Legislator
Legislator > Mike Testa
State Senator
Mike Testa
(R) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 01
In Office - Started: 12/05/2019
contact info
Vineland Office
610 E. Landis Ave.
Vineland, NJ 08360
Vineland, NJ 08360
Phone: 609-778-2012
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4407 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | In Committee |
| S4524 | Appropriates $34 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for county planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill appropriates $34 million to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for the purpose of providing planning incentive grants to counties for up to 80 percent of the cost of acquisition of development easements on farmland for farmland preservation purposes. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014. The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-50), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 8 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act. Under the bill, five counties will each receive a "base grant" of either $1 million or $500,000, as specified in the bill. Those five counties, plus 10 other counties identified in the bill, would also be eligible to compete to receive an additional grant from the "competitive grant fund" pursuant to subsection c. of section 1 of the bill, in an amount not to exceed $7.5 million. The maximum grant award a county could receive under the bill is $8.5 million (i.e., the $1 million base grant, if applicable, and a $7.5 million competitive grant). The bill also appropriates to the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" moneys from the General Fund already constitutionally dedicated to the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" for the purpose of making the appropriations from that fund required by this bill. The allocations and projects listed in this bill have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. | Crossed Over |
| S4531 | Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill appropriates $52,798,268 from various farmland preservation funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for certain farmland preservation purposes. Of the funding provided by the bill, $21,046,028 is appropriated to the SADC to pay the cost of acquisition by the SADC of development easements on, or fee simple titles to, farmland, to provide grants to counties and municipalities for up to 80 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland, and to provide grants to qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland, for farmland preservation purposes for projects approved as eligible for such funding pursuant to: the "Agricultural Retention and Development Act"; the "Green Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Blue Acres Bond Act of 1995"; the "Garden State Preservation Trust Act"; the "Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres, and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007"; the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009"; and the "Preserve New Jersey Act." In addition, this bill appropriates $3,452,240 from the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" to the SADC for the purpose of providing stewardship grants for activities, beyond routine operation and maintenance, undertaken by landowners, or farm operators as agents for landowners, to repair, restore, or improve lands preserved for farmland preservation purposes, including but not limited to, soil and water conservation project activities and deer-fencing activities. The appropriations in this bill for the acquisition of fee simple titles and development easements to farmland and for stewardship grants have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. The bill also appropriates to the SADC such sums from any additional proceeds which may become available by the effective date of the bill due to the lease or conveyance of farmland previously acquired in fee simple by the SADC, for the purpose of providing for the cost of acquisition by the SADC of development easements and fee simple titles to farmland for farmland preservation purposes. This bill also appropriates from the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" to the SADC: $25,000,000 for organizational, administrative, and other work and services, including salaries, equipment, materials, and services necessary to administer the applicable provisions of the "Preserve New Jersey Act"; $2,000,000 for costs associated with administering the direct easement program; $800,000 for organizational, administrative and other work and services necessary to administer the Garden State Preservation Trust; and $500,000 for the costs associated with legal advice and representation in connection with the committee's enforcement of development easements acquired for farmland preservation purposes pursuant to P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.). The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014, for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 8 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." Of the funding in this bill, $51,616,360 is from these constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues. | Crossed Over |
| S4670 | Renames "Delaware Bay" to "Bay of New Jersey"; directs all State departments and agencies to update official publications, signage, websites, and materials to reflect the new designation and notify relevant federal entities. | This bill renames the "Delaware Bay" as the "Bay of New Jersey" in all statutes and official references under New Jersey law. The bill directs all State departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to revise their websites, printed materials, signage, maps, and other public-facing documents to reflect this new designation. Additionally, it requires that any reference to "Delaware Bay" in New Jersey statutes, rules, regulations, contracts, or official documents be understood to mean and refer to the "Bay of New Jersey." The bill also requires that relevant federal agencies be notified of the name change, including requests to reflect this designation in federal documents and materials where appropriate. The Delaware Bay lies along the western border of southern New Jersey and has long been integral to the State's environmental, economic, and cultural identity. The renaming recognizes and affirms the bay's strong and direct connection to New Jersey's coastal communities, maritime industries, and natural resources. | In Committee |
| S4682 | Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production. | This bill amends P.L.1971, c.361 to prohibit the condemnation, or taking of private property for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain pursuant to that law, of a property that is farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production and the person or entity seeking to condemn the property intends to develop that property for a purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production. New Jersey has a stated goal of preserving 500,000 acres of farmland, which it is just over halfway to achieving. To obtain this goal the State needs to have as much active farmland as possible and should not allow it to be taken through eminent domain for non-agricultural purposes. Eminent domain is a tool to be used by the government to promote public projects, such as damns, roads, and parks, not a hammer to be used to take private property for use by other private entities to make money for themselves and the government that approves it. This bill will narrow the scope of the eminent domain law and protect farms that are needed to provide food security for citizens. | In Committee |
| S4671 | Enters NJ in New Jersey-Delaware Territorial Boundary Adjustment Compact. | This bill enters New Jersey into the New Jersey-Delaware Territorial Boundary Adjustment Compact. The purpose of the compact is to redraw the territorial boundary line between New Jersey and Delaware in order to transfer ownership of Artificial Island and Finns Point from Delaware to New Jersey. The territorial boundary of Delaware was established via a deed of feoffment from the Duke of York to William Penn in 1682. The feoffment described the Delaware territory within a 12-mile circle, including the river and any islands and soil within. In the time since the territorial boundary was established, two pieces of land called Artificial Island and Finns Point have emerged within the Delaware River. These pieces of land are physically connected to the State of New Jersey, but the boundary drawn in the 17th century, before these pieces of land emerged, places Artificial Island and Finns Point in Delaware's territory. Delaware's ownership of Artificial Island and Finns Point presents continuing practical and legal challenges concerning the land's management and oversight. This compact determines that it is time that ownership of Artificial Island and Finns Point be relinquished to New Jersey. In this compact, New Jersey and Delaware agree to an adjusted territorial boundary line that allows Delaware to retain control of the Delaware River up to the low water mark on the eastern side of the Delaware River, as originally established, while releasing control of Artificial Island and Finns Point to New Jersey. Both states will cooperate with any federal entities, such as the United State Congress and the United States Supreme Court, on any investigations, actions, and decisions related to this compact. Nothing in the compact will affect the territorial limits, rights or jurisdiction of either state of, in or over the Delaware River, or the ownership of the subaqueous soil thereof, except as noted in the compact. The Governor of New Jersey is empowered by this compact to enter into negotiations with the Governor of Delaware to oversee the process of defining the adjusted territorial boundary between the two states. This process will include the establishment of a Joint New Jersey-Delaware Territorial Boundary Adjustment Commission. The Governors of New Jersey and Delaware will each appoint two surveyors employed by each respective state to the commission. The four surveyors will work collaboratively to establish the adjusted territorial boundary between New Jersey and Delaware in order to transfer the ownership of Artificial Island and Finns Point from Delaware to New Jersey. The surveyors on the commission will be available to any federal entities that may be involved in establishing the adjusted territorial boundary, such as the United States Congress, the United States Supreme Court, and the United States Geological Survey. The executive branch of state government in New Jersey and Delaware will enforce this compact and take all actions necessary and appropriate to implement the compact. This compact will be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes stated in the compact. Any dispute over the compact and its contents, including judicial proceedings by or against either New Jersey or Delaware, are required to be brought before the United States Supreme Court. Adoption of an amendment to the compact will require endorsement by both New Jersey and Delaware through legislation and will require the consent of Congress. Withdrawal from the terms of the compact will only be successful upon approval from the other state and any federal entities that may be necessary, such as the United States Congress or the United States Supreme Court. Such proposal for withdraw will be accompanied by a new compact to redraw the New Jersey-Delaware territorial boundary. The compact will take effect upon both the enactment of legislation having an identical effect by the State of Delaware and the consent of Congress. However, if the State of Delaware has already enacted such legislation, this compact will take effect immediately upon the consent of Congress. | In Committee |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Passed |
| S4663 | Establishes grant program for certain law enforcement agencies to purchase and install bullet-resistant components for motor vehicles. | This bill establishes a grant program for certain law enforcement agencies to purchase and install bullet-resistant components for motor vehicles. Specifically, under the provisions of this bill, the Attorney General is required to establish a grant program to provide financial assistance to county and municipal law enforcement agencies to purchase and install bullet-resistant windshields, side windows, rear windows, and door panels for motor vehicles used by law enforcement officers while acting in the performance of the officer's official duties. The bill requires the Attorney General to establish guidelines to implement the grant program, including but not limited to application procedures, eligibility criteria, the amount of each grant, procedures for evaluating grant applications, and procedures for monitoring the use of a grant provided under the grant program and ensuring compliance with any conditions of the grant. Further, under the bill, there is created in the Department of Law and Public Safety a nonlapsing revolving fund to be known as the "Bullet-Resistant Law Enforcement Motor Vehicles" fund. Moneys deposited in the fund, and any interest, are required to be used exclusively for the purpose of making grants to county and municipal law enforcement agencies for the purchase and installation of bullet-resistant components for motor vehicles pursuant to the bill's provisions. Finally, the bill provides that $1 is to be added to each fine and penalty imposed and collected through a court for any violation of Title 39 of the Revised Statutes (Motor Vehicle code) or any other motor vehicle or traffic violation in this State and forwarded to the State Treasurer. In addition, upon the forfeiture of bail, $1 of that forfeiture is to be forwarded to the State Treasurer. The bill requires the State Treasurer to annually deposit those moneys in the "Bullet-Resistant Law Enforcement Motor Vehicles" fund. | In Committee |
| S4612 | Permits county sheriffs to certify that law enforcement officer meets certain criteria for renewal of law enforcement license. | This bill permits county sheriffs to certify that law enforcement officers meet certain criteria for the renewal of the officer's law enforcement license. Under current law, a law enforcement officer that is required to renew the officer's license is required to submit an application through the officer's employing law enforcement unit to the Police Training Commission (PTC). The application is required to be on a form adopted by the PTC and requires the law enforcement officer and the chief law enforcement officer of the officer's employing law enforcement unit to certify that the officer meets certain criteria. This bill permits every county sheriff to certify that a law enforcement officer employed by the sheriff's department in that county meets the criteria set forth under current law for the renewal of the officer's license. | In Committee |
| S4613 | Establishes Department of State Police as principal department in executive branch of State government. | This bill establishes the Department of State Police as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. Under current law, the Division of State Police is situated in the Department of Law and Public Safety, which is headed by the Attorney General. Under the provisions of this bill, the Division of State Police is transferred to and constituted as the Department of State Police, which is established as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. The Superintendent of State Police is established as the head of the Department of State Police. The bill provides that the Superintendent of State Police is to be designated as the State Director of Emergency Management and that any personnel change made within the Department of State Police is subject only to the approval of the Superintendent of State Police. The approval of the Attorney General is not required. Currently, the Office of Emergency Management is allocated within the Division of State Police, with the superintendent serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Finally, the bill clarifies that the oversight and monitoring of the current Division of State Police performed by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards under current law would apply to the Department of State Police established under this bill. | In Committee |
| S216 | Directs Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote State aquaculture products through Jersey Fresh Program; establishes annual $25,000 appropriation. | Directs Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote State aquaculture products through Jersey Fresh Program; establishes annual $25,000 appropriation. | In Committee |
| SR134 | Expresses no confidence in BPU. | This resolution expresses no confidence in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). The BPU is charged with regulating the generation, transmission, and distribution of energy in New Jersey, and it is required to ensure safe, adequate, and proper utility services at reasonable rates for customers in the State. However, the price of electricity in New Jersey is over 27 percent higher than the national average, and the average monthly electric bill in New Jersey is expected to increase approximately 17 to 20 percent in June 2025 following the Basic Generation Service auction, the results of which were certified by the BPU. A BPU commissioner has been quoted encouraging ratepayers to reduce consumption, and saying that dissenting views within the BPU are often "dismissed and marginalized." Because of the foregoing reasons, the General Assembly no longer has confidence that the BPU will ensure energy is provided to New Jersey ratepayers at an affordable and reasonable rate, and no longer has confidence that the board can successfully mitigate the impacts of rising energy costs for New Jerseyans. | In Committee |
| S4570 | Withdraws New Jersey's participation in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; repeals "Global Warming Response Act" and related sections of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative implementing law. | This bill would withdraw New Jersey's involvement in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), repeal the "Global Warming Response Act," and amend various sections of statutory law related to its implementation. The bill would direct the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to issue a Notice of Withdrawal to the RGGI Memorandum of Understanding in order to formally revoke New Jersey's agreement to participate in the RGGI program. This bill would also repeal the "Global Warming Response Act," 26 P.L.2007, c.112 (C.26:2C-37 et al.), and related sections of 27 P.L.2007, c.340 (C.26:2C-45 et al.), which is commonly referred to as the RGGI implementing law. The bill would amend various sections of the statutory law in order to remove any references to the acts being repealed. The bill would retain section 13 of the RGGI implementing law, as well as subsections g. and h. of 33 P.L.1999, c.23 (C.48:3-87), which were added to that section of law by the Global Warming Response Act, since these provisions do not relate to the regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, and instead provide only for the discretionary investment, funding, and adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy programs and standards. The bill would also transfer to the General Fund all of the unencumbered moneys in the "Global Warming Solutions Fund," which was established pursuant to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative implementing law. The funds are to be made available for ratepayer relief. Finally, the bill would amend the laws establishing the State's Forest Stewardship Incentive Fund, the State's Plug-in Electric Vehicle Incentive Fund, and the State's three-year "Electric School Bus Program" (which commenced in 2023), in order to remove the provisions of those laws that previously authorized the use of moneys in the Global Warming Solutions Fund. In addition, the bill would clarify that a developer operating under a redevelopment incentive grant agreement will not be eligible to receive payment, from the State Treasurer, for charges that were paid thereby, prior to this bill's effective date, in compliance with the "Global Warming Response Act." | 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 |
| S4047 | Establishes "Business Growth Protection Act"; revises law concerning temporary help service firms and temporary laborers. | This bill establishes the "Business Growth Protection Act" and revises the law concerning temporary help service firms and temporary laborers. The bill limits its applicability to temporary laborers working in the State. Under current law, New Jersey residents who are temporary laborers working outside the State are covered, which was causing third party clients in other states to reduce their use of temporary laborers from New Jersey. The bill changes what information is required to be provided in itemized statements by temporary help service firms to temporary laborers from a daily commission rate to the option of calculating hours worked, for itemized statements and placement fee calculation, based on total hours worked during a weekly or other pay period. The bill protects proprietary information of temporary help service firms by providing that the firms do not have an obligation to disclose pay rates to third party clients or third party client bill rates to temporary laborers. The bill revises the law to change the pay equity provision from equal pay and benefits to just equal pay. The bill provides that equal pay means temporary help service firms are required to pay temporary laborers a wage not less than the client's current entry level pay rate for client employees with the minimum qualifications for the position. The bill revises the surety bond requirement for temporary help service firms. Specifically, the bill reduces the bond requirement from not less than $200,000 to a minimum of $50,000 and a cap of $200,000, depending on the revenue of the temporary help service firm. The bill changes the rebuttable presumption of retaliation under the law with respect to termination of an assignment. The bill provides that no presumption of retaliation will be raised based solely on the termination of a scheduled temporary assignment. | In Committee |
| S2891 | Supports activities of New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc. | This bill would establish a permanent new source of funding of up to $1.5 million for the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, Inc., (NJMEP) or an appropriate successor from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund. The NJMEP is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to improve the profitability and competitiveness of manufacturers in this State. NJMEP helps organizations to enhance their productivity and efficiencies, reduce costs, and improve employee performance. Under current law, of the total revenues dedicated to the Workforce Development Partnership Funds, 35 percent is reserved for and appropriated to the Office of Customized Training. The bill reduces this allocation by $1.5 million. | In Committee |
| S4561 | "Grid Reliability Protection Act"; prohibits State agencies from decommissioning electric generation facilities in State under certain circumstances. | This bill, to be known as the "Grid Reliability Protection Act," would prohibit State agencies from mandating the retirement of electric generation facilities in the State under certain circumstances. Under the bill, a State agency is prohibited from mandating, incentivizing, or otherwise compelling any electric generation facility in the State connected to the State's electrical grid from deactivating unless: (1) PJM Interconnection certifies, in writing, that the facility's deactivation will not negatively impact regional grid reliability, capacity adequacy, or energy market prices; and (2) the Board of Public Utilities conducts a public rate impact analysis showing the deactivation will not materially increase costs to ratepayers. The bill also provides an exception if the electric generation facility poses a risk to public health and safety. Finally, the bill provides certain public notice requirements for any deactivation of an electric generation facility in the State connected to the electric grid serving New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S4546 | Provides CBT and GIT credits to certain food and drink establishments for purchase of certain local ingredients and products. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to certain food and drink establishments related to the purchase certain local ingredients and products that are used for the operations of the establishment. Specifically, the bill provides tax credits to taxpayers that own or operate a restaurant or bar in the State in an amount equal to 10 percent of the costs incurred by the taxpayer for the purchase of any wine or beer that is produced in New Jersey and offered for sale to patrons of the restaurant or bar. The amount of the credit allowed would not exceed $10,000 per taxpayer per year. To claim the credits, the taxpayer would be required to submit, with their tax return: a copy of the receipts for the sales of the beer or wine purchased by the taxpayer; proof that the beer or wine was produced in this State; a copy of one or more menus demonstrating that the beer or wine is offered for sale to patrons of the restaurant or bar, and any other documentation that may be required by the director. The bill also provides tax credits to the owners and operators of breweries and wineries for purchases of Jersey Fresh products. The amount of the credit would be equal to the costs incurred to purchase commodities from a Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program licensee for use in the production of beer or wine. The value of the credits allowed for this purpose would not exceed $10,000 per taxpayer per year. To claim the credit, a taxpayer would be required to submit, with their tax return: a copy of the receipts for the sales of a commodity purchased by the taxpayer; documentation from the Department of Agriculture verifying that the commodities were purchased from a Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program licensee; a signed affidavit stating that the commodity was purchased for business use; and any other documentation that may be required by the director. The bill defines a "Jersey Fresh Quality Program licensee" as any entity that has applied for and been granted approval by the Department of Agriculture to package commodities using a department-approved "Jersey Fresh" logo. Additionally, the bill provides tax credits to qualifying food establishments for 10 percent of the costs incurred to purchase any fruits, vegetables, crops, and other ingredients that are grown or manufactured in the State for use in the preparation of foods or beverages at the qualifying food establishment. A "qualifying food establishment" is defined under the bill as a restaurant, food manufacturing establishment, and a limited brewery license or restricted brewery licensed under State law. The bill defines "eligible ingredients" as any fruits, vegetables, crops, or other ingredients that were grown or manufactured in this State. | In Committee |
| S4560 | "NJ Healthy Schools Act"; prohibits sale and distribution of ultraprocessed foods in schools participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs. | This bill, designated the "NJ Healthy Schools Act," would prohibit, beginning in September 2026, any school participating in federally funded or assisted meal programs from serving, selling, or permitting a third party to sell ultraprocessed foods on school property during the school day. The bill would not restrict a parent or guardian from providing ultraprocessed food to their child. The bill defines "ultraprocessed food" as any food or beverage containing certain chemical additives, including potassium bromate, propylparaben, titanium dioxide, brominated vegetable oil, and various synthetic dyes such as FD&C Yellow 5 and 6, Red 3 and 40, Green 3, and Blue 1 and 2. These substances are associated with potential health risks, particularly for children. By limiting access to foods containing these ingredients, the bill seeks to promote healthier eating environments in schools and protect student well-being. To support implementation, the bill also requires the Department of Education to create a standardized compliance certification form that schools may use to attest they are following the law. The Department must also publish and maintain a publicly accessible list of all schools that have submitted this certification, updated annually. | In Committee |
| S4545 | Expands epinephrine administration mechanisms permitted in schools. | This bill modifies current law regulating the method in which epinephrine is administered in schools during emergency circumstances where a pupil is experiencing anaphylaxis. Specifically, the bill amends current law requiring the use of a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism to administer epinephrine in a school setting to allow any FDA approved epinephrine administration mechanism to be used during an in-school anaphylaxis emergency. | In Committee |
| S4113 | Permits certain winery license holders to sell wine produced by other winery licensees under certain circumstances; establishes supplemental wine production facility license. | This bill permits plenary and farm winery license holders who produce not more than 250,000 gallons per year to sell the wine they produce to any other plenary or farm winery license holder in this State for purposes of sale by the purchaser on the licensed premises of the winery or to sell wine to any winery outside of this State in accordance with the laws of the purchaser's state. Under the bill, wine sold to another winery is not to be considered towards the calculation of the amount of wine produced by the seller but is to be considered towards the total number of gallons produced per year by the purchasing winery. The bill provides that no less than 50 percent of the wine sold per year is required to be produced on the license holder's premises. In addition, this bill establishes a supplemental wine production facility sublicense. The holder of a plenary winery license or a farm winery license engaged in the production of wine on the licensed premises of the winery who holds a supplemental wine production facility sublicense would be entitled to produce wine at the supplemental wine production facility owned and leased by the license holder. Under the bill, the holder of this sublicense is additionally entitled, subject to rules and regulations, to transfer wine produced at the supplemental wine production facility to the licensed premises of the winery or salesroom for sale at retail to consumers and to otherwise sell and distribute wine produced at the supplemental wine production facility pursuant to the laws of the place of sale and distribution. The bill provides that any wine produced at the supplemental production facility that is not sold to another winery license holder is to be considered when calculating the total gallons per year of wine produced by the licensee for purposes of determining any fees, limitations, and eligibility for privileges that may pertain to the holder of a plenary winery license or farm winery license. The bill prohibits the sale of wine at retail to consumers on the premises of the supplemental wine production facility. Under the bill, the fee for the sublicense is $750. | In Committee |
| S4112 | Permits certain wineries to sell their products by the glass for consumption in licensed salesrooms. | This bill permits plenary winery license holders, out-of-State winery license holders, and farm winery license holders to sell their products by the glass for consumption in their licensed salesrooms. Under the bill, "by the glass" is defined as the selling of an individual portion of wine, or wine mixed with non-alcoholic beverages, in an open container. The sponsor intends for this bill to provide additional purchase options for consumers and increase revenue for winery license holders. | In Committee |
| S4398 | Suspends sales and use tax and societal benefits charge on electric and gas public utility bills during four-month period. | This bill temporarily suspends the imposition of the sales and use tax, as well as the societal benefits charge, on customer bills for electric and gas utility service. Under the bill, the temporary suspension applies beginning on June 1, 2025 and through September 30, 2025. It is the sponsor's intent that a temporary suspension of the collection of these charges provide necessary relief from anticipated bill increases and excessive charges to ratepayers. The Board of Public Utilities has announced increases in the electricity rates for residential ratepayers ranging from 17.2 to 20.2 percent, depending on the supplier, starting in June 2025. Consequently, sales and use tax collections from energy and utility sales are anticipated to increase by as much as $85.2 million more than the Governor had initially anticipated for Fiscal Year 2026. Furthermore, during Fiscal Years 2021 through 2024, approximately $704.2 million in revenues generated by the societal benefits charge were transferred to other funds for purposes outside the intent of the charge. In light of the amount of excess revenue generated by the societal benefits charge, it is the sponsor's opinion that the amount collected through the societal benefits charge can be reduced in order to provide necessary relief to ratepayers. | In Committee |
| S4409 | Repeals law that requires diversity and inclusion instruction for public school students in grades kindergarten through 12. | This bill repeals current State that requires school districts to provide instruction on diversity and inclusion, P.L.2021, c.32 (C.18A:35-4.36a). The law provides that school districts incorporate the instruction in an appropriate place in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12 as part of the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | In Committee |
| S4408 | Concerns UEZ assistance fund expenses by specifically including certain property acquisition under definition of "qualified assistance fund expense." | This bill amends the "New Jersey Urban Enterprise Zones Act," P.L.1983, c.303 (C.52:27H-60) to specify that the definition of "qualified assistance fund expense" includes purchasing, leasing, or otherwise acquiring land or other property. | In Committee |
| S4051 | Allows school district to appoint certain specialists to provide school security services to schools. | This bill allows school districts to appoint a school security specialist to provide school security services. The bill defines a school security specialist as a person who is employed by a private company that engages in the business of providing, or undertaking to provide, school security services to schools. The school security specialist also may include a school district employee or any other private individual not employed by a private company that engages in the business of providing school security services to schools. Under the bill, a school security specialist is required: to be sound in body and of good health and moral character; to possess a minimum of 20 years of prior experience in law enforcement, having served in a supervisory capacity during that time and having been separated from that prior experience in good standing; to possess a valid New Jersey driver's license; and to be employed by a licensed security officer company and registered under the "Security Officer Registration Act." Prior to being appointed as a school security specialist, a person would be required to undergo a criminal history record check and successfully complete certain training programs. Upon the recommendation of the superintendent of schools, a local board of education may permit a school security specialist to carry a handgun in school buildings and on school grounds, provided the specialist complies with current law. A school security specialist may be deemed by the school principal as a staff member responsible for maintaining order, safety, or discipline in the school who is authorized to receive information as to the identity, charge, adjudication, and disposition of a juvenile charged with an offense. | In Committee |
| S2818 | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | "Fentanyl and Xylazine Poisoning Awareness Act"; requires school districts to provide instruction on dangers of fentanyl and xylazine. | In Committee |
| S4314 | Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to identify methods to prevent human trafficking through online gaming platforms. | This bill requires the Commission on Human Trafficking to identify methods to prevent human trafficking through online gaming platforms. The Commission on Human Trafficking is a 15-member commission in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The commission is currently required to evaluate the existing law concerning human trafficking and the enforcement thereof, and to make recommendations for legislation, if appropriate. The commission also is charged with the responsibility of reviewing existing victim assistance programs, and promoting a coordinated response by public and private resources for victims of human trafficking. The commission is required to annually report to the Governor and the Legislature as to its activities, as well as its findings and recommendations for any needed new laws, services, or resources for victims of human trafficking. Recent FBI investigations reveal that some human traffickers have used popular online gaming platforms to victimize children. Based on news reports related to these investigations, predators may groom children on online gaming sites through chats or voice communications and then convince them to switch over to other social media platforms, which provides predators with greater access to information about their potential victims. Under the bill, in addition to its existing duties, the commission also is required to investigate methods by which human traffickers use video game and social media platforms to locate and abuse children and other human trafficking victims; develop solutions to prevent human trafficking through video game and social media platforms; and make recommendations for legislation to implement these solutions. | In Committee |
| S4324 | Establishes Capital City Commission to study and make recommendations concerning promotion and improvement of City of Trenton. | This bill establishes the Capital City Commission (commission) in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of the commission is to study and make recommendations concerning the short-term, medium-term, and long-term advancement and improvement to the City of Trenton. Under the bill, the commission is required to consider and assess issues including, but not limited to:· maximizing the Trenton waterfront by proposing ways to improve currently developable land, and proposing ways to enhance access to the waterfront, which may include rerouting Route 29;· recruiting and incentivizing businesses to locate to or remain in Trenton; · developing and leveraging Trenton's current assets, including the presence of State buildings and State workers, and developing new assets in order to enhance the status of Trenton as New Jersey's Capitol City; and· developing and promoting cultural, social, and recreational opportunities within Trenton, and promoting Trenton as a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family. The bill requires the commission to meet quarterly for the first two years following its organization and to issue its initial report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor, to the Legislature, to the Board of County Commissioners of Mercer County, and to the Trenton City Council no later than two years after the commission organizes. Following the issuance of its initial report, the commission is required to meet at least twice each year and to issue a report annually thereafter. | In Committee |
| S4325 | Requires DOLWD to establish job portal for employers in State to post listings for positions that are at least 50 percent in-person. | This bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to establish and maintain an online job portal for positions that require in-person work in the State at least 50 percent of the hours per week that the employee will be on duty. The bill provides that the department may operate the job portal through the department's active job search website, "Job Source," jobsource.nj.gov, or any successor website, or the department may establish a job portal website that is independent of "Job Source" or its successor. If the department uses "Job Source" or its successor, the portal required by the bill will be a separate search engine dedicated solely to in-person employment in accordance with the bill's provisions. The bill requires the department to notify employers in the State of the job portal, its purpose, and how to utilize it, in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. | In Committee |
| SCR129 | Directs SCI to examine human trafficking activity at certain places of business. | This concurrent resolution directs the State Commission on Investigation to examine human trafficking activity at the places of business of persons who employ massage and bodywork therapists. This bill calls for the State Commission on Investigation to issue a report summarizing its investigation no later than two years after the resolution takes effect. The report may be delayed at the request of the Attorney General for up to an additional 120 days pursuant to section 7 of P.L.1996, c.44 (C.52:9M-8.1), due to information or evidence contained in the report showing a reasonable possibility of human trafficking or other criminal wrongdoing. The report would also include recommendations for consideration by the Governor and Legislature for further addressing human trafficking activity within these places of business. | In Committee |
| S4331 | Prohibits local government from naming its property after foreign terrorist organization. | This bill prohibits a local government from naming property under its ownership or control, including, but not limited to, a road, bridge, school, building, neighborhood, community, or park, after a group, that has been designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the federal government, or after land controlled by a foreign terrorist organization, not including recognized, sovereign nations. The bill requires the Division of Local Government Services (division) in the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (office), to develop and publish a list of designated foreign terrorist organizations and lands controlled by foreign terrorist organizations, not including recognized, sovereign nations. The bill defines a "local government" as a municipality, county, school district, or other political subdivision of the State, or any public board, commission, committee, authority, or agency which is not a State board, commission, committee, authority, or agency. The bill requires a local government to remove or dismantle signs, street pole banners, plaques, or other forms of displays of support for, or the naming of property after, a foreign terrorist organization, under the control or ownership of the local government within 30 days following the bill's enactment. Within 90 days following the bill's effective date, the bill requires a local government that has named property under its control or ownership after a foreign terrorist organization to rename the property so that it does not identify the name of as a foreign terrorist organization. The bill requires the State to reimburse local governments for both of these costs, upon application. If a local government violates the provisions of the bill, the State Treasurer, for each day in which the local government is in violation of the bill, is directed to deduct a portion of the total amount of State aid allocated to the local government. The daily deduction is to be in an amount equal to the result of dividing the total amount of State aid allocated to the local government by the total number of days in the fiscal year in which the State aid is allocated. The bill provides that the division, in consultation with the office, is to adopt rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S4348 | "New Jersey Healthy SNAP Act"; requires DHS to submit waiver to federal government to prohibit purchase of soft drinks with SNAP benefits. | This bill directs the Department of Human Services (department) to submit to the federal Department of Agriculture a waiver to allow the State to prohibit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollees from purchasing soft drinks with SNAP benefits. As defined in this bill, a "soft drink" means any non-alcoholic beverage that contains added caloric sweeteners or artificial sweeteners, but does not include: (1) any beverage that contains milk or a milk alternative, including, but not limited to soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, or other similar products; or (2) any beverage that contains more than 50 percent vegetable or fruit juice. The waiver request would include: (1) a justification citing public health concerns, SNAP's statutory intent, and potential cost savings to taxpayers; (2) an implementation plan to ensure that existing point-of-sale systems used by State retailers that participate in SNAP can properly enforce the proposed restriction; (3) a strategy for education and outreach to inform the SNAP recipients of alternative healthy beverage options; and (4) a reporting mechanism to track the impact of the waiver, including spending patterns and health outcomes. If the waiver submitted under the bill is approved, the department is to implement the restriction within six months of receiving federal approval. If the waiver is denied, the department is to resubmit the request annually until the approval is granted. The Commissioner of Human Services would be required to submit a report to the Governor and to the Legislature within 30 days of receiving a determination on a waiver request submitted pursuant to this bill. The report would include the determination made by the federal government, any reasons for a denial, if a denial was received, and any recommendations from the commissioner for further action to implement the provisions of this bill. | In Committee |
| S4285 | Abolishes BPU; transfers responsibilities to Department of Treasury. | This bill abolishes the Board of Public Utilities and transfers all of its functions, powers, and duties to the Department of the Treasury. Under the bill, the transfer is to be conducted pursuant to the "State Agency Transfer Act." Electricity rates in New Jersey have begun to rapidly increase due to a variety of factors, raising affordability concerns among ratepayers. With this legislation, the sponsor intends to encourage the State to reassess its approach to energy policies, which may impact utility rates, and prioritize energy affordability and reliability for ratepayers. | In Committee |
| S4273 | Modifies definition of "aquaculture" throughout State law to include construction of facilities and appurtenant structures. | This bill would modify the definition of "aquaculture" in various State laws to clarify that the term aquaculture includes the construction of facilities and appurtenant structures that might otherwise be regulated pursuant to any State or federal law or regulation. According to current law, the term aquaculture does not include the construction of facilities and appurtenant structures that might otherwise be regulated pursuant to any State or federal law or regulation. New Jersey's aquaculture industry relies on both in-water farms and the land-based facilities that sustain them. Structures such as hatcheries, processing facilities, and equipment storage are just as vital to shellfish farming as barns and silos are to traditional agriculture. Recognizing these structures as aquaculture will provide much-needed clarity to attract investment and to position New Jersey as a competitor in a thriving and sustainable industry. | In Committee |
| S4274 | Allows active duty members of United States military to carry firearm at all times. | This bill allows active duty members of the United States Armed Forces or of the National Guard to carry a personal or service rifle or handgun at all times in this State. Current law permits members of the military to carry weapons authorized by the appropriate military authorities while on duty or while traveling between places of duty. Under the bill, military personnel may only carry firearms authorized for civilian use in New Jersey while off duty. Recently, terrorist organizations claiming affiliation with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) have threatened to attack members of the military and their families within the United States. Whether motivated by terrorism or otherwise, members of the military have been targeted in the 2007 plot to attack Fort Dix, the 2009 shootings at Fort Hood, the 2009 attack on an Army recruiting center in Little Rock, the 2013 shootings at the Washington Navy Yard, and the 2015 attacks on a recruiting center and a Navy Reserve facility in Chattanooga. This bill would permit members of the military stationed in New Jersey to carry a firearm at all times in order to protect themselves, their families, or other unarmed civilians in the event of a terrorist attack. | In Committee |
| S4275 | Prohibits State contractors from distributing data to foreign adversaries. | This bill prohibits State contractors from selling, transferring, disclosing, or providing data to a foreign adversary. Pursuant to the bill, a person or entity that sells, transfers, discloses, or provides data to foreign adversaries, or entities directly or indirectly controlled by, operating on behalf of, or significantly influenced by a foreign adversary, will be placed on a list by the Department of the Treasury and will not be permitted to contract with State agencies, subcontract with State contractors, file or renew a Public Works Contractor Registration, receive an economic development subsidy from the Economic Development Authority, be awarded a municipal property tax abatement, make or enter into a payment in-lieu of property tax agreement, apply for or receive a tax clearance certificate from the Division of Taxation, be certified as an urban renewal entity for purposes of the "Long Term Tax Exemption Law," or be designated as a redeveloper by a public agency for the purposes of the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law." The bill also prohibits the State from banking with, having or holding stock, debt, or other equity investments of, or maintaining insurance coverage through a policy issued by a financial institution that has sold, transferred, disclosed, or provided data to a foreign adversary or an entity directly or indirectly controlled by, operating on behalf of, or significantly influenced by a foreign adversary. | In Committee |
| S4257 | Establishes Forest Fire Preparedness Commission in DEP. | This bill would establish a "Forest Fire Preparedness Commission" in the Department of Environmental Protection. The commission would be composed of 20 members, including the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the State Firewarden, and the Superintendent of the State Police, or their designees, and representatives of local emergency response organizations. The commission would be charged with various duties related to ensuring that the State is prepared to respond in a timely and effective manner to wildfires, including: (1) performing a comprehensive audit of the State's current protocols related to wildfire response; (2) developing a comprehensive roadmap that may be utilized by State, regional, county, and local emergency responders, including firefighters, police, and medical responders, in order to coordinate their responses to wildfires; and (3) developing standardized lines of communication among the State Forest Fire Service and State, regional, county, and municipal emergency response organizations for the purposes of wildfire response. The bill would require the commission to produce a report that produces its findings, plans, recommendations, and activities no later than two years after the bill's enactment, after which the Forest Fire Preparedness Commission would dissolve. | In Committee |
| S3825 | Provides project grant under "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion; appropriates $7.65 million. | An Act concerning project grants under the "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education expansion and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4160 | Imposes criminal penalties for harboring aliens who have outstanding warrants and are unlawfully present in U.S. | This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:29-3, which prohibits hindering apprehension or prosecution, to impose criminal penalties for harboring an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States with knowledge that an arrest warrant or an immigration warrant has been issued for such an alien, or hindering the apprehension or deportation of such an alien. Under the bill, harboring or hindering the apprehension or deportation of an unlawful alien, with knowledge that the alien has an outstanding warrant, is a crime of the fourth degree. An unlawful alien who hinders his or her own apprehension or deportation is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. However, it is an affirmative defense that an unlawful alien was a victim of human trafficking during the time that the unlawful alien was hindering his or her own apprehension or deportation. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S4161 | Prohibits release of certain substances into atmosphere for purposes of geoengineering. | This bill would prohibit persons, including private and public entities, from releasing a hazardous chemical or other hazardous physical agent into the atmosphere for the purposes of geoengineering. A person who violates this prohibition would be liable to a civil administrative penalty of up to $10,000 for a first offense, under the bill. As defined in the bill: "geoengineering" means the intentional manipulation of the environment, through use of a chemical or other physical agent, which is effectuated with the intention of bringing about changes to Earth's atmospheric or surface conditions, including weather modification, aerosol injection, chaff dispersal, or cloud seeding activities; and "hazardous" means that a chemical or other physical agent is naturally harmful to living organisms, to property, or to another interest of value. The bill would also require the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to send a notice to an appropriate representative of the federal government, if a federal entity engages in the geoengineering activities prohibited by the bill in or over New Jersey. In addition, the bill would require the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a program to encourage members of the public to monitor and report geoengineering activities that violate the bill's provisions. Finally, the bill would require the DEP to enforce the bill's provisions, and to adopt rules and regulations to implement the bill's provisions no later than 18 months after the bill's enactment. | In Committee |
| S4086 | Prohibits teaching of critical race theory in public schools; prohibits public school teachers from engaging in political, ideological, or religious advocacy in classroom. | This bill prohibits a school district from including, as part of a course of instruction or in a curriculum or instructional program, or allowing teachers or other employees of the school district to use supplemental instructional materials that promote concepts related to critical race theory. For purposes of the bill, "critical race theory" includes, but would not be limited to, any of the following concepts:· one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex;· an individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, is inherently privileged, racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously;· an individual should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of the individual's race or sex;· an individual's moral character is determined by the individual's race or sex;· an individual, by virtue of the individual's race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex;· an individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or another form of psychological distress solely because of the individual's race or sex;· a meritocracy is inherently racist or sexist, or designed by a particular race or sex to oppress members of another race or sex;· the State or the United States is fundamentally or irredeemably racist or sexist;· promoting or advocating the violent overthrow of the United States government;· promoting division between, or resentment of, a race, sex, religion, creed, nonviolent political affiliation, social class, or class of people;· ascribing character traits, values, moral or ethical codes, privileges, or beliefs to a race or sex, or to an individual because of the individual's race or sex;· the rule of law does not exist, but instead is a series of power relationships and struggles among racial or other groups;· all Americans are not created equal and are not endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; or· governments should deny to any person within the government's jurisdiction the equal protection of the law. A school district would not be prohibited from including, as part of a course of instruction or in a curriculum or instructional program, or from allowing teachers in a school district to use supplemental instructional materials that include the history of an ethnic group, the impartial discussion of controversial aspects of history, the impartial instruction on the historical oppression of a particular group of people based on race, ethnicity, class, nationality, religion, or geographic region, or historical documents. The Commissioner of Education would be permitted to withhold State funds from a school district that knowingly violates the provisions of this bill and would be able to continue withholding such funds until the commissioner finds that the school district is in compliance. This bill also requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules and regulations prohibiting public school teachers from engaging in political, ideological, or religious advocacy in the classroom. The State board would further be required to adopt rules and regulations requiring that a teacher provide students with materials supporting both sides of a controversial issue being addressed and to present both sides in a fair-minded and nonpartisan manner. | In Committee |
| SCR122 | Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent. | This concurrent resolution embodies the finding of the Legislature that the rules and regulations proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection in the August 5, 2024 New Jersey Register, 56 N.J.R. 1282(a), are not consistent with the intent of the Legislature. The Department of Environmental Protection would have 30 days from the date of transmittal of this resolution to amend or withdraw the proposed rules and regulations or the Legislature may, by passage of another concurrent resolution, exercise its authority under the Constitution to invalidate the rules and regulations in whole or in part. | In Committee |
| S4099 | Requires automatic voter registration to be available when applying for certain licenses and permits. | This bill requires the establishment of an automatic voter registration process at an agency, office, or local police force providing certain licenses and permits. The bill requires the automatic voter registration process to be available for persons applying for hunting, fishing, or trapping licenses, all around sportsman licenses, beaver trapping, wild turkey, or deer permits under the Division of Fish and Wildlife in the Department of Environmental Protection, and firearms purchaser identification cards or permits to carry handguns at local police forces or the Division of State Police in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires the respective agencies, offices, and local police forces to establish an automatic voter registration process similar to that currently applicable at the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC). The bill also adds licenses to operate a power vessel, also known as boating licenses, under the NJMVC's current automatic voter registration process. Under the bill, any agency, office, or local police force that provides the above mentioned licenses and permits, that the Secretary of State verifies already collects documents that would provide proof of eligibility, including age, citizenship, and residence address, would be required to establish and implement, upon approval by the Secretary of State, a procedure for automatically and electronically transmitting voter registration information to the Secretary of State of persons who are eligible to vote for the purpose of registering such persons to vote or updating their voter registration. Each person from whom voter registration information is collected would be offered an opportunity to decline automatic voter registration. The bill requires compliance with the automatic voter registration requirements established under current law for the NJMVC, including the provision of required notices to their clients, to the extent applicable as determined by the Secretary of State. | In Committee |
| S4055 | Establishes a business coaching program in DCF for licensed child care providers; appropriates $3 million. | This bill establishes a business coaching program in the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The purpose of the program is to provide technical assistance to support licensed child care providers in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the child care centers operated by such providers. The components of the program are to allow a child care provider to: (1) meet virtually with a business coach, once or twice a month, at a time, and in a manner, that fits the provider's schedule; (2) receive coaching services in English, Spanish, or any other language that is the first language of a significant number of providers who participate or are likely to participate in the program; (3) learn and adopt methods for increasing the enrollment of, and tuition rates charged to the parents of, children at child centers operated by the provider; and (4) receive information on the rules and regulations governing dispute resolution, reporting procedures, health care benefits, and health and safety conditions at child care centers, and any other matters deemed necessary and important. Under the bill's provisions, in order to participate in the program, an applicant is to: be a child care provider licensed to operate a child care center in the State; maintain residency during program participation; and satisfy any additional criteria established by the Commissioner of Children and Families. All applicants are to apply to the program on a form and in the manner prescribed by the commissioner, and the commissioner is to select the program participants from among those applicants who meet the eligibility criteria established in the bill. The participation of any licensed child care provider in the program is to be voluntary. The bill makes an appropriation of $3 million to the DCF to fund the program. | In Committee |
| SJR150 | Recognizes Orange Heart Medal in NJ. | This resolution recognizes the Orange Heart Medal in the State of New Jersey. Throughout the years, many citizens of the United States have risked their lives and left their loved ones behind to honorably safeguard the freedoms and liberties guaranteed to all Americans and to protect against those who threaten our way of life. More than eight million citizens of this country honorably served during the Vietnam War, during which time Agent Orange was widely used. Nearly 20 million gallons of Agent Orange were sprayed over the land from helicopters or low-flying aircraft, destroying vegetation and crops in order to deprive enemy guerrillas of food and cover for their activities and, in turn, exposing 2.6 million American soldiers to the herbicide and defoliant chemical. Agent Orange is a dioxin and cancer-causing chemical that enters the body through physical contact or ingestion and causes a number of serious illnesses to those exposed and has the potential to be passed down to children and grandchildren. Today, only about 800,000 Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange are alive, and approximately 390 deaths occur among them every day. While fallen soldiers are memorialized on The Wall at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., veterans who are victims of Agent Orange are not recognized as fatalities of the Vietnam War. In 2018, the Orange Heart Medal Project was founded as a privately funded 501(c)(3) organization to bring recognition for veterans who served in the Vietnam War and who were affected by exposure to Agent Orange. Applications for Orange Heart Medals have been received by this organization from across the United States, Australia, Thailand, and Puerto Rico, and approximately 4,000 Orange Heart Medals have been provided to veterans or their surviving spouses to date. Tennessee has passed legislation recognizing and honoring victims of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, and there have been federal efforts to do the same. It is necessary for this State to recognize and honor the Orange Heart Medal and veterans who earn the medal, as they have made untold and innumerable sacrifices to preserve the liberties our nation enjoy today and that future generations will continue to cherish. | In Committee |
| S3912 | Adds to list of crimes ineligible for administrative parole release. | This bill amends the "Earn Your Way Out" Act, P.L.2019, c.364, by adding to the list of crimes ineligible for administrative parole. Under the "Earn Your Way Out" Act, a person serving a term of imprisonment for an eligible crime may be automatically released on parole at the first opportunity for parole release if the person satisfies certain criteria, such as completing rehabilitative programs and having no serious disciplinary infractions. Under current law, the crimes ineligible for administrative parole are those subject to the No Early Release Act, Megan's Law, the Graves Act, and the Sexually Violent Predator Act. Under the bill, the following additional crimes would be ineligible for administrative parole: human trafficking, sexual extortion, aggravated arson, endangering the welfare of a child by abusing or neglecting the child, child pornography, leader of a drug trafficking network, maintaining or operating a narcotics production facility, manufacturing or distributing or selling narcotics in the first degree, soliciting or supporting terrorism, leader of a firearms trafficking network, animal cruelty, and any other crime of the first degree not already included. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of between 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S3201 | Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances. | An Act upgrading certain penalties for assault and requiring testing for communicable diseases, and revising various parts of statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3829 | Repeals requirement that individuals maintain minimum essential health insurance coverage. | This bill repeals the "New Jersey Health Insurance Market Preservation Act" which requires most individuals, other than those who qualify for certain exemptions, to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. Existing law requires every resident taxpayer of the State to obtain health insurance coverage that qualifies as "minimum essential coverage." This bill repeals that requirement. In addition, the bill removes a provision of existing law funding the New Jersey Health Insurance Premium Security Fund, in part, from the penalties collected from those who do not meet the State's minimum essential coverage requirement. | In Committee |
| S3817 | Requires DEP to implement Advanced Clean Trucks regulations no earlier than January 1, 2027. | This bill would delay the implementation of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations to January 1, 2027. Under current law, N.J.A.C. 7:27-31.3, the regulations would become operative on January 1, 2025. The DEP adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations in 2021. Pursuant to P.L.2003, c.266 (C.26:2C-8.15 et al.), the DEP is authorized to implement California's Low Emission Vehicle Program in New Jersey. The ACT regulations would require, among other things, that manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles sell an increasing percentage of zero-emissions vehicles, capping at 40 percent to 75 percent of annual sales in 2035, depending on the type of vehicle sold. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S3781 | Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to post public awareness signage in additional establishments. | This bill would expand the establishments in which the Commission on Human Trafficking is required to post public awareness signage as described under section 18 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.2C:13-11). The commission is currently required to develop a public awareness sign containing information on how to identify and report suspected human trafficking, including, but not limited to, by providing the national, 24-hour toll-free hotline telephone service on human trafficking described under section 18 of P.L.2013, c.51 (C.2C:13-11). This bill expands the required public awareness signage to the following establishments: gas stations; staffing agencies; State, county, and municipal law enforcement offices; nail salons; and New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission offices. | In Committee |
| S3051 | Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to hire staff to alleviate professional license application backlog; appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. | Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to hire staff to alleviate professional license application backlog; appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. | In Committee |
| S3718 | Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor. | This bill authorizes the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint, at the secretary's discretion, an antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education in the State. Under the bill, the responsibilities of the antisemitism monitor include: (1) reviewing institution policies related to combatting antisemitism and protecting Jewish students and staff, and how those policies are implemented and enforced; (2) reviewing the efforts of the institution in developing a safe academic environment for Jewish students and staff; and (3) establishing a procedure for members of the campus community to report an incident of antisemitism, including information, as applicable, on the institution's response to the incident. The monitor is to permit the submission of anonymous reports. The bill directs an antisemitism monitor to issue quarterly progress reports to the secretary and the governing board of the institution, or on a schedule determined by the secretary. The progress report shall detail the monitor's findings and include: (1) recommendations to the institution; and (2) recommendations to the Legislature. The bill also requires the institution to implement the recommendations of the antisemitism monitor. The bill directs the salary of an antisemitism monitor to be fixed by the secretary and paid by the institution. The bill requires an institution of higher education to provide the support and access to the monitor as may be necessary for the monitor to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Under the bill, the failure of an institution to comply with the bill's provisions may, at the recommendation of the secretary, result in: (a) a reduction or total withdrawal of State support for operational and capital costs of the institution; or (b) the loss of eligibility for students enrolled at the institution in student assistance programs administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. | In Committee |
| S3690 | Requires NJT to establish pilot program to support commuting needs of residents in Cumberland and Cape May counties to Atlantic City. | This bill requires the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJ Transit) to establish a two-year pilot program to provide additional motorbus regular route service operated by the corporation, or by an entity under contract with the corporation, to residents in Cumberland and Cape May counties commuting to places of employment in Atlantic City. NJ Transit is also required to establish policies and procedures for the pilot program, including but not limited to policies that provide for a user-friendly approach that aims to reduce any barriers and provide ease of access to persons using the motorbus regular route service provided by the pilot program and increase the number and frequency of additional motorbus regular route services. The bill also requires NJ Transit to prepare a report concerning the public transportation needs of residents in Cumberland and Cape May counties commuting to places of employment in Atlantic City. NJ Transit is also required to provide recommendations on how its transportation services can better address the commuting needs of these residents. The report is to examine: (1) the success of the pilot program, which is to be determined by the volume of tickets sold over the duration of the program; (2) alternative transportation options that are available to these residents to commute to employment; (3) the cost of the pilot program; (4) the feasibility of NJ Transit providing additional transportation service between Cumberland and Cape May counties and Atlantic City; (5) whether NJ Transit or an entity under contract with NJ Transit should continue to provide routes established under the pilot program; and (6) any other relevant information concerning the public transportation needs of residents in Cumberland and Cape May counties to commute to employment in Atlantic City. The Executive Director of NJ Transit is to submit a report of NJ Transit's findings and recommendations, based on the results of the pilot program, to the Governor and Legislature within six months from the end of the pilot program. The bill expires upon submission of the report. | In Committee |
| S3683 | "Grown Here, Eaten Here Act"; provides CBT and GIT tax credits to qualifying food establishments for costs of purchasing certain local ingredients. | This bill, designated as the "Grown Here, Eaten Here Act," provides Corporation Business Tax and New Jersey Gross Income Tax credits to qualifying food establishments for 10 percent of the costs of purchasing any fruits, vegetables, crops, and other ingredients that are grown or manufactured in the State for use in the preparation of foods or beverages at the qualifying food establishment. Under the bill, a "qualifying food establishment" is defined to include a restaurant, a food manufacturing establishment, and a limited brewery license or restricted brewery licensed pursuant to R.S.33:1-10. The amount of the tax credit authorized under the bill may not exceed 50 percent of the tax liability otherwise due. Any unused credit amount not applied because of this limit may be carried forward for up to 20 of the next tax years. The Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, would be required to adopt rules and regulations necessary to administer the "Grown Here, Eaten Here Act" tax credit program. | In Committee |
| S3656 | Requires regional representation for members of BPU. | This bill imposes certain residency requirements for members of the Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Under the bill, of the five members appointed to serve on the BPU, at least one member is required to reside in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. The bill defines the northern region as Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, and Warren counties; the central region as Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer, Ocean, Somerset, and Union counties; and the southern region as Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. The bill would provide that, for each appointment made after the effective date of the bill, the Governor would be required to ensure compliance with the required geographic representation. | In Committee |
| S3645 | Requires Commissioner of Education to submit report on SDA district designation. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to submit a report on the current status of SDA district designation. Within 90 days of the effective date of this bill, the commissioner is required to submit a report to the Legislature that includes: (1) criteria utilized by the Department of Education to determine the socioeconomic status of each school district; (2) the socioeconomic status of each school district; (3) information on the current social, economic, physical, and fiscal conditions of each SDA district; (4) a comparison of these factors when each SDA district was designated as an SDA district and the district's current status; (5) a determination of whether each SDA district should maintain designation as an SDA district; (6) a discussion on whether additional school districts should receive SDA district designation; and (7) certain legislative recommendations. The legislative recommendations are to: address whether the districts currently classified as SDA districts should be revised; and to require the commissioner to recommend to the Legislature the economic and school facilities adequacy criteria to be used in the designation of districts as SDA districts and a list of the school districts which meet the criteria for SDA district designation. There are currently 31 SDA districts. These school districts generally received this designation from either: (1) the Abbott v. Burke court decisions; or (2) the State Legislature through the enactment of various school funding laws. A majority of SDA districts received classification in 1990. The New Jersey Supreme Court used the department's District Factor Groups (DFGs) and list of urban districts based on data from the 1980 Census when suggesting which districts should be classified as poorer urban districts. DFGs were created based on the department's statistical analysis of seven factors: 1) per capita income level; 2) occupation level; 3) education level; 4) percent of residents below the poverty level; 5) the average number of persons per household; 6) percent of district considered urban; and 7) percent of those in the work force who received some unemployment compensation. As originally enacted, the "Educational Facilities Construction and Financing Act," P.L.2000, c.72 (C.18A:7G-1 et al.), included a provision requiring the commissioner, every five years, to recommend to the Legislature criteria to be used in the designation of SDA districts and a list of the school districts that meet the criteria for SDA district designation. This provision was removed with the enactment of the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008," P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.). Since 2004, however, the department has not made updates to the DFGs, provided the Legislature with criteria for SDA designation, or analyzed whether it may be beneficial to remove wealthier districts from SDA classification in favor of needier districts. Over the last 40 years, the status of certain SDA districts have drastically changed. Hoboken City is just one example of a municipality's revitalization and increased socioeconomic status since its initial classification in 1990. It is the sponsor's intent to ensure the neediest districts are receiving the benefits of SDA classification and protect the taxpayers who bear the burden of the State's cost of maintaining the school facilities of SDA districts. | In Committee |
| S3531 | Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for child sexual abuse and child endangerment. | This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention for a defendant charged with sexual assault or criminal sexual contact when the victim is a minor, or endangering the welfare of a child. Under P.L.2014, c.31, also known as the "Bail Reform Law," criminal courts are authorized to order the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or order pretrial detention of a defendant who is found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. Currently, there is a rebuttable presumption that a defendant who is charged with murder or a crime that subjects the defendant to an ordinary or extended term of life imprisonment is to be detained pending trial. This rebuttable presumption applies when a prosecutor makes a motion for pretrial detention, but may be rebutted upon a showing of proof, by a preponderance of the evidence, in favor of the defendant. If the presumption is not rebutted, the court may order pretrial detention of the defendant. If the presumption is rebutted, the prosecutor still has the opportunity to establish other grounds for pretrial detention. This bill provides that the rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention also applies to defendants charged with the crime of sexual assault pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-2 when the victim is a minor, the crime of criminal sexual contact pursuant to N.J.S.2C:14-3 when the victim is a minor, and the crime of endangering the welfare of a child under N.J.S.2C:24-4. | In Committee |
| S3547 | "Protecting Students from Obscene Material in School Libraries Act." | This bill, entitled the "Protecting Students from Obscene Material in School Libraries Act," requires boards of education to safeguard students from obscene material in school libraries and against school employees who provide obscene materials to students in school libraries. This bill requires boards of education to adopt a policy regarding obscene material in school libraries. Under the bill the policy is to: (1) establish criteria for material that is appropriate for a school library; (2) prohibit the inclusion of obscene material in a school library; (3) mandate that all school employees, including school library media specialists, comply with the State's criminal code's Obscenity For Persons Under 18; (4) create a procedure for a board to investigate a claim of a school employee's alleged violation of Obscenity For Persons Under 18, which in part prohibits a person from knowingly distributing or exhibiting obscene material to persons under 18 years of age; and (5) establish a scale of disciplinary actions against a school employee based on guidance and resources established by the Commissioner of Education. The commissioner, in consultation with the State Librarian, is to develop and distribute to school districts guidance and resources regarding: (1) examples of obscene material that are not to be included in a school library; (2) information concerning when a board of education should refer an allegation of a violation of Obscenity For Persons Under 18 to law enforcement; (3) recommended disciplinary actions against a school employee, which include termination of employment for a criminal conviction under Obscenity For Persons Under 18; and (4) any other information the commissioner deems necessary. The bill authorizes the commissioner to enforce the provisions of the bill. If the commissioner determines that a school district is noncompliant, the commissioner may impose appropriate sanctions, which can include the withholding of funds payable by the State to a school district. | In Committee |
| S3553 | Establishes Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to establish a three-year Skilled Trades Career Exploration Pilot Program to develop and expand career and technical education programs for high school students in the State. Under the bill, a grant awarded through the pilot program is to be used to support school districts in: (1) developing or expanding career and technical education programs for high school students; (2) acquiring or enhancing program equipment, technologies, or facilities for career and technical education programs; and (3) providing professional development for instructors of career and technical education programs. The bill directs the commissioner to establish selection criteria for the awarding of grants under the program and to select five districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program. Grants are to be awarded based upon review of the applications and subject to the availability of funds. Grantees are required to submit an annual report to the commissioner on the program's effect. The commissioner is required to annually report to the Governor and the Legislature on the program's effect. The bill appropriates $5,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Education for the bill's purposes. | In Committee |
| S3552 | Establishes Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a Career and Technical Education Dual Enrollment Grant Program to expand opportunities for dual enrollment in career and technical education. The program is to award grants to public institutions of higher education to expand or provide college-level career and technical education instruction for high school students through courses offered by the institution on its campus or in a high school. In order to be eligible for consideration of a grant award, a public institution of higher education is required to submit an application to the secretary in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary. A grant application is required to include: the institution's plan for the establishment of dual enrollment programs in career and technical education; information on any existing dual enrollment programs operated by the institution; the institution's capacity to offer career and technical education dual enrollment coursework, in addition to traditional academic semester course offerings; the number of students able to be supported by the grant program and the number of students expected to participate; and any other information the secretary deems necessary. The bill requires the secretary to establish selection criteria for awarding grant funds under the program and requires grants to be awarded through a competitive process based upon review of the applications and subject to the availability of funds. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the secretary is required to give preference to programs that are designed to operate beyond the duration of available grant funding. The secretary is required to establish the amount for each grant that is approved. Finally, the secretary is required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the grant program, following each year in which a grant is awarded. | In Committee |
| S2644 | Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees. | An Act concerning student literacy and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3527 | Requires certain motorbus operators to unload passengers at scheduled destinations. | This bill requires motorbus operators to unload passengers at scheduled destinations. Under the bill, an operator of a motorbus that is operated as part of a motorbus regular route service, charter bus operation, casino bus operation, or special bus operation is prohibited from stopping the vehicle for the purpose of unloading passengers other than at a scheduled destination. A scheduled destination is defined as a preplanned destination or stop on a planned route to a destination that can be demonstrated by a departure and arrival schedule, passenger ticket, receipt, or other publicly available document depicting the location where passengers are planned to unload, and a motorbus operator is required to possess such documentation at all times while operating a motorbus that provides a motorbus regular route service, charter bus operation, casino bus operation, or special bus operation. The provisions of the bill do not apply to the New Jersey Transit Corporation or any public or private entity under contract with the corporation to operate motorbus regular route service. The bill imposes a penalty of $1,000 for each offense and possible confiscation of the motorbus used in the commission of the offense, with an exception for the unplanned unloading of passengers in the event of an emergency if the operator contacts emergency services. | In Committee |
| S2646 | Requires school districts to provide training and coaching to certain teachers on student literacy and reading interventions; requires DOE to establish program for literacy coaches. | This bill requires school districts to provide training and coaching to teachers regarding student literacy and reading interventions necessary for students with reading deficiencies. Under the bill, a school district is required to annually provide training to any teacher in grades kindergarten through 12 who provides reading interventions to students that exhibit a reading deficiency, and any teaching staff member holding an educational services certificate with a reading specialist endorsement. The training is required to include information on: (1) the science of reading; (2) reading intervention techniques; and (3) distinguishing between identification of a student who may be eligible for special education and related services in accordance with the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," and a student who may exhibit signs of a reading deficiency. The bill requires the Department of Education, in consultation with Commissioner of Education-approved educator preparation program providers in the State, to establish and implement a "train the trainer" program for the creation of literacy coaches in public schools. Reading specialists are to provide instruction to interested teachers on the science of reading and reading interventions. The department is required to issue a literary coach certificate to any teacher who completes the training, provided the teacher submits proof of completion on a form as determined by the department. Under the bill, a literacy coach is to receive a one-time stipend from the department. The stipend is to be in an amount determined by the department and subject to available funds. Additionally, the bill requires a school district to provide kindergarten through grade 12 teachers with ongoing coaching support to aid in the delivery of reading interventions. The support is required to include: (1) on-site teacher training on evidence-based reading instruction and data-based decision making; (2) example lessons; (3) classroom observance during the delivery of reading interventions; and (4) immediate feedback for improving reading instruction, if applicable. A literacy coach can conduct this training, provided the training does not conflict with the other job responsibilities of the teaching staff member. Within the limit of available funds, the literacy coach is eligible for a stipend from the department for any school year in which the literacy coach conducts the training. The training and coaching established by this bill are to count towards the current professional development requirement on reading disabilities for certain public school teaching staff members. The bill defines the "science of reading" as evidence-based reading instruction practices that address the acquisition of language, phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics and spelling, fluency, vocabulary, oral language, and comprehension that can be differentiated to meet the needs of individual students. "Reading deficiency" is defined as scoring below grade level or being determined to be at risk of scoring below grade level on a screening assessment, diagnostic assessment, standardized summative assessment, or progress monitoring. "Reading intervention" is defined as an evidence-based strategy frequently used to remediate reading deficiencies that include, but are not limited to, individual instruction, tutoring, or mentoring that target specific reading skills and abilities. | In Committee |
| S3444 | Directs Commissioner of Education to establish "Teacher Retention Program." | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a "Teacher Retention Program." The program is to provide an annual incentive for teachers to continue employment in the public schools of the State. The bill requires the commissioner to disburse an annual retention grant of equal amount to each teacher employed in a full-time position in a public school at the completion of the school year. Under the bill, the State Treasurer is to redirect any funds appropriated for services and aid to undocumented persons, including but not limited to, health care, public school education, postsecondary education, and legal services to the Department of Education for the Teacher Retention Program. | In Committee |
| S2050 | "Stephanie's Law"; Requires AOC to establish publicly-accessible domestic violence registry; requires law enforcement officer to search State's domestic violence registries when conducting arrest. | This bill establishes "Stephanie's Law," to require the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), in conjunction with the Attorney General, to develop and maintain a publicly-accessible domestic violence Internet registry, and require law enforcement officers to search the State's domestic violence registries upon arresting a person. This registry established under the bill is to be separate from the domestic violence central registry maintained by the AOC pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:25-34, which is not accessible to the public. Under the bill, the public is to be able to access the registry to obtain all available information concerning any person who has been convicted of a crime or offense involving domestic violence; has had a final domestic violence restraining order issued against them; or has committed contempt of a temporary or final domestic violence restraining order. The Internet registry is to contain the following information for any person to be included in the registry: (1) the person's name and any aliases the person has used or under which the person may be or may have been known; (2) a brief description of any crime or offense involving domestic violence for which the person was convicted; the date and location of each disposition; and a general description of the person's modus operandi, if applicable; (3) the person's age, race, gender, date of birth, height, weight, hair, eye color, and any distinguishing scars or tattoos; (4) a photograph of the person and the date on which the photograph was entered into the registry; (5) the make, model, color, year, and license plate number of any vehicle operated by the person; (6) and the person's last known address. A person whose name is erroneously included in the registry established under the bill may petition the AOC for removal of the person's name. The AOC is required to remove the person's name from the registry if the person has not had a final domestic violence restraining order entered against them, has not been found guilty of contempt of a temporary or final domestic violence restraining order, or has not been found guilty of a crime or offense involving domestic violence. Within five days of a change of address, a person whose name is included in the registry is required provide the AOC with the new address. On the website through which a person may search the registry established under the bill, the AOC is required to include information regarding: the manner in which a person may petition the AOC to remove their name; the circumstances under which the AOC would grant a petition to remove their name; and the manner in which a person may provide an updated address to the AOC. In addition, the provisions of the bill require a law enforcement officer to determine, upon an arrest, if there is a domestic violence restraining order entered against the person. This determination is to include a search of the central domestic violence registry maintained by the AOC established pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:25-34, as well as the publicly-accessible central registry established under the bill. This bill, designated "Stephanie's Law," is named after a domestic violence victim, Stephanie Nicole Parze, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation was created in her memory to provide support to victims of domestic violence. This bill, which is intended to provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence, is named in her honor. | In Committee |
| S3414 | Permits sale of raw milk under certain conditions and establishes raw milk permit program. | This bill would permit the sale of raw milk by a person holding a valid raw milk permit. The bill would also require the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, to establish a raw milk permit program. The bill authorizes permit holders to sell, offer for sale or otherwise make available raw milk at the farm or property where the raw milk is produced. The bill also establishes standards for the quality of the raw milk that is produced by a permit holder. To protect the public health, the bill establishes certain prerequisites that must be met before a raw milk permit may be granted, including: (1) a signed affidavit by the permit applicant certifying that no growth hormones will be used in the process of producing raw milk; (2) conspicuous warning requirements stating that raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization, including specific labeling on dispensing containers and sold containers and specific signage; (3) submission to certain inspections by the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health; and (4) compliance with all applicable provisions of New Jersey's dairy laws, rules and regulations. The permit program would be funded by a permit fee estimated by the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, to cover the costs of administering the program. The Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Health, would be required to conduct initial testing of the cows intended to be used for the production of raw milk, with ongoing testing as necessary. The permit holder is also required to conduct tests, at the permit holder's expense, to measure the levels of certain bacteria and pathogens in the raw milk produced. Failing test results are required to be reported to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health. If the permit holder fails to meet certain standards, by failing two consecutive tests in a one year period, then the raw milk permit would be revoked. | In Committee |
| S2010 | Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding. | This bill supplements the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977" and requires a minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding, thereby reinstating New Jersey's only State appropriated, unrestricted fund for local health departments. Such appropriation will be expended in accordance to the provisions of the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977." From 1966 to 2010, under the "State Health Aid Act" and later amended as the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," the State provided local health departments with flexibility to address local needs, emerging threats, and other priorities via the appropriation of dedicated funds. The State eliminated Public Health Priority Funding in the FY 2011 Appropriations Act. For context, in FY 2010, Public Health Priority Funding amounted to approximately 15 percent of the total funding for local health departments. Currently, local health departments in New Jersey are funded via local property taxes and State and federal funding that is designated for specific purposes, such as vaccines or environmental health services. | In Committee |
| S3406 | Revises various provisions of the New Jersey Aspire Program. | This bill provides various changes to the New Jersey Aspire Program (Aspire Program), which is administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) and was enacted as part of the "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020," P.L.2020, c.156 (C.34:1B-269 et al.). Under the Aspire Program, the EDA awards tax credits to the developers of certain redevelopment projects, which projects would not be economically feasible absent such subsidies, and which projects meet certain other requirements. In turn, these developers are required to comply with certain additional requirements concerning the development of these projects, including, but not limited to, the dedication of affordable housing in new residential projects. Government-restricted municipalities The bill revises the definition of "government-restricted municipality" to expand municipal eligibility to the municipalities of Newark, East Orange, Union City, Elizabeth, New Brunswick, Camden, Vineland, Bridgeton, and Lakewood, in addition to Paterson, Trenton, and Atlantic City. Net benefits analysis and final award certification A developer of a redevelopment project applying for an award of tax credits from the EDA is required to demonstrate that providing public assistance to the project will result in a net positive benefit to the State. Currently, the EDA requires each applicant to demonstrate a net positive benefit to the State of 160 percent of the credit amount. Under current law, certain redevelopment projects, including those located within government-restricted municipalities, may be approved at the authority's discretion while having a net positive economic benefit that is as much as 35 percent less than the standard applied to projects in other locations. This bill would extent this allowance to provide that the EDA may approve projects located in government-restricted municipalities that demonstrate a net positive benefit to the State of up to 50 percentage points less than the standard requirement. As a result, these projects could be eligible for approval by demonstrating a net positive benefit that is 110 percent of the credit amount. The bill also removes a provision of law that requires the EDA to reduce the overall award of tax credits to a redevelopment project if it is determined, at the time of project certification, that the actual project financing gap is less than the amount initially approved by the EDA. Option of prevailing wages or a project labor agreement Under current law, workers employed to perform construction work at redevelopment projects are required to be paid no less than the prevailing wage for the worker's craft or trade, as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. The bill provides that a developer of a residential redevelopment project may be exempt from this requirement if the developer has negotiated and executed a project labor agreement to provide certain wage protections. Utility authorities and connection fees for redevelopment projects Under current law, county, regional, and municipal utility authorities are required to provide reductions in connection fees for new connections to the water system and sewerage system for certain projects, including public housing authorities, non-profit organizations building affordable housing projects, and any other affordable housing projects. The bill extends this provision of law to require county, regional, and municipal utility authorities to provide the same reductions in connection fees for the developers of redevelopment projects under the Aspire Program. Phased tax abatement for redevelopment projects The bill also provides for tax exemptions on the improvements from redevelopment projects. Under the bill, for the first five years after a project receives a permanent certificate of occupancy, no tax would be imposed on the improvements on the property. However, the land on which the project is located would continue to be taxed during the first five years. Following the initial five-year period, the developer would be required to enter into an agreement to pay annual payments in lieu of taxation to the municipality for an additional five-year period. Over the course of this five-year period, the payments by the developer of the project shall increase by 20 percent annually. | In Committee |
| S2535 | Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services. | This bill amends existing law, which established minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services, to include structured day program services. Current law is limited to community residential services. Under existing law, "brain injury service" means community-based services, residential services, day care services, and home care services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries, regardless of whether such services are provided through the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or the managed care delivery system. Specifically, the bill requires the Medicaid per diem or encounter reimbursement rates for Structured Day Program Services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for a brain injury, currently at $3.65 for every 15 minutes of services, when such services are provided by an approved brain injury service provider, to be equal to the average of the reimbursement rates for Day Habilitation Services - Tiers D and Tier E provided to a Medicaid beneficiary eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, currently at $9.09 for every 15 minutes of service. | In Committee |
| S3356 | Amends "Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Act" to exclude full-time students and au pairs from definition of domestic worker and remove joint and several liability provision from law. | This bill modifies the "Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2023, c.262. The bill changes the definition of domestic worker to exclude: (1) any full-time student in primary school, secondary school, high school, vocational school, college, or other post-secondary educational institution from the law's provisions; and (2) an au pair. Under the bill, au pair is defined as a young adult from overseas who lives with a family on a legal visa and through a federally regulated program for up to two years and provides childcare in exchange for a weekly stipend, room and board. Current law provides that individuals and employers with an overlapping employment relationship with a domestic worker are subject to joint and several liability, and concurrent fines and penalties, for violations of the "Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Act." The bill removes the joint and several liability provision from current law. | In Committee |
| S3341 | Modifies requirements for operation of certain food and service stands in State, county, and municipal buildings, grounds, and premises. | Under current law, food and service stands such as cafes and newsstands operated in State, county, and municipal buildings, grounds, and premises are operated by blind persons under the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. When such stand ceases to operate, the stand may be operated by another blind person; however, at times, the stand may be vacant for an extended period of time. Under this bill, where a stand is operated by a blind person and: (1) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least three calendar months, such stand will be made available to be operated by a disabled person-owned business with a license to operate such stand. (2) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least six calendar months, such stand will be available to be operated by a veteran-owned business with a license to operate such stand. (3) if the operator ceases to operate the stand and the stand remains out of service for at least nine calendar months, such stand will be available to be operated by any business with a license to operate such stand. No license fee, rental, or other charge will be required by a disabled person-owned business or a veteran-owned business. When an operator other than a blind person ceases to operate such stand, the stand will revert to the control of the commission and priority and preference for the further operation of the stand will be returned to the commission for operation by a blind person. The provisions of the bill will not impair any contract in effect on the effective date of the bill. Under the bill, "disabled person-owned business" means a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated and at least 51% of the business is owned and controlled by a person with a disability. "Veteran-owned business" means a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated and at least 51 percent of the business is owned and controlled by persons who are veterans. | In Committee |
| S3334 | Establishes pilot program to provide Medicaid coverage of remote maternal health services for eligible beneficiaries. | This bill establishes a voluntary, three-year pilot program to provide certain pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries with remote maternal health services, upon referral by the beneficiaries' health care provider. It is the intent of the bill's sponsor to expand access to obstetric care for pregnant patients who live in the State's rural communities or in medically underserved communities. The bill provides that the Commissioner of Human Services, based upon clinical evidence and the recommendations of experts in the fields of obstetrics and maternal-fetal medicine, will determine the remote services to be provided through the pilot program. At minimum, the program will provide remote patient monitoring, remote non-stress tests, and tele-ultrasound services for pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries. The bill defines "remote maternal health services" as the use of digital technology to collect medical and health data from a pregnant patient and securely transmit this information to a health care provider at a distant site for interpretation and use as part of a diagnosis or a treatment plan. "Remote patient monitoring" is defined as the use of digital technology to collect and transmit patient health data to a healthcare provider at a distant site for review and treatment management. The bill stipulates that the devices and digital technologies used to provide remote maternal health services must comply with the requirements of the federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," and be used in an FDA-approved capacity. The bill provides that State licensed physicians, certified nurse midwives, professional midwives, or midwives may refer a pregnant Medicaid beneficiary to the pilot program if the health care provider determines that remote maternal health services are in the beneficiary's best interests; or that the beneficiary has an increased likelihood of a high-risk pregnancy due to: pre-existing medical conditions; age; lifestyle factors; or a diagnosed pregnancy-related condition, such as preeclampsia. The bill also provides that remote maternal health services will be available to a pregnant Medicaid beneficiary whose pregnancy is not high-risk, but who resides in a community that lacks a sufficient number of health care providers who offer obstetric care and participate in the Medicaid program. Eligibility for the pilot program will also be extended to a pregnant Medicaid beneficiary who is unable to access consistent obstetric care due to socioeconomic factors, such as the beneficiary's work schedule, a lack of reliable transportation, or a lack of reliable child care. Pursuant to the bill, the establishment of the remote maternal health services pilot program is contingent upon federal approval of the State's Medicaid waiver application or State plan amendment, in order to ensure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. | In Committee |
| SCR107 | Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to extend civil service hiring preference to veterans who did not serve in time of war. | This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution to allow the Legislature to enact a law to extend the preference given to veterans for hiring for civil service positions. The law would determine the eligibility of veterans for the purpose of hiring preferences for civil service positions. Currently, only veterans who served in time of war receive a hiring preference when applying for civil service positions. This amendment would allow veterans who did not serve in time of war also to receive a hiring preference for civil service positions. | In Committee |
| S3337 | Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Wine and Grape Education Grant Program; appropriates $1.5 million. | This bill directs the Secretary of Higher Education to establish a four-year Wine and Grape Education Grant Program. The program is to provide grants to four-year public institutions of higher education to establish or expand degree-granting or certificate programs in wine and grape science including grape growing, wine making, and business operations. To be eligible for consideration of a grant award, a four-year public institution of higher education is required to submit an application to the Secretary of Higher Education in a form and manner prescribed by the secretary. A grant application is required to include: the institution's plan for the establishment or expansion of wine and grape education programs; the institution's plan to ensure students attain real-world knowledge and experience in the wine and grape industry including, but not limited to, the availability of partnerships with nonprofit organizations and local wineries; the number of students able to be supported by the grant program and the number of students expected to participate; and any other information the secretary deems necessary. Under the bill, the secretary is to select three four-year public institutions of higher education, including one institution in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State, for participation in the grant program. An institution selected to participate is to receive a grant in an amount not to exceed $500,000. The provisions of the bill stipulate that a four-year public institution of higher education that receives a grant under the program may permit a student who is under the age of 21 to enroll in a degree-granting or certificate program in wine and grape science provided that the student is not to be permitted to enroll in any coursework or attend any event where alcoholic beverages are to be consumed or where the student would otherwise be required to be 21 years of age in accordance with any other law, rule, or regulation. Additionally, the bill requires the secretary to submit a report on the grant program to the Governor and the Legislature no later than six months prior to the conclusion of the program. | In Committee |
| S3351 | Establishes rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention of defendant charged with aggravated assault of law enforcement officer. | This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention of a defendant charged with aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. Under P.L.2014, c.31, also known as the "Criminal Justice Reform Law" (CJR), courts are authorized to order: the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or the pretrial detention of a defendant who is found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. For certain crimes, the CJR establishes a rebuttable presumption that a defendant is to be detained pending trial because no amount of monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of release, or combination thereof would reasonably assure the defendant's appearance in court, the safety of any other person or the community, and that the eligible defendant will not obstruct or attempt to obstruct the criminal justice process. This presumption may be rebutted by the defendant upon a showing of a preponderance of the evidence in support of the defendant. Under current law, the rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention applies when a prosecutor files a motion for the pretrial detention of a defendant charged with murder or any crime for which the defendant would be subject to an ordinary or extended term of life imprisonment. Under the bill, the rebuttable presumption also would apply when a prosecutor files a motion for pretrial detention of a defendant charged aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer. | In Committee |
| S1354 | Concerns removal of abandoned vessels; appropriates $25 million. | Concerns removal of abandoned vessels; appropriates $25 million. | In Committee |
| S3217 | Provides tax credits equal to cost of Jersey Fresh products purchased by breweries and wineries to be used in production of beer or wine. | This bill provides tax credits to the owners and operators of breweries and wineries for purchases of Jersey Fresh products. The amount of the credit would be equal to the amount paid to purchase commodities from a Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program licensee to be used in the production of beer or wine. The value of the credits allowed under the bill would not exceed $10,000. To qualify for the credit, a taxpayer would be required to attach receipts for sales of the commodities purchased by the taxpayer during the tax year or tax period, documentation from the Department of Agriculture verifying that the commodities were purchased from a Jersey Fresh Quality Grading Program licensee, and a signed affidavit stating that the commodities were purchased for business use. | In Committee |
| S3219 | Establishes Elementary Student Literacy Task Force. | This bill establishes the "Elementary Student Literacy Task Force." The purpose of the task force is to assess the current reading levels of elementary school students in the public schools and identify best practices towards supporting all elementary school students to read at, or above, grade level. The task force is to consist of 17 members as follows:· the Commissioner of Education, or a designee, who shall serve ex officio;· one member appointed by the President of the Senate and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, both of whom are to be members of the public with demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force;· one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and one member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly, both of whom are to be members of the public with demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force and at least one of whom is to have expertise in children's reading disabilities; and· 12 members appointed by the Governor, including various representatives of the education community. The task force is to organize no later than the 90th day after the bill's effective date. The Department of Education is to provide administrative support. Under the bill, the duty of the task force is to:· examine current data on the reading levels of elementary school students in the State;· analyze reading intervention techniques, including scientifically-backed approaches to teaching students to read;· research promising programs and initiatives addressing early literacy across the nation to identify best practices that may be replicated in the State;· identify professional development options for teaching staff members to improve staff knowledge of the most effective instructional techniques for promoting literacy; · study practices for diagnosing, treating, and educating students with reading disabilities or who are reading below grade level, and how the State's current laws and regulations affect these students; and· develop recommendations on the most effective ways for school districts to promote family engagement in reading. The bill directs the Elementary Student Literacy Task Force to issue a final report to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after the task force organizes. The task force will expire on the 30th day after the issuance of its final report. | In Committee |
| S3215 | Concerns approval process for personal protective equipment and State stockpiles of personal protective equipment. | This bill requires the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management to establish a process to evaluate, provide feedback on, and approve personal protective equipment (PPE) for use during public health emergencies. The bill also requires the State to create PPE stockpiles for the State. The approval process of personal protective equipment will allow businesses that are not in the business of creating PPE, to create PPE during an emergency if those businesses are approved by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses were not able to transition to creating PPE because the businesses were not approved by federal agencies, which exacerbated the shortage of PPE in the State. The bill creates a liability exemption for anyone using PPE approved by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management if they used the personal protective equipment for approved purposes. Following the public health emergency caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the State will be required to create two stockpiles of PPE. One stockpile will consist of federally approved PPE and the other will consist of New Jersey Office of Emergency Management-approved PPE. To the extent feasible, 50 percent of each stockpile will consist of PPE made in New Jersey, and at least 66 percent of each stockpile will consist of PPE made in the United States. During public health emergencies, the PPE in the stockpiles will be made available to the State and its political subdivisions. The remainder of the stockpiles will be made available for purchase by private entities at market price, except that non-profits will be allowed to pay 75 percent of market price. | In Committee |
| S3175 | Removes registered apprenticeship program requisites of public work contractors; sets apprenticeship standards for prevailing wage projects. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act" by setting a standard for apprenticeship programs if a contractor or subcontractor chooses to participate in an apprenticeship program. The bill revises "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act" by removing the requirement that a contractor participate in a registered apprenticeship program in order to be eligible for public works projects. | In Committee |
| S1414 | Directs DCA to establish grant programs for public water systems. | This bill would direct the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to develop and implement two programs to provide grants to public water systems from the funds received by the State pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub.L.117-58. Under the bill, DCA would establish one grant program for public water systems that have less than 500 service connections for the purpose of funding improvements to the operational sustainability of eligible small public water systems through the identification and prevention of potable water loss due to leaks, breaks, and other metering or infrastructure failures. The bill also directs DCA to establish a second grant program for all public water systems, for the purpose of improving the sharing of information concerning water quality, water infrastructure needs, and water technology, including cybersecurity technology, between or among public water systems. For both programs, the bill would direct DCA to establish grant application processes and transparent eligibility and ranking criteria, and publish them on the DCA website no later than six months after the bill's effective date. The bill would also direct DCA to determine maximum grant amounts to ensure that grants are distributed throughout the State. Under the bill, DCA may use up to three percent of the money allocated to administer each program. The bill directs DCA, no later than three years after the bill's enactment, to prepare and submit reports to the Governor and the Legislature that provide details about the projects funded by the grant programs. After the report is submitted, or three years after the bill's enactment, whichever is sooner, the bill would expire. | In Committee |
| S3099 | Concerns justified use of force and deadly force. | This bill revises the law concerning the justified use of force and deadly force. Under the bill, a person is justified in using or threatening to use force, except deadly force, against another when and to the extent that the person reasonably believes that such conduct is necessary to defend himself or herself or another against the other person's imminent use of unlawful force. A person who uses or threatens to use such force does not have a duty to retreat before using or threatening to use such force. The bill provides that a person is justified in using or threatening to use deadly force if the person reasonably believes that using or threatening to use deadly force is necessary to prevent imminent death or great bodily harm to the person or another or to prevent the imminent commission of a crime set forth in section 2 of P.L.1995, c.126 (C.2C:43-7.1). The referenced crimes are those enumerated in the "Three Strikes" law. They include murder; aggravated manslaughter; manslaughter; kidnapping; aggravated sexual assault; robbery; carjacking; aggravated assault; burglary; and unlawful possession of a weapon. A person who uses or threatens to use deadly force under the bill does not have a duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground if the person is not engaged in the commission of a crime and is in a place where the person has a right to be. The bill repeals the current statutes concerning the use of force and deadly force, set out in N.J.S.2C:3-4 through N.J.S.2C:3-7. | In Committee |
| S3076 | Amends appropriations act to provide funding for restoration of State school aid reductions for certain school districts; shifts $64,920,000 from certain appropriations for purposes of restoring aid; provides supplemental appropriation of $145,215,047. | This bill amends the FY 2024 appropriations act to provide funding for the restoration of State school aid reductions for certain school districts. The bill ensures that: 1) school districts that previously received an allotment of Supplemental Stabilization Aid under P.L.2023, c.32 receive such aid in the same amount allocated to the district under that law; and 2) that a school district proposed to experience a State school aid reduction in the 2024-2025 school year receive an additional amount of State school aid equal to the difference between the amount of aid received in the 2023-2024 school year and the amount of aid proposed for the 2024-2025 school year. The total funds that would be appropriated under the bill to effectuate these purposes is $210,135,047. The bill would shift a total of approximately $64.9 million in funds from current FY 2024 appropriations, as well as certain unexpended balances from appropriations made in prior fiscal years, to provide for a portion of the total funding needed to effectuate the purposes of the bill. In order to provide for the remaining need, the bill appropriates an additional $145.2 million from the General Fund for the bill's purposes. | In Committee |
| S3010 | Increases penalties for second or subsequent stalking or harassment offenses, increases penalty for first offense of harassment. | This bill increases penalties for a first offense of harassment and for second or subsequent stalking or harassment offenses. Under current law, a person is guilty of stalking, a crime of the fourth degree, if he purposefully or knowingly engages in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for his safety or the safety of a third person or suffer other emotional distress. A crime of the fourth degree is generally punishable by a term of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Currently, a person who commits a second or subsequent offense of stalking against the same victim is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is generally punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. This bill amends the law to make it a crime of the third degree where an actor is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of stalking of any person and requires the court to impose a mandatory term of three years imprisonment without eligibility for parole on a defendant who is convicted of a second offense of stalking or harassment. Under current law, harassment is a petty disorderly persons offense. A petty disorderly persons offense is punishable by imprisonment for up to 30 days, a fine of up to $500, or both. This bill amends the law to make harassment a crime of the fourth degree and mandates that a person who commits a second or subsequent offense of harassment is guilty of a crime of the third degree. The actor is to serve a mandatory term of three years without eligibility for parole. Under current law, a person commits a crime of the third degree if, in committing an offense of harassment, he was serving a term of imprisonment or was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, any other state or the United States or he knowingly directs such action to a current or former judge that relates to the performance of the judge's public duties. This bill amends the law to mirror the penalties for stalking where an actor is convicted of harassment while serving a term of imprisonment or who was on parole or probation as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this State, and makes these actions a crime of the third degree. The sponsor's intent is to significantly increase the penalty for second or subsequent offenses of stalking or harassment in order to deter these types of criminal activity. | In Committee |
| S3039 | Authorizes farmers and other persons to use, sell, and distribute ground-harvested fruit for purposes of value-added product processing and production. | This bill would authorize a farmer or other person to use ground-harvested fruit to produce alcohol, cider, baked goods, or other value-added products for sale or distribution in the State, provided that the final, value-added products are pasteurized or otherwise appropriately prepared or treated, as may be necessary to destroy microorganisms that might cause disease, spoilage, or undesirable fermentation. The bill would further authorize a farmer or other person to sell or distribute ground-harvested fruit to another person for use in the production or processing of food or other value-added products, which third-party use is to comport with the bill's provisions regarding pasteurization of, or other appropriate destruction of microorganisms in, the final product. The bill defines "value-added product" to mean an agricultural commodity or product that: has undergone a change in physical state, was produced in a manner that enhances its value, as demonstrated through a business plan showing the enhanced value, is physically segregated in a manner that enhances its value, or is aggregated and marketed as a locally produced agricultural food product, and which, as a result of such change in physical state or such manner of production, marketing, or segregation, results in an expanded customer base for the agricultural commodity or product and enables the producer to retain a greater portion of the revenue derived from the marketing, processing, or physical segregation of the agricultural commodity or product. Under the bill's provisions, if a value-added product containing ground-harvested fruit is sold or distributed, offered for sale or distribution, or possessed for the purposes of sale or distribution as a food product in this State and has not been pasteurized or otherwise appropriately prepared or treated, as required by the bill, the product will be subject to confiscation, condemnation, and destruction or disposal by the Department of Health, in accordance with the provisions of existing law pertaining to the seizure and condemnation of adulterated foods. | In Committee |
| S3031 | Removes principal place of business requirement of "Set-Aside Act for Disabled Veterans' Businesses. | The "Set-Aside Act for Disabled Veterans' Businesses" defines a disabled veterans' business as a business which has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated, and at least 51% of which is owned and controlled by persons who are disabled veterans, or a business which has its principal place of business in this State and has been officially verified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as a service disabled veteran-owned business for the purposes of department contracts pursuant to federal law. The act also includes a goal that contracting agencies will award at least 3% of their contracts to disabled veterans' businesses. This bill removes the requirement that the businesses have a principal place of business in the State of New Jersey. This change may increase the pool of businesses and subcontractors eligible to compete for the State contracts, which may help contracting agencies meet the goal that they award at least of 3% of their contracts to disabled veterans' businesses. | In Committee |
| S3030 | Establishes "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program." | This bill establishes the "Bring Veterans to New Jersey Program" in the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. This program shall help New Jersey employers recruit qualified veterans to fill positions in New Jersey by providing relocation assistance to those qualified military veterans through eligible employers. The department shall contract with a nonprofit organization in New Jersey to administer the program. The department shall enter into an agreement with participating employers, who agree to provide relocation assistance to eligible veterans for eligible expenses. The department shall reimburse these expenses to participating employers in an amount not to exceed $5,000. The department shall develop criteria for the granting of relocation assistance. The process for receiving relocation assistance shall be as follows: (1) A veteran must create a profile with the nonprofit contracted to administer the program. A participating employer shall use these profiles to select and contact candidates regarding available positions. (2) After accepting a position, document the eligible expenses necessary for reimbursement. Upon receipt of the documentation, the participating employer shall reimburse the veteran for relocation expenses that are eligible in accordance with its relocation policy or procedure in an amount not to exceed $5,000 per household. The Adjutant General may adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the program. | In Committee |
| S2965 | Prohibits State funding to assist immigrants facing detention or deportation. | The bill prohibits State funds from being used to provide legal assistance or legal services to individuals facing detention or deportation based on their immigration status. The bill prohibits this funding directly, or under the terms of any contract with, or grant to, any public agency or nonprofit entity providing for such assistance or services. The purpose of this bill is to prevent State funds from being used to support an Office of Immigration Protection, or another organization or entity with a mission of offering legal assistance or legal services to protect immigrants. The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, as proposed by Governor Murphy, includes language providing for an amount not to exceed $8,200,000 to be appropriated for Legal Services of New Jersey for the provision of legal services and related costs to individuals at risk of detention or deportation based on their immigration status. | In Committee |
| S2976 | Establishes "New Jersey Works Dual Enrollment Option Program." | This bill directs the Commissioner of Education, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, to establish a "New Jersey Works Dual Enrollment Option Program." The purpose of the program is to provide an alternate education option for recent high school dropouts and students who have been identified as at-risk of dropping out of school prior to high school graduation, and to provide these students with job placement assistance. Under the program, an at-risk student may complete his high school graduation requirements through coursework at a county college. The credits earned at the county college will be applicable to both the student's high school diploma and towards a credential, certificate, or degree offered by the county college. Finally, upon a student's successful completion of the program, the Department of Labor and Workforce Development must provide the student with job placement services. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education to develop and distribute to each school district a list of risk factors that can be used to identify high school students who are at high risk of dropping out of school prior to high school graduation. The bill also directs the commissioner to provide guidance to school districts on which career, technical, and academic courses of county colleges may be applied as dual credit courses under the program to satisfy high school graduation requirements. Under the program, the board of education of a school district and the board of trustees of a county college may enter into an agreement to provide for the education of at-risk students under the program. The bill provides that a student enrolled in the "New Jersey Works Dual Enrollment Option Program," and his parent or legal guardian, cannot be held responsible for payment of tuition, student fees, or any other costs of the program. A student enrolled in the program will be included in the district's resident enrollment and the district will receive State aid for that student as provided under the State school funding law, P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.). | In Committee |
| S2958 | Establishes Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission. | This bill creates the Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review Commission to assess the effect that rules and regulations and Executive Orders have on the State's economy and to provide recommendations to the Governor to amend any rules and regulations or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, and local governments. Under the bill, the commission would be comprised of nine members, consisting of representatives from the Executive and Legislative branches of State government, who are devoted to the common goal of promptly addressing the State's economic viability and prosperity. The bill requires each department, office, division, or agency of the State to cooperate with the commission and furnish it with any information, personnel, and assistance it needs to accomplish its duties. The commission's findings would be advisory and cannot be used as a basis for any legal challenges based upon the action or inaction of any department, office, division, or agency of the State. The bill requires the commission to: (1) review all proposed and adopted rules and regulations and operative Executive Orders issued by the Governor to: assess their potential or actual effects on the State's economy; determine whether their costs and other burdens on businesses, workers, and local governments outweigh their intended benefits; and establish a basis for providing recommendations to the Governor to amend any rules and regulations or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, and local governments; (2) call upon any department, office, division, or agency of this State to supply the commission with data and other information, personnel, or assistance it deems necessary to discharge its duties; (3) solicit both written and oral comments from the public, including professional, labor, community, and environmental organizations, businesses, workers, and other affected persons or entities as the commission deems appropriate, and to consider the views expressed by those parties in any report; and (4) provide annually a written report to the Governor and the Legislature in which the commission must provide recommendations to repeal, rescind, or amend any rules and regulations or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, and local governments. | In Committee |
| SR83 | Creates Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review. | This resolution creates the Senate Task Force on Government Efficiency and Regulatory Review to assess the effect that statutes, rules and regulations, and Executive Orders have on the State's economy and to provide recommendations to repeal, rescind, or amend any statutes, rules and regulations, or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, school districts, and local governments. Under the resolution, the bi-partisan task force would be comprised of six members of the Senate. The Senate President would appoint three members and the Minority Leader of the Senate would appoint three members. The Senate President would appoint two co-chairs, who would not be members of the same political party. The Senate President, with the advice of the co-chairs, may appoint additional members of the public to the task force. The members would be representatives who are devoted to the common goal of promptly addressing the State's economic viability and prosperity. The resolution requires the task force to: (1) review statutes, rules and regulations, and Executive Orders issued by the Governor to: assess their potential or actual effects on the State's economy; determine whether their costs and other burdens on businesses, workers, school districts, and local governments outweigh their intended benefits; and establish a basis for providing recommendations to repeal, rescind, or amend any statutes, rules and regulations, or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, school districts, and local governments; (2) request data and other information or assistance it deems necessary from any department, office, division, or agency of this State; (3) solicit both written and oral comments from the public, including professional, labor, community, business and environmental organizations, workers, school districts, and other affected persons or entities as the task force deems appropriate, and to consider the views expressed by those parties in any report; (4) hold one public hearing within 60 days following the adoption of this resolution; (5) provide an initial report of findings and recommendations to the Senate one year following the adoption of this resolution; and (6) provide annually a written report to the Senate, in which the task force will provide recommendations to repeal, rescind, or amend any statutes, rules and regulations, or Executive Orders that unduly burden the State's businesses, workers, school districts, and local governments. | In Committee |
| S2168 | Provides tuition fee waiver apprenticeship courses. | This bill requires public institutions of higher education to waive the tuition fees of certain courses which are qualified to serve as the classroom training or education component of a registered apprenticeship for eligible persons whose gross aggregate household income is below the State's median annual income. Under the bill, an eligible person is an individual whose gross aggregate household income at the time of admission to a New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school is below the State household median income as determined by the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey. The person is to be deemed eligible for a tuition fee waiver if: 1. tuition costs are not covered by the employer through employment benefits; 2. the person completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid each year and has exhausted all financial aid assistance; and 3. the person retains employment as an active registered apprentice under the registered apprenticeship program and maintains satisfactory academic progress to qualify for renewal of the tuition waiver. The bill requires the State to reimburse public institutions of higher education and county vocational schools for the cost of the tuition waivers. | In Committee |
| S2916 | Transfers administration of certain nutrition programs to Department of Agriculture. | This bill would transfer primary administration of the WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, the Seniors Farmers' Market Nutrition Program and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children from the Department of Health to the Department of Agriculture. These programs were established through the United States Department of Agriculture. Additionally, the bill would transfer all grants and other moneys that are made available for the programs to the Department of Agriculture. Finally, any employees of the Department of Health who are deemed necessary for the proper administration of these programs would also be transferred to the Department of Agriculture. | In Committee |
| S2917 | Establishes means by which customers may submit written authorizations approving repairs to be made by automotive repair dealers. | This bill establishes that a customer can authorize, in writing, an automotive repair dealer to make repairs to a motor vehicle through a contract with the dealer that is agreed to by the customer or by other forms of writing to include, but not be limited to, an e-mail and a mobile text message. All forms of written authorization are to contain the first and last name of the customer requesting the repair, contact information for the customer, the specific nature of the repair, and the odometer reading of the motor vehicle to be repaired. "Contact information" is defined in the bill as the first and last name of the customer and an e-mail address, mobile phone number, or home phone number by which to reach the customer. If the specific nature of a repair is unknown to the customer, a description explaining the problem to the automotive repair dealer is deemed sufficient. An automotive repair shop that performs services without receiving a written authorization containing the required information is liable for a penalty of not more than $1,000 for a first offense and not more than $3,000 for a second and each subsequent offense. | In Committee |
| S1207 | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | In Committee |
| S2839 | "Energy Security and Affordability Act"; requires BPU to consider energy security, diversity, and affordability when preparing Energy Master Plan and perform economic and ratepayer impact analysis of energy generation projects and Energy Master Plan. | This bill would amend P.L.1977, c.146 (C.52:27F-14), which establishes the State's Energy Master Plan Committee, to require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), when preparing the Energy Master Plan or any portion thereof or amendment thereto, to consider the following: (1) the energy needs, supplies, and reliability in all geographic areas of the State; (2) the use and development of diverse energy generation sources including, but not limited to, solar, wind, nuclear, hydrogen, natural gas, and renewable natural gas to assure a reliable and sufficient energy supply; (3) the affordability of energy generation, transmission, and distribution to ratepayers; (4) the prioritization of in-State energy generation, to the extent practicable and feasible to minimize subsidies for out-of-State energy generation; and (5) the use of incentives, rather than mandates, when feasible, to increase consumer transparency and choice. The bill would also require the Energy Master Plan to provide that intermittent energy sources are not to exceed 50 percent of the State's energy generation portfolio. The bill updates membership of the Energy Master Plan Committee in accordance with Governor Murphy's Executive Order No. 28. The bill also adds the heads of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of the Rate Counsel, and New Jersey Infrastructure Bank, or their designees, as members of the Energy Master Plan Committee. In addition, the bill would require the BPU to perform an analysis of any energy generation facility project prior to issuing final approval, and of the State's Energy Master Plan no later than six months after publishing an update thereto. Specifically, the analysis would: (1) detail the cost, financial impact to the State and any applicable local government unit, effect on ratepayers, and economic impact of the energy policy or project, as applicable; (2) provide a breakdown of all associated costs including, but not limited to, the capital cost of energy generation, transmission, and distribution as well as the capital cost of any infrastructure upgrades needed; (3) use only open source modeling software, and provide details about the software used and all parameters entered into the model; (4) provide an opportunity for public comment at least 30 days prior to the publication of the analysis, and include all pertinent written comments received as part of the analysis; and (5) be published and maintained for at least 10 years on the board's Internet website. The bill would also require the BPU, upon invitation, to present testimony each year to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee and the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on the analyses it performed during the previous year. | In Committee |
| SR77 | Directs AG to repeal and amend certain provisions of directive restricting law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. | This resolution directs the Attorney General to repeal and modify the Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-6 to allow law enforcement to fulfil their responsibilities and obligations to protect the citizens of the State of New Jersey without legal barriers. The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General issued Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2018-6 on November 29, 2018 which established strict limits on when State, county, and local law enforcement may assist United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Attorney General is urged to repeal the directive with the exception for subsections A, B, and C of section IV relating to T-Visa (victims of human trafficking) and U-Visa (crime victims) certifications and to modify subsection D of section IV to read as follows:"State, county, and local law enforcement agencies and officials may ask any questions necessary to complete a T- or U-visa certification. Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict, prohibit, or in any way prevent a State, county, or local law enforcement agency or official from sending to, maintaining, or receiving from federal immigration authorities information regarding the citizenship or immigration status, lawful or unlawful, of any individual." The highest responsibility of government and law enforcement is to ensure the safety of our schools, hospitals, and local communities. It is the sponsor's opinion that the welfare of the residents of New Jersey must be our first priority. | In Committee |
| S2735 | "Naturopathic Doctors Licensing Act." | This bill provides for the licensure of naturopathic doctors and establishes the State Board of Naturopathic Examiners in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. As defined in the bill, "naturopathic medicine" means a distinct and comprehensive system of primary health practiced by a naturopathic doctor for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human health conditions, injuries, and disease. The board would consist of nine members who are residents of the State, six of whom would be, except for the members first appointed, licensed naturopathic doctors who have been actively engaged in the practice of naturopathic medicine for at least five years immediately preceding their appointment; two of whom would be public members; and one of whom would be a State executive department member. Under the bill, the board is authorized to, among other items, (1) establish criteria and standards for licensure; (2) review the qualification of applicants for licensure; (3) adopt rules and regulations to enforce the provisions of the bill; and (4) establish standards for continuing education. The bill stipulates that a person can practice or hold themselves out to the public as able to practice naturopathic medicine only if the person possesses a valid license. The license is to be renewed every two years. The bill delineates the scope of services of a naturopathic doctor. This includes physical and laboratory examinations for diagnostic purposes, including, but not limited to, phlebotomy, clinical laboratory tests, speculum examinations, orificial examinations, and physiological function tests. A naturopathic doctor may also order diagnostic imaging studies consistent with naturopathic training, as determined by the board, but is to refer the studies to an appropriately licensed health care professional to conduct the study and interpret the results. Lastly, the bill establishes a naturopathic childbirth attendance advisory committee to issue recommendations concerning the medical education and training for the specialty practice of naturopathic childbirth attendance. A naturopathic doctor may not practice naturopathic childbirth attendance without first obtaining a certificate of special competency in naturopathic childbirth attendance. | In Committee |
| SCR90 | Proposes constitutional amendment to permit Legislature to extend eligibility to receive veterans' property tax deduction to surviving spouse of nonresident veteran in certain circumstances. | If approved by the voters of the State, this proposed amendment to the State Constitution would authorize the Legislature to provide an annual property tax deduction of $250 to the surviving spouse of a person honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, but who was not a citizen and resident of the State at the time of his or her death. The proposed amendment would require that the deceased had lived in New Jersey for any period of time both prior to, and subsequent to, his or her service in the Armed Forces of the United States, in order for the surviving spouse to be eligible for this deduction. | In Committee |
| S2669 | Establishes manufacturing machine and metal trade apprenticeship tax credit program. | The bill establishes a manufacturing machine and metal trade apprenticeship tax credit program under the gross income tax and corporation business tax. The purpose of the program is to encourage manufacturing employers to provide structured training to machine and metal trade apprentices to add more skilled workers to New Jersey's labor market. The bill gives manufacturing employers with qualified machine and metal trade apprenticeship programs the lesser of $7,500 per apprentice, or 50 percent of an apprentice's wages. To qualify for credit, an apprenticeship must employ an unskilled or semi-skilled person in machine tool or metal trades for no less than 1,500 hours in the tax year as part of a term of machine and metal trade training not exceeding four tax years. The machine and metal trade apprenticeship must involve wage progression, defined job training processes, course instruction, and completion resulting in designation as a skilled worker. The bill schedules the credits for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2016. The credits are nonrefundable. | In Committee |
| S2651 | Regulates smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act" (act) with respect to smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Under the bill, the act's prohibition on smoking is not to apply to the area within the perimeter of any casino simulcasting facility approved by the Casino Control Commission pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1992, c.19 (C.5:12-194) and any casino approved by the Casino Control Commission pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-6), provided that: (1) smoking is to be permitted in not more than 25 percent of the area of any casino floor and casino simulcasting facility; (2) smoking is to only be permitted in areas of the casino floor and casino simulcasting facility designated by signage by the operators for smoking; (3) smoking is to only be permitted under the following circumstances: in unenclosed interior designated smoking areas which contain slot machines or other electronic games, but is not to include areas of the casino floor and casino simulcasting facility that are fifteen feet or less from any casino pits offering table games with live dealers; and in enclosed interior designated smoking areas equipped with a ventilation system that is separately exhausted from other interior areas of the casino, casino simulcasting facility, and hotel facility, as applicable, so that air from the smoking area is not recirculated or backstreamed into interior areas that are not interior designated smoking areas; (4) all enclosed interior designated smoking areas are to be separated from other interior areas of the casino, casino simulcasting facility, and hotel facility, as applicable, by solid walls or windows, a ceiling, and a solid door; and (5) no stationary employee is to be assigned to work in an enclosed interior designated smoking area unless the employee voluntarily chooses to work in the designated enclosed interior smoking area. | In Committee |
| S2658 | "New Jersey Makes, the World Takes Act"; allows corporation business tax credit for selling New Jersey made products. | This bill allows a taxpayer under the corporation business tax to claim a tax credit for making retail sales of New Jersey made products. The credit amount is $3.31 for every $100 of retail sales of New Jersey made products that the taxpayer makes. The $3.31 credit amount is meant to approximate 50 percent of the State's sales tax rate on $100 of retail purchases. | In Committee |
| S2656 | Creates "Manufacturing Reboot Program" in EDA to provide financial assistance to certain manufacturing businesses; makes $10 million appropriation to EDA. | This bill establishes a New Jersey "Manufacturing Reboot Program" (program) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA). The purpose of the program is to address the negative effects the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had on New Jersey manufacturing businesses. The program is to be used by the EDA to assist "qualified manufacturing businesses," as defined in the bill, as they retool to develop new products or expand current manufacturing capabilities. The EDA is to provide priority assistance to a qualified manufacturing business (manufacturing business) having sales revenues that have been reduced due to the economic effects of, and increased costs to, its business operations during the pandemic, that is at risk of discontinuing its manufacturing operations in this State as determined by the EDA, that is able to retool to produce products for the healthcare industry such as medical devices, personal protection equipment, or pharmaceuticals, especially any vaccine used to reduce the spread of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019, and that is able to make adjustments for the manufacturing business's capacity to manufacture a vaccine for that purpose. The EDA is to provide a grant award to a qualified manufacturing business deemed eligible by the EDA upon application by a manufacturing business in a manner established by the EDA, and only if the result of providing the grant will yield a net positive benefit to the State that equals a percentage amount of a grant award as determined by the EDA. The EDA is to work in conjunction with the Business Action Center and State, local, and private business assistance entities to develop and promote the program. Under the program, the EDA is to provide a grant award ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 per manufacturing business, depending on the market potential and long-term economic impact of a manufacturing business's new production capabilities on the State or regional economy. Each grant award is to be revenue neutral to the State, as determined by the EDA, and a grant award may be used by a manufacturing business for the purchase of manufacturing equipment, machinery used in a manufacturing process, or computer aided design or computer aided manufacturing equipment or software, for payroll expenses or costs, or for the training of new or existing employees. A program application proposing new jobs creation will improve an applicant manufacturing business's chances of application approval; however, the creation of new jobs is not to be required if the applicant manufacturing business can provide to the EDA evidence that the approval of a grant award will expand sales, improve productivity, or increase diversification and capabilities of the applicant manufacturing business. The bill requires a manufacturing business to provide to the EDA quarterly reports verifying its employment levels and expenditures using grant funds provided by the EDA as determined by the EDA and requires to EDA to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the functioning of the program and whether the program meets the needs of manufacturing businesses. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the EDA the sum of $10 million solely for the awarding of grants to manufacturing businesses participating in the program. Of that amount, $5 million is to be used to award grants to manufacturing businesses manufacturing a vaccine used to reduce the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019, or is able to make adjustments for the qualified manufacturing business's capacity to manufacture a vaccine for that purpose. The remaining $5 million is to be used to provide grants to manufacturing businesses producing products for the healthcare industry such as medical devices, personal protection equipment, or pharmaceuticals that are not vaccines used to reduce the spread of the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019. The EDA may seek and accept gifts, grants, or donations from private or public sources for funding the costs of the program, except that the EDA may not accept a gift, grant, or donation that is subject to conditions that are inconsistent with any other law of this State. | In Committee |
| S2659 | "Made in New Jersey Tax Credit Act"; provides CBT tax credits to taxpayers that purchase "New Jersey made" products. | This bill, designated the "Made in New Jersey Tax Credit Act," provides tax credits under the corporation business tax to taxpayers who produce purchase New Jersey made products for the purposes of retail sales, manufacturing, or a manufacturing production process. The tax credit is equal to 25 percent multiplied by the ratio between the costs incurred in the purchase of the New Jersey made products and the taxpayer's total costs incurred in the purchase of products for the purposes of retail sales or manufacturing. The total costs exclude any costs for products that the taxpayer can demonstrate could not have been substituted with a similar made in New Jersey product. However, if two-thirds or more of a taxpayer's total costs incurred are excluded, then the taxpayer is ineligible for the credit. When this credit is combined with other credits, it cannot exceed the tax liability otherwise due and cannot reduce the tax liability below the statutory minimum. The credit can be carried forward up to seven privilege periods after the privilege period for which the credit is allowed. "New Jersey made" means that all or virtually all the significant parts, processing, and labor that produce that product originate or are sourced in the State of New Jersey, and that the products do not contain or contain only negligible out of state content. | In Committee |
| S2563 | Requires chief law enforcement officer or Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities when non-citizen applies for firearms purchaser identification card or handgun purchase permit. | This bill requires a chief law enforcement officer or Superintendent of State Police to notify federal immigration authorities when a non-citizen who is unlawfully present in the United States applies for a firearms purchaser identification card (FPIC) or permit to purchase a handgun (PPH). Under current law, a person who purchases a rifle or shotgun is required to obtain a FPIC; handgun purchasers are required to obtain a PPH. An applicant for a FPIC or PPH is required submit to the chief law enforcement officer or the superintendent, as appropriate, a written application, consent for a mental health records search, and two sets of fingerprints for a criminal history records background check. Federal law prohibits selling or transferring a firearm to a non-citizen who is unlawfully present in the United States pursuant to 18 U.S.C. s.922(d)(5). This bill incorporates the federal standard governing the sale or transfer of firearms to a non-citizen. In addition, the bill requires a chief law enforcement officer or the superintendent to notify and cooperate with federal immigration authorities when the officer or superintendent determines that an applicant for a FPIC or PPH is a non-citizen who is unlawfully present in the United States. | In Committee |
| S2560 | Prohibits municipal ordinance to create sanctuary city; establishes State and local employee ethics violation upon noncompliance with federal immigration enforcement request. | This bill is intended to make certain that State and local officials in New Jersey cooperate with federal authorities with respect to immigration and customs enforcement requests. The bill prohibits counties and municipalities from establishing formal or informal policies of non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Several jurisdictions, such as California, have established a formal prohibition on cooperation with federal authorities on immigration issues. In San Francisco, a young woman named Kate Steinle was brutally murdered by an individual who intentionally committed the crime in San Francisco because it had designated itself a sanctuary city. Other jurisdictions, such as certain municipalities in New Jersey, have an informal practice of not cooperating with requests from the federal government regarding immigration matters. This bill is intended to prevent the State, municipalities, or any subdivision thereof, from establishing a formal or informal "sanctuary city" policy, which has led to recent violent crimes around the country. Under this bill, a State or local official who fails to cooperate with federal authorities with respect to immigration enforcement will be committing an ethics violation. The regular process for the disposition of ethics violations at the State or local level will be applicable to these situations. The bill also creates a civil fine for any member of a municipal or county governing body which votes in favor of a sanctuary city ordinance after the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| SR68 | Urges Congress and President to enact immigration policies that better serve national interest. | This resolution urges Congress and the President to enact immigration policies that better serve the national interest. Each nation has the sovereign right to determine its own immigration policies, and the United States government has a responsibility to its citizens to end illegal immigration. According to United States Customs and Border Protection, in fiscal year 2023, there was a record-breaking number of 3.2 million encounters with illegal immigrants at our borders nationwide, surpassing the previous record-breaking number of 2.7 million encounters in fiscal year 2022. Illegal immigration into the United States is threatening America's foundation, and Congress as well as the President should immediately enact immigration policies that better serve the national interest. | In Committee |
| S2561 | Concerning noncitizens voting in local elections and conduct in office by local government officers. | This bill concerns conduct by local government officers while in office by declaring the actions of any local unit to authorize or permit individuals who are not citizens of the United States to vote in elections of the local unit to be against public policy and declare any such policies null and void. The bill maintains that, pursuant to Article II, Section I, paragraph 3 of the New Jersey Constitution and Title 19 of the New Jersey Statutes, only individuals who are citizens of the United States are eligible to vote in elections held in the State, and specifically prohibits elected local government officers from voting or acting to approve any ordinance or resolution which would allow individuals who are not citizens of the United States to vote in elections of the local unit. At least 14 municipalities in various states allow noncitizens to participate in certain elections. The bill also amends the "Local Government Ethics Law" to include violations of an elected local governmentofficer's oath of office by a local government officer as a violation under the "Local Government Ethics Law," and subject to potential fine. | In Committee |
| S2562 | Directs AG to enter into agreement with U.S. Attorney General to empower certain corrections officers to investigate immigration status of inmates. | This bill authorizes the Attorney General to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Attorney General, as provided under section 287(g) of the federal Immigration and Naturalization Act (8 U.S.C. s.1357(g)) to train and empower certain designated State and county corrections officers to perform limited enforcement functions and activities. Under the provisions of the bill, the designated officers would be trained and empowered to investigate, at the time of their incarceration, whether inmates are lawful residents and, in those cases where that investigation reveals that the inmate's presence in the United States is not authorized under federal law, to so notify United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the federal Department of Homeland Security. The terms of the memorandum are to set forth the training curriculum, protocols for the working relationship between the affected State, county and federal officers, offices and agencies; the amounts of federal assistance the State is to receive under the Homeland Security Appropriations Act for participating in the ICE 287(g) program and a certification that the participating corrections officers and parole officers are acting under color of federal authority for the purposes of determining the liability, and immunity from suit, for any civil action brought under federal or State law. | In Committee |
| S2460 | Directs fines collected for certain prostitution crime to "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund." | This bill provides that any fine collected for the crime of engaging in prostitution as a patron will be forwarded to the Department of the Treasury to be deposited in the "Human Trafficking Survivor's Assistance Fund" (the HTSAF) established by N.J.S.A.52:17B-238. All monies deposited in the HTSAF fund are required by the law to be used for the provision of services to victims of human trafficking, to promote awareness of human trafficking, and the development, maintenance, revision, and distribution of training courses and other educational materials, and the operation of educational or training programs. | In Committee |
| S2468 | Prohibits State Board of Education from requiring student growth objectives to evaluate teachers. | This bill prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring the completion of student growth objectives as part of the evaluation of any teacher. Under current law, the State Board of Education sets the minimum standards for the teacher evaluation rubric. The student achievement component of the teacher evaluation rubric currently utilizes "student growth objectives," which are multiple assessments designed by teachers to measure student progress in relation to the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. Student growth objectives account for between 15 and 50 percent of a teacher's overall evaluation. Under the bill, the State Board of Education would be prohibited from requiring student growth objectives, or any substantially similar assessment, as part of the evaluation of any teacher. | In Committee |
| S1019 | Establishes program in DOLWD to connect persons with disabilities with job training and employment. | This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to establish a program to connect persons with disabilities with qualified organizations providing job training for the disabled community and with employers with employment needs. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to: 1. establish and maintain the program in collaboration with qualified organizations, defined as nonprofit organizations, or organizations working with nonprofit organizations, which have at least five years of experience working with persons with disabilities; 2. request community-based and nonprofit organizations to provide job training, education, and outreach services, making the organizations responsible for developing in, consultation with the department, on-the-job training and outreach materials; 3. develop an online resource hub to provide employment and training information for persons with disabilities, a list of qualified organizations providing job training, education, and outreach services to persons with disabilities, and a database which permits employers to post job openings and provides information on State labor laws and fair employment guidelines; and 4. issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature reviewing the implementation of the program. | In Committee |
| S1022 | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | In Committee |
| S1190 | Establishes NJT Office of Customer Advocate and Rider Advocacy Commission. | This bill establishes a Rider Advocacy Commission (commission) in, but not of, the Department of Transportation and requires the commission to establish a New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate (office). Similar to the New York City Transit Riders Council, also known as the New York City Transit Authority Advisory Council, which was created by the New York State Legislature in 1981 to represent New York City subway and bus riders, and users of the Staten Island Railway, the office is to investigate, monitor, advocate, promote, and advise on all customer-experience matters pertaining to the operation of the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT). The commission is to consist of three members, one member appointed by the Governor, one member appointed by the President of the Senate, and one member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly. Each member is limited to a five-year term, except that of the members first appointed, the member appointed by the Governor is to be appointed for a one-year term, the member appointed by the President of the Senate is to be appointed for a two-year term, and the member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly is to be appointed for a three-year term. The commission is empowered to engage and dismiss staff as necessary, including the appointment of a Rider Advocate. The Rider Advocate is the head of the office, is required to report directly to the commission, and has the authority to carry out the purposes of the office, including, with the approval of the commission, temporarily retaining expert assistants as are necessary to protect the interests of NJT customers when exceptional circumstances arise. The responsibilities of the office include: (1) providing information and analysis to the NJT board of directors, Governor, and Legislature concerning the actual or anticipated impact of any NJT board or NJT actions on NJT's customers; (2) providing customer input and feedback to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature, including relaying the needs and concerns of customers to the NJT board, Governor, and Legislature; and (3) representing the interests of NJT's customers as determined by the Rider Advocate. The office has the authority to conduct investigations; initiate studies; conduct research; present comments and testimony before the NJT board of directors, legislative committees, and other governmental bodies; prepare and issue reports; and undertake any other actions that further the purposes of the office. The office is also required to conduct meetings with NJT customers, which are to occur at least on a monthly basis, and would allow for a remote attendance option, for the purpose of relaying the concerns and needs of customers to the NJT board of directors and, when the Rider Advocate deems appropriate, to the executive management team of NJT. In addition, the office would also be required to allow for public input on NJT operations and experiences at any time, through the office's official Internet website and through voicemail. The office is also required to represent the interests of NJT's customers in areas such as proposed fare increases, proposed substantial curtailment of services, and any proposed expansion of service. Funds for the expenses of the commission and office are to be provided by the State Treasurer, as appropriated by the Legislature, and are to be independent of funds for the NJT. On or before March 31 of each year, the commission in consultation with the Rider Advocate is required to prepare and submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the activities of the commission and office for the previous calendar year, including any reports provided to the NJT board of directors. The bill repeals a provision of law requiring NJT to employ a customer advocate. | In Committee |
| S1752 | Authorizes special license plates for members of the United States Coast Guard. | This bill would authorize special motor vehicle registration plates for active members of the United States Coast Guard or former active members who have been honorably separated from the United States Coast Guard. These special plates would also be available to the spouse or parent of any person who is an active member of the United States Coast Guard or former active member who has been honorably separated from the United States Coast Guard. The plates would identify the holder as a member or former member of the United States Coast Guard and bear "The United States Coast Guard Seal." Under this bill, the fee for the motor vehicle registration plates is $25, in addition to the fees otherwise prescribed by law for the registration of motor vehicles. The Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission would be authorized to retain monies collected from the plate purchases to defray all costs incurred by the commission in the implementation of the special plate program. The chief administrator may increase the fee for the plates as provided in the bill or discontinue the issuance of the plates if the average cost per plate exceeds the application fee in two consecutive fiscal years. | In Committee |
| S597 | Requires public utilities to provide customers notice of request for increase in rates; revises requirements related to hearings on proposed rate increases. | This bill requires that electric, gas, water, and sewer public utilities regulated by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) that have petitioned the BPU for an increase in rates, shall provide notice to individual customers of any hearing or proceeding to be held concerning such a request. Such notice must be provided reasonably in advance of the hearing or proceeding, as determined by board rules or regulations, and shall be conspicuously set forth in writing in or with the bills for service sent by the public utility, or other written notice, to each of its customers and publicized in the public notice section of a newspaper having substantial readership, printed, and published within each county in which the public utility provides service. The bill amends the law concerning public hearings conducted in relation to proposed rate increases by any public utility to provide that such hearings shall be held in the municipality with the largest population that may be affected by the increase. If the increase would affect municipalities in more than one county, the hearings would be held in the municipality with the largest population in each affected county. In addition, the bill directs the BPU to receive and address public questions and comments concerning the proposed rate increase submitted during the public hearing. | In Committee |
| S899 | Requires AG to create voting fraud task force. | This bill requires the Attorney General to create a voting fraud task force in the Division of Criminal Justice, Specialized Crimes Bureau. The purpose of the task force is to investigate and prosecute crimes involving voting fraud. Under the bill, the task force is to be comprised of members of State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies, as determined by the Attorney General, and is to utilize a coordinated law enforcement strategy to address voting fraud in this State. | In Committee |
| S1343 | Establishes farm brewery and winery-brewery beverage license. | This bill establishes a winery-brewery sublicense that would permit wineries to produce malt alcoholic beverages for retail sale to consumers for consumption off the licensed premises and establishes a farm brewery license that would permit the licensee to produce malt alcoholic beverages for retail sale to consumers for consumption off the licensed premised. A farm brewery would operate in much the same manner as a farm winery, using locally grown farm products in brewing malt beverages which would be sold at the farm. A licensee would be required to be actively engaged in farming on or adjacent to the brewery site and to be actively cultivating hops or other products used in the production of the malt alcoholic beverages. A farm brewery licensee would be permitted to brew up to 2,000 barrels of malt alcoholic beverages per year for retail sale for consumption off the premises and to offer samples. A graduated license based on volume would range in cost from $100 to $300 a year. A single individual or entity would be permitted to hold only one farm brewery license. The winery-brewery sublicense established by the committee substitute would be available to plenary and farm winery licensees, provided they are actively engaged in farming on or adjacent to the winery premises and are growing and cultivating hops or another product used in the production of the malt alcoholic beverages. Under the provisions of the committee substitute, the holder of a winery-brewery sublicense would be permitted to brew up to 3,000 barrels of malt beverages per year and to sell this product at retail for off premises consumption and to offer samples. The committee substitute does not authorize a licensee to sell any malt alcoholic beverages to wholesalers and retailers. The annual fee for this sublicense would be $750. A winery-brewery licensee would be permitted to hold only one sublicense under the committee substitute. | In Committee |
| S948 | Creates second degree crime for operation of stolen vehicle in manner that creates risk of injury to person or property. | This bill creates the second degree crime for theft of a motor vehicle when the vehicle is operated in a manner that creates a risk of injury to any person or damage to property. A second degree crime is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1357 | Provides temporary corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for insourcing business to New Jersey. | This bill provides, for a five-year period, corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for insourcing business to New Jersey. Insourcing is bringing business functions to this State by closing down an out of country or out of State business unit and relocating it to New Jersey. For decades businesses have had incentives to outsource business functions, pursuing lower tax rates or labor costs. The credit provided by this bill aims to reverse that trend by incentivizing businesses to relocate to New Jersey and take advantage of the State's robust and diverse labor pool. The credits are equal to 35 percent of the net cost of shutting down the out of country business unit, or 25 percent of the net cost of shutting down the out of State business unit, and reestablishing an equivalent unit in New Jersey. The credit will be earnable in the five years between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2023. The bill requires that the relocation be done pursuant to a written plan, and that the New Jersey full-time employees of the business be increased by the completed relocation. If the taxpayer reduces the amount of full-time employees in this State in any of the five years subsequent to the credit being allowed, the credit outstanding will be denied and any amount previously allowed will be subject to recapture by the State. | In Committee |
| S903 | Requires Secretary of State to establish voter list maintenance and crosscheck program and to include certain voter registration data in annual report to Governor and Legislature. | This bill directs the Secretary of State, in consultation with each commissioner of registration, to establish and update, as appropriate, a voter list maintenance and crosscheck program. The purpose of the program would be to maintain and keep up-to-date a secure and accurate Statewide voter registration system. Under the bill, the program, at a minimum, must provide for the crosschecking of information in the Statewide database with information obtained via voter registration information agreements entered into by the secretary under current law and must provide for the sharing of voter information among each county clerk and commissioner of registration. The secretary, in consultation with each commissioner of registration, is required to establish uniform standards and procedures for voter list maintenance and crosschecking. At a minimum, the program must permit a county commissioner of registration to verify a new voter registration applicant's information, update information in the Statewide voter registration system, and remove duplicate, non-resident, or ineligible voters from the Statewide voter registration system. The bill also requires the annual report on the voter registration system to the Governor and the Legislature to be submitted no later than 90 days following the date of the November general election. Under the bill and in addition to the requirements in current law, the report is required to: (1) evaluate the effectiveness of any voter registration information agreements entered into by the Secretary of State; (2) list the number of inactive and active voters in the State by county, the number of registrants transferred to the death file by county, and the number of registrants removed from the Statewide voter registration system by county; and (3) list the counties that are not compliant with the standards and procedures for voter list maintenance and crosschecking established by the Secretary of State. | In Committee |
| S855 | Permits police officers to travel to and from and remain within police station located within 100 feet of polling place; permits Class Three special law enforcement officers to be assigned to certain polling places. | Under current law, the presence of police officers at polling places during the conduct of an election and at ballot drop box locations in use during the conduct of an election is limited. This bill provides that nothing in the current law is to prevent a police officer or law enforcement officer from traveling to and from, or remaining within, a police station in their official capacity for employment related activities if that police station is within 100 feet of a polling place or ballot drop box. This bill also amends current law to permit a district board, superintendent of elections, or a county clerk to request the assignment of a Class Three special law enforcement officer to a polling place located at a public school to maintain order and provide security at the school during the conduct of the election. | In Committee |
| S2275 | Directs BPU to establish program concerning renewable natural gas; provides gas public utilities with customer rate recovery mechanism for costs associated with program. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a program to encourage the procurement of renewable natural gas and investment in renewable natural gas infrastructure by a gas public utility (utility). The bill establishes portfolio targets for the distribution of renewable natural gas to the utility's retail natural gas customers in the State, for energy years 2022 through 2050. The portfolio target begins as a target of up to five percent in each of the energy years 2022 through 2024, and increases up to 30 percent in each of the energy years 2045 through 2050. The bill defines "renewable natural gas" as the following products, processed to meet pipeline quality standards or transportation fuel grade requirements: 1) biogas that meets natural gas pipeline quality standards such that it may blend with, or substitute for, geologic natural gas; 2) hydrogen gas derived from Class I renewable energy or Class II renewable energy; or 3) methane gas derived from any combination of biogas, hydrogen gas, or carbon oxides derived from renewable energy sources, or waste carbon dioxide. The bill requires the BPU to adopt a ratemaking mechanism that ensures the recovery of and on all prudently incurred costs that contribute to a utility's meeting the program's renewable natural gas portfolio targets established in the bill. Under a ratemaking mechanism adopted by the BPU by means of a periodic rate recovery mechanism: 1) any BPU-approved qualified investment and operating cost associated with a qualified investment that contributes to a utility's meeting the program's requirements may be recovered from ratepayers; and 2) any BPU-approved cost of procurement of renewable natural gas from a third party, including from an affiliate of the utility, that contributes to the utility meeting the program's requirements may be recovered from ratepayers. When a utility makes a qualified investment, the costs associated with the qualified investment are to include the cost of capital established in the utility's most recent rate case as well as other incremental costs associated with those qualified investments. The bill requires that when a utility procures renewable natural gas from a third party, the utility is to purchase the renewable natural gas supply at prices and on terms consistent with market conditions in the market for renewable natural gas. A charge assessed to customers for the supply of renewable natural gas is to be regulated by the BPU and be based on the cost to the utility of providing that supply, including the cost of renewable natural gas commodity and capacity, purchased at prices consistent with market conditions in the market for renewable natural gas, and related ancillary and administrative costs. If a utility's total incremental annual cost to meet the requirements of the renewable natural gas program exceeds five percent of the utility's total revenue requirement for an individual year, the utility is no longer authorized to make additional qualified investments under the renewable natural gas program for that year without the approval of the BPU. The bill provides that the total incremental annual cost to meet the portfolio targets of the program are to account for: 1) any value received by the utility upon any resale of renewable natural gas, including any environmental credits that the renewable natural gas producer chooses to include with the sale of the renewable natural gas to the utility; and 2) any savings achieved through avoidance of conventional gas purchases or development, such as avoided pipeline costs or carbon costs. The bill allows the BPU to permit a utility to exceed the program's portfolio targets and, in that instance, the remaining provisions of the bill are to continue to apply. | In Committee |
| S1243 | Directs Secretary of State to contract with qualified vendor to develop national marketing campaign promoting State's innovation economy; appropriates $1,000,000. | This bill requires the Secretary of State to enter into a contract or agreement with a qualified vendor to develop and undertake a national marketing campaign to promote the State's assets as an innovation economy, to attract people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors in other states, and to both promote and increase the State's high-technology and high-skilled workforce. The bill requires the qualified vendor to be a private nonprofit organization qualified for exemption from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3) and that supports business relocation to, and entrepreneurship in, the State. The marketing campaign would include, but would not be limited to, the following elements: (1) a branding strategy to publicize the State's assets and to strengthen the State's innovation economy brand; (2) promotion of the State's employment opportunities in the high-technology and high-skilled sectors of the economy, the well-paying wages in those sectors, as well as the infrastructural, workforce, investment, and other assets that make it ideal for people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to locate and grow their business in New Jersey; (3) targeted marketing to specific populations, including out-of-state businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, recent college and graduate school graduates, young professionals, and other persons interested in starting a high-technology business or bringing a research idea to commercialization; (4) promotion of the quality careers in manufacturing, a critical part of the innovation economy; and (5) any other element the Secretary of State deems appropriate. The marketing campaign would incorporate radio, television, print, and internet media platforms. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of State the sum of $1,000,000 and such sums as the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury deem necessary to effectuate its provisions. | In Committee |
| S1347 | Permits certain businesses to complete business registration certificate and annual report together. | This bill permits certain businesses, including limited liability companies, limited partnerships, limited liability partnerships, for-profit corporations, and non-profit corporations, with an annual reporting requirement, to have the option to electronically file an annual report in conjunction with a business registration certificate or a renewal of a business registration certificate. Under current law, businesses may only file an annual report and business registration certificate separately. | In Committee |
| S962 | Prohibits mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 as condition of attending public K-12 schools. | This bill prohibits the Commissioner of Health and other State governmental entities from requiring immunization against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), as a condition of attendance at a public primary or secondary school. | In Committee |
| S1369 | Upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality; imposes mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses; establishes accomplice liability and imposes restrictions for certain recruiters. | This bill upgrades certain penalties for criminal street gang recruitment and criminality, requires a court to impose a mandatory minimum sentence for certain offenses of criminal street gang recruitment of minors, establishes accomplice liability and imposes residency, employment, and hiring restrictions for certain recruiters. Current law provides that a defendant is guilty of an offense if it is committed by the defendant's own conduct, or by the conduct of another person for which the defendant is legally accountable. This bill provides that a defendant will be held accountable for the conduct of another person for a criminal act as an accomplice if the act is committed by a person that the defendant has caused, encouraged, intimidated, coerced, or solicited to commit the act while soliciting or recruiting the person to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang. Currently, it is a crime of the second degree to solicit, recruit, coerce, or threaten a minor to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang. A person who commits this crime on school property commits a crime of the third degree. 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 third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill requires a person who is convicted of soliciting or recruiting a minor to be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of seven years during which time the defendant will be ineligible for parole. A person who is convicted of soliciting or recruiting a minor under 14 years of age will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years during which time the defendant will be ineligible for parole. The court is not permitted to suspend the sentence or make any other non-custodial disposition of a defendant sentenced pursuant to these provisions. The bill's provisions also require a defendant who inflicts significant bodily injury upon another while soliciting or recruiting a person to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang to be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years during which time the defendant will be ineligible for parole. The bill also amends the law related to gang criminality. Under current law, a defendant is guilty of the crime of gang criminality if the defendant, whether as a principal or an accomplice, commits certain specified crimes if the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang. The bill provides that a defendant will also be guilty of the crime of gang criminality if the crime was committed while causing, encouraging, intimidating, coercing, soliciting, or recruiting another to join or actively participate in a criminal street gang. The bill further provides that a defendant convicted as an accomplice for a crime committed by a person under 18 years of age who was solicited by the defendant to join a criminal street gang, commits a crime of the first degree and will be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years during which time the defendant shall be ineligible for parole. A crime of the first degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of 10 to 20 years, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. The bill also provides that a person convicted of soliciting or recruiting a minor to join a criminal street gang, or who is convicted of the offense while on school property, commits a crime of the fourth degree if the person resides within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school or playground. A person is not subject to these residency restrictions if: the person is required to serve a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility, or other correctional institution or facility which is located within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school or playground; the person is receiving treatment at a mental health facility located within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground; the person established the residence prior to the effective date of the bill; an elementary or secondary school, child care center, or playground is built or established within 500 feet of the person's existing residence; or the parole board, after considering an individual's housing options, determines that a needs-based exception is required. The provisions of the bill also provide that a person convicted of soliciting or recruiting a minor, or convicted of doing so on school property, who volunteers or is employed at a job which primarily consists of contact with children commits a crime of the fourth degree. "Primarily consists of contact with children" is defined under the bill to mean that 80 percent or more of the actual or official duties or responsibilities include contact with a child. It also is a crime of the fourth degree under the bill for a person to knowingly hire or provide a volunteer position which primarily consists of contact with children to a person convicted of soliciting or recruiting a minor on school property. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1351 | Makes various changes to civil service; permits institution of temporary layoffs; permits government entities to opt-out of civil service; requires civil service examinations be offered on continual basis. | This bill makes various changes to the laws concerning civil service in this State. The bill provides that:· civil service examinations be announced and administered on a continual basis, where practicable.· applications for such examinations be available using the Internet for completion and for submission, and payments of applicable fees for such examinations also be accepted online.· an employee will be removed from a special reemployment list when the employee has turned down a reemployment opportunity in a position that is one with the same or substantially similar job duties as, the same title and series as, the same or substantially similar hours of work as, and a location within a 25 mile radius of, the position from which the employee was laid off or demoted in lieu of layoff.· seasonal positions may be established for a period aggregating not more than nine months in a 12 month period.· working test period for local public employees be extended to 6 months from 3 months. The bill also provides that local units of government in the civil service may negotiate with the majority representative of its employees for the procedure for the appointing authority's review before a disciplinary action is taken against a permanent employee in the career service or a person serving in a working test period, and for the procedure for the appeal of a disciplinary action. Current civil service law permits the State to negotiate such matters with employee representatives. In addition, a provision in a collective negotiations agreement will be the exclusive procedure for review or appeal. Concerning shared service agreements, the bill provides that any employee terminated for reasons of economy or efficiency by the local unit providing the service under the agreement, at the option of the local unit or pursuant to a collective negotiations agreement between the local unit and a majority representative, may give a terminal leave payment of not less than one month for each 5 year period of past service as an employee of the local unit, or other enhanced benefit that may be provided or negotiated. Current law requires that such payment or benefit must be provided. The bill permits an appointing authority in State or local civil service to institute a temporary layoff for economy, efficiency or other related reasons by closure of an entire layoff unit for one or more work days over a defined period, or a staggered layoff of each employee in a layoff unit for one or more work days over a defined period. A temporary layoff plan must be submitted to the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission at least 15 days prior to the issuance of temporary layoff notices or as permitted by the chairperson. The temporary layoff is considered a single layoff action even though it takes place on different days during the defined period. The maximum period to stagger one day off may not exceed 45 days. Limited exemptions to temporary layoffs are permitted, with the approval of the chairperson, when necessary to ensure continued public health and safety. The temporary layoff days will be unpaid and will not affect accrual of leave time, anniversary dates, paid holidays, and seniority or a leave under the federal family and Medical Leave Act or other medical or family leave. An alternate work week program may be suspended for pay periods during a temporary layoff. Seniority, job location, lateral and demotional title rights, and special reemployment rights will not be applicable to a temporary layoff. The bill amends the New Jersey Employer-Employee Relations Act, specifically N.J.S.34:13A-5.3, to provide that in the case of temporary layoffs, the public employer must consult with the majority representative of public employees, but that failure to reach an agreement will not prohibit the public employer, whether in or not in civil service, from instituting temporary layoffs. The imposition of such layoffs will not be a violation of the law. Finally, the bill provides that a county, municipality or school district may opt out of civil service. The local governmental unit may rescind the adoption of Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes (civil service) by the county or municipal clerk submitting the question to the voters of the county or municipality upon the filing of a petition with the clerk requesting the rescission. The petition must be signed by at least 15% of the registered voters who voted in the county or municipality at the last preceding general election. Within 10 days from the date of the filing of the petition, the clerk must certify the petition in conjunction with the county commissioner of registration. Thereafter, the question will be submitted at the next general election or next municipal election, as appropriate, on or after 60 days following the issuance of the certificate, and thereafter printed on the ballots. The clerk must give appropriate public notice, including publication in the county or municipality's official newspaper. If the clerk fails to comply, a registered voter of the county or municipality may apply to a Superior Court judge for an order compelling submission of the question, and a hearing will be held summarily. A noncompliant clerk or public official or other employee will be guilty of a fourth degree crime. When the result of the election is for rescission, the result must be certified by the governing body of the county, municipality or school district to the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, and the rescission will take effect on a date set by the chairperson no less than six months and no greater than one year following the election. If a majority of the votes cast are against rescission, no new election on the same question may be held before the second general election or municipal election, as appropriate, following the rescission election. A fire district or districts within a municipality that has rescinded civil service is deemed to have rescinded civil service. The commission is directed to adopt regulations providing for an orderly transition in any local governmental unit that has rescinded civil service, that will require the unit to submit to the commission for approval its ordinance, resolution or manual setting forth personnel policies and procedures to be followed after rescission of civil service. At a minimum, the unit must provide for the terms and conditions of employment not otherwise covered by a collective negotiations agreement. The policies and procedures must include an anti-discrimination policy and a local government ethics policy. The unit may enter into a contract with the commission for testing, classification, compensation, or other technical personnel services. Upon rescission of civil service, a local governmental unit will not be permitted to readopt civil service for at least 10 years from the effective date of the rescission and may readopt only once. An employee with permanent status in a title on the effective date of the rescission retains only those rights to a commission hearing available to career service employees upon disciplinary removal or to challenge the good faith of a layoff. The provisions of the bill requiring the offering of civil service examinations, and the availability of the examination application and payment of fees online, will take effect 180 days after enactment. | In Committee |
| S1365 | Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in Chinese pharmaceutical companies. | The COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread harm, claiming over 200,000 lives to date. The pandemic has also shut down the economies of the world, leading to massive closures of small businesses and loss of employment. In the United States alone, over 20 million Americans have filed for unemployment since the pandemic reached our shores. The risks of COVID-19 were hidden from foreign nations by the Chinese government, increasing the risk and toll of the pandemic worldwide. Chinese companies should not be rewarded with additional investment from State and national resources while they control a large proportion of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The state should reinvest in New Jersey-based pharmaceutical manufacturing to improve health and economic resources. This bill prohibits investment in any Chinese pharmaceutical company and any company that has an equity tie or is engaged in business operations with a Chinese pharmaceutical company. The State Investment Council will work with an independent research firm to track any current investments in Chinese pharmaceutical companies and take appropriate action to end the investment. The Division of Investment will submit an annual report to highlight the progress in fulfilling the requirements of the bill. The bill also protects the State Investment Council, employees of the Division of Investment, and other State officers and employees from legal action that may arise due to the provisions of this bill. | In Committee |
| S1344 | Authorizes holder of limited brewery license to engage in certain activities. | This bill amends current law to authorize certain activities in which a holder of a limited brewery license is permitted to engage. Specifically, this bill authorizes the holder of a limited brewery license to engage in activities which include, but are not limited to: (1) holding an unlimited number of on-premises special events, for which the license holder may sell tickets without requiring the license holder to obtain a permit or provide electronic notification to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and (2) up to 18 off-premises special events per year pursuant to a permit issued by the director of the ABC for each event. If an event is to be held on a publicly-owned or controlled property, the licensee would be required to obtain consent from the political subdivision that owns or controls the property or the chief law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the property. Under the bill, a license holder also is permitted to deliver its product to a consumer's home; sell soda, whether or not manufactured by the license holder; coordinate with a food vendor to provide food on the licensed premises; and provide menus to consumers. In addition, the bill eliminates the requirement that the license holder provide a tour to a consumer prior to serving alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises. The bill further provides that pourers and servers employed by the licensed brewery are not required to be certified by an industry-recognized server training program. The bill defines "on-premises special event" to mean an event that is open to the public and held on the licensed premises or the sidewalk, parking lot, or other area owned by the license holder that is adjacent to or adjoining the licensed premises and includes, but is not limited to: private parties such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, civic and political functions, professional and trade association events, class reunion and alumni events; trivia and quiz games; paint and sip; craftmaking; pop up shops; DJs, live music, and open mic; televised or streamed sporting events; educational events and seminars; movies and theatrical events; animal adoption, to the extent permitted by local ordinance; and yoga and other exercise classes. "Off-premises special events" are defined as special events that take place at a location other than on the licensed premises or the sidewalk, parking lot, or other area owned by the license holder that is adjacent to or adjoining the licensed premises and include, but are not limited to: beer, music, and arts festivals; civic events; foot races, mud races, bike races and other athletic events; limited brewery anniversary celebrations; and holiday celebrations. | In Committee |
| S1342 | Revises permitting thresholds for certain types of development requiring CAFRA permit from DEP. | This bill amends the "Coastal Area Facility Review Act" (CAFRA), P.L.1973, c.185 (C.13:19-1 et seq.), to change the types of development that require a CAFRA permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. Current law divides the CAFRA area into zones based on proximity to the water, and requires permits for different types of development in each zone based on whether the development is residential, commercial, industrial or public. The law currently provides a separate threshold for development in a municipality that meets the criteria of a "qualifying municipality," pursuant to section 1 of P.L.1978, c.14 (C.52:27D-178), or that is located within the boundaries of a city of the fourth class with a population of over 30,000 persons according to the latest federal decennial census. For these municipalities, a CAFRA permit is required for development beyond 500 feet of the mean high water line, or landward limit of a beach or dune, that would result in, either solely or in conjunction with a previous development: a residential development with 75 or more units; a commercial development with 150 or more parking spaces; or an industrial development or a public development. This bill amends this permitting threshold to also apply to development proposed in a city of the fourth class that is ranked in the top two percent of the Department of Community Affair's 2020 Municipal Revitalization Index. Thus, development proposed in a municipality meeting this criteria would be subject to the same CAFRA permitting requirements as development proposed in a qualifying municipality or in a city of the fourth class with a population of over 30,000 persons. | In Committee |
| S2090 | Revises emergency care services referral standards for providers of telemedicine and telehealth. | This bill expands the requirements of current law as they pertain to emergency care referrals made during a telemedicine or telehealth encounter. Under current law, there is a provision under which a health care provider engaging in telemedicine or telehealth is to make appropriate referrals for emergency care, if needed. The bill revises this provision to require a health care provider engaged in telemedicine or telehealth to make a good faith effort to directly activate and coordinate with emergency care services in accordance with the standard of care upon determining the patient is in need of emergency services. The bill provides that an emergency care plan is to pertain to areas where patients are located during a telemedicine or telehealth visit. A health care provider engaging in telemedicine or telehealth is to make a good faith effort to: provide the name and location of the patient to emergency services in oral and written form; determine the location of a patient if a patient is unaware of the patient's location; and provide the provider's and the patient's contact information to emergency services. A health care provider engaging in telemedicine or telehealth is to report suicide threats and suicide attempts made by a patient during a telemedicine or telehealth encounter to the Department of Health in a manner that is consistent with federal and State privacy laws, and will be required to document emergencies which occur during a telehealth or telemedicine visit. The bill requires professional licensing boards to include in their rules and regulations implementing the telemedicine and telehealth law requirements for emergency care plans that include standards and protocols for activating and coordinating with emergency care service providers serving the area in which the patient is located at the time of the telemedicine or telehealth encounter. | In Committee |
| S1377 | Concerns certain agreements entered into by State political subdivisions with groups outside US. | This bill provides that a municipality, county, or political subdivision of the State entering into a sister city or political subdivision pairing agreement with any group outside of the United States is required to apply for and obtain approval by the Secretary of State before entering into the agreement. A sister city, county, or political subdivision pairing relationship can be a broad-based, long-term partnership between two communities often in two countries. A sister city, county, or political subdivision pairing relationship is often officially recognized after elected or appointed officials from both communities formally ratify an agreement. The State's sister cities and other pairing programs, both in concept and practice, are valuable programs for encouraging cultural, educational, and trade relationships between different political subdivisions in the New Jersey and political subdivisions in other countries. These programs have resulted in a number of successful cultural, educational, and economic exchanges in New Jersey. Despite the success that these programs have brought to the State, a recent sister city agreement that the City of Newark entered into with a fictitious city has raised serious concerns. It is in the State's interest to require all sister city and political subdivision pairing agreements entered into by a municipality, county, or political subdivision of the State with any group outside of the United States to be approved by the Secretary of State as a form of due diligence to avoid another incident involving a New Jersey municipality, county, or other political subdivision entering into or ratifying a sister city or political subdivision pairing agreement that could be detrimental to the municipality, county, other political subdivision, or the State. | In Committee |
| S892 | Upgrades burglary of a residence to a crime of the second degree; requires mandatory period of parole ineligibility if residence was occupied at time of offense. | This bill would upgrade burglary of a residence to a crime of the second degree and provide that an offender is not eligible for early release if a person was present in the residence at the time of the offense. Currently, all burglary offenses are crimes of the third degree unless the offender purposely, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on someone or if the offender is armed with explosives or a deadly weapon, in which case it is a crime of the second degree. This bill would provide that it is also a crime of the second degree to unlawfully enter or surreptitiously remain in a dwelling or other structure adapted for overnight accommodation of persons, whether or not a person is actually present. Additionally, the bill would provide that, if a person was present in the dwelling at the time of the burglary, the offender would be subject to the provisions of subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.1997, c.117 (C.2C:43-7.2), commonly known as the "No Early Release Act (NERA)," which requires that certain offenders must serve a minimum 85% of the sentence of imprisonment imposed for the offense. A crime of the second degree is punishable by imprisonment for five to 10 years, up to a $150,000 fine, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by imprisonment for three to five years, up to a $15,000 fine, or both. | In Committee |
| S1362 | Permits designation of special event zones for traffic regulation purposes during certain large events. | This bill permits the designation of "special event zones" for the purpose of regulating traffic during certain "special events," which the bill defines as any automotive or motor vehicle events occurring on or near a roadway, which events either have been approved by the county or municipality in which the event is located, or are expected to have 25 or more persons in attendance. When a special event occurs, or is expected to occur, on any roadway under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation (DOT), the bill permits the Commissioner of Transportation to designate all or part of the roadway, including any parking structures or other property located within the designated area, as a special event zone. Similarly, when a special event occurs, or is expected to occur, on a roadway under the jurisdiction of a county or municipality, the county or municipality may also designate the area as a special event zone. In either case, the special event zone would remain in effect for the duration of the special event, and including a reasonable period of time before and after the special event. While the special event zone remains in effect, the DOT, municipality, or county, as applicable, would be required to maintain appropriate signage on or along the special event zone. Under the bill, certain traffic regulations would be altered within the special event zone while the zone remains in effect, including: (1) an allowance for the DOT, county, or municipality, as applicable, to reduce the established speed limitations, as such reductions are deemed necessary to ensure public safety; and (2) the prohibition of "exhibition driving," which the bill defines to include certain forms of disruptive or erratic driving; and (3) the imposition of increased penalties for certain traffic offenses. Specifically, the bill provides that a person would be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000 after committing the following traffic offenses within a special event zone: (1) operating a motor vehicle in excess of the posted speed limitation; (2) careless driving; and (3) operating a motor vehicle for a wager, in a race, or for the purposes of making a speed record. Additionally, a person who engages in exhibition driving or reckless driving within a special event zone would be subject to a fine not exceeding $1,000, a term of imprisonment of up to 60 days, or both. Under current law, the Commissioner of Transportation is required to approve certain types of local traffic regulations before those regulations may take effect. Under the bill, the designation of a special event zone by a county or municipal would take effect without requiring the approval of the commissioner. | In Committee |
| S947 | Increases degree of crime for unlawful taking of motor vehicle. | This bill increases the penalties for joyriding. Specifically, the bill increases the degree of crime for unlawful taking of a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or other person authorized to give consent. Currently, the unlawful taking, operation, or exercise of control over a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or other authorized person is a fourth degree crime. This bill makes it a third degree crime for any person to commit such an act. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Finally, this bill increases the degree of crime for any person to take, operate, or exercise control over a motor vehicle without the consent of the owner or other person authorized to give consent in a manner that creates a risk of injury to any person or a risk of damage to property. Currently, this is a third degree crime. This bill makes it a second degree crime to commit such an act. A second degree crime is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1339 | Creates database of veteran separation documents. | The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will establish and maintain a database of veteran separation documents. The purpose of the database will be to create a central location for storing digital copies of veteran separation documents such as a DD-214 or NGB-22 form. The database will only be accessible by a public agency and will only be accessible for the purpose of determining the eligibility of a veteran or a veteran's family member, as appropriate, to receive veteran benefits. The separation documents will be submitted voluntarily by the veteran or a family member, and may be submitted posthumously by an immediate family member of a deceased veteran. Under the bill, "veteran" means a person who served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, a Reserve component thereof, or the National Guard of this State or another state. The department will determine the criteria for granting access to the database, which will include a procedure to confirm that the planned use of the separation document is consistent with law. The department will advertise and promote the use of the database on the department's website. The database will not be subject to the provisions of the law commonly referred to as the open public records act or to the common law concerning access to public records, and any person who missuses the information contained in a separation document will be guilty of a disorderly person's offense and subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both. Veteran benefits require proof of service and proof of discharge. Discharge papers, also known as separation documents, provide this necessary information. A veteran must provide the separation document with each new application for a veteran benefit and the document can often become lost or worn. A central location for the digital storing of separation documents would streamline application processes, and prevent the documents from becoming lost or worn over time. | In Committee |
| S1355 | Prevents future tax increases based on revisions to employee unemployment tax wage base; allocates $100 million to unemployment compensation fund from federal government assistance. | This bill prevents future tax increases on employee wages in support of the State's system of providing unemployment benefits by prohibiting the unemployment tax wage base from rising above the rate in effect for calendar year 2022, and allocates $100 million to the unemployment compensation fund from federal government assistance. Current law requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to effectively increase taxes on employee wages by annually adjusting the wage base used to calculate employee unemployment taxes. The bill would halt this adjustment to the wage base. The wage base amount determined for 2022 would be used for employee unemployment taxes in calendar year 2023 and subsequent calendar years, unless the calculation would result in a lower wage base, in which case the lower wage base would be used. Employee wage taxes are regressive. It is the sponsor's view that administratively increasing the tax every year is unfair to low and middle class employees. In lieu of additional employee payroll tax increases to support the unemployment compensation fund, the bill appropriates funds from other sources in amounts estimated to sufficiently substitute alternative resources from the next two years of foregone revenues due to a freeze on tax increases. In future years, the State would need to identify further appropriations of alternative resources to the unemployment compensation fund in lieu of employee payroll tax increases to ensure its solvency. | In Committee |
| S1330 | "Michelle's Law"; requires health benefit plans to cover mammogram for an individual if recommended by health care provider. | This bill requires health benefit plans to cover the cost of a mammogram if a health care provider recommends the examination. Presently, health benefit plans are only required to cover mammograms for women who are 40 and over or women under the age of 40 if they have a family history of breast cancer or other breast cancer related risk factor. Health benefit plans must also cover additional testing of an entire breast or breasts after a baseline mammogram examination. Under this bill, health benefit plans will be required to cover the cost of a mammogram examination, and any additional testing after the examination, if the health care provider of the subscriber or other person covered under the plan recommends it. Mammograms for women 40 and over will still be covered under this bill. This bill, named "Michelle's Law," is in response to the tragic death of Michelle DeVita. Michelle was a 38-year-old woman who lost her battle to breast cancer. Under the requirements of the current law, insurance was not required to provide her coverage for a mammogram. | In Committee |
| S2011 | Increases amount annually credited to Shore Protection Fund to $50 million. | This bill increases from $25 million to $50 million the amount that is annually credited to the Shore Protection Fund from the collection of realty transfer fees. The realty transfer fee is imposed on the recording of deeds transferring real property and is calculated on the basis of the amount paid in the deed. The basic rate is $1.75 for each $500 of consideration, of which $0.50 is retained by the county and $1.25 is the State share. Currently, the first $25 million of the State share collected annually is credited to the Shore Protection Fund. | In Committee |
| S1380 | Establishes Civil Air Patrol Fund to be supported by annual appropriations of $100,000; appropriates $100,000. | This bill would create a "Civil Air Patrol Fund" within the Department of Military and Veteran's Affairs. Under the bill, the "Civil Air Patrol Fund" is a non-lapsing fund which is to be credited by all monies appropriated annually by the Legislature, federal and other grants received by the State and any donations made by members of the public. This bill would require an appropriation to the fund of $100,000 annually from the General Fund. The monies in the "Civil Air Patrol Fund" shall be used by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to provide support and funding to the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The bill also appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to implement the provisions of the bill. The Civil Air Patrol was founded in 1936 by Gill Robb Wilson, a World War I aviator and the New Jersey director of aeronautics. Wilson envisioned mobilizing America's civilian aviators for national defense and shortly after, launched his national program. The Civil Air Patrol was approved by the federal government and national recruiting began on December 8th, 1941. Since the program's inception, the Civil Air Patrol has played key roles in World War II, the Cold War, and national defense in a post-9/11 world. Today, the Civil Air Patrol continues to have a profound impact by aiding in mobilizations for COVID-19 by delivering supplies, building and staffing field hospitals and transporting vaccine vials. The Civil Air Patrol also develops pertinent new programs and new technology, such as multispectral imaging for post-disaster damage assessment. | In Committee |
| S58 | Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemptions. | The bill grants a property tax exemption to honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability in proportion to their disability percentage rating. The exemption is only granted to those with a disability percentage rating of at least 30 percent, and the exemption is capped at $10,000. Those with a 100 percent disability percentage rating would still be allowed a 100 percent property tax exemption without a cap, as is the case under current law. In addition, the bill grants those honorably discharged veterans having less than a 100 percent service-connected disability, but who are unemployable, a 100 percent property tax exemption, which matches the current 100 percent property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a 100 percent disability percentage rating. As under current law, the bill allows the 100 percent property tax exemption to extend to the surviving spouse of a veteran. However, the newly allowed property tax exemption for a veteran with a less than 100 percent property tax exemption would not extend to the surviving spouse. The bill also eliminates all references to medical conditions so that any service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs, will make a veteran eligible for the property tax exemption. Finally, the bill proclaims that the State shall annually reimburse taxing districts, including for administrative costs, for the property tax exemptions granted to disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The bill includes reporting provisions so proper reimbursement can be made. | In Committee |
| S1364 | Establishes Urban Enterprise Zone Microloan Program in EDA to help certain businesses in Urban Enterprise Zones and UEZ-Impacted districts; appropriates $5 million. | This bill establishes the "Urban Enterprise Zone Microloan Program" (loan program) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to provide qualified businesses with funding for operational or capital expenses, or both, to establish a business in an enterprise zone (zone) or UEZ-impacted business district (district). Loan Program Qualifications The loan program provides low-interest loans to qualified businesses that demonstrate to the EDA that: 1) the qualified business will become newly engaged in a viable trade or business in that zone or district; 2) the qualified business employs or plans to employ at least five employees during every calendar month of the 24-month period following the date of application for the loan program, with at least 50 percent of those employees being residents of that zone or district. Any owner or persons with a controlling interest in the qualified business may be residents of the zone or district but cannot be included in the count of employees for the purposes of the loan application; and 3) the qualified business lacks sufficient resources to effectively implement the business activities or trade without assistance from the loan program. Application Criteria A qualified business that seeks assistance under the loan program is required to submit an application to the EDA, in a form and manner prescribed by the EDA. In addition to any other information that the EDA may deem appropriate, the application is required to request an applicant to submit: information demonstrating that the applicant meets the eligibility requirements; a business plan demonstrating the viability of the business and the ability of the business to employ the requisite number of employees as required by the bill; and an outline of the anticipated use of loan proceeds. Under the bill, the EDA is required to approve applications for the loan program on a rolling basis, subject to the availability of funds. Loan Requirements Upon approval of an application, the authority is to provide low-interest loans to the qualified business. In addition to any other terms and conditions that the EDA may deem appropriate, each loan issued under the loan program may include provisions for the forgiveness of the loan, in whole or in part, within two years of loan fund disbursement, if the qualified business notifies the EDA that, after a bona-fide effort, the qualified business no longer exists because the trade or business was not viable. This provision of the bill should not be construed to provide for compulsory loan forgiveness by the EDA, and no loan will be forgiven in the event of fraud or mismanagement of funds. Each loan issued under the program is required to: 1) be issued for a term not to exceed six years, with payments not commencing until one year after the loan's approval; 2) bear interest at rates not more than three percent for qualified businesses, and not more than zero percent for qualified businesses that are also veteran-owned businesses; and 3) provide more flexible repayment terms than are customarily made available through conventional business loans issued by private lenders. Any qualified business that receives assistance under the loan program is required to submit an annual report to the EDA until such time as the full balance of the loan has been repaid to the EDA. At a minimum, the annual report is required to include information outlining the expenses supported by the loan, describing bona fide efforts to ensure the viability of the business, and assessing the performance of the qualified business, including whether the business still exists. Loan Fund and Appropriation Finally, the bill appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the EDA to support the operations of the loan program. These monies are to be deposited into a non-lapsing revolving loan fund, known as the "Urban Enterprise Zone Microloan Fund," which the EDA is required to administer for the purposes of the loan program. Any interest collected from loans provided by the loan program may be used by the EDA to offset the costs of the administration of the loan program, or otherwise are required to be deposited in the "Urban Enterprise Zone Microloan Fund." | In Committee |
| SCR18 | Urges federal government to refrain from implementing any ban on gas powered appliances in residential or commercial buildings. | This concurrent resolution urges the federal government to refrain from enacting any ban on the use of natural gas appliances in residential or commercial buildings. Natural gas is a critically important part of the energy portfolio of the United States and of New Jersey. Natural gas appliances, including cooktops, ovens, grills, air conditioners, furnaces, heaters, laundry machines, hot water heaters, and fireplaces, are used in both commercial and residential settings. Approximately 47 percent of US households utilize natural gas as their main heating fuel and 38 percent of US households utilize natural gas for cooking. In New Jersey, approximately 69 percent of households utilize natural gas cooking and 73 percent of New Jersey households utilize natural gas as their main heating fuel. New Jersey has over 35,000 miles of natural gas distribution lines which service over 2.9 million customers. Natural gas is generally recognized as a cleaner, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly form of energy than other fossil fuels. Natural gas is abundant in the United States, including neighboring states such as Pennsylvania and New York, and helps the United States maintain energy independence from foreign powers. The natural gas industry employs thousands of people across the country, including in the State of New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S363 | Requires person convicted, or fleeing charge, of sex offense in foreign country to register under Megan's Law; requires law enforcement to inquire about immigration status of sex offenders and cooperate with federal immigration authorities. | This bill requires persons who have been convicted, or fled a charge, of a sex offense in a foreign country to register as a sex offender under Megan's Law under certain circumstances. In addition, contrary to a recent directive issued by the New Jersey Attorney General, the bill requires law enforcement agencies to inquire about the immigration status of a convicted sex offender and notify and cooperate with federal immigration authorities when the law enforcement agency is unable to confirm that the sex offender's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Under current State law, a person who is convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or acquitted by reason of insanity under the laws of the United States, this State, or another state of an offense similar to those classified as sex offenses under current law is required to register as a sex offender. This bill expands the requirement to register in this State as a sex offender to also include persons who were convicted, adjudicated delinquent; or acquitted by reason of insanity under the laws of any foreign government of an offense similar to those classified as sex offenses under current law, and persons who were charged with such offenses by a foreign government, but fled the jurisdiction prior to the adjudication of those charges. The Attorney General Directive No. 2018-6 generally prohibits State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies from providing certain types of assistance to federal immigration authorities charged with enforcing federal civil immigration law, with certain limited exceptions. The directive also prohibits, with certain limited exceptions, a State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency from inquiring about the immigration status of any individual. Furthermore, the directive does not mandate that law enforcement officials provide assistance in any particular circumstance, even when, under the limited exceptions of the directive, they are permitted to do so. Thus, when an offender who is not authorized to be in the United States has been convicted of a Megan's Law offense, under the directive, local law enforcement is under no obligation to cooperate with federal authorities that may be seeking to enforce federal immigration laws with respect to that offender. In contrast to the directive, the bill requires every county prosecutor to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency when a person has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, or acquitted by reason of insanity for the commission of a sex offense, as defined under current law. Upon notification, the law enforcement agency is required to inquire about the immigration status of the person who has been convicted. The bill provides that if, based upon the inquiry required by the bill, a law enforcement agency is unable to confirm that the person's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law, the law enforcement agency is to provide notification to a federal immigration authority. Under the bill, the law enforcement agency also is to cooperate with any immigration enforcement initiated by the federal immigration authority, which includes but is not limited to: (1) participating in civil immigration enforcement operations with respect to the sex offender; (2) providing any non-public personally identifying information regarding the sex offender; (3) providing access to any State, county, or local law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property not available to the general public; (4) providing access to a detained sex offender for an interview; (5) providing notice of a detained sex offender's upcoming release from custody; and (6) continuing the detention of a sex offender past the time the sex offender would otherwise be eligible for release from custody when presented with a civil immigration detainer request. Finally, the bill requires the cooperation of a New Jersey law enforcement agency with any immigration enforcement upon an inquiry by a federal immigration authority concerning a registered sex offender convicted of a sex offense by a foreign government, or who was charged with a sex offense by a foreign government and absconded from that jurisdiction prior to the charge being adjudicated or resolved, and if the law enforcement agency is unable to confirm that the sex offender's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. This cooperation is to include, but not be limited to, participating in civil immigration enforcement operations; providing any non-public personally identifying information regarding an individual; providing access to any State, county, or local law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property not available to the general public; providing access to a detained individual for an interview; providing notice of a detained individual's upcoming release from custody; and continuing the detention of an individual past the time the individual would otherwise be eligible for release from custody based solely on a civil immigration detainer request. The bill further requires a law enforcement agency that registers a sex offender and has knowledge that the sex offender was (1) convicted by a foreign government, or (2) charged with a sex offense by a foreign government and absconded prior to the charges being adjudicated or resolved, to provide notification to a federal immigration authority if the agency is unable to confirm that the sex offender's presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. It is the sponsor's firmly held belief that because sex offenders pose a grave danger to public safety, especially for women and children, law enforcement officials should be required to cooperate with immigration enforcement actions initiated by a federal immigration authority, in order to ensure that dangerous predators are not permitted to find safe harbor in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S635 | Requires State Board of Education meetings to be accessible virtually and in person. | This bill requires all public meetings of the State Board of Education to be accessible to the public both in person and virtually. The bill also requires that a link providing virtual access to meetings be publicly available on the State Board of Education's website. Finally, for any meeting in which the State Board of Education accepts public comment, the bill stipulates that members of the public will be able to provide comments by means of remote communication. | In Committee |
| S1187 | Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors. | This bill would direct the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to adopt rules and regulations concerning the construction and operation of small modular nuclear reactors in the State. The bill would also authorize the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to incentivize the construction and operation of small modular nuclear reactors using moneys in the "Global Warming Solutions Fund" established pursuant to P.L.2007, c.340 (C.26:2C-45 et al.). As defined by the bill, "small modular nuclear reactor" means a nuclear fission reactor that: (1) has a rated electric generating capacity of not more than 300 megawatts; (2) is capable of being construction and operated either alone or in combination with one or more similar reactors if additional reactors are or become necessary at a single site; and (3) is required to be licensed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The bill would require the BPU, whenever it considers a petition by an electric power supplier or basic generation service provider for the construction, purchase, or lease of a small modular nuclear reactor, to consider: (1) whether, and to what extent, the small modular nuclear reactor proposed by the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider will replace a loss of generating capacity in the State, resulting from the retirement or planned retirement of one or more existing electric generating facilities, which are located in New Jersey and which use coal or natural gas a fuel source; and (2) whether the small modular nuclear reactor that will replace an existing facility will be located on the same site as, or near, the existing facility and, if so, potential opportunities for the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider to make use of any land and existing infrastructure or facilities already owned or under the control of the electric power supplier or basic generation service provider, or create new employment opportunities for workers who have been, or would be, displaced as a result of the retirement of the existing facility. The bill would also establish other requirements for the operation of small modular nuclear reactors, as enumerated in subsections c. through e. of section 3 of the bill, including a requirement that a person that owns or operates a small modular nuclear reactor in the State may not store spent nuclear fuel or high level radioactive waste from the small modular nuclear reactor on the site of the small modular nuclear reactor without first meeting all applicable requirements of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. | In Committee |
| S1340 | Provides alcoholic beverage tax credits to breweries for qualified capital expenses. | This bill provides credits against the New Jersey alcoholic beverage tax to manufacturers of brewed beverages in the amount of qualified capital expenses paid by the brewer during the tax year. The bill defines "brewer" to mean a properly licensed individual or business engaged in the brewing or manufacturing of beer, lager beer, ale, stout, porter, and all similar fermented malt beverages having an alcoholic content of one-half of one percent or more by volume. The term " qualified capital expense" means amounts paid by a brewer for the purchase of items of plant, machinery, equipment, or any other item as approved by the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury (the "director"), for use by the taxpayer within the State in the manufacture, sale, or both, of brewed beverages. The annual total value of the grants of tax credits approved by the director to be applied against an alcoholic beverage tax liability for a tax year is not to exceed an aggregate annual limit of $5 million. Each individual taxpayer is allowed an annual total of up to $200,000 in tax credits, which can be applied in a tax year or carried forward up to the next three tax years. However, if the amount of tax credits applied for and eligible to be approved in a given year exceeds the aggregate annual limit of $5 million, then a taxpayer who has applied for but has not been allowed a tax credit amount because the annual limit has been reached is then allowed, in the order in which the applications have been submitted, their approved amount of tax credits on the first day of the next succeeding year in which tax credits are issued and are not in excess of the amount of credits available. The director is to establish an application process and prescribe the form and manner through which a taxpayer may make and file an application to obtain the director's written authorization for the allowance of a credit. A taxpayer may not receive any credits pursuant to this bill unless the taxpayer has first obtained such prior written authorization from the director. The application is required to include, at minimum, the following information: (1) the nature, amounts, and dates of the qualifying capital expenses made by the taxpayer; (2) the number of employees employed by the taxpayer; (3) the total production of brewed beverages produced by the taxpayer in the current and prior tax year; (4) the amount of capital expenses made by the taxpayer at each location operated by the taxpayer or a parent corporation, subsidiary, joint venture, or affiliate; (5) any contracts for production held by the taxpayer with another brewer; and (6) an affirmation that the business for which the taxpayer is seeking the director's written authorization for the allowance of a credit is unrelated to the conduct or operation of any other business that was, or is currently, conducted or operated by the taxpayer. Finally, the director is required to prepare an annual report, to be filed with the Legislature, that describes the employment, production, expenditures, and tax credits authorized pursuant to the program established by the bill. The credit program applies to qualified capital expenses incurred by taxpayers on or after the January 1st next following the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| S1382 | Exempts certain oversized vehicles from requirement of additional escort vehicle if transported load is property illuminated during nighttime. | This bill provides an exemption for certain oversized vehicles or combination of vehicles from the requirement to be accompanied by an additional escort vehicle when traveling during the nighttime hours of sunset to sunrise. Specifically, these vehicles or combination of vehicles would not be required to be accompanied by an additional escort vehicle if the load transported by the vehicle or combination of vehicles is illuminated with additional lighting so as to be clearly visible from 1,000 feet in all directions of traffic. Currently, oversized vehicles or combinations of vehicles are required to receive a special written permit from the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission in order to be operated within the State, and depending on the size of the oversized vehicle or combination of vehicles, one or more escort vehicles may be required to accompany the vehicle. However, under current State regulations, when an oversized vehicle or combination of vehicles is permitted to travel during the nighttime hours of sunset to sunrise, an additional escort vehicle is also required to accompany the vehicle or combination of vehicles. This bill would provide an exemption to the requirement for an additional escort vehicle during nighttime hours when the load transported by the oversized vehicle or combination of vehicles is illuminated according to the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| S1349 | Allocates all revenue from hotel and motel occupancy fee for arts, historical heritage, and tourism purposes. | This bill increases the allocation of revenues from the hotel and motel occupancy fee towards arts, historical heritage, and tourism purposes from 40 percent to 100 percent, beginning in State Fiscal Year 2023. Under current law, the allocation of 40 percent of hotel and motel occupancy fee revenue is as follows: 1) 22.68 percent to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for cultural projects as long as the actual dollar amount allocated is at least $31.9 million; 2) 3.84 percent to the New Jersey Historical commission for historical heritage purposes, as long as at least $5.5 million is allocated; 3) 12.76 percent to the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State for tourism as long as at least $17.6 million is allocated; and 4) 0.72 percent to the New Jersey Cultural Trust as long as the amount is not less than $720,000. Under this bill, 100 percent of the hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues would allocated as follows: 1) 56.7 percent would go to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts for cultural projects as long as the actual dollar amount allocated is at least $31.9 million; 2) 9.6 percent would go to the New Jersey Historical commission for historical heritage purposes, as long as at least $5.5 million is allocated; 3) 31.9 percent would go to the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State for tourism as long as at least $17.6 million is allocated; and 4) 1.8 percent would go to the New Jersey Cultural Trust as long as the amount is not less than $720,000. | In Committee |
| S847 | Requires do not forward label on mail-in ballot envelopes; allows mail-in voter to cure mail-in ballot due to missing or detached certificate; requires certain voter data be entered into voter file within 30 days. | This bill clarifies that an official mail-in ballot envelope is for the intended recipient only. When an official mail-in ballot is mailed to an address at which the listed voter no longer resides, the person residing at that address may return the ballot to the county clerk of the county in which the ballot was issued. The person residing at that address may return the unopened official mail-in ballot envelope in person to the county clerk or deposit the envelope in a ballot drop box or any outgoing United States Postal Service mailbox or letter collection box with a return to sender notation on the front of the envelope. Under the bill, the person residing at that address may write one of the following notations on the front of the unopened official mail-in ballot envelope: (1) Return to Sender - No Longer at this Address; (2) Return to Sender - Moved out of State or County; (3) Return to Sender - Deceased; or (4) any other notations deemed appropriate by the Secretary of State. Under the bill, the Secretary of State is required to prepare and transmit, within 60 days of the bill's effective date, instructions on how to return an unopened official mail-in ballot envelope to sender. The instructions prepared by the Secretary of State are required to be contained in any printed or electronic voter information notices or educational materials provided or disseminated by the Department of State. The New Jersey Division of Elections and each county clerk and board of elections in this State must make available on their websites, if one exists, the instructions prepared by the Secretary of State. This bill also requires the words "Do Not Forward. Return to Sender. Return Postage Guaranteed." to be printed or stamped on the official mail-in ballot envelope sent by the county clerks. Under the bill, any mail-in ballot that is sent to a qualified voter and that is returned to the county clerk for any reason is required to be forwarded by the county clerk to the commissioner of registration within 30 days from the date the mail-in ballot is returned to the county clerk. If the reason the mail-in ballot is returned is due to the death of the qualified voter, the commissioner of registration is required to determine if the death was filed by the officer in charge of records of death in the municipality in which the decedent resided as prescribed in current law and must undertake the procedures provided in current law. The bill requires that any deceased registrant on the monthly or yearly list of deceased persons 18 years of age or older to be transferred to the death file within 30 days after the investigation provided in current law is completed. Under the bill, a mail-in voter is permitted to cure their mail-in ballot due to a missing or detached mail-in voter certificate. Under current law, each mail-in voter is required to complete the Certificate of Mail-in Voter that is attached to the flap of the mail-in ballot inner envelope. By completing the certificate, the mail-in voter certifies, subject to the penalties for fraudulent voting: the voter's address, that the voter is the person who applied for the enclosed ballot, that the voter marked the ballot in secret, and that a family member may provide assistance to the voter. The mail-in voter and any person who provided assistance to the voter are required to sign the certificate. Under this bill, when the voter failed to include the Certificate of Mail-in Voter or includes a detached Certificate of Mail-in Voter, the county board of elections would be required to provide the voter, along with the Cure Letter and Cure Form, with a substantially similar certificate for the voter to complete in order to cure the voter's mail-in ballot in accordance with the same requirements, procedures, and timeframes specified for ballot curing due to a missing or discrepant signature. | In Committee |
| S1360 | Provides gross income tax deduction for costs of purchasing and installing whole house backup electrical generator for resident taxpayer's principal residence. | This bill allows a gross income tax deduction from a resident taxpayer's gross income for the amount paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for the purchase and installation of a whole house backup electrical generator installed at the taxpayer's primary residence. A whole house backup electrical generator is a natural gas or liquid gas propane fuel powered generator that is permanently connected to the electrical system of a one or two-family residential structure and only operates in the event of a power outage in order to provide backup power to the residential structure. To qualify for the deduction the generator also must have been installed, inspected, located and permitted according to any applicable State and local governing unit laws, regulations, code, or ordinance requirements. The function of the generator is to provide back-up electrical power for the entire residence when electric power from the local electric utility is interrupted. The tax deduction allowed in this bill will encourage New Jersey homeowners to take steps to ensure their own power supplies and reduce their reliance on electricity supply grids that are vulnerable to blackouts caused by circumstances such as extreme weather, flooding, and drought. Back-up electrical power can protect anyone in the home who depends on a medical device, oxygen tank, CPAP machine, humidifier, air conditioning, or another appliance or device that requires electricity. Keeping home medical devices functioning through a whole house generator would reduce demand on emergency medical services and police during outages. A home owner may also avoid an indoor flood caused by a burst pipe or inoperable sump pump during an interruption of their electricity supply during severe winter weather. A home owner may also avoid the loss of well water supply that relies upon an electric-powered well pump. | In Committee |
| S1373 | Allows municipality to establish alcohol-free and cannabis-free areas and to impose civil penalties for violations. | This bill authorizes municipalities to adopt ordinances to designate alcohol-free and cannabis-free areas, and to establish civil penalties to impose upon those found to have violated an ordinance. The bill provides that an alcohol-free or cannabis-free area may include places of public accommodation. The bill allows municipalities to establish these types of areas permanently or temporarily. | In Committee |
| S1381 | Requires organizations training disabled veteran assistance dogs to register with Division of Consumer Affairs and provide disabled veteran assistance dogs with vests or harnesses. | This bill stipulates that a non-profit organization that trains a disabled veteran assistance dog is prohibited from operating in this State unless the organization annually registers with the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. As used in the bill: "disabled veteran assistance dog" means a service dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a veteran with a disability. Under the bill, a non-profit organization registered with the division is to provide every disabled veteran assistance dog the organization trains, upon request of the handler of the disabled veteran assistance dog, with a vest or harness that identifies the dog as a working animal, if requested by the dog's handler. The vest or harness is to: (1) be labeled, in clearly visible block letters, with the words "DISABLED VETERAN ASSISTANCE DOG" or the acronym of "DVAD"; (2) be printed or decorated with an identifiable logo or symbol, developed by the organization, denoting the dog as a disabled veteran assistance dog; or (3) have a patch decorated with the logo or symbol developed by the organization affixed to it. The vest or harness may be worn by a disabled veteran assistance dog whenever the dog accompanies its handler, defined in the bill as a veteran with a disability, in any place where the general public is allowed. The organization training a disabled veteran assistance dog will additionally, upon request by the dog's handler, provide the handler with an identification card that includes an identifiable logo or symbol providing: (1) the name of the handler; (2) the name and breed of the disabled veteran assistance dog; (3) the name of the organization that trained dog; and (d) any other information the organization deems appropriate for identification purposes. The bill requires the division to adopt requirements that a non-profit service dog training organization must meet in order to train disabled veteran assistance dogs in the State. The bill provides that it is an unlawful practice and a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act for any organization to violate any provision of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1655 | Prohibits bill certified for fiscal note or estimate from being released from committee without fiscal note or estimate. | This bill prohibits a bill that that has been certified for a fiscal note or legislative fiscal estimate from being released from committee unless and until the fiscal note or legislative fiscal estimate is complete. | In Committee |
| S1353 | Establishes "Trenton Makes Commission." | This bill establishes the "Trenton Makes Commission" (commission). The permanent commission is established to research and implement the best ways to incentivize manufacturing businesses to come into New Jersey, while also focusing on strengthening the current manufacturing business sector already established within the State. The commission is to consist of 13 voting members, including members appointed by the Governor, legislative leaders, and relevant associations and agencies. The appointed members are to serve terms ranging from two to four years. The commission is tasked with studying and analyzing approaches other states have utilized to incentivize and strengthen the manufacturing business sector in those states, identifying cost-effective techniques to incentivize and support both new and existing manufacturing businesses within the State, consulting with the scientific and academic community for expertise and input, and reporting its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. | In Committee |
| S976 | Prohibits deepfake pornography and imposes criminal and civil penalties for non-consensual disclosure. | This bill prohibits the emerging technological phenomenon of sexually "deceptive audio or visual media," commonly known as "deepfakes." Unlike older forms of audio or visual manipulation, the creator of a deepfake uses newer technology such as artificial intelligence with the intent of making it appear, as realistically as possible, that the person being depicted has engaged in activity that did not actually occur. Deepfakes have been intentionally used to embarrass or harass a person, or to cast that person in a false light. When the person being depicted is a child, deepfake technology has the potential to create realistic pornography involving the child. The penalty for non-consensual disclosure of deceptive audio or visual media is the same as for non-consensual disclosure of so-called "revenge porn" under the invasion of privacy statute, which under current law is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The penalty for deceptive audio or visual media depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child is the same as for distributing, possessing, or storing child pornography, which under current law is a crime of the second degree for less than 1,000 items and a crime of the first degree for 1,000 or more items. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the first degree is punishable by 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. The person depicted in the non-consensual disclosure may also bring a civil action in the Superior Court for invasion of privacy. | In Committee |
| S1333 | Increases from $750 to $3,000 annual State payment made to certain veterans and their surviving spouses. | This bill increases the annual payment made by the State to a veteran with certain specified service-connected injuries and the surviving spouse of that veteran. The payment will increase from $750 to $3,000 annually. The amount is paid to a veteran who has sustained a total loss of sight, or who has paraplegia and permanent paralysis of both legs and lower parts of the body, or who has osteochondritis and permanent loss of the use of both legs, or who has hemiplegia and permanent paralysis of one leg and one arm or either side of the body, resulting from injury to the spinal cord, skeletal structure, or brain, or who has had hands or feet amputated, or who has lost the use of both feet or both legs, due to multiple sclerosis, sustained through enemy action, or accident, or resulting from disease contracted while in active military service. The surviving spouse of the veteran continues to receive the payment. There are currently 207 persons receiving the benefit. | In Committee |
| S1367 | Establishes rebuttable presumption that person charged with motor vehicle theft be detained prior to trial; imposes mandatory sentencing for thefts involving motor vehicle. | This bill establishes a rebuttable presumption that a person charged with theft of a motor vehicle is to be detained prior to trial, and imposes mandatory sentencing for motor vehicle theft under N.J.S.2C:20-2, and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, or "joyriding," under N.J.S.2C:20-10. Under current law, a person is guilty of theft of a motor vehicle if the person unlawfully takes, or exercises unlawful control over, another person's motor vehicle with the purpose to deprive that person of the motor vehicle. Theft of a motor vehicle is a crime of the third degree ordinarily punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under P.L.2014, c.31, also known as the "Criminal Justice Reform Law," criminal courts are authorized to order the pretrial release of a defendant pending further proceedings, or order pretrial detention of defendants who are found to be a flight risk, a danger to another or the community, or likely to obstruct further criminal proceedings. Under this bill, if a court finds probable cause that a defendant was guilty of theft of a motor vehicle, there would be a rebuttable presumption that the person is to be detained pending trial because no amount of monetary bail, non-monetary conditions of release, or combination thereof would reasonably assure the safety of any other person or the community. The presumption may be rebutted by the defendant upon a showing of a preponderance of the evidence in support of the defendant. This rebuttable presumption applies under current law when a prosecutor makes a motion for the pretrial detention of a defendant charged with murder or any crime for which the defendant would be subject to an ordinary or extended term of life imprisonment. The bill further imposes mandatory sentencing for motor vehicle theft under N.J.S.2C:20-2, and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance, or "joyriding," under N.J.S.2C:20-10. Under the bill, the term of imprisonment is to include the imposition of a minimum term fixed at, or between, one-third and one-half of the sentence imposed by the court. For a second conviction under either statute, the minimum term is to be fixed at one-half of the sentence imposed by the court, or 30 months for a crime of the third degree, whichever is greater. For a second conviction of a crime of the fourth degree, a minimum term fixed at one half of the sentence imposed by the court or nine months, whichever is greater. For a third or subsequent conviction, the minimum term shall be fixed at five years, for a crime of the third degree, and 18 months for a crime of the fourth degree. Under paragraph (2) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:20-2, theft of a motor vehicle is currently graded as a crime of the third degree which is ordinarily punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000 or both. Under N.J.S.2C:20-10 the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle is graded as a crime of the third or the fourth degree depending on the attendant circumstances. Under subsection e. of N.J.S.2C:44-1, theft of a motor vehicle and unlawful taking of a means of conveyance are presently excluded from the presumption of non-imprisonment ordinarily applicable to a crime of the third or fourth degree, meaning there is no presumption either of imprisonment or non-imprisonment. It is the sponsors' view that imposing mandatory sentencing for these crimes is necessary to eliminate the incentive to commit a motor vehicle theft offense with no risk of incarceration. | In Committee |
| SCR61 | Constitutes special committee of Senate and General Assembly entitled "New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee." | This concurrent resolution constitutes a special committee of the Legislature entitled the "New Jersey Public Employee Health Care Program Costs Investigation Committee." The creation of this committee is in response to several news articles highlighting the recommended increase in premiums and periodic charges for the State health care programs and allegations the Governor's Office may have intervened during contract disputes with the State's contractor, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield. The committee will review and investigate the recommended increases in the premiums of the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The committee will also investigate allegations that the Governor's Office may have pressured staff at the Department of the Treasury to halt the contract dispute with Horizon and the effort by the department to recoup the $34 million from the contract. Additionally, the committee will review the implementation, if any, of P.L.2019, c.143, which created subaccounts in the State Health Benefits Program Fund and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program Fund and also required the State to procure a professional services contract for a third-party medical claims reviewer for the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program. The committee will make recommendations that address this subject. | In Committee |
| S1327 | Expands EDA small business loan program to include certain broadband telecommunications service providers. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), in consultation with the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), to offer loans to broadband telecommunications service providers providing broadband telecommunications service to rural areas under an existing small business loan program administered by the EDA. The bill defines a "broadband telecommunications service provider" as a person, business, for-profit or nonprofit corporation, unincorporated association, or partnership, including, but not limited to, a rural electric cooperative, which is certified by the BPU to offer broadband telecommunications service within a rural area of this State. The bill also defines the terms "broadband telecommunications service" and "rural area." The bill requires that an EDA-approved loan under the program is to be made pursuant to a loan agreement, bear interest at rates and terms deemed appropriate by the EDA, and contain other terms and conditions considered appropriate by the EDA that are consistent with the purposes of the bill and with regulations adopted by the EDA to implement the bill. The bill requires the EDA, in consultation with the BPU, to adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill. The bill repeals a duplicative provision added by section 3 of P.L.2019, c.240. | In Committee |
| SCR53 | Proposes constitutional amendment to authorize municipalities to provide property tax credit of up to 100 percent for primary residence of volunteer firefighter or volunteer first aid squad member. | If approved by the voters, this proposed amendment to the State Constitution would authorize the governing body of a municipality to provide a property tax credit of up to 100 percent for the primary residence of a volunteer firefighter or volunteer first aid rescue squad member. To qualify for the credit, the volunteer is required to be an active member of a fire company or first aid squad that serves the municipality where the primary residence is located. This credit is being offered as a way to encourage more residents to volunteer as first responders and to acknowledge those who currently put their lives on the line to ensure the safety of our communities each and every day. | In Committee |
| S1336 | Establishes certain requirements for social media websites concerning content moderation practices; establishes cause of action against social media websites for violation of content moderation practices. | This bill establishes a cause of action against social media websites for the censoring or banning of certain users. This bill authorizes the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General to bring an action under the New Jersey consumer fraud act against a social media website if the social media website fails to comply with the requirements set forth in the bill. Among other requirements enumerated in the bill, a social media website is to publish the standards it uses or has used for determining how to censor, "selectively suspend," and implement an "anonymous content or user ban," as these terms are defined in the bill, users and apply censorship, selective suspensions, and anonymous content or user banning standards in a consistent manner among its users on the platform. Additionally, social media websites are not to be permitted to apply or use post prioritization or anonymous content or user banning algorithms for content and material posted by or about a user who is known by the social media website to be a candidate for office or a journalistic enterprise, as those terms are defined in the bill. Finally, the bill establishes causes of actions along with setting damages for violations of the bill, in accordance with federal, State, and local laws. | In Committee |
| S654 | Clarifies court's discretion in imposing monetary conditions of bail; establishes rebuttable presumption that person charged with violent crime be detained prior to trial. | This bill clarifies the court's discretion in imposing monetary conditions of bail and establishes a rebuttable presumption that persons charged with certain violent crimes be detained prior to trial.Monetary Conditions of Bail The bill provides that, notwithstanding any provision of law, court rule, or directive to the contrary, when a prosecutor does not seek pretrial detention for a defendant pursuant to N.J.S.A.2A:162-19, the court may impose any combination of monetary bail and non-monetary conditions which would reasonably assure the defendant's appearance in court when required, protect the safety of any other person or the community, or prevent the person from obstructing or attempting to obstruct the criminal justice process. The bill also provides that the defendant or prosecutor shall have the right to request that a monetary condition of bail be set and shall receive the court's due consideration of such request.Pretrial Detention Under current law, upon motion by the prosecutor the court may order a defendant detained before trial under certain circumstances. In addition, if the court finds probable cause that the defendant committed murder or committed any crime for which the defendant would be subject to life imprisonment, there is a rebuttable presumption that the defendant be detained pending trial. This bill provides that the rebuttable presumption of pretrial detention would also apply to a defendant charged with any crime of the first or second degree enumerated under subsection d. of N.J.S.A.2C:43-7.2. These crimes include murder; aggravated manslaughter or manslaughter; vehicular homicide; aggravated assault; disarming a law enforcement officer; kidnapping; aggravated sexual assault; certain sexual assaults; robbery; carjacking; aggravated arson; burglary; extortion; booby traps in CDS manufacturing or distribution facilities; strict liability for drug induced deaths; terrorism; producing or possessing chemical weapons, biological agents or nuclear or radiological devices; racketeering, when it is a crime of the first degree; firearms trafficking; and causing or permitting a child to engage in a prohibited sexual act, knowing that the act may be reproduced or reconstructed or be part of an exhibition or performance. | In Committee |
| S160 | Requires MVC to issue one license plate instead of two. | This bill amends current law to require the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue one license plate for each automobile and motorcycle registered in the State. The bill requires that the single license plate be displayed on the rear of the vehicle. The bill specifies that any person who was issued two license plates prior to the effective date of the bill may return one of those plates to the commission. | In Committee |
| S377 | Revises requirements for administration of vaccines to patients. | This bill revises the requirements to administer vaccines to patients. Specifically, the bill requires that, at least at least 48 hours prior to administration of the vaccine, the health care practitioner who will administer the vaccine is to furnish to the to the patient, or to the patient's parent or guardian in the case of a patient who is an unemancipated minor: (1) a copy of the vaccine insert for the vaccine; (2) a copy of vaccine excipient summary prepared by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is a list of vaccine ingredients that are in addition to weakened or killed disease antigens; and (3) information concerning the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) co-managed the CDC and the United States Food and Drug Administration, including an overview of the VAERS, instructions on how to report vaccine injuries, a copy of the Reportable Events Table, and a copy of the Vaccine Injury Table. a vaccine may be administered only if the patient, or the patient's parent or guardian, returns a signed copy of the vaccine insert confirming the patient consents to receive the vaccine. The health care practitioner will additionally be required to provide the patient, or the patient's parent or guardian, as applicable, with the option to opt out of receiving the vaccine, along with a description of the potential implications of opting out of the vaccine, including the risks of contracting or transmitting a communicable infectious disease and the potential that the patient may not be allowed to attend school unless the patient obtains a medical or religious exemption from student immunization requirements for that vaccine. The bill provides that a health care practitioner may not refuse to provide health care services to a patient or seek to transfer care of the patient to another health care practitioner solely on the basis of the patient's refusal to receive a vaccine. | In Committee |
| SCR37 | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | In Committee |
| S380 | Requires entities to accept confirmation of prior COVID-19 infection or protective immune response against COVID-19 when proof of vaccination is required. | This bill requires any entity that requires proof of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 as a condition of employment with the entity, as a condition of receiving services from or through the entity, as a condition of admission to the entity's premises, or as a condition of participating in an activity sponsored by the entity, to accept any individual's confirmation of a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or a protective immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in lieu of providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19. This confirmation will be accepted as equal to any proof of vaccination required by an entity. Confirmation of a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or a protective immune response against SARS-CoV-2 is to only be provided voluntarily. An entity may accept an individual's confirmation verbally. An individual providing such confirmation is to have the same terms of employment and be provided with the same level of access to the premises, services, and activities of the entity, as the entity provides to an individual who submits proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Nothing in this bill is to be construed to conflict with any federal law, rule, regulation, or executive order concerning COVID-19. The provisions of the bill will apply to facilities that include, but are not limited to, preschool programs, elementary or secondary schools, colleges, universities, or any other institutions of education. It is the sponsor's intent that this legislation will prevent individuals, who have recovered from a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and developed a natural immunity to COVID-19, from being compelled to receive a COVID-19 vaccine and discriminated against in workplaces and public venues based on vaccination status. This legislation is not to be construed as promoting the establishment of a vaccine passport system. However, in order to conform to existing State and federal policy, proof of vaccination status may be required under certain circumstances. The sponsors prefer that, when such proof is required, simple verbal acknowledgment of natural immunity be sufficient to satisfy proof of vaccine requirements. | In Committee |
| SJR44 | Designates Monday of Manufacturing Week as Women in Manufacturing Day in New Jersey. | This resolution designates the Monday of Manufacturing Week as Women in Manufacturing Day. This day recognizes the historical and modern contributions of women to the manufacturing industry in the State of New Jersey. Throughout history, women have played a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. Since the Industrial Revolution, women have made up a significant portion of the workforce, contributing as laborers, leaders, and innovators. Women like Tabitha Babbitt, Margaret Knight, and Stephanie Kwolek revolutionized the manufacturing industry with their inventions, paving the way for increased productivity and better safety measures. Women continue to play an important role in the manufacturing industry. Manufacturing is crucial to New Jersey's economy and women constitute a substantial portion of the workforce in both labor and leadership positions. New Jersey is the third highest state for percentage of women working in the manufacturing industry and is among the states with the largest number of women working in key manufacturing fields like pharmaceuticals and textiles. The women who work in New Jersey's manufacturing industry are a vital part of its success. Women are an essential part of any plan to grow the manufacturing industry. Gender diversity in a business is proven to result in an improved ability to innovate and increases profitability, and as such helps any company to expand and evolve. One of the key components to recruiting more women to the field of manufacturing is encouraging women from a younger age, and the celebration of women's contributions to the field would capture the interest of girls and young women. | In Committee |
| S1358 | Increases penalties for assault and harassment against sports officials and participants under certain circumstances. | This bill would increase the penalties for assault and harassment against sports officials and participants under certain circumstances. SIMPLE ASSAULT. Under current law, a person who commits "simple assault" is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months or a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Current law provides that a person is guilty of a simple assault if the person: (1) attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another; or (2) negligently causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) attempts by physical menace to put another in fear of imminent serious bodily injury. Under the bill, a person who commits simple assault, or threatens to do so, against a sports official for a school or community sponsored youth sports event while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official; traveling to or from a sports event; or because of the official's status as a sports official; or against a player or participant in a school or community sponsored youth sports event, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The bill defines "sports official" as 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. SIMPLE ASSAULT AGAINST A MINOR. If the simple assault is committed against a minor under the age of 18, the person is guilty of a crime of the third degree, with additional sentencing provisions as set out in the bill. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, a person convicted of this third degree crime is to be sentenced to: (1) a fine of not less than $2,500 for a first offense, $10,000 for a second offense, and $15,000 for a third or subsequent offense; (2) exclusion from all school or community sponsored youth sports events for a period of not less than two years and up to five years; and (3) participation in anger management training of a period of not less than 50 hours, subject to the discretion of the anger management training facilitator The bill provides that a person sentenced to a crime of the fourth degree for assault against a sports official or participant is to be sentenced to: (1) a fine of not less than $1,000 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense, and $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense; (2) exclusion from all school or community sponsored youth sports events for a period of not less than one year and up to four years; and (3) participation in anger management training of a period of not less than 20 hours, subject to the discretion of the anger management training facilitator. AGGRAVATED ASSAULT. The bill provides that a person who commits an aggravated assault against a sports official, player, or participant is guilty of a crime of the third degree and is subject to the additional penalties set forth in the bill. Current law provides that a person is guilty of aggravated assault if the person: (1) attempts to cause serious bodily injury to another, or causes injury purposely or knowingly or under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life recklessly causes such injury; or (2) attempts to cause or purposely or knowingly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (3) recklessly causes bodily injury to another with a deadly weapon; or (4) knowingly under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life points a firearm at or in the direction of another, whether or not the person believes it to be loaded. A person also is guilty of aggravated assault under current law if the person commits a simple assault against certain persons, such as law enforcement officers, teachers, health care workers, and others. HARASSMENT. In addition, the bill increases the penalties for harassment if committed against a sports official or participant. Currently, harassment is a petty disorderly persons offense, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days, a fine of up to $500, or both. Under the bill, it would be a crime of the fourth degree to commit harassment against a sports official: (1) while the sports official is engaged in conducting, supervising, refereeing, or officiating at a sanctioned interscholastic, recreational, private, or collegiate sports event; (2) in the immediate vicinity of a sports event, if the harassment arises out of the sports official's performance in the sports event; or (3) while the player is engaged in a sports event, and prior to and after the event. | In Committee |
| S1341 | Requires EDA to provide loans through small business loan program at lower interest rates, with more flexible repayment terms if issued to small businesses owned or controlled by certain veterans, and prohibit certain fees. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to the greatest extent practicable, to administer an existing small business loan program in a manner to provide small business loans to eligible veteran-owned small businesses at lower interest rates and with more flexible repayment terms than are made available by the authority to other eligible small businesses. An eligible veteran-owned small business can qualify for more favorable interest rates and repayment terms if more than 50 percent of the individuals employed by the eligible veteran-owned small business are veterans. The interest rate for a small business loan issued to an eligible veteran-owned small business that is owned or controlled by one or more veterans who have been declared by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Department of Defense as having a service-connected disability would be zero percent. The authority is not allowed to charge fees for the issuance of a small business loan to an eligible veteran-owned small business, including, but not limited to, application, commitment, closing, and guarantee fees. | In Committee |
| S1331 | "Fairness in Women's Sport Act." | This bill requires that participation in school-sanctioned sports be based on biological sex at birth. It provides that public and nonpublic schools, as well as institutions of higher education, designate athletic or sports teams on the basis of biological sex. The bill also prohibits any athletic teams or sports designated for females, women, or girls from being open to males. In the event the sex of a student is disputed, the student will establish sex by presenting a signed physician's statement that indicates the student's sex based solely on (1) the student's internal and external reproductive anatomy; (2) the student's normal endogenously produced levels of testosterone; and (3) an analysis of the student's genetic makeup. A school or institution of higher education would not be subject to investigation or any adverse action for maintaining separate athletic teams or sports for students of the female sex. Students who are deprived of athletic opportunities or suffer any harm as a result of a violation of the provisions of this bill would have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law against the school or institution of higher education. A student subject to retaliation or any adverse action by his or her school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization for reporting a violation of the bill would also have a private right of action against the school, institution of higher education, or athletic association or organization. A school or institution of higher education that suffers any harm as a result of a violation of this bill would likewise have a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, or other legal remedy permitted by law. Any student, school, or institution of higher education able to bring suit under this bill would be required to bring their claims within two years after the harm occurred. Students or organizations that prevail on any claim brought pursuant to this bill would be entitled to monetary damages, including damages for any psychological, emotional, and physical harm suffered, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and any other appropriate relief. | In Committee |
| SJR42 | Establishes "Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion." | This joint resolution establishes the "Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion." The commission shall consist of seven members: the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, or the commissioner's designee; the Commissioner of Education, or the commissioner's designee; one member to be appointed by the President of the Senate; one member to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate; one member to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; one member to be appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly; and one member to be appointed by the Governor. Under the resolution, the commission would study the best way to promote apprenticeship programs to high school students in a manner and form that demonstrates the value of the education and skills acquired through apprenticeship programs and the economic opportunities available upon completion of such a program. The members of the commission are to be appointed within 60 days from the enactment of the resolution, and the commission is to issue a report one year after the date of its organization. The commission would submit the report, together with any recommendations it may have to legislative or regulatory action, to the Governor and the Legislature. The commission would dissolve 30 days after the issuance of its final report. | In Committee |
| S1350 | Repeals $100,000 cap on sales and use tax exemption for certain capital improvements made by businesses participating in Urban Enterprise Zone program. | This bill retroactively repeals the $100,000 cap on the sales tax exemption for retail sales of materials, supplies, and services for the exclusive use of erecting structures or buildings on, or improving, altering or repairing the real property of a qualified business, or a contractor hired by the qualified business to make such improvements, alterations, or repairs. This sales tax exemption is currently available to qualified businesses participating in the State Urban Enterprise Zone program. The sales tax exemption was enacted in August of 2021 with a cap of $100,000, and applies to sales and uses on or after January 1, 2022. This bill keeps the exemption in place but eliminates the cap retroactively to January 1, 2022. | In Committee |
| S1356 | Allows limited brewery license holder to engage in certain activities; establishes farm brewery and winery-brewery license. | This bill amends current law to authorize certain activities in which a holder of a limited brewery license is permitted to engage. Specifically, this bill authorizes the holder of a limited brewery license to engage in activities which include, but are not limited to including: (1) an unlimited number of on-premises special events, for which the license holder may sell tickets without requiring the license holder to obtain a permit or provide electronic notification to the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC), and (2) up to 18 off-premises special events per year pursuant to a permit issued by the director of the ABC for each event. If an event is to be held on a publicly-owned or controlled property, the licensee would be required to obtain consent from the political subdivision that owns or controls the property or the chief law enforcement officer of the law enforcement agency that has jurisdiction over the property. Under the bill, a license holder also is permitted to deliver its product to a consumer's home; sell soda and coffee, whether or not manufactured by the license holder; coordinate with a food vendor to provide food on the licensed premises; and provide menus to consumers. In addition, the bill eliminates the requirement that the license holder provide a tour to a consumer prior to serving alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises. The bill further provides that pourers and servers employed by the licensed brewery are not required to be certified by an industry-recognized server training program. The bill defines "on-premises special event" to mean an event that is open to the public and held on the licensed premises or the sidewalk, parking lot, or other area owned by the license holder that is adjacent to or adjoining the licensed premises and includes, but is not limited to: private parties such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, civic and political functions, professional and trade association events, class reunion and alumni events; trivia and quiz games; paint and sip; craftmaking; pop up shops; DJs, live music, and open mic; televised or streamed sporting events; educational events and seminars; movies and theatrical events; animal adoption, to the extent permitted by local ordinance; and yoga and other exercise classes. "Off-premises special events" are defined as special events that take place at a location other than on the licensed premises or the sidewalk, parking lot, or other area owned by the license holder that is adjacent to or adjoining the licensed premises and include, but are not limited to: beer, music, and arts festivals; civic events; foot races, mud races, bike races and other athletic events; limited brewery anniversary celebrations; and holiday celebrations. The bill also establishes a winery-brewery sublicense that would permit wineries to produce malt alcoholic beverages for retail sale to consumers for consumption off the licensed premises and establishes a farm brewery license that would permit the licensee to produce malt alcoholic beverages for retail sale to consumers for consumption off the licensed premises. A farm brewery would operate in much the same manner as a farm winery, using locally grown farm products in brewing malt beverages which would be sold at the farm. A licensee would be required to be actively engaged in farming on or adjacent to the brewery site and to be actively cultivating hops or other products used in the production of the malt alcoholic beverages. A farm brewery licensee would be permitted to brew up to 2,000 barrels of malt alcoholic beverages per year for retail sale for consumption off the premises and to offer samples. A graduated license based on volume would range in cost from $100 to $300 annually. A single individual or entity would be permitted to hold only one farm brewery license. The winery-brewery sublicense established by the bill would be available to plenary and farm winery licensees, provided they are actively engaged in farming on or adjacent to the winery premises and are growing and cultivating hops or another product used in the production of the malt alcoholic beverages. Under the provisions of the bill, the holder of a winery-brewery sublicense would be permitted to brew up to 3,000 barrels of malt beverages per year and to sell this product at retail for off premises consumption and to offer samples. The bill does not authorize a licensee to sell any malt alcoholic beverages to wholesalers and retailers. The annual fee for this sublicense would be $750. A winery-brewery licensee would be permitted to hold only one sublicense under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1361 | Redirects certain State funding for specific arts, cultural, and historic organizations to competitive grant program. | This bill redirects approximately $21.7 million in State funds included in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations act for specific arts, cultural, and historic organizations to a competitive grant program in the Department of State called the Arts, Cultural, and Historic Organizations Fund. The bill also redirects $5 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to the program, which funds are currently dedicated for New Jersey Performing Arts Center - Community Center. Total available funding for the program, therefore, is $26.7 million. The grant program would provide funds to support the missions and financial and capital needs of qualifying arts, cultural, and historic organizations. Under the bill, the Secretary of State would establish reasonable eligibility criteria, and identify any priority funding areas, for the distribution of grants under the program. The bill requires, to the maximum extent possible, that funds awarded under the grant program would be allocated equally among the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. | In Committee |
| S1368 | Lowers monetary threshold for certain motor vehicle theft to constitute second degree crime. | Currently, theft offenses are graded based primarily on the value of the item involved or, for second and third degree crimes, graded by the attendant circumstances or category. Thus, a theft is graded as a crime of the second degree crime if the amount involved is $75,000 or more. A theft is graded as a crime of the third degree if the amount involved exceeds $500 but is less than $75,000. A theft is graded as a crime of the fourth degree if the amount involved is at least $200 but does not exceed $500. This bill would lower the monetary threshold for motor vehicle theft to constitute a crime of the second degree. Currently, theft of a motor vehicle is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, a motor vehicle valued at $25,000 or more would be a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A motor vehicle valued at less than $25,000 would remain a crime of the third degree. | In Committee |
| S1326 | Prohibits release of illegal immigrants from correctional facilities. | This bill is intended to ensure that persons who are unlawfully present in the United States and have been incarcerated in prisons, jails, youth detention, or other correctional facilities in this State are not released back into the general population upon their release, but rather are remanded solely to the custody of federal immigration officials. The bill requires the administrator, superintendent, warden or other person responsible for the operation of a prison, jail, youth detention or other correctional facility to determine the nationality of every inmate incarcerated in the facility. If an inmate is not a United States citizen, the facility's administrator is required to determine whether the inmate is lawfully present in the United States. When this cannot be determined, the inmate is to be deemed not lawfully present in the United States. The bill prohibits the release of an inmate if the inmate is not a United States citizen or is not lawfully present in the United States except to the custody of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services officials. Administrators, superintendents, wardens or other operators of correctional facilities who violate the bill's provisions are liable to a civil fine as specified by the Commissioner of Corrections. | In Committee |
| S889 | Establishes grant program for homeless veterans shelters. | The bill would require the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs to award grants, subject to the availability of funds, to certain southern New Jersey counties to provide veterans with improved access to homeless shelters. Under the bill, Atlantic County, Cape May County, and Cumberland County may submit applications to the Adjutant General proposing locations for homeless veterans shelters and identifying property the county would provide to the State for the development of a shelter. New Jersey's southern counties are in particular need of shelters for homeless veterans. Because of mobility issues, homeless veterans' access to resources is often limited by geographic location. Various factors may have caused homeless veterans to locate within southern New Jersey counties. However, when conditions, such as extreme cold, require them to seek out temporary shelter, they find themselves isolated from shelters and other facilities that provide resources for veterans. This bill would result in the development of shelters in locations appropriate to meet this need. | In Committee |
| S430 | Establishes "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Pandemic Bill of Rights for the Welfare of Individuals." The bill accords the citizens of the State of New Jersey with the following rights during a pandemic, a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease, or a declared public health emergency: (1) to have effective safeguards in place to protect a resident of a nursing home or long-term care facility or a person with a preexisting condition against an infectious disease that is the basis of the pandemic or declared public health emergency; (2) to be fully evaluated and treated in a health care facility, and not to be released from that facility without knowing whether one has tested positive for an infectious disease that is the basis of the pandemic or declared public health emergency, thereby depriving one of care and further spread of disease; (3) to receive adequate nourishment, medical care, and other necessities from a properly staffed health care facility, as a patient of that facility; (4) to be provided appropriate physical and occupational therapies and to be periodically moved to prevent debilitating wounds if a patient is confined to a bed; (5) to be permitted visitation as a patient or resident of a health care facility in accordance with the need for proper support by family or loved ones; (6) to have safeguards implemented by a health care facility to protect against the infectious disease that is the basis of the pandemic or declared public health emergency; (7) to have the needs and wishes stated in a legal or medical directive met without government interference or mandates that prohibit health care professionals from carrying out such directive, including, but not limited to, do not resuscitate orders; (8) to have attorneys designated as essential workers and to have attorney offices remain open during a pandemic, a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease, or a declared public health emergency; and (9) to have full access to legal services and have the ability to visit an attorney's office during a pandemic, a widespread outbreak of an infectious disease, or a declared public health emergency. The bill requires the Commissioner of Health to publish a notice of the rights enumerated in the bill, and to make the notice available to the public on the Department of Health's Internet website. All health care facilities, including nursing homes and long-term care facilities, are to post a copy of the notice in a conspicuous location that is available to the public. | In Committee |
| S582 | Establishes crime of gang shoplifting. | This bill establishes the crime of gang shoplifting as a crime of the third degree. A person commits the crime of gang shoplifting if, in concert or participation with one or more other persons, the person enters the premises of a store or retail mercantile establishment and in an open and conspicuous manner: (1) purposely or knowingly takes possession of, carries away, transfers or causes to be carried away or transferred, any item displayed, held, stored, or offered for sale by any store or other retail mercantile establishment with the intention of depriving the merchant of the possession, use, or benefit of the item or converting the item to the use of the person without paying to the merchant the full retail value thereof; or (2) purposely, knowingly, or recklessly tampers with tangible property within or on the premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment so as to endanger any person, or the property or premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment, including the damaging or destroying of any item on the premises of the store or retail mercantile establishment. 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 person who commits gang shoplifting is required to minimum term of imprisonment of not less than one year, during which time the person is not eligible for parole. It is the intent of the sponsor to address the rise in flash mobs which organize the looting of stores in an open and conspicuous manner. | In Committee |
| S950 | Requires proof of ownership prior to resale of catalytic converter and upgrades theft of catalytic converter to one degree higher than underlying offense. | This bill modifies existing law on the regulation of scrap metal businesses to incorporate certain provisions concerning catalytic converters. The bill amends the definition of "scrap metal" to include a used catalytic converter, in whole or in part, if the used catalytic converter is not attached to a motor vehicle. The bill requires the owner of a scrap metal business to maintain, for at least five years, a record of all receipts or purchases of scrap metal in excess of 100 pounds or $50, whichever is less, including, among other items, the date of receipt or purchase of the scrap metal and the name and address of the person delivering or selling the scrap metal. The bill also expands the information the scrap metal business is to retain if a used catalytic converter not attached to a motor vehicle is purchased by the business from a seller that is not a registered business that, in the regular course of business, collects, stores, or sells a used catalytic converter or any other motor vehicle part. That information includes (1) the vehicle identification number of the motor vehicle from which the catalytic converter was taken; and (2) a copy of the certificate of title or registration, a receipt from a transaction of repair, or a bill of sale for the motor vehicle from which the catalytic converter was taken. The bill also provides that the owner of a scrap metal business is required to purchase or attempt to purchase only from a person delivering or selling scrap metal who provides the information required. The penalty for theft of a catalytic converter is also increased under the bill. Currently, theft offenses are graded based primarily on the value of the item involved or, for second and third degree crimes, graded by the attendant circumstances or category. While the theft of a converter may only net thieves between $50 to $150 per device, replacing one on a vandalized vehicle can cost thousands of dollars. It is the sponsor's view that this discrepancy between the value of the stolen part or the amount a purchaser would pay, versus the cost of replacing the part can incentivize theft of these devices, and should be addressed in the form of higher penalties for the underlying theft. This bill directs that if the property stolen is a catalytic converter, theft constitutes a crime one degree higher than the underlying theft offense. Lastly, the bill provides that offering or attempting to offer for sale a used catalytic converter, in whole or in part, that is not attached to a motor vehicle is to be limited to a scrap metal business, unless the seller of the used catalytic converter is a registered business that, in the regular course of business, collects, stores, or sells a catalytic converter or any other motor vehicle part. | In Committee |
| S1337 | Establishes "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" for students enrolled at county colleges. | This bill establishes the "Manufacturing Workforce Development Grant Program" to encourage county colleges in the State to partner with local manufacturers to provide internship opportunities for their students. Through the creation of these partnerships, county colleges will be able to better prepare their students for entry into the workforce by providing real workplace experiences as a complement to traditional classroom instruction. Under the provisions of the bill, the program would be created by the Secretary of Higher Education in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. Eighty-five percent of program funds would be used by recipient county colleges to fund student stipends for hours worked at a program internship while the remaining fifteen percent of funds received would be used to cover costs incurred while administering the program, fund career counselor positions, and for any other purposes as may be approved by the secretary to meet the program's objectives. Priority status would be granted to county colleges that demonstrate that one or more of the proposed manufacturing internships to be offered by the college are for careers designated as labor demand occupations. Students who successfully complete a program internship would receive academic credit towards completion of an associate's degree and may earn an offer of employment. The secretary would be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31 of each year concerning the number of new and current partnerships created by each county college with local manufacturers, the total number of students participating in the program, a description of the various work skills students have learned or refined through participation in the program, the number of students in the program who have transferred to a four-year institution of higher education, the number of students who received offers of employment upon successful completion of a program internship, the amount of money distributed through the program and the purposes for which those funds have been used, and any other information deemed relevant by the secretary. | In Committee |
| S898 | Requires commissioner of registration to move voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to inactive file; removes such inactive voters from Statewide voter registration system following failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections. | This bill requires the commissioner of registration to move voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to the inactive file and remove such inactive voters from the Statewide voter registration system following failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections. Under current law, any mail-in ballot returned for any reason is forwarded to the commissioner of registration, who notes the return in the voter record of that voter. This bill requires that a mail-in ballot returned as undeliverable to the county be forwarded to the commissioner of registration and noted in the Statewide voter registration system. The commissioner will compile a list of the voters and place those voters in the inactive file. If a voter in the inactive file fails to vote in two consecutive federal general elections, the commissioner will take the necessary steps to begin the process for the removal of the voter from the Statewide voter registration system and transfer to the deleted file. The commissioner would be required to send notice to a mail-in ballot voter following the voter's placement in the inactive file due to a mail-in ballot returned as undeliverable, the decision of the commissioner to begin the process for removal from the Statewide voter registration system, and the removal of the voter from the Statewide voter registration system and transfer to the deleted file. | In Committee |
| SR45 | Urges Governor and Attorney General to provide assistance to municipalities in response to unpermitted mass gatherings and "pop-up parties" in New Jersey. | This resolution urges the Governor and the Attorney General to take necessary measures to bolster municipalities' responses to unpermitted mass gatherings and "pop-up parties" across the State. Municipalities require special event permits for activities such as block parties, festivals, flea markets, carnivals, concerts, and non-spontaneous public demonstrations. The permitting process may require up to several months' notice to municipalities so they can effectively predict and adequately prepare the resources and personnel necessary to manage large crowds at particular events. Additionally, the permitting process allows municipalities to deny the permit application if such an event does not seem practical. Local communities in New Jersey, primarily near beaches and other hubs of community activity, have experienced a major increase in spontaneous, unpermitted mass gatherings that bring along disorderly and dangerous conduct. So called "pop-up parties" present a great risk of destructive, crowd-driven behavior and dangers that cannot be foreseen. Local law enforcement and municipal officials have worked together to prevent these unpermitted mass gatherings from taking place with varying degrees of success. The New Jersey State League of Municipalities passed a resolution at its 2022 Conference calling for State assistance and solutions to the myriad issues posed by unpermitted mass gatherings. State assistance may allow municipalities to better anticipate potential unpermitted mass gatherings, hold organizers and attendees who incite hazards accountable for their misdeeds, and dissuade future pop-up gatherings. | In Committee |
| S1375 | Requires legislative approval of updates or revisions to core curriculum content. | This bill requires legislative approval of updates or revisions to core curriculum content standards. Under current law, the State Board of Education is directed to review and update the core curriculum content standards every five years. This bill provides that any update or revision made to the core curriculum content standards following the bill's effective date will require the approval of the Legislature. The State board is required to submit the update or revision to the Legislature, and the Legislature is required to adopt a concurrent resolution within 45 days of submission to approve or disapprove the update or revision. If the Legislature adopts a concurrent resolution to approve the update or revision, it is required to be implemented. If the Legislature adopts a concurrent resolution to disapprove the update or revision, it may not be implemented. | In Committee |
| S901 | Requires Secretary of State create website for voters to report irregularities regarding mail-in ballots; establishes "Vote by Mail Study Commission." | This bill requires the Secretary of State to create a website for voters to report irregularities regarding mail-in ballots they receive. The bill also establishes the "Vote by Mail Study Commission." Under the bill, the secretary would establish on the Division of Elections website a link for voters to report irregularities concerning a mail-in ballot received by the voter. The link would enable the voter to complete a form containing the voter's name, address, and contact information, and sufficient space for the voter to describe the issues with the mail-in ballot. The form may also include choices for the voter to select from among possible irregularities concerning a mail-in ballot, such as when the intended recipient of the ballot does not reside at that address or is deceased. The website would automatically forward each form to the appropriate county clerk, county board of elections, and county superintendent of elections, as the case may be, for follow-up. The bill also requires the secretary to report to the Governor and the Legislature, no later than January 15 of each year, a summary of the forms received through the website for the previous calendar year. This bill also establishes the "Vote by Mail Study Commission," consisting of the following nine members: (1) the Secretary of State or a designee, who would serve as chairperson; (2) two county clerks, who would not be members of the same political party, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Constitutional Officers Association - Clerk Section; (3) one member representing the county boards of elections and one member representing the superintendents of elections, who would not be members of the same political party, appointed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Election Officials Association; (4) two members of the Senate to be appointed, one each, by the President of the Senate and the Senate Minority Leader; and (5) two members of the General Assembly to be appointed, one each, by the Speaker of the General Assembly and the Minority Leader of the General Assembly. The bill directs the commission to investigate, research, and evaluate irregularities pertaining to the implementation, accuracy, and integrity of the vote-by-mail process and systems established in this State. The commission would hold at least three public hearings, one each in the Northern, Central, and Southern parts of the State, to receive testimony from the public and elections experts on matters concerning voting by mail. The commission's inquiries would include, but may not be limited to: (1) procedures to prevent the mailing of more than one mail-in ballot to the same person; (2) measures that may be implemented to prevent the mailing of mail-in ballots to inactive, deceased, and non-resident voters; (3) maintenance activities that may be implemented to enhance the accuracy of the voter rolls and the mail-in voter designation in the Statewide Voter Registration System; and (4) any other matter concerning voting by mail the commission deems appropriate. The bill directs the commission to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year following its first meeting. The commission would expire upon the submission of its report. | In Committee |
| S723 | Restricts all ownership of agricultural land in State by foreign governments and persons. | This bill would prohibit any foreign government or foreign person from acquiring, purchasing, or otherwise obtaining a legal, beneficial, or other interest in any agricultural land in the State on or after the bill's effective date, with limited exceptions, as described below. The bill would permit a foreign government or foreign person that already owns or holds an interest in agricultural land in the State, on the bill's effective date, to continue to own or hold the interest in such land for a maximum of five years thereafter. Within five years after the bill's effective date, the foreign government or foreign person would be required to sell or otherwise convey the ownership of, or interest in, the agricultural land to an individual, trust, corporation, partnership, or other business entity that is not a foreign government or foreign person, with a deed of easement attached to the land requiring the land to remain devoted to agricultural use. The bill would provide the following exceptions to the general prohibition on the continued foreign ownership of agricultural land: 1) a foreign government or foreign person may acquire agricultural land, on or after the bill's effective date, through a process of law involving the collection of debt, the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the forfeiture of a contract for deed, or imposition of a lien or claim on the land, whether by mortgage or otherwise, but such person or government would then be required to sell or convey the land, within two years after the transfer of title thereto, to an individual, trust, corporation, partnership, or other business entity that is not a foreign government or foreign person, with a deed of easement attached to the land requiring the land to remain devoted to agricultural use; and 2) the provisions of the bill would not be applicable to agricultural land acquired by devise or descent or pursuant to a bona fide encumbrance established on agricultural land taken for the purposes of security. The bill further provides that, whenever land assessment valuation is undertaken in association with the acquisition of land by a foreign government or foreign person pursuant to a process of law involving the collection of debt, the execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, the forfeiture of a contract for deed, or the imposition of a lien or claim on the land, whether created by a mortgage or otherwise, the valuation is to incorporate and reflect the fact that the land is to remain devoted to agricultural use. The bill provides that any provision of the bill which is inconsistent with, or in violation of, any treaty between the United States and another country would not apply to any foreign government or foreign person residing in a country that is party to the treaty. Finally, the bill requires the Secretary of Agriculture, no more than 90 days after the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, to report to the Governor and the Legislature: 1) the total acreage of agricultural land in the State that is owned by foreign governments or foreign persons; 2) the percentage change in the amount of in-State agricultural land acreage owned by foreign governments or foreign persons, per year, over the preceding 10 years; 3) the top 10 nationalities of foreign governments or foreign persons owning agricultural land in the State, by total amount of acreage owned; and 4) the purposes for which agricultural land owned by foreign governments or foreign persons has been used in the preceding five years, and any significant changes or trends in the use of such land. The bill authorizes the secretary to base the requisite data on reports that are submitted to the Department of Agriculture, by the United States Department of Agriculture, pursuant to federal law, or based on any other relevant information available to the department. The bill also directs the State Agriculture Development Committee and other State agencies and departments, as well as county boards of agriculture and other local agencies, boards, or political subdivisions in the State, to provide the secretary with any relevant information available concerning the data required to be compiled and reported by the bill. | In Committee |
| SCR51 | Urges DOLWD to plan for large influxes of unemployment insurance claims. | This concurrent resolution urges the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to create a plan that will withstand a large influx of unemployment insurance claims. COVID-19 brought on several challenges for the United States, one of which being an economic crisis. Businesses were shut down and citizens were told to stay home, leaving many unsure about how to continue working. The number of unemployment claims in the United States, and specifically in New Jersey, rose drastically during this time. This rapid influx overwhelmed unemployment agencies like the DOLWD and exposed filing system flaws. The COVID-19 pandemic is just the latest crisis to illustrate the flaws of the unemployment claims filing system used by DOLWD. The agency has been made aware of these system deficiencies for almost twenty years, but the modest improvements made by DOLWD have not bettered the experience for users. With funds already appropriated to address these issues, now is the time for substantial improvements and proactive planning to prepare the system for the next influx of claims and to assure New Jersey workers that a reliable resource will be available during the next economic crisis. | In Committee |
| S1328 | Requires development of manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention marketing plan for areas located in certain counties within southern New Jersey. | This bill requires the Secretary of State (secretary), within one year of the effective date of the bill, to develop and implement a manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention marketing plan (marketing plan) for areas located in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, and Salem counties (southern New Jersey). The secretary is to update the marketing plan once every five years thereafter. The purpose of the marketing plan is to develop strategies, policies, legislative proposals, short-range and long-range goals, and government reforms that help attract new manufacturing businesses to, and retain and expand existing manufacturing businesses in, southern New Jersey and to encourage the growth of jobs and capital investment within, and services to, southern New Jersey. The secretary is authorized to request assistance from the New Jersey Business Action Center (center) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) and any other State agency to provide any information, resources, or other assistance deemed necessary to discharge the secretary's responsibilities under the bill to develop and implement the marketing plan. The assistance is to include, but not be limited to: the authority and the Department of Treasury for advice and information concerning manufacturing business funding assistance programs; the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for assistance in developing workforce development strategies; the Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Transit Corporation for information and guidance concerning public transportation network and infrastructure projects that would most effectively connect population centers with employers within southern New Jersey; the center to assist in manufacturing business attraction, expansion, and retention strategies and advising on smart growth development strategies; and the Department of Community Affairs for assistance with coordination between the urban enterprise zone program and the marketing plan. | In Committee |
| S833 | Upgrades burglary of a residence as a crime of the second degree; upgrades it to a crime of the first degree if committed while armed. | This bill upgrades the crime of burglary of a residence. Specifically, the bill makes it second degree burglary to unlawfully enter or surreptitiously remain in a dwelling or other structure adapted for overnight accommodation of persons, whether or not a person is actually present. Burglary of a residence is upgraded to first degree burglary under the bill if the person is armed with or displays what appears to be an explosive or a deadly weapon while committing the burglary. Presently, burglary is punishable under N.J.S.2C:18-2 as a crime of the second degree if the defendant either was armed or inflicted, attempted to inflict or threatened, bodily injury during the course of the offense. In all other circumstances, burglary is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment between five to 10 years, a fine not to exceed $150,000 or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment between three to five years, a fine not to exceed $15,000 or both. This bill clarifies that a person who commits second degree burglary of a residence under the bill would not be subject to the provisions of the No Early Release Act (NERA), but a person who commits the upgraded first degree crime of burglarizing a residence while armed would be sentenced under NERA. Under NERA, persons convicted of certain enumerated violent crimes of the first or second degree are required to serve a minimum term of at least 85% of the sentence imposed. | In Committee |
| SJR43 | Designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates February 4th of each year as "Women and Girls in Sports Day". Opportunities in sports were traditionally open to only men and women were discouraged from participating in and taking an interest in sports. The 20th and 21st centuries saw women strive to increasingly participate in sports, however gender disparities continue to exist as less support and resources are provided to women's sports in comparison to men's sports. This lack of investment has led to issues such as pay disparities and the unequal allocation of facilities and equipment for women's sports. In spite of these inequalities, women have contributed significantly to sports and inspiring athletes such as New Jersey natives Carli Lloyd and Laurie Hernandez make excellent role models to fans of all ages and genders. Women and girls deserve recognition for their contributions to sports and an awareness of their fight for gender equality. It should be further acknowledged that sports are essential in the lives of girls because participation in sports teach important life skills, which later empower them as women to stand up against gender inequalities both in sports and in their daily lives. Physical activity is necessary for good overall health and sports are important because they encourage women and girls to become and remain physically active. | In Committee |
| SR33 | Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel. | April 25, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. This House commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades. This House recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region. | In Committee |
| S1332 | Requires EDA to establish program providing grants to qualified veterans purchasing franchises. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to establish a program that provides grant funding to a veteran, approved by the EDA for program participation, who becomes a "franchisee," as defined in the bill, after the effective date of the bill. The EDA is to establish the terms and conditions by which a veteran may apply and receive approval from the EDA for program participation. The EDA is to enter into an agreement with a qualified veteran concerning the EDA's provision of grant funding to a qualified veteran for this purpose. The EDA is to provide a one-time grant of no more than $10,000 to each veteran approved by the EDA for participation in the program. The EDA is to provide priority assistance to a qualified veteran who submits an application and receives program approval within six months after the effective date of the bill providing proof the veteran is a franchisee, or has received a valid offer from a franchisor for the veteran to become a franchisee, operating at a location within this State. The bill requires the EDA to establish and maintain a fund to provide grant funding to a veteran that participates in the program and to administer the program. The fund is to be credited with an appropriation made to the EDA, with monies made available by the EDA for the purpose of the fund, and monies received by the EDA from any other public or private donations. In administering the program and the fund, the EDA is to establish: 1) procedures and timelines for applications for the program and approvals thereof; 2) criteria for determining grant funding to be disbursed from the fund to a qualified veteran; 3) reporting requirements for a veteran participating in the program and the qualified veteran's receiving grant funding from the fund; and 4) any other policies deemed necessary by the EDA for the administration of the program and the fund. The EDA, in its sole discretion, may amend these policies at any time if the policies are established or amended in a manner consistent with the provisions of the bill. The reporting requirements require a veteran receiving grant funding under the program to report to the EDA, in a form and manner determined by the EDA, within a year of receiving grant funding. The report is to include: 1) proof that the veteran used grant funding to purchase a franchise within the State; and 2) any other information the EDA requires in a form and manner determined by the EDA. | In Committee |
| S999 | "Manufacturing in Higher Education Act"; requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to manufacturing industry. | This bill requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to the manufacturing industry. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Secretary of Higher Education, Commissioner of Education, the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, and representatives of the business community, will promote and support the implementation of the manufacturing career pathway offered through the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative operated by the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce Development to provide students interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing with the instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in the manufacturing or advanced manufacturing sectors. The manufacturing career pathway will include traditional and advanced manufacturing processes and methods of production including, but not limited to, the machinery, technology, tools, and equipment used in a wide range of manufacturing industries. The bill establishes a "Higher Education Manufacturing Grant Program," to be administered by a three-person commission which will include the Secretary of Higher Education, a representative of the New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, and a representative of the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development. The commission will annually award $10 million to New Jersey institutions of higher education, proprietary institutions, and county vocational school districts for the purpose of establishing or expanding programs in the manufacturing fields, and marketing and promoting current programs in the manufacturing fields. Under the bill, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, will designate an existing or newly hired employee of the Business Action Center in the Department of State to act as a liaison between the State and manufacturing businesses located in this State. The duties of the liaison will be to assist manufacturing businesses by:· advertising manufacturing businesses' products or services nationally and internationally through the Business Action Center; · establishing a business referral service where manufacturing businesses may be referred to other State, federal, or private business resource organizations; and· identifying and promoting opportunities throughout the State for postsecondary pathway programs to actively reskill and upskill the current workforce to better meet the needs of manufacturing fields. The Secretary of State is to work with State departments, agencies, boards, commissions, and authorities to direct resources, create incentives, and provide technological, financial, and workforce development opportunities for manufacturing businesses. The bill also establishes in the New Jersey State Employment and Training Commission, the New Jersey Advanced Manufacturing Council. The council will consist of 11 members who are individuals with experience in the fields of labor, education, or workforce development or training. The bill directs the council to:· convene and enable industry-led, private-public partnerships focused on engaging New Jersey institutions of higher education in manufacturing innovation;· design and implement an advanced manufacturing initiative to facilitate collaboration and information sharing across State departments and agencies;· assist private companies to enhance technological transfer in New Jersey manufacturing industries to help companies overcome technical obstacles to scaling up production of new technologies; and· submit an annual report to the Governor, to the Legislature, and to the State Employment and Training Commission, of its assessments and recommendations to enhance State policy related to the advanced manufacturing industry in New Jersey. | Dead |
| S1372 | Concerns possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or cannabis by underage persons. | This bill concerns the possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages or cannabis by underage persons. Under current law, the odor of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or a cannabis item, or burnt marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or a cannabis item does not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to initiate an investigatory stop of a person or probable cause to initiate a search of a person or that person's personal property to determine if an underage person knowingly possesses or consumes any alcoholic beverage, cannabis item, marijuana, or hashish in any school, public conveyance, public place, place of public assembly, or motor vehicle. In addition, current law provides that the unconcealed possession of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item by an underage person, observed in plain sight by a law enforcement officer, does not constitute probable cause to initiate a search of a person or that person's property to determine if the person is in further violation of current law or any other provision of law. This bill provides that notwithstanding these provisions, if a person is unable to provide identification showing that the person is 21 years of age or older, upon the request of a law enforcement officer, the following would constitute probable cause for the officer to search the person or that person's personal belongings for the purpose of taking possession of any alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item from the person, and any drug or cannabis paraphernalia for use with any marijuana, hashish, or cannabis item: 1) the odor of an alcoholic beverage, marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or cannabis item, or burnt marijuana, hashish, cannabis, or cannabis item that the law enforcement officer reasonably concludes is coming from that person; or 2) the observation by a law enforcement officer of that person consuming and subsequently concealing any alcoholic beverage, cannabis item, marijuana, or hashish. Under the bill, upon request by a law enforcement officer, the person would be required to provide one of the types of government-issued identification as set forth in section 18 of P.L.2021, c.15 (C.24:6I-35). | In Committee |
| S455 | Prohibits requiring students to wear face masks in schools and on school buses. | This bill provides that a student attending a public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school would not be required to wear a face mask while in any indoor or outdoor area of any building of, or while on the grounds of, the school which the student is attending. A student would also not be required to wear a face mask while present on a school bus. The bill would not prohibit a student from voluntarily wearing a face mask while in any indoor or outdoor area of any building of, or while on the grounds of, the school which the student is attending or while the student is present on a school bus. | In Committee |
| S1338 | Revises factors for determining employment or independent contractor status under certain State labor laws. | This bill revises the factors that are used to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under certain State labor laws. The "ABC" test is widely used under current State labor law for determining whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor. It is used to determine employee and employer obligations and entitlements under the following laws: the "unemployment compensation law," the "Temporary Disability Benefits Law," the New Jersey wage payment law, and the "New Jersey State Wage and Hour Law." It is also used under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act," for purposes of determining whether an employer is required to deduct and withhold State income taxes. The "ABC" test provides that an individual who performs services for remuneration is presumed to be an employee unless the employer can show to the satisfaction of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development that: (A) Such individual has been and will continue to be free from control or direction over the performance of such service, both under his contract of service and in fact; and (B) Such service is either outside the usual course of the business for which such service is performed, or that such service is performed outside of all the places of business of the enterprise for which such service is performed; and (C) Such individual is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, profession or business. If an employer fails to prove any one of the three criteria for showing a worker is an independent contractor, the worker will be classified as an employee, and will be eligible for benefits pursuant to the labor laws listed above. Additionally, the employer and employee will be required to comply with the contribution and participation obligations of the respective labor laws. This bill revises the factors for showing a worker is an independent contract. Under the bill, to determine whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor, all information that provides evidence of the degree of control and the degree of independence is to be considered. Facts that provide evidence of the degree of control and independence fall into three categories: (A) behavioral control; (B) financial control; and (C) the type of relationship of the parties. In making an employment determination any guidance on determining a worker's employment status provided by the federal Internal Revenue Service in the United States Department of the Treasury is to be considered. This bill aligns the test for employment status under State law with the test in use by the Internal Revenue Service in the Department of the Treasury. | In Committee |
| S1366 | Requires text messages soliciting home owners to provide notice when individuals sending solicitations are not licensed by New Jersey Real Estate Commission. | This bill requires anyone who is not a licensee of the New Jersey Real Estate Commission (commission) who uses text messaging to solicit a home owner regarding the sale of a home to send, prior to a solicitation, a separate text message to the home owner that states the individual is not a licensee of the commission, the name of the employer with whom the individual is employed, and the text is a solicitation. An individual will incur a penalty of not more than $5,000 for a first violation of the bill, and of not more than $10,000 for any subsequent violation of the bill. The Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety (division) is to develop and undertake a public education program and marketing campaign designed to inform licensees of the commission and home owners of the provisions of the bill. If the division deems it necessary, the public education program and marketing campaign shall include information concerning issues and fraudulent activity related to text message real estate solicitations by individuals not licensed by the commission, and the assistance available to understand if a real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson, or purported real estate broker, broker-salesperson, or salesperson, is licensed by the commission. The public education program and marketing campaign may include a notice of the provisions posted clearly and conspicuously on the Internet website of the division and commission and any other action taken by the division or commission to raise public awareness. | In Committee |
| S670 | Authorizes schools to administer commercial driver license exam and other motor vehicle services for school bus drivers. | This bill authorizes the administration of all motor vehicle services associated with becoming a school bus driver, except for the road test, by school districts, subject to rules and regulations promulgated by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC). The bill requires the MVC to implement a program that promotes the administration of these motor vehicle services at school facilities and requires the MVC to coordinate with school districts for the administration of the these services for prospective school bus drivers. | In Committee |
| SCR49 | Urges United States Congress and President to provide federal infrastructure funds for extension of Route 55. | This resolution urges the United States Congress and the President to approve federal infrastructure funds for the extension of Route 55. Highway conditions and traffic congestion have deteriorated over the years as certain State highways have not been modernized to keep pace with the growth in traffic. Notably, Route 55, which extends from State Highway Route 42 in Deptford, Gloucester County, to an intersection with Route 47 in Maurice River Township, Cumberland County has not seen any upgrades in many years. The extension of Route 55, which was initially planned to extend from Gloucester County into Cape May County, was halted in 1975 and the final stretch of Route 55, connecting the road to the Garden State Parkway, was never built due to rising construction costs and significant environmental obstacles. Route 55 is one of the primary routes to reach the New Jersey shore and experiences severe congestion in the summer months resulting in an exasperating experience for motorists, tourists, and local residents alike and also giving rise to significant safety concerns. In order to facilitate the flow of traffic to and from the Jersey Shore and to relieve congestion on Route 47, as well as to enhance opportunities for economic development in Cumberland and Cape May counties, it is in the public interest for Route 55 to be extended to the Garden State Parkway. | In Committee |
| S839 | Removes requirement for branch office registration certificates and modernizes requirements to notify State and consumers of locations where dentists provide services. | This bill removes the requirement in current law for a separate permit for each branch office where a licensed and registered dentist provides services, if that dentist provides services at a place other than the location where the required certificate of registration was issued. Under the bill, a dentist would be required to notify the secretary-treasurer of the New Jersey State Board of Dentistry, to the best of their knowledge and on a form or in a format as to be determined by the board, prior to the issuance of an initial certificate the addresses of the locations where dental services are to be provided by the licensee. The bill requires the same information to be included on the form sent by the secretary-treasurer annually to all licensed dentists for a new registration certificate. These locations do not include 1) hospitals or institutions that receives no fees, other than entrance registration fees, for the services rendered by the dentist and where the dentist receives no fees or compensation directly or indirectly for services rendered and 2) the homes, hospitals or institutions where a patient is confined and receives necessary dental services. Additionally, language in current law requiring the board to advertise in various newspapers on the need for licensed dentists to obtain new registration certificates is removed and replaced in the bill with a provision to require the Division of Consumer Affairs, under which the board is governed, to post notification, in a conspicuous manner, about the need for a new registration certificate on its website. Lastly, language in current law referencing repealed statutes is also removed in the bill. | In Committee |
| S1035 | Increases qualified research expenses tax credit for corporation business taxpayers engaged in targeted industries; increases basic research payment tax credit; allows research tax credit to be refundable. | This bill makes several changes to the research tax credit provided under the corporation business tax, including increasing the qualified research expenses credit for taxpayers engaged in targeted industries, increasing the basic research payments tax credit for all taxpayers, and allowing the total credit to be refundable. Under current law, a corporation business taxpayer may receive a research tax credit in an amount equal to (1) 10 percent of the excess of qualified research expenses for the privilege period over the base amount; and (2) 10 percent of the basic research payments for the privilege period. This bill increases the qualified research expenses tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for taxpayers who are primarily engaged in business in one or more targeted industries. For the purpose of calculating the qualified research expenses tax credit, the base amount is determined based on a fixed percentage of the taxpayer's average annual gross receipts. Qualified research expenses are also defined to include the sum of in-house research expenses and contract research expenses that are paid or incurred during the privilege period. Under the bill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority would be responsible for periodically identifying a list of targeted industries. However, the bill requires the initial list of targeted industries to include advanced transportation and logistics, manufacturing, aviation, autonomous vehicle and zero-emission vehicle research or development, clean energy, life sciences, hemp processing, information and high technology, finance and insurance, professional services, film and digital media, non-retail food and beverage businesses including food innovation, and other innovative industries that disrupt current technologies or business models. Additionally, the bill increases the basic research payments tax credit from 10 percent to 15 percent for all taxpayers. State regulations define basic research payments to include cash payments provided by a corporation to qualified organizations (e.g., institutions of higher education, certain scientific research organizations, and certain scientific tax-exempt organization) for the performance of basic research. Under state regulations, the credit is calculated based on the provisions of section 41 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.41), as in effect on June 30, 1992. The bill also allows the research tax credit to be refundable for privilege periods beginning on or after the date of enactment. Under current law, the research tax credit cannot be refunded, and taxpayers are permitted to carry forward the unused portion of the credit for seven privilege periods. Under the bill, a taxpayer may instead elect to receive the unused portion of the credit as a tax refund, or carry forward the unused credit. When a tax credit is refundable, the State is required to provide the taxpayer with a cash payment in the amount of the unused credit, which represents an overpayment of tax. | In Committee |
| S453 | Requires registered voters to present photo ID when voting at polling place. | This bill requires a voter to present photo identification before voting at a polling place at any election. Acceptable photo identification includes, but is not limited to a valid: (a) New Jersey driver's license; (b) New Jersey REAL ID identification card or license; (c) New Jersey Division of Motor Vehicles "identification only" card; or (d) United States passport. A voter who does not present photo identification, or whose identification contains a picture that does not appear to depict the voter would be subject to challenge. This bill does not deny or alter a voter's opportunity to establish his or her right to vote if challenged. | In Committee |
| S1671 | Permits Legislature to terminate certain declarations by Governor for state of emergency or public health emergency and limits duration of such declarations unless Legislature approves extension. | This bill provides for the termination of a state of emergency declaration issued by the Governor pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or a public health emergency declaration issued pursuant to P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.) by the Legislature by concurrent resolution if the resolution receives a two-thirds affirmative vote of the authorized membership of each House of the Legislature. Also, the bill limits the duration of a state of emergency to 60 days after the date of issuance unless an extension is authorized by the Legislature, and limits a public health emergency declaration to a total of 60 days (the initial 30 day duration and one 30-day renewal by the Governor as provided by current law). The bill permits the Legislature to authorize, after a notice required in this bill is received, an extension of the state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration, with as many extensions of not less than 30 days, but not more than 90 days, by concurrent resolution that receives a majority vote of the authorized membership of each House of the Legislature. The bill prohibits the Governor from issuing for the same emergency a declaration to the same or substantially same effect as one terminated pursuant to this bill, except in accordance with a law that permits the issuance of another declaration specifically for that emergency. The bill permits the Legislature to conduct the vote on any concurrent resolution specified in the bill by any means it deems necessary and appropriate, including, but not limited to, in-person, teleconference, and remotely by electronic means. For the purpose of this bill, "same emergency" means the initial event or events that gave rise to the emergency declaration that has been terminated, and any event that occurs subsequent to the initial event or events as a direct result, continuation, or consequence of the initial event or events or the origin of which can be traced directly to the initial event or events. The bill requires the Governor to notify the Legislature in writing of the need for an extension of any state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration at least seven business days before an extension is authorized by the Legislature pursuant to this bill. The notice will provide information on the need for the extension of such declaration and the threat to the public health or safety that requires the extension. When notice cannot be given at least seven business days before an extension is authorized by the Legislature, the notice has to be given by the Governor as soon as possible, but not later than at least 24 hours before the extension is authorized, and the notice has to include an explanation of why the notice could not have been given at least seven days before the extension. Under the bill, the Governor will receive and publish in the New Jersey Register any comments from the chairs and ranking minority members of the relevant standing reference committees of the Legislature on any notice given in accordance with this bill. The publication is to include a response from the Executive Branch. If the Governor fails to provide the notice required by this bill for an extension, the state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration will be terminated unless an extension of the declaration is approved, after the notice required in the bill is received, by the Legislature by concurrent resolution that receives a majority vote of the authorized membership of each House of the Legislature. The provisions of the bill do not apply to any state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration: (1) rescinding an order, rule, or regulation issued pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or to P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.); (2) applying exclusively to any or all of the executive and administrative offices, departments, and instrumentalities of the Executive Branch of State government; or (3) issued under the authority of the Governor as the Commander-in-Chief of all the military and naval forces of the State. The bill provides that any state of emergency declaration issued by the Governor and any public health emergency declaration issued by the Governor to address the COVID-19 pandemic or any other emergency that is in effect on the effective date of the bill, and (1) that has been in effect for more than 60 days as of that effective date, or (2) that has been in effect for 60 days or less but was issued for the same emergency as the term is defined in the bill and has the same or substantially the same effect as a declaration that was issued more than 60 days prior to the effective date, will terminate automatically on the effective date of this bill unless, on the day that this bill has passed both Houses of the Legislature, or has passed both Houses of the Legislature after amendments recommended by the Governor have been made to the act or after objections to the bill have been received from the Governor, whichever occurs later, a concurrent resolution to extend the state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration, or both, for not less than 30 days, but not more than 90 days, receives a majority vote of the authorized membership of each House of the Legislature. The termination and extension provisions of the bill will apply to any state of emergency declaration or public health emergency declaration issued pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.) after the effective date or within 60 days prior to the effective date of this bill. Any other emergency declaration issued pursuant to P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.) that is in effect on the date of enactment will automatically terminate upon enactment unless the Legislature authorizes an extension by concurrent resolution. The bill provides that it is not to be construed as limiting the authority of the Governor to designate a state of emergency as may be authorized under the annual appropriations act, for the sole and limited purpose of establishing the eligibility of the State to receive federal funds. However, no such emergency declaration may under any circumstances serve as the basis for invoking any authority or powers set forth in P.L.1942, c.251 (C.App.A:9-33 et seq.) or P.L.2005, c.222 (C.26:13-1 et seq.). | In Committee |
| S419 | Removes diversity and inclusion instruction requirements for students in grades kindergarten through eight. | This bill removes the requirement that school districts provide instruction on diversity and inclusion in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through eight as part of the implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. This bill also removes the requirement that the instruction on diversity and inclusion includes an examination of the impact that unconscious bias has at both an individual level and on society as a whole. Current law requires that school districts provide instruction on diversity and inclusion in the curriculum of students in grades kindergarten through 12. Additionally, current law requires that school districts incorporate unconscious bias in the instruction on diversity and inclusion. | In Committee |
| S902 | Establishes Office of Inspector General for Veterans' Facilities. | This bill would create the Office of Inspector General for Veterans' Facilities. The inspector general will be appointed to a five-year term by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The inspector general must have experience as either a prosecutor or investigator, or in the operation of veterans' facilities, nursing homes, or long-term care facilities. The inspector general will be independent of supervision or control by any other State officer or employee. The role of the Inspector General for Veterans' Facilities will be to receive and investigate complaints concerning policies and procedures at State veterans' facilities. In exercising investigatory powers, the inspector general would also be empowered to conduct evaluations, inspections, and other such reviews as deemed necessary to ensure the safety and quality of care provided at State veterans' facilities. The inspector general would also be empowered to initiate investigations independent of any complaints received. Upon the appointment of the inspector general, the inspector general will immediately begin an investigation into the policies and practices that may have caused or contributed to the high number of deaths in the veterans' facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The inspector general may refer possible criminal conduct or activity to the appropriate prosecutorial authority. In light of the uncontrolled outbreak of COVID-19 at veterans' facilities in Paramus and Menlo Park, there is need for additional State oversight of the policies and procedures at all State veterans' facilities. By establishing the position of Inspector General for Veterans' Facilities, the State can ensure that the health and well-being of New Jersey's veterans are protected and that tragedies like those that occurred in Paramus and Menlo Park never happen again. | In Committee |
| SCR13 | Proposes constitutional amendment to limit effective period of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by Governor to 14 days. | This constitutional amendment provides that certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by the Governor during a period of a state of emergency will terminate on the 15th day following the date of issuance, unless the Legislature approves a greater period of time by way of a concurrent resolution. The constitutional amendment prohibits the Governor from issuing an order, rule, or regulation to the same or substantially the same effect as the one terminated pursuant to the amendment for the same emergency. The constitutional amendment does not apply to orders, rules, or regulations: (1) rescinding an order, rule, or regulation issued pursuant to the "Civil Defense and Disaster Control Act," or a successor State statute; (2) issued pursuant to direction by or agreement with the federal government, in compliance with federal law, or to the extent that application of the bill would jeopardize the receipt of federal funds by the State; (3) applying exclusively to the executive branch; (4) issued under the Governor's authority as the Commander-in-Chief of the military and naval forces of the State; or (5) issued pursuant to a provision of law providing for a greater period, notwithstanding that the order, rule, or regulation may also cite to an authority provided under the "Civil Defense and Disaster Control Act," or a successor State statute. | In Committee |
| S2045 | Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance. | This bill requires any cat, dog, or ferret used for product testing or research conducted or contracted by a company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility in the State to be offered to an animal rescue organization or private individual for adoption when the testing or research is concluded, if the animal is assessed to be suitable for adoption. Current law limits circumstances under which animal product testing or research may be conducted by manufacturers and contract testing facilities. Current law also requires, pursuant to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act," P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), that cats and dogs used for educational, research, or scientific purposes by an institution of higher education or a research institution that contracts with an institution of higher education for such use of cats and dogs, to be assessed for the suitability of adoption, and if suitable, to be offered for adoption. The bill expands the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to include testing or research using ferrets and to provide for adoption of ferrets used in that way. The bill directs the Office of Veterinary Public Health (OVPH) in the Department of Health (DOH) to establish procedures for documenting the assessment and disposition of any cat, dog, or ferret used by a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or a research institution for such purposes. The bill authorizes the OVPH to monitor compliance with the procedures and enforce the provisions of section 1 of the bill and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), concerning the assessment of the suitability of animals for adoption and the requirements to offer suitable animals for adoption. The bill further requires that each company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility that is subject to the bill, and each institution of higher education and research institution that is subject to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to register with the OVPH when undertaking animal testing with cats, dogs, or ferrets, and to report to the OVPH: 1) the type and number of animals being used; 2) the date on which the testing or research is completed or upon which the animal is no longer being used in the testing or research; 3) an assessment of the condition of any animal no longer being used in the testing or research and its suitability for adoption; 4) the disposition of the animal, including the name and contact information of the animal rescue organization with which, or the animal rescue organization facility in which, the animal is placed; and 5) if an animal assessed as suitable for adoption is not adopted, documentation of the good faith effort to place the animal with an animal rescue organization or in an animal rescue organization facility, and any effort to offer the animal for private adoption. The bill provides that private individuals who have adopted animals would not have to be identified but requires documentation of which animals were adopted by private individuals. The bill establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the bill's provisions and requirements, and the provisions of the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act." The bill provides for a civil penalty of $10,000 for a first offense, and $50,000 for a second offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding brought by the DOH pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Upon finding of a third offense, the DOH is required to institute an action for an injunction to prohibit the company, corporation, manufacturer, contract testing facility, institution of higher education, or research institution from conducting animal testing. The bill provides that the Superior Court would have jurisdiction for enforcing the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999" and for imposing an injunction for a third violation. Finally, the bill requires the DOH to maintain a registry of animal rescue organizations and animal rescue organization facilities, directs the DOH to establish a database of those animal rescue organizations and facilities that accept animals that have been used in testing or research, and requires a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or research institution, as applicable, to contact an animal rescue organization or animal rescue organization facility listed in the database whenever a cat, dog, or ferret used in testing or research is determined to be suitable for adoption. | In Committee |
| S379 | "Children's Vaccination Bill of Rights"; provides children in State with certain protections concerning vaccines. | This bill creates a "Children's Vaccination Bill of Rights," that provides a child who is required to be vaccinated in the State with certain protections concerning vaccine safety, liability for injury, and religious liberty. | In Committee |
| S1376 | Prohibits financial institutions from penalizing individuals for exercise of free speech. | This bill prohibits financial institutions organized or doing business under the laws of this State from penalizing individuals for expression of constitutionally protected speech. Many people living in New Jersey depend upon financial institutions, including banks, savings banks, savings and loan associations, building and loan associations, credit unions, or money transmitters, for critical aspects of business and personal affairs. Private financial institutions could presently include restrictions on consumers' exercise of free speech through user policies penalizing certain expressions of constitutionally protected speech. This bill protects constituents of this State from these policies by prohibiting them and by providing the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance with a means of enforcement. A financial institution determined by the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance to have violated the provisions of this bill will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000 for each violation or up to $50,000 for each willful violation. | In Committee |
| S1379 | Provides for EDA oversight and control over certain local economic development, community development, and housing programs if corruption is suspected following criminal charge or conviction of local official. | This bill is being introduced in response to recent charges, indictments, and convictions of local public officials, including a Newark City councilman and deputy mayor, in which local officials were involved with important development, redevelopment, and housing projects. Despite a pattern of corruption in that city and elsewhere, the State has failed to exercise meaningful development oversight of local government officials whose development offices are in desperate need of improvement. This bill provides for State oversight and control of municipal development programs that experience incidents of corruption by certain public officials. The bill defines the term municipal development program to mean a municipal economic development, housing, or community development program, including but not limited to a program operated by a municipality, or by an authority or a nonprofit corporation, including programs operated by a housing authority, redeveloper, redevelopment agency, or redevelopment entity under the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law," P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et al.). The bill would empower the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to subject a municipal development program to EDA review and supervision if a municipal officer or program official is convicted of, or indicted or charged for, a crime or offense involving public corruption under federal or State law. The bill requires EDA to develop and promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. Under the bill, the rules and regulations are required to: establish a reporting system through which the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety, and each county prosecutor would annually be requested to notify EDA of an applicable charge, indictment, or conviction; provide for the selection and appointment of economic and community development monitors to oversee applicable municipal development programs; establish criteria governing the length and terms of EDA review, supervision, and control over a municipal development program. The bill specifies that: if EDA is notified of a single applicable conviction, indictment, or charge pertaining to a municipality, EDA may appoint an economic and community development monitor to oversee that municipality's municipal development programs for a period of three years from the date of the last conviction, indictment, or charge; and if EDA is notified of three or more applicable convictions, indictments, or charges pertaining to a municipality within a three-year period, EDA is required to immediately appoint an economic and community development monitor to oversee that municipality's municipal development programs for a period of three years from the date of the last conviction, indictment, or charge. The bill authorizes the chief executive officer of the EDA to implement the requirements of the bill without securing approval of the authority. | In Committee |
| S1329 | Provides that public school parent who objects to learning material or activity that parent considers harmful may receive voucher from school district to enroll student in nonpublic school. | This bill provides that in the event that the parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school district objects to a learning material or activity that is part of the curriculum, on the basis that the material or activity is harmful, withdraws his child from the school district and enrolls the child in a nonpublic school, the resident school district is required to provide the parent or guardian with a voucher to support the tuition and fees of the nonpublic school. The voucher will equal 75 percent of the resident school district's annual spending per pupil prorated based upon the number of days remaining in the school year. An objection to a learning material or activity on the basis that it is harmful includes, but is not limited to, an objection that the material or activity questions, violates, or conflicts with the parent or guardian's belief or practice regarding sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, conscience, ethics, morality, or religion. | In Committee |
| S1374 | Provides CBT and gross income tax credits for replacement of abandoned commercial building with new commercial building. | The bill provides a tax credit under the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for certain costs associated with the demolition of an abandoned commercial building and the construction of a new commercial building in its place. As defined by the bill, "commercial building" means a building of at least 100,000 square feet that is used for commercial purposes. Specifically, the bill allows a taxpayer who replaces an abandoned commercial building in the State by demolishing the abandoned commercial building and constructing a new commercial building in the same location to receive a corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credit. The amount of the tax credits provided by the bill may not exceed the lesser of: (1) 25 percent of the total costs incurred by the taxpayer associated with the demolition of the abandoned commercial building and the construction of the new commercial building, or (2) $500,000. To qualify for a tax credit allowed under the bill, a taxpayer would be required to apply to the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury (division) for a certification that provides: (1) that the demolition of the abandoned commercial building and the construction of the new commercial building meet the requirements of the bill; and (2) the amount of the tax credit. The application would be required to demonstrate that the abandoned commercial building was demolished, and that a new commercial building was constructed in its place, prior to applying for the tax credit. The bill requires the division to adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to implement the bill's provisions. The bill would also limit the cumulative total of tax credits awarded pursuant to the bill to $5 million. Finally, the bill would require, no later than one year after the expiration of the tax credits provided pursuant to the bill, the division 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 replacement of abandoned commercial buildings with newly constructed commercial buildings. Construction of commercial buildings throughout the State has increased exponentially during recent years. Many commercial buildings have been constructed on the State's farmland, which has adversely impacted the State's farming sector. Construction of commercial buildings on farmland decreases the amount of land in the State that is able to be used for farming purposes and, in many cases, destroys prime soil, which is limited to areas where the soil naturally occurs and, once destroyed, cannot be recreated. Farmland is an important economic and environmental resource for New Jersey and, for this reason, it is important take steps to ensure farmland is used for farming purposes and not converted into commercial buildings. Lands currently used for commercial purposes should continue to be used for commercial purposes. For this reason, abandoned commercial buildings should be replaced with newly constructed commercial buildings at the same location. This bill would encourage the development of commercial buildings throughout the State while also protecting the State's farmland. | In Committee |
| SCR35 | Applies to Congress for Article V Convention of States to require balanced federal budget, impose term limits, and revise method of awarding electoral votes. | This resolution applies to the United States Congress for the calling of an Article V Convention of States to consider potential amendments to the United States Constitution. These amendments would require a balanced federal budget, impose term limits on members of Congress and the Justices of the Supreme Court, and change the distribution of electoral college votes for presidential candidates to the Congressional District Method currently used in Maine and Nebraska. Such amendments would not only guard against potential abuses of governmental power, but would also serve to strengthen and reaffirm the people's confidence in our federal government and its processes. A constitutional requirement for a balanced budget would curb wasteful spending by the federal government. Congressional term limits would provide new perspectives and greater accountability in federal governance. Term limits for Supreme Court Justices would provide greater opportunity for elected officials to make appointments to the Judiciary. Instituting a new method for distributing electoral votes would provide greater assurances that the voice of the American people is heard. The founders of this nation provided the state legislatures with an important mechanism for ensuring that the power of the federal government can be limited to avoid abuse of power. This resolution seeks to use that mechanism now. | In Committee |
| S1686 | Requires school districts to institute policies to improve emergency communications to increase school security. | The bill requires each school district to:· provide all persons employed or assigned to school security positions with a two-way radio for communicating directly with emergency responders; · develop procedures to notify parents and other appropriate persons of school emergency situations through multiple communication platforms, such as telephone calls, text messages, and mass email; and · test the functionality of all of its emergency communication systems on at least a monthly basis. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to develop strategies to encourage:· school districts to review and update their existing school safety and security plans to ensure that they clearly identify who is responsible for contacting the primary emergency response agency in the event of any emergency and that they employ plain language to notify the school population that an emergency condition exists;· school districts to implement measures to ensure that all teachers and other school employees have the ability to communicate with the school administration while school is in session. The means of communication may be in the form of classroom telephones, portable radios, intercom systems, cell phones, or other such means as determined by the school district; and · the use of new technologies to allow communication among all essential personnel during school emergencies. | In Committee |
| S1359 | Prohibits institutions of higher education from requiring students to receive COVID-19 vaccination. | This bill, which will be known as the "COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement Prohibition Act for Higher Education," prohibits an institution of higher education from requiring a student to receive a vaccination against COVID-19, or presenting evidence of such vaccination, as a condition of: enrollment in the institution; or participation in any program sponsored by the institution. | In Committee |
| S1667 | Requires Governor to transmit budget sustainability statement along with annual budget message. | This bill requires the Governor's annual budget message to include a budget sustainability statement. This bill is intended to improve the stability of the State fisc by requiring the Executive Branch to engage in budget planning practices covering two full fiscal years. The budget sustainability statement will provide an analysis of the feasibility of funding the appropriations at the level proposed in the budget message in the next succeeding fiscal year without increasing taxes or reducing the State's undesignated fund balance. The bill also requires the budget sustainability statement to consist of an accounting of all one-time, non-recurring State revenues, an estimate of any decline in State revenue collections due to the expiration of a law authorizing the imposition of a tax or fee, and estimates of any increases in appropriations required to make debt service payments and meet other contractual obligations, including collective bargaining agreements, and to support public assistance program, such as the State Medicaid Program and Work First New Jersey. Any increases in appropriations projected in the budget sustainability statement may be offset by a reasonable estimate of the amount of additional State revenue anticipated to be collected in the fiscal year next following the succeeding fiscal year and any estimated decrease in appropriations required pursuant to the State Constitution, or any provision of law or contract. | In Committee |
| SCR52 | Urges Congress and President to prohibit private financial institutions from penalizing individuals for exercise of free speech. | This resolution urges Congress and the President of the United States to enact legislation prohibiting private financial institutions from penalizing individuals for expression of constitutionally protected speech. A recent policy update notice from PayPal, Inc. indicated that its services could not be used, starting November 3, 2022, to promote misinformation, an infraction to be defined solely by PayPal, Inc. and to result in a fine of $2,500. Under the policy, PayPal, Inc. would have also been able to penalize users who would have violated other restrictions on expression, including on content that, in the sole discretion of PayPal, Inc., is unfit for publication. Public outrage led to the company retracting this change, but consumers remain vulnerable to the decisions of private financial institutions to implement similar policies going forward. Wide dependence upon financial institutions in daily life renders their ability to implement broad policies penalizing certain expressions inequitable. This resolution urges Congress and the President to enact legislation to protect consumers from such restrictions under federal law, which has the potential to more broadly protect consumers than state law alone. | In Committee |
| S792 | Indexes for inflation taxable income brackets under New Jersey gross income tax. | This bill indexes for inflation the taxable income brackets under the New Jersey gross income tax. This adds to the State personal income tax a common-sense taxpayer protection called inflation indexing that has been provided under the federal income tax since the 1980s. Inflation indexing means that tax brackets are revised annually to reflect nominal price and wage increases that result from inflation. When tax brackets are not indexed for inflation it results in what is called "bracket creep," which is an increase in effective tax rates caused by inflation. Higher income can bump a taxpayer into the next tax bracket, even if that higher income is merely keeping pace with inflation. A lack of inflation adjustment can also push more of a taxpayer's income into the highest bracket for which they qualify. The final result is a tax increase that occurs without any legislation being passed. Indexing addresses this by altering each bracket level each year by the level of annual inflation. Under this bill the inflation adjustment for taxable income brackets is the national consumer price index for all urban consumers as prepared by the United States Department of Labor. This is the same measure of inflation that is used for indexing the taxable income brackets under the federal Internal Revenue Code. The bill compares an annual inflation measure from the year prior to the one for which taxes will be imposed to a base year measure from the year prior to the one in which the bill is enacted. This delay allows the Director of the Division of Taxation to determine the adjusted amounts when the tax year begins. | In Committee |
| S940 | Establishes "Parents Bill of Rights Act"; prohibits school district from interfering with fundamental right of parent or guardian to engage in and direct student's education; permits opt-out of school district curriculum. | This bill establishes the "Parents Bill of Rights Act." The bill provides that a parent or guardian of a student enrolled in a school in the State has a fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education. Under the bill, the parent or guardian's fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education includes, but is not limited to, the right to (1) a summary of the curriculum to be taught to their child in the current school year; (2) review the curriculum to be taught to their child in the current school year; (3) review a list of the media services, textbooks, and books that are used in the classroom and that are available to a student through the school district; and (4) opt their child out of any curriculum that the parent or guardian believes is in conflict with their conscience or sincerely held moral or religious beliefs. No penalties as to credit or graduation are permitted as a result of a parent or guardian's decision to opt their child out of the curriculum under the provisions of the bill. The bill prohibits a school or school district from interfering with a parent or guardian's fundamental right to engage in and direct their child's education or denying a request by a parent or guardian for information made pursuant to the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S425 | Prohibits adoption of State and local rules that prohibit use of fossil fuel-powered kitchen appliances. | This bill would prohibit the adoption of State rules and regulations, and county and municipal ordinances, which prohibit the installation or use of a fossil fuel-powered appliance in a residential or commercial kitchen in the State, including, but not limited to, a natural gas-powered oven or stove. The bill would not prohibit the use of voluntary incentive programs to encourage the use of electric kitchen appliances. | In Committee |
| S938 | Requires DMVA assist discharged service members who have diagnosed service-connected mental health condition with petitions to change discharge designation. | This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to assist former service members of the Armed Forces who were separated from the service with an other than honorable discharge, bad conduct discharge, or a dishonorable discharge who have since been diagnosed with a service-connected mental health condition. The DMVA would assist these former service members with the appropriate and necessary forms and conditions to petition the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have the designation of the discharge changed and recorded as honorable. Under current law, the DMVA creates, publishes, and distributes, material to all public agencies of the availability of assistance, and utilizes a uniform process to provide the assistance to former service members who were separated from the service with a general or other than honorable discharge due solely to their sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. This bill expands this assistance to include former service members diagnosed with a service-connected mental health conditions. Former service members who have the designation of their discharge changed will be eligible for the same rights, privileges, and benefits currently offered to service members who were honorably discharged. No fee will be charged to a former service member for seeking assistance, and information related to the change in the designation of a discharge will be confidential and not accessible to the public as a government record. This bill defines "service-connected mental health condition" as a condition defined to be consistent with generally recognized independent standards of current medical practice referenced in the current version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders that has been diagnosed by a licensed mental health professional, in which the mental health professional deems the condition to be connected, in whole or in part, with a service member's service in the Armed Forces of the United States. | In Committee |
| S2169 | Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ apprentices in DOL registered apprenticeships. | This bill provides businesses with a credit against the corporation business tax or the gross income tax for each employee of the business employed pursuant to an apprenticeship registered with the United States Department of Labor (USDOL). The bill gives businesses a credit of $1,000 for each apprentice employed for seven months or more during the taxable year. The credit may be increased by $2,000 if the apprentice is a veteran, was eligible to receive benefits under the Work First New Jersey program or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program within twelve months preceding the beginning of the apprenticeship, is a displaced worker, or was previously incarcerated. Similarly, the credit may be increased by $2,000 if the apprentice belongs to a group that is underrepresented in that career field based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age. These two bonus credits are additive, so that a qualifying apprentice may lead to a $5,000 tax credit. The tax credit amounts will be annually adjusted according to any adjustments in the Statewide average weekly wage. An employer may take the credit for a particular apprentice for a maximum of four taxable years of the apprentice's employment. The purpose of the tax credit is to encourage employers to add highly skilled workers to New Jersey's workforce. The USDOL-registered apprenticeships combine technical instruction with structured on-the-job experience to match individuals with employers in need of qualified, skilled workers. The range of occupations represented by registered apprenticeships is vast, including traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing and emerging fields such as healthcare and energy. | In Committee |
| S1345 | Creates "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force". | This bill establishes the New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. The task force will be permanent and consist of 18 persons, at least five of whom will be members of the public. The bill requires the task force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. In performing this duty, the task force will: (1) Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation relative to the history and current status of anti-Semitism at college campuses and state universities and the world, with a focus on New Jersey-specific information. The task force's documentation and examination will include, but not be limited to, facts related to: (a) The definition and ideology of anti-Semitism; (b) Misconceptions and stereotyping relative to the Jewish people; and (c) Discrimination and systemic failings relative to the fair treatment of the Jewish people; (2) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the New Jersey public of the task force's findings; and (3) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the task force's findings. The task force will hold at least four public meetings each year, with at least one of those meetings being held in-person. The other meetings may be conducted virtually, via videoconferencing. Meetings via conference call will not be permitted. The task force will issue a report each year to the Governor and the Legislature and will provide its first annual report no later than 12 months following its initial meeting. | In Committee |
| S1335 | Provides a corporation business tax credit for investment in certain manufacturing equipment, facility renovation, modernization, and expansion. | This bill allows a corporation business tax credit for 20 percent of the costs of certain manufacturing equipment installed at a manufacturing facility in this State and 20 percent of the costs of improvements or additions that result in the renovation, modernization, or expansion of a manufacturing facility in this State. The bill provides that expenditures for certain manufacturing equipment, facility renovation, modernization, and expansion for which a credit is allowed under this bill are not to be considered expenditures for which a credit is allowed under the New Jobs Investment Tax Credit, the Manufacturing and Employment Investment Tax Credit, the Research and Development Credit, or the Effluent Treatment and Conveyance Equipment Credit. The bill defines "manufacturing equipment" as machinery, apparatus or equipment, including, but not limited to, any machinery, apparatus, or equipment employing an advanced technological process, used in the production of tangible personal property that is eligible for the sales tax exemption for manufacturing equipment. The bill defines a "manufacturing facility" as a business location, including, but not limited to, a factory, mill, or plant, at which more than 50 percent of the business personal property that is housed in the facility is manufacturing equipment. | In Committee |
| S1348 | Authorizes establishment of new cigar bars in Atlantic City Tourism District. | This bill would establish a new exemption from the requirements of the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act" to allow additional cigar bars to open in the Atlantic City Tourism District. The bill would require that any cigar bar established under its provisions be registered with the local board of health and approved as a permitted use by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority. Smoking in the new cigar bars would be limited to cigars, and the new bars would not be located on the premises of a casino. A cigar bar authorized under the bill will be required to have a license or permit authorizing the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, and to restrict entry to only persons 21 years of age and older. For the purposes of complying with State laws concerning retail liquor licenses, all sales of cigars and food at the cigar bar will be deemed to be an accommodation to patrons, and all nonalcoholic beverage sales will be deemed as accessory to alcoholic beverages. It is the sponsor's belief that allowing new cigar bars and lounges to open will help promote tourism, enhance the Atlantic City experience, allow vacant properties to be redeveloped into thriving businesses, and stimulate additional commercial development in the Atlantic City Tourism District. | In Committee |
| S1334 | Requires MVC to provide certain vehicle and licensing services in each county in State. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to operate a vehicle agency and a licensing agency in each county in the State, or to operate a commission agency in each county in the State that provides both vehicle and licensing services. | In Committee |
| S2053 | Provides tax credits to small businesses to offset increases in unemployment insurance contributions. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to small businesses to help offset increases in their unemployment insurance contributions, including increases scheduled pursuant to P.L.2020, c.150. The tax credit provided by the bill to a small business is an amount equal to the difference in the business's actual unemployment insurance contribution as required pursuant to R.S.43:21-7(c)(5) and the amount the small business would have paid if contributions had been computed based on rates set by column "C" of the table in R.S.43:21-7(c)(5)(E). The credit will be provided for any year in which the unemployment insurance contribution rates are greater than those imposed under column "C", and will end upon the first year in which the tax rates are equal or less than the rates of column "C". The bill adopts the U.S. Small Business Administration's definitions of a small business based on size standards and other applicable criteria. The tax credits are non-refundable, but may be carried forward for seven years. If a small business utilizes alternative relief options, such as grants or subsidies, to offset their increase in employer contributions, the small business would not be eligible for the bill's tax credits. | In Committee |
| SCR50 | Amends Constitution to dedicate money credited to the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" to maintain 9-1-1 system and emergency response. | This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to the State Constitution prohibiting money from being drawn from the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" for any purpose or in any manner other than as established under current law.Under current law, money from the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" is used for funding the State's capital equipment, facilities, and operating expenses that arise from emergency response, emergency response training, operating the Office of Emergency Telecommunications Services, operating the Statewide Public Safety Communications Commission, implementing the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission concerning 9-1-1 service, planning, designing, or implementing automatic location identification technology, and planning, designing, or acquiring replacement equipment or systems related to enhanced 9-1-1 network service. In the past, money from the trust fund account has been used for other purposes.This amendment to the State Constitution prohibits money in the trust fund account from being used for any other purpose other than those established under current law. | In Committee |
| S1666 | Removes criminal liability for law enforcement officers who have investigative encounter with underage person for possession of alcohol or cannabis unless civil rights are violated. | This bill provides that a law enforcement officer is not criminally liable for deprivation of civil rights for certain interactions with an underage person who possesses or consumes alcohol, marijuana, or certain cannabis items unless the officer acted with the purpose to intimidate or discriminate against a person or group of persons because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity. Under current law, a law enforcement officer, when responding to a call for service or upon the initiation of any other law enforcement or investigative encounter related to a violation concerning the unlawful possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, hashish, or any cannabis item by a person under the legal age to purchase alcoholic beverages or cannabis items, may be guilty of a crime of official deprivation of civil rights under certain circumstances. Current law imposes criminal liability regardless of whether the officer's act was done with the purpose to intimidate or discriminate against a person or group of persons because of race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity, which motivation is required to be proven for other acts of criminal deprivation of civil rights under section 2 of P.L.2003, c.31 (C.2C:30-6). Under this bill, a law enforcement officer who purposely intimidates or discriminates against an underage person because of the person's race, color, religion, gender, handicap, sexual orientation or ethnicity by engaging in a law enforcement or investigative encounter related to a violation concerning the underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, marijuana, hashish, or any cannabis would be guilty of deprivation of civil rights. | In Committee |
| S1378 | Establishes State aid reduction cap for calculation of State school aid. | This bill establishes a State aid reduction cap for the calculation of State school aid in any fiscal year. The bill ensures that the amount of State school aid disbursed to a district in a fiscal year is never less than the prior year's amount of aid by an amount greater than the State aid reduction cap. Under the bill, the State aid reduction cap for a school district, in any year in which the amount of State school aid is determined in accordance with P.L.2018, c.67 (commonly referred to as "S2"), is equal to 15 percent of the amount of aid in the prebudget year. In effect, a school district would receive at least 85 percent of the amount of aid received in the prebudget year. Additionally, under the bill, the State aid reduction cap for a school district, in any year in which the amount of State school aid is determined in accordance with the School Funding Reform Act of 2008, is equal to five percent of the amount of aid in the prebudget year. Consequently, a school district would receive at least 95 percent of the amount of aid received in the prebudget year. | In Committee |
| S672 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism. | This bill establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism. Under the bill, the term "definition of anti-Semitism" refers to the definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the "contemporary examples of antisemitism," while noting that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country is not antisemitic. The bill provides that in reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the State must take into consideration this definition of anti-Semitism for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. Under the bill, nothing contained in the bill would be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. The bill also provides that nothing in the bill would be construed to conflict with local, State, or federal anti-discrimination laws or regulations. | In Committee |
| S399 | Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately. | This omnibus bill addresses riot and certain violent crime committed during the course of riot. Presently, a person is guilty of riot if he participates with four or more others in a course of disorderly conduct with an unlawful purpose, enumerated in the statute. This bill amends subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:33-1, riot, and expands the categories of riot to include aggravated riot, inciting a riot and aggravated inciting a riot. Under the bill, a person commits riot if the he participates in a violent public disturbance involving an assembly of three or more persons, acting with a common intent to assist each other in violent and disorderly conduct, resulting in (1) Injury to another person; (2) Damage to property; or (3) Imminent danger of injury to another person or damage to property. A person who commits a riot when he or any other participant, known to him, uses or plans to use a firearm or other deadly weapon is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Otherwise riot is a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. New subsection b. is added to N.J.S.2C:33-1 to provide a person commits aggravated riot if, in the course of committing a riot, he: (1) Participates with 25 or more other persons; (2) Causes serious bodily injury to a person not participating in the riot; (3) Causes property damage in excess of $5,000; (4) Displays, uses, threatens to use, or attempts to use a deadly weapon; or (5) By force, or threat of force, endangers the safe movement of a vehicle traveling on a public street, highway, or road. A person who commits aggravating riot commits a crime of the second degree. A crime of the second degree is punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. New subsection c. is added to N.J.S.2C:33-1 to provide a person commits inciting a riot if he willfully incites another person to participate in a riot, resulting in a riot or imminent danger of a riot. A person who commits inciting a riot commits a crime of the third degree. New subsection d. is added to N.J.S.2C:33-1 to provide a person commits aggravated inciting a riot if he (1) Incites a riot resulting in serious bodily harm to another person not participating in the riot; (2) Incites a riot resulting in property damage in excess of $5,000; or (3) Supplies a deadly weapon to another person or teaches another person to prepare a deadly weapon with intent that the deadly weapon be used in a riot for an unlawful purpose. A person who commits aggravated inciting a riot commits a crime of the second degree. Under the bill, a person arrested for a violation of N.J.S.2C:33-1 shall be held in custody until brought before the court for a pretrial detention hearing. The bill does not prohibit constitutionally protected activity such as a peaceful protest. The bill amends N.J.S.2C:33-7, obstructing highways or other passages, to provide that it shall be unlawful for a person, having no legal privilege to do so, to purposely or recklessly obstruct any highway or other public passage whether alone or with others. No person shall be deemed in violation of this subsection solely because of a gathering of persons to hear him speak or otherwise communicate, or solely because of being a member of such a gathering. The amendment leaves intact subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:33-7, which concerns refusal to obey a reasonable official request or order to move. The bill amends N.J.S.2C:12-1, Assault. Currently, paragraph (5) of subsection b. enumerates specific circumstances when aggravated assault occurs. This bill adds that a person is guilty of aggravated assault if he attempts to cause or purposely, knowingly or recklessly causes bodily injury to another in the course of a riot. Aggravated assault under this circumstance is a crime of the third degree, punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Paragraph (5) of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:12-1 further elevates simple assault to aggravated assault when committed against certain categories of persons, including when committed against a law enforcement officer acting in the performance of the officer's duties while in uniform or exhibiting evidence of authority or because of the officer's status as a law enforcement officer, and is graded as a crime of the third degree. Under the bill, if, in the course of a riot, an object is thrown at certain emergency personnel including law enforcement officers, or if the emergency personnel is struck, whether or not with an object, the presumption of non-imprisonment for a first offense of a crime of the third degree shall not apply, and a mandatory period of six months imprisonment shall apply. The bill amends N.J.S.2C:17-3, criminal mischief, to add an additional category to the offense. Under the new provision, a person is guilty of criminal mischief if he without the consent of the owner thereof, willfully and maliciously defaces, injures, or otherwise damages by any means a memorial or historic property, and the value of the damage to the memorial or historic property is greater than $200. The bill grades this offense as a crime of the third degree where the damage is to a memorial or historic property. The bill provides that "historic property" means any building, structure, site, or object that has been officially designated or approved for inclusion, or which meets the criteria for inclusion, in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places pursuant to P.L.1970, c.268 (C.13:1B-15.128 et seq.) as a historic building, historic structure, historic site, or historic object through a federal, state, or local designation program. "Memorial" means a plaque, statue, marker, flag, banner, cenotaph, religious symbol, painting, seal, tombstone, structure name, or display that is constructed and located with the intent of being permanently displayed or perpetually maintained; is dedicated to a historical person, an entity, an event, or a series of events; and honors or recounts the military service of any past or present United States Armed Forces military personnel, or the past or present public service of a resident of the geographical area comprising the state or the United States. A court shall order any person convicted of violating this provision to pay restitution, which shall include the full cost of repair or replacement of such memorial or historic property. The bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:18-2, burglary, to add an additional circumstance to the grading scheme. Under the bill, burglary is a crime of the second degree if it occurs during a riot or an aggravated riot and the perpetration of the burglary is facilitated by conditions arising from the riot. The section is further amended to provide that "conditions arising from the riot," means civil unrest, power outages, curfews, or a reduction in the presence of or response time for first responders or homeland security personnel. A person arrested for committing a burglary during a riot or aggravated riot may not be released until the person appears before a judge at a pretrial detention hearing. The bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:20-2, theft, to add an additional circumstances to the grading scheme. Under the bill, theft is a crime of the second degree if the property stolen is law enforcement equipment, valued at $300 or more, that is taken from an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in R.S.39:1-1. "Emergency medical equipment" means mechanical or electronic apparatus used to provide emergency services and care or to treat medical emergencies. "Law enforcement equipment" means any property, device, or apparatus used by any law enforcement officer as defined in section 3 of P.L.1993, c.220, (C.52:17B-161) in the officer's official business. If the property is stolen during a riot or an aggravated riot prohibited under section N.J.S.2C:33-1 and the perpetration of the theft is facilitated by conditions arising from the riot; the theft is committed after the declaration of emergency is made, and the perpetration of the theft is facilitated by conditions arising from the emergency, the theft is a crime of the second degree. Under the bill, the term "conditions arising from the riot" means civil unrest, power outages, curfews, or a reduction in the presence of or response time for first responders or homeland security personnel and the term "conditions arising from the emergency" means civil unrest, power outages, curfews, voluntary or mandatory evacuations, or a reduction in the presence of or response time for first responders or homeland security personnel. Third degree theft is elevated to a crime of the second degree if the property is stolen during a riot or an aggravated riot prohibited under N.J.S.2C:33-1 and the perpetration of the theft is facilitated by conditions arising from the riot; the property is stolen after the declaration of emergency is made, and the perpetration of the theft is facilitated by conditions arising from the emergency. A person arrested for committing a theft during a riot crime, or other crime amended by the bill, may not be released until the person appears before a judge at a pretrial detention hearing. The bill amends N.J.S.59:2-2, concerning public entity liability to provide that a municipality has a duty to allow the municipal law enforcement agency to respond appropriately to protect persons and property during a riot or an unlawful assembly based on the availability of adequate equipment to its municipal law enforcement officers and relevant State and federal laws. The bill creates the new offenses of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication. Under the bill, mob intimidation occurs when a person, assembled with two or more other persons and acting with a common intent, to use force or threaten to use imminent force, to compel or induce, or attempt to compel or induce, another person to do or refrain from doing any act or to assume, abandon, or maintain a particular viewpoint against his or her will. A person who violates this section commits a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to 6 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A person arrested for a violation of this section shall be held in custody until brought before the court for a pretrial detention hearing. Under the bill, cyber-intimidation by publication occurs when a person electronically publishes another person's personal identification information with the intent to, or with the intent that a third party will use the information to (a) Incite violence or commit a crime against the person; or (b) Threaten or harass the person, placing such person in reasonable fear of bodily harm. A person who violates this subsection commits a crime of the fourth degree. The bill establishes an affirmative defense in action for personal injury, wrongful death, or property damage that action arose from an injury or damage sustained by a participant acting in furtherance of a riot. The bill establishes a procedure to appeal law enforcement funding reduction proposal in local budgets. This bill is modeled closely on Florida Laws ch.6; 2021 Fla. HB 1. | In Committee |
| S1363 | Establishes program in DOLWD to address jobs lost due to automation. | This bill will dedicate workforce development funds for a New Jersey Automation Job Loss Prevention Program in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program will be designed by the department in consultation with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The program will fund job training and career development programs, administered by the department, which focus on connecting employers located throughout the State with workers whose jobs have been lost or are endangered by automation as identified pursuant to the bill. The job training and career development programs will be hosted by employers at any place of business located in this State or at an institution of higher education located in this State and shall focus on career development as well as any specialized training that prepares at risk employees or those who have lost jobs for immediate employment with a host employer upon completion of a job training and career development program. The programs funded by the bill will provide employers the ability to train workers at no cost to the employer. The job training and career development programs funded pursuant to the bill are to connect participants with, and provide at least partial funding for, wrap around services to encourage participation in the programs. The wrap around services include, but are not limited to, transportation, child care, mental health services, and training on personal finance. The bill requires the department to identify jobs that have been or are in danger of being lost due to an increase in automation in that industry, and provide that information to the program. The bill also requires the department to conduct an evaluation of the program five years after approval of the first job training and career development program to determine the effectiveness of the program overall. | In Committee |
| S725 | Criminalizes unlawful occupancy of dwellings. | This bill would criminalize unlawful occupancy of a dwelling, also known as "squatting." Currently, squatting is not a criminal act. In order to lawfully evict a squatter, the owner of the property must apply to the court for a writ of possession. This bill would create three criminal offenses: housebreaking, unlawful occupancy, and unlawful reentry. They would be crimes of the fourth degree. Housebreaking. Under the bill, a person who forcibly enters an uninhabited or vacant dwelling knowing or having reason to believe that such entry is without permission of the owner of the dwelling or an authorized representative of the owner, with the intent to take up residence or provide a residency to another therein, would be guilty of housebreaking. The bill provides that a person is presumed to know that an entry is without the permission of the owner of the dwelling or an authorized representative of the owner unless the person provides a written rental agreement that is notarized or signed by an authorized agent of the owner and includes the current address and telephone number of the owner or the owner's authorized representative. Unlawful Occupancy. The bill provides that a person who takes up residence in an uninhabited or vacant dwelling and knows or has reason to believe that such residency is without permission of the owner of the dwelling or an authorized representative of the owner is guilty of unlawful occupancy. A person is presumed to know that the residency is without the permission of the owner or an authorized representative unless the person provides a written rental agreement that is notarized or signed by an authorized agent of the owner, and includes the current address and telephone number of the owner or the owner's authorized representative. Unlawful Reentry. The bill provides that a person commits unlawful reentry if an owner of real property has recovered possession of the property from the person pursuant to a court order and, without the authority of the court or permission of the owner, the person reenters the property. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1665 | Requires ABC to waive certain alcoholic beverage license renewal fees in response to COVID-19 pandemic; allows municipalities to waive renewal fees. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to waive the renewal fees for plenary retail consumption licenses, which allow bars and restaurants to serve alcoholic beverages. In addition, the bill requires the director to waive the renewal fees to hold a limited brewery license and restricted brewery license. The bill further allows municipal governing bodies to also waive the municipal renewal fees to hold a plenary retail consumption license. Under current law, the holder of a plenary retail consumption license is required to pay to the ABC an annual $200 license renewal fee. These license holders also are required to pay the municipal governing body in which the licensed premises is situated an annual fee established by ordinance of $250 to $2,500. A person who holds a limited brewery license, also known as a "microbrewery" license, is entitled to brew and distribute beer to retailers and manufacturers, but is limited in the amount of beer that he or she may brew in one year. A person holding this license is prohibited from brewing an amount in excess of 300,000 barrels of 31 fluid gallons capacity per year. The fees to hold a limited brewery license are graduated based on the amount of beer brewed per year and are between $1,250 and $7,500 per year. A restricted brewery license, also known as a "brew pub" license, is only issued to a person who also holds a plenary retail consumption license generally issued to bars and restaurants. The brew pub license allows the licensee to brew the beer, while the consumption license allows the licensee to sell that beer and other alcoholic beverages directly to restaurant patrons. The annual fee to hold a restricted brewery license is $1,250 for up to 1,000 barrels holding 31gallons and an additional $250 for every additional 1,000 barrels produced. This bill would take effect immediately and be retroactive to March 9, 2020, which is the date on which the Governor declared a state of emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. License holders who had already paid their annual renewal fee following March 9th would be entitled to receive a reimbursement for the cost of the fee. This temporary enactment has an effective date that expires: (1) on the date on which the coronavirus-related occupancy or customer seating restrictions no longer apply to these licensed premises; or (2) 12 months following the date of the bill's enactment, whichever date occurs later. | In Committee |
| SR49 | Urges immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of marine life off the coast of New Jersey. | This resolution urges the State and federal governments to impose an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping due to recent unexplained deaths of whales and dolphins off the coast of New Jersey. Since December 2022, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has recorded at least twelve whale deaths off the coast of New Jersey, eight of which have been humpback whales. In addition, there were also five deaths of dolphins recorded in February 2023 alone. Most of these deaths remain unexplained, but have occurred in or near areas of offshore wind energy development. Given the unprecedented number of these recent deaths, their occurrence in or near areas of offshore wind energy development may be more than coincidental and warrants State and federal investigation. A possible cause of these deaths is the increased use of sonar and other underwater mapping technologies for the development of offshore wind energy projects, which may interfere with marine mammals' ability to hear, communicate, and navigate underwater. Therefore, an immediate moratorium on sonar testing and wind turbine mapping for these offshore wind energy projects is urged, so that further scientific study of these projects' impact on marine life can be conducted. | In Committee |
| S1370 | Criminalizes participation in criminal street gang. | This bill would make it a crime of the fourth degree to knowingly and actively participate in a criminal street gang and to purposely promote, further or assist others participating in the criminal street gang in the commission of certain offenses. Those offenses are: robbery; carjacking; aggravated assault; assault; aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; arson; burglary; kidnapping; extortion; tampering with witnesses and informants; or a violation of chapter 11 (homicide), sections 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of chapter 35 (controlled dangerous substances), or chapter 39 (firearms and weapons) of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. Fourth degree crimes are punishable by imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. As used in the bill, "criminal street gang" has the same definition as provided in section 1 of P.L.2007, c.341 (C.2C:33-29). Under that definition, criminal street gang means three or more persons associated in fact. Individuals are associated in fact if: (1) two of the following seven criteria that indicate criminal street gang membership apply: (a) self-proclamation; (b) witness testimony or official statement; (c) written or electronic correspondence; (d) paraphernalia or photographs; (e) tattoos; (f) clothing or colors; (g) any other indicia of street gang activity; and (2) individually or in combination with other members of a criminal street gang, while engaging in gang related activity, have committed or conspired or attempted to commit, within the preceding five years from the date of the present offense, excluding any period of imprisonment, one or more offenses on separate occasions of robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault, assault, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, arson, burglary, kidnapping, extortion, tampering with witnesses and informants or a violation of chapter 11, section 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 of chapter 35 or chapter 39 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | In Committee |
| S1352 | Requires school districts to receive written permission from parent or legal guardian before administering certain student health surveys. | This bill would require school districts to receive written permission from a parent or legal guardian before administering certain health surveys to students. Under current law, a school district that sends prior written notification to a parent or legal guardian may administer an anonymous, voluntary survey, assessment or evaluation to the student which reveals information concerning any of the following issues: · use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping;· sexual behavior and attitudes;· behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or· physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors. Written notification provided to a parent or legal guardian is required to be delivered by regular mail, electronic mail, or a written acknowledgement form to be delivered by the student at least two weeks prior to administration of the survey, assessment, analysis, or evaluation. Information obtained through the survey is also required to be submitted to the Department of Education and the Department of Health and may be used to develop public health initiatives and prevention programs. This bill would amend current law to require a school district to receive written permission from a parent or legal guardian, rather than providing notification, prior to administering an anonymous, voluntary survey, assessment, analysis or evaluation to a student concerning the use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and vaping; sexual behavior and attitudes; behaviors that may contribute to intentional or unintentional injuries or violence; or physical activity and nutrition-related behaviors. | 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 |
| S1371 | Establishes deadlines for publishing quarterly crime data, issuance of annual report by Attorney General. | Currently, no deadline exists for the publishing of crime report data collected quarterly from municipal and county police forces and departments. This bill requires the Attorney General to make this data public via the Department of Law and Public Safety website within six months of the end of the quarter that is being reported. Similarly, this bill establishes a deadline of one year and one day for the Attorney General to issue the annual crime data report required by statute to the Governor and Legislature. | In Committee |
| S1703 | Credits $2.35 billion to "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund"; appropriates $4.32 billion to Department of Treasury to provide funds to municipalities and counties for debt retirement and avoidance. | This bill adds $2.35 billion from the General Fund to the "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund," and appropriates a total of $4.32 billion from the fund to the Department of the Treasury for the purpose of providing funds to each municipality and county in the State to be used by the municipality or county to retire and defease local debt or to fund capital projects on a pay-as-you-go basis rather than issuing additional local debt. The total amount of funds appropriated by the bill includes $1.97 billion in currently unallocated balances in the New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund. Under the bill, $3.0 billion would be allocated to each municipality on an equal per capita basis wherein each municipality receives the same dollar amount per resident. The remaining $1.32 billion appropriated by the bill would be allocated to each county on an equal per capita basis. The bill requires that all funds appropriated by the bill be distributed to each municipality and each county within 30 days of enactment. The State budget has recently benefited from debt reduction and avoidance from prior appropriations to the New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention account, though typically only after funds have remained in the account for inordinately long periods of time while inflation destroys its value. Local governments can frequently have significant debt which can be equally or more expensive for taxpayers than State debt. Local governments have compelling infrastructure and capital needs that include, but are not limited to: water, sewer, parks, flooding, storm water, public safety, emergency medical services, community development, and traffic improvements. The State's budgeting process has frequently provided only small and symbolic amounts of assistance towards local infrastructure and capital improvements and only after burdensome, inefficient, and politicized processes that chose winners and losers based on favoritism. The sponsor believes it is sound public policy to quickly and efficiently direct remaining balances in the New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund towards debt reduction and avoidance that benefits property taxpayers and all residents of the State through a fair and reasonable allocation process. | In Committee |
| S994 | Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program." The program provides loans to eligible small businesses for the improvement of indoor air quality. It will be administered by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection. The loans may be applied to any aspect of an eligible small business intended to improve the business' indoor air quality, including capital purchases, employee training, and salaries for new positions. Work performed using funds provided by the program shall be performed by an organization certified by the Testing, Adjusting and Balancing Bureau, National Environmental Balancing Bureau or the Associated Air Balance Council. Small business loans under the bill are to bear interest at rates and terms set by the authority. Any business that has received a grant through the program may apply to the department for a New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Certification. A condition for the issuance of a certificate shall be the completion of a successful indoor air quality management inspection. This inspection is to be performed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and be based on the Indoor Air Quality Management Checklist promulgated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. | In Committee |
| S1346 | Reduces number of manufacturing jobs required to qualify for NJEDA financing and incentive programs. | This bill reduces by 50 percent, the number of manufacturing jobs required to be eligible for New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) financing and incentive programs. The sales and use tax exemption program permits certain companies to obtain a sales tax exemption certificate for the purchase of items to construct or rehabilitate a new business location. Under the bill, a life science or manufacturing company relocating 125 full-time manufacturing jobs or 250 full-time non-manufacturing jobs may be eligible for the exemption. The program currently requires the relocation of 250 full-time employees regardless of whether the job is a manufacturing job or not. The GROW NJ program provides tax credits to eligible businesses based upon defined job creation and capital investment criteria. Under the bill, the number of full-time jobs that must be created or retained to qualify for the GROW program is reduced by 50 percent for manufacturing jobs, but remains the same for non-manufacturing jobs. The definition of a mega project is altered so that the number of jobs that must be created to qualify as a mega project is reduced by 50 percent for manufacturing jobs, but remains the same for non-manufacturing jobs. The alternate benefit calculation for a GROW project in a Garden State Growth Zone which qualifies for the "Municipal Rehabilitation and Economic Recovery Act," divides the total capital investment by the number of jobs to be created, with the number of full-time manufacturing jobs used in this calculation being reduced by 50 percent for each investment and job creation category used to make the calculation. The Urban Enterprise Zones (UEZ) manufacturers energy sales tax exemption allows UEZ certified manufacturers an exemption from the sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas and its transmission consumed at the UEZ certified location. Under the bill, the employment requirement for a business is reduced from 250 full-time employees, with at least 50 percent being involved in the manufacturing process to 188 full-time employees with at least 33 percent being involved in the manufacturing process. | In Committee |
| S733 | Requires State Division of Investment to review pension and annuity fund assets to determine extent to which assets are invested in businesses with ties to foreign adversaries. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury to conduct a review of State pension and annuity fund assets to determine the extent to which those assets are invested in any foreign company with an equity tie to a foreign adversary or its instrumentalities. For purposes of the bill, "foreign adversary" is defined as any foreign government or foreign non-government person determined by the United States Secretary of Commerce to have engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or security and safety of United States persons. The bill defines "equity tie" as manufacturing or mining plants, employees or advisors, facilities, or an investment, fiduciary, monetary or physical presence of any kind, including an ownership stake in one or more subsidiary or joint venture with one or more companies in the country. "Equity tie" would not include the activities of any foreign company providing humanitarian aid to people through a non-governmental organization. Six months after the bill's effective date, the director would be required to submit to the Governor, the Legislature, and the State Investment Council a report of all pension and annuity fund assets invested in foreign companies with an equity tie to a foreign adversary and recommendations as to whether the State should divest fund assets from those companies. | In Committee |
| S728 | Prohibits government entities from procuring and using technology products and services from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in certain foreign countries. | The Office of the Director of National Intelligence has identified several nations which have both the capability and desire to launch cyber attacks against the United States and pose an active and persistent cyber espionage threat. The State of New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness has also recognized the threat of cyber attacks against the State of New Jersey by foreign actors. This bill prohibits the State of New Jersey, its agencies, and local governments from procuring or using any technology products, services, or systems from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in foreign countries which have been identified as posing a cybersecurity threat to the United States or the State of New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S726 | Prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting gifts and donations from foreign adversaries. | This bill prohibits public institutions of higher education from accepting gifts and donations from certain entities and individuals. Under the bill, a public institution of higher education is prohibited from accepting gifts and donations from a foreign adversary, an individual acting on behalf of a foreign adversary, or an entity that is owned, controlled, or subject to a jurisdiction deemed a foreign adversary. The bill defines foreign adversary as any foreign government or foreign non-government person determined by the United States Secretary of Commerce to have engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or security and safety of United States persons. | In Committee |
| S731 | Prohibits any foreign company created under laws of foreign adversary from participating in critical infrastructure. | This bill prohibits any foreign company created under the laws of a foreign adversary from participating in critical infrastructure in this State. The bill defines "foreign adversary" to mean any foreign government determined by the United States Secretary of Commerce to have engaged in a long-term pattern or serious instances of conduct significantly adverse to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons. Under the bill, the State of New Jersey, and all agencies or political subdivisions thereof, are prohibited from allowing a foreign company created under the laws of a foreign adversary to participate in the construction, maintenance, or control of any critical infrastructure in this State. Critical infrastructure includes communication networks, electric generation, gas distribution systems, water pipelines, and related support facilities, such as buildings, offices, lines, poles, pipes, structures, and equipment. The State's safety, security, and stability depend on protecting critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries. The disruption of these key services would significantly disrupt the well-being of the people of this State and the functioning of the economy. The involvement of a foreign company created under the laws of a foreign adversary raises substantial security threats, such as cyber-attacks or the intentional disruption of services. Accordingly, to protect against risks posed by foreign adversaries, it is crucial to ensure that only trusted entities control the State's critical infrastructure. | In Committee |
| S1208 | Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops. | This bill permits a municipality to enact an ordinance establishing areas in or around elementary or secondary schools, playgrounds, or child care centers where certain registered sex offenders may be prohibited from residing. The bill also imposes restrictions on the location of school bus stops and the siting of child care centers so that they are not situated near the residence of a high risk sex offender. It is the Legislature's intent to enhance the public safety by permitting municipalities to enact ordinances to prevent convicted sex offenders who have committed crimes against minors from residing within 500 feet of a school, playground or child care center, subject to certain statutorily-enumerated exceptions, and also by prohibiting the siting of school bus stops and child care centers near the residences of high risk sex offenders. The bill establishes specific limitations that the ordinance may impose on sex offenders establishing residences. These ordinances would be applicable to a "person subject to limitations," which the bill defines as a person over the age of 21 subject to the registration requirements set forth in Megan's Law who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a sex offense enumerated in Megan's Law in which the victim of the offense was under 18 years of age, except for those whose risk of re-offense has been determined to be low. Under the bill's provisions, such persons would be prohibited from residing within 500 feet from the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center, provided that any such ordinance is not to be formulated in a manner that would prohibit these persons from residing in every residentially-zoned area within the municipality. The municipal ordinance is not to be applied to prohibit such a person from residing within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center if: (1) the person is required to serve a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility or other correctional institution or facility or is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric, mental health or other facility which is located within 500 feet of the elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center; (2) the person resides and receives services at an institution, mental health or other facility licensed or permitted by the Department of Human Services which is located within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center; (3) the parole board, after considering the person's housing options, determines that a needs-based exception for the person is required; or (4) a court that discharges the person from a psychiatric facility determines that an exception is appropriate. The bill provides that an ordinance is not to be applied to prohibit such a person from continuing to reside at a residence established by that person within the municipality prior to the enactment of the ordinance. An ordinance enacted pursuant to the bill is required to provide that the municipal engineer is required to produce a map for the purpose of depicting the location and boundaries of the areas. The original of every map is to be filed with the clerk of the municipality and be maintained as an official record of the municipality. This bill also prohibits a school board from locating a school bus stop within 250 feet of the residence of a high risk (tier three) sex offender unless the relocation of the school bus stop creates a more dangerous condition for a child. In making this determination, the school board is required to consult with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality. The bill requires the school board to adopt a resolution stating the reason for the relocation of the school bus stop. Finally, the bill prohibits child care centers from being located within 500 feet of the residence of a tier three sex offender. | In Committee |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Abstain |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| A5130 | Requires enforcing agency to conduct inspection of construction in specified time window. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Abstain |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| A5546 | Concerns financial powers and responsibilities of Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| 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 | Nay |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Nay |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Senate District 01 | Senate | Republican | In Office | 12/05/2019 |