize land acquisition and preservation and environmental enhancement in the Highlands Region in keeping with the purposes of the trust; (2) acquire and hold, or convey to other government entities, including but not limited to the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust, or to qualified nonprofit organizations, environmentally important, valuable, or sensitive lands in the Highlands Region; and to preserve or manage those lands in their natural state, or in a largely natural or undeveloped state, for the purposes of conserving and enhancing the exceptional natural resources of the Highlands Region, such as clean air, contiguous forest lands, wetlands, pristine watersheds, and habitat for fauna and flora, preserving sites of historic significance, and providing abundant passive recreational opportunities; (3) establish a special working relationship with the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council in furthering the purposes of the trust; (4) apply for and accept grants and other aid; solicit and accept gifts, donations, legacies, bequests, and endowments; and solicit and accept rents or royalties, all to be used for the purposes of the trust; (5) if deemed useful, authorize establishment by appropriate persons or organizations of a tax-exempt nonprofit organization or organizations for the purposes of assisting the trust; and (6) establish incentive programs to encourage landowners within the Highlands Region to (a) convey land to the trust or to other public or private entities seeking to preserve land in keeping with the purposes of the trust, or (b) manage their lands in keeping with the purposes of the trust. The bill would also establish the "Highlands Conservation Trust Fund." The trust fund would be the depository for all moneys: (1) received as a grant or other form of aid by the trust or by the State and designated for the trust; (2) given, donated, bequeathed, or endowed to the trust from public or private sources; (3) received as rent or as a royalty by the trust or by the State on behalf of the trust; (4) received as net revenues from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in connection with the issuance of Highlands conservation license plates as authorized by the bill; and (5) appropriated or otherwise made available to the trust by the State. The moneys in the trust fund would be specifically dedicated to be used only for the purposes of the trust. No moneys in the trust fund could be utilized for the development of any land for any purpose or for the acquisition of land that will not remain in a natural or largely natural or undeveloped state, except that up to eight percent of the moneys annually received and deposited into the trust fund could be used to pay for development of sites to allow for public access and environmental education and interpretation and for the development of trails, and up to two percent of the moneys annually received and deposited into the trust fund could be used to pay for promotional and program awareness efforts. No moneys in the trust fund could be used to pay or discharge the principal of or interest on any indebtedness incurred for any purpose by the trust or any other governmental entity. | In Committee |
| S1147 | Establishes strict liability criminal penalties for minor's access to loaded firearm if access results in bodily injury or death. | This bill establishes strict liability criminal penalties for a minor's access to a loaded firearm if the access results in bodily injury or death. Under current law, a person who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is likely to gain access to a loaded firearm at a premises under the person's control commits a disorderly persons offense if a minor who is under the age of 16 gains access to the firearm, unless the person properly stores the firearm. Under current law, proper storage means that the firearm is stored unloaded, in a securely locked box or container or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure, or is secured with a trigger lock. The requirements under current law do not apply to the use of a firearm by a minor as authorized under current law, such as when the use is supervised; for a military drill of a legally recognized military organization; for competition, target practice, instruction, and training at an approved firing range; hunting, provided that the minor possesses a valid hunting license, has successfully completed a hunter's safety course, and possesses a certificate of completion; or under circumstances in which a minor obtained a firearm as a result of an unlawful entry by any person. Under the bill, a violation for a minor's access to a firearm that is improperly stored by a person would remain a disorderly persons offense, unless the access results in bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. If a minor gains access to a firearm that is improperly stored by a person in violation of the bill and the access results in bodily injury or serious bodily injury to, or the death of, another person, the person is strictly liable for the bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. The person would be guilty of a crime of the third degree if the access results in bodily injury to another person; a crime of the second degree if the access results in serious bodily injury to another person; and a crime of the first degree if the access results in the death of another person. In addition, under the bill, a minor is defined as a person under the age of 18 rather than under the age of 16 as defined under current law. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. 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. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1969 | Establishes Office of Child Advocate. | This bill establishes the Office of the Child Advocate in, but notof, the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill provides that the child advocate would seek to ensure the provision of effective, appropriate, and timely services for children at risk of abuse and neglect in the State, and that children under State supervision due to abuse or neglect are served adequately and appropriately by the State. The Office of the Child Advocate would be deemed a child protective agency for the purposes of N.J.S.A.9:6-8.10a. The bill allows the Child Advocate to: investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate any State agency response on, or disposition of, an allegation of child abuse or neglect in this State; inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of juvenile detention centers, resource family homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, shelters for the care of abused or neglected children, shelters for the care of juveniles considered as juvenile-family crisis cases, shelters for the care of homeless youth, or independent living arrangements; and any other public or private residential setting in which a child has been placed by a State or county agency or department; review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by any State agency providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children in State or institutional custody, or children who receive child protective or permanency services; review, monitor, and report on the performance of State-funded private entities charged with the care and supervision of children at risk of abuse or neglect by conducting research audits or other studies of case records, policies, procedures, and protocols, as deemed necessary by the child advocate to assess the performance of the entities; receive, investigate, and make referrals to other agencies or take other appropriate actions with respect to a complaint received by the office regarding the actions of a State, county or municipal agency, or a State-funded private entity providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect; hold a public hearing on the subject of an investigation or study underway by the office, and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the child advocate deems appropriate; establish and maintain a 24 hour toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring problems to the child advocate, both individual and systemic, in how the State, through its agencies and contract services, protect children; and intervene in or institute litigation, or intervene in or institute administrative proceedings before any department, commission, agency, or State board, to assert the broad public interest of the State in the welfare of children and to protect and promote the rights of children. The bill provides that the Child Advocate would seek to ensure the protection of children who are in an institution or resource family home by reviewing, evaluating, and monitoring the operation and activities of the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in DCF. The bill also provides that the Child Advocate would report annually to the Governor, Commissioner of Children and Families, and Legislature on: the activities of the office; priorities for children's services that have been identified by the child advocate; and recommendations for improvement or needed changes concerning the provision of services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, and are in State or institutional custody, or receive child protective or permanency services by State agencies and State-funded private entities, and make the annual report available to the public and post the report on DCF's website. | In Committee |
| S1117 | Requires certain warehouse operators to implement air pollution reduction and mitigation plans. | This bill would require certain warehouse operators to implement an air pollution reduction and mitigation plan (APRM plan), beginning 36 months after the bill's effective date. Specifically, the bill would apply to warehouse operators that utilize at least 50,000 square feet of warehouse space in at least one warehouse that is at least 100,000 square feet in size. The bill defines a "warehouse operator" as an entity that conducts day-to-day operations at a warehouse, including operations conducted through the use of third-party contractors, which entity may or may not be the owner of the warehouse. The bill would prohibit applicable warehouse operators from conducting warehousing operations in New Jersey, unless they implement an APRM plan approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The bill would direct the DEP to develop, no later than 24 months after the bill's effective date, a template for the standard APRM plan. In order to implement the standard plan, warehouse operators would first need to determine the amount of truck traffic that originates from their operations using a formula to be developed by the DEP, as well as the square footage of warehouse space they utilize. Then, warehouse operators would use those figures in another formula, also to be developed by the DEP, to determine the number of air pollution reduction and mitigation points (APRM points) they need to accrue during the following year. Warehouse operators would be able to accrue APRM points through various activities - including purchasing low- or zero-emissions vehicles, installing solar panels, or installing air filters at certain buildings in the municipalities in which they operate - as enumerated in subsection b. of section 3 of the bill. APRM points could also be accrued by depositing moneys in the Plug-in Electric Vehicle Incentive Fund established pursuant to section 7 of P.L.2019, c.362 (C.48:25-7). Warehouse operators may also comply with the bill's provisions by submitting a custom APRM plan to the DEP. The custom APRM would be required to state the actions to be taken by the warehouse operator to reduce or mitigate air pollution caused by the warehouse operator, as well as conform to other minimum standards established in subsection b. of section 4 of the bill. The bill would require warehouse operators to submit to the DEP each year the APRM plan to be implemented for the next year and an annual report detailing the actions taken during the previous year. The DEP would have 90 days to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the plan. The bill would also require warehouse operators to retain records that demonstrate whether and how they have complied with the bill's provisions. In particular, warehouse operators would be required to retain records that evidence the amount of truck traffic generated by the warehouse operator. The bill would require the DEP to develop guidelines to assist warehouse operators with this task. The bill would authorize the DEP to request the records retained by warehouse operators, as well as to audit warehouse operators, for cause or randomly. The bill would direct the DEP to publish the warehouse operators covered under the bill and their compliance status on its website. A person who violates the provisions of the bill would be subject to a civil administrative penalty of up to $25,000 for each violation. The amount of any civil administrative penalty would be assessed pursuant to rules and regulations adopted by the DEP for violations of similar type, seriousness, and duration. A person who violates the provisions of the bill, and any order issues pursuant thereto, or who fails to pay in full a civil administrative penalty, would be subject, upon order of a court, to a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000. Civil penalties would be imposed and recovered in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." In addition to these penalties, a person who knowingly, purposely, or recklessly makes a false or misleading statement to the DEP on any certification or registration would be guilty of a crime of the third degree and subject to a fine of up to $50,000 and restitution. The bill also establishes other remedies and enforcement mechanisms. | In Committee |
| S1123 | 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 |
| S1983 | Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. | This bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including restrictions that limit the ability of APNs to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia, and establishes new requirements for APNs to prescribe medications. The bill expressly provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, an APN with greater than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice will be authorized to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider. With regard to prescribing medications, the bill requires the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and satisfying continuing professional education requirements related to pharmacology and prescribing controlled substances. An APN with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be permitted to prescribe medication only if a formal joint protocol with a physician or experienced advanced practice nurse is in place. The bill revises the requirements for APNs to authorize patients for medical cannabis and to issue written instructions for medical cannabis, to provide that the APN will only be required to meet the requirements set forth under the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.). Those requirements include: possessing active State and federal registrations to prescribe controlled dangerous substances; being the health care practitioner responsible for the ongoing treatment of a patient's qualifying medical condition; and complying with various other requirements for issuing written instructions for medical cannabis. The bill further provides that every APN who is an APN-Anesthesia and who has completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be authorized to practice as an APN-Anesthesia to the full scope of practice for APNs-Anesthesia, without any requirement for supervision by a licensed physician and without any requirement that the APN-Anesthesia enter into joint protocols with a licensed physician. The bill provides that any State law or regulation that requires the signature or similar endorsement of a physician will be deemed to require the same of an APN, to the extent consistent with an APN's scope of practice. The bill revises and repeals certain sections of law that are obviated by the changes made under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1121 | Encourages sharing of services; makes appropriations. | This bill modifies the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act," sections 1 through 35 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-1 through C.40A:65-35), and the law governing the Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission, P.L.2007, c.54 (C.52:27D-501 et seq.) to encourage and facilitate the provision of local and regional services through shared service agreements and joint meeting contracts. The bill amends and supplements the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act" to expedite the resolution of disputes over Civil Service rules and tenure provisions, which are reportedly responsible for delaying the implementation of shared service agreements and joint contracts. The bill also makes a number of changes that affect employees of local units that enter into either a shared service agreement or a joint meeting. Most notably, local units would no longer be required to provide employees terminated for reasons of economy and efficiency with a terminal leave payment; the Civil Service Commission would no longer be required to review employment reconciliation plans; and certain provisions of Title 11A, Civil Service, of the New Jersey Statutes, could be relaxed by the Civil Service Commission upon request by the parties to the agreement. The local unit providing the service would have to decide which employees would transfer from a recipient local unit, subject to the provisions of any existing collective bargaining agreements within the affected local units. To that end, the bill would repeal certain provisions of the "Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act" that preserve the tenure rights of police officers. Under current law, the Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization and Consolidation Commission (LUARCC) examines the consolidation of municipalities, the merger of autonomous agencies into their parent municipal or county government, and the sharing of services between municipalities or between municipalities and other public entities. This bill clarifies LUARCC's powers to recommend the consolidation or merger of specific municipalities and autonomous agencies and the sharing of services between municipalities or between municipalities and other public entities. When considering a possible recommendation for consolidation or the sharing of services, the bill requires LUARCC to conduct at least five on-site consultation sessions in each local unit being studied, with the governing bodies, or their designees, and affected officials and other public entities under consideration for consolidation or the sharing of services. LUARCC would be required to include in every consolidation and shared services proposal an estimate of the savings that would result from the implementation of its recommendations. Once LUARCC recommends a sharing of services, it must hold a series of public hearings in each affected municipality. The State Treasurer would be required to certify LUARCC's basis for its fiscal analysis before LUARCC could submit a recommendation to a municipality. The municipality would then have the right to appeal LUARCC's estimate of savings resulting from a recommendation to the Commissioner of Community Affairs. The bill provides that a LUARCC consolidation recommendation would not be binding on a municipality and there would be no penalty for failing to implement the consolidation. However, the bill requires a municipality to approve a LUARCC recommendation for the sharing of services within 14 months of the recommendation, and implement the proposal within 28 months. A municipality could approve the recommendation by adoption of a resolution or ordinance or by adoption by the voters of the local unit. The bill allows a municipality to adopt a resolution or ordinance approving the recommendation subject to voter approval. If a municipality does not approve a LUARCC recommendation for the sharing of services, or does not make a good faith attempt to implement the recommendation within the required timeframes, it would be subject to a loss of State aid equal to LUARCC's estimated cost savings for implementing the recommendation. A municipality would not be subject to a reduction in State aid if it approved a recommendation for the sharing of services and the failure to implement the recommendation was due to the action or inaction of the governing body or voters of another local unit. | In Committee |
| S1112 | Designates portion of Interstate Route 280 in West Orange as "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway." | This bill designates Interstate Route 280 in the Township of West Orange as the "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway" to honor the memory of Governor Brendan T. Byrne. Through his extensive career in public service, Governor Byrne made numerous contributions to the State and served with integrity in each position. Governor Byrne was essential to the establishment of professional sports teams in the Meadowlands and to the passage of several important laws. The Legislature honors Governor Byrne's steadfast dedication to the people of the State of New Jersey, his extensive career in public service, and his many contributions to the State. 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 "Governor Brendan Byrne Memorial Highway." 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 |
| S1135 | Provides for opting out of organ and tissue donation. | This bill amends the motor vehicle laws regarding designation as an organ donor. Under current law, New Jersey has an "opt in" system for registering to be an organ donor when applying for or renewing a motor vehicle license or identification card. At the time of application for a new license, renewal license, identification card or renewal identification card a resident is provided with the opportunity to designate that the person shall donate all or any organs or tissues for the purposes of transplantation or therapy. This bill amends current law to provide for an "opt out" system where the default designation on every license or identification card issued is to be that a person is an organ donor. A person wishing to opt out of organ donation is required to make an affirmative designation to that effect. This provision does not apply to persons under the age of 18. The bill adds residents 18 years of age and older having default donor designations to the Donate Life NJ Registry. This bill also changes the requirements for the promotion of organ and tissue donation by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. Currently, a license or identification card is not to be issued or renewed unless the applicant first addresses the issue of organ donation. Applicants who are not registered as organ donors are required to register as an organ donor or review information about organ donation. The bill amends this section of law to provide that any resident who wishes to opt out of organ donation is to review these materials. | In Committee |
| S1131 | Regulates Internet pharmacies and electronic prescriptions. | This bill regulates Internet pharmacies which dispense or deliver prescription drugs to patients living in New Jersey. Under its provisions, Internet pharmacies are required to obtain a pharmacy permit from the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy prior to dispensing or delivering prescription drugs in New Jersey and to provide the board with certain information, as specified in the bill, to qualify for the permit. An Internet pharmacy must have its corporate headquarters in the United States to receive a permit under the bill's provisions. The bill prohibits Internet pharmacies from disclaiming: any liability to which a retail pharmacy in New Jersey is subject; jurisdiction of the courts of New Jersey; or application of the laws of the State of New Jersey. Before dispensing or delivering prescription drugs in accordance with an electronic prescription, the bill requires an Internet pharmacy or pharmacist to have a valid pharmacy license issued by the board or be a health care professional acting within the scope of his or her license within this State. It is a violation of this bill for any person to solicit, assist, or enable consumers to obtain a prescription via the Internet without a bona-fide existing practitioner-patient relationship. As provided by the bill, a bona-fide existing practitioner-patient relationship means the practitioner has conducted an examination, appropriately documented in the patient record. As part of this examination, the practitioner is required to: (1) perform an appropriate history and physical examination; (2) make a diagnosis based upon the examination and all diagnostic and laboratory tests consistent with good medical care; (3) formulate a therapeutic plan and discuss that plan, along with the basis for the plan and the risks and benefits of various treatment options, with the patient; and (4) ensure the availability of the physician or coverage for the patient for appropriate follow-up care. Violations of the bill may result in a civil penalty of $25,000 for each occurrence by a pharmacy and $5,000 for each occurrence by a pharmacist. Consumers aggrieved by a violation of the bill may obtain equitable relief and liquidated damages of $10,000 for each violation. Additionally, consumers injured by a prescription drug purchased through the Internet may recover compensatory damages. A permit issued pursuant to the bill may be revoked as a result of a violation as well. The bill requires pharmacists with reason to question the validity of an electronic or facsimile prescription to verify the prescription with the prescribing practitioner and to refuse to fill any prescription which, in his or her professional judgment, is beyond the scope of practice of the license of the prescriber, is of questionable validity, or is necessary to protect the health and welfare of the patient. An Internet pharmacy certified under the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites Certification Process of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy is exempted from the bill's provisions, provided that it has submitted a copy of its certification to the board. Also exempt from the bill's provisions are pharmacy practice sites to which a duly authorized permit has been issued by the board pursuant to N.J.A.C.13:39-4.16. Under the provisions of the bill, an Internet pharmacy acting pursuant to a permit issued under the bill is prohibited from filling a prescription for any schedule II, III, IV or V controlled dangerous substances in any manner other than in writing signed by the practitioner. In addition, the bill authorizes the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy, in consultation with the State Board of Medical Examiners, to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of this act. | In Committee |
| S4722 | Creates Joint Blue Ribbon Task Force on Impacts of Climate Change on Property Insurance. | Creates Joint Blue Ribbon Task Force on Impacts of Climate Change on Property Insurance. | Introduced |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2019 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2346 | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3424 | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR96 | Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2951 | Authorizes provision of monetary awards to whistleblowers who report State tax law violations committed by employers in construction industry. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR100 | Designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4085 | Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3041 | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4178 | Authorizes State Treasurer to grant temporary deed of easement in Borough of Sea Girt in Monmouth County. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3132 | Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4331 | Establishes licensure for cosmetic retail services. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3287 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3418 | Authorizes certain types of permanent structures, recently constructed or erected on preserved farmland, to be used, in certain cases, for purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4603 | Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act". | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4765 | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4897 | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4954 | Requires members of historic preservation commissions to complete historic preservation planning course. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4969 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3858 | Requires school bus personnel members to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires certain school buses transportating students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features; makes appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3887 | Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-and county-owned lakes and reservoirs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3910 | Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3917 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3931 | Updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3944 | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5100 | Re-appropriates unexpended balance of FY2024 appropriation for Town of West New York to support recreation center; appropriates $3 million for Town of West New York - Recreation Center to restore lapsed FY2024 funding. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5130 | Requires enforcing agency to conduct inspection of construction in specified time window. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3982 | Requires certain information be provided to parent at least two business days prior to annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting; establishes IEP Improvement Working Group in DOE. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5170 | Requires State to purchase certain unused tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4028 | Limits amount of payment that State agency as property owner may withhold from certain contractors on State construction contracts to two percent of amount due. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5199 | Requires resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who are eligible for coverage in SHBP, to be eligible to enroll and receive health insurance on first day of employment. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4135 | Provides allowance for certain redevelopment projects undertaken by institutions of higher education under New Jersey Aspire program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5378 | Modifies provisions of Cultural Arts Incentives Program, New Jersey Aspire Program, and Grow New Jersey Program; eliminates Community-Anchored Development Program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in House Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5546 | Concerns financial powers and responsibilities of Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5688 | Imposes surcharge on hotel occupancies in certain municipalities to fund fire services; provides for appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4451 | Clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SCR131 | Approves FY2026 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4400 | Extends hours that minor employed by national sports association, league, or team may work under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4387 | Requires establishment of tracking system in Division of Consumer Affairs to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4423 | Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4476 | Permits awarding of contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution of board of education; extends maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4472 | Eliminates five percent down payment requirement for local bond ordinances involving hazard mitigation and resilience projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4506 | Exempts minor league baseball players from certain State wage laws under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Senate District 27 | Senate | Democrat | In Office | 01/09/2024 | |
| NJ | District 27 | House | Democrat | Out of Office | 01/08/2002 | 01/12/2024 |