Legislator
Legislator > Ellen Park
State Assemblymember
Ellen Park
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Assembly District 37
In Office - Started: 01/11/2022
contact info
Englewood Office
96 Engle St.
Englewood, NJ 07631
Englewood, NJ 07631
Phone: 201-308-7062
Phone 2: 201-928-0100
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1400 | "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative. | This bill, titled the "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act," would provide an alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title to the property from a relative. The bill is based on the 2010 uniform act of the same name drafted and approved by the Uniform Law Commission (formerly known, and sometimes still referred to, as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws). Currently, any real property held by multiple owners as tenants in common (cotenants) may be subject to a partition action filed in Superior Court, which may result in (1) a partition in kind, which is the physical division of the property proportionate to individual owners' interests, or (2) partition by sale, for which individual owners are then compensated out of the total purchase price proportionate to their interests. See N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq. This bill would preempt some parts of the existing partition law in order to create new requirements for the process intended to more greatly protect the interests of cotenant property owners who may object to another owner's action seeking to partition any property which meets the following characteristics and is referred to in the bill as "heirs property": - there is no agreement in a record binding all the cotenants which governs the partition of the property; - one or more of the cotenants acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; and - any one of the following applies: 20 percent or more of the interests are held by cotenants who are relatives; 20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; or 20 percent or more of the cotenants are relatives. When a partition action is filed pursuant to the partition law, N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq., the court would make a determination, based on information contained in the pleadings or any other information provided to the court pursuant to the Rules of Court, whether the subject property is "heirs property." If so determined, the property would be partitioned in accordance with the process set forth in the bill. The court is to appoint a special master to generally oversee the process and, when appropriate to carry out a partition in kind (the physical division of property), and may, when appropriate, appoint a commissioner or commissioners pursuant R.4:63-1 of the Rules of Court "to ascertain and report in writing the metes and bounds of each [cotenant's] share." Any such appointed commissioner would be required to be disinterested, impartial, and not a party to or participant in the partition action. The bill also provides that if the court determines that the property may be heirs property, the court would order the plaintiff to post, and maintain while the action is pending, a conspicuous notice on the property that is the subject of the action in accordance with the Rules of Court. That notice would state information about the partition action and the common designation by which the property is known, and the court could also require the party to include the party's name and the known defendants (other cotenants). An appointed special master would direct a disinterested real estate appraiser licensed in the State to make a determination of the property's fair market value, assuming sole ownership of the fee simple estate, unless the cotenants have agreed to the property's value or to another valuation method, in which case the special master could accept that value or the value produced by the agreed upon method. If an appraisal was conducted, the completed appraisal would be distributed to the parties in the action and filed with the special master. Within 30 days after the appraisal is filed, any party could file an objection with the special master. Thereafter, following notice of a hearing, the special master could conduct an appraisal hearing to determine the fair market value of the property, during which the special master could consider evidence offered by any party in addition to the real estate appraisal on file. If any cotenant requests a partition by sale, after the determination of the property's value, a notice would be sent within 45 days by the party who filed the partition action to all parties and the special master indicating that any cotenant, except a cotenant that requested partition by sale, could buy all of the interests of the one or more cotenants requesting the sale. Within 30 days thereafter, any eligible cotenant or cotenants could then elect to buy all of those interests by giving notice of such to the parties and the special master. The purchase price for each of the interests of a cotenant requesting the partition by sale would be the determined value of the entire parcel of property multiplied by the cotenant's fractional ownership of the entire parcel. At the conclusion of the buyout notice period, the bill provides for the following: (1) If only one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the cotenant would notify all the parties and the special master in writing; (2) If more than one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master would allocate the right to buy those interests among the electing cotenants based on each electing cotenant's existing fractional ownership of the entire parcel divided by the total existing fractional ownership of all cotenants electing to buy, and send written notice to all the parties of that fact and of the price to be paid by each electing cotenant; and (3) If no cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master with notice to the parties would report in writing to the court, and the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. In situations when one or more cotenants elected to buy the available interests, each such cotenant would be required to pay their apportioned price within 30 days with notice to the special master. Upon timely payment by all purchasing cotenants, the special master would issue an order reallocating the interests amongst the remaining cotenants and the money held by the Superior Court Trust Fund would be disbursed, in accordance with procedures set forth in the Rules of Court, to the one or more cotenants who have been bought-out. If no one made timely payments, the special master would report this to the court, which in turn would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. If only some made timely payments, those paying cotenants could file a motion with the special master to determine the outstanding interests and their purchase price, and one or more such cotenants could thereafter pay, based upon a new special master order, for the recalculated remaining interests within 30 days following issuance of the order. After this new 30-day period, if there remained any interests for sale that are not purchased, the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. Thus, whenever at the conclusion of the one or more buyout periods described above there remain any unpurchased interest from a cotenant that requested the partition by sale, or any cotenant remains that has requested a partition in kind, the special master would report to the court a recommendation to proceed with a partition in kind. The court would order the partitioning of the property into physically distinct and separately titled parcels, unless the court found that such partitioning would result in great prejudice to the cotenants as a group; the determination of "great prejudice" would be based on such factors as whether the property could be divided practicably amongst cotenants, whether doing so could decrease the aggregate values of the resulting parcels versus selling the property as a whole, and any cotenant's sentimental attachment to the property, including attachment arising because of any ancestral, unique, or special value to the cotenant. In a case in which a partition in kind would result in great prejudice, the court would order a partition by sale, unless no cotenant requested such action, resulting in the dismissal of the case and no further partitioning of the property. Any partition by sale would be an open-market sale unless the court finds that a sale by sealed bids or an auction would be more economically advantageous and in the best interest of the cotenants as a group. Any open-market sale would proceed under a licensed real estate broker, either agreed to by the parties or, absent agreement, appointed by the court. The real estate broker would be provided a reasonable commission on the sale as determined by the court. The broker would offer the property for sale in a commercially reasonable manner at a price no lower than the previously determined value of the property, and on the terms and conditions established by the court. The broker, after receiving an offer to purchase the property, would file a report with the court containing information about the purchase price, name of each buyer, terms of the proposed sale, including the terms of any financing, any amounts to be paid to lienholders, and other material facts relevant to the sale. Thereafter, the purchase could be completed in accordance with applicable State law and payments distributed based upon the former cotenants various interests in the property. This bill would take effect on the 30th day following enactment, and apply to any partition actions filed on or after that date. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4113 | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4124 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | In Committee |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Passed |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Passed |
| S3052 | Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation. | Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation. | Passed |
| A2998 | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Crossed Over |
| A4380 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | In Committee |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4643 | Creates penalty for child endangerment via use of social media. | Creates penalty for child endangerment via use of social media. | Crossed Over |
| A4765 | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Passed |
| S3663 | Establishes reproductive health travel advisory. | This bill requires the Department of State to establish the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. While many pregnancies are safe and uneventful, there is always some risk that a pregnancy will unexpectedly result in a medical emergency endangering the life or health of the patient. The effective treatment of such emergencies sometimes requires termination of the pregnancy. In the states that limit reproductive health care services, it is unclear to what extent necessary medical treatment for pregnancy-related emergencies will be permitted. There is thus a need to create an advisory that will inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States limit reproductive health care services so that they may make informed travel decisions while pregnant. Pursuant to this bill, the travel advisory is to provide a description of each state in the United States with respect to reproductive healthcare services, including but not limited to, gestational duration bans, waiting periods, insurance coverage bans, medication restrictions, constitutional protections, reproductive health care funding, and criminal and civil liability for patients and healthcare providers. The travel advisory is required to provide the information according to the following tiered system: (1) "Blue: Exercise normal caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have access to all forms of reproductive medical care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution; (2) "Yellow: Exercise increased caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in civil or criminal prosecution; and (3) "Red: Reconsider travel," which signifies that pregnant individuals have extremely restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in an adverse medical outcome, pregnant individuals being subject to civil or criminal prosecution, and individuals seeking emergency reproductive medical care not being provided life-saving care due to state law. The Department of State is to publish the travel advisory in a prominent location on its website and update the advisory for each state every time a state experiences a change in its law, rules, or regulations concerning reproductive healthcare services. | Passed |
| A4897 | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Passed |
| A4878 | Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation. | This bill extends certain options in regard to grades to dependents of service members enrolled in public institutions of higher education who cannot complete a course due to an unplanned military obligation of the service member. The bill also clarifies the scope of existing grade options and establishes additional grade options. Under current law, a student enrolled in public institution of higher education who is unable to complete a course due to a deployment, mobilization, reassignment, or other military obligation as a service member has four options in regard to the grade for the course. If the student has completed at least eight weeks of the course, the student may choose to receive a (1) letter grade; (2) pass or fail grade; (3) grade of incomplete; or (4) withdrawal. If the student has completed fewer than eight weeks of the course, the student's options are limited to choosing between receiving an incomplete grade and withdrawing from the course. Current law also specifies that a student who accepts a grade of pass or fail may, within a year of returning to the institution, complete the course work to receive a letter grade. Under the bill, these grade options are to also be made available to the dependents of the service member. The bill defines a "dependent" as a dependent child or spouse of the service member. The bill clarifies that the deployment, mobilization, reassignment or other military obligation preventing the service member or dependent from completing the course be unplanned. The bill also changes the demarcating line of course completion from eight weeks to 55 percent of the duration of the course. If the service member or dependent has completed 55 percent of the duration of the course, receipt of a letter grade would only be granted if the faculty member teaching the course determines that the service member or dependent has completed sufficient work, and there is sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course, to justify the grade. A grade of pass or fail would also be based on whether the faculty member determines the member or dependent completed sufficient work and there is sufficient evidence of meeting the course requirements. The bill also adds the options of receiving a temporary grade or transferring into an equivalent online section of the course when available and with appropriate approval. The options are to be subject to the approval of the teacher, department, registrar, or appropriate office at the institution, If the service member or dependent has completed less than 55 percent of the duration of the course, the service member or dependent may receive an incomplete for the grade only if the faculty member teaching the course determines that the student or dependent has completed sufficient work, and there is sufficient evidence of progress toward meeting the requirements of the course, to justify the grade. The service member or dependent also has an added option of transferring into an equivalent online section of the course when available and with appropriate approval. The options shall be subject to the approval of the teacher, department, the registrar, or the appropriate office at the institution, Finally, the bill specifies that the service member or dependent who initially chose to accept a pass or fail grade, but subsequently returns to the institution within a year to complete course work to receive a letter grade, may contact the faculty member who taught the course, the academic chair of the department offering the course, the registrar, or the appropriate office at the institution to establish a plan for completing the course work to receive the grade. | In Committee |
| A4915 | Establishes reproductive health travel advisory. | This bill requires the Department of State to establish the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Travel Advisory" to inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States restrict access to reproductive healthcare services. While many pregnancies are safe and uneventful, there is always some risk that a pregnancy will unexpectedly result in a medical emergency endangering the life or health of the patient. The effective treatment of such emergencies sometimes requires termination of the pregnancy. In the states that limit reproductive health care services, it is unclear to what extent necessary medical treatment for pregnancy-related emergencies will be permitted. There is thus a need to create an advisory that will inform New Jersey residents of the extent to which states within the United States limit reproductive health care services so that they may make informed travel decisions while pregnant. Pursuant to this bill, the travel advisory is to provide a description of each state in the United States with respect to reproductive healthcare services, including but not limited to, gestational duration bans, waiting periods, insurance coverage bans, medication restrictions, constitutional protections, reproductive health care funding, and criminal and civil liability for patients and healthcare providers. The travel advisory is required to provide the information according to the following tiered system: (1) "Blue: Exercise normal caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have access to all forms of reproductive medical care without fear of civil or criminal prosecution; (2) "Yellow: Exercise increased caution," which signifies that pregnant individuals have restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in civil or criminal prosecution; and (3) "Red: Reconsider travel," which signifies that pregnant individuals have extremely restricted access to reproductive medical care that could result in an adverse medical outcome, pregnant individuals being subject to civil or criminal prosecution, and individuals seeking emergency reproductive medical care not being provided life-saving care due to state law. The Department of State is to publish the travel advisory in a prominent location on its website and update the advisory for each state every time a state experiences a change in its law, rules, or regulations concerning reproductive healthcare services. | In Committee |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Passed |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | This bill amends the definition of compensation for purposes of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to include additional pay for performing extracurricular duties beyond the regular school day or the regular school year. This additional pay is currently not included in the definition of compensation for pension purposes. Extracurricular duties include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities. | Passed |
| A2365 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | In Committee |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Passed |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | This bill codifies the current policy of the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) to issue an annual report summarizing compensation awards granted to eligible victims. Under the bill, the report is to summarize compensation awarded to victims during the previous fiscal year. The report is also to include the number of applications for compensation, the number of applications granted and denied and the reasons for the dispositions, the amount of awards, demographics concerning awards, services for which awards were provided, funding received by the office, and any other information deemed relevant by the Attorney General and the Executive Director of the VCCO. The bill requires the report to be completed within six months following the last day of the previous fiscal year. The report is to be issued to the Governor and the Legislature, as well as made available on the official website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. | Passed |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Passed |
| A5420 | Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. | This bill permits 30-calendar day extensions to cure periods for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. Under current law, a State agency, department, or authority may suspend enforcement of any monetary fine or civil penalty, for a period of 60 calendar days, that would otherwise be imposed on a business for a first-time violation that does not or would not result in a significant adverse impact to the public safety or welfare, result in loss of income or benefits to an employee, or present the risk of environmental harm. This bill provides that the State agency, department, or authority may extend the 60-calendar day cure period an additional 30 calendar days for a business where such agency, department, or authority determines that not providing the extension would be contrary to equity and good conscience. | Crossed Over |
| AR186 | Honors life of Congressman William J. Pascrell, Jr. | This resolution honors late Congressman Pascrell. Congressman Pascrell, a tireless advocate for public health and safety who served New Jersey for decades, leaves behind a legacy of distinguished public service. Congressman Pascrell founded the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, an initiative that has played a critical role in advancing national policy, research, and resources for individuals affected by brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) occur due to a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts normal brain function, while acquired brain injuries (ABI) result from internal causes such as strokes, aneurysms, or tumors. Individuals who suffer from TBI or ABI often experience long-term disabilities ranging from minor impairments to severe and life-altering conditions, which affect their cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being. Over the years the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force has worked to increase awareness of brain injuries, support groundbreaking research initiatives, promote rehabilitation services, and address the long-term effects of brain injuries on individuals, families, and communities. As a co-chair of the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force, Congressman Pascrell advocated for research initiatives focused on treatment, rehabilitation, and potential cures for TBI. Brain injuries impact thousands of New Jersey residents in every congressional district, affecting children, veterans, athletes, seniors, and survivors of accidents and medical conditions, all of whom need strong legislative advocacy and support at both the State and federal levels. The Congressional Brain Injury Task Force remains a bipartisan effort, currently co-chaired by Democratic Congressman Chris Deluzio from Pennsylvannia and Republican Congressman Morgan Luttrell from Texas, and continues to advance Congressman Pascrell's legacy of championing policies that improve brain injury awareness, prevention, research, and treatment. It is vital that New Jersey's congressional delegation continues Congressman Pascrell's legacy by joining and supporting the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force to ensure that our State remains a leader in brain injury advocacy and policy. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2026 | Appropriates $58,782,119,000 in State funds and $31,007,261,743 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2026. | This bill appropriates $58,779,619,000 in State funds and $31,007,261,743 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2026. | Passed |
| A5800 | Appropriates $58,782,119,000 in State funds and $31,007,261,743 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2026. | This bill appropriates $58,782,119,000 in State funds and $31,007,261,743 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2026. | In Committee |
| A5848 | Modifies child endangerment statute to include AI technology; establishes criminal penalties. | This bill amends the child endangerment statute, N.J.S.A.2C:24-4, to create a fourth degree crime of knowingly or recklessly causing or allowing a child to be subjected to sexual conduct through the use of automated interactive computer technology. Under current law, endangering the welfare of a child occurs when a person engages in sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child. Endangering is a second degree crime when committed by a person with a legal duty to care for the child, and is a third degree crime when committed by other persons. Although the statute does not specify what types of acts constitute sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, it has been well-settled by the courts of this State that the conduct can occur online or over the telephone without actual physical contact, and can include conversations with children that describe sexual activity. See, e.g., State v. Maxwell, 361 N.J. Super. 502 (Law Div. 2001); State v. Johnson, 460 N.J. Super. 481 (Law Div. 2019); State v. McInerney, 428 N.J. Super. 432 (App. Div. 2012). Under the bill, any person who knowingly or recklessly causes, or allows, a child to be subjected to sexual conduct which would impair or debauch the morals of the child, through the person's creation, control, possession, manipulation, use, dissemination, sale, or promotion of any automated interactive computer technology that is capable of performing or simulating sexual conduct, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. The bill provides an exception for AI technology that has safety features designed to stop a chatbot from simulating sexual conduct when it detects that a user is a child. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months' imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. It is the sponsor's intent that the bill would impose criminal penalties in situations where the creator of an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot knowingly or recklessly programs the chatbot to engage in simulated sexual chats with users who are children. Such deliberate creation or misuse of AI chatbots, without regard to the safety of children, and their proliferation across social media platforms and the Internet, was reported in an April 26, 2025 article in the Wall Street Journal, entitled "Meta's 'Digital Companions' Will Talk Sex with Users - Even Children." | Crossed Over |
| A3036 | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | Crossed Over |
| A3558 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; appropriates $100,000. | This bill establishes a State definition of anti-Semitism. Under the bill, the term "definition of anti-Semitism" refers to the definition adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016, including the "contemporary examples of antisemitism". The bill provides that in reviewing, investigating, or deciding whether there has been a violation of any policy, law, or regulation prohibiting discriminatory acts, the State must take into consideration this definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the IHRA for purposes of determining whether the alleged act was motivated by anti-Semitic intent. Nothing contained in the bill would be construed to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. Nothing in the bill would be construed to conflict with local, State, or federal anti-discrimination laws or regulations. This bill also appropriates $100,000 to the Office of the Attorney General for the creation of a public awareness campaign to promote bias crime reporting. Through extensive community outreach, the citizens of New Jersey will be empowered to identify and report bias crimes using the existing bias crime reporting hotline within the New Jersey Bias Crimes Reporting Unit. This appropriation represents an investment in safety and collective action against bias crimes, including acts considered anti-Semitic. | In Committee |
| A4568 | Establishes task force to review current status of juvenile delinquency and remediation. | Establishes task force to review current status of juvenile delinquency and remediation. | In Committee |
| A5863 | Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill would appropriate $500,000 to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for a municipal planning incentive grant, pursuant to a program established by P.L.1999, c.180 (C.4:1C-43.1), 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-43 et seq.), 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, Oldmans Township, in Salem County, will receive a "base grant" of $500,000, as specified in the bill. In addition, this municipality would also be eligible to compete for an additional grant from the SADC's competitive grant fund, to be financed with monies previously appropriated to the SADC pursuant to P.L.2019, c.450 and P.L.2020, c.139. The maximum amount of such competitive grant funding award would be $1 million, including up to $500,000 in funds appropriated under P.L.2019, c.450 and up to $500,000 in funds appropriated under P.L.2020, c.139. Therefore, the bill allows the municipality to receive up to $1.5 million in funding through both the base grant and eligible competitive grants. The allocations and projects listed in the bill have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. | In Committee |
| A5376 | Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations. | Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations. | In Committee |
| A4975 | Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components. | Establishes crime of possessing digital instructions to illegally manufacture firearms and firearm components. | Crossed Over |
| A4978 | Requires AG to report data regarding shootings that did not result in bodily injury. | This bill requires each county prosecutor to provide to the Attorney General data pertaining to criminal complaints concerning crimes involving the use of a firearm that did not result in bodily injury. In addition, the bill requires each county prosecutor to report this data to the Attorney General every quarter for three years in a manner prescribed by the Attorney General. At the end of the three years, the Attorney General is to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature and publish the report on the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. | Crossed Over |
| A5076 | Requires State Police to establish recovery leave policy for troopers presenting proof of pregnancy. | Requires State Police to establish recovery leave policy for troopers presenting proof of pregnancy. | Crossed Over |
| A5423 | Requires EDA to include social media development services in services offered through Small Business E-commerce Support Program. | This bill requires that the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) include the provision of social media development services among the services offered to eligible small businesses through its Small Business E-commerce Support Program. The authority created the Small Business E-commerce Support Program as a pilot product under the Main Street Recovery Finance Program, established pursuant to the "New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020." Under this pilot product, the authority offers e-commerce and digital marketing consulting services to eligible small businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and personal care businesses that are situated in a commercial location within the State. Currently, the consultancy services offered through the pilot product generally include assistance related to the development of Internet websites, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing plans. The bill requires that these services also include assistance related to the development of social media platforms. | In Committee |
| A5683 | Requires Office of Information Technology to create platform to integrate multiple state websites into single centralized hub. | This bill requires the Office of Information Technology to develop Go NJ: The New Jersey Information Hub. The hub is an internet-based tool which will provide access to multiple platforms and tools across existing State political subdivisions, including, but not limited to, department, agency, authority, and commission websites and centralize access to political subdivisions and their regulatory or public-service purposes. The hub will act as the central access point for information related to the various functions of the State, including information related to business regulation, business start-up, commercial development, permitting, grants, tax forms and requirements, environmental, health and safety, nonprofit activities, and economic development. New Jersey has a complex politic body structure, which includes departments, agencies, authorities, and commissions, as well as other political bodies, each with its own particular scope of responsibilities. The organizations typically have independent internet platforms which can cause confusion for users who are navigating through multiple websites while searching for information on related subjects. Go NJ: The New Jersey Information Hub will integrate the various websites and tools to create a search and access design to allow navigation across multiple organizations. | In Committee |
| A2255 | Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years. | Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years. | In Committee |
| A4083 | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey"; appropriates $2.5 million. | Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey"; appropriates $2.5 million. | In Committee |
| A1478 | Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy. | Requires study of ocean energy potential; directs BPU to establish wave and tidal energy generation goals and take other action to establish NJ as nationwide leader in ocean energy. | In Committee |
| AJR62 | Designates first week of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week." | This joint resolution designates the first week of May as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of mental health and mental illness in children. Mental illness can adversely affect children in many ways, including increasing the likelihood of a child of being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system. Many children with mental health disorders do not receive treatment for their illnesses, due to poor understanding of mental illness and treatment options, stigma or lack of access to treatment. The resolution intends to promote awareness in hopes of improving the lives of children who have emotional disturbances and other mental health disorders. | Crossed Over |
| A5017 | Exempts certain personal information collected by insurance-support organizations from certain requirements concerning notification and disclosure of personal data. | Exempts certain personal information collected by insurance-support organizations from certain requirements concerning notification and disclosure of personal data. | Crossed Over |
| A4899 | Limits amount of residential rental property application fee; establishes penalty. | Limits amount of residential rental property application fee; establishes penalty. | Crossed Over |
| A4762 | Designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" in NJ; encourages DOE to provide resources on water safety. | This bill designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" to raise awareness for safe water practices and accident and drowning prevention. The bill encourages the Department of Education (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), to provide resources to school districts to hold presentations and educational activities during "Water Safety Month" for students in grades kindergarten through five to provide water safety education. The bill stipulates that the presentations and educational activities may be held in partnership with nonprofit organizations. The bill also encourages the DOE, in consultation with the DOH, to provide resources to public schools to educate students on water safety. | Crossed Over |
| A4767 | Limits regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in menstrual products. | Limits regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in menstrual products. | Crossed Over |
| A4763 | Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires DOE to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons. | Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires DOE to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons. | Crossed Over |
| A3019 | Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free. | Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free. | In Committee |
| A1715 | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | Crossed Over |
| A5448 | "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act"; provides alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title from relative. | This bill, titled the "Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act," would provide an alternative process for handling partition actions filed in court concerning real property with multiple owners, at least one of whom had acquired title to the property from a relative. The bill is based on the 2010 uniform act of the same name drafted and approved by the Uniform Law Commission (formerly known, and sometimes still referred to, as the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws). Currently, any real property held by multiple owners as tenants in common (cotenants) may be subject to a partition action filed in Superior Court, which may result in (1) a partition in kind, which is the physical division of the property proportionate to individual owners' interests, or (2) partition by sale, for which individual owners are then compensated out of the total purchase price proportionate to their interests. See N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq. This bill would preempt some parts of the existing partition law in order to create new requirements for the process intended to more greatly protect the interests of cotenant property owners who may object to another owner's action seeking to partition any property which meets the following characteristics and is referred to in the bill as "heirs property": - there is no agreement in a record binding all the cotenants which governs the partition of the property; - one or more of the cotenants acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; and - any one of the following applies: 20 percent or more of the interests are held by cotenants who are relatives; 20 percent or more of the interests are held by an individual who acquired title from a relative, whether living or deceased; or 20 percent or more of the cotenants are relatives. When a partition action is filed pursuant to the partition law, N.J.S.2A:56-1 et seq., the court would make a determination, based on information contained in the pleadings or any other information provided to the court pursuant to the Rules of Court, whether the subject property is "heirs property." If so determined, the property would be partitioned in accordance with the process set forth in the bill. The court would appoint a special master to generally oversee the process and, when appropriate to carry out a partition in kind (the physical division of property), appoint a commissioner or commissioners pursuant R.4:63-1 of the Rules of Court "to ascertain and report in writing the metes and bounds of each [cotenant's] share." Any such appointed commissioner would be required to be disinterested, impartial, and not a party to or participant in the partition action. The bill also provides that if the court determines that the property may be heirs property, the court would order the plaintiff to post, and maintain while the action is pending, a conspicuous notice on the property that is the subject of the action in accordance with the Rules of Court. That notice would state information about the partition action and the common designation by which the property is known, and the court could also require the party to include the party's name and the known defendants (other cotenants). An appointed special master would direct a disinterested real estate appraiser licensed in the State to make a determination of the property's fair market value, assuming sole ownership of the fee simple estate, unless the cotenants have agreed to the property's value or to another valuation method, in which case the special master could accept that value or the value produced by the agreed upon method. If an appraisal was conducted, the completed appraisal would be distributed to the parties in the action and filed with the special master. Within 30 days after the appraisal is filed, any party could file an objection with the special master. Thereafter, following notice of a hearing, the special master could conduct an appraisal hearing to determine the fair market value of the property, during which the special master could consider evidence offered by any party in addition to the real estate appraisal on file. If any cotenant requests a partition by sale after the determination of the property's value, a notice would be sent within 45 days by the party who filed the partition action to all parties and the special master indicating that any cotenant, except a cotenant that requested partition by sale, could buy all of the interests of the one or more cotenants requesting the sale. Within 30 days thereafter, any eligible cotenant or cotenants could then elect to buy all of those interests by giving notice of such to the parties and the special master. The purchase price for each of the interests of a cotenant requesting the partition by sale would be the determined value of the entire parcel of property multiplied by the cotenant's fractional ownership of the entire parcel. At the conclusion of the buyout notice period, the bill provides for the following: (1) If only one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the cotenant would notify all the parties and the special master in writing; (2) If more than one cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master would allocate the right to buy those interests among the electing cotenants based on each electing cotenant's existing fractional ownership of the entire parcel divided by the total existing fractional ownership of all cotenants electing to buy, and send written notice to all the parties of that fact and of the price to be paid by each electing cotenant; and (3) If no cotenant elected to buy all the interests of the cotenants that requested partition by sale, the special master with notice to the parties would report in writing to the court, and the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. In situations when one or more cotenants elected to buy the available interests, each such cotenant would be required to pay their apportioned price within 30 days with notice to the special master. Upon timely payment by all purchasing cotenants, who would deposit their money in the Superior Court Trust Fund, the special master would issue an order reallocating the interests amongst the remaining cotenants and the money held by the trust fund would be disbursed, in accordance with procedures set forth in the Rules of Court, to the one or more cotenants who have been bought out. If no one made timely payments, the special master would report this to the court, which in turn would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. If only some made timely payments, those paying cotenants could file a motion with the special master to determine the outstanding interests and their purchase price, and one or more such cotenants could thereafter pay, based upon a new special master order, for the recalculated remaining interests within 30 days following issuance of the order. After this new 30-day period, if there remained any interests for sale that are not purchased, the court would resolve the matter by ordering a partition in kind or partition by sale. Whenever at the conclusion of the one or more buyout periods described above there remain any unpurchased interest from a cotenant that requested the partition by sale, or any cotenant remains that has requested a partition in kind, the special master would report to the court a recommendation to proceed with a partition in kind. The court would order the partitioning of the property into physically distinct and separately titled parcels, unless the court found that such partitioning would result in great prejudice to the cotenants as a group; the determination of "great prejudice" would be based on such factors as whether the property could be divided practicably amongst cotenants, whether doing so could decrease the aggregate values of the resulting parcels versus selling the property as a whole, and any cotenant's sentimental attachment to the property, including attachment arising because of any ancestral, unique, or special value to the cotenant. In a case in which a partition in kind would result in great prejudice, the court would order a partition by sale, unless no cotenant requested such action, resulting in the dismissal of the case and no further partitioning of the property. Any partition by sale would be an open-market sale unless the court finds that a sale by sealed bids or an auction would be more economically advantageous and in the best interest of the cotenants as a group. Any open-market sale would proceed under a licensed real estate broker, either agreed to by the parties or, absent agreement, appointed by the court. The real estate broker would be provided a reasonable commission on the sale as determined by the court. The broker would offer the property for sale in a commercially reasonable manner at a price no lower than the previously determined value of the property, and on the terms and conditions established by the court. The broker, after receiving an offer to purchase the property, would file a report with the court containing information about the purchase price, name of each buyer, terms of the proposed sale, including the terms of any financing, any amounts to be paid to lienholders, and other material facts relevant to the sale. Thereafter, the purchase could be completed in accordance with applicable State law and payments distributed based upon the former cotenants various interests in the property. This bill would take effect on the 30th day following enactment, and apply to any partition actions filed on or after that date. | In Committee |
| A4328 | Enters New Jersey into Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. | Enters New Jersey into Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact. | Crossed Over |
| A4005 | Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires. | Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires. | In Committee |
| A5437 | Requires electric transmission owners to join transmission entities. | This bill prohibits a transmission owner located in the State from owning or controlling an electric transmission facility, unless the transmission owner is a member of, and transfers control of those electric transmission facilities to, one or more transmission entities that are operational and meet certain specifications outlined in the bill. A transmission owner located in the State is deemed to be in compliance with the provisions of the bill if each transmission entity of which the transmission owner is a member, meets certain specifications as provided in the bill. | In Committee |
| A5619 | Prohibits revival of certain time-barred consumer debt litigation claims. | This bill prohibits the revival of time-barred claims for causes of actions for consumer debt. Under the bill, the period of time for filing of a claim for any cause of action for any contractual obligation to collect on a consumer debt cannot be paused by any subsequent payment of the debt, acknowledgement of the debt, or promise to pay the debt, if the subsequent payment, acknowledgement, or promise to pay was made after the statute of limitations for filing a claim, which is six years under current law, has expired. The bill defines "consumer debt" to mean debt incurred by an individual primarily for a personal, family, or household purpose, and also includes consumer credit and medical debt as those terms are defined under current law. Under State case law, consumer debt claims are subject to revival even after the statute of limitations has expired, including when a debtor makes a subsequent payment toward the debt, explicitly acknowledges the debt, or expresses a new promise to pay the full debt. See Burlington County Country Club v. Midlantic Nat. Bank South, 223 N.J.Super. 227 (Ch.Div.1987) (stating that "a statute of limitations which applies to a presently existing contractual debt or obligation may be tolled by an acknowledgment or a promise to pay" and "if such acknowledgment or promise to pay is made after the statute has run, it will act to revive the debt for the statutory period"). This bill would eliminate the revival of consumer debt claims based on those circumstances. This bill is based on benchmark 10 by the National Center for Access to Justice, in the 2024 "Consumer Debt Litigation Index." | In Committee |
| A5670 | Repeals law that requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in certain manner. | This bill repeals P.L.1995, c.63 (C.18A:62-22), which requires funds for legislative agents to be assessed on student tuition bills in a certain manner. It is the sponsor's belief that this law restricts the rights of students who participate in certain student organizations at public institutions of higher education from engaging in State legislative activity, effectively silencing these students. Under P.L.1995, c.63, the governing body of a public institution of higher education is prohibited from allowing funds for legislative agents or organizations which attempt to influence legislation to be assessed on student tuition bills. However, optional fees may be assessed for nonpartisan organizations that employ legislative agents or attempt to influence legislation provided that the fee has been authorized by a majority vote in a student referendum. An optional fee is an amount payable on a student tuition bill, appearing as a separately assessed item, but not a mandatory charge or a waivable fee. Optional fees that appear on student tuition bills are currently required to be accompanied by a statement as to the nature of the item along with an explanation that the item is not a charge required to be paid by the student, the student may add the charge to the total amount due, and that the item has appeared on the bill at the request of the student body and does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the governing body of the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| A5346 | "Firearm and Ammunition Procurement Act"; establishes State procurement practices for firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. | This bill establishes the "Firearm and Ammunition Procurement Act" to develop State procurement practices for firearms, ammunition, and firearm accessories. Under this bill, State agencies must require a bidder who engages in the public procurement process to certify, before the contract is awarded, renewed, amended, or extended, that the bidder does not sell unserialized gun build kits or firearm precursor parts, including, but not limited to, unserialized firearms, unserialized unfinished frames, and unserialized unfinished receivers. This certification by the bidder must include the disclosure of any violation found from any type of inspection conducted by a federal, State, or local agency during the two most recent firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessory inspections. The bill also requires a bidder seeking the award of, or a contractor who is awarded, a contract with a State agency for the procurement of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories to, during the public procurement process, on an annual basis, and upon request of the State agency, provide to the State agency certain proof and materials related to firearm, ammunition, or firearm accessory safety. Under the bill, a State agency must reject a bid from a bidder or cancel a contract with a contractor if the bidder or contractor has not complied with the provisions of this bill. A State agency will not be permitted to make exigent or emergency purchases of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories. This bill also requires each State agency, in coordination with the Office of the Attorney General, to develop processes and procedures to implement the provisions of this bill. This bill will apply to any contract for the procurement of firearms, ammunition, or firearm accessories which a State agency solicits, enters into, awards, amends, renews, or extends on or after the effective date of this bill. | Crossed Over |
| A5323 | Requires State Police to inform local law enforcement if certain prohibited persons attempt to purchase firearm or ammunition. | This bill requires the Superintendent of State Police to inform local law enforcement in a municipality in which a person resides if that person had previously been convicted of a serious crime or had a firearms seized pursuant to a domestic violence restraining order or extreme risk protection order and attempts to purchases a firearm. If the municipality in which the person resides does not have a municipal law enforcement agency, the superintendent would be required inform the appropriate commanding law enforcement officer with jurisdiction over the municipality. Current law provides that a person who is convicted of certain crimes is prohibited from purchasing, owning, possessing, or controlling a firearm or ammunition. Specifically, it currently is a crime of the second degree for a person to purchase, own, possess, or control a firearm or ammunition if that person has been convicted of certain serious crimes, including: aggravated assault; arson; burglary; escape; extortion; homicide; kidnapping; robbery; aggravated sexual assault; sexual assault; bias intimidation; endangering the welfare of a child; stalking; a crime involving domestic violence; certain crimes related to unlawful possession of weapons; certain crimes related to controlled dangerous substances; carjacking; gang criminality; racketeering; terroristic threats; and unlawful possession of a machine gun, handgun, or an assault firearm. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a fine of up to $150,000, imprisonment for a term of between five and 10 years, or both. A person who has had firearms seized pursuant to a domestic violence restraining order or extreme risk protection order and attempts to purchase a firearm is guilty of a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000 or both. Under the bill, if a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) reveals that a person convicted of one of these crimes attempts to purchase a firearm, the superintendent would notify a law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over that person. | Crossed Over |
| A3734 | Permits court to order transfer of billing responsibility for, and rights to, wireless telephone number to certain victims of domestic violence or stalking. | Permits court to order transfer of billing responsibility for, and rights to, wireless telephone number to certain victims of domestic violence or stalking. | Crossed Over |
| A1389 | Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction. | Requires seizure of ammunition and certain firearm components in response to domestic violence restraining order or conviction. | Crossed Over |
| A2115 | Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses. | Requires public transportation employees and certain motorbus operators to complete training course on handling and responding to suspected human trafficking; requires inclusion of certain content in certain courses. | Crossed Over |
| A1825 | Establishes certain guidelines for SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid concerning step therapy protocols. | An Act concerning step therapy protocols and supplementing Titles 30 and 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3735 | Establishes crime of fertility fraud. | The bill establishes the crime of fertility fraud. Under the bill, a person commits fertility fraud if the person is a health care practitioner and knowingly performs an assisted reproduction treatment on a patient that results in a pregnancy using the person's own human reproductive material without the written informed consent of the patient, or using the human reproductive material of another person without the written informed consent of the patient. Fertility fraud is a crime of the third degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill also requires the court to order the permanent revocation of any license or certification related to the provision of health care services that is held by the defendant. Under the bill, a prosecution for fertility fraud is required to be commenced within 20 years of the date the assisted reproduction treatment was conducted, or within 10 years of the date that the victim became aware that the crime occurred. | In Committee |
| A4374 | Establishes criminal penalties for certain violations of the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act." | Establishes criminal penalties for certain violations of the "New Jersey Prevailing Wage Act." | In Committee |
| A5009 | "Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act." | "Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act." | In Committee |
| A5262 | Codifies United States Supreme Court ruling that in defamation suit, public official must prove defendant had actual malice: knowledge that defendant's statement was false or reckless disregard of whether it was false. | This bill would codify the standard set by the United States Supreme Court concerning civil suits for defamation brought by public officials. In New York Times Co. v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964), the court ruled that in an action for damages by a public official for defamation relating to official conduct by the public official, the public official is barred from recovery unless the public official proves that the allegedly defamatory statement was false and was made with actual malice. This bill embodies that standard. In addition, the bill codifies the longstanding common law principle that proof of the truthfulness of an allegedly defamatory statement is an absolute defense against any recovery by the public official. As noted by the court: "The First Amendment requires that debate on public issues should be uninhibited, robust, and wide open, and such debate may well include vehement, caustic, and sometimes unpleasantly sharp attacks on government and public officials." See Sullivan at 270. | In Committee |
| AJR222 | Designates May 1 of each year as "Rule of Law Day" in NJ. | This resolution designates May 1 of each year as "Rule of Law Day" in New Jersey. The rule of law protects against the abuse of power and promotes stability through creating democratic norms where all are equally subject to the law, including the highest-ranking officials, and application of the law is clear, predictable, and consistent. Americans are witnessing the erosion of constitutional rules and democratic norms in the United States as the current presidential administration ignores the courts, bypasses Congress, and rules by executive order. Any action to eliminate checks and balances on executive power, suppress dissent, dismantle the civil service, target marginalized communities, and intensify political divisions in government and among residents violates the constitutional order and democratic norms. The arbitrary dismissal of civil servants will directly impact important government programs that many New Jersey residents and Americans rely upon. The public and communications media must retain the ability to voice dissenting views without fear of retribution. Executive orders targeting certain law firms and individuals who work at those firms represent extreme acts of retribution. People have the right to advance their interests in the courts of law when they have been wronged, and New Jerseyans reject the notion that the U.S. government can seek to twist the scales of justice by punishing lawyers, law firms, or judges for who they represent or how they rule. Efforts to intimidate and undermine the courts and the legal profession are unacceptable and must end. New Jerseyans will not stay silent while there are efforts to remake the legal profession into something that rewards those who agree with the government and punishes those who do not. Americans have always believed in the principle that no one is above the law, not even the President of the United States, and that checks and balances on executive power must remain. Recognizing that the rule of law that supports our democracy and protects against tyranny is being tested, the State encourages the people of New Jersey to reflect upon the impact that the rule of law has had on the quality of their lives and its importance to a functioning democracy. The resolution respectfully asks the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling upon public officials, residents of the State, and other interested groups to reflect upon their role in protecting the rule of law and rejecting violations of constitutional laws and democratic norms as they observe the day with appropriate activities and programs. | In Committee |
| A5616 | Requires AG to study law enforcement use of facial recognition technology and issue report with recommendations for Statewide policy. | This bill requires the Attorney General to study the use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies and to issue a report on this use of the technology. Under the bill, the report would be required to include, at a minimum: 1) an assessment of the facial recognition technology available for use by law enforcement agencies and the feasibility of its use, including accuracy; (2) a Statewide summary of any current use of facial recognition technology by law enforcement agencies for the purpose of generating police reports; and (3) recommendations for implementing a Statewide policy applicable to State and local law enforcement agencies that governs the use of facial recognition technology. The bill requires the Attorney General to issue the report and recommendations within six months of the bill's effective date. For the purposes of the bill, "facial recognition technology" means a computer application which uses facial recognition algorithms to identify or verify a person from a digital image or a video frame from a video source. | In Committee |
| A4723 | Modifies title and role of Chief Diversity Officer; establishes New Jersey Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities. | Modifies title and role of Chief Diversity Officer; establishes New Jersey Office of Supplier Development and Business Opportunities. | In Committee |
| A4844 | Requires BPU to establish beneficial building electrification and decarbonization program and requires certain entities to submit plans to implement individual beneficial building electrification and decarbonization programs. | This bill would direct the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to establish a beneficial building electrification program, and would require electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans. As used in the bill, "beneficial electrification" means a change in end-use equipment from a nonelectric type to an efficient electric type for any building end use, including water heating, space heating, industrial process, or transportation, provided that the change: reduces cost from a societal perspective; reduces greenhouse gas emission, or promotes the increased use of the electric grid in off-peak hours. The bill directs the BPU to adopt, no later than one year after the bill becomes law, rules and regulations establishing a beneficial building electrification program. As part of the program, the BPU would develop greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for beneficial building electrification programs implemented by each electric public utility in the State and require electric public utilities to prepare and implement beneficial building electrification plans. The BPU would: (1) establish beneficial electrification program targets expressed in the amount of on-site greenhouse gas emission reductions; (2) establish program design elements and minimum filing requirements to achieve the goals of the energy master plan; (3) establish a cost recovery and performance incentive mechanism for programs established under the bill; (4) determine whether the electric public utilities or the board would be responsible for the implementation of building electrification programs for new construction; and (5) develop and provide direct incentives for the installation of electric heat pumps. The bill would require each electric public utility to prepare a multi-year beneficial electrification plan to achieve the targets established by the BPU. To be approved by the BPU, an electricity public utility plan would be required to meet or exceed on-site greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set by the board and be cost effective from a societal perspective utilizing a cost-effectiveness test that includes consideration of the environmental benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and methane emissions. Under the bill, a beneficial building electrification plan may meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction targets set pursuant to the bill through the following: (1) conversion of fossil fuel-based space and water heating systems, including natural gas and propane systems as well as other unregulated fuels, to systems that employ high-efficiency electric heat pumps; (2) replacement of fossil fuel based appliances with high-efficiency electric appliances such as induction cooking ranges and heat-pump clothes dryers; (3) conversion of fossil fuel-based industrial equipment or processes to energy-efficient electric-powered equipment or processes; or (4) market transformation programs aimed at educating and training contractors to use appliances, equipment, and systems that are high-efficiency. | In Committee |
| A4163 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | An Act concerning health insurance coverage for biomarker precision medical testing and supplementing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4838 | Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy. | Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy. | In Committee |
| A4658 | Requires affirmative written consent for certain entities to disclose individual's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. | This bill requires health care providers, business associates of a covered entity, and carriers to receive affirmative written consent in order to disclose a patient's or covered person's medical information regarding reproductive health care services, with limited exceptions, unless disclosure is necessary to provide those services. Under the bill: "health care provider" means an individual or entity which, acting within the scope of its licensure or certification, provides a health care service; a "business associate of a covered entity" means the same as those terms are defined under federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act" rules, or a person or entity that performs certain functions or activities that involve the use or disclosure of protected health information on behalf of, or provides services to, health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers; "carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State; and "reproductive health care services" means all medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system including, but not limited to, services relating to pregnancy, contraception, or termination of a pregnancy. Specifically, this bill prohibits a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier from intentionally sharing, selling, using for marketing, or otherwise disclosing any personally identifiable medical information regarding reproductive health care services for any purpose not necessary to provide, or pay benefits for, those services, without the affirmative written consent of the patient or the covered person, or an authorized legal representative. Under the bill, "Medical information" includes information that is acquired using in-person or telephone communication, submitted documentation, a mobile application, an Internet website, or a wearable device. Further, "affirmative written consent" means a freely given, specific agreement collected on a standalone form, which clearly states to the patient how records containing medical information could be used and to whom the contents of the records could be disclosed, and allows the patient to refuse consent for specific disclosures. The bill further mandates that a health care provider, a business associate of a covered entity, or carrier are required to inform a patient or a covered person, or authorized legal representative, of the right to withhold such affirmative written consent at or before the time reproductive health care services are rendered or at such time as the covered person discloses any information relating to reproductive health care services that have been previously rendered. The bill allows for disclosure without affirmative written consent under certain circumstances. These exceptions include when disclosure is: 1) to medical personnel to the extent necessary to meet a bona fide medical emergency; 2) to the extent that the health care provider or carrier is a covered entity and the disclosure is made to a business associate under a valid business associate agreement; 3) as required to comply with the laws of this State, federal law, or the Rules of Court; 4) pursuant to a court order issued by a court of competent jurisdiction in this State upon a showing of good cause; 5) by a health care provider or carrier against whom a claim has been made, for use in the defense of the action or proceeding; 6) to certain State entities or licensing boards for records of a patient or covered person in connection with an investigation of a complaint, if the records are related to the complaint; 7) to a federal or State agency charged with investigating known or, in good faith, suspected child abuse, abuse of an elderly individual, abuse of an individual who is incapacitated, or abuse of an individual with a physical or mental disability, if such disclosure is requested in connection with an investigation of abuse that would constitute a crime under the laws of this State and such records are related to such investigation; and 8) pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Commissioners of Health and Banking and Insurance. Under the bill, if a court of competent jurisdiction finds that a health care provider or carrier has violated the provisions of this bill, the court may award damages, computed at a rate of $1,000 per violation, reasonable attorney's fees, and the costs incurred in maintaining that civil action. Finally, nothing contained in the bill is to be construed to limit, diminish, or abrogate the rights of a person under the federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," Pub.L.104-191 or the obligations of a health care provider or carrier under that law. | In Committee |
| A5133 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering. | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering. | In Committee |
| A5566 | Requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. | This bill requires disclosure of third-party litigation funding agreements and establishes certain responsibilities for litigation funders. The bill provides that, in any civil action, a party or party's attorney is to, without awaiting a discovery request, disclose any litigation funding agreement, defined, in part, to mean a written agreement in which a third party agrees to provide funding to one of the named parties or affiliated law firms and that creates a direct or collateralized interest in the proceeds of the civil action or group of civil actions. The bill also provides that the litigation funding agreement is to be disclosed at the time of the filing of an initial pleading or at the time of the agreement, if the agreement occurs after the initial pleading. Any amendment to a litigation funding agreement that is required to be disclosed is to be provided to the court and all parties at the time the amendment is made. The participants to any litigation funding agreement and nature of that investment or arrangement also are permissible subjects for discovery. The court is authorized to impose sanctions for a party's failure to make the required disclosures. The bill does not require disclosure of a contingent fee agreement entered into by a party and the party's legal representative in a civil action. The bill additionally codifies a fiduciary duty by litigation funders to a funded party to ensure the funder acts in the interests of the funded party. The litigation funder is jointly liable for costs and any monetary sanction against the funded party or funded party's attorney. The bill also prohibits a litigation funder from engaging in certain conduct that can interfere with the funded party's civil action. Specifically, a funder is prohibited from (1) influencing, making or overturning decisions relating to the initiation, conduct, settlement, or resolution of the underlying civil action, (2) offering to provide or providing legal advice to the funded party or party's attorney, or selecting a funded party's attorney, (3) attempting to secure a particular remedy or obtain a waiver of any remedy potentially available to the funded party, (4) receiving any payment that exceeds 25 percent of the litigation proceeds, or receiving without express consent of the funded party a combined payment with the funded party's attorney fee that exceeds 50 percent of the monetary relief obtained, and (5) assigning or securitizing a litigation funding agreement in whole or in part. Finally, the bill provides that a litigation funding agreement is unenforceable by the litigation funder or any successor-in-interest if the funder breaches its fiduciary duty or engages in conduct prohibited by the bill. The bill also provides that a court may find a litigation funding agreement violates the bill and is unenforceable. Further, a funder's breach of fiduciary duty or engagement in conduct prohibited by the bill constitutes an unfair or deceptive act or practice and a violation of the New Jersey consumer fraud act. The bill also authorizes a court to impose sanctions, in addition to any remedy otherwise available, for noncompliance with any provision of the bill. | In Committee |
| A3540 | Establishes criminal penalties for production or dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media, commonly known as "deepfakes." | An Act establishing civil and criminal penalties for the production and dissemination of deceptive audio or visual media and supplementing Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3587 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | An Act concerning retail theft, amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3881 | Requires State Police to establish online portal allowing persons to obtain status of expungement orders. | An Act concerning criminal history background information and expungements and supplementing chapter 52 of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A567 | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | In Committee |
| A861 | Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act. | Provides certain deceptive practices in advertising of pregnancy-related services violate the consumer fraud act. | In Committee |
| A5434 | "Neighborhood Protection and Housing Affordability Act"; prohibits short-term rental of transient accommodations in exclusively residential zones unless authorized by municipality. | This bill provides that a municipal zoning ordinance may specify areas of the municipality within which all buildings and structures are required to be exclusively used for residential purposes. Additionally, the bill authorizes a municipal zoning ordinance to further specify areas in each exclusively residential district within which buildings and structures, or parts thereof, may be rented for a short term as a transient accommodation, so long as the total land area in which property may be rented for a short term as a transient accommodation does not exceed 25 percent of the municipality's total land area. The bill also prohibits buildings and structures, and parts thereof, located within areas zoned exclusively for residential purposes from being rented for a short term as a transient accommodation, unless the municipal zoning ordinance specifically authorizes the use of that building or structure as a transient accommodation. A person who violates the provisions of this bill would be liable to pay a civil penalty of not less than $500 for a first offense, not more than $1,000 for a second offense and not more than $1,500 for a third and every subsequent offense. Penalties are to be collected in a summary proceeding before a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to the provisions of the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). An action for the recovery of a civil penalty for a violation under the bill, or under an ordinance adopted pursuant thereto, is within the jurisdiction of, and may be brought before, the Superior Court or municipal court for the municipality in which the property is located. All monies collected pursuant to the bill or an ordinance adopted pursuant thereto, ARE to be forwarded to the municipality in which the property is located. The bill: allows a municipality to use an amount equivalent to the costs reasonably incurred in administering and enforcing the bill and to deposit that amount into the general fund of the municipality; and requires a municipality to use the balance of the amount collected for low-income housing or moderate-income housing needs, as defined in section 4 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-304), and to deposit the balance of the amount collected into the municipality's affordable housing trust fund, to the extent the municipality maintains such a fund, and if the municipality does not maintain such a fund, to the State Treasurer, for appropriation to the "New Jersey Affordable Housing Trust Fund" for the purpose of developing and supporting housing programs that create for-sale and rental affordable housing. | In Committee |
| A5357 | Establishes farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program. | Establishes farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program. | In Committee |
| A3667 | Permits dental service corporations to be subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies. | This bill amends the current law to permit dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parents. Under the current law, a dental service corporation is prohibited from spending more than 10 percent of its assets or more than 50 percent of its surplus, whichever is less, on investments. This puts dental service corporations at a disadvantage compared to other health insurance companies, despite the fact that dental service corporations have more predictable risks of loss and thus have less need for limiting the use of company funds. Allowing dental service corporations to be or become subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies, while still imposing all statutory requirements on the dental service corporations themselves, would give a nonprofit parent freedom to invest funds and be better able to help its dental service corporation subsidiary compete with larger health insurance companies that offer dental services. At the same time, the dental service corporation subsidiary would still have to comply with the "Dental Service Corporation Act of 1968," including the limitation on investing company funds. By amending the current law, this bill promotes competition in the dental service market and ensures that patients are still adequately protected. | Vetoed |
| A4270 | Permits greater diversity in creation of new health sharing ministries and establishes and exempts certain mandates and reporting requirements. | This bill permits greater diversity in the creation of new health sharing ministries and establishes and exempts certain mandates and reporting requirements. Under the bill, a participant in a health care sharing ministry established after December 31, 1999 will not be considered an applicable individual subject to the State's minimum essential coverage requirement, which requires that every applicable individual maintain health insurance coverage. Currently, a participant in a health care sharing ministry established after December 31, 1999 is considered an applicable individual subject to the State's minimum essential coverage requirements and must maintain health insurance coverage or pay a State-imposed tax. Additionally, the bill establishes certain reporting requirements for health care sharing ministries and organizations that offer or intend to offer a plan or arrangement to facilitate payment or reimbursement of health care costs or services for residents of this State. The reporting requirements include the total number of individuals and households that participated in the plan or arrangement in the immediately preceding calendar year and the total amount of fees, dues, or other payments collected by the ministry or organization in the immediately preceding calendar year, among other requirements. Ministries or organizations that fail to comply with the reporting requirements under the bill may be subject to certain monetary penalties or other administrative or legal actions. As used in this bill, "health care sharing ministry" means a not-for-profit organization pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3) that is exempt from federal income taxes under 26 U.S.C. s.501(a), whose members: (1) share a common set of ethical or religious beliefs and share medical expenses among members in accordance with those beliefs, without regard to the state in which a member resides or is employed; and (2) retain membership even after they develop a medical condition. The term "health care sharing ministry" excludes ministries that do not conduct an annual audit that: (1) is performed by an independent certified public accounting firm; (2) follows generally accepted accounting principles; and (3) is made available to the public upon request. | In Committee |
| A4696 | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | "Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments. | In Committee |
| A5425 | Establishes three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. | This bill creates a three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in the Superior Court in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties. The Integrated Domestic Violence Court model, upon which this bill is based, combines domestic violence cases, matrimonial cases, and related criminal matters into one court, has the motto "one family, one judge," and provides integrated services to families, enhances offender accountability and improves victim safety. The Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court, established under the bill, would hear any case involving domestic violence, pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) that also involves: divorce, child custody, and other family court matters; crimes or offenses arising out of acts of domestic violence; juvenile offenses; and applications for and violations of restraining orders. In the view of the sponsor, a pilot program in New Jersey modeled on the Integrated Domestic Violence Court model would enhance services to victims and families. | In Committee |
| A5389 | Requires firearm retailers to provide disclosure of customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms; advises customers it is unlawful to purchase firearms with intent to sell to disqualified persons. | This bill requires firearm wholesale or retail dealers to provide disclosure of a customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms and advise customers that it is unlawful to purchase a firearm with the intent to unlawfully sell it to any other person. Under the provisions of this bill, all firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to provide customers with a disclosure, upon the retail sale or transfer of any firearm, printed in block letters not less than one-fourth of an inch in height. This bill requires that the disclosure be signed by the purchaser or transferee. In addition, the firearm wholesale or retail dealer is required to provide the purchaser or transferee with a copy of this written disclosure. Under the provisions of this bill, a firearm wholesale and retail dealer is required to collect and maintain a copy of each disclosure that is signed by a purchaser or transferee for a period of not less than 15 years. Furthermore, firearm wholesale and retail dealers are required to conspicuously post the same disclosure at each purchase counter. Specifically, the disclosure advises customers of their responsibility to report a lost or stolen firearm within 36 hours to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality where the loss or theft occurred or to the Superintendent of State Police if the municipality does not have a local police force. In addition, the disclosure advises customers that it is illegal to purchase a firearm with the intent to unlawfully sell that firearm to someone who does not have the necessary firearm license or permit. Any firearm wholesale or retail dealer who violates the provisions of this bill will be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for any subsequent offense. The civil penalty will be collected pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.), in a summary proceeding before the municipal court having jurisdiction. Officials authorized by law or ordinance, or law enforcement officers, can issue summonses for violations. All penalties collected will be forwarded to the Office of Attorney General to be used for gun violence prevention efforts. | In Committee |
| A4684 | Removes certain limitations on recovery for victims of certain sexual offenses. | An Act concerning judgments against public entities and amending P.L.2019, c.120 and N.J.S.59:9-2. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4051 | Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act." | Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act." | In Committee |
| A4175 | Concerns use of force by law enforcement officers under certain circumstances and requires certain reporting of use of force incidents. | Concerns use of force by law enforcement officers under certain circumstances and requires certain reporting of use of force incidents. | Crossed Over |
| A4814 | Establishes tianeptine as Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. | This bill would classify tianeptine, an antidepressant drug that can produce opioid-like effects and be similarly addicting to opioids, as a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance. Specifically, it would be placed on the Schedule II list as a form of "opiate," which is defined similarly in both the "Comprehensive Drug Reform Act of 1987," N.J.S.2C:35-1 et seq., and the "New Jersey Controlled Dangerous Substances Act," P.L.1970, c.226 (C.24:21-1 et seq.), as any dangerous substance having addiction-forming or addiction-sustaining capabilities similar to morphine or being capable of conversion into a drug having such capabilities. See N.J.S.2C:35-2 and P.L.1970, c.226, s.2 (C.24:21-2). By categorizing tianeptine as a Schedule II opiate, it would be considered an illegal narcotic drug, see N.J.S.2C:35-2 (definition of "narcotic drug"), for which its manufacturing, distribution, or possession with intent to manufacture or distribute would be punishable as either a crime of the second degree if the act involved a quantity of one ounce or more or a crime of the third degree if the act involved less than one ounce. See N.J.S.2C:35-5, subsection b., paragraphs (4) and (5). 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, or ordinarily a fine of up to $15,000, but the relevant provisions of N.J.S.2C:35-5 would permit the imposition of a fine of up to $75,000, and both imprisonment and a fine could be imposed. It would also be illegal to possess, be under the influence of, or fail to voluntarily deliver to a law enforcement officer any amount of tianeptine. See N.J.S.2C:35-10. Possession of the drug would be punishable as a crime of the third degree, with a term of imprisonment of three to five years, an enhanced fine of up to $35,000, or both. Being under the drug's influence and failing to turn over the drug to a law enforcement officer would both be graded as a disorderly persons offense, with a potential term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill would take effect on the 30th day after the date of enactment. | Crossed Over |
| A1921 | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | Crossed Over |
| A5305 | Broadens public awareness signage to include notices in Chinese and Korean. | This bill broadens the public awareness signs containing national, 24 hour hotline information about human trafficking to include information in Chinese and Korean. This legislation is based upon Recommendation #4 contained in "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey," an October, 2024 report of the State Commission of Investigation. | Crossed Over |
| A5303 | Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking. | This bill requires the Attorney General to review the Statewide policy regarding the investigation of human trafficking. Currently, Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2012-2 sets forth standards and procedures for the investigation of human trafficking. Under the provisions of this bill, upon the review of the policy, the Attorney General is required to consider and address: 1) whether the use of audio or video recording by law enforcement officers conducting undercover investigations of human trafficking would protect the integrity of the investigation and ensure the proper treatment of victims of human trafficking; 2) the implementation of strict policies for dissemination of the audio or video recording, if used, in order to protect victims of human trafficking; 3) the involvement of county prosecutors at the beginning of and throughout human trafficking investigations conducted by county or municipal law enforcement officers in order to address legal challenges as they arise; and 4) any other areas, as determined by the Attorney General. This bill is in response to a recommendation contained in a report issued by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation in October 2024 entitled "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey." | Crossed Over |
| AR178 | Condemns U.S. House of Representatives for passage of budget resolution cutting $1.5 trillion from federal budget and urges U.S. Senate to reject House resolution. | This Assembly Resolution condemns the United States House of Representatives for passage of a budget resolution, on February 25, 2025, cutting $1.5 trillion over ten years from the federal budget and respectfully urges the United States Senate to reject this House resolution. The budget resolution specifically targets $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee which regulates public healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, $330 billion from the Education and Workforce Committee which routinely legislates matters on education funding, and $230 billion from the Agriculture Committee whose purview includes the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Given the size and scope of the desired cuts, as well as budget documents circulated by House leadership, policy experts believe that these cuts are aimed at or will ultimately fall on critical safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. In New Jersey, approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate- income people rely on NJ FamilyCare, which encompasses the Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program, to cover their healthcare needs. Funding reductions of this size would have severe consequences for these enrollees, as well as the provider community who deliver the critical healthcare services under the program. Approximately 830,000 low-income residents in New Jersey receive SNAP benefits, which provides them with the resources needed to feed their families. It is anticipated that federal funding cuts to SNAP under the House budget resolution would be realized by limiting benefits, restricting eligibility, or some combination of both of these actions; thereby, significantly reducing the number of residents who receive support from this program. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1673 | "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. | "Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. | In Committee |
| A4755 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | In Committee |
| A2145 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | This bill establishes employment protections for paid first responders who are diagnosed with certain cases of work-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under the bill, an employer would be prohibited from discharging, harassing, or otherwise discriminating against an employee, or threatening to do so, with respect to the compensation, terms, conditions, duties, or privileges of employment on the basis that the employee took or requested any leave related to a qualifying diagnosis of PTSD. The bill provides that if an employer violates its provisions, an employee or former employee would be authorized to institute a civil action in the Superior Court for relief. All remedies available in common law tort actions would be available to a prevailing plaintiff. Additionally, the bill provides that a court would be authorized to order any or all of the following relief: (1) an assessment of a civil fine of $5,000 and $10,000 for each subsequent violation; (2) an injunction to restrain the continued violation of any of the provisions of the bill; (3) reinstatement of the employee to the same position or to a position equivalent to that which the employee held prior to unlawful discharge or retaliatory action; (4) reinstatement of full fringe benefits and seniority rights; (5) compensation for any lost wages, benefits and other remuneration; (6) payment of reasonable costs and attorney's fees. | In Committee |
| A5304 | Upgrades penalties for certain prostitution crimes; creates crimes of leader of prostitution network and participant in prostitution network. | This bill upgrades certain crimes related to prostitution and creates the crimes of leader of a prostitution network and participant in a prostitution network. The bill upgrades the criminal penalties for the promotion of prostitution to a crime of the second degree and imposes a mandatory minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, or five years, whichever is greater, during which time the defendant would not be eligible for parole. Under current law, all crimes under the umbrella of promotion of prostitution are crimes of the third degree, except the crimes of soliciting a person to patronize a prostitute and procuring a prostitute for a patron, which are crimes of the fourth degree. The bill also upgrades the criminal penalties for compelling another to engage in or promote prostitution and promoting prostitution of one's spouse from crimes of the third degree to crimes of the second degree, and imposes a mandatory minimum term of one-third to one-half of the sentence imposed, or five years, whichever is greater, during which time the defendant would not be eligible for parole. The bill creates two new crimes: (1) leader of a prostitution network, a crime of the second degree; and (2) participant in a prostitution network, a crime of the third degree. The bill provides that it is an affirmative defense to the crime of participant in a prostitution network that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking during the commission of the crime. A disorderly persons offense is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 6 months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. A crime of the fourth degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. Under the bill, crimes related to prostitution, with the exception of engaging in prostitution as a prostitute, would be ineligible for admission into the Pretrial Intervention Program. This bill is in response to the State Commission of Investigation report released on October 17, 2024, entitled "An Inquiry into Human Trafficking Activity in the Massage and Bodywork Therapy Industry in New Jersey." | In Committee |
| A5306 | Extends affordable housing preference to certain allied South Korean veterans. | This bill extends the existing affordable housing preference for United States veterans to South Korean veterans who, as determined by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, served in the Vietnam conflict as allies to the United States; and are a citizens and residents of this State. The bill also extends certain existing affordable housing preferences to surviving spouses and caretakers of South Korean veterans who served in the Vietnam conflict as allies to the United States. The bill's provisions apply to affordable housing in housing projects that are financed by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, public housing authorities, county improvement authorities, redevelopment agencies, and the Department of Community Affairs, when acting as a public housing authority. This bill would take effect on the first day of the third month next following enactment, except that the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Adjutant General of Military and Veterans' Affairs, would be permitted to take anticipatory action necessary to effectuate the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| ACR152 | Strongly condemns decision of President Trump to permit immigration enforcement actions in sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. | This concurrent resolution condemns the decision of President Donald J. Trump to rescind the longstanding federal policy of prohibiting immigration enforcement officers from taking action in sensitive locations, which included: schools; places of worship; hospitals and other healthcare facilities; shelters; relief centers; and public demonstrations, like rallies and protests. These sensitive locations have long been recognized as safe havens essential for public trust and the well-being of our communities. Removing the protected status of these locations undermines this trust and prohibits vulnerable individuals from accessing critical resources and service. This resolution condemns the decision of President Donald J. Trump to rescind longstanding federal policy and reaffirms New Jersey's commitment to providing equal access to essential services. | In Committee |
| A2801 | Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program. | Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program. | Crossed Over |
| A4254 | Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions. | Establishes limits on transcript release restrictions at institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions. | Crossed Over |
| A2437 | Requires ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on package. | Requires ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on package. | Crossed Over |
| AJR63 | Designates January 13 of each year as Korean American Day in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates January 13 of each year as "Korean American Day" in New Jersey. On January 13, 1903, 102 courageous Korean immigrants arrived in the United States initiating the first wave of Korean immigration to America. These pioneering Korean immigrants faced tremendous social and economic obstacles as well as language barriers in America. They established a new home in a new land through resilience, tenacious effort, and immense sacrifice, which became the bedrock for their children and future generations of Korean Americans. Korean Americans have made significant contributions to the economic vitality of the United States, and the global marketplace. Their contributions include achievements in engineering, architecture, medicine, the arts, and writing. Korean Americans have also made enormous contributions to the military strength of the United States and served with distinction in the Armed Forces during World War I, World War II, the Vietnam conflict, the Korean conflict, and subsequent military conflicts across the globe. This State should commemorate the arrival of the first Korean immigrants to the United States, and recognize the invaluable contributions Korean Americans have made to the United States. | Crossed Over |
| A1929 | Clarifies that law concerning requirements for closure of private career school applies to certain schools licensed by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | Clarifies that law concerning requirements for closure of private career school applies to certain schools licensed by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | Crossed Over |
| S684 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients's admission to long-term care facility. | An Act allowing for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients' admission to certain long-term care facilities and supplementing Title 56 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3880 | Amends list of hazard mitigation and resilience projects approved for funding by NJ Infrastructure Bank under FY2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program. | An Act concerning the financing of certain hazard mitigation and resilience projects in Fiscal Year 2025 and amending P.L.2024, c.45. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4446 | Requires notification of pet presence in seasonal rental unit. | Requires notification of pet presence in seasonal rental unit. | Crossed Over |
| S3179 | Concerns certain emergency operations plans required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. | An Act concerning certain emergency operations plans and amending P.L.2010, c.78. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1323 | Revises various provisions concerning New Jersey Aspire Program and surrender of tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | An Act concerning the New Jersey Aspire Program, amending P.L.2020, c.156 and P.L.2023, c.98, and supplementing P.L.2020, c.156. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2345 | Prohibits public officials from accepting virtual currency and non-fungible tokens as gifts. | This bill amends definitions to provide that a gift includes all forms of virtual currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Under this bill, a public official would be prohibited from accepting any form of virtual currency or NFTs as a gift. | In Committee |
| A5193 | Renders contracts to provide criminal assistance unlawful; creates civil right of action for victims of certain criminal conduct. | This bill renders void certain agreements, and creates a statutory right of action for certain crime victims. Under the bill, an act of concealment, alteration, or destruction of evidence that is intended to thwart law enforcement detection of an alleged offender in exchange for money or non-monetary compensation is defined as rendering criminal assistance. The agreement itself, whether written or oral, express or implied, is rendered void. Moreover, the victim of the crime is granted a private right of action against the person or private entity who entered into the agreement. Under the bill, a person or private entity "renders criminal assistance" when, with the intent to prevent, hinder, or delay the discovery or apprehension of an alleged offender who such person or private entity knows or believes has committed a crime or is being sought by law enforcement for the commission of a crime, commits any act of concealment, alteration, or destruction of any physical evidence which might aid in the discovery or apprehension of the alleged offender in exchange for money or non-monetary compensation. This bill is based on legislation pending in the New York Legislature known as "Cassie's Law." | In Committee |
| A5175 | Reinstates automatic COLAs for retirement benefits of certain PFRS members. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, or accidental disability pension retirement benefits for certain members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al.), signed into law on June 28, 2011, had suspended the automatic annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of PFRS and other State-administered retirement systems until those systems reach a target funded ratio. Decades of underfunding those systems by the State had placed the systems in precarious financial conditions. Although this bill does not reinstate COLAs for other retirees, it serves as the first step in reinstating COLAs for all retirees of the State-administered retirement systems. Through the prioritization of PFRS, the State will begin this process with retired first responders, police and firefighters, to provide them greater financial security and stability at a time when inflation has significantly eroded the value of their retirement benefit payments, which are already based on the lower salaries of years ago. To that end, the bill includes restrictions intended to limit costs and focus on segments among PFRS retirees expected to be most in need of an immediate benefit. Under the bill, members of PFRS will receive automatic COLAs for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, and accidental disability pension benefits if the member has been retired and receiving retirement benefits for a minimum of ten years. Longer-term retirees generally will have lower pension benefits and be less able to obtain employment to offset the erosion of their benefits. Members of PFRS who are hired more than 30 days following the effective date of this act will not be considered eligible to receive these automatic COLAs. Additionally, members who are enrolled in deferred retirement will not be considered eligible for these automatic COLAs, nor will members who retired with 20 or more years of service but less than 25 years of service. The COLAs will only apply to future pension benefit payments. The bill does not provide for retroactive COLAs. The adjustment in eligible members' pension benefits will be calculated based on an amount up to $75,000 of a retiree's benefit for the first year following the enactment of this bill. Eligible members receiving up to $75,000 of pension benefits will receive a COLA tied to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This will ensure that greater initial benefits will be provided to those likely to be most in need. The adjustment in eligible member's pension benefits will be limited to one percent if the member receives more than $75,000 in benefits for the first year following the enactment of the bill. After the first calendar year following the enactment of the bill, the $75,000 threshold will be adjusted annually according to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, except that the adjustment will be calculated at a rate not to exceed three percent. The bill also grants the cost-of-living adjustment to the monthly pension or survivorship benefit of a surviving spouse, child, or beneficiary that is provided by PFRS. Under the bill, if the Board of Trustees of PFRS fails to comply with the provisions of this bill within six months following the effective date, then the State Treasurer will be responsible for implementing the cost-of-living adjustments. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate monies from the General Fund as necessary to effectuate the cost-of-living adjustments established under the bill that are sufficient to cover both State and local expenses, and to reimburse each PFRS local employer for the full cost incurred. The bill further provides that this appropriation will take precedence over any additional funding added to the annual State budget by the Legislature through non-emergency supplemental appropriations, resolutions or other changes to the Governor's budget message. | In Committee |
| A5018 | Concerns rights of juvenile defendants who elect to be tried as adults. | This bill provides that juvenile defendants who voluntarily elect to move their cases from the Family Part to the Criminal Part of the Superior Court in order to be tried as adults, pursuant to the waiver process set forth in section 8 of P.L.1982, c.77 (C.2A:4A-27), shall be granted the following procedural rights: - a case would proceed as if it originated in the Criminal Part and be subject to applicable adult sentencing provisions, provided there would be a presumption that a convicted juvenile serve any custodial sentence imposed in a State juvenile facility operated by the Juvenile Justice Commission until reaching 21 years of age, except that: (1) a confined juvenile who has reached 18 years of age and whose continued presence in the juvenile facility threatens the safety of others, including other juvenile offenders, or the ability of the commission to operate juvenile programs at the facility, could be transferred to a State adult correctional facility; and (2) a juvenile who has reached or exceeds 21 years of age could continue to serve a sentence in the State juvenile facility at the discretion of the commission and with the consent of the juvenile; and - at any point during the proceedings of the case, with the consent of the juvenile and prosecutor, the court could remand the case to the Family Part to continue as a juvenile adjudication if it appears that the interests of the public and the best interests of the juvenile require access to programs and procedures uniquely available through the juvenile adjudication process, and the interests of the public are no longer served by the juvenile's original voluntary waiver to the Criminal Part. The above are similar to the procedural rights provided to juvenile defendants who are involuntarily waived by the prosecutor from the Family Part to the Criminal Part. See P.L.2015, c.89, s.1 (C.2A:4A-26.1). Additionally, the bill would require the court to approve the juvenile's voluntary waiver, which it could do only after conducting a hearing. At the hearing, the court would inform the juvenile of the differences in the maximum sentencing or disposition between adults and juveniles for the offenses charged, and the differences "in the consequences of magnitude" between proceeding under the "New Jersey Code of Juvenile Justice" and the "New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice." A determination to approve the voluntary waiver would also require that the juvenile's action be found to be "knowingly, willingly, and voluntarily" made. | Crossed Over |
| A5157 | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | This bill would prohibit food service businesses in the State from providing customers with single-use utensils or condiments, except upon request. Specifically, the bill would provide that, commencing on the first day of the seventh month after the bill's enactment: (1) no food service business operating in the State may provide single-use utensils or condiments to any customer, except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer; and (2) a food service business that has on-site seating capacity for 50 or more customers will be required to provide its on-site customers with easy access to reusable, washable utensils, which are to be returned to the food service business, upon completion of the on-site meal, for cleaning and reuse. The bill would expressly provide, however, that: (1) schools are to be exempted from the bill's provisions for the first five years following the bill's effective date; (2) food service businesses are to be exempted from the bill's provisions for the first two years following the bill's effective date; and (3) health care facilities are to be exempted from the bill's provisions during any infectious disease outbreak, or during outdoor recreational activities or family picnics. Under the bill's provisions, any food service business that elects to supply customers with single-use utensils or condiments, upon request, would be required to provide each customer with only those types and amounts of single-use utensils and condiments that have been expressly requested by the customer. A food service business would also be prohibited from creating, acquiring, or providing customers with bundled utensil or condiment packages that contain more than one type of single-use plastic utensil or condiment. Any food service business that violates the bill's provisions would be liable to a warning for the first offense, a civil penalty of $2,500 for the second offense, and a civil penalty of $5,000 for the third and each subsequent offense, to be collected through a summary proceeding. Each day on which a violation occurs would constitute a separate and distinct offense. Any moneys collected from penalties imposed pursuant to the bill would be deposited into the "Clean Communities Program Fund" for use in financing litter pickup, removal, education, and enforcement programs at the State and local levels, except that municipalities and county environmental enforcement agencies would be permitted to retain 30 percent of the moneys. Finally, the bill would amend the law at P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.126 et al.), which prohibits the distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene food serviceware, in order to provide for entities that are certified pursuant to the "County Environmental Health Act," P.L.1977, c.443 (C.26:3a2-21 et seq.), to have primary enforcement responsibility under, and for the purposes of, that law. | In Committee |
| AJR89 | Condemns hate in all forms and especially all hate and bias crimes. | Condemns hate in all forms and especially all hate and bias crimes. | Crossed Over |
| A560 | Requires transportation network company drivers to complete anti-human trafficking training course. | This bill requires transportation network company (TNC) drivers and applicants to complete an anti-human trafficking training course, which is to be approved by the Attorney General. A TNC is required to provide the anti-human trafficking course prior to the approval of an applicant and to current TNC drivers within 90 days of the bill's effective date. The anti-human trafficking training course may be provided via web based video or digital format and is required to include: (1) an overview of human trafficking, including how human trafficking is defined; (2) guidance on the role TNC drivers play in reporting and responding to human trafficking; and (3) information on how to report suspected human trafficking. Upon completion of the anti-human trafficking training course, a TNC driver is required to certify to any TNC whose digital network the driver uses that the driver completed an anti-human trafficking training course. If a driver fails to provide a TNC with the required certification, the TNC is required to prohibit the driver from utilizing the TNC's digital network to provide rides until the driver submits the required certification. The bill also requires each TNC to create a list of drivers who did not provide the required certification. Completion or failure to complete the anti-human trafficking training course will be noted in the individual record of each TNC driver and maintained by the TNC. | Crossed Over |
| A4475 | Establishes standards for court-ordered counseling for domestic violence offenders. | This bill establishes standards for court-ordered counseling for domestic violence offenders. Under current law, the court may order a defendant charged with a crime or offense involving domestic violence who has been released pending trial, or as part of a final restraining order issued by the court in a domestic violence matter, to receive professional domestic violence counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court. If ordered to participate in this counseling, the defendant would be required to provide the court with documentation of attendance. Under the bill, any domestic violence counseling program in which a defendant participates based on a court order issued in a domestic violence matter would be required to facilitate defender accountability and include the following components: (1) risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence and escalating risk factors, and include information provided by the courts; (2) information and education concerning the tactics of power and control and the understanding of domestic violence as a domination and control issue; (3) a protocol to demonstrate the defendant's attendance in programming, and additional reporting as requested by the court to support a prompt and effective review by the court for noncompliance; and (4) regular reviews of the program and compliance by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families for Batterers' Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Children and Families. This bill implements Recommendation #28 of the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. | Crossed Over |
| A4664 | Prohibits social media platforms from promoting certain practices or features of eating disorders to child users. | Prohibits social media platforms from promoting certain practices or features of eating disorders to child users. | Crossed Over |
| A4750 | Expands certain employer reporting requirements to include entities that employ or contract with individuals for financial compensation, including ride-sharing and delivery technology platforms. | This bill expands certain employer reporting requirements to include entities that employ or contract with individuals for financial compensation, including ride-sharing and delivery service technology platforms. Under current law, employers and labor organizations are required to report certain information to the Department of Human Services regarding employees or persons to whom the employer anticipates paying earnings. The law requires this information to be reported to the department within 20 days of the hiring, re-hiring, or return to work of the employee. The bill expands these existing reporting requirements to include employers, labor organizations, and other entities that employ or contract with any person for financial compensation. Financial compensation includes compensation from a technology platform used for ride-sharing or delivery services. | Crossed Over |
| A2845 | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Crossed Over |
| A5152 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | An Act concerning the date of the June 2025 primary election and adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5124 | Amends list of hazard mitigation and resilience projects approved for funding by NJ Infrastructure Bank under FY2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program. | This bill would add three new projects to the list of projects authorized for funding by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) under the fiscal year 2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program (CHAMP): one in Brick Township, one in Rochelle Park Township, and one in Highlands Borough. The CHAMP program was established by the "Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program Revolving Loan Fund Act," P.L.2023, c.63 (C.58:11B-20.3 et al.), in order to implement the federal "Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act" (STORM act), Pub. L. 116-284, in New Jersey. In July 2024, P.L.2024, c.45 was enacted into law, which authorized the NJIB to expend up to $7,198,045 to provide low-interest loans to six project sponsors for a portion of the total costs of six eligible Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation projects for fiscal year 2025. As amended by this bill, P.L.2024, c.45 would authorize the NJIB to expend up to $13,813,000 to provide loans to project sponsors for a total of nine eligible hazard mitigation and resilience projects for fiscal year 2025. | In Committee |
| A2941 | Concerns certain emergency operations plans required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. | This bill concerns certain emergency operations plans that are required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. Under current law, all sports and entertainment facilities, movie theaters, and places of worship are required to annually prepare an emergency operations plan in coordination with the appropriate local fire, law enforcement, and emergency response agencies. A copy of the plan is to be filed with the municipal emergency management coordinator and the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the sports and entertainment facility, movie theater, or place of worship is situated. The plan is required to include a copy of the building plans or building layout that identifies the internal and external access routes. Under the provisions of this bill, all sports and entertainment facilities, movie theaters, and places of worship are required to file the emergency operations plan in an electronic format that is compatible with public safety software systems. In addition, the bill requires the emergency operations plan to include emergency mapping data. The bill defines "emergency mapping data" as a digital representation of a building's interior and exterior that is verified for accuracy by a person and provided to public safety officials as set forth under current law electronically and in a printable format through existing public safety software systems. The bill requires the emergency mapping data to include an aerial image of the building; a geospatially referenced floor plan or building schematic; site specific labeling of rooms, suite numbers, and key features; locations of hazardous material and utility shut-offs; and any other relevant information. Current law defines "place of worship" to mean a building capable of seating more than 500 people, including but not limited to a church, mosque, or synagogue, used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination registered as a not-for-profit organization pursuant to current law. This bill changes that definition from a building capable of seating more than 500 people to a building capable of seating more than 300 people. It is the intent of the sponsor to bring the provisions of this law in line with the provisions of current law requiring schools to submit certain data regarding school buildings and grounds to law enforcement. | In Committee |
| AR152 | Expresses support for "Breakfast Bowl" held by Montclair State University and Rowan University and recognizes food insecurity efforts of these institutions. | This Assembly resolution expresses support for the annual "Breakfast Bowl" between Montclair State University and Rowan University, which aims to bring attention to the fight against food insecurity many residents in this State endure. The winner of the annual event, along with receiving a trophy, will have the privilege of determining whether New Jersey's famous breakfast meat is to be called "Pork Roll" or "Taylor Ham" until the teams meet for the next year's "Breakfast Bowl." Montclair State University and Rowan University both operate food pantries that seek, in part, to provide fresh produce as part of their efforts to combat food insecurity. With successful football programs that enjoy strong alumni connections and widespread stakeholder support, the "Breakfast Bowl" provides a unique opportunity for the Montclair and Rowan communities, corporate sponsors, State residents, and elected officials to come together in the fight against food insecurity across New Jersey. This resolution also recognizes the significant contributions Montclair State University and Rowan University have made in higher education through academics, community development, and athletics. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR82 | Urges NJ DOH to increase public awareness on effects of xylazine. | Urges NJ DOH to increase public awareness on effects of xylazine. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2076 | Revises various provisions concerning New Jersey Aspire Program and surrender of tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | Revises various provisions concerning New Jersey Aspire Program and surrender of tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | In Committee |
| A2334 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | In Committee |
| A5142 | Requires school bus personnel members working with students with disabilities to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features. | This bill requires school bus drivers, school bus aides, and any other individual who works, and is otherwise responsible for the safety of students, on a school bus transporting one or more students with disabilities to call the 911 emergency telephone service for assistance in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency on the school bus. A school bus personnel member is required to report that call to the Office of Special Education in the Department of Education. Under the bill, a board of education, or a school bus contractor providing pupil transportation services under contract with a board of education, that employs a school bus personnel member, as well as the office, is to maintain a record of the calls. A board of education, or a school bus contractor as applicable, is required to ensure that certain training related to school bus safety and interacting with students with disabilities are provided to each school bus personnel member who works on a school bus transporting students with disabilities. Pursuant to current law, these training programs are required to be administered to school bus drivers and school bus aides. The bill expands these programs to cover all other school bus personnel members who work, and are responsible for the safety of students, on a school bus transporting one or more students with disabilities. A board of education or school bus contractor that does not properly administer these training programs is to be subject to applicable penalties established under current law. Pursuant to the bill, the parent or guardian of a student with disabilities, who believes that a school bus personnel member did not properly call the 911 emergency telephone service in the event of a potential life-threatening emergency, may file a complaint with the Office of Special Education within the Department of Education. A school bus personnel member who is found by the office to have violated the provisions concerning 911 emergency notification and follow-up reporting requirements is to be liable for certain civil penalties. The bill also requires a school bus that transports one or more students with disabilities to be equipped with: 1) a video camera on the interior of the school bus to monitor student safety while the students are being transported; 2) a global positioning system that provides information about the location and speed of each school bus in real time; and 3) two-way communications equipment, which may include, but not be limited to, a cellular or other wireless telephone. Under the bill, any video footage collected from a video camera and any data collected from a global positioning system is to be retained for not less than 180 days from the date it was recorded. Finally, the bill requires that each in-terminal school bus inspection conducted by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is to provide for the inspection of the equipment required to be installed on school buses pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| A5129 | "CJ's Law"; Criminalizes manufacture and distribution of substances containing kratom under certain circumstances. | This bill, designated as "CJ's Law," would criminalize the manufacture, possession and sale of products containing kratom. Kratom, as known as mitragyna speciosa korth, mitragynine extract, biak-biak, cratom, gratom, ithang, kakuam, katawn, kedemba, ketum, krathom, krton, mambog, madat, Maeng da leaf, nauclea, or Nauclea Speciosa, is a botanical substance that grows naturally in Southeast Asia. The federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that kratom poses a threat to public health and has the potential for abuse. Kratom is frequently marketed on the Internet for its psychoactive and opioid-like analgesic effects, and for use in the treatment of morphine and heroin addiction. However, kratom is not approved in the United States for any medical use. In a statement released in April 2022, the FDA warned the public against using kratom, warning that the substance "affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine" and that it appears to have "properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse, and dependence." According to the FDA, scientific literature has disclosed serious concerns regarding the toxicity of kratom in multiple organ systems, with consumption leading to a number of health issues, including depressed respiratory function, nervousness, agitation, aggression, sleeplessness, hallucinations, delusions, loss of libido, tremors, skin hyperpigmentation, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and severe withdrawal signs and symptoms. Currently, possession and distribution of kratom is not barred by federal or New Jersey law. However, the FDA Import Alert # 54-15 provides guidance for FDA field personnel regarding the detention of dietary supplements and bulk dietary ingredients that contain kratom. The FDA has also issued a number of warning letters and conducted seizures of illegally sold, unapproved, or misbranded drug products containing kratom that make unproven claims about their ability to treat or cure opioid addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Kratom is banned or its uses restricted in several countries, including Australia, Denmark, Finland, France , Germany, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. Kratom is also illegal in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Several states have passed laws restricting its sale and use, while several other states have introduced legislation that would ban this drug. This bill amends existing law to include kratom as a controlled dangerous substance and to sets out gradations for crimes involving the substance. The bill would make it a crime of the second degree to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or possess or have under one's control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense, a substance containing kratom in an amount of one ounce or more, including adulterants and dilutants. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to 10 years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. It would be a crime of the third degree to manufacture, distribute or dispense, or possess or have under one's control with intent to manufacture, distribute, or dispense a substance containing kratom in an amount of less than one ounce, including adulterants and dilutants. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Under the bill, there is an exception for the possession and manufacture of kratom, mitragyna speciosa korth, mitragynine, or any derivative of those chemical compounds, for any person who is a practitioner as defined in N.J.S.A.24:21-1. N.J.S.A.24:21-1 defines a "practitioner" as a physician, dentist, veterinarian, scientific investigator, laboratory, pharmacy, hospital, or other person licensed, registered, or otherwise permitted to distribute, dispense, conduct research with respect to, or administer a controlled dangerous substance in the course of professional practice or research in this State. CJ's Law is designated in remembrance of Christopher James (CJ) Holowach, who died at age 33 from cardiac arrest caused by mixture of drugs that included his physician prescribed Adderol and kratom. While awaiting arm surgery, CJ Holowach consumed kratom to numb his arm pain without jeopardizing his recovery from opioid addiction. However, he was unaware of the dangers of kratom as the supplement's bottle provided no warning labels or suggestions on safe dosage amounts. Kratom is marketed in a way to make it appear to be a safe herbal pain supplement, when it poses serious health risks. Further, addiction experts warn, echoing the sentiments of FDA warnings, that kratom can be highly addictive and create risk of abuse and dependence. It is the sponsor's hope that this bill will stop the sale of kratom in New Jersey, avoiding further tragedies including death. | In Committee |
| AR170 | Opposes New York's congestion pricing plan. | This resolution expresses opposition to New York's plan to implement a central business district tolling program, which is commonly referred to as New York's congestion pricing plan. The plan establishes a toll to charge motor vehicle drivers that enter Manhattan's central business district, which consists of the area of Manhattan south of and inclusive of 60th Street. Under the current plan, most drivers will pay a toll of $9 to enter Manhattan's central business district starting on January 5, 2025, which toll will then increase to $12 in 2028 and $15 in 2031. While the residents of New Jersey and its public officials understand the importance of reducing traffic congestion, adequately funding transportation, and strengthening the economic vitality of the region, the fact that no New Jersey lawmakers or business owners have any input or decision-making power over the plan makes it clear that the State of New Jersey must oppose New York's congestion pricing plan. | In Committee |
| A4967 | Requires DEP to implement Advanced Clean Trucks regulations no earlier than January 1, 2027. | This bill would delay the implementation of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations to January 1, 2027. Under current law, N.J.A.C. 7:27-31.3, the regulations would become operative on January 1, 2025. The DEP adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations in 2021. Pursuant to P.L.2003, c.266 (C.26:2C-8.15 et al.), the DEP is authorized to implement California's Low Emission Vehicle Program in New Jersey. The ACT regulations would require, among other things, that manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles sell an increasing percentage of zero-emissions vehicles, capping at 40 percent to 75 percent of annual sales in 2035, depending on the type of vehicle sold. | In Committee |
| S3611 | Provides grant to study and map mental health care resources for children; makes appropriation. | An Act concerning mental health services for children, supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4176 | Upgrades certain types of assault against sports officials to aggravated assault. | This bill would upgrade any simple assault committed against a sports official for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event to an aggravated assault. Under the bill, a person commits aggravated assault if the person is clearly identifiable as being engaged in the performance of the duties of a sports official; or because of the person's status as a sports official. The bill defines "sports official" as meaning "any person who serves as a referee, umpire, timer, scorer, coach, athletic trainer, manager, or assistant for a school- or community-sponsored youth sports event, or serves in a similar capacity but may be known by a different title, whether the person is compensated or a volunteer." Under current law, an assault committed against a sports official would constitute a disorderly persons offense. Under the bill, assault against a sports official would be upgraded to aggravated assault, which is a crime of the fourth degree if the official suffered no bodily injury, and a crime of the third degree if bodily injury occurred. A crime of the fourth degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is potentially punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The changes to the law would take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| A3446 | "Freedom to Read Act"; establishes requirements for library material in public school libraries and public libraries; protects school library staff members and librarians. | An Act concerning public school libraries and public libraries and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3505 | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Crossed Over |
| A4174 | Clarifies consent to being photographed, filmed, or recorded in a sexual manner does not include or imply consent to disclosure of image. | This bill amends the invasion of privacy statute, N.J.S.A.2C:14-9, to clarify that a person's consent to being photographed, filmed, videotaped, recorded, observed, or otherwise having their nude, sexual, or sexually suggestive image reproduced is not be construed to include or imply the person's consent to the disclosure of such image. The bill also requires that a person's consent to disclosure is strictly construed to be limited only to the express purpose for which consent was obtained. Under current law, a person's consent to the taking of the image could be construed to also waive any restriction on the subsequent disclosure of the image. Under the bill, taking an image and disclosing an image are two separate acts that require two separate instances of consent. | Crossed Over |
| AJR66 | Commemorates 71st anniversary of armistice that ended Korean War. | The Korean War began on June 25, 1950, when the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea invaded the Republic of Korea in a surprise and unprovoked attack. A few days later, the United Nations' Security Council declared that the attack conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was a violation of peace. Shortly after, United Nations members were urged to support the Republic of Korea in its defense. Twenty-two countries, including the United States, got involved in the Korean War by supplying the Republic of Korea with fighting units and medical services. From the 1.7 million American soldiers who served in the Korean War, more than 33,000 died and more than 100,000 were injured. More than 191,000 New Jersey residents served in the military during the Korean War, and 836 New Jersey residents were killed or missing in action during the war. After the Korean War ended, the United States and the Republic of Korea signed a mutual defense treaty, which established an alliance between both countries. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea that was formed through sacrifice and shared hardship. Although the Korean War led to the death of 2.5 million individuals, this war is often referred to as the "forgotten war" for the lack of attention it has received compared to other, more well-known international conflicts. Therefore, the State of New Jersey commemorates the 70th anniversary of the armistice that ended the Korean War on July 27, 1953. | Crossed Over |
| S912 | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | An Act concerning postpartum care, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2652 | Revises statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children. | An Act concerning certain criminal offenses involving sexual exploitation or abuse of children and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5019 | Revises definition of "contracting unit" for government cooperative purchasing agreements. | Under current law, certain government contracting units authorized to purchase goods, or to contract for services, may make purchases and contract for services through the use of a nationally-recognized and accepted cooperative purchasing agreement that has been developed utilizing a competitive bidding process by another contracting unit within the State of New Jersey, or within any other state, when available. The definition of "contracting unit" in this provision of law includes various government entities, but specifies that they are "not a State board, commission, committee, authority or agency." This bill revises this definition of "contracting unit" to change the use of "authority or agency," providing instead for "State authority or agency." Thereby, State authorities or agencies would be included in the definition of contracting unit and be able to participate in the pertinent cooperative purchasing agreement. State boards, commissions, and committees will remain ineligible to participate in these cooperative purchasing agreements. | In Committee |
| A4970 | Provides grant to study and map mental health care resources for children; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Children and Families to distribute a $1,000,000 grant to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to study and map mental health care resources for children. Under the bill, the New Jersey Health Care Quality will be required to assemble a group of stakeholders to: create a comprehensive visual journey map that outlines families' experiences in obtaining mental health care and related support services for their children; identify the eligibility rules for various pediatric mental health care programs and resources available to children in this State, steps and barriers to accessing these programs and services, and how these programs and services may connect, disconnect, or compete; and provide concrete policy suggestions to improve the structure, funding, mission, and interconnectedness of pediatric mental health care programs ensuring that programs are family- and child-focused. The group of stakeholders will consist of: representatives with subject matter expertise in pediatric mental health care services; pediatric mental health care providers; and mental health care program administrators from counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey. Under the bill, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute will be required to: (1) evaluate the current landscape of pediatric mental health care services across: schools; counties; State agencies including, but not limited to, the Departments of Children and Families, Education, Human Services, and Health; insurers; and the legal system; (2) identify the eligibility rules, covered services, and funding structures for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in this State; (3) conduct qualitative research through interviews and focus groups with families, health care providers, and program administrators across three counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey; (4) review the applicable laws, regulations, and contract terms governing pediatric mental health care services in the State; (5) highlight barriers to care and analyze payment structures, reimbursement rates, and cost-sharing provisions to identify financial barriers to access to pediatric mental health care services; (6) compile and analyze data on pediatric mental health outcomes, stratified by payer type, race, ethnicity, and other relevant characteristics that can identify disparities in access to pediatric mental health care services and pediatric mental health outcomes across different populations; (7) prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that visually maps the steps a child and family are required to take in order to access mental health care services, covering the initial contact with a mental health care provider to the provision of mental health care and noting all the interactions, required steps, and encountered barriers related to receiving mental health care; and (8) prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that: summarizes eligibility criteria, coverage details, and payment policies for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in the State; identifies any key issues related to pediatric mental health care and any disparities in mental health outcomes in the State; and includes the advisory group's policy recommendations to pediatric improve mental health care program structures, efficiency, coverage, funding, and interconnectedness. No later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this bill, the Commissioner of Children and Families will submit to the Governor and the Legislature the documents prepared pursuant to the bill. The commissioner will also make the documents available to the public on the Department of Children and Families' Internet website. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families the sum of $1,000,000 to effectuate the purposes of this bill. | In Committee |
| AR128 | Commemorates 45th anniversary of enactment of Taiwan Relations Act and 35th anniversary of New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. | This resolution commemorates the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and the 35th anniversary of the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was passed by the United States. Congress on April 10, 1979 to sustain a close bilateral relationship and advance mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan. Since its enactment, the TRA has served as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations, preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a part of the South China Sea that separates the island of Taiwan from the Asian continent. The Taiwan Strait is crucial to the maintenance of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Its importance has been recently highlighted in global summits such as the G7, NATO and East Asian Summit. The TRA has served as the foundation for the mutually beneficial partnership between Taiwan and the United States. In 2023, a total of $27.5 billion in bilateral trade occurred between the United States and Taiwan, making Taiwan the 8th largest trading partner of the United States. In June 2023, the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was signed to enhance the existing trade partnership as a means to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for workers, as well as businesses. The United States has also assisted Taiwan in furthering their global participation through international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1989, New Jersey and Taiwan entered a sister-state relationship, which remains a continuous and prosperous affiliation today. In 2021, the relationship was expanded by a sister-city agreement between Newark, New Jersey and Taoyuan City, Taiwan. In 2023, New Jersey exported approximately $723 million worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the State's 5th largest export market in Asia. In October 2023, Governor Murphy announced plans to open Choose New Jersey's New Jersey Asian-Pacific Center in Taiwan and witnessed numerous Memorandums of Understanding between State executive agencies and Taiwan to establish powerful economic trade partnerships and bilateral educational infrastructure. As of March 2024, over 200 Taiwanese companies have invested in New Jersey leading to the creation of new jobs in the State. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2818 | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Crossed Over |
| A4987 | Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." | This bill creates a uniform code for State and local government entities, as well as health care facilities, regarding the use of resources to aid federal immigration law enforcement, and designates the "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act." Under the bill, the definition of government entities includes any of the principal departments of the executive branch of State government and any parts or creations thereof, any independent State authority, commission, instrumentality or agency, including any public institution of higher education. The bill's definition also includes political subdivisions of the State and combinations of political subdivisions, independent authorities, commissions, instrumentalities and agencies created by a political subdivision or combination of political subdivisions. Under the bill, government entities and healthcare facilities are prohibited from collecting certain personal and identifying information unless it is strictly necessary for program or service administration. Any record resulting from that collection, whether written or oral, would not be a government record under the "Open Public Records Act" unless an election agency requires it to ascertain the eligibility of a candidate when citizenship is required for an elected office. Any record also shall not be disclosed except as required to administer benefits or services pursuant to State or federal law, or valid court order or warrant, issued by a federal Article III judge or magistrate or the State equivalent. The bill provides that the prohibition on sharing information may be waived if the subject of the record or information provides written consent in that person's preferred language. The written consent shall include the following: (1) the exact record or information to be shared; (2) the purpose for sharing the record or information; (3) a statement clarifying that consent is voluntary and declining to consent shall not result in discrimination or retaliation by the government entity; (4) a statement clarifying that consent may be revoked, but that revocation does not impact a record or information already shared via prior written consent provided pursuant to this section; and (5) the person or agency to receive the record or information. The bill requires government entities to review their confidentiality policies, guidance and recommendations to identify any changes necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of the bill and make any changes as expeditiously as possible, but no later than one year after the bill becomes effective. The bill also requires these entities to share their policies prominently on their Internet websites. This bill also requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Public Defender, to prepare a written notice explaining in plain language the provisions of section 6 of the bill. Section 6 of the bill details the prohibition of certain actions by law enforcement. The bill requires the notice and all translations to be posted to the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety and to be considered vital documents pursuant to P.L.2023, c.263 (C.52:14-40 et seq.). The Attorney General is also required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities in the development of standardized training and guidance for law enforcement to comply with the bill's provisions. The AG also shall provide mandatory training to all State, county and local law enforcement agencies within one year of the bill's effective date. Any newly sworn officer is required to complete this training within a year of the officer's appointment. The Department of Human Services is required to consult with stakeholders serving or representing immigrant communities to develop and lead a multilingual campaign to promote public awareness of the bill's requirements for law enforcement agencies. As part of the awareness campaign, DHS is required to publish the text of section 6 of the bill's provisions and a plain language summary and explanation of those requirements on its Internet website within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Under the bill, the Attorney General is also required to consult with other government entities and stakeholders in the development of model policies for sensitive locations. These locations include health care facilities, public schools, public libraries, shelters, and any other locations deemed appropriate by the Attorney General to ensure that eligible individuals are not deterred from seeking services or engaging with government entities. The model policies prohibit the request or collection of certain information regarding a person's immigration status, place of birth or taxpayer identification except to determine eligibility for services or program benefits. The model policies prohibit assistance or participation of immigration enforcement, and prohibit the permission of immigration enforcement on entity premises that are not open without restriction to the general public. The Attorney General is required to publish the model policies on the Internet website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires government entities with authority to regulate sensitive places to adopt the model policies within 180 days of issuance by the Attorney General's office and encourages facilities not regulated by government entities to adopt the policies. The bill prohibits certain actions by law enforcement. Specifically, State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies and officials shall not: (1) stop, question, arrest, search, or detain any individual based on actual or suspected citizenship or immigration status, or actual or suspected violations of federal civil immigration law; (2) inquire about an individual's immigration status, citizenship, place of birth, or eligibility for a social security number; (3) make an arrest, detain, or prolong the detention of an individual based on civil immigration warrants; (4) use agency or department moneys, facilities, property, equipment, or personnel to investigate, enforce, or assist in the investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin; or (5) make agency or department databases available to anyone or any entity for the purpose of immigration enforcement or investigation or enforcement of any federal program requiring registration of individuals on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, immigration status, citizenship, or national or ethnic origin. The bill nullifies any agreement, policy or practice in place that is in conflict with this clause. Law enforcement agencies in the State are also prohibited from: (1) participating in civil immigration enforcement operations; (2) providing to federal immigration authorities any information that identifies, relates to, describes, is reasonably capable of being associated with, or could reasonably be linked, directly or indirectly, with a particular person; (3) providing access to any State, county, or municipal law enforcement equipment, office space, database, or property; (4) providing access to a detained individual for an interview; (5) facilitating or complying with immigration detainers, notification requests, and transfer requests from federal immigration authorities; (6) continuing to detain a person past the time the person would otherwise be eligible for release from custody based solely on an immigration detainer or civil immigration warrant; (7) entering into, modifying, renewing, or extending any agreement to exercise federal immigration authority or conduct immigration enforcement pursuant to section 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g), or otherwise exercising federal civil immigration authority or conducting immigration enforcement outside of the purview of 287(g) of Title 8 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. §1357(g); or (8) providing or sharing funds, property, equipment, personnel, or access to facilities or real property not open to the general public for purposes of engaging in, assisting, supporting, or facilitating immigration enforcement. The bill provides that violations of the prohibitions on police conduct in the bill would be enforceable under the "New Jersey Civil Rights Act," P.L.2004, c.143. If an agency or law enforcement official intends to comply with an immigration detainer, notification request, civil immigration warrant, or transfer request concerning a person in custody, a written explanation specifying the legal basis for that action is required to be given to the person is custody. Lastly, the bill requires each State, county, and municipal law enforcement agency to submit to the Attorney General a report that includes: (1) the number of detainer requests, transfer requests, and notification requests made by immigration authorities, and the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency. For any request that was granted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting that request; (2) the number of interviews requested and the number of interviews conducted, either in person or telephonically, by immigration authorities of people in State, county, or municipal law enforcement custody. For each interview conducted, the report shall specify any legal basis for granting the interview; (3) any other requests made by immigration authorities for the agency's participation in immigration enforcement, the responses of the State, county, or municipal law enforcement agency, and the legal basis for granting the request; and (4) to the extent the law enforcement agency has knowledge, any information about State, county, and municipal databases to which immigration authorities have had access to at any time in the course of the year, including: the name of the database; an overview of information available on the database; the purpose for which immigration authorities have access to this database; the process through which immigration authorities requested access and agencies reviewed this request, if applicable; any legal basis for providing immigration authorities access to the database; and the frequency with which immigration authorities accessed the database over the course of the year. Law enforcement agencies have 180 days after the effective date of the bill to produce the first report and must then annually submit a report within 30 days of the end of the State's fiscal year. The Attorney General is initially required to publish the report on the office's website within 90 days of receipt, and then within 90 days of the end of the fiscal year thereafter. The Attorney General is also required to annually submit to the Governor and Legislature a report on each law enforcement agency's compliance with the provisions of this act. | In Committee |
| A4811 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $20 million for provision of Summer Tuition Aid Grants in summer 2025; provides conditional authority for transfer of additional resources to Summer Tuition Aid Grants account. | A Supplement to the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, P.L.2024, c.22. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4900 | Requires Department of Treasury and DHS to annually identify State funds available for NJ FamilyCare, evaluate program, and create prioritized list of initiatives to improve quality of care under program. | This bill directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Department of the Treasury and the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services to annually prepare and submit a report to the Governor and to the Legislature that: 1) identifies all unencumbered or unallocated State funds that are available to be appropriated in the current fiscal year to the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services for the purposes of NJ FamilyCare; and 2) evaluates the quality of care for beneficiaries across NJ FamilyCare and compiles a prioritized list of the 12 most urgent policy changes and legislative actions, along with the associated State funds necessary to implement those initiatives, that are required to address any quality of care deficiency identified in the evaluation. The NJ FamilyCare provides health insurance to certain low-income residents of the State via the Medicaid program and the Children's Health Insurance Program. | In Committee |
| A4901 | Establishes Commission on Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education. | This bill establishes the Commission on the Oversight of Public Institutions of Higher Education within the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. Under the bill, the commission would examine and report on the structure of public higher education and recommend ways to improve financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of the public institutions of higher education in the State. The commission would consist of 12 members. The members would include: the Secretary of Higher Education, or a designee, serving ex officio; the Executive Director of the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, or a designee, serving ex officio; two members appointed by the Governor, including the president of a State college or university, or a designee, and the president of a public research university, or a designee; the following four members appointed by legislative leadership including: the president of a county college, or a designee, appointed by the Senate President; the president of a county college, or a designee, appointed by the Senate Minority Leader; a member representing a public-sector higher education labor union, appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; a full time faculty member employed by a public institution of higher education, appointed by the Assembly Minority Leader; one member with expertise, knowledge, or experience in the fiscal management of institutions of higher education, appointed by the Governor; one student representative from a public research university; one student representative from the State colleges or universities; and one student representative from the county colleges. The student representatives would be appointed by the Governor, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Higher Education through an application process. The purpose of this commission is to bring together management of public institutions of higher education, students, faculty, staff, and union leadership to make recommendations on higher education, with a special emphasis on financial transparency, accountability, and oversight. The commission is responsible for examining issues related to the financial transparency, accountability, and oversight of public institutions of higher education. The commission would meet a minimum of three times. This bill requires the commission to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature outlining the commission's recommendations to improve the structure of higher education in the State. The commission would issue the report to the Governor and the Legislature within 180 days after the commission organizes. The commission, and its enabling legislation, would expire 30 days after the issuance of its report to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| A1400 | Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools of violations of drinking water quality standards. | This bill would require the owner or operator of a public water system to immediately notify, by telephone and electronic mail, the governing body of a municipality and the chief administrator of every school district, charter school, and nonpublic school located within the municipality whenever the public water system violates any drinking water quality standard for drinking water supplied by the public water system within the municipality. The notification would provide the name of any contaminant that exceeds a drinking water quality standard, the maximum contaminant level or the action level, as appropriate, for the contaminant, the level of the contaminant found on each date, the dates when the tests were performed, the location of each sample tested and the location of each sample tested that exceeds a maximum contaminant level or action level. The bill also requires the owner or operator of the public water system to provide information on suggested remedies that a customer may take to address the violation. | Crossed Over |
| A1813 | Prohibits delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age. | Prohibits delivery of electronic smoking devices and tobacco products to individuals under 21 years of age. | Crossed Over |
| A1925 | Modifies languages that examinations are to be conducted in for applicants seeking professional license issued by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | Modifies languages that examinations are to be conducted in for applicants seeking professional license issued by New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | Crossed Over |
| A3366 | Establishes Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. | Establishes Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. | Crossed Over |
| A3539 | Revises statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children. | This bill updates terminology in statutory law pertaining to the sexual exploitation or abuse of children. Current state law prohibits the creation, manufacture, distribution, sale or viewing of child pornography. Among child protection advocates, however, terms such as "child sexual abuse material" and "child sexual exploitation material" have come into wider use, replacing the general description of "child pornography" because these terms more accurately reflect the suffering of the children who are victims of these crimes. When used in the context of depictions of children, the term "pornography" may be understood to legitimize or trivialize the sexual abuse or exploitation of those children. In addition, the term "pornography" carries with it the implication that the acts are performed with the consent of the child, and represent legitimate sexual material. This bill replaces the term child pornography with the term "trade in child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in Title 2A. In Title 2C, the definition of "item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child" is amended to include "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" and the acronym "CSAEM." The bill replaces the term child pornography with "network to share child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in various sections of Title 2C concerning the definition, degrees of crime, examination referrals, registration of sex offenders, and special sentencing for parole supervision for life for a leader of a network distributing depictions of child sexual abuse or exploitation. The bill further clarifies that online distribution or possession of sexual abuse or exploitation material is to be included in the schedule of penalties pertaining to offenses involving computer criminal activity in Title 2C. In Title 9, the term pornography is replaced with "any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material" concerning disqualification of employment pursuant to N.J.S.9:3-40.5. In Title 18A, the word pornography is replaced with the term "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" with regard to the practice of "sexting," or sending sexually explicit messages pursuant to N.J.S.18A:35-4.32. This bill replaces the term pornography in various parts of Title 30 with "any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in the statutes concerning revocation of a day care center's registration, criteria for permanent disqualification from employment, disqualification from adopting a child or being a resource family parent, and disqualification of employment at, or ownership or sponsorship of, a child day care center. In Title 52, the term pornography is replaced with "online distribution or possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in the statutes concerning the Department of Law and Public Safety's efforts to receive and respond to inquiries or complaints from members of the public reporting computer crimes pursuant to N.J.S.52:17B-193. This bill also updates the terminology used in current law to replace outdated references to certain crimes that involve the sexual exploitation or abuse of children. According to the sponsor, the changes made in this bill are not intended, nor should they be construed, to have any substantive impact on the applicability of the affected provisions; the changes are intended to render the terminology consistent with the rest of the current statutory scheme and the broader international trend. The bill also corrects technical inconsistencies in the statutes. | In Committee |
| A3887 | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | In Committee |
| A929 | Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations. | This bill requires public institutions of higher education to provide academic credit to students who receive a score of three or above on an advanced placement examination or a score of 50 or above on a college-level examination program learning assessment. Under the bill, to receive the academic credit, a student is required to be pursuing an associate or baccalaureate degree, and while in grades 9 through 12, has completed either the applicable advanced placement course and advanced placement examination or the applicable college-level examination program learning assessment while enrolled in grades 9 through 12. Additionally, the bill requires each institution to post the institution's policies and procedures for awarding academic credit for advanced placement examinations and college-level examination program learning assessments on its website and submit the policies and procedures to the Secretary of Higher Education. The Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is subsequently required to post each institution's policies and procedures on the office's website. The bill also requires each institution to report any proposed change to the policies and procedures to the Secretary of Higher Education no less than 60 days before the change takes effect. Finally, the bill permits the secretary to provide an institution with an exemption to the academic credit requirements established under the bill on an individual course basis provided that the institution submits data that a required score differing from the academic credit requirements established under the bill are necessary for a student to be successful in a related or more advanced course. | In Committee |
| A4721 | Requires Department of Treasury to update New Jersey Disparity Study every five years. | This bill requires the Department of the Treasury to prepare and submit to the Governor and to the Legislature updates to the New Jersey Disparity Study of 2024 every five years, beginning with January 1, 2029. The updates will include changes in the availability and utilization of small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses in State procurement. | In Committee |
| A2243 | Allows gross income tax credit for certain child care staff and registered family day care providers. | This bill allows a gross income tax credit for staff members employed by a licensed child care provider who directly supervises children and for registered family day care providers who, as applicable, have been employed by a child care provider or worked as a registered family day care provider for a continuous six month period during the taxable year. The credit amount varies depending on the staff member's or registered family day care provider's income: (1) for incomes of less than $25,000, the amount of the credit will be equal to $1,000 for providing child care services to children 30 months of age or older, and $1,500 for providing child care services to children from birth to the age of 30 months; (2) for incomes between $25,000 and $35,000, the amount of the credit will be equal to $750 for providing child care services to children 30 months of age or older, and $1,000 for providing child care services to children from birth to the age of 30 months; and (3) for incomes between $35,001 and $45,000, the amount of the credit will be equal to $500 for providing child care services to children 30 months of age or older, and $750 for providing child care services to children from birth to the age of 30 months. For staff members working for a child care provider who directly supervise children and for registered family day care providers who provide child care services to children from birth to the age of 30 months, the tax credit will only apply if the staff member or family day care provider spends at least 50 percent of the staff member's or family day care provider's employment time providing such services. For staff members and registered family day care providers with less than $45,000 of gross income, the credit is refundable: if the staff member or provider has no tax liability to against which the credit may be applied, the staff member or provider will receive the remaining credit amount from the State in cash. For a staff member or provider with an income of $45,000, any remaining credit may be carried forward to the next taxable year, but may not be carried forward beyond that. The credit allowed by this bill cannot be taken into account as income or receipts for the purposes of determining the eligibility of a taxpayer for benefits or assistance or for the purposes of determining the amount or extent of benefits or assistance under any State benefits or assistance program, including programs financed in whole or in part with federal funds. | In Committee |
| A1912 | Requires certain State employees to receive training in cybersecurity best practices. | This bill requires State employees to receive training regarding using best safety practices while utilizing State computers. The bill requires the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) in the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, to establish the cybersecurity training program for all State employees in the Executive and Legislative Branch of government who have access to a State computer. The bill requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to adopt guidelines to implement the program. The training should include a review of best practices for using State computers including updating passwords; detecting phishing scams; preventing ransomware, spyware infections, and identity theft; and preventing and responding to data breaches. The NJCCIC provides cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. Located at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), the NJCCIC promotes Statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices. Cybersecurity is a growing concern for State government and the private sector. It has enormous implications for government security, economic prosperity, and public safety. | In Committee |
| AJR61 | Designates April of each year as "Financial Literacy Month" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates April of each year as "Financial Literacy Month" in New Jersey in order to improve the understanding of the State's citizens of critical financial issues such as credit management, savings, debt management, and homeownership, and to significantly increase an individual's likelihood of financial success. Under the joint resolution, the Governor is respectfully requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing April as "Financial Literacy Month" in New Jersey and calling upon schools, financial institutions, nonprofit financial educational organizations, the citizens of the State, and other interested groups to observe the month with appropriate activities and programs. | In Committee |
| A2353 | Establishes "Scientific Conference Grant Program"; appropriates $250,000. | Establishes "Scientific Conference Grant Program"; appropriates $250,000. | In Committee |
| A4191 | Protects access to assisted reproductive technology. | This bill provides every woman in this State the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Under current law, the State provides the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, or to choose whether to carry a pregnancy, to give birth, or to terminate a pregnancy. Under the bill, the fundamental rights related to reproductive health choice in the State are expanded to include the use of ART. ART includes, but is not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This legislation is in response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), decided in February 2024. In LePage, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the state's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. New Jersey has long been a State that supports, and provides protections for, the reproductive freedom of its citizens, including the right to make the choice of whether to start or expand a family through IVF. | Crossed Over |
| A4531 | Limits negotiated plea agreements for crime of burglary when firearm involved. | This bill prohibits the prosecution from entering into a plea agreement for a lesser term of imprisonment or fine for the crime of burglary when a firearm is involved. Under current law, it is a crime of the second degree if, in the course of committing the offense of burglary, the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; or (2) is armed with or displays what appears to be explosives or a deadly weapon. Under the bill, a person convicted of burglary while armed with a firearm would be ineligible to enter into a negotiated plea agreement to receive a lesser term of imprisonment or a fine. "Firearm" is defined as any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances. "Firearm" also includes, without limitation, any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person. | Crossed Over |
| A4654 | Requires health benefits coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services, including early infancy care, without cost sharing. | Requires health benefits coverage for family planning and reproductive health care services, including early infancy care, without cost sharing. | Crossed Over |
| A4730 | Permits court to admit evidence of prior offenses in certain criminal prosecutions. | This bill permits the admission of evidence of prior acts of domestic violence, child abuse, and sex offenses in prosecutions for those offenses. The bill permits this evidence to be introduced by the prosecution, but not to be offered to prove conduct on a specific occasion. The bill provides that the evidence may be admitted only after a determination by the trial judge that the evidence is admissible under Rule 403 of the New Jersey Rules of Evidence. Evidence of prior wrongs, crimes, or acts typically is inadmissible in criminal actions. There are exceptions to this rule and the bill would create additional exceptions in criminal prosecutions for domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual offenses. Prosecution of these offenses present unique challenges because offenders rarely commit the offenses in front of witnesses or with recording devices in use, so the availability of corroborating evidence tends to be limited. The rules of evidence in a number of jurisdictions in the United States allow the admission of prior acts of domestic violence including California, Alaska, Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Oregon, Texas, and Wisconsin, and sexual assault, including California, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin. Some jurisdictions allow the evidence for any relevant purpose, such as propensity, while other jurisdictions allow this evidence to provide context to the existing relationship. The proposed evidence rule changes would bring New Jersey in line with these other jurisdictions, provide relevant, probative evidence of an offender's guilt, and refute common defenses that historically have enabled offenders to evade accountability. Bolstering the amount of compelling and relevant evidence available in these cases will increase the likelihood of successful prosecution of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault offenders, diminishing the serious public safety threat they present. | In Committee |
| A4764 | Requires high school students to receive financial literacy instruction. | Current law requires middle school students to receive instruction in financial literacy. This bill amends the law to also require high school students to receive instruction in financial literacy. The bill clarifies that instruction that principally addresses economic, business, and entrepreneurial literacy will not satisfy the financial literacy instruction requirement. The bill requires, for a State-endorsed diploma, district boards of education to develop, adopt, and implement local graduation requirements that require a high school student to complete the financial literacy course. The bill also adds additional content to be included in the financial literacy curriculum, including behavioral economics, banking, consumer skills, taxes, and college financial planning. Finally, the bill amends the law to require that the financial literacy instruction be taught by teachers with appropriate instructional endorsements in specific areas. | In Committee |
| A3860 | Establishes certain medical billing requirements concerning specific nature of charges or expenses for health care services. | Establishes certain medical billing requirements concerning specific nature of charges or expenses for health care services. | Crossed Over |
| A4682 | Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs. | This bill makes it unlawful when a licensed health care provider prescribes a nonopioid medication to a person covered by a health insurance carrier for the treatment of acute pain and the carrier denies coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug: (1) in favor of an opioid prescription drug; or (2) to require a covered person to try an opioid prescription drug prior to approving the use of a nonopioid prescription drug. "Carrier" is defined in the bill to mean an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State. Under the bill, a carrier that establishes and maintains a drug formulary is to ensure that a nonopioid drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment or management of pain will not be disadvantaged or discouraged, with respect to coverage or cost-sharing, relative to any opioid or narcotic drug for the treatment or management of pain on the formulary of the carrier under various circumstances. It is not prohibited in the bill for an opioid drug to be preferred over another opioid drug or for a nonopioid drug to be preferred over another nonopioid drug. The provisions of the bill prohibiting denial of a nonopioid prescription drug are also incorporated into the laws governing the required coverage for contracts negotiated by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, and in the law overseeing Medicaid. | In Committee |
| AR149 | Supplements General Assembly Rules to require members of General Assembly to be addressed as State Representative. | This resolution supplements the General Assembly Rules to require that all members of the General Assembly be addressed as State Representative. State Representative is a gender-neutral term that provides all members of the General Assembly with the same title. Currently, members of the General Assembly are referred to as Assemblyman and Assemblywoman. The New Jersey State Constitution of 1947 refers to persons elected to the General Assembly as "members," not as "Assemblyman" or "Assemblywoman." 45 states and territories use the term "representative" for members of the lower body. While other states and territories have other genderless titles for members of their lower house, only New Jersey, New York, Nevada, and California call their members "Assemblyman" and "Assemblywoman." New Jersey would be joining the large majority of states by choosing a genderless title for its General Assembly members. | In Committee |
| A4711 | Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury. | This bill requires a public institution of higher education to provide an alternative scholarship to a student-athlete who loses an athletic scholarship due to an injury. If a public institution of higher education rescinds or does not renew an athletic scholarship previously awarded by the institution to a student-athlete due to an incapacitating injury or illness, the bill requires the institution to provide the student-athlete with a scholarship equal in value to the athletic scholarship for the remainder of the student's enrollment in an undergraduate degree program at the institution, or for a maximum of five academic years, inclusive of the duration of the athletic scholarship, whichever is shorter. The bill defines "incapacitating injury or illness" to mean an injury or illness directly related to the student-athlete's participation in an intercollegiate athletic program at a public institution of higher education that has been determined by the institution's medical staff to make the student-athlete medically ineligible to continue participation in intercollegiate athletics. | In Committee |
| A4460 | Provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. | This bill provides certain requirements concerning railroad safety. Under the bill, the owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to require at least a two-person crew on all dangerous hazardous trains. The owner or operator of a dangerous hazardous train is to further require that all dangerous hazardous trains clearly display the name of the railroad company that owns the dangerous hazardous train. The bill provides for certain exceptions to the two-person crew requirement, including: when a train is performing helper service; when a train is a tourist, scenic, historic, or excursion operation that is not part of the general railroad system of transportation; when a train is a locomotive that is not attached to railcars, is located inside a rail yard, and is being moved between tracks or moved to or from a maintenance shop; and when the owner or operator has been exempted from the two-person crew requirement by the Commissioner of Transportation. However, the bill specifies that the two-person crew requirement is mandatory when a train is transporting one or more loaded freight cars containing any material poisonous by inhalation or transporting 10 or more loaded freight cars or freight cars loaded with bulk packages or containing certain hazardous materials. The bill also prohibits a railroad company, including a short line, from operating any train that exceeds 8,500 feet in length on any main line or branch line within the State. Any person or railroad company that violates this maximum length is liable for a civil penalty of at least $500 but not more than $1,000 per foot exceeding the maximum train length allowed under the bill. The maximum penalty allowed is $250,000 in instances of gross negligence or a pattern of repeated violations that cause an imminent hazard of death or injury or that have caused death or injury, regardless of train length. The owner or operator of a privately owned railroad is required to submit a copy of federally required bridge inspection reports to the Commissioner of Transportation, the Governor, and the Legislature. Under the bill, the Board of Public Utilities (board), in conjunction with Department of Transportation (DOT), is required to work with each railroad company that operates in the State to ensure that wayside detector systems are installed and are operating along railroad tracks on which the railroad company operates and to ensure that such systems meet certain standards. If a railroad company refuses to work or otherwise cooperate with the board and the DOT in good faith, the board and the DOT are required to investigate the railroad company's safety practices and standards to determine whether the company appears to be in compliance with federal railroad safety standards. If the railroad company does not appear to be in compliance, the board and the DOT are then required to make a report to the Federal Railroad Administration (administration), within 60 days after this determination, detailing the results of the investigation and recommending that the administration take enforcement action against the railroad company. The bill requires the board and the DOT to send a copy of the report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill requires that all non-profit labor organizations representing a class or craft of employees of rail carriers or rail carrier contractor officials (non-profit labor organizations) be permitted onto railroad property to assist in inspecting for safety hazards and are permitted to identify any alleged safety hazards. Finally, the bill requires the DOT to work with non-profit labor organizations and local emergency response service providers to apply for federal grants. With the exception of the maximum length provisions of the bill, this bill does not apply to certain Class III carriers as defined by the Surface Transportation Board. | In Committee |
| A4699 | Requires institutions of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises and maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride. | This bill requires an institution of higher education to place an automated external defibrillator in an unlocked location in each athletic facility and student center with an appropriate identifying sign. The defibrillator is to be accessible during the normal operating hours of the athletic facility or student center and within reasonable proximity of the institution's athletic fields. The institution of higher education is to ensure that: (1) at least two staff members who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator are in the athletic facility or student center during the normal operating hours; and (2) each defibrillator is tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines, and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad, or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location. The bill provides that an institution of higher education and its staff are immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of a defibrillator. This bill also requires an institution of higher education to obtain a supply of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray to be placed near an automated external defibrillator required by the provisions of the bill in a secure and easily accessible location with an appropriate identifying sign for the purpose of responding to an opioid overdose emergency. The naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray is to be maintained by the institution in quantities and types deemed adequate by the governing board of the institution in consultation with the Commissioner of Human Services. The bill requires an institution of higher education to designate a licensed campus medical professional to oversee the institution's program for the maintenance and emergency administration of naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray on campus. Finally, the bill provides that an institution of higher education, licensed campus medical professional, member of the higher education community designated to administer naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray by the provisions of the bill, pharmacist, or an authorized health care practitioner who issues a standing order for naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray to an institution of higher education is not to be held liable for any good faith act or omission consistent with the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| AR150 | Recognizes historical importance and cultural significance of Hinchliffe Stadium and annual football game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University at Hinchliffe Stadium. | This Assembly resolution recognizes the historical importance and cultural significance of Hinchliffe Stadium to the State of New Jersey. This resolution also recognizes the significance of an annual football game between Montclair State University and William Paterson University at Hinchliffe Stadium as a sporting event that honors the history and legacy of the stadium. Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey is one of only two surviving Negro League stadiums in the nation and holds immense historical significance as a landmark of sports culture. The stadium, built in 1932, was renovated and reopened in 2023 as a 10,000 seat stadium, and features the Charles J. Muth Museum, a treasure trove of baseball's past. The preservation of historic sites like Hinchliffe Stadium is vital for educating future generations about the contributions of African American athletes to American sports and society. Montclair State University and William Paterson University have a longstanding football rivalry. The annual game between the two institutions is a celebrated event that brings together students, alumni, and the community. Plans to hold the annual rivalry game at Hinchliffe Stadium will not only honor the legacy of the stadium, but also promote its historical and cultural significance. | In Committee |
| A4674 | Upgrades to third degree crime for cyber-harassment of public servant or family member of public servant; establishes Office of Cyber-Harassment Support in DLPS; appropriates funds. | This bill would upgrade the penalty for cyber-harassment of a public servant or a public servant's family member. The bill would also establish the Office of Cyber-Harassment Support in the Department of Law and Public Safety to implement educational, awareness, and victim support activities across the State. Under current law, cyber-harassment is a crime of the fourth degree, unless the person is 21 years of age or older at the time of the offense and impersonates a minor for the purpose of cyber-harassing a minor, in which case it is a crime of the third degree. This bill amends current law to also make cyber-harassment a third degree crime if a person commits an offense against a public servant or any member of a public servant's family. The bill defines "public servant" as any person elected to public office, appointed to, or employed by any public entity in this State, or any subdivision thereof, and shall include any person serving as a judicial officer, as defined in section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1), juror, advisor, or consultant, performing a governmental function, but the term does not include witnesses. Under current law, the trier of fact may infer that a person acted with a purpose to harass another if the person knows or should have known that any of the person's actions constituting an offense under this section are knowingly directed to or are about a judicial officer and there is a nexus between the offense and relates to the performance of the judge's public duties. Under current law, "judicial officer" has the same meaning as defined in section 1 of P.L.1995, c.23 (C.47:1A-1.1). This bill amends the law to permit the trier of fact to make this inference with respect to all public servants, as that term is defined in the bill. This bill also requires the Attorney General to establish an Office of Cyber-Harassment Support in the Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The purpose of the office shall be to promote education and awareness of cyber-harassment, provide assistance to victims of cyber-harassment crimes, and promote initiatives and training throughout the State to prevent cyber-harassment, specifically against public servants and their family members. The office's responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (1) regularly engage with law enforcement, legal professionals, and technology professionals to clearly and comprehensively define cyber-harassment within the context of cyber-harassment crime, as it evolves due to emerging technologies; (2) establish user-friendly and accessible reporting systems to enable cyber-harassment victims to easily report cyber-harassment offenses and seek assistance from relevant authorities; (3) implement educational programs, directed towards both potential cyber-harassment offenders and victims, in order to raise awareness about cyber-harassment and its consequences; (4) collaborate with social media platforms to develop stricter policies to identify and remove harassing content; (5) encourage social media platforms to implement reporting features and provide support to victims to help create a safer online environment; (6) provide support services, counseling, and legal aid to victims of cyber-harassment to help them cope with the emotional and psychological impact of such harassment; (7) coordinate with the Department of Education to offer cyber ethics classes in New Jersey schools that help to promote responsible online behavior and create a culture of respect and empathy online; (8) coordinate with State and local law enforcement agencies to establish or expand specialized units within law enforcement agencies that are dedicated to handling cyber-harassment crimes; and (9) coordinate with State and local law enforcement agencies to enhance comprehensive training programs for law enforcement personnel on cyber-harassment investigation techniques, digital evidence collection, and law enforcement procedures specific to cyber-harassment cases. This bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety such funds as are necessary for the implementation of the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A360 | Revises law prohibiting feeding of black bear. | This bill would amend the law concerning the feeding of black bear. Under current law, the prohibition on the feeding of black bear does not apply in the case of an unintentional feeding of a black bear. "Unintentional feeding" is defined in the law as using or placing any material for a purpose other than to attract or entice black bears but which results in the attraction or enticement of a black bear, and includes the use of bait for deer in accordance with section 1 of P.L.1997, c.424 (C.23:4-24.4) and the State Fish and Game Code. This bill clarifies that the prohibition applies to any food and includes the placement of food. The bill deletes the exemption for, and the definition of, "unintentional feeding," and replaces it with a specific list of activities or actions that are not considered to be the feeding of black bear. The bill provides that the following activities would not be subject to the prohibition in the bill: (1) any person licensed pursuant to law to possess wildlife; (2) any crop, agricultural product, or animal feed on the premises of any person engaged in agricultural or horticultural activities; (3) a birdfeeder maintained between the dates of April 1 and November 30, provided that certain conditions are met; (4) the placement of food at a shelter or pound licensed by the Department of Health or a municipally approved managed cat colony, provided that any uneaten food is removed every night; (5) the feeding of companion animals, provided that any uneaten food is removed every night; and (6) any action by federal, State, or local authorities that requires feeding, baiting, or luring of wildlife for management or scientific purpose. The bill would also amend the current law concerning the use of civil penalties recovered for violations. Under current law, any penalties are to be paid to the Division of Fish and Wildlife. Under this bill, any penalties collected would be remitted to the municipality in which the violation occurred. | In Committee |
| A1930 | Broadens statute that criminalizes cyber-harassment of minor. | Under current law, cyber-harassment is a crime of the third degree if the offender is 21 or older at the time of the offense and impersonates a minor for the purpose of cyber-harassing a minor. This bill broadens the statute to provide that a person is guilty of this offense if the person is 18 or older and engages in cyber-harassing a minor. This bill eliminates the provision that a person must impersonate a minor in order to be guilty of the offense. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A1941 | Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to post public awareness signage in additional establishments. | Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to post public awareness signage in additional establishments. | In Committee |
| A3861 | "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act." | An Act concerning the report and collection of medical debt and supplementing P.L.1997, c.172 (C.56:11-28 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3275 | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | This bill revises certain provisions of the film and digital media content production tax credit program to include eligibility for wages and salaries paid to persons who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Under the film and digital media content production tax credit program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awards corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to eligible taxpayers based on the qualified film production expenses or qualified digital media content production expenses incurred for use within certain parts of the State. In addition to certain other eligibility requirements, at least 50 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred by a taxpayer are required to be for wages and salaries paid to full-time or full-time equivalent employees in New Jersey in order to qualify for the digital media content production tax credit. Under current law, the terms "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" are defined to include, among other expenses, the wages and salaries paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are subject to the tax imposed by the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Current law also defines the term "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include persons working not less than 35 hours per week, or other standard of service accepted by custom or practice as full-time or full-time equivalent employment, and whose wages and salaries are subject to withholding as provided in the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." This bill expands the scope of qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses to include wages and salaries that are paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. The bill also provides that these expenses would include any payments made by the taxpayer to a loan out company for services performed in New Jersey by individuals who are employed by the loan out company and whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Additionally, the bill amends the definition "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include otherwise eligible persons whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Currently, the State has entered into a reciprocal income tax agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the terms of this agreement, compensation paid to Pennsylvania residents who are employed in New Jersey is not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Accordingly, the bill provides that wages and salaries paid to certain Pennsylvania residents may be included as qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses, provided that these persons are employed in the New Jersey for the purposes of the film or digital media content production. The provisions of this bill would take effect immediately and apply retroactively beginning on January 1, 2024 to any taxpayer who has not received a tax credit certificate or tax credit transfer certificate from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority before this date. However, any taxpayer that has previously received a tax credit certificate, but has not used such tax credit certificate before January 1, 2024, would be allowed to surrender the tax credit certificate to the authority and receive a new tax credit certificate in accordance with the provisions of this bill. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2792 | Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes. | An Act appropriating $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues and the "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to the State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4425 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2025. | An Act authorizing the expenditure of funds by the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank for the purpose of making loans to eligible project sponsors to finance a portion of the cost of construction of environmental infrastructure projects, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3384 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2025. | An Act appropriating moneys to the Department of Environmental Protection for the purpose of making zero-interest loans or principal-forgiveness loans to project sponsors to finance a portion of the costs of environmental infrastructure projects. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4448 | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | In Committee |
| A4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2025. | This bill appropriates certain federal and State moneys to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the purpose of implementing the State Fiscal Year 2025 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (NJEIFP). The bill would appropriate these funds for the purpose of making loans to local governments and privately-owned water companies (project sponsors) for a portion of the costs of water infrastructure projects. A companion bill, Assembly Bill No. 4425 of this session, would authorize the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to execute loans using the funds appropriated to the DEP by this bill to finance a portion of the costs of the clean water and drinking water projects enumerated by the bill. The bill would authorize the DEP to use the moneys appropriated by the bill to fund the following projects: (1) in subsection a. of section 2 of the bill, a list of six projects to improve water discharge and treatment systems that had previously received a loan and require supplemental loans, representing $77.3 million in estimated total loan amounts; (2) in subsection b. of section 2 of the bill, a list of two projects to improve drinking water systems that had previously received a loan and require supplemental loans, representing $26.5 million in estimated total loan amounts; (3) in paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 3 of the bill, the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Clean Water Project Eligibility List," a list of 156 projects to improve water discharge and treatment systems, representing $1.9 billion in estimated total loan amounts; (4) in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 3 of the bill, a list of four projects in the Pinelands area that are receiving funding under the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.302, to improve water discharge and treatment systems, representing $15.3 million in estimated total loan amounts; and (5) in subsection b. of section 3 of the bill, the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2025 Drinking Water Project Eligibility List," a list of 72 projects to improve drinking water systems, representing $714.9 million in estimated total loan amounts. The bill would also appropriate the unexpended balances from various funds to the DEP, and allow the DEP to transfer moneys between various State funds, for the purpose of funding the NJEIFP and providing the State match for federal funding provided under the federal laws, including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, as detailed in subsection a. of section 1 of the bill. In addition, the bill would appropriate to the DEP funds deposited in the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" and the "Drinking Water State Revolving Fund" pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub. L. 117-58. The bill would authorize loans to certain project sponsors to include zero interest or principal forgiveness, subject to certain funding limits and restrictions detailed in subsections b. through e. of section 1 of the bill. Projects designated for zero interest or principal forgiveness loans include projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls, water quality restoration projects, water and energy efficiency projects, and emerging contaminant projects. The bill would establish certain requirements on loans to project sponsors made by the DEP pursuant to the bill, as enumerated in section 4 of the bill. The bill would also establish additional restrictions, described in section 5 of the bill, for "Sandy financing loans," which are those loans that utilize federal funding provided pursuant to the federal "Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013," Pub.L. 113-2. Under the bill, the project lists and the DEP's authorization to utilize the funds appropriated by the bill would expire on July 1, 2025. The bill would also authorize the NJIB to utilize repayments of loans made using moneys from various State funds, enumerated in subsections a. and b. of section 10 of the bill, to recoup trust bond repayments and administrative fees that have not been paid by project sponsors instead of redepositing the money into the funds. However, the bill would also require the NJIB to make a compensatory deposit into certain State funds, enumerated in subsection c. of section 10 of the bill, when the NJIB receives the deficient payments or fees from the project sponsor. Finally, the bill would appropriate to the NJIB, from repayments of loans, interest payments, certain federal funds, and any earnings received from the investment of those funds, as enumerated in sections 12 and 13 of the bill, such amounts as the chairperson or secretary of the NJIB certifies are necessary and appropriate for deposit into one or more reserve funds established by the NJIB. | In Committee |
| AR138 | Designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. | This Assembly resolution designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey, in recognition of the achievements, contributions, struggles, and humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary, and pansexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Public officials and citizens of New Jersey are respectfully urged to commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2024 with appropriate activities. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4671 | Provides member of General Assembly be referred to as Assembly Member rather than Assemblyman or Assemblywoman. | This bill provides that a member of the General Assembly be referred to as an Assembly Member. Currently, a member of the General Assembly is addressed as either an Assemblyman or Assemblywoman. This bill would remove the references to "man" and "woman" and use one term to refer to all members of the General Assembly. | In Committee |
| A4709 | Provides monies for EDA to purchase certain properties from NJT to maximize development potential; appropriates $65 million. | This bill provides the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) with monies to be used to purchase properties from the New Jersey Transit Corporation (NJT) that the EDA identifies as suitable for, among other purposes, development, rehabilitation, and leasing opportunities that maximize the development potential of the properties. Under the bill, the EDA would be permitted to access funds from the EDA's economic growth account in an amount not less than $35,000,000. Purposes for which these funds may be used under the bill would include construction, reconstruction, rehabilitation, improvements, alterations, equipping, maintenance, and repairs of certain properties that are identified as suitable to economic growth potential. The EDA would also be permitted to award and enter into construction contracts, purchase orders, and other contracts with respect to such properties. Additionally, the bill appropriates an amount not to exceed $65 million from the General Fund to the EDA for the purpose of purchasing properties from NJT that are identified by the EDA to maximize the development potential of such properties. Under the bill, the EDA would be required to purchase the properties at a price based on appraisals obtained by the EDA of the highest and best use value of the properties, and NJT would be required to maintain a participation interest in each property. The bill also provides that if the EDA sells or leases any of these properties to a public or private entity, the EDA would be required to pay no less than 33 percent of the proceeds of the sale or lease, as applicable, to NJT. The bill requires the EDA to notify the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) that properties have been identified, but before the purchase of any land, in order for the EDA and NJT to provide JBOC with a joint presentation regarding details of the proposed conveyance. The bill further requires the EDA to notify JBOC before developing, redeveloping, constructing, reconstructing, rehabilitating, renovating, selling, leasing, subleasing, or contributing as an investment the properties acquired from NJT. This EDA presentation would detail the intended actions to be taken with respect to the properties. | In Committee |
| S3519 | Provides monies for EDA to purchase certain properties from NJT to maximize development potential; appropriates $65 million. | An Act concerning the purchase of certain properties owned by the New Jersey Transmit Corporation, amending P.L.1992, c.16, supplementing Title 34 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3697 | Appropriates $500,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" to State Agriculture Development Committee for municipal planning incentive grants for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill would appropriate $500,000 to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for a municipal planning incentive grant, pursuant to a program established by P.L.1999, c.180 (C.4:1C-43.1), for farmland preservation purposes. Of the $500,000 provided in section 1 of the bill, $200,000 is to be provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues received pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of New Jersey in November 2014, and $300,000 is to be provided from the "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund," made available due to the reallocation of monies previously appropriated to the SADC. The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 8 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." The "2009 Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 18 of the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009," P.L.2009, c.117. Under the bill, Washington Township, in Warren County, will receive a "base grant" of $500,000, as specified in the bill. In addition, this municipality would also be eligible to compete for an additional grant from the SADC's competitive grant fund, to be financed with monies previously appropriated to the SADC pursuant to P.L.2019, c.450 and P.L.2020, c.139. The maximum amount of such competitive grant funding award would be $1 million, including up to $500,000 in funds appropriated under P.L.2019, c.450 and up to $500,000 in funds appropriated under P.L.2020, c.139. The allocations and projects listed in the bill have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. | In Committee |
| A4660 | Establishes Reproductive Health Care Professionals Loan Redemption Program; appropriates $5 million. | This bill establishes the Reproductive Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). The loan redemption program is to provide for the redemption of a portion of a program participant's State, federal, or commercial student loans in exchange for the program participant's service at a site providing reproductive health care services, as approved by the authority. Under the bill, the sites may include sites operated by a nonprofit organizations, hospitals, clinics, physicians' offices, and other facilities providing reproductive health care services. An approved site under the bill includes sites providing abortion care. To be eligible to participate in the program, an applicant is required to: (1) be a resident of the State; (2) be employed as an eligible reproductive health care professional, defined as a person who is licensed, certified, or otherwise authorized to provide health care services and who is providing reproductive health care services in the State; and (3) submit an application in a manner determined by the executive director of the HESAA. In selecting program participants, the executive director is required to give preference to applicants employed as an eligible reproductive health care professional in a county facing a shortage of reproductive health care professionals. The bill stipulates that a selected program participant is to enter into a written contract with the authority. The contract is to specify the duration of the program participant's required service and the total amount of student loans to be redeemed in return for the service. Under the bill, loan redemption is to amount to 18 percent of a program participant's qualifying loan amounts in return for one full year of service at an approved site, an additional 26 percent for a second full year of service, an additional 28 percent for a third full year of service, and an additional 28 percent for a fourth full year of service. The total loan redemption for a program participant is not to exceed $200,000. Finally, the bill stipulates that a reproductive health care professional, who is participating in the National Health Services Corps Loan Repayment Program or any other loan redemption program administered by the authority, is not eligible to simultaneously participate in the Reproductive Health Care Professional Loan Redemption Program. | In Committee |
| A4655 | Codifies authority for certain health care providers to provide abortions and clarifies certain operational requirements for abortion facilities. | This bill codifies the authority of physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, certified midwives, and advanced practice nurses to provide abortions. Under the bill, physician assistants can perform aspiration abortions consistent with the physician assistant's scope of practice, which can include the administration of sedation consistent with the physician assistant's scope of practice and training and a physician assistant can order, prescribe, dispense, and administer medication abortions. Under the bill, certified nurse midwives and certified midwives can perform aspiration abortions, which may include the administration of moderate sedation, consistent with their scope of practice and training and consistent with regulations of the applicable licensing board. A certified nurse midwife authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c. 97 (C.45:10-18), may order, prescribe, dispense, and administer medication abortions. A certified nurse midwife who is not authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to section 2 of P.L. 1991, c. 97 (C.45:10-18) or a certified midwife may provide medication abortions if the use of the medication is authorized by a standing order issued by a physician. Under the bill, advanced practice nurses may perform aspiration abortions, which may include the administration of moderate sedation, and administer medication abortions consistent with the advanced practice nurse's scope of practice and training and consistent with regulations of the New Jersey Board of Nursing. The bill provides that an abortion facility will not be required to be an ambulatory surgical facility or a surgical practice license, to the extent that the facility performs abortion procedures that do not require general anesthesia or an operating room, and such services may be performed in procedure rooms. An entity seeking licensure as an ambulatory care facility or a surgical practice at which early aspiration abortions would be performed will not be subject to certain limitations under current law for ambulatory care facilities, so long as the facility or surgical practice adheres to all applicable regulations with respect to the standard of care. | In Committee |
| A4662 | Requires Medicaid cover emergency contraception without requiring prescription or other authorization. | This bill would require that the Medicaid program provide coverage for emergency contraceptives obtained over the counter without requiring a prescription or other authorization. At this time, Medicaid provides coverage for emergency contraceptives if they are obtained with a prescription. Individuals can obtain emergency contraceptives without a prescription, but the individual must pay for these out-of-pocket. This bill would enable individuals greater access to needed contraceptives without the unnecessary visits to a provider to obtain a prescription. | In Committee |
| A4659 | Requires four-year public institution of higher education to develop and implement reproductive health services plan; requires county college to develop referral network for reproductive health care services. | This bill requires four-year public institutions of higher education to develop and implement a reproductive health services plan. Pursuant to the bill, the plan is required to include: making available on-campus services provided by health care professionals, or referrals to off-campus services provided by health care professionals or health care facilities, for: obtaining contraception, including non-prescription and prescription emergency contraception and pharmacist authorized, self-administered hormonal contraceptives; services for preventing, testing for, and treating sexually transmitted infections, including HIV; prenatal care; and abortion. The plan is also required to include: methods to provide students with 24-hour access to over-the-counter contraception through the student health center, on-campus retail establishments, or vending machines; the provision of evidence-based reproductive health education services provided by the student health center, peer educators, or other health education programs; and the development of a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus health care services located within the county that the four-year institution of higher education is located. The bill also requires county colleges to develop a referral network of verified health care professionals, health care facilities, and pharmacies that provide off-campus reproductive health care services in the county in which the county college is located in. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health and the Commissioner of Human Services, to develop guidelines to assist public institutions of higher education in developing and implementing a reproductive health services plan and county colleges in developing the referral network. Finally, the bill stipulates that the provisions of the bill are not to be construed to require a public institution of higher education to be a direct provider of reproductive health care services, including abortion. | In Committee |
| A4661 | Provides for voluntary contributions for taxpayers on gross income tax returns to support reproductive health care services. | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" and provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that will permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to the fund to support equitable access to reproductive health care services for individuals who cannot afford them. Under the bill, the State would be required to annually appropriate the amounts deposited into the "New Jersey Reproductive Health Care Equitable Access Fund" for distribution, in equal amounts, to the three largest providers of reproductive health care services to Medicaid patients in the State during the previous calendar year, as determined by the Commissioner of Health. The bill requires these monies to be used to provide reproductive health care services to individuals who cannot afford such services. The bill defines "reproductive health care services" to mean medical, surgical, counseling, or referral services relating to the human reproductive system, including services relating to pregnancy or the termination of a pregnancy. | In Committee |
| A4637 | Requires certain consumer disclosures relating to rabies testing and establishes optional training for veterinarians. | The bill provides that it is a violation of the consumer fraud act for a veterinarian to intentionally misrepresent, including through the use of euphemisms, code words, or otherwise, the information required under current law to be provided to the owner of a dead domestic companion animal undergoing testing for rabies. An unlawful practice is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. In addition, the bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to develop a poster and pamphlet with information relating to rabies vaccines and quarantine and testing protocols. Veterinarians are required to display the poster in office reception areas and to distribute the pamphlets to certain customers. Lastly, the bill requires the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services to develop a trauma-informed mental health protection training certification program for veterinarians and staff. The program is optional, and those who complete it are to receive a certification from the division. | In Committee |
| A4656 | Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states. | This bill establishes certain protections for individuals seeking abortion or gender-affirming health care services, as well as certain protections for professionals who provided abortion-related health care services. Crime: Interference with Reproductive or Gender-Affirming Health Services This bill creates the new crime of "interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health services." A person is guilty of the crime if the person purposely or knowingly, with the purpose to unlawfully restrict another's access to or receipt or provision of reproductive or gender-affirming health care services or to intimidate the person from becoming or remaining a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer or assistant: (1) inflicts or attempts to inflict bodily injury; (2) obstructs any person seeking to enter into or exit from a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility; (3) intimidates, threatens, or coerces, or attempts to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, any person or entity because that person or entity is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant; (4) damages, defaces, or destroys the property of a person, entity, or facility, or attempts to do so, because the person, entity, or facility is a reproductive or gender-affirming health care service patient, provider, assistant, volunteer, or facility; (5) videotapes, films, photographs, or records by electronic means, within 100 feet of the entrance to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care services facility, a patient, provider, volunteer, or assistant without that person's consent; or (6) discloses or distributes a videotape, film, photograph, or recording of the person. Interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a crime of the fourth degree, but is a crime of the second degree if the victim suffers significant or serious bodily injury. Further, interference with reproductive or gender-affirming health care services is a disorderly persons offense if the act would cause a reasonable person to suffer: (1) damage to the victim's business or personal reputation; (2) financial harm; or (3) pain and suffering, mental anguish, or emotional harm. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to ten years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is a punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Civil Action: Interference with Reproductive or gender-affirming Health Services The bill also authorizes a person to bring a civil action against a person who unlawfully interferes with another person's reproductive or gender-affirming health care services. Under the bill, a court may award: (1) injunctive relief; (2) compensatory damages in an amount not less than liquidated damages computed at the rate of $1,000 for each violation; (3) punitive damages upon proof of willful or reckless disregard of the law; (4) reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs; and (5) any other preliminary and equitable relief as the court determines to be appropriate. Under the bill, the Attorney General may bring a civil action to enjoin a violation of the law, for compensatory damages, and for the assessment of a civil penalty against each person who violates the law. The civil penalty imposed on each actor will be up to, but not exceed, $10,000 for a first violation, and $25,000 for any subsequent violation. Dispersal of Gatherings The bill authorized any law enforcement officer to order the immediate dispersal of a gathering that substantially impedes access to or departure from an entrance or driveway to a reproductive or gender-affirming health care facility during the business hours of the facility. Failure to comply with an order to disperse issued by the Attorney General or a law enforcement officer is a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. Licensing Boards The bill prohibits a board from imposing any additional or alternative penalties, in accordance with N.J.S.A.34:1-22, on the holder of a certificate, registration, or license based solely on the holder providing, authorizing, participating, referring to, or assisting with any health care, medical service, or procedure related to an abortion for a person who resides in a jurisdiction where the provision, authorization, participation, referral, or assistance is illegal. Applicability of Laws of Other States The bill establishes that a law of another state that authorized a person or government entity to bring a prosecution, civil action, or any other legal action to deter, prevent, sanction, or punish any person engaging, aiding, or assisting in providing or prescribing any legally protected health care activity is against the public policy of this State. Further, such laws of another state are prohibited from being applied to any matter, case, or controversy heard in a State court or in an administrative tribunal of this State. The prohibition does not apply to an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the laws of this State, or an action founded in tort, contract, or statute under the similar laws of another state. This includes, but is not limited to, an alleged act of malpractice or negligence by a person in the person's profession or occupation. Protection of Patient Information This bill updates P.L.2022, c.51 to provide a definition of "legally protected health care activity" and "gender-affirming health care services." P.L.2022, c.51 provides certain protections with respect to the disclosure of patient information relating to reproductive health care services, as well as protecting access to health care, medical services, and procedures related to an abortion for persons who come to this State from jurisdictions in which these actions are illegal. The bill provides that in any civil action or other proceeding preliminary thereto, a medical provider or other covered entity, as described under federal law concerning medical privacy and security, is barred from disclosing the following communications or information, unless the patient or patient's conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative explicitly consented in writing to the disclosure: (1) any communication made to the covered entity, or any information obtained by the covered entity from, a patient or the conservator, guardian, or other authorized legal representative of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity; or (2) any information obtained by personal examination of a patient relating to legally protected health care activity that is permitted under the laws of this State. Additionally, under the bill, a public entity of this State or employee, appointee, officer or official or any other person acting on behalf of a public entity would be prohibited from providing any information, or expending or using time, money, facilities, property, equipment, personnel or other resources in furtherance of any interstate investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability upon a person or entity for: (1) the provision, receipt, or seeking of, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State; or (2) assisting, advising, aiding, abetting, facilitating, soliciting, or conspiring with any person or entity providing, receiving, seeking, or inquiring or responding to an inquiry about legally protected health care activity that is legal in this State. Extradition This bill updates N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 to prevent a person from being extradited to another state under certain circumstances related to "legally protected health care activity." Under current law, N.J.S.A.2A:160-14.1 prevents extradition as it relates to "reproductive health care services." Under the bill, "Legally protected health care activity" is defined as activity providing, seeking, receiving, assisting with, or inquiring about reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services that are lawful in this State, regardless of the patient's location. Relatedly, the bill also defines "gender-affirming health care services" to mean all supplies, care, and services of a medical, behavioral health, mental health, surgical, psychiatric, therapeutic, diagnostic, preventative, rehabilitative, or supportive nature, including medication, relating to the treatment of gender dysphoria and gender incongruence. "Gender-affirming health care services" does not include sexual orientation change efforts as defined by N.J.S.A.45:1-55. In Vitro Fertilization Protections This bill strengthens reproductive health care freedom in New Jersey by specifying that: every individual present in this State, including, but not limited to, an individual who is under State control or supervision, shall have the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART), including, but not limited to in vitro fertilization (IVF); and a fertilized egg, embryo, or fetus shall not have independent rights under any of the laws of the State. Medicolegal Investigations This bill removes the requirement that a medical examiner conduct a medicolegal investigation of a death in the State related to a fetal death occurring without medical attendance. This provisions seeks to ensure that a woman who has a miscarriage or fetal complications is not investigated or the fetal death criminalized. Repealers The bill repeals the following statutes, which have either been obviated by court decision or would be obviated by this bill: (1) N.J.S.A.2A:65A-5 through N.J.S.A.2A:65A-7 (banned partial birth abortions); (2) N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.1 through N.J.S.A.9:17A-1.12 (required parental notification for minors' abortion); (3) N.J.S.A.30:4D-6.1 (barred Medicaid payment for abortion except where necessary to save the woman's life). | In Committee |
| A4657 | Creates "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to strengthen access to reproductive health care; makes appropriation. | This bill implements various measures to strengthen access to reproductive health care services in the State and establishes the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund" to address those purposes. The fund will be used for the following purposes: (1 "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program"; (2) "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program"; and (3) "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program". The purpose of the "Reproductive Health Care Clinical Training Program" established in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety will be to protect access to reproductive health care by ensuring that there are sufficient number of health care professionals to provide reproductive health care services. For instance, the program will ensure that the coordinating organization has demonstrated experience in coordinating health care training programs for reproductive health care services and family planning services. The coordinating organization will also be responsible for administering grants to develop and sustain reproductive health care services. The bill provides that the "Reproductive Health Care Security Grant Program" in the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness will make available grants to eligible reproductive health care facilities which the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness determines are at a high risk of being the target of unlawful activity, including acts of violence, property damage, vandalism, cyber attacks, and harassment. Grants provided under the program will be used to hire security personnel and target-hardening equipment. Further, the "Reproductive Health Care Facility Loan Program" will award loans to eligible reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care services. Under the bill, loans awarded will be used to support establishing or renovating existing health care facilities, investments in technology to facilitate care, the recruitment and retention of staff, and other operational needs that increase reproductive health care services. The bill requires that the Department of Health conduct a Statewide needs assessment to examine the gaps in access and delivery of reproductive health care services in the State, including the impact that out-of-State restrictions have had on the need for reproductive health care services and the provider network in the State. Finally, the bill appropriates monies from the General Fund, subject to availability, to the "Reproductive Health Care Access Fund." The FY 2024 Appropriations Act includes a $5 million appropriation for OBGYN Clinical Training Program to provide training to licensed members of the health care community. Another $5 million in FY 2024 is appropriated for the Reproductive Health Security Grant Program toward securing clinics. These grants support reproductive health care facilities that provide reproductive health care with target hardening support. The FY 2024 Governor's Budget recommends language in which the Office of Homeland Security Preparedness will receive reimbursement to administer the grant. | In Committee |
| A4601 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of health care services. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (including health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations), entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCares/Medicaid program to provide coverage for the termination of pregnancies. Under the bill, "pregnancy" is defined as the period of the human reproductive process beginning with the implantation of a fertilized egg. The bill provides that, upon request of a religious employer, health insurers are required to grant an exclusion if the coverage conflicts with the religious employer's bona fide religious beliefs and practices. "Religious employer" is defined in the bill to mean an organization that is referred to in section 6033(a)(3)(A)(i) or (iii) of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.6033), and that is organized and operates as a nonprofit entity. Additionally, the bill provides that any State program that provides benefits for pregnancy-related care will also provide benefits for the termination of a pregnancy. Lastly, under the bill, medical malpractice insurers are barred from taking any adverse action, including loss of coverage, sanctions, fines, penalties, or rate increases, against an insured for providing or facilitating reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services based solely on the fact that the patient receiving the service is a resident of a state where providing or facilitating the activity is illegal. | In Committee |
| A4567 | Concerns parole for juvenile defendants. | This bill concerns parole for juvenile defendants. Under the provisions of this bill, a juvenile is required to be represented by the Office of the Public Defender at all parole proceedings, unless the juvenile chooses to be represented by pro bono counsel or retains private counsel at the juvenile's expense. If the juvenile is represented by pro bono counsel, the counsel representing the juvenile is required to have experience in juvenile justice. Under current law, the panel, who is comprised of at least two members of the Juvenile Justice Commission and a member of the State Parole Board, is responsible for considering the juvenile's eligibility for release from incarceration. Current law also requires the member of the State Parole Board to have experience in juvenile justice or successfully complete a juvenile justice training program. This bill removes the option for the member of the State Parole Board to have experience in juvenile justice and requires all members of the panel to complete a juvenile justice training. The bill requires the juvenile justice training to include current research regarding the age-crime curve, which demonstrates that criminal offending occurs in a bell curve and aging out of crime, which demonstrates the low rate of reoffending as a person grows older. Further, current law provides that a juvenile is to be granted early release on parole when it appears that the juvenile has made substantial progress toward positive behavioral adjustment and rehabilitative goals articulated by the panel. Under the bill, in making the determination of whether the juvenile is to be granted early release on parole, the panel also is required to consider any additional evidence of maturity or rehabilitation presented by the juvenile or the juvenile's counsel and take into consideration the information provided during the training required under the bill regarding the age-crime curve and aging out of crime. In addition, under the bill, in every case where the court waives jurisdiction of a juvenile delinquency case and the juvenile defendant is tried as an adult and receives a sentence of incarceration, the defendant is required to be represented by the Office of the Public Defender at all parole proceedings, unless the defendant chooses to be represented by pro bono counsel or retains private counsel at the defendant's expense. If the defendant is represented by pro bono counsel, the counsel representing the defendant is required to have experience in juvenile justice. The bill also requires every member of the Parole Board who serves on a board panel that is considering the eligibility for release of a defendant whose juvenile delinquency case was waived to adult court, who was tried as an adult, and who received a sentence of incarceration to successfully complete the juvenile justice training program, which includes research regarding the age-crime curve and aging out of crime. Finally, the bill provides that in addition to any other considerations sets forth under current law, rule, or regulation, at the parole hearing of the defendant, the State Parole Board is required to consider any evidence of maturity or rehabilitation presented by the defendant or the defendant's counsel and take into consideration the information provided during the training required under the bill regarding the age-crime curve and aging out of crime. | In Committee |
| A4481 | Makes FY2024 supplemental appropriation of $750,000 providing for additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile matters. | This bill supplements the Fiscal Year 2024 appropriations act to provide $750,000 in supplemental funding to the Office of the Public Defender's (OPD) Trial Services to Indigents program. The OPD is in-but-not-of the Department of Treasury. More specifically, the funding will provide for eight additional attorneys dedicated to juvenile post-dispositional work and juvenile caseload reduction in some of the highest volume regions, namely, Essex and Atlantic counties. According to the OPD, youth custodial sentences are on the rise. In 2022, New Jersey had 277 youth in custody. As of April 4, 2024, there were 339. The OPD notes that the length of stay is also on the rise. For example, in Atlantic County, the length of a custodial sentence for a juvenile has increased by 359 percent between 2022 and 2024. The OPD estimates a 25-30 percent increase in youth defense caseloads in the next fiscal year. P.L.2021, c.383 expanded the mandate of the OPD to require representation of juvenile defendants, many of whom are on the cusp of reentering society as adults. This has resulted in an increase in juvenile cases for the OPD. | In Committee |
| A506 | Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter fees when vehicle bears veteran's or recipient's special license plate or placard issued by MVC. | Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter fees when vehicle bears veteran's or recipient's special license plate or placard issued by MVC. | In Committee |
| A2356 | Establishes advertisement grant program for emerging businesses in science and technology. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) to establish a "New Jersey Emerging Business Advertising Grant Program" to provide funds to emerging businesses in science and technology to support advertising and marketing expenses. The bill defines "emerging business in science and technology" to mean a company with fewer than 225 employees, of whom at least 75 percent are filling a position in New Jersey, which company is doing business, employing or owning capital or property, or maintaining an office in this State. An "emerging business in science and technology" is additionally a business that conducts technology commercialization in this State in at least one of the following industries: advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, electronic device technology, information technology, life sciences, medical device technology, mobile communications technology, or renewable energy technology. To qualify for the grant program, the business is required to be an emerging business in science and technology. The authority may establish any other eligibility requirements that it deems appropriate. The authority is required to determine the amounts of each grant awarded under the program. The bill also requires grant recipients to submit an audited financial statement to the authority to demonstrate compliance with the terms and conditions of the grant program on a yearly basis until all monies have been expended. If a recipient improperly uses the grant, the authority is required to convert the grant to a loan. | In Committee |
| A4471 | Directs Office of Public Defender to provide legal representation for certain criminal contempt violations. | This bill would expand the duties of the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) to include providing legal representation for indigent defendants charged with certain contempt violations for certain domestic violence orders. Under current law, the OPD is charged with providing legal representation to any indigent defendant charged with committing an indictable offense, and any person charged with a disorderly persons offense or with the violation of any law, ordinance or regulation of a penal nature where there is a likelihood that the persons charged, if convicted, will be subject to imprisonment or any other consequence of magnitude. A person charged with contempt under N.J.S.A.2C:29-9 for violating any provision in an order entered under the provisions of the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et al.) or an order entered under a substantially similar law of another state, could be convicted of a crime of the fourth degree, or a disorderly persons offense, which could result in imprisonment, or other "consequence of magnitude." This bill would direct the OPD to provide representation to any indigent defendant charged with a violation of the contempt statute for certain domestic violence order violations. Currently, certain domestic violence orders do not subject a violator to a charge of contempt, which include orders relating to parenting time, orders requiring the defendant to pay to the victim monetary compensation for losses suffered as a direct result of the act of domestic violence, order requiring the defendant to receive professional domestic violence counseling, and orders requiring that the defendant make or continue to make rent or mortgage payments on the residence. Under this bill, a violation of these orders will not entitle a person to representation by the Public Defender. This bill would implement recommendation 29 of the report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice issued in June 2023. | In Committee |
| A4477 | Establishes affirmative defense to prosecution for any crime committed by victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances. | This bill establishes an affirmative defense to prosecution for crimes committed by a victim of human trafficking under certain circumstances. Under current law, it is a defense to a prosecution for the following crimes if the perpetrator of the offense is a victim of human trafficking: human trafficking; providing services, resources, or assistance with the knowledge that the services, resources, or assistance are intended to be used in furtherance of the commission of the crime of human trafficking; and prostitution and related offenses. This bill establishes an affirmative defense for human trafficking victims charged with any offense enumerated in Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes if: (1) during the time of the alleged commission of the offense, the defendant was a victim of human trafficking; and (2) the crime was committed as a direct result of the human trafficking offense that was committed against the defendant. The bill further provides that an affirmative defense under the bill is not precluded based solely on the lack of a conviction for the underlying human trafficking offense committed against the victim. | In Committee |
| A3753 | Imposes time constraints on submission and analysis of rape kits. | Imposes time constraints on submission and analysis of rape kits. | In Committee |
| A4427 | Promotes trauma-informed care in State to mitigate negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress. | This bill requires the Department of Children and Families (department) to develop and implement a program to promote trauma-informed care in order to mitigate the negative effects of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress in this State. In implementing the program, the department will, at a minimum: a. develop a trauma-informed care toolkit of resources that provide trauma awareness and self-care education for State employees, increase recognition of signs of adverse child experience exposure, and offer effective interventions to mitigate trauma and build resilience, which toolkit is to be shared across all State agencies and organizations for use at service delivery access points; b. promote a Trauma Awareness Month in New Jersey with appropriate events to be held across the State; c. share information with State employees and community partners on educational and professional development opportunities related to adverse childhood experiences and building resilience; d. create a recognition program for individuals who work in the prevention and early intervention-treatment continuum, which may include individuals, divisions within an agency, and community partners, such as schools and school districts; e. identify gaps in available services or service capacity along the prevention and early intervention-treatment continuum for children and their caregivers Statewide; f. develop a comprehensive plan focused on early intervention for children and their caregivers exposed to adverse childhood experiences in order to help prevent, and remedy the impact of, abuse and neglect; and g. coordinate the collection, evaluation, and reporting of adverse childhood experience data in the State. The bill requires each State agency that provides services for children and adults to implement best practices for providing trauma-informed care, which will include, but not be limited to: offering regularly scheduled training to staff to increase their knowledge about the impact of adverse childhood experiences and toxic stress on short-term and long-term health outcomes; promoting strategies to enhance staff resilience and self-care; using trauma-specific language in requests for proposals and in service contracts with providers, when appropriate; and implementing evidence-informed services to prevent and respond to toxic stress and build resilience in children, adults, and communities. | In Committee |
| A2364 | Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million. | Establishes Deepfake Technology Unit in DLPS; appropriates $2 million. | In Committee |
| A1628 | Allows certain licensees of New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to teach in private schools of cosmetology and hairstyling. | This bill allows certain licensees of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to teach in a private school of cosmetology and hairstyling. Current law limits a license to teach cosmetology and hairstyling to individuals who hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist license. This bill expands that law to allow individuals holding a license to practice barbering, beauty culture, manicuring or as a hair braiding or skin care specialist to teach in a private school of cosmetology and hairstyling, provided the individuals meet certain other requirements. The bill also makes it an unlawful practice for a teacher to teach a course in a service not within the scope of practice of the professional license held by the teacher. | Crossed Over |
| A502 | Bars sex offenders from jobs which primarily consist of contact with children. | This bill is intended to protect the children and youth of this State by prohibiting sex offenders from holding jobs which primarily consist of contact with children. The bill defines a "primarily consists of contact with children" as a job where 80 percent or more of the actual or official duties or responsibilities include contact with a child. "Sex offender" is defined as a person who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for committing a broad range of sexual offenses as defined in the sex offender registration law (Megan's Law). Under the bill, it would be crime of the third degree for a sex offender to hold a job which primarily consists of contact with children. It would also be a crime of the third degree for a person to knowingly hire a sex offender for a job which primarily consists of contact with children. A crime of the third degree carries a penalty of three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A4387 | Allows students to use portion of opportunity grant awards under Educational Opportunity Fund program during summer session. | This bill provides that a student may elect to use a portion of an opportunity grant funded through the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF), during the summer session following the academic year for courses that fulfill graduation requirements or award credits in the student's academic major. The student would be responsible for notifying the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education of the intent to use a portion of the award during the summer. The Secretary of Higher Education would adjust the amount of the student's award that will be disbursed during the academic year, and notify the student that using a portion of the grant during the summer session will reduce the amount of the award that will be disbursed during the academic year. The secretary would also be required to annually report the number of students who did and did not use a portion of a grant award to enroll in courses during the summer, and the number and percent of these students who graduated within 100 percent and 150 percent of average completion time. This bill implements a recommendation of the College Affordability Study Commission which released its final report in September 2016. | In Committee |
| A4373 | Encourages public school teachers to hold current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and use of automated external defibrillator. | This bill encourages public school teachers to hold a current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an automated external defibrillator from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health. The Department of Education is required to provide teachers with opportunities to obtain certification in both traditional and online formats. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to recognize teachers who voluntarily prioritize the importance of life saving measures in the State's public schools by awarding a certificate of commendation to a teacher who obtains certification. Each school district is required to post a list of all teachers certified in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an automated external defibrillator on the district's Internet website. The bill permits certified teachers to receive eight hours towards the annual professional development requirements established by the State Board of Education upon submitting proof of their certification or the certificate issued by the school district for obtaining certification. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time and can happen to anyone, including students, teachers, or parents at a school. Additionally, injuries and sudden illnesses that require emergency first aid treatment, such as broken bones, head and back injuries, and shortness of breath, are common occurrences in the school setting. Approximately 2,000 children and adolescents die each year of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Receiving immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation from a bystander for cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, and effective first aid treatment can stabilize an emergency situation and save lives. Encouraging teachers to hold a current certification can help protect the health and safety of children, parents, and teachers in our schools, while also adding lifesavers to our communities. | In Committee |
| AR139 | Expresses sincere appreciation to staff of New Jersey General Assembly. | This resolution expresses sincere appreciation to the staff of the New Jersey General Assembly. Each legislative session, the General Assembly of New Jersey elects officers and administrative personnel to serve the vital functions of the General Assembly. These staff members play a pivotal role in the smooth functioning of the legislative process in this State, and their experience and diverse backgrounds contribute greatly to the effectiveness of the General Assembly's operations. Despite any challenges faced during each legislative session, the General Assembly staff uphold exemplary standards of professionalism and expertise within the constitutionally mandated timeframes. It is essential to recognize the Chief Clerk and all members of the General Assembly staff for their unwavering dedication and service to the State of New Jersey. Therefore, the General Assembly wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation to the Chief Clerk and all members of the General Assembly staff for their outstanding dedication, cooperation, and excellent work. | In Committee |
| A2165 | Permits spouses and dependents of military service members to qualify for in-State tuition in event that service member is transferred to another state. | Under current law, United States military personnel and their dependents who are living in New Jersey and are attending public institutions of higher education in New Jersey are regarded as residents of the State for the purpose of determining tuition. This bill amends that law to provide that:? the in-State tuition classification also applies to the military service member's spouse; and? in the event that the military service member is relocated out of the State due to the service member's continued military service, the service member's spouse or dependent will not lose their in-State tuition classification provided that: (1) the spouse or dependent was enrolled in a public institution of higher education in New Jersey prior to the service member's relocation; and (2) the spouse or dependent maintains continuous enrollment at the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| A4177 | "Sebastien's Law"; revises certain requirements for window guards in certain multiple dwellings. | This bill, entitled "Sebastien's Law," would change the law regarding child-protection window guard installation from the current opt-in policy, in which a tenant is required to request that window guards be installed, to an opt-out policy where window guards are required to be installed unless the tenant specifically waives this requirement. The bill is named for seven year old Sebastien Manzalaoui of Fort Lee, New Jersey, who fell to his death in 2023 due to the absence of window guards. This opt-out policy would increase the number of homes fitted with window guards and the number of children protected from the potentially fatal dangers of windows without this vital safety provision. New Jersey law currently provides that leases are required to contain a notice advising tenants that, upon written request by the tenant, the owner is required to provide, install, and maintain window guards in dwelling units with children 10 years of age or younger. This bill would require landlords to install window guards in any dwellings in which a child 10 years of age or younger resides, and in a dwelling where the tenant requests window guards, even if a child 10 years of age or younger does not reside in the dwelling. However, the bill allows tenants with children to waive the right to have their landlords install window guards in their apartments or rental units. The bill requires landlords to provide each tenant with a form at the time of signing a lease, and annually thereafter, informing the tenant of the landlord's obligation to install and maintain window guards, and of the ability of the tenant to waive the right to have the landlord install window guards in the tenant's apartment or rental unit. The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs to prepare forms for this purpose in English and Spanish, and to make the forms available on the department's Internet website. The bill also specifies requirements for the inspection and maintenance of window guards installed pursuant to the bill. While the installation of window guards on windows in units where a child or children 10 years of age or under resides or will reside, or are regularly present for a substantial period of time, would operate under an opt-out policy pursuant to this bill, the installation of window guards in the windows of common areas, as outlined in existing law, would continue to operate under an opt-in policy. The bill also harmonizes references to common areas. The bill would also extend the right to request window guards to all tenants. However, the opt-out policy would only apply to tenants with children 10 or under residing or regularly present in the home. A tenant who waives the installation of window guards may rescind that waiver and request that window guards are installed. The bill specifies, however, that a written waiver of the window guard requirement, or a rescission of this waiver, are not to be considered as part of, nor constitute breach or grounds for termination of the lease or other agreement between the landlord and tenant. This change would enhance the protections afforded to children by ensuring more windows are equipped with window guards. | In Committee |
| A4116 | Prohibits use by certain retailers of shipping box greater than two times volume of product being shipped. | This bill would limit the size of shipping boxes that can be utilized by large online retailers and major retailers in the State to ship products to consumers. Specifically, the bill would prohibit any large online retailer or major retailer in the State from utilizing a shipping box to ship a product to a consumer that is greater than two times the volume of the product being shipped. As defined in the bill, "large online retailer" means a business that sells goods over the internet, sends goods by mail or parcel delivery, and has annual gross sales equal to or greater than one million dollars in or into the State, "major retailer" means a retail establishment that occupies at least 75,000 square feet and has 50 or more employees, and "shipping box" means a cardboard or corrugated container that has a flat base and sides and is utilized by retailers to ship products to consumers by mail. A large online retailer or major retailer that violates the bill's provisions would be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $250 nor more than $500 for each offense. In the case of a continuing violation, each day during which the violation continues would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. The bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection, the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, a county, a municipality, or any entity certified pursuant to the "County Environmental Health Act," P.L.1977, c.443 (C.26:3A2-21 et seq.), to institute a summary civil action for a civil penalty or injunctive relief to enforce the bill's provisions or prohibit and prevent a violation thereof. Online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years due to convenience and advances in technology. However, online shopping has also resulted in environmental consequences that are associated with the shipment and delivery of products to consumers from warehouses on behalf of large online retailers or major retailers. Items purchased online from large online retailers or major retailers require packaging in order to be shipped safely to consumers. Often small products purchased from large online retailers or major retailers are shipped in excessively large shipping boxes which results in large amounts of packaging waste. Online shopping is already responsible for large amounts of packaging waste on a daily basis. To reduce the packaging waste associated with online shopping, it is imperative that large online retailers and major retailers reduce the size of the shipping boxes utilized to ship their products to consumers. | In Committee |
| A4082 | Increases benefit amounts and expands eligibility under New Jersey earned income tax credit program. | This bill increases the benefit amounts under the New Jersey earned income tax credit (NJEITC) program and expands eligibility for taxpayers with Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) and those taxpayers who have been victims of domestic abuse Currently, the program provides a tax credit equal to 40 percent of the federal earned income tax credit. The bill increases this amount from 40 percent to 45 percent over a five-year period. This bill allows taxpayers with ITINs to qualify for the NJEITC program. Under the federal earned income tax credit program, a taxpayer, including a spouse if filing a joint return, is required to have a Social Security number issued by the federal Social Security Administration in order to qualify. Eligibility for the NJEITC program is generally linked to the federal earned income tax credit program; thus, an individual taxpayer who has an ITIN does not qualify for either the federal or State programs. The bill modifies the eligibility criteria under the NJEITC program to allow taxpayers with ITINs to qualify for the tax credit. The bill also expands eligibility under the NJEITC program for taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse. Under the federal program, if a taxpayer is married, the taxpayer is required to file a joint return with their spouse to be eligible for the federal earned income credit. However, victims of domestic abuse typically file as married filing separately, losing their federal earned income credit and NJEITC program eligibility in the process. The bill exempts a married taxpayer from the joint filing requirement if the taxpayer files as married filing separately and the taxpayer: (i) was living apart from the taxpayer's spouse on the last day of the taxable year for which the credit is claimed; (ii) was a victim of domestic abuse, as defined by the bill, within the past three years; and (iii) indicates on the taxpayer's gross income tax return that the taxpayer meets the criteria set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| A4062 | Requires oral agreements concerning health insurance be delivered in writing within 30 days of contract formation. | This bill requires health insurance carriers to provide a covered person with a written copy of any oral agreement entered with the covered person no less than 30 days after entering an oral agreement with the person. Such oral agreements include, but are not limited to, initial agreements to provide coverage, any agreement to expand, decrease, or revise coverage, and reimbursement of claims. Currently, there is no requirement that oral agreements concerning health insurance be put into writing. The bill also requires carriers include language in health benefits plan contracts that gives covered individuals the right to, upon request, receive any recording of the oral agreement that the carrier may have made, along with a written transcript of the oral agreement. The bill applies to health insurance carriers, including health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, and health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs. | In Committee |
| A4054 | Prohibits motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting full payment of recovery amounts under covered person's policy. | This bill prohibits a motor vehicle liability insurance policy from limiting the full payment of recovery amounts under a covered person's policy. Specifically, the bill prohibits a motor vehicle liability insurance policy from restricting the amount that may be recovered by a named insured or listed driver under the policy, or a resident relative in the named insured's household, to an amount less than the maximum recovery limit provided in the policy for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. If the policy insures more than one private passenger automobile, the limits available to the named insured or listed driver under the policy, or a resident relative in the named insured's household shall be the limits associated with the vehicle used by the named insured or listed driver under the policy, or resident relative in the named insured's household when the loss occurs. The bill requires any authorized insurer that restricts the amount that can be recovered for bodily injury or death sustained by any person other than a named insured or listed driver under the policy, or a resident relative in the named insured's household, to disclose that information, including its location in the policy, prominently on the applicable policy declaration page. | In Committee |
| A3730 | Revises civil remedies for victims of invasion of privacy due to unauthorized recording or disclosure of sexual or intimate images. | Revises civil remedies for victims of invasion of privacy due to unauthorized recording or disclosure of sexual or intimate images. | In Committee |
| A1939 | Creates offense for electronically sending unsolicited nude images. | Creates offense for electronically sending unsolicited nude image. | In Committee |
| A1892 | 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 |
| A3862 | Provides police officers may be present at senior residential center or school being used as polling place under certain circumstances; requires school to establish election day security plan. | This bill provides that one or more police officers may be present at a senior residential center being used as a polling place or school if there is a request by the center or school. This bill clarifies that the officers must be in plain clothes in both senior residential centers and schools. Under current law, police officers are permitted to be present at a senior residential center being used as a polling place. The provision of current law that prohibits any such officer from interfering with any person present at the location for the purpose of voting will remain in place. This bill also requires the center notify the district board if the center requests a police officer, the district board then will notify the county board of elections or superintendent of elections who will notify the Secretary of State. This bill requires the Secretary of the Department of Education and the Secretary of State to notify schools of the new mandate as soon as the bill becomes law. | In Committee |
| AJR150 | Designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in NJ. | This resolution designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in New Jersey. Cleft lip and palate, together commonly called orofacial clefts, are birth defects that occur when a baby's lip or mouth do not form properly during pregnancy. A cleft lip occurs when the tissue that makes up the lip does not join completely before birth and results in an opening in the upper lip. The opening in the lip can be a small slit or it can be a large opening that goes through the lip into the nose. A cleft palate occurs when the tissue that makes up the roof of the mouth does not join together completely during pregnancy. Some babies are born with both the front and back parts of the palate open while others only part of the palate is open. Children with a cleft lip with or without a cleft palate or a cleft palate alone often have problems with feeding and speaking clearly and are prone to have ear infections, hearing problems, and problems with their teeth. About one in every 1,700 babies is born with cleft palate in the United States. The causes of orofacial clefts among most infants are unknown and ongoing research is being conducted at the national level to better understand the root causes. Cleft lip and palate affects people worldwide, impacting speech, eating, and overall quality of life. Raising awareness about cleft palate is essential to foster understanding, compassion, and support for New Jersey residents and families affected by this condition, as well as to encourage medical research aimed at identifying the root cause of the orofacial disorder. | In Committee |
| A1926 | Provides option for individuals to satisfy requirements for licensure as manicurist through apprenticeship. | This bill provides the option for an individual to fulfill the requirements for licensure as a manicurist through the completion of an apprenticeship. Under the bill, "manicuring apprenticeship" is defined as a plan containing all terms and conditions for the qualification, recruitment, selection, employment, and training of apprentices, as is required pursuant to federal regulation, in pursuit of licensure as a manicurist. An applicant seeking a manicuring license through an apprenticeship is required to be at least 17 years of age; of good moral character; free of any communicable, contagious or infectious disease which could reasonably be expected to be transmitted during the course of rendering manicuring services; and has graduated high school with a diploma or successfully passed an examination developed by the General Education Development Testing Service. Additionally, the applicant is to pass the examination as required of individuals who seek licensure in manicuring by completing a course of study offered at a school of cosmetology and hairstyling, an approved vocational program at a public school, or a school in another state or country with substantially similar curriculum. | In Committee |
| ACR119 | Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights. | This concurrent resolution proposes an amendment to the State Constitution that would grant every person the right to a clean and healthy environment, and make the State the trustee of all public natural resources. Specifically, the proposed constitutional amendment would provide that every person has a right to a clean and healthy environment, including pure water, clean air, and ecologically healthy habitats, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic, and aesthetic qualities of the environment. The amendment provides that the State shall not infringe upon these rights, by action or inaction. The amendment would also provide that the State's public natural resources, including its waters, air, flora, fauna, climate, and public lands, are the common property of all of the people, including both present and future generations. The State would serve as trustee of these resources and have a duty to conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all people. Finally, the amendment would provide that the rights established in the amendment are self-executing, and are in addition to any rights conferred by the public trust doctrine or common law. | In Committee |
| A3683 | Establishes "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act." | This bill establishes the "Patient Protection and Safe Staffing Act," which provides certain staffing standards in State hospitals, ambulatory surgical facilities, developmental centers, and psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, the bill provides that, in addition to existing staffing requirements provided by law or regulation, the Commissioner of Health is to adopt regulations that provide minimum direct care registered professional nurse-to-patient staffing ratios and unlicensed assistive personnel-to-patient staffing ratios for all patient units in general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities, in accordance with the minimum staffing requirements that are established by the bill. The regulations adopted by the Commissioner of Health are not to decrease any staffing ratios that are already in effect on the bill's effective date. The bill provides that the Commissioner of Health is to require all general and special hospitals and ambulatory surgical facilities to employ an acuity and staffing system for the purpose of increasing staffing levels above the minimum levels established in the bill, or otherwise provided by law or regulation, in order to ensure adequate staffing of each unit, service, or department. The bill requires the Department of Health to enforce the bill's requirements by conducting periodic inspections and responding to complaints. A registered professional nurse or other staff member, a collective bargaining agent of a staff member, or a member of the public, who believes that the hospital or facility in which the nurse or staff member is employed is in violation of the requirements established by the bill, may file a complaint with the Commissioner of Health. In responding to a complaint, the commissioner will be required to conduct an investigation to determine whether or not a hospital or facility is in violation. Following the completion of an investigation, in which investigation the department determines a hospital or facility to be in violation of the requirements established by the bill, the hospital or facility may be issued a civil penalty in increasing amounts for repeat violations. Any money collected by the court in payment of a civil penalty imposed will be conveyed to the State Treasurer for deposit into the Patient Protection and Staffing Fund (fund) established by the bill. Moneys in the fund will be dedicated and used only for the purposes of increasing the number of inspectors employed by the Department of Health to enforce the provisions of the bill, advancing nursing recruitment and retentions programs, supporting student loan forgiveness for nursing students, and increasing pay for nursing teaching staff. Finally, in addition to the above-described requirements applicable to the Commissioner of Health, the bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to conduct a review of Department of Human Services regulations concerning registered professional nurse staffing standards in developmental centers and State psychiatric hospitals, and to revise the regulations, as appropriate, to reflect safe staffing practices and assure adequate staffing at the facilities. | In Committee |
| A2856 | Requires induction loop listening system installation in certain buildings open to public upon new construction or substantial renovation. | This bill would require the installation of induction loop listening systems in certain public spaces upon new construction or substantial renovation. An "induction loop listening system" refers to a hardwired assistive listening system in which a loop of wire around an area of a building, or hardwired countertop version, produces a signal received directly by hearing aids and cochlear implants used by persons with hearing loss. Induction loop listening systems magnetically transmit sound to hearing aids and cochlear implants that are equipped with telecoil features, and have an effect of filtering out background noise. Under the bill, induction loop listening system installations would be required in a newly constructed area of public assembly or service, unless the associated building permit application was initially submitted on or before the effective date of the bill. The bill would also require any area of public assembly or service to install induction loop listening systems during renovations that cost $40,000 or more. Additionally, the bill would require the posting of prominently-visible permanently-mounted signage to indicate to visitors that the induction loop listening system is available in an area of public assembly or service. Following initial installation, the bill would require the owner, on a biennial basis, to complete a self-certification form, attesting that the induction loop listening system continues to function. Under the bill, an "area of public assembly or service" means a building or structure, or space within a building or structure, that is regularly open for public gatherings, consisting of an auditorium, theater, meeting room, courtroom, community center, library, pharmacy counter, information desk at a medical facility, a waiting area for a medical office, bank teller area, car rental business, restaurant, bar, or other food or beverage counter service location, coat check area, grocery store check-out area, ticket payment location, or other category of space designated by the Department of Community Affairs ("DCA") as an area of public assembly or service. Under the bill, the owner of an area of public assembly or service would not be required to install and maintain an induction loop listening system if a code enforcing agency determines that the installation of the system would be impractical, following an assertion of the impracticality of the installation by the building permit applicant. The bill directs DCA to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill, including the establishment of standards for: (1) the installation of an induction loop listening system; (2) the conditions that would render installation impractical; (3) the placement and appearance of the required signage; and (4) the frequency and criteria of public access that would cause a space to be designated as open to the public, in relation to the definition of an area of public assembly or service. The provisions of the bill would be enforced as part of the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," ("UCC") P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.). The owner of an area of public assembly or service who violates the provisions of the bill would therefore be liable for any penalty imposed by an enforcing agency pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-138), or any other applicable penalty under the UCC. In order to provide DCA with time to prepare for the enforcement of the bill, the bill would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment. | In Committee |
| A1600 | Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees. | In February of 2015, the Legislature enacted P.L.2015, c.15 (C.18A:33-21) to establish a process that a school district must follow prior to denying a school breakfast or a school lunch to a student due to the fact that the student's school breakfast or school lunch bill was in arrears. The purpose of the law was to ensure that a student was not suddenly denied a school breakfast or school lunch, and that the student's parent or guardian received proper notice of the arrearage and an adequate opportunity to address the arrearage prior to the school district making a determination to deny the student school meals. This bill clarifies that nothing in section 1 of P.L.2015, c.15 (C.18A:33-21) requires a school district to deny school breakfast or school lunch to a student whose bill is in arrears, but rather to provide adequate notice and opportunity to the student's parent or guardian if the district determines to take such an action. The bill amends that same section of law to require that, if a student's parent or guardian has not made full payment of a student's school breakfast or school lunch bill in arrears by the end of 10 school days, a school district must provide notice of any action to be taken by the school district in response to a student's school breakfast or school lunch bill being in arrears. The bill also amends that section of law to include a number of provisions regarding a school district's responsibilities when a student's school breakfast or school lunch bill is in arrears. Pursuant to the bill, prior to contacting the parent to provide notice of the school meal bill in arrears, the school district is required to exhaust all options and methods to directly certify the student for the free or reduced priced meal program. If the school district is not able to directly certify the student, when the district sends the notification of the arrearage to the parent, it must include a paper copy of, or an electronic link to, an application for the school meal program and contact the parent to encourage submission of the application. The bill includes a provision that requires school districts to ensure that a student whose school breakfast or school lunch bill is in arrears is not shamed, treated differently, forced to go to the end of the food line, or served a meal that differs from what a student whose bill is not in arrears would receive. Under the bill, a district may not permit any action directed at a student to collect unpaid school meal fees. Districts may attempt to collect unpaid school meal fees from parents, but the districts are not permitted to threaten to make a child protective services report solely in regard to the arrearage. | In Committee |
| A1680 | Vacant Storefront Registry Program; establishes public database of vacant commercial space for small businesses. | This bill requires the NJ Business Action Center (center), which is in the Department of State, to establish and maintain a public database of vacant commercial space available for purchase or lease by small businesses in this State. The database will include information such as: the square footage of any vacant commercial space; the capital equipment included in any vacant commercial space; and the building systems installed in any vacant commercial space, including, but not limited to, fire alarms, fire suppression systems, security systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Under the bill, the center is required, using information provided by commercial property owners, realtors, and municipalities in the State, to update the database on a monthly basis with new information concerning the availability of vacant commercial space. The bill requires the center to make the database available through its Internet web page and to publicize the availability of the database as part of an awareness campaign targeted at business associations, state and local chambers of commerce, and municipalities in the State. Under the bill, the Secretary of State is to require every owner of a commercial property in the State to notify, as necessary, the center when a commercial property belonging to such an owner becomes vacant, if no person or entity is presently scheduled to lease or purchase the property, or when such a property becomes occupied. For many industries, commercial space is often one of the most costly barriers to entry. The expense is compounded by the time dedicated to locating storefronts that are well-suited and appropriate for the needs of a business. The creation of a public database of vacant commercial space will expedite this process and help fill vacancies quickly. | In Committee |
| A944 | Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. | This bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including restrictions that limit the ability of APNs to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia, and establishes new requirements for APNs to prescribe medications. The bill expressly provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, an APN with greater than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice will be authorized to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider. With regard to prescribing medications, the bill requires the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and satisfying continuing professional education requirements related to pharmacology and prescribing controlled substances. An APN with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be permitted to prescribe medication only if a formal joint protocol with a physician or experienced advanced practice nurse is in place. The bill revises the requirements for APNs to authorize patients for medical cannabis and to issue written instructions for medical cannabis, to provide that the APN will only be required to meet the requirements set forth under the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.). Those requirements include: possessing active State and federal registrations to prescribe controlled dangerous substances; being the health care practitioner responsible for the ongoing treatment of a patient's qualifying medical condition; and complying with various other requirements for issuing written instructions for medical cannabis. The bill further provides that every APN who is an APN-Anesthesia and who has completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be authorized to practice as an APN-Anesthesia to the full scope of practice for APNs-Anesthesia, without any requirement for supervision by a licensed physician and without any requirement that the APN-Anesthesia enter into joint protocols with a licensed physician. The bill provides that any State law or regulation that requires the signature or similar endorsement of a physician will be deemed to require the same of an APN, to the extent consistent with an APN's scope of practice. The bill revises and repeals certain sections of law that are obviated by the changes made under the bill. | In Committee |
| A925 | Allows voter registration at polling place on election day or at early voting site during early voting period. | This bill allows for voter registration at polling places on election day or at early voting sites during the early voting period. Under current law, a person must register to vote at least 21 days before the election. This bill allows a person who has not registered to vote by that deadline to register at a polling place on the day of the election or at an early voting site during the early voting period. This bill also allows a person to cast a provisional ballot if the person has registered to vote within the period of 21 days before the election if the person can affirm that the person has not previously voted in that election. If the county commissioner of registration is not able to verify the person's Motor Vehicle Commission New Jersey driver's license number or non-driver identification number, or the last four digits of the person's Social Security Number, the county commissioner of registration will notify the person by mail, e-mail, or telephone within 24 hours that they must provide valid identification no later than 48 hours prior to the final certification of the results of the election in order for their ballot to be counted. | In Committee |
| A553 | Requires MVC to establish system for salvage processors to electronically process salvage certificates of title. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to allow salvage processors to electronically submit applications for the issuance of salvage certificates of title and certificates of ownership, documentation supporting those applications, and any required fees. The bill also requires the chief administrator to allow salvage processors to print salvage certificates of title and certificates of ownership at the facility of the salvage processor. | In Committee |
| A2270 | Establishes Interagency Council on Homelessness. | This bill establishes the "Interagency Council on Homelessness" (council) in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs to replace the statutorily-established "New Jersey Homelessness Prevention Task Force." The bill establishes the council to serve as an advisory body to the existing Office of Homelessness Prevention, to develop recommendations, through a collaborative effort among representatives of State government, providers of services to the homeless, and other concerned representatives of the public, and to develop, promote, and support efforts for the most effective means of coordinating and funding programs to meet the various needs of persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The bill also expands membership of this advisory board. The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to notify the members of the New Jersey Homelessness Prevention Task Force of the termination of the task force and otherwise provide for the transfer or other disposition of the records, property, and personnel of task force to the council. This bill requires the council to prepare an annual report on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations and to submit the report to the Governor and to the Legislature. | Dead |
| A3133 | Establishes position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson; establishes "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force." | This bill establishes the position of Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson and establishes the "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force." The bill specifically establishes a Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson. The ombudsperson is to be appointed by the Governor, serve at the pleasure of the Governor, and report directly to the Commissioner of Education. Pursuant to the bill, the duties of the ombudsperson include:· collaborating with school districts to develop and implement a Statewide strategic plan of action;· collaborating with a variety of governmental agencies to address the challenges facing student dropouts;· developing best practices consistent with the recommendations of the School Disconnection Prevention Task Force; and· advising the commissioner on ways to prevent students from disconnecting from school and strategies for reengaging students who have disconnected from school. The bill requires the ombudsperson to annually submit a report summarizing services provided, progress in reducing disconnected youth, and recommendations on services and support for disconnected youth to the Commissioner of Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Governor, and the Legislature. This bill also establishes the "School Disconnection Prevention Task Force." The task force consists of 25 members including: the Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson, who will serve as the chair of the task force; the Commissioners of the Departments of Education, Corrections, Labor and Workforce Development, Human Services, and Children and Families; the Secretary of Higher Education; the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission; and 17 members appointed by the Governor. Pursuant to the bill, the duties of the task force include:· examining current data on disconnected youth;· researching programs and initiatives addressing school disconnection;· examining possible contributing factors for students leaving school;· identifying effective ways to reduce the number of disconnected youth; and· advising the Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson on the task force's findings. The bill requires the task force to issue a final report to the Commissioner of Education, the Secretary of Higher Education, the Governor, and the Legislature no later than nine months after the task force organizes. Additionally, the bill requires the Governor to appear before a legislative reference committee if a Youth Disconnection Prevention and Recovery Ombudsperson is not appointed within one year after the effective date of this bill. Finally, the Commissioner of Education is required to appear before a legislative reference committee one year after the issuance of the final report of the School Disconnection Task Force. | Dead |
| A438 | Establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program. | This bill establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Under the program, a student who graduates from a participating public or nonpublic high school located in this State who has satisfied certain attendance, punctuality, and academic criteria during high school will be eligible to receive a two-year scholarship to a county college. This scholarship program is modeled on an initiative developed by the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. That initiative provides students with a School Counts certificate which attests to the student's efforts and hard work during high school and which the student can present to potential employers as evidence of his diligence and accomplishments. The initiative recognizes those student who, although they may not be straight A students, have demonstrated a commitment and understanding of the importance of education. This initiative is currently operational in several counties. Under the bill, the authority will work in conjunction with the Business Coalition for Educational Excellence to encourage the participation of public and nonpublic high schools in the School Counts Scholarship Program. Each participating high school will award a School Counts certificate to a student who graduates from that high school and 1) achieves a 95% or greater rate of school attendance in each year of high school; 2) achieves a C grade point average or above in all academic courses in each year of high school; 3) completes more than the minimum number of credits required for graduation from high school; 4) completes high school in eight consecutive semesters or, in the case of a special education student, within the timelines established by the student's IEP; and 5) successfully competes Algebra I. A student who receives a School Counts certificate will be eligible for a two-year scholarship for full-time enrollment in a degree program at a county college in an annual amount not to exceed $2,000. The second year of the scholarship will be dependent upon the student making application to the authority and presenting evidence to the authority of satisfactory progress toward the award of an academic degree. Prior to receipt of a School Counts Scholarship, a student would have to have applied for all other available forms of State and federal grants and scholarships. The student must begin a course of study at a county college within six months of graduation from high school. The scholarship program will be financed through a combination of State appropriations, county college funds, and private contributions. A county college will be eligible to receive State funds on a per student basis when the college demonstrates that it has raised an equal amount of funds for the student's scholarship from private donations or other sources. In the first year of the scholarship program's operation, four county colleges will be selected for participation with not less than one college from the north, central, and southern regions of the State. In each subsequent year, three additional county colleges will be selected for participation until such time as all county colleges are eventually participating in the program. | In Committee |
| A2926 | Expands crime of bias intimidation; establishes additional penalties for crimes of bias intimidation and harassment; establishes bias intimidation motivation damages. | This bill expands the State's bias intimidation law and removes an unconstitutional provision; establishes additional penalties for the crimes of bias intimidation and false public alarm; and provides for the award of bias intimidation motivation damages.Bias Intimidation Under current law, N.J.S.2C:16-1, a person is guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if the person commits, attempts to commit, conspires with another to commit, or threatens the immediate commission of certain enumerated criminal offenses with any of the following states of mind: (1) with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity; (2) knowing that the conduct constituting the offense would cause an individual or group of individuals to be intimidated because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity; or (3) under circumstances that caused any victim of the underlying offense to be intimidated and the victim, considering the manner in which the offense was committed, reasonably believed either that (a) the offense was committed with a purpose to intimidate the victim or any person or entity in whose welfare the victim is interested because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity, or (b) the victim or the victim's property was selected to be the target of the offense because of the victim's race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. These enumerated predicate offenses include criminal homicide, assault, recklessly endangering another person, terroristic threats, stalking, disarming a law enforcement officer, kidnapping and related offenses, sexual offenses, robbery, carjacking, arson and other property destruction, burglary, trespass, harassment, prohibited weapons and devices, unlawful possession of a weapon, and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. This bill adds to these enumerated offenses computer criminal activity, initiating a false alarm, and cyber-harassment. In State v. Pomianek, 221 N.J. 66 (2015), the New Jersey Supreme Court held that paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:16-1 (above) is unconstitutionally vague and violates due process because, rather than focusing on the defendant's state of mind, the law focuses on the victim's perception of the defendant's state of mind. The bill removes this unconstitutional provision from N.J.S.2C:16-1. Under the bill, it is not a defense to a prosecution for bias intimidation that a defendant acted with a purpose, in addition to a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. The bill also provides that a defendant may be convicted of bias intimidation against a person who is associated with an individual or group because of the individual's or group's race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity, regardless of whether the victim is the same race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity as the individual or group. The bill imposes additional penalties for a conviction of bias intimidation, for each offense, in the amount of: $2,000 for a crime of the first degree; $1,000 for a crime of the second degree; $750 for a crime of the third degree; $500 for a crime of the fourth degree; and $250 for a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense. These penalties are to be deposited into the Bias Crime Prevention Fund, established under the bill. The monies deposited are to be used for investigating and prosecuting bias intimidation crimes; supporting community response to bias crime incidents; funding training and educational programs on bias crimes and diversity, as well as other programs designed to enhance public awareness of bias crimes and diversity.False Public Alarm Under current law, a person convicted of initiating a false public alarm is liable to a civil penalty of not less than $2,000 or the actual costs resulting from law enforcement and emergency services in response to the false alarm, whichever is higher. The bill provides for the award of a civil penalty of not less than $2,000 or treble the actual costs incurred, whichever is higher. The bill further provides that a person convicted of initiating a false alarm also is liable to a person suffering personal injury, and to the owner of property damaged as a result of law enforcement and emergency services response to the false alarm. Bias Intimidation Motivation Compensatory Damages Enhancement The bill also provides for an award of bias intimidation motivation compensatory damages enhancement. The bill defines "bias intimidation motivation" to mean with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, or ethnicity, or knowing that the conduct constituting the offense would cause an individual or group of individuals to be intimidated because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. The bill provides that, in addition to any other recovery authorized under current law, treble the amount of compensatory damages is to be awarded to a plaintiff if the plaintiff proves, by a preponderance of evidence, that the harm suffered was the result of the defendant's acts or omissions, and the acts or omissions were actuated by bias intimidation motivation. | In Committee |
| A2751 | Establishes teacher recruitment grant program in DOE; appropriates $6 million to DOE. | This bill establishes a competitive grant program in the Department of Education to provide funding to no less than two eligible organizations that recruit, train, place, and retain new teachers for long-term-employment in underserved school districts. The selected organizations would receive a grant equal to the amount of private contributions that the organizations receive, not to exceed $1 million each year, for three years. For the purposes of the grant program, an underserved school district is one in which at least 40 percent of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, and which is experiencing a teacher workforce shortage as determined by the Commissioner of Education. | In Committee |
| A2080 | Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center. | This bill requires an institution of higher education to place an automated external defibrillator in an unlocked location in each athletic facility and student center with an appropriate identifying sign. The defibrillator will be accessible during the normal operating hours of the athletic facility or student center and within reasonable proximity of the institution's athletic fields. Under the bill, the institution is required to ensure that: (1) at least two staff members who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator are in the athletic facility or student center during the normal operating hours; and (2) each defibrillator is tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines, and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad, or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location. An institution of higher education and its staff are granted immunity from civil liability in the acquisition and use of a defibrillator. | In Committee |
| A3351 | Requires DHS and DOH to submit federal waivers to cover menstrual products under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, WIC and establishes State funded benefit if federal waiver is denied; appropriates $2 million for State benefit. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services and the Commissioner of Health to submit an application for a waiver or a state plan amendment to provide menstrual hygiene products among the covered benefits available for eligible recipients through the NJ FamilyCare program, the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill stipulates that, if the federal government denies the State's waiver application or state plan amendment, the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, is to establish a program to provide menstrual hygiene products to eligible beneficiaries, in a quantity and through a process determined to be equitable. Under the program, the Commissioner of Human Services would establish a process through which an eligible beneficiary would certify the number of menstruators in the beneficiary's household who are minors and who qualify for the menstrual hygiene products benefit. The bill additionally requires the Commissioner of Human Services to consult and coordinate with the Commissioner of Health on the establishment of an educational and public awareness campaign to inform the public about the provisions of bill and to ensure that eligible recipients of the public assistance programs covered under the bill are aware of the new benefits made available to them, and to post the information provided through the campaign on each of the departments' Internet sites. The bill appropriates $2 million to the Department of Health for the menstrual hygiene products benefit. The provisions of the bill will take effect upon any federal determination regarding the waiver application or state plan amendment submitted by the State, and the acceptance of any federal approval by the Departments of Human Services and Health; however, the departments are authorized to take any anticipatory action in advance of the federal determination as may be necessary to implement the requirements under the bill. As defined in the bill, "menstrual hygiene products" means tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and other similar products designed for a person's hygiene in connection with the human menstrual cycle. | In Committee |
| A1914 | Requires AG to release bias incident data monthly. | This bill requires the Attorney General to release bias incident data monthly. Under current law, municipal and county law enforcement agencies are required to submit quarterly reports to the Attorney General, which include information regarding crimes committed within their respective jurisdictions. These reports are required to include information relating to any offense directed against a person or group or their property, by reason of their race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. The Attorney General is required to issue an annual report containing the results of the information reflected in these quarterly reports. Under the provisions of this bill, in addition to the annual report, the Attorney General is required to release bias incident data monthly, which is to be made available to the public on the Internet of the Department of Law and Public Safety. Under the bill, "bias incident" is defined as a suspected or confirmed violation of certain provisions of the bias intimidation statute. | In Committee |
| A1924 | Clarifies that law enforcement agencies may hold gun buyback programs and permits voluntary surrender of ammunition. | This bill clarifies that a person may voluntarily surrender ammunition to a law enforcement agency. Under current law, a person may voluntarily surrender a firearm after giving written notice to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the person resides or the Superintendent of State Police. This bill authorizes a person to surrender ammunition in the same manner as a firearm. The bill also clarifies that the Office of the Attorney General or a county prosecutor's office may authorize gun buyback programs to allow people to anonymously and voluntarily surrender any firearm, ammunition, or weapon in their possession. Under the bill, gun buyback programs that accept surrendered firearms also are required to accept surrendered ammunition. Gun buyback programs would be permitted to grant an award in exchange for any surrendered firearm or weapon. Law enforcement agencies in this State routinely host gun buyback programs. This bill clarifies that this is a permissible practice under current law. | In Committee |
| A115 | "New Jersey Disability Savings Act." | This bill expands the "New Jersey Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program," P.L.2015, c.185 (C.52:18A-250 et al.) to incentivize qualified individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged savings accounts, known as ABLE accounts. Pursuant to current federal statute, qualified individuals who have significant disabilities with onset prior to age 26 years, and who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, may contribute as much as the federal gift tax limit, or $16,000 in 2022, to a qualifying ABLE account. Individuals with disabilities, or their parent or guardian, may open an ABLE account in the individual's state of residence, or in another state. As of January 2022, there are 49 ABLE plans operating nationwide. Funds deposited into an ABLE account may only be used for qualifying disability-related expenses such as transportation, housing, education, assistive technology, legal fees, and personal support services. Distributions from a New Jersey ABLE account are not subject to federal tax, provided the distributions do not exceed the individual's disability-related expenses for the year. New Jersey statute currently limits total lifetime contributions to an ABLE account to $305,000. Once the value of an ABLE account exceeds $100,000, SSI cash benefits for the ABLE account owner are suspended until the account's value falls below this threshold. However, a qualifying individual will not lose Medicaid benefits, no matter the balance in an ABLE account. Pursuant to the bill, all contributions to a qualifying New Jersey ABLE account are fully-deductible on a New Jersey State tax return, similar to qualifying contributions to the State's Section 529 educational savings program, known as the NJBEST. As amended, the bill additionally incentivizes taxpayer savings in New Jersey ABLE accounts by providing up to $750 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds for taxpayers whose gross annual income equals $150,000 or less, and who deposit funds into a newly opened ABLE account. It is important to note, however, that the savings incentives instituted under this bill are subject to the annual appropriations process. Therefore, the bill authorizes the Department of Human Services to select a methodology for allocating these incentive funds in years in which State appropriations for these incentive payments are insufficient to fulfill the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A2240 | Requires racial and gender diversity in membership to be considered for appointments to certain boards and commissions established by statute. | This bill provides that, when the Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the General Assembly, or any other person is authorized by law to appoint a member to a board, commission, task force, or any other multi-member body or entity established by law, the Governor, President, Speaker, or other authorized person, as appropriate, must make the goal of attaining a membership for such a board, commission, task force, or multi-member body or entity that reflects the racial and gender diversity of the residents of the State a primary consideration when selecting a person for appointment on or after the effective date of the bill. The goal of attaining a membership that reflects the racial and gender diversity of the residents of the State will be a primary consideration by the appointing authority unless that consideration conflicts with the particular circumstances of the appointment to be made or conflicts with the requirements of the statute that established the board, commission, task force, or multi-member body or entity. | In Committee |
| A1496 | Requires DOT and DLPS to implement weigh-in-motion monitoring program. | This bill requires the Department of Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS), to establish a weigh-in-motion monitoring program (program), which program is to be funded from the Transportation Trust Fund Account. The program is required to include the placement and use of weigh-in-motion stations to monitor vehicle weight as vehicles approach certain bridges. To determine locations for the weigh-in-motion monitoring systems, the DOT, in consultation with the DLPS, is to consider: (1) proximity to a bridge whose condition is categorized as poor by the National Bridge Inventory; (2) condition of a bridge as determined by a structural inspection or any other inspection of the bridge conducted in compliance with State or federal law; (3) frequency of recent violations documented on a roadway or in proximity to a bridge; and (4) any other factors determined by the DOT, in consultation with the DLPS, to be appropriate. Each system is required to include a scale, at least one camera to capture vehicle information, signage to indicate modified speed limits as needed, and other equipment as the DOT or DLPS find necessary. The bill provides that records of individual vehicle information or personal information are not to be retained, used, or disclosed for a purpose unrelated to the bill's provisions. Each system is required to be capable of automatically sending notifications upon detection of a violation to the DOT and the DLPS, which departments have respective duties under the bill. Department of Transportation The DOT is to receive a structural monitoring notification upon detection of such violations as the DOT may program the systems to report. Within 30 days of a structural monitoring notification, the DOT is required to determine whether a structural inspection of the bridge is necessary. Within 30 days of a determination that a structural inspection is required, the DOT is required to conduct the structural inspection or arrange for it to be conducted. The DOT is required to annually publish a report on the program on its Internet website. The DOT's annual report is to include: (1) the locations and dates of weigh-in-motion monitoring system use; (2) the total number of vehicles weighed and the total number of violations recorded by each system; (3) any patterns of violations by frequency, location, or amount of excess gross vehicle weight and axle weight, as the DOT deems relevant for analysis of the program; (4) the total capital spent on repairs or reconstruction following structural inspections; and (5) the total revenue realized by and expenses incurred by the DOT in connection with administering the provisions of the bill. The DOT is required to issue rules and regulations, including at a minimum: (1) criteria for the DOT to select locations and determine equipment needed for systems; (2) protocols for the collection, processing, use, and disposal of records created by systems, including individual vehicle information and personal information; (3) standards for the number and type of violations that, alone or in combination with other factors, and as the department deems appropriate, trigger a structural monitoring notice; (4) standards for the number and type of violations that, along or in combination with other factors, trigger a structural inspection; and (5) specifications for the acquisition and maintenance of equipment necessary to administer the provisions of the bill. Department of Law and Public Safety The DLPS is to receive an enforcement notification upon detection of such violations as the DLPS may program the systems to report. The DLPS is authorized to use the weigh-in-motion monitoring systems to enforce vehicle weight restrictions that already exist under current law. However, for any violation occurring within 90 days after a system becomes operational, the DLPS is required to issue a notice of warning, rather than commence an enforcement action, which notice of warning is to be issued to the driver, operator, owner, lessee, or bailee of a vehicle that is the subject of a violation within 30 days of a determination that the violation merits an enforcement action. The DLPS is required to annually publish a report on the program on its Internet website. The DLPS's annual report is to include: (1) the number of enforcement actions adjudicated; (2) the number of fines issued and total amount of fines paid after the first enforcement action is commenced; and (3) the total revenue realized by and expenses incurred by the DLPS in connection with administering the provisions of the bill. The DLPS is required to issue rules and regulations, including at a minimum: (1) protocols for the collection, processing, use, and disposal of records created by systems installed, including individual vehicle information and personal information; (2) standards for a violation to trigger an enforcement notification; and (3) standards for a violation to merit an enforcement action. | In Committee |
| A1953 | Requires cultural diversity and implicit bias training be included in police basic training curriculum. | This bill requires the Police Training Commission in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety to include cultural diversity and implicit bias training in the basic training course for police officers appointed to a police department or force. Current law requires the Department of Law and Public Safety to develop or identify a uniform cultural diversity and implicit bias training course, including an on-line tutorial, which includes instruction promoting positive interaction with all members residing in the community, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. The training course is available to every State, county, municipal, and campus police department or force for in-service training of its officers. This bill would require this cultural diversity and implicit bias training to be administered to police officers during their mandated basic training. The bill defines "implicit bias" as having attitudes towards people or associating stereotypes with them without conscious knowledge. Finally, the bill requires instructors at basic training academies for police officers to receive specialized training in cultural diversity and implicit bias in policing. | In Committee |
| A2357 | Establishes Office of Financial Assistance in EDA to help eligible entities access opportunities for public financial assistance; requires office to develop common application platform. | This bill establishes an Office of Financial Assistance (office) within the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to help eligible entities access available sources of public financial assistance, including any grants, loans, loan guarantees, or tax credits provided by a State or federal agency. Under the bill, the office is responsible for: (1) providing technical assistance to eligible entities concerning the identification of available sources of public financial assistance, the application for public financial assistance, and the compliance with any terms and conditions imposed upon the receipt of public financial assistance; (2) developing and updating, as necessary, the common application platform required under the bill; (3) coordinating with State agencies and federal agencies, on a regular basis, to determine the availability of new sources of public financial assistance; and (4) fulfilling any other duties and responsibilities that may be prescribed by the board or chief executive officer of the EDA. The bill also requires the office to develop, or cause to be developed, a common application platform through which eligible entities may electronically apply for any sources of public financial assistance made available by a State agency. At a minimum, and to the extent practicable, the common application platform is required to allow an eligible entity to: (1) identify all available sources of public financial assistance; (2) input any information or documentation that may be required by a State agency as part of the application for public financial assistance, which information and documentation may be stored for use in other applications; (3) simultaneously submit applications for any sources of public financial assistance made available by a State agency; and (4) monitor the status of all applications submitted through the platform. After the common application platform has been developed, the bill requires every State agency that offers public financial assistance to coordinate with the office to ensure that all applications for public financial assistance can be submitted through the platform and all information contained on the platform concerning the availability of public financial assistance is up-to-date and accurate. Based on this coordination, the office is required to update the platform, as necessary, to ensure that all information contained therein is up-to-date and accurate. | In Committee |
| A1142 | Prohibits harassing or taking of certain wildlife at competitive event; establishes penalties. | This bill prohibits the harassing or taking of certain wildlife (defined as "covered wildlife" in the bill) at a competitive event, except in conjunction with a field trial or field day authorized by a license issued pursuant to R.S.23:4-26. The bill also prohibits any person from organizing, sponsoring, promoting, conducting, or participating in a competitive event at which the participants harass or take covered wildlife except in conjunction with such an authorized field trial or field day. "Covered wildlife" is defined as a bobcat, coyote, crow, fox, mink, opossum, rabbit, raccoon, skunk, squirrel, weasel, woodchuck, or the dead body or parts thereof. The bill provides that a person who violates the prohibitions in the bill would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and, in addition to the applicable penalties pursuant to Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes, would also have suspended for five years: 1) any license or permit issued to the person by the Division of Fish and Wildlife; and 2) all privileges to take or possess wildlife. A disorderly persons offense is subject to a penalty of up to six months of imprisonment, a fine up to $1,000, or both. This bill requires any covered wildlife injured as a result of a competitive event to be transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or State licensed veterinarian for proper treatment or to be euthanized if necessary. The bill authorizes the Division of Fish and Wildlife to forfeit the remains of any covered wildlife killed at a competitive event held in violation of this bill or euthanized as a result of the competitive event. Forfeited remains would become property of the Division of Fish and Wildlife. The bill directs municipal police officers, the State Police, and law enforcement officers in the Division of Fish and Wildlife and the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection to enforce the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| A1913 | Prohibits use of firearms and firearms-related items as raffle prizes. | This bill prohibits the offering of any firearm or firearm-related item as a prize in any raffle. Under the bill, "firearm" has the same meaning as that term is defined under N.J.S.2C:39-1: "any handgun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, automatic or semi-automatic rifle, or any gun, device or instrument in the nature of a weapon from which may be fired or ejected any solid projectable ball, slug, pellet, missile or bullet, or any gas, vapor or other noxious thing, by means of a cartridge or shell or by the action of an explosive or the igniting of flammable or explosive substances." This term also includes, without limitation, "any firearm which is in the nature of an air gun, spring gun or pistol or other weapon of a similar nature in which the propelling force is a spring, elastic band, carbon dioxide, compressed or other gas or vapor, air or compressed air, or is ignited by compressed air, and ejecting a bullet or missile smaller than three-eighths of an inch in diameter, with sufficient force to injure a person." The bill defines a "firearm-related item" as any item or paraphernalia used in connection with the firing, alteration, display, storage, maintenance, and use of a firearm. | In Committee |
| A558 | Authorizes court to include in domestic violence restraining orders a provision making the order applicable to a pregnant victim's child upon birth of the child. | This bill would permit courts to include in a restraining order imposed when a defendant who is charged with a crime or offense involving domestic violence is released from custody before trial, or in an order imposed stating the conditions of sentencing after a defendant is found guilty of a domestic violence crime or offense, or in a final restraining order issued against a defendant whether or not there is a criminal complaint alleging such a crime or offense, a provision indicating that, if the victim named in the domestic violence order is pregnant, the order's protections would apply to the victim's child immediately upon birth, if such protection is requested by the victim. This bill is based in part on the holding in B.C. v. T.G., 430 N.J. Super. 455 (Ch. Div. 2013), in which the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part held that when a victim is pregnant, the court may provide that any protections ordered under the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.) automatically apply to the victim's child upon the birth of the child. The court, noting that the protections in a domestic violence restraining order apply to the victim's immediate family, stated "there is little sense in requiring the victim to have to return to court again immediately after the birth of the child for an emergent hearing in order to add the baby to her final restraining order." Id. at 466. The court additionally noted that, for various reasons, "a new parent may be either unable or unwilling to immediately return to domestic violence court immediately following childbirth." Id. at 467. | Dead |
| A1421 | "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act"; establishes requirements, prohibitions, and programs for regulation of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). | This bill would prohibit the sale of certain products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), require greater transparency in the labeling of certain products containing PFAS, establish a source reduction program concerning the proper management of PFAS, and appropriate money for PFAS-related research. As defined in the bill, "PFAS" means substances that include any member of the class of fluorinated organic chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. Specifically, the bill would require, beginning one year after the bill's effective date, a manufacturer of a product for sale in the State that contains intentionally added PFAS to submit to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) a written notification that includes: (1) a brief description of the product; (2) the purpose for which PFAS are used in the product, including in any product components; (3) the amount of each of the PFAS, identified by its chemical abstracts service registry number, in the product, reported as an exact quantity determined using commercially available analytical methods or as falling within a range approved for reporting purposes by the DEP; (4) the name and address of the manufacturer; (5) the name, address, email address, and phone number of a contact person for the manufacturer; and (6) any additional information determined by the DEP to be necessary. A manufacturer would be able to submit the notification information to the DEP for a category of products that are substantially similar, as determined by the DEP, rather than for each individual product. Upon submission of the required notification information, a manufacturer would also be required to pay the $1,000 fee to the DEP imposed pursuant to section 5 of the bill. Beginning two years after the bill's effective date, a manufacturer that has failed to provide the DEP with the required notification information or pay the required fee would be prohibited from selling, offering for sale, or distributing for sale in the State a product containing intentionally added PFAS. If the DEP has reason to believe that a product containing intentionally added PFAS is being offered for sale or distribution in the State in violation of section 6 of the bill, the DEP would be required to direct the manufacturer of the product to, within 30 days: (1) certify, in writing, to the DEP that the product does not contain intentionally added PFAS; or (2) notify persons who sell that product in this State that the sale of that product is prohibited in the State and provide the DEP with a list of the names and addresses of those notified. A retailer would not be prohibited from selling a product containing intentionally added PFAS unless the retailer sells, offers for sale, or distributes for sale a product for which the retailer has received notification from the product's manufacturer or the DEP that sale of the product is prohibited. The bill would also prohibit, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of cosmetics, carpets, fabric treatment, and food packaging that contain intentionally added PFAS. Section 15 of the bill establishes penalties for violations of the bill's provisions, or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto, and for any manufacturer who knowingly makes a false certification to the DEP pursuant to section 7 of the bill or violates the provisions of subsection d. of section 11 of the bill by making a false claim on the product label or Internet website for a cookware product. The bill also includes provisions that would allow products containing a trace amount of PFAS to continue to be sold, distributed, and manufactured within the State without the product being in violation of the bill's provisions as long as the trace amount stems from impurities of natural or synthetic ingredients or the manufacturing process, storage, or migration from packaging of the product. The bill's intent is to prohibit the intentional addition of PFAS into these products. In addition, the bill would require, beginning two years after the bill's effective date, manufacturers of cookware sold in the State that contains intentionally added PFAS in the handle of the product or in any product surface that comes into contact with food, foodstuffs, or beverages to list the presence of PFAS on the product label. The bill would require the product label to include a statement, in both English and Spanish, which reads: "This product contains PFAS," and the statement would be required to be placed on the label in a manner that is visible and legible to the consumer. The statement would be required to be included on the cookware product's product listing on the manufacturer's Internet website as well. Beginning two years after the bill's effective date, a manufacturer would be prohibited from making a claim, on the product label or Internet website for the cookware product, that the cookware is free of PFAS if PFAS was intentionally added to the cookware. Certain cookware products that meet the requirements in subsection e. of section 11 of the bill would be exempt from the labeling requirements of the bill. Beginning two years after the bill's effective date, the sale, offer for sale, and distribution of cookware that contains PFAS would be prohibited unless the cookware product and the manufacturer of the cookware has complied with the bill's cookware labeling requirements. A violation of this provision would be an unlawful practice pursuant to P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), commonly known as the State's "Consumer Fraud Act." As provided by section 1 of P.L.1966, c.39 (C.56:8-13), an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. The bill would also require the DEP to recommend to the Legislature products, in addition to those prohibited from being sold, offered for sale, or distributed pursuant to the bill, by category or use that should not be sold, offered for sale, or distributed for sale in this State if they contain intentionally added PFAS. In determining which additional products containing PFAS should be prohibited for sale or distribution within the State, the DEP would be required to prioritize the prohibition of the sale of product categories or uses that, in the DEP's judgment, pose the greatest risk to public health or are most likely to cause contamination of the State's air, land, or water resources if they contain intentionally added PFAS. Under the bill, the DEP would have the authority to audit or investigate a manufacturer to assess the manufacturer's compliance with bill's provisions. Each year, the DEP may audit, or cause to be audited, a random sample of manufacturers in order to determine compliance. Manufacturers are required to cooperate fully with any audit or investigation conducted, and the DEP may require a manufacturer to pay the costs of an audit conducted. The bill would require the DEP to establish, no later than one year after the bill's effective date, a source reduction program to reduce the presence of PFAS in the State's air, water, and soil by encouraging the proper management of materials that contain PFAS and the use of safer alternatives. The program would be required to include, at a minimum: (1) informational resources targeted to industrial and commercial users of PFAS; (2) education of the general public concerning PFAS and its environmental and health impacts; (3) to the extent funds are available, grants to operators of publicly owned treatment works for the purposes of developing, expanding, or implementing pretreatment standards for PFAS and education of users on sources of PFAS and proper management; (4) to the extent funds are available, grants to municipalities for the purposes of educating solid waste disposal users on sources of PFAS and its proper management; and (5) any other information and efforts that are determined by the DEP to be beneficial in reducing the presence and impact of PFAS in the State. The DEP would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature, no later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter for 10 years, on the effectiveness of the program in reducing PFAS discharges to air, water, and soil within the State, and educating industrial and commercial users of PFAS and residents of the State on PFAS and its proper management. The bill would also require the DEP to conduct PFAS-related research and comprehensive monitoring and testing of the presence and impact of PFAS on the environmental media within the State, including air, water, biota, and soil. The purpose of the DEP's research would be to gain knowledge surrounding the subject of PFAS, provide insight into the proper management and mitigation of PFAS within the State, and to protect the environment from the adverse impacts of PFAS. The DEP's research would be required to include, at a minimum: (1) the collection of soil samples from throughout the State for monitoring and testing for PFAS; (2) the collection of water samples from throughout the State for monitoring and testing for PFAS; (3) the collection of air samples from throughout the State for monitoring and testing for PFAS; (4) the collection of fish, plant, and animal samples from throughout the State for monitoring and testing for PFAS; (5) the comparison of PFAS samples gathered across the State in an effort to measure levels of PFAS contamination and also determine if there are any hotspots of PFAS contamination in the State; (6) research concerning the impact of PFAS on the State's air, water, and soil quality and ways to mitigate the negative impacts of PFAS; (7) data collection of research findings and mitigation efforts concerning PFAS in other States and countries; and (8) any other data collection and research that the department deems necessary to improve the current foundation of knowledge on the subject of PFAS. No later than two years after the bill's effective date, and annually thereafter, the DEP would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing their research findings and activities and providing recommendations for programs, policies, and legislation to address the presence of PFAS in the State. The bill would appropriate from the General Fund to the DEP the sum of $5 million for the purposes of implementing the source reduction program, conducting PFAS-related research, and monitoring and testing environmental media, such as air, water, and soil, for PFAS pursuant to the bill. Any proprietary information or trade secrets included in any written notification, certification, or any other record submitted to the DEP pursuant to this bill is required to be kept confidential from the general public pursuant to P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), commonly known as the open public records act. Finally, the bill authorizes the DEP to adopt rules or regulations necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. PFAS are man-made chemical compounds that have multiple fluorine atoms bonded to a chain of carbon atoms. Since the 1930s, PFAS have been widely used in countless consumer products because they repel oil, water, and grease. There are over 12,000 different types of PFAS, and new types are invented on a nearly daily basis. PFAS are commonly found in products such as polishes, waxes, paints, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, carpet treatments, fire extinguishing foam, dental floss, shampoos, waterproof clothing, food packaging, and even microwave popcorn. As a result, the presence of PFAS in the environment is widespread, and further exacerbated by multiple sources. The carbon-fluorine bond that forms PFAS is one of the strongest chemical bonds found in nature and does not break down under typical environmental conditions. As a result, PFAS are nicknamed "forever chemicals" because they accumulate, rather than break down, over time. PFAS may enter the environment in the following ways: (1) the disposal of products containing PFAS in landfills, thereby contaminating the surrounding soil, groundwater, and source water; (2) the utilization of PFAS by manufacturing sites, which may result in contamination of the surrounding ground and surface waters; (3) the utilization of sludge byproducts containing PFAS on agricultural land, thereby leading to water and soil contamination; (4) the discharge of PFAS by wastewater treatment plants into source waters that service public drinking water systems; and (5) the contamination of private wells by groundwater containing PFAS. The widespread presence of PFAS in the water, soil, and air, results in the contamination not only of public drinking water systems and wells, but also of the food products humans and animals ingest. Plants, fish, and livestock, are commonly exposed to PFAS-contaminated water or food and are consumed daily by most Americans. Studies have indicated that exposure to PFAS, and the resulting buildup of PFAS in the human body, may be linked to certain harmful health effects in both humans and animals. It is crucial to begin prohibiting the sale and distribution of products containing intentionally added PFAS within the State and to increase transparency with consumers of products that contain PFAS. In addition, there is a need for greater education surrounding PFAS and its impact on the environment and the health of the State's citizens. | In Committee |
| A1627 | Allows New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to conduct examinations at school of cosmetology and hairstyling during public health emergency or state of emergency. | This bill allows a school of cosmetology and hairstyling licensed by the board to be used by the board to conduct required examinations for licensure during a public health emergency or state of emergency. The bill prohibits a student from sitting for an examination at the school in which the student is enrolled. As a condition for licensure, the board conducts examinations for applicants for a license to practice barbering, beauty culture, cosmetology and hairstyling, manicuring or as a hair braiding specialist, skin care specialist, or teacher of cosmetology and hairstyling. | In Committee |
| A1952 | Requires members, officers, and employees of Legislature to undergo implicit bias and cultural competency training. | This bill requires implicit bias and cultural competency training for members, officers, and employees of the Legislature. Implicit bias is a bias in judgment or behavior that results from subtle cognitive processes, including implicit prejudice and implicit stereotypes, that often operate at a level below conscious awareness and without intentional control. Cultural competency is the ability to understand, appreciate, and interact with people from different cultures or belief systems. An online tutorial must be completed by April 1 of every even-numbered year and training must be done annually. Successful completion of both the online tutorial and the annual training must be communicated to the Legislative Counsel and such communications will be considered public information. Every day, the Legislature creates laws that impact people of all backgrounds and cultures. In doing this important work, it is critical for all members, officers, and employees of the Legislature to understand their own biases as well as cultures and belief systems different from their own. | In Committee |
| A1605 | Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to make comprehensive list of its programs available to public. | This bill requires the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to include on its website and make available in print to a member of the public, upon request, a comprehensive list of available services and supports from DDD for individuals with developmental disabilities. The list is to include a detailed description of the different services and supports, including, but not limited to, those available through: the Supports Program to persons residing in unlicensed settings such as the home of a family member or their own home; the Community Care Waiver to persons residing in licensed residential settings such as group homes, supervised apartments, and supported living arrangements; the self-directed services program; and any other program providing services and supports funded in whole, or in part, by DDD. The comprehensive list would also include the specific criteria for eligibility for each program, which would, at a minimum, include any requirements for: application for and maintenance of eligibility for the Medicaid program; the level of care needed by the individual with a developmental disability seeking services and supports from DDD; an assessment of the needs of an individual with a developmental disability, and the different amounts of funding to be made available for services and supports for the individual based on those needs, as applicable. The list would also provide information about the availability of transitional planning for individuals with developmental disabilities, guardianship services from DDD, and any other information that DDD deems necessary to help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. The bill also requires DDD to update the list as necessary to ensure that the list reflects a current and comprehensive list of available services and supports, and to prominently display on the DHS website, or include with any printed materials, information about any webinars or presentations offered by DDD that may help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. | In Committee |
| A1883 | Prohibits social media platforms from using certain practices or features that cause child users to become addicted to platform. | The bill prohibits the owner or operator of a social media platform from using any practice, design, feature, or affordance that would cause child users to become addicted to the platform. Under the bill, the owner or operator of the social media platform would be liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $250,000 for each violation. However, the platform would not be deemed to violate the provisions of the bill if the owner or operator of the platform hires an independent third party to conduct an annual audit to determine whether any of its practices, designs, features, or affordances would cause, have the potential to cause, or contribute to the addiction of child users to the platform, and the owner or operator of the platform demonstrates that the platform does not use a practice, design, feature, or affordance that causes, or is likely to cause, the addiction of child users to the platform. If an audit reveals that a practice, design, feature, or affordance has the potential to cause or contributes to child user addiction, the owner or operator of the social media platform would also be required to correct the practice, design, feature, or affordance within 30 calendar days of the completion of the audit. The bill also requires that a social medial platform demonstrate that it does not use a practice, design, feature, or affordance that causes, or is likely to cause, the addiction of child users to the platform. Additionally, certain social media platforms would not be subject to the requirements of the bill. These social media platforms would include any platform that is controlled by a business entity that generated less than $100 million in gross revenue during the preceding calendar year, or any platform whose primary function is to enable users to play video games. The bill also clarifies that the owner or operator of a social media platform would not be subject to liability under this bill for: (1) any content generated, uploaded, or shared by users of the platform; (2) any content that is created by third-party entities and passively displayed by the platform; (3) any information or content for which the platform was not responsible for creating and developing; and (4) any conduct involving child users that would otherwise be protected under certain federal law, the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, or Article I, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution. | In Committee |
| A2263 | Establishes Office for Women's Advancement in DOLWD to facilitate full and equal participation of women in workplace; makes an appropriation. | This bill establishes the Office for Women's Advancement in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The purpose of this office is to facilitate the full and equal participation of women in the workplace in the State of New Jersey. Through research, collaboration, and programming, the office's goal is to foster and promote the advancement of gender equity in employment practices, career development, and the workplace, thereby enhancing the quality of life for women and girls throughout the State. The office will perform the following functions: 1. gather, analyze, and disseminate data on the status of women in areas pertaining to the workplace, including, but not limited to: access to educational, training and employment opportunities; employer hiring practices; workplace culture; work-family balance; the gender pay gap; and the gender composition of the workforce by industry; 2. collaborate with State agencies and affiliated groups, including, but not limited to, the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and the Council on Gender Parity in Labor and Education to address issues that disproportionately affect women in the workplace; 3. review current and proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to gender equity in employment practices, career development, and the workplace, and make recommendations regarding possible legislation and regulations; and 4. educate and provide information to the public on the issues and current developments regarding women in the workplace by publishing reports and holding events such as conferences and symposia. This bill also establishes the "Women's Advancement Fund" in the Department of the Treasury to receive all funding for the Office for Women's Advancement from the State and other sources. The bill authorizes the office to apply for and collect funds from the federal government and other sources in certain cases, and directs that an annual appropriation be made to the fund in an amount necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A2358 | Requires EDA to create needs-matching website for eligible entities. | This bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to create a website for the purpose of matching the needs and supplies of eligible entities. As defined in the bill, "eligible entity" means an entity doing business in this State in at least one of the following industries: advanced computing, advanced materials, biotechnology, electronic device technology, information technology, life sciences, medical device technology, mobile communications technology, or renewable energy technology. The EDA is required to make this website available to eligible entities including, but not limited to, businesses, real estate professionals, medical institutions, research facilities, non-profit organizations, professional associations, higher education institutions, and investors. Under the bill, the website is required to provide a platform on which an eligible entity may match its needs with a supplier for physical locations, equipment, labor, and other appropriate assets or services. The EDA is also required to provide a list of public and private funding sources and investment opportunities, including information on State and federal grant programs, which may be appropriate for an eligible entity. | In Committee |
| A2143 | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act," P.L.2005, c.383 (C.26:3D-55 et seq.), to prohibit smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Current law prohibits smoking in most indoor public places and workplaces, with certain exceptions, including indoor public places and workplaces which are within the perimeter of casinos and casino simulcasting facilities and accessible to the public for wagering. This bill would eliminate these exceptions from the smoking ban. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health found that casino workers are at greater risk for lung and heart disease because of secondhand smoke, and a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine found that the air in casinos can have up to 50 times more cancer-causing particles than the air on rush-hour highways. This bill would protect all workers in New Jersey from the hazards of second hand smoke by requiring that casinos and casino simulcasting facilities be smoke-free workplaces. | In Committee |
| A1655 | Requires health benefits plan and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care. | This bill requires carriers to take certain action to ensure that health benefits plans meet certain network adequacy requirements and mental health care. Under the bill, "carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State, and includes the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, the Medicaid program, and a Medicaid managed care organization. The bill requires the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance or the Commissioner of Human Services, as appropriate, to approve a network for a health benefits plan only if the plan meets certain requirements concerning access to mental health providers. Under the bill a plan is required to have a sufficient number of mental health providers to ensure that 100 percent of the covered persons have access to either in-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered in person and within certain geographic and temporal requirements, or access to in-network or out-of-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth. A plan that provides access to in-network or out-of-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth is required to provide coverage for out-of-network mental health care services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth on the same basis as when the services are delivered through in-person contact and consultation in New Jersey and at a provider reimbursement rate of not less than the corresponding Medicaid provider reimbursement rate. Reimbursement payments are to be provided either to the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, or to the agency, facility, or organization that employs the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, as appropriate. In addition, a carrier is not to charge any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for a mental health care service, delivered through telemedicine or telehealth, in an amount that exceeds the deductible, copayment, or coinsurance amount that is applicable to an in-person, in-network consultation. | In Committee |
| A2488 | The "Liberty State Park Protection Act"; establishes Liberty State Park Advisory Committee and requirements concerning DEP actions related to Liberty State Park. | This bill, to be known as the "Liberty State Park Protection Act," would preserve Liberty State Park as a public urban green open space with authority for limited privatization by establishing certain requirements concerning actions by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) related to Liberty State Park and establishing a Liberty State Park Advisory Committee (committee). The bill would prohibit the DEP from considering any proposal to commercialize, develop, or privatize Liberty State Park, except as provided in the bill. The bill would restrict the DEP from conveying, leasing, or otherwise transferring any property rights within the 235-acre natural restoration area in the interior of Liberty State Park, and at Caven Point Peninsula. The bill would require the DEP, within five years after the bill is enacted into law, and after consultation with the committee, to develop a management plan for Liberty State Park. The DEP would be required to consult the committee for review and recommendations: (1) prior to entering into any agreement for a concession, conveyance, or lease or any other transfer of property rights; and (2) prior to the extension or renewal for a term of one year or longer any lease in effect on the date the bill is enacted into law. In addition, the bill directs the DEP to develop and implement, in conjunction with the committee, a public participation process to allow public citizens and civic organizations to provide public input on any proposed changes in land use at Liberty State Park or to the management plan developed pursuant the bill, and to also, at least once each year, hold a public forum to receive input from the public concerning plans, improvements, preservation, conservation, and management of the park, in addition to any public hearings that may be required pursuant to law. The bill also directs the DEP to develop a map depicting Liberty State Park. Under the bill, the DEP would only approve an agreement for a concession, conveyance, lease, or other agreement with a private entity to provide small-scale commercial activities if the agreement enhances the experience of a visitor to Liberty State Park, such as a bicycle or kayak rental concession, food concession, temporary winter skating rink, commercial boat tour operating from an existing boat slip, and use of the Central Railroad of New Jersey Terminal ("CRRNJ Terminal"), and other uses identified in the management plan developed pursuant to the bill. In addition, whenever the DEP proposes to enter into a concession, lease, or other agreement for a duration of one year or longer, the DEP would be required to present the proposal to the committee for review and recommendations and provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposal, including holding two public hearings at Liberty State Park, with one hearing being held on a weekday evening and one on the weekend, and providing a 30-day public comment period. In addition, the DEP would be required to take these same actions when it intends to convey lands acquired or developed by the State with Green Acres funds, or acquired or developed by the State in any other manner and administered by the department, located within or adjacent to Liberty State Park. The Liberty State Park Advisory Committee established by the bill would be charged with assisting the DEP in conserving, preserving, protecting, and improving Liberty State Park. In carrying out its responsibilities, the committee would give due consideration to the natural, historic, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources and the local, State, and national significance of Liberty State Park. The committee's responsibilities would include: assisting the DEP in developing the management plan required by the bill, and advising the DEP on the ecological restoration of the 235-acre interior portion of the park and means to increase public access and public enjoyment of the natural, historic, cultural, recreational, and scenic resources of the park; reviewing and making recommendations concerning concessions, leases, or other transfer of property rights with a duration of one year or longer; and submitting to the DEP Commissioner any recommendations the committee deems necessary to improve, protect the park. In addition, this bill would amend the "State Park and Forestry Resources Act," P.L.1983, c. 324 (C.13:1L-1 et seq.), which, in part, allows the DEP to enter agreements with private entities for the construction, operation, and maintenance for private profit of any facility, utility, or device in State parks and forests as the DEP finds proper for the use and enjoyment of the lands by the public. This bill would amend the law to reflect the provisions of this bill concerning agreements related to Liberty State Park. Lastly, the bill would amend the "Hackensack Meadowlands Agency Consolidation Act" to delete the provision that provided the commission, i.e., the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which under current law is also referred to as the "Meadowlands Regional Commission," with certain authority concerning Liberty State Park. | In Committee |
| A602 | Establishes "New Jersey Reparations Task Force." | This bill establishes the "New Jersey Reparations Task Force" to study and develop reparations proposals for African-Americans in this State. The task force would consist of 11 members, comprised of four legislators and seven public members. Three members would be appointed by the Governor and eight members would be appointed by the Legislative leadership. At a minimum, four of the public members would be appointed from persons recommended by organizations concerned with the issues of civil rights, human rights, racial, social and economic justice and equality, reparations and other issues concerning the African-American community. The members of the task force will appoint a chair and a vice chair of the task force. The members of the task force would not be compensated but may be reimbursed for expenses actually incurred in the performance of their duties. This bill, among other things, requires the task force to: (1) examine the institution of slavery within the State of New Jersey; (2) examine the extent to which the State of New Jersey and the federal government prevented, opposed, or restricted efforts of former enslaved persons and their descendants who are considered United States' citizens to economically thrive upon the ending of slavery; (3) examine the lingering negative effects of slavery on living African-Americans and on society in New Jersey and the United States; (4) research methods and materials for facilitating education, community dialogue, symbolic acknowledgement, and other formal actions leading toward transformation, reparations remedies, a sense of justice, and economic justice among the descendants of enslaved African people in this State; (5) make recommendations for what remedies should be awarded, through what instrumentalities, and to whom those remedies should be awarded; and (6) address how said recommendations comport with national and international standards of remedy for wrongs and injuries caused by the State. The task force will hold at least six public meetings in different parts of the State, including Camden, Paterson, Newark, New Brunswick, Atlantic City, and Trenton. The Governor will call the first meeting of the task force to occur on or before the first day of the third month after enactment. The task force will issue an interim report of its progress to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 12 months following the initial meeting. The task force will submit its final report and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than 24 months following the initial meeting. The task force will expire upon issuance of its final report. | In Committee |
| A856 | Establishes Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as principal department in Executive Branch and specifies functions, powers, and duties of department. | This bill establishes the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DDEI) as a new principal department within the Executive Branch. The bill specifies the commissioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is appointed by the Governor with advice and consent of the Senate, and serves at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office. The commissioner serves as the administrator and chief executive officer of the DDEI. The functions, powers, and duties of the commissioner are set forth in this bill and will include consulting and assisting on efforts by the Director of the Division of Investment in the Department of Treasury to attempt to use underrepresented financial businesses to provide brokerage and investment management services; consulting and assisting on diversity, equity, and inclusion in investments by the State, and its political subdivisions, in the allocation of loans and grants for business formation, and in the provision of low interest loans and down payment support for homeowners; and consulting and assisting on diversity, equity, and inclusion in procurement by the State and its political subdivisions. The bill transfers certain State offices, units, and responsibilities to the DDEI. The functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and the Small Business Registration and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Services Unit in the Department of the Treasury would be transferred to the DDEI. Additionally, the DDEI would be responsible for the operation and continued development of the central registry, known as the Selective Assistance Vendor Information (SAVI II) database, which lists businesses certified as eligible to perform contracts under any State set-aside program. The bill requires Statewide and State agency-specific strategic plans for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in State government workforce. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, in consultation with the State Treasurer, Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, and Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Service Commission must establish a coordinated Statewide initiative to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the State government workforce. Under the bill, the head of each State agency must, no later than 45 days following the issuance of the Statewide diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategic plan, and annually thereafter, develop and submit to Commissioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion the diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility strategic plan. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to issue guidance on and State agencies to address: (1) paid internships, fellowships, and apprenticeships; (2) strengthening partnerships and recruitment with diverse communities and institutions; (3) pay equity (4) data collection (5) ensuring accessibility for State employees with disabilities; (6) evaluating the existence of any barriers that formerly incarcerated individuals face in accessing State employment opportunities; and (7) the availability and use of diversity training programs. This bill establishes a requirement, to be overseen and enforced by the new department, that any entity which receives a development subsidy or financial assistance from the State submit and implement a strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion plan to the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The plan is intended to assist corporations and not-for-profit entities in better understanding the State's demographics, while affording minority-owned and women-owned businesses more opportunities to participate in the procurement of goods and services to the public and private sector. The bill specifies what information an entity is required to include in the strategic diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. Each recipient of a development subsidy or financial assistance is required, for the duration of the subsidy or five years, whichever is longer, to submit annual reports on the progress of the recipient towards achieving its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals for the reporting period. This bill also transfers the Division on Civil Rights to the Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. The division currently is in the Department of Law and Public Safety and is under the direction of the Attorney General, in conjunction with a commission consisting of seven public members appointed by the Governor. Under the bill, the commissioner of the department assumes the responsibilities of the Attorney General. The public member commission continues in its current capacity. | In Committee |
| A1879 | Concerns social media privacy and data management for children and establishes New Jersey Children's Data Protection Commission. | This bill establishes social media privacy and data management requirements for children and establishes the New Jersey Children's Data Protection Commission. The bill requires that before offering any new online service, product, or feature to users residing in New Jersey that is likely to be accessed by children, a social media platform that provides the online service, product, or feature is required to take certain actions as described in the bill, including completing a Data Protection Impact Assessment. Under the bill, a Data Protection Impact Assessment is to address: (1) whether the design of the online product, service, or feature could harm children, including by exposing children to harmful, or potentially harmful, content on the social media platform; (2) whether the design of the online service, product, or feature could lead to children experiencing or being targeted by harmful, or potentially harmful, contacts on the social media platform; (3) whether the design of the online service, product, or feature could permit children to witness, participate in, or be subject to harmful, or potentially harmful, conduct on the social media platform; (4) whether the design of the online service, product, or feature could allow children to be party to or exploited by a harmful, or potentially harmful, contact on the social media platform; (5) whether algorithms used by the online service, product, or feature could harm children; (6) whether targeted advertising systems used by the online service, product, or feature could harm children; (7) whether and how the online service, product, or feature uses system design features to increase, sustain, or extend use of the social media platform by children, including the automatic playing of media, rewards for time spent, and notifications; and (8) whether, how, and for what purpose the online service, product, or feature collects or processes children's personal information. The bill requires a social media platform to review all Data Protection Impact Assessments at least every two years and upon a material change. The bill provides the assessments to the Attorney General within a certain time after receiving a request. The bill prohibits social media platforms that provide an online service, product, or feature likely to be accessed by children from taking certain action as provided in the bill. Any social media platform that violates the provisions of the bill is subject to an injunction and is liable for a civil penalty of up to $2,500 per affected child for each negligent violation, or up $7,500 per affected child for each intentional violation, which penalty is to be assessed and recovered only in a civil action brought by the Attorney General. Finally, the bill establishes, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, the New Jersey Children's Data Protection Commission. The commission shall consist of nine members with expertise in children's data privacy, children's physical health, children's mental health and well-being, computer science, or children's rights. Under the bill, three members each are appointed by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the General Assembly, respectively. The commission is tasked with taking input from a broad range of stakeholders and making recommendations to the Legislature on best practices regarding certain topics described in the bill. The commission is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations within six months of its organizational meeting and annually thereafter. | In Committee |
| AR71 | Urges State Board of Education to require school districts to incorporate financial literary instruction into mathematics and social studies curriculum. | This Assembly resolution urges the New Jersey State Board of Education to require school districts to incorporate financial literary instruction into the mathematics and social studies curriculum. Financial literacy instruction serves an important role in the development of young people. In addition to providing them with information to help create savings plans and manage debt, financial literacy instruction can help individuals develop efficient household budgets and formulate strategic investment decisions. However, instead of mandating additional separate curriculum requirements on school districts, financial literacy instruction should be incorporated into the existing curriculum. The New Jersey Student Learning Standards in mathematics is clearly an appropriate place to incorporate financial literary instruction, and other subject areas, including social studies, could also be tailored to improve a student's understanding of financial literacy. | In Committee |
| A1872 | Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure. | This bill revises certain reporting requirements for nursing homes. Specifically, the bill requires nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home and third party entities exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, to provide an organizational chart identifying parent corporations, wholly-owned subsidiaries, related parties, and unrelated parties that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home that are paid $200,000 or more by the nursing home. In the case of an applicant for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home, these disclosures will be based on expectations with regard to services, facilities, supplies, and payments. The bill defines "related party" to mean any organization, either directly or through contracts with a third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, providing or expected to provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home or that otherwise, either directly or through contracts with a third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, does, or is expected to do, business with the nursing home: 1) in which organization an owner or principal of the nursing home, an applicant for transfer of ownership, or a third party managing entity, has an ownership or control interest of five percent or more; 2) which is an organization in which an immediate family member of the owner, principal, applicant, or third party managing entity is an owner or principal; or 3) which is an organization that is under common ownership or control with the owner, applicant, or third party entity. The bill additionally revises the financial disclosures required for nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities to which substantial management control over the nursing home would be delegated, to require the submission of a consolidated financial statement that: 1) is reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and 2) includes: a balance sheet detailing the assets, liabilities, and net worth that the end of the reporting entity's fiscal year; a statement of income, expenses, and operating surplus or deficit for the annual fiscal period, and a statement of ancillary utilization and patient census; a statement detailing patient revenue by payer, including, but not limited to, Medicare, NJ FamilyCare, and other payers, and revenue center; a statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to, ongoing and new capital expenditures and depreciation; and a combined financial statement that includes all entities reported in the consolidated financial report. For nursing homes that are part of a chain or group of nursing homes owned by the same parent or holding company, the parent or holding company will be permitted to submit a single consolidated financial statement for all nursing homes in New Jersey that are owned, operated, or controlled by the parent or holding company. For applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities seeking to delegate management of a nursing home, this information will be included with certain materials that current law requires be provided to the Department of Health (DOH); in the case of a transfer of ownership application, the information will be made available on the DOH's Internet website, with certain personal identifying and proprietary material excised. For current nursing home owners and operators, the following materials are to be annually posted on the nursing home's internet website, submitted to the DOH, and linked through the DOH's website: 1) the nursing home's ownership information; 2) the financial information for the nursing home, for certain parties providing services to the nursing home, and for a third party exercising substantial management control over the nursing home; and 3) the organizational chart for the nursing home and for any third party exercising substantial management control over a nursing home. Current law provides that the financial disclosures required for a transfer of ownership application vary, depending on whether the transfer involves a controlling interest in the nursing home and whether the prospective new owner has previously owned, operated, or managed a nursing home in New Jersey. The bill revises these requirements to require audited consolidated financial statements for all prospective new owners and operators who will be acquiring an interest of five percent or more in the nursing home. The bill removes an existing requirement for nursing homes to post the cost reports submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on their Internet websites. Current law allows nonprofit nursing homes to submit their Internal Revenue Service Form 990 in lieu of an owner-certified financial statement. The bill removes this language, thereby requiring nonprofit nursing homes to submit the same audited consolidated financial statements as are required of for profit nursing homes under the bill. Current law requires nursing homes to annually disclose certain ownership interests of 10 percent or more in the nursing home's mortgage, note, deed of trust, or other obligation appearing on the nursing home's books. The bill makes these disclosures applicable to ownership interests of five percent or more. The bill additionally requires nursing homes to annually provide to the DOH: 1) a disclosure of any person who owns or operates a sister company, holding company, or parent company, or who is a member of the board of trustees or the board of directors of the nursing home; 2) a disclosure of any person who has an ownership interest in a private equity pool that funds the nursing home; 3) information identifying 100 percent of the current owners of any third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, including all principals and interested parties and including 100 percent of the owners, principals, and interested parties in a third party entity identified as a principal or interested party; and 4) a copy of any lease agreements for the nursing home's use of land, buildings, facilities, or other real property. Current law establishes certain monetary penalties for nursing homes that fail to make the required disclosures. The bill grants the DOH the authority to additionally curtail new admissions at a nursing home that fails to make the required disclosures or that files false disclosures. The bill grants the Commissioner of Human Services the discretion to accept a consolidated financial statement that meets the requirements of the bill as satisfying the requirement that nursing homes report revenues and expenditures for the purposes of establishing and enforcing a direct care loss ratio, as required under current law. | In Committee |
| A1374 | Replaces references to "alien" and "illegal alien" in statutes with "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively; prohibits use of those terms by executive branch agencies. | This bill replaces the terms "alien" and "illegal alien" in the New Jersey statutes with the terms "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively, when referring to a person in the context of his legal status. This bill also ensures that executive branch agencies discontinue use of those terms. This bill removes from State law the offensive language characterizing persons who are immigrants as "aliens" or "illegal aliens" and prohibits State executive agencies from using those terms in any proposed or final rule, regulation, interpretation, publication, or other document, display, or sign issued by the agency after the effective date of this bill, except to the extent that they are used in quoting or reproducing text written by a source other than an officer or employee of the agency. Similar legislation was introduced in Congress on October 21, 2015, by Congressman Joaquin Castro. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and as such, our laws should discontinue the use of terms that ostracize those in our society who may have been born elsewhere. Regardless of status, immigrants to our nation are first and foremost human beings. Removing the terms "alien" and "illegal alien" from this State's laws shows respect to the hundreds of millions of descendants of immigrants who call the United States home. Especially in the context of an issue as contentious as immigration, discontinuing use of the terms "alien" and "illegal alien" will help reduce the prejudice that has skewed discussions concerning immigration and offer recognition of immigrants' personhood in the laws of this State. | In Committee |
| A1778 | Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education. | This bill would establish the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program," to provide grants to assist school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools in enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs for students and to increase access to STEM education programs. Applications for grant awards under the pilot program would be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who would allocate the awards on a competitive basis. The grant awards would be distributed so that school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools can build upon existing STEM education programs or create new education programs along three distinct areas of concentration: project-based learning, afterschool STEM, and out-of-school STEM. This bill also establishes within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "STEM Scholars Grant Fund," for the provision of grants to school districts, renaissance schools, and charter schools under the pilot program. The fund is to be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature and any moneys received by the State from corporate donors or other private sector support. No State funds may be used to support a grant under the pilot program unless there is an appropriation for the pilot program in the annual appropriations act for the respective fiscal year. | In Committee |
| A2936 | "Immigrant Tenant Protection Act." | This bill would add legal protections for tenants against landlords who might otherwise try to use immigration status as a way of intimidating tenants who have exercised, or who are about to exercise, their housing rights. The bill would prohibit a landlord from evicting a tenant as a reprisal for or on the basis of the tenant's immigration or citizenship status. Under the bill, the term "immigration or citizenship status" would include a perception that a person has a particular immigration status or citizenship status, or that a person is associated with a person who has, or is perceived to have, a particular immigration status or citizenship status. The bill would prohibit a landlord from threatening to disclose, or actually disclosing, information relating to the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant, occupant, or other person known to the landlord to be associated with a tenant or occupant, for the purpose of influencing the person to vacate a dwelling unit. Additionally, the bill would prohibit a landlord from bringing an action to recover possession of a dwelling unit based solely or partially on the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant. The bill would also prohibit a landlord from bringing an action to recover possession, or otherwise causing a tenant or occupant to quit involuntarily, because of the immigration or citizenship status of a tenant, occupant, or other person known to the landlord to be associated with a tenant or occupant. This prohibition would not apply if a landlord's action is in compliance with a legal obligation under a federal government program that provides for rent limitations or rental assistance to a qualified tenant. The bill would enable a tenant to bring an action seeking damages, penalties, court costs and attorney's fees, and other equitable relief against a landlord that engages in prohibited conduct. The bill also provides that the immigration or citizenship status of a person is irrelevant to any issue of liability or remedy in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights. The bill would prohibit inquiry into a tenant's immigration or citizenship status in a civil action involving a tenant's housing rights, unless the tenant places a person's immigration or citizenship status directly in contention, or the person seeking to make the inquiry demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that the inquiry is necessary in order to comply with federal law. Under the bill, a tenant's assertion of an affirmative defense to an eviction action would not constitute cause for discovery or other inquiry into a person's immigration or citizenship status. The bill would establish an affirmative defense for a tenant to raise against an eviction action if the eviction action is commenced after the start of the lease term, and after the tenant has moved in, and if the action is based, in whole or in part, either on the citizenship or immigration status of the tenant, or on the tenant's failure to provide a social security number, credit information, or a form of identification acceptable to the landlord. The bill would establish an affirmative defense for a tenant against an unlawful detainer action if a tenant can prove that a landlord has violated provisions of this bill. The bill would establish a rebuttable presumption that a tenant or occupant has an affirmative defense against an unlawful detainer action if the landlord:· approved the tenant or occupant to take possession of a unit before filing an unlawful detainer action; and· included in the unlawful detainer action a claim based on one of the following:o the failure of a previously approved tenant or occupant to provide a valid social security number;o the failure of a previously approved tenant or occupant to provide information required to obtain a consumer credit report; oro the failure of a previously approved tenant or occupant to provide a form of identification deemed acceptable by the landlord. The bill specifically provides that it's provisions do not prohibit a landlord from:· complying with a subpoena, warrant, court order, or legal obligation including, but not limited to, a legal obligation under a government program that provides for rent limitations or rental assistance to a qualified tenant;· requesting information or documentation necessary to determine or verify the financial qualifications of a prospective tenant, or to determine or verify the identity of a prospective tenant or prospective occupant;· notifying a tenant that the tenant's conduct violates the terms of a lease, rental agreement, rule, or regulation. The bill does not enlarge or diminish a landlord's right to terminate a tenancy nor enlarge or diminish the ability of a municipality to regulate or enforce a prohibition against a landlord's harassment of a tenant. | In Committee |
| A616 | Transfers jurisdiction over school meals programs from Department of Agriculture to DOE. | This bill would transfer authority over all school meals programs in the State from the Department of Agriculture (DOA) to the Department of Education (DOE). A "school meals program" is defined to mean and include: the National School Lunch Program; the federal School Breakfast Program, including a school breakfast after the bell program; the Summer Food Service Program or Seamless Summer Option; the Child and Adult Care Food Program; any emergency meals distribution program; and any other similar State or federal nutrition assistance program that is designed to ensure that children enrolled in school, or that children or adults attending a day care center or other, similar temporary care facility, have regular and affordable access to nutritious meals. The transfer of authority under the bill would not affect any civil or criminal actions or proceedings that have been brought by or against the DOA in association with its administration and enforcement of a school meals program, and which are pending as of the bill's effective date. Nor would the transfer affect any order or recommendation that has been made by, or any other matters or administrative proceedings that are pending before, the DOA as of the bill's effective date. The existing orders, rules, and regulations of the DOA that have been issued in relation to the State's school meals programs would also remain in effect until they are either repealed or superseded by rules, regulations, and orders adopted by the DOE pursuant to the bill, whichever occurs first. Although the DOA currently has authority to administer and enforce all school meals programs operating in the State, this authority is superfluous to, and takes the department's attention away from, its main purposes and functions, which are to promote and protect the State's agriculture and agribusiness industries and lands, and to conserve soil and water resources for agricultural purposes. The primary purpose and function of the DOE, by contrast, is to support schools, students, educators, and school districts in order to ensure that students are capable of achieving academic excellence. Because access to nutritional meals is a proven means by which students enhance their capacity for academic success, and because the DOE's mission already requires it to focus on programs geared toward schools and students, the DOE is better positioned, and is the more appropriate department, to administer the school meals programs and to provide assistance to schools, students, parents, and guardians, in association with the operation of those programs. | In Committee |
| A2825 | Directs Juvenile Justice Commission to establish arts education pilot program for juvenile offenders. | This bill directs the Juvenile Justice Commission to establish an arts education pilot program for juvenile offenders in the State. In establishing the pilot program, the bill requires the commission to consult with the New Jersey State Council on the Arts to oversee the development, operation, administration, and evaluation of the program. The pilot program is to involve the development of three model arts education programs to deliver innovative arts-based programming for juvenile offenders in detention and correction facilities during a five-year period. The model programs are to be developed through organizational partnerships including, but not limited to, State and local arts organizations, community-based agencies, philanthropic entities, and the private sector, and are to be self-funded. The commission is to select three programs to participate in the pilot program, based upon the organization's ability to successfully implement model arts-based programming. Under the bill, the commission is required to include an evaluation component in the pilot program. The evaluation is to be based on best practices for assessing arts-based programming for juvenile offenders and youth and, specifically, their educational outcomes and student progress in problem solving, comprehension, critical thinking and reasoning, and positive development. During the initial four years, each model program is required to undergo an annual evaluation conducted by the commission. After the program's fourth year, the commission is to submit to the Governor and the Legislature an evaluation of the pilot program and a recommendation concerning whether the program should be continued and expanded within the State. | In Committee |
| A1581 | Provides gross income tax credit for certain expenses paid or incurred for care and support of qualifying senior family member; designated as Caregiver's Assistance Act. | This bill, designated as the Caregiver's Assistance Act, provides a gross income tax credit to qualified caregivers, including resident taxpayers and resident individuals, who pay or incur qualified care expenses for the care and support of a qualifying senior family member. The bill provides that to be allowed a credit qualified caregivers who pay or incur qualified care expenses must have gross income that does not exceed an annual income limitation. The bill specifies that qualified caregivers must have gross income that does not exceed $100,000, or does not exceed $50,000 if married or a civil union partner filing separately or if unmarried, not a partner in a civil union, and not filing or eligible to file as head of household or as a surviving spouse for federal income tax purposes, to be allowed the credit. The bill provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 22.5 percent of the qualified care expenses paid or incurred by the qualified caregiver during the taxable year for the care and support of a qualifying senior family member that are not in excess of $3,000. The bill provides that if multiple qualified caregivers are allowed a credit for qualified care expenses of the same qualifying senior family member, the credit allowed will be allocated in equal amounts unless a different allocation is established by agreement. The bill provides that the credit is in addition to the benefit of the dependent deduction that may be received by the qualified caregiver for claiming the qualifying senior family member as a dependent on the caregiver's gross income tax return. The bill provides that the credit is refundable: the amount of any credit that reduces the qualified caregiver's tax liability to an amount less than zero is required to be refunded to the caregiver as an overpayment of tax. The bill provides that a qualified caregiver is eligible to receive the benefits of the credit, even if the caregiver has gross income below the statutory minimum subject to tax. The bill defines a qualifying senior family member as an individual who: (1) is 60 years of age or older and a relative of the qualified caregiver, or is 50 years of age or older, is a relative of the qualified caregiver, and qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance, and (2) has gross income for the taxable year not in excess of the New Jersey Elder Index, as reported by the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L.2015, c.53 (C.44:15-1 et seq.) for the most recent calendar year. The bill generally defines qualified care expenses as the expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year for the purchase, lease, or rental of tangible personal property and services that are necessary to allow the qualifying senior family member to be maintained within or at the qualified caregiver's or the qualifying senior family member's permanent place of abode in this State. | In Committee |
| A1621 | Requires public schools, and nonpublic schools which receive federal funding, to provide students with information on rights afforded under Title IX, and provide contact information for Title IX coordinator. | This bill requires each public school, and each nonpublic school which receives federal funds and is subject to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. s.1681 et seq.), to post on its website in an easily accessible location the following information:· the rights afforded to a student and the responsibilities of the school under Title IX; · the name and contact information of the Title IX coordinator for the school, including the Title IX coordinator's phone number and e-mail address; and· the procedure to file a complaint under Title IX. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to annually disseminate through electronic means a letter to each public school, and to each nonpublic school which receives federal funds and is subject to the requirements of Title IX, informing the school of the rights afforded to a student and the responsibilities of the school under Title IX. | In Committee |
| A2422 | Upgrades assault on victims who are disabled. | This bill would upgrade the offense of assault in situations where the victim is disabled. Under the bill, a person who causes bodily injury to a person with a disability would be guilty of a crime of the third degree and would be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of three years. Under the bill, a "person with a disability" means a person who by reason of a pre-existing medically determinable physical or mental impairment is substantially incapable of exercising normal physical or mental power of resistance, and includes, but is not limited to, a person determined disabled pursuant to the federal Social Security Act or any other governmental retirement or benefits program that uses substantially the same criteria for determining eligibility. This bill was prompted by the brutal assault and mugging of Joey Damiano, a Trenton man with an intellectual disability, in May 2006. According to Trenton police, Joey was beaten and blinded in one eye by an unknown assailant, or group of assailants, as he was taking his daily walk on Washington Street and Roebling Avenue in the Chambersburg section of Trenton. | In Committee |
| A2155 | Requires MVC to operate call center to assist with online transactions. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to maintain a telephone call center located within New Jersey where commission employees, or persons under contract with the commission, are available in real-time, at a minimum, during weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., to assist individuals in navigating the commission's Internet website and processing online transactions. The commission is required to offer all call center services in both English and Spanish. In order to reduce total call center staffing needs, the commission may provide additional web-based tutorial support and recorded help messages. The commission is also required to collect and make available on its Internet website quarterly performance metric reports which are required to include, but are not limited to, information pertaining to the number of calls, the length of individual wait times, the call purpose, and the length of calls at the telephone call center. | In Committee |
| A1426 | Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program. | This bill provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in the interdistrict public school choice program. Under the bill, a choice district located in a city of the second class, which district has been directed by the New Jersey Supreme Court to engage in efforts to desegregate the student population, is responsible for providing transportation, including the organization of bus routes and bidding for transportation services, or aid-in-lieu-of transportation, to certain elementary and secondary school pupils to attend the choice district. Under the bill, the sending district will receive State aid for transportation for those students transported to the choice district. The sending district will then pay directly to the choice district the State aid for transportation, or aid-in-lieu-of amount, received by the sending district under the bill. The bill also provides supplemental State aid for transportation for a choice district responsible for transporting students from a sending district pursuant to the provisions of the bill when the total costs of providing transportation from the sending districts to the choice district exceeds the amount of State aid for transportation the sending district receives pursuant to the bill. To be eligible to receive the supplemental State aid for transportation, the choice district is required to demonstrate to the commissioner that the bus routes will utilize cost efficient methods. The choice district is to annually report to the Department of Education at the end of each school year the cost of providing transportation to students from a sending district that exceed the amount of funds the choice district receives from the sending district under the bill. The department is required to reimburse the choice district for the additional costs reported. | In Committee |
| A2586 | "The Desegregate New Jersey Act'; promotes equitable residential development throughout State. | The bill, named the "Desegregate New Jersey Act," promotes equitable residential development throughout the State. This bill provides that on a developable site in an area in which a municipal zoning ordinance permits single-family residential development, the municipality would permit an accessory dwelling unit to be added to the site and no such accessory dwelling unit is to be required to be part of a municipality's affordable housing requirement set by the Council on Affordable Housing in the Department of Community Affairs. The bill provides that a municipal zoning ordinance may require a principal dwelling unit with an accessory dwelling unit to be subject to the same dimensional controls and other controls as are required for the same principal dwelling unit without the accessory dwelling unit, as long as such restrictions do not prohibit the construction of these developments. Under the bill, a municipal zoning ordinance would be prohibited from requiring: (1) a passageway between an accessory dwelling unit and a principal dwelling unit; (2) an exterior door for an accessory dwelling unit, except as required pursuant to the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-119 et seq.); (3) any more than one parking space for an accessory dwelling unit or fees in lieu of parking; (4) a familial, marital, or employment relationship between occupants of a principal dwelling unit and an accessory dwelling unit; (5) a minimum age requirement for occupants of an accessory dwelling unit; (6) a separate billing of utilities otherwise connected to, or used by, the principal dwelling unit; or (7) periodic renewals for permits for accessory dwelling units. Under the bill, nothing would exempt an accessory dwelling unit from: (1) applicable municipal building code requirements; (2) the ability of a municipality to require owner occupancy or to prohibit or limit the use of an accessory dwelling unit for short-term rentals or vacation stays; or (3) other sewerage system related requirements where a private sewerage system is being used, provided that approval for an accessory dwelling unit shall not be unreasonably withheld. The bill provides that the municipal agency reviewing a permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall make a decision regarding the application no later than 65 days after receipt of such application, except that an applicant may consent to one or more extensions of no more than an additional 65 days or may withdraw the application. Under the bill, a municipal agency would not condition the approval of an accessory dwelling unit on the correction of a nonconforming use, structure or lot, or require the installation of fire sprinklers in an accessory dwelling unit if such sprinklers are not required for the principal dwelling unit located on the same developable site. The bill provides that a municipality, sewer utility, or water utility, would not consider an accessory dwelling unit to be a new residential use for the purpose of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for utilities, including water and sewer service, unless an accessory dwelling unit was constructed with a new single-family dwelling unit on the same developable site, or requires the installation of a new or separate utility connection directly to an accessory dwelling unit. A municipality, sewer utility, or water utility, would not impose a related connection fee for connection of an accessory dwelling unit. Under the bill, a municipal zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to section 49 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-62) would grant permitted use, would allow without requiring a use variance pursuant to subsection d. of section 57 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-70), and would not require minimum parking requirements if there are mixed use developments with at least four dwelling units, mixed use developments with at least four live work units, and multifamily housing with at least four dwellings units that are: (1) at a minimum density of fifteen units per acre; and (2) in at least 50 percent of the lot area served by water and sewer infrastructure and within a one-half-mile radius of a municipality's primary transit station. Under the bill, "Live work unit" means a building, or space within a building, that may be used jointly for commercial and residential purposes by a person or persons living within such building or space and where the commercial purposes are not authorized as customary and incidental accessory home occupation use. The bill provides that a municipality may dedicate up to 50 percent of this area between a one-half-mile radius and a one-mile radius of a municipality's primary transit station only if the dedicated land area for these developments is located only a public right of way that directly connects to a municipality's primary transit station with adequate sidewalks, crosswalks, and other similar pedestrian facilities. Under the bill, a municipal zoning ordinance would grant permitted use, would not require a use variance pursuant to subsection d. of section 57 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-70), and would not require minimum parking requirements if there are multifamily housing or at least two types of multiple dwellings: (1) in any municipality with: (a) a population of at least 500 persons per square mile according to the latest federal decennial census; or (b) a minimum population of 7,500 in the preceding calendar. (2) in at least 50 percent of the lot area within a one-quarter-mile distance from at least one main street corridor. The bill defines "Main street corridor" to mean a portion of any public road, not less than one-quarter of a mile and not more than three-quarters of a mile in length that satisfies at least two of the following: (1) encompasses an intersection of two state routes; (2) encompasses a state route and a federal route; (3) has at least 50 percent of the frontage along such portion being used for office, retail, service, mixed use development or general commercial purposes; and (4) is served by public transportation. If a municipality does not have a clearly identifiable main street corridor, a municipality would permit the use of multifamily housing or at least two types of multiple dwellings through the municipal zoning ordinance adopted pursuant to section 49 of P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-62), in contiguous land encompassing an area of one-quarter square miles. Under the bill, any development or housing that includes 10 or more dwelling units, at least one out of every 10 newly developed dwelling units would be used to meet the affordable housing obligations of a municipality in which these dwelling units are developed. If a municipality has satisfied the total number of affordable housing units required in that municipality by the Council on Affordable Housing in the Department of Community Affairs, then there would be no additional affordable housing requirement for that municipality as required under the bill. The bill provides that for any development or housing constructed under the bill, the municipal agency reviewing such an application would make a decision on the application for the development or housing no later than 65 days after receipt of the application, except that an applicant may consent to one or more extensions of no more than an additional 65 days or may withdraw such application. | In Committee |
| A2778 | Increases annual income limitation for senior and disabled citizens' eligibility for $250 property tax deduction and bases future annual income limitations on annual CPI changes. | This bill increases the annual income limit for seniors and disabled persons to be eligible for an annual property tax deduction. The income limit increase reflects an increase in cost of living. The income limit increase from $10,000 to $20,000 reflects actual inflation from 1983 to 2013, and the annual income limit change thereafter will reflect the actual cost of living change for the past year. The bill uses the Consumer Price Index to determine increases in years after 2014 to ensure that the income limits remain realistic. The bill takes effect immediately, but will remain inoperative until the voters approve a constitutional amendment authorizing an increase in the income limit from $10,000 to $20,000, and annual increases thereafter. | In Committee |
| A1689 | Authorizes issuance of electronic copies of vital records. | This bill authorizes the issuance of certified copies of vital records electronically by the State registrar or local registrar. Upon the request of an individual authorized to receive a certified copy of a vital record, including records of a birth, death, fetal death, certificate of birth resulting in stillbirth, domestic partnership, civil union or marriage, the State registrar or local registrar will make the certified copy available to the requester in both a paper form and electronically. This bill requires the Commissioner of Health to establish standards for the furnishing of certified copies of vital records electronically including, but not limited to, protocols for data sharing, authenticating the identity of a requester, establishing a method of data encryption for accessing and transmitting electronic certified copies, and ensuring data privacy and security. | In Committee |
| A2991 | Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy. | This bill requires the distribution of additional State aid to municipalities under the "Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Act." Budget constraints required reductions in the amount of Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (CMPTRA) distributed to all municipalities in Fiscal Years 2009, 2010, and 2011. Some municipalities also experienced reductions in their Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Aid (ETR Aid) distribution during that period. This supplemental funding would restore, over a two-year period, approximately $331 million in reductions to CMPTRA and ETR Aid. In Fiscal Year 2023, municipalities would receive an aid increase equal to 50 percent of the difference between the distribution of CMPTRA and ETR Aid they received in Fiscal Year 2008 and Fiscal Year 2012. The fully restored amount would be distributed beginning in Fiscal Year 2024 and in each fiscal year thereafter. The total amount of aid to be restored to each municipality would be in addition to the total amount of CMPTRA and ETR Aid distributed to each municipality in Fiscal Year 2012. This legislation also extends the existing ETR Aid "poison pill" protection to ensure that each municipality received an aid amount not less than the combined payment of CMPTRA and ETR Aid to municipalities in Fiscal Year 2012 and the additional aid distributed under the bill. This bill also amends current law to require a municipality to subtract any additional amount of ETR aid it receives, pursuant to the bill, from its adjusted tax levy when computing that amount for its next fiscal year. By deducting the additional amount of ETR Aid from the previous year's levy, municipalities would be permitted to raise a lower amount of taxes through the levy for municipal purposes. The bill prohibits a municipality from anticipating, for purposes of preparing its annual budget, the receipt of any State aid payment from the ETR aid under the provisions in the bill. The bill also requires a municipality to amend its local budget to properly reflect the total amount distributed to the municipality from the ETR aid. | In Committee |
| A931 | Increases from 18 to 21 age at which person is eligible to receive firearms purchaser identification. | This bill increases from 18 to 21 the age at which a person is eligible to receive a firearms purchaser identification card used to purchase shotguns and rifles. Under current law, a person 18 years of age and older may obtain a firearms purchaser identification card and a handgun purchaser is required to be at least 21 years old. Under the bill, a person under the age of 21 would be allowed to possess a handgun, rifle, or shot gun under the following circumstances: (1) in the actual presence or under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, or some other person who holds a permit to carry a handgun or a firearms purchaser identification card; (2) for the purpose of military drill under the auspices of a legally recognized military organization and under competent supervision; (3) for the purpose of competition, target practice, instruction, and training in and upon a firing range approved by the governing body of the municipality in which the range is located or the National Rifle Association and which is under competent supervision at the time of such supervision or target practice or instruction and training at any location; or (4) for the purpose of hunting during the regularly designated hunting season, provided that the person possesses a valid hunting license and has successfully completed a hunter's safety course taught by a qualified instructor or conservation officer and possesses a certificate indicating the successful completion of such a course. The bill permits active duty military or a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard of this State to obtain a firearms purchaser identification card while under the age of 21. The bill preserves current law allowing minors to obtain a youth hunting license and apprentice firearm hunting license. Persons between the ages of 18 and 21 who obtained a firearms purchaser identification card prior to the bill's effective date would also be permitted to maintain the card and continue to purchase and possess shotguns and rifles. | In Committee |
| A1911 | Concerns diversion from criminal prosecution for persons with mental illness under certain circumstances. | This bill requires uniformed law enforcement officers assigned to patrol duty to complete a one day in-service training program adopted by the Police Training Commission (PTC) in the Department of Law and Public Safety to provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to recognize and respond to a person experiencing a mental health crisis, and when appropriate, divert that person from the criminal justice system. These law enforcement officers are required by the bill to complete an in-service refresher course at least once every five years thereafter. The bill also requires the PTC to adopt the Crisis Intervention Team - New Jersey Center for Excellence Program (CIT-NJ), the State's county-based 40-hour training and certification program modelled on the national Crisis Intervention Team Center of Excellence Program (CIT). CIT-NJ is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and support systems necessary to divert persons experiencing a mental health crisis from the criminal justice system into behavioral health treatment services; improve law enforcement response to persons experiencing a mental health crisis; and protect the safety of first responders, the person in crisis, and the public. The program is to require a certain percentage of law enforcement officers, with a goal of 20 percent, to receive this training based on the size and responsibilities of the law enforcement agency and the particular characteristics of the community. Under the bill, the PTC is to consult with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Health (DOH), to develop and maintain relevant curriculums for the law enforcement training programs established by the bill. The curricula are to be reviewed and approved every two years and modified as appropriate. They are to include classroom instruction and interactive training to assure realistic learning experiences. At a minimum, each curriculum shall include training on: (1) the cause and nature of mental illness; (2) how to identify indicators of mental illness and appropriately respond in a variety of common situations; (3) conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques for potentially dangerous situations involving mentally ill persons; (4) use of appropriate language when interacting with mentally ill persons; (5) alternatives to lethal force when interacting with potentially dangerous mentally ill; and (6) community and State resources available to serve mentally ill persons and how they can be best utilized by law enforcement to benefit the community. The bill requires the DOH, in conjunction with local government officials, to coordinate and facilitate a Mental Health Services Coordinating Council in each county to identify mental health screening, treatment, and case management resources within each county available to support law enforcement diversion for persons experiencing a mental health crisis. The councils are to include representatives of local law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, courts, treatment facilities, county departments of social services, veterans' organizations, hospitals and emergency rooms, and mental health advocacy groups. If a person taken into custody for a crime or offense exhibits behavior that appears related to a mental health crisis, the law enforcement officer is authorized to, with due regard for the safety of the person, a victim, the public, and the officer, divert the person to a screening service or other alternative for mental health screening and assessment identified by the DOH. The screening service is responsible for providing referrals through personal contact to the most appropriate, least restrictive treatment setting indicated, linkage and follow-up to maintain contact with the person until the person is engaged with another behavior health service or the person is no longer experiencing a mental health crisis. The officer has discretion in determining whether a criminal complaint should be filed against the person who received the evaluation. There is to be a preference to delay or forego the filing of a criminal complaint until the person has had the opportunity to receive behavioral health treatment services, unless the crime or offense involved violence or the officer perceives a risk to a victim or the public. The officer subsequently may file a criminal complaint against a diverted person if the person fails to cooperate with the screening service or treatment provider, or commits another crime or offense. The bill also authorizes the county prosecutors to approve diversion of a defendant any time after the filing, but before disposition, of the complaint to a mental health screening service or behavioral health treatment service. Court proceedings are to be postponed pending the defendant's treatment. Defendants charged with a crime involving violence are not eligible for diversion and there is a presumption against diversion for defendants charged with certain serious crimes. The court is to review the defendant's case every six months. Charges may be dismissed if certain conditions are met by the defendant and charges may be reinstated if any conditions are not met. The DOH also is required by the bill to develop and implement any pilot program needed to improve response times when a law enforcement officer requests assistance in intervening with a person experiencing a mental health crisis and to expand availability of mental health screening services in emergent situations. | In Committee |
| A1905 | Requires DHS to take action to raise public awareness of privacy laws that prevent disclosure of health care enrollment information to immigration authorities. | This bill would require the Department of Human Services to undertake a public awareness campaign to inform the public, and particularly, the immigrant populations in the State, about the existence and nature of federal and State privacy laws that prevent the disclosure of health care enrollment information to immigration and customs authorities and officials. The bill would specify that this public awareness campaign may be coordinated with, or incorporated as a distinct part of, the enhanced Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare outreach and enrollment initiative that is established by the department under section 26 of P.L.2008, c.38 (C.30:4J-18). In implementing the public awareness campaign, the commissioner would be required to: - prepare and disseminate information to the public through the use of linguistically and culturally sensitive campaign materials and public announcements in both English and Spanish; - make use of all available forms of media, including, but not limited to, print media, television and radio, billboards, and the Internet; - seek to disseminate printed information through a variety of entities, including, but not limited to, primary care sites, health care facilities, local health departments and clinics, social service entities, county offices on aging, pharmacies, libraries, community centers, senior centers, houses of worship, and community-based outreach programs and organizations; and - coordinate the efforts used in the campaign with any activities that are being undertaken by the department or other State agencies to promote public awareness of, and provide information to the public about, the State's medical assistance programs. The department would additionally be required to establish, on its Internet website, a unique webpage that is dedicated to the immigration and privacy issues that are the subject of the public awareness campaign established under the bill's provisions. The bill would require the unique webpage to be easily identifiable and accessible to Spanish-speaking website visitors. To that end, the department would be required to ensure both that the webpage is accessible through the use of a Spanish-language uniform resource locator (URL), and that any hyperlinks to the page, which appear at any location on the department's Internet website, include a parenthetical explanation, in both English and Spanish, describing the contents of the page. The webpage itself would provide a summary, in both English and Spanish, of relevant immigration and privacy laws and how they govern the disclosure of health care information. It would also contain hyperlinks to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement website, as well as any other appropriate websites that may be useful for visitors seeking further explanation, and, to the extent practicable, would contain hyperlinks to digital and printable copies of the pamphlets and other printed materials that have been developed as part of the public awareness campaign. | In Committee |
| A1927 | Authorizes certain boards of education to issue bonds to repair damages caused by natural disasters in certain circumstances. | This bill authorizes Type II school districts without boards of school estimate, excluding those districts that are classified as SDA districts, to issue bonds to finance costs relating to repairs to school facilities and other furnishings and equipment that were damaged due to a natural disaster. Under the bill, the bonds may be issued without the approval of the voters of the district of a Type II school district without a board of school estimate. The bill requires that a district may only issue bonds if the repairs are deemed to be necessary in order to provide a thorough and efficient system of education. The issuance of bonds under the bill would be required to be approved by the board of education of the school district. The approval would be evidenced by the adoption of a resolution by the board of education in a public meeting upon an affirmative vote of two-thirds of its full membership certifying the support of the board for the issuance of the bonds, the total estimated cost of the damage caused by a natural disaster, and the amount of money to be raised through the issuance of bonds. In the event that the repairs for which bonds are to be issued are deemed to be a school facilities project that is eligible for State debt service aid pursuant to the "Educational Facilities and Construction Financing Act," the board of education is required to apply to the Commissioner of Education prior to the adoption of a resolution certifying the support for the issuance of bonds. The application will be reviewed by the commissioner on an expedited basis pursuant to a process to be established by the commissioner. The bill provides that the approval or disapproval of an application for a school facilities project would not be contingent upon the school facilities project being consistent or inconsistent with the school district's long-range facilities plan or upon the fact that the long-range facilities plan has not been amended to incorporate the school facilities project. Upon approval of an application submitted for a district seeking State debt service aid, the board of education would adopt a resolution approving the issuance of bonds. Upon the adoption of a resolution, a board of education would apply to the Commissioner of Education for approval of the issuance of bonds. An application would be submitted in a manner and in accordance with procedures prescribed by the commissioner. The bill provides that, in the event that the commissioner approves an application for the issuance of bonds under the bill, the principal of and interest on the bonds would be repaid with funds of the school district. A school bond may be issued pursuant to the bill's provisions even if the principal amount of the bond, when added to the net school debt of the district, exceeds certain school debt limitations enumerated under current law. In this case, the commissioner, upon approval of an application to borrow under the bill, is required to additionally consent to the district exceeding the applicable borrowing limitations. The bill also includes provisions specifying the steps that a Type II school district without a board of school estimate would take if it is under full State intervention or under partial State intervention and the governance component of school district effectiveness has not been returned to the district. | Dead |
| A1928 | Prohibits certain non-disclosure and non-disparagement provisions in employment contracts. | This bill bars provisions in employment contracts that waive certain rights or remedies. Specifically, the bill clarifies that the current law on non-disclosure provisions also prohibits certain non-disparagement provisions in employment contracts. The bill also removes a provision of current law that provides that the prohibition on non-disclosure agreements does not apply to the terms of any collective bargaining agreement between an employer and the collective bargaining representative of the employees. In addition, the bill, permits mediation or arbitration clauses to be included in an employment contract that is a result of a collectively bargained agreement for claims related to discrimination, retaliation, or harassment. | In Committee |
| AR62 | Urges US Congress adopt comprehensive voting rights legislation. | This resolution urges the United States Congress to pass comprehensive voting rights legislation. On the third January of each year the United States observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in order to honor the memory, legacy, and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King worked tirelessly to advance voting rights for people of color in our nation. Recently, attacks on voting rights have increased across the country, making the need for improved protections of voting rights ever more apparent. The United States Congress has the opportunity to pass two landmark voting rights bills, the "Freedom to Vote Act" and the "John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act." New Jersey has worked to increase voter access, including by introducing online voter registration for the 2020 election, and experienced record voter turnout for the same election, however the State is not immune to efforts to restrict voting rights as evidenced by some legislation introduced in the 2020-2021 session. The United States suffered immensely after the events of January 6, 2021, and now lives with the potent reminder that misinformation, fear, and bigotry are always present in our society, making the need for stronger voting protections more important than ever. | In Committee |
| A1908 | Requires insurance coverage of epinephrine for persons aged 18 or younger when medically necessary. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage to any covered person 18 years of age or younger, for expenses incurred in the purchase of epinephrine auto-injector devices, when medically necessary and as prescribed by the treating health care provider. Under the bill, "epinephrine auto-injector device" means a single-use device used for the automatic injection of a pre-measured dose of epinephrine into the human body. | In Committee |
| A842 | Authorizes State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct disparity study concerning utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State procurement process. | This bill, as amended, would require the State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct a disparity study to determine whether disparities exist in the availability and utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the State procurement process. Following completion of the study, the Chief Diversity Officer would be required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the officer's findings and making recommendations for legislative or other actions that can be taken to promote opportunities for minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises in the procurement of goods and services for State agencies. After the disparity study is submitted, the Chief Diversity Officer may, in the officer's discretion, prepare and submit additional reports identifying the extent to which previous recommendations have been successfully implemented and any apparent impact the implementation of such recommendations have had on State procurement in the preceding years. Studies which demonstrate the disparity between the availability and utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the State procurement process can help provide the basis for goal-based procurement programs to alleviate historic discrimination against minority-owned and women-owned business enterprises. Every four years following the issuance of the first report the Chief Diversity Officer must submit an additional report to the Legislature on whether a study concerning the utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in the procurement of goods and services for State agencies is needed. The officer may request an appropriation of funding for the study. | In Committee |
| A2249 | "Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Act." | This bill, the "Digital Asset and Blockchain Technology Act," regulates digital asset business activity. The bill defines "digital asset" to mean a representation of economic, proprietary, or access rights that is stored in a machine-readable format and has a transaction history that is recorded in a distributed, digital ledger or digital data structure in which consensus is achieved through a mechanism consistent with the underlying protocol. Examples of digital assets include digital consumer assets, digital securities, and virtual currency. "Digital asset" does not include securities, whether in digital form or otherwise, as defined pursuant to law. The bill provides that a person is not to engage in a digital asset business activity, or hold themselves out as being able to engage in a digital asset business activity, with or on behalf of a resident, unless the person is licensed in this State by the New Jersey Bureau of Securities (bureau) in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or has filed a pending license with the bureau. The bill provides the bureau may license a person to carry on one or more digital asset business activities described in the bill. The bureau is given the authority to exempt persons from the provisions of the bill concerning engaging in digital asset business activity without a license and to determine whether a person is subject to a license pursuant to the bill. The bill provides that a person who violates the provisions requiring licensure is liable for a penalty of $500 per day, from the first day the bureau issues a notice of failure to apply a license until a license application is filed with the bureau. The bill provides that an application for a license is to be submitted in a form and manner as determined by the bureau. The bill requires applicants for licensure pursuant to the bill to provide a list of any litigation, arbitration, or administrative proceedings to which the applicant, or certain other individuals have been a party for the 10 years prior to submission of the application. The bill permits the bureau to use the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System or a similar system to conduct criminal history records checks of applicants and certain other individuals and provides the bureau with the authority to conduct examinations to determine a licensee's compliance with the provisions of the bill. Each application is to be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee. Certain application information is to be protected from public disclosure. Applicants are to provide certain information relevant to the applicant's proposed digital asset business activity. The bill requires the bureau to grant or deny any digital asset business license application or license reciprocity application within 180 days of the receipt of the completed application. The bureau may refuse an application for a digital asset business license or license reciprocity application if a licensee or applicant fails to meet certain standards specified in the bill. Licensees are required to submit a renewal report that contains an update of all information required at initial licensing and a description of certain information described in the bill. The bureau is authorized to determine whether a person is required to be licensed. Certain digital assets do not require a license under the bill. The bill provides that the bureau may audit any digital asset business licensee. The bill stipulates that each licensee is to maintain and enforce confidential, written compliance policies which are to be reviewed and approved by the licensee's board of directors or an equivalent governing body. The bureau may suspend or revoke a digital asset business license upon certain findings that are provided in the bill. The bill provides the bureau chief with the authority to, for good cause shown, deny, suspend, or revoke a license pending final determination of a proceeding. Notice of any suspension or revocation issued by the bureau is to prominently indicate the right to a hearing. A licensee, under the bill, is to provide the bureau with any document relating to the operations of the licensee upon receiving written notice from the bureau. The licensee is to maintain records of all client transactions and any accounts, correspondences, memoranda, and other records as the bureau may require, for no less than six years from the date of a transaction's occurrence, unless the bureau by rule prescribes another timeframe. The bill requires the terms and conditions of a digital asset business involving a consumer's account, including at a minimum, certain information outlined in the bill, to be disclosed at the time the consumer contracts for a digital asset business service. The disclosure is to be full and complete, contain no material misrepresentations, be in readily understandable language and may include, as appropriate and to the extent applicable, certain information concerning fees and charges, risks to the consumer, and any protections or securities that are in place. The disclosures required by the bill are to be displayed and individually agreed to by a consumer before any digital asset transaction at an electronic kiosk. Any fee to be charged is required to be displayed and individually agreed to by a consumer before any digital asset transaction or digital asset balance inquiry at an electronic kiosk. Under the bill, it is a violation for any person to make or cause to be made in any document filed with the bureau or in any proceeding, investigation or examination conducted under the bill, any statement which is, at the time and in the light of the circumstances under which it is made, false or misleading in any material respect. The bill makes it unlawful for any officer or employee of the bureau to use for personal benefit information filed with the bureau that is not public. In addition, the bill provides the bureau chief with certain investigatory authority to determine whether any person has violated or is about to violate any provisions of the bill, or to otherwise aid in the enforcement of the bill. Lastly, the bill establishes the "Digital Asset Enforcement Fund" in the Division of Consumer Affairs (division) of the Department of Law and Public Safety is to continue as a dedicated, nonlapsing, revolving fund. All fees, penalties, costs, fines, and other collected moneys are to be deposited in the fund and used by the director of the division to administer and enforce the provisions of the bill, and to conduct investigations related to the bill. | In Committee |
| A2770 | Requires municipality to return to taxpayer property taxes paid in error due to assessor's or owner's mistake. | This bill would require a municipality to issue a property tax refund to a property owner who overpays his or her property taxes. The New Jersey Statutes currently permit, but do not require, a municipality to make such a refund to a property taxpayer under these circumstances. The bill also limits the amount of the refund to the amount of excess taxes paid in the tax year in which the governing body has been notified by the taxpayer of the error, and the three tax years immediately prior. | In Committee |
| A2451 | Establishes permanent unit in Office of Emergency Management to address access and functional needs of residents related to disasters and emergencies. | This bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to establish a permanent unit in the office to serve the needs of State residents with access and functional needs. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on residents of New Jersey with disabilities, older adults, and other at-risk groups, many of whom are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, as well as the consequences of other types of disasters and emergencies. In 2018, the CDC estimated that 24.6% of New Jersey adult residents had a disability, which is a sizeable portion of the State's population. The economic impact on people with disabilities and their families, as well as the burden on individual health as a result of the pandemic are an existential threat to the Disability community. Accordingly, it is in the public interest for the State to engage in comprehensive planning and coordination within the northern, central, and southern regions of the State to support residents with access and functional needs. Under the provisions of the bill. The unit's responsibilities are to include: (1) determining the needs of residents with access and functional needs, before, during, and after disasters and emergencies; (2) determining the Statewide availability of relevant resources and assistance; (3) assessing and addressing the ability of residents with access and functional needs to access available resources and assistance; and (4) coordinating with county and local offices of emergency management and relevant resource providers to determine, expand, and implement best practices to be utilized in support of residents with access and functional needs. The bill provides that the unit would consist of one full-time supervisor and a staff of three full-time planners to assist the needs of the South, Central, and North Jersey regions to in serving the State residents with access and functional needs. The bill defines a "resident with access and functional needs" as: (1) a person with a disability; (2) an older adult; (3) a person with limited English proficiency; (4) a person with limited access to transportation that would enable the person to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of a disaster or emergency; and (5) a person with limited access to financial resources that would enable the person to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate the effects of a disaster or emergency. | In Committee |
| A1483 | Establishes disaster relief grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to assist residents with certain applications; appropriates $5 million. | This bill establishes a disaster relief program within the Division of Disaster Recovery and Mitigation (division) in the Department of Community Affairs for the purposes of establishing a grant program to provide municipalities with training, supply stockpiles, and technology to be used to assist residents with disaster relief applications and other paperwork, and appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to the division for the purposes of the program. The Office of Emergency Management, in consultation with the division, would establish: (1) an application process for municipalities to access grant monies for the purpose of providing training, technology, and supply stockpiles; (2) guidelines for priority in disbursals according to the Office of Emergency Management's risk assessment score for each municipality; (3) training guidelines for municipal employees who will assist residents with disaster relief paperwork and other paperwork, as appropriate; and (4) guidelines for supply stockpiles as appropriate for each municipality according to its municipal master plan. The division would disburse grant monies to municipalities based on the criteria established by the division. Each municipality receiving a grant would be required to submit a report one year after the initial disbursement to the division, the Office of Emergency Management, the Governor, and the Legislature regarding how grant funds were utilized, the current risks foreseen by the municipality, and data on how the grant money has improved the emergency preparedness and response capacity of the municipality. | In Committee |
| AJR64 | Designates November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day. | This joint resolution designates November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day in the State of New Jersey. Kimchi is a traditional dish in Korean cuisine consisting of salted and fermented vegetables made with a widely varying selection of seasonings. Kimchi has a long rich history dating back thousands of years. The preparation of kimchi allowed the Korean people a means of preserving food that served as a vital source of sustenance throughout history. Kimchi can be found in the homes of millions of Koreans around the world and is often eaten with every meal. While kimchi has historically been a critical source of nutrients, it has become so ingrained in the culture of the Korean people that it is now a source of national pride and identity. Kimjang, the tradition of preparing kimchi, brings whole communities together to collectively prepare and share large quantities to kimchi to ensure that every household has enough to sustain it through the long, often harsh, Korean winters. Kimjang is so culturally important to the Korean people that it has been recognized by the United Nations by being added in 2013 to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Kimchi has been widely acknowledged as a probiotic food with well-established positive health benefits, serving as an excellent source of beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamins A, B, C, and K, which can potentially lower rates of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. National Kimchi Day is celebrated in South Korea on November 22 to promote the value of the kimchi. This date is in recognition of the 11 traditional ingredients of kimchi and the 22 health benefits its consumption promotes. New Jersey has a significant population of approximately 105,000 residents of Korean descent with 60 percent living in Bergen County. By setting aside November 22 of each year as Kimchi Day, we can celebrate the culture and traditions of Koreans around the world and in the State of New Jersey. | Dead |
| A648 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on water safety as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | This bill requires each school district to incorporate instruction on water safety into the health education curriculum for students in grades K through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education, beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. The instruction must provide information on: the proper use of flotation devices; how to become aware of water conditions; the danger of rip currents and how to respond if caught in one; and the importance of swimming in areas monitored by a lifeguard. Drownings are the fifth leading cause of accidental death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control. While New Jersey students participate in drills for fire and active shooter crises, they do not receive instruction on what to do if you are drowning or see someone drowning. | In Committee |
| A1958 | Requires health insurance coverage of at-home rehabilitation services. | This bill requires health insurance carriers, including insurance companies, health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, and any entity contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to cover at-home rehabilitation services. For an individual recovering from surgery or suffering from a debilitating disease or disability, the burden of traveling to and from a rehabilitation facility may be too large to overcome. With the rise of the coronavirus 2019 pandemic, many individuals have also been unable to visit a rehabilitation facility for treatment or have delayed treatment for fear of contracting the virus. Thus, requiring carriers to cover at-home rehabilitation services would alleviate these issues by providing access to treatment from within the patient's home, without fear of aggravating a disability or contracting a deadly virus. As defined in the bill, "at-home rehabilitation" means the treatment of an individual suffering from a functional physical or mental impairment due to injury or disease through use of medical equipment or other means and within the individual's home. | In Committee |
| A2135 | Makes $2.5 million in federal funds available to EDA to support veteran-owned businesses in need. | This bill makes $2.5 million in federal funds available to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to award grants to eligible veteran-owned businesses. The EDA may use up to five percent of these funds to support administrative expenses. As defined in the bill, a "veteran-owned business" is a business that has its principal place of business in the State, is independently owned and operated, and at least 51 percent of which is owned and controlled by persons who are veterans. | In Committee |
| A1918 | Requires State government entities provide vital documents and translation services in 15 most common non-English languages. | This bill requires State government entities to provide vital documents and translation services in the 15 most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited-English proficiency in this State, based on United States Census Bureau data, and relevant to the services offered by the State government entity. Under the bill, any State department or agency in the Executive Branch and any commission, board, bureau, division, office, or instrumentality thereof providing direct services to the public would be required to provide these language access services and interpretation services between the State government entity and an individual in that person's primary language with respect to the provision of services or benefits. Each State government entity would be required to produce an informational poster describing the available interpretation and translation services in multiple languages for display in a visible location. The bill requires each State government entity to publish a language access plan within 90 days of its effective date, and to update the plan every two years thereafter. At a minimum, each plan would describe (1) when and how the State government entity will provide or is already providing language assistance services; (2) the limited-English proficient population in each geographic service area, including those who speak any language even if that language is not among the 15 most common non-English languages, and how the need for translations is determined; (3) how the entity will notify the eligible population; (4) how the entity documents the actual service provision; (5) the number of public contact positions, qualified bilingual or multi-lingual employees in those positions, and the languages they speak; (6) a training plan for government entity employees who will be involved in the implementation of the bill which includes, at minimum, annual training on the language access policies of the government entity, how to provide language assistance services, and follow any applicable State and federal confidentially protocols; (7) a plan for how the agency will ensure the provision of language assistance services of the highest quality and in a culturally competent manner; (8) the name and contact information of the entity's language access coordinator; (9) the titles of all available translated documents and the languages into which they have been translated; (10) a website and document content describing the required translation services, processes, and documents; and (11) a plan for annually monitoring internal compliance. The bill requires the employment or assignment of a language access coordinator by each State entity to monitor the government entity's compliance and develop annual reports. The bill directs the Secretary of State, or a State agency, or both to oversee, coordinate, provide guidance to State government entities in their implementation. Various provisions of current law may already require certain State government entities to provide certain documents and translation services to the public, most commonly in the Spanish language. However, under this bill, its provisions would not be interpreted to remove any requirements by any State entity to provide for direct in-person translation services to a member of the public, or for the translation of any materials in the Spanish language or any additional languages, as may be required by law. The bill would also not be interpreted to prevent a State government entity from providing interpretation and translation services to any limited-English proficient individuals who speak any language, even if that language is not among the 15 most common non-English languages. Under the bill, a State government entity may require that an applicant for its benefits or services or any person assisting such applicant in seeking benefits or services provide only the information strictly necessary to determine eligibility for or to administer such benefits or services. Under the bill, there is appropriated from the funds received by the State from the federal government under the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021," Pub. L. 117-2, to each State government entity the sums necessary to implement its provisions, and such additional sums from the General Fund as the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury deem necessary. The bill takes effect immediately, but the required translations would be implemented on a rolling basis and would be completed no later than 365 days after its effective date for the 10 most common languages, and not later than 730 days after its effective date for the additional 5 most common languages, except that applications, notices of rights, or privacy protections would be translated immediately. If an application or form has not been translated, the State government entity or contractor would provide oral translation of the application or form and a certification by the limited-English proficient individual indicating that the application or form was translated and completed by an interpreter. | Dead |
| A1920 | Extends child care subsidies to families earning up to 300 percent of federal poverty level; appropriates funds. | This bill raises the annual household income limit for determining initial income eligibility under the State's subsidized child care assistance program. Currently, initial eligibility determination in the State's subsidized child care assistance program is limited to families that report a maximum annual gross family income of 200 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is $55,500 for a family of four in 2022. However, according to the most recent ALICE Report by the United Ways of New Jersey, the average ALICE - Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed - Household Survival Budget in the State was $88,224 for a family of four in 2018. In 2018, 37 percent of New Jersey's 3.2 million households struggled to make ends meet, with 27 percent of these households categorized as ALICE households. This bill raises the maximum initial income eligibility, and subsequent redetermination income eligibility, for the State's subsidized child care assistance program to 300 percent of the FPL, which is $83,250 for a family of four in 2022. The Commissioner of Human Services will be required to establish and utilize at least four tiers to determine initial income eligibility and placement on the Division of Family Development's co-payment schedule for child care services under the State's subsidized child care assistance program. The bill specifies that nothing in its provisions precludes the commissioner from establishing a child care assistance income threshold that is higher than 300 percent of the FPL. The bill additionally appropriates such sums as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill, which appropriation will be in an amount determined by the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to approval by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget in the Department of the Treasury. | In Committee |
| A1915 | Allows parents or legal custodians separated from their children because of immigration matters to appoint standby guardians. | This bill allows a parent or legal custodian who has been separated from their child as a result of a federal immigration matter to appoint a standby guardian. Specifically, the bill amends P.L.1995, c.76 (C.3B:12-64 et seq.) to allow the parent or legal custodian to petition the court for the appointment of a standby guardian of a child or to allow the other parent or legal guardian to designate in writing a standby guardian, under specific circumstances, if the parent or custodian is subject to an administrative separation. Currently, a parent or legal custodian can petition the court for the appointment of a standby guardian, and the court may appoint the standby guardian, or another parent or custodian may designate in writing a standby guardian, if the triggering event requiring the appointment is death, incapacity, or debilitation and there is significant risk that the parent or custodian will die, become incapacitated, or become debilitated as a result of a progressive chronic condition or a fatal illness. As used in the bill, "administrative separation" means the separation of a parent or legal custodian from the parent's or legal custodian's child as a result of a federal immigration matter, including, but not limited to, arrest, detention, incarceration, or removal, or receipt of official communication by federal, State, or local authorities responsible for immigration enforcement which gives reasonable notice that the care and supervision of the parent's or legal custodian's child will be interrupted or cannot be provided as the result of the parent's or custodian's impending arrest, detention, incarceration, or removal. Under the provisions of the bill, the petition would state that the triggering event, an impending administrative separation, occurred to require the appointment of a standby guardian and that there is significant risk that the parent or legal custodian will be the subject of such separation. However, the parent or custodian would not be required to submit documentation of an impending administrative separation. If the court finds that that there is a significant risk that the parent or legal guardian will be subject to an administrative separation, a standby guardian would be appointed. Current law does not recognize an administrative separation as a triggering event for the appointment of a standby guardian and does not allow a parent or legal custodian to petition the court for the appointment of a standby guardian, and the court to appoint such a guardian, if there is significant risk that the parent or legal custodian will be the subject to an administrative separation. As required under current law for standby guardians who are appointed due to death, incapacity, or debilitation, the bill stipulates that: if the triggering event that causes the appointment of a standby guardian is an administrative separation, the parent's or legal custodian's attorney or legal representative would provide a copy of a determination of administrative separation to the appointed standby guardian, if the guardian's identity is known to the parent's or custodian's attorney or legal representative; and the appointed standby guardian is required to petition the court, including a determination of administrative separation, within 60 days of assuming guardianship duties for confirmation of the appointment. As used in the bill, "determination of administrative separation" means a written determination by federal, state, or local authorities responsible for immigration enforcement regarding the nature, cause, and extent of the parent's or legal guardian's arrest, detention, incarceration, or removal. As mandated by the current law for standby guardians who are appointed due to death, incapacity, or debilitation, the bill also stipulates that if the consent of a child's parent or legal custodian for the execution of a power of attorney delegating another person to exercise the parent's or legal custodian's powers is not appropriate or is unavailable pursuant to N.J.S.3B:12-39, the other parent or legal custodian may execute a written statement to designate a standby guardian in the event of the designator's administrative separation. The written designation would identify the designator, the minor child, and the standby guardian. If the parent or legal custodian has been arrested, detained, incarcerated, or removed from the State as a result of an administrative separation, another person may sign the written designation on the parent's or legal custodian's behalf. | In Committee |
| A2860 | Requires DHS to establish two-year Regional Community Behavioral Health Pilot Program. | Within 180 days after the bill's effective date, the DHS is to issue a request for proposals (RFP) and select one or more managed care organization or organizations to administer the pilot program in the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. The managed care organization or organizations selected to administer the pilot program will be required to: 1) review Medicaid claims data, and work with primary care practitioners in the managed care network, to identify patients in the network who have severe behavioral health disorders. Such patients will be deemed to be eligible to participate in the pilot program; 2) contract with three community behavioral health providers, one in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State, and require each participating provider to promptly perform a behavioral health needs assessment for each eligible patient in the pilot program who resides in the provider's region of operations. The needs assessment is to be performed using a standardized tool or methodology and is to be used by the provider to identify each eligible patient's behavioral health and social service needs, including, but not limited to, the need for medication-assisted treatment and other substance use disorder treatment, the need for mental health treatment, including voluntary or involuntary commitment, and the need for food, housing, financial, or other social assistance; 3) work with each participating provider, as well as with primary care providers, substance use disorder treatment providers, and social service providers in the State, to ensure that eligible patients in the provider's region of operations have access to an intensive, coordinated support system to help them navigate the State's behavioral health care service system and to identify and access, in a timely manner, necessary and appropriate behavioral health care services in the State and region. The coordinated support system utilized in each region will be required to incorporate: a) the use, by participating providers, of warm hand-offs, rapid referrals, supportive contacts, and other efficient and supportive care transition methods; b) the hiring, by participating providers, of service navigation specialists and advisors to guide eligible patients through the behavioral health care system and to direct, monitor, and keep a record of, the services received by each eligible patient; and c) the use, by participating providers or the administering managed care organization or organizations, of any other means or methods deemed appropriate or necessary to facilitate behavioral health care coordination or care transitions in the State. In selecting one or more managed care organizations to administer the pilot program, the DHS will be required to give priority to those managed care organizations that have the ability to link to, and exchange relevant information and data through, a Statewide Health Information Exchange (HIE) or other health information platform. The DHS will further be required to encourage the administering managed care organization or organizations to engage in the active and ongoing use of the HIE or other platform, as may be necessary to efficiently and effectively administer the pilot program. A portion of the funding that is provided to the administering organization for the purposes of the pilot program may be used to finance the costs associated with use of the HIE or other platform. The bill provides for the pilot program to be funded through the Medicaid program using a value-based payment system. The value-based payment system is to be modeled on, and consistent with, the population-based payment methodology that is described under Category 4 of the alternative payment methodologies (APM) framework developed by the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network. Specifically, the value-based payment system is to provide for a quarterly advanced bundled payment to be provided to the administering managed care organization or organizations for the purposes of financing the total cost of behavioral health care that is provided, by participating providers and other appropriate service providers, to eligible patients in the State, including, but not limited to, the costs associated with needs assessments performed and support and navigation services provided pursuant to the bill and the costs associated with the managed care organization's linkage to, use of, and exchange of information and data through, a Statewide HIE or other health information platform. The quarterly bundled payment rate is to be established by the Commissioner of Human Services, based on the commissioner's evaluation of the following factors: 1) the number of eligible patients who are expected to be served by the pilot program; 2) the average anticipated per-patient cost of care for eligible patients; 3) the anticipated costs to participating providers of hiring and training staff to provide eligible patients with assistance and support in service navigation; 4) the anticipated costs associated with ensuring the linkage to, and exchange of relevant health information through, the HIE or other Statewide health information platform; and 5) any other factors that may affect the cost of care for eligible patients. The quarterly bundled payment is to be limited to the bundled rate established by the commissioner under the bill, and may not be increased, regardless of whether the actual costs of care received by patients in the pilot program exceed the bundled payment rate provided under the bill. If the administering managed care organization or organizations, in cooperation with participating providers in each region, are able to reduce the per-patient costs of care for patients engaged in the pilot program through the effective use of care coordination methodologies, including, but not limited to, the use of the service navigation and support systems described under the bill, the administering managed care organization or organizations may retain, and will not be required to repay, any bundled payment funds that remain unexpended thereby. The managed care organization or organizations will be required to share any such savings with the providers participating in the pilot program at a rate that is proportional to the rate of per-patient cost reduction savings that was achieved by each such provider. If the actual per-patient costs of care for patients engaged in the pilot program exceed the advanced bundled payment rate established by the commissioner under bill, the administering managed care organization or organizations will be required to ensure that all eligible patients continue to receive appropriate services and care from participating providers and other appropriate providers without being subject to an increase in out-of-pocket costs. Any financial loss suffered by the managed care organization or organizations as a result of an increase in the per-patient cost of care for patients in the pilot program is to be shared by the managed care organization or organizations with the participating providers at a rate that is proportional to the rate of per-patient cost increase attributed to each provider. The bill requires the DHS, within 90 days after the two-year pilot program is terminated, to prepare and submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The Commissioner of Human Services will be required to apply for any State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the bill's provisions and secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. | In Committee |
| A2806 | Requires availability of accessible mail-in ballot for voters with disabilities. | This bill requires the availability of an accessible mail-in ballot for voters with disabilities. Under current law, registered voters may apply to vote by mail and may receive a mail-in ballot to be completed by hand. Although the law prohibits any person other than the voter to complete the ballot, the law allows persons who need assistance in completing the mail-in ballot to have a family member provide them that assistance. Under this bill, the county clerk would be required to provide an accessible mail-in ballot for any voter with a disability that requests one, provided the voter is registered to vote and is entitled to vote in that county in this State. The bill requires the accessible mail-ballot to contain features to enable a voter with a disability to understand the contents of the ballot, mark-up voting choices, make changes, verify the final voting choices made on the ballot, complete the ballot, and print the completed ballot and related materials such as certificates and envelopes. The bill specifies key features of the accessible mail-in ballot. These would include, but would not be limited to, electronic delivery and access; readability with guided audible prompts; readability of the ballot using a voter's own braille display device; ability to mark the ballot reflecting the voter's selections; confirmation of the voter's selections prior to final completion; ability to print the ballot and related materials or to generate an electronic file for printing and submitting to the county board of elections at a later date; ability to return the ballot by electronic means if the voter is eligible to do so; clear and comprehensive instructions; and any additional features deemed necessary. Upon completion, the voter would then submit their ballot and necessary materials by mail, in person, or using a ballot drop box in the manner provided under current law. If the voter is "electronic return eligible," the voter would be permitted to return the mail-in ballot by electronic means. Under the bill, "electronic return eligible" means a voter who, regardless of any other disability: is blind; has a visual impairment or perceptual or reading disability that cannot be improved to give visual function substantially equivalent to that of a person who has no such impairment or disability and therefore is unable to read or mark a ballot to substantially the same degree as a person without an impairment or disability; or is otherwise unable, through physical disability, to hold, mark, or manipulate a ballot or to focus or move the eyes to the extent that would be normally acceptable for reading or marking a ballot. Finally, the Secretary of State, in consultation with county clerks and county boards of elections, is directed to issue uniform guidelines for election officials to follow for implementing the accessible ballot provisions. | In Committee |
| A2486 | Establishes Office of New Americans in Department of Human Services. | This bill establishes the Office of New Americans in the New Jersey Department of Human Services. This bill codifies the existing Office of New Americans established in 2019 pursuant to Executive Order 74 of 2019. The commissioner will appoint the director, and the director will be the administrator and head of the office. The bill requires the office to be a centralized location for expertise and data on New Americans and to engage in programs, initiatives, and policies focused on successful integration for immigrants, refugees, and their children. The office will also provide technical assistance and training to other offices and departments in the Executive Branch on issues pertaining to effective and equitable engagement with New Americans. The bill also requires the Department of Human Services, through the Office of New Americans, to: administer services for New Americans; engage directly with immigrant and refugee communities and service providers to understand and address their concerns and the obstacles they face in accessing services and resources; and support and advise State departments and agencies, as well as other organizations, on community engagement and outreach to promote best practices and improve the accessibility of State programs and information by New Americans. Additionally, the bill requires the office to use data for informing the State's efforts only as authorized under State and federal law to advance integration for immigrants. The office will not use or share data for the use of civil immigration enforcement. | In Committee |
| A1903 | Requires Office of Information Technology to establish centralized, one-stop website resource guide to assist persons in navigating the State's mental health and substance use disorder service systems. | This bill would require the Office of Information Technology, in consultation with the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services (division), the Department of Health, and the Department of Children and Families, to establish, maintain, and publicize the availability of, a centralized website that would provide a one-stop reference guide for persons with mental health or substance use disorders and their families in the State in order to assist such persons in navigating the State's mental health and substance use disorder service systems. At a minimum, the centralized website is to provide the following information in an easily searchable format: 1) information about how a person or a concerned third-party may seek help for a mental health issue or substance use disorder, including, but not limited to: a) a description of the various types of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services that are available in the State; b) a description of, contact information for, the operating hours of, and hyperlinks to the websites of, mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers in the State; c) information about, and contact information for, the State's mental health and substance use disorder hotlines and peer-support groups; d) information about the State's involuntary commitment procedures; and e) information about the State's guardianship procedures; 2) a description of, and hyperlinks to, available educational materials and resources that address issues related to mental health or substance use or that provide tools that can be used to assess a person's need for mental health or substance use disorder treatment; 3) a description of, and information about: a) the community-based housing options that are available to persons in the State who have or are recovering from a mental health or substance use disorder, including hyperlinks to the websites of supportive housing and recovery residence providers in the State; and b) the resources, materials, and supports that are available to assist persons who are transitioning into the community following the receipt of mental health or substance use disorder treatment in a residential setting, including a description of any available housing assistance or utility voucher programs; 4) a description of, and information about the division's duties and functions with respect to the licensing and oversight of mental health and substance use disorder treatment providers and the provision of mental health and substance use disorder treatment services in the State, including a hyperlink to the division's Internet webpage; 5) a description of, and information about the duties and functions of the Department of Community Affairs, the division, and other appropriate agencies or entities with respect to the oversight and licensing of sober living homes and other substance use disorder recovery residences in the State wherein treatment is not provided to residents, including hyperlinks to the statutes and regulations that relate to the operation and oversight of substance use disorder recovery residences; and 6) hyperlinks to any available reports, created by the division or any other public or non-profit entity, which relate to the status or quality of mental health or substance use disorder treatment or recovery services or providers in the State. A hyperlink to the one-stop website is to be posted in a prominent location on the division's website and on the websites of the Departments of Health and Children and Families. | In Committee |
| A550 | Permits excused absences for students who attend civic events. | This bill would permit public school pupils in grades six through 12 one excused absence to attend a civic event each school year. School districts would be permitted to provide additional excused absences for such purposes. Excused absences taken under this bill would not be reflected on student attendance records. Parents or guardians of pupils who wish to use an excused absence under this bill would be required to provide at least five school days' notice in advance of the intended excused absence and such documentation as the school district deems necessary to prove that the pupil meets the requirements for an excused absence pursuant to the provisions of this bill. The bill defines "civic event" as an event sponsored by a government entity, the community, or a local nonprofit organization to address an issue of public concern such as community health and safety or environmental, economic, or community well-being. The Commissioner of Education, with the approval of the State Board of Education, would be responsible for prescribing rules relative to absences for civic events. This would include, but not be limited to, a list of civic events where it would be mandatory to excuse a pupil. The bill would not be construed to limit the right of boards of education to excuse absences for civic events not included on the commissioner's list. | Dead |
| A1425 | Makes various revisions to alcoholic beverage licensing laws pertaining to certain retailers and manufacturers; provides tax credit under corporate business tax and gross income tax to certain retail licensees. | This bill makes various revisions to the law governing the sale of alcoholic beverages in this State. The bill grants privileges to the holders of certain craft alcoholic beverage manufacturer licenses. Under the bill, a holder of a limited brewery, plenary winery, farm winery, craft distillery, and cidery and meadery license would be entitled to sell food and hold certain activities and events both on and off the licensed premises. Specifically, the bill allows craft alcoholic manufacturer licensees to sell non-alcoholic beverages and food or operate a restaurant on the licensed premises. The bill also allows these craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers to coordinate with any food vendor, including food trucks, to provide food on the licensed premises or at off-premises events. These craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers also would be entitled to participate in an unlimited number of off-premises events, including private parties, festivals, and tasting events, subject to a permit obtained from the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Under the bill, craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers also would be entitled to hold an unlimited number of events on licensed premises that are scheduled in advance of the event and limited by invitation or open to the general public. The bill also allows craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers to hold private parties on and off the licensed premises. Under the bill, the host of a private party would be entitled to provide any alcoholic beverage, including alcoholic beverages which are not produced by the license holder, provided the host is not the licensee and the licensee consents to the provision of other alcoholic beverages. A social affairs permit holder or host of a private party, held on or off the licensed premises, may hire an employee of the craft manufacturer to pour alcoholic beverages produced on the licensed premises and provide educational commentary about the alcoholic beverages produced on the licensed premises. The bill also allows these craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers to hold "happy hours" and sell suitable gift items and novelty wearing apparel identified with the name of the holder of the license. The bill also removes from current law the tour requirement for limited brewery and craft distillery license holders. Under current law, these licensees are authorized to sell their products at retail to consumers on the licensed premises for on-site consumption, but only in connection with a tour of the brewery or distillery. Under this bill, consumers would not be required to take a tour of the brewery or distillery to purchase beverages for on-site consumption. The bill also allows the holder of a restricted brewery license to convert the license into a limited brewery license in exchange for a fee established by the ABC. Under current law, a restricted brewery license is only issued to a person who also holds a Class C consumption license, which are generally issued to bars and restaurants. The restricted brewery license allows the licensee to brew the beer, while the Class C license allows the licensee to sell that beer directly to restaurant patrons. This bill allows the holder of a restricted brewery license to convert the license into a limited brewery license, allowing the licensee to sell food or operate a restaurant under the bill. The bill also clarifies that craft distillery licensees are entitled to sell cocktails mixed with non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, or garnishing. In addition, the bill removes from current statutory law the fees paid by craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers and provides that the fee schedule is to be set by rules and regulations promulgated by the ABC. In addition, this bill allows for the issuance of additional plenary retail and seasonal retail consumption licenses, which allow for the consumption of alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises. Under current law, a municipality may issue plenary retail and seasonal retail consumption licenses until the combined total number in the municipality is fewer than one license for each 3,000 municipal residents. Because of this restriction, there is a shortage of these licenses in some municipalities. This bill addresses this shortage by allowing the incremental issuance of additional plenary retail consumption licenses over the course of a five year period, after which time the population restriction would no longer exist. The population restriction imposed on the issuance of additional licenses would be adjusted as follows: · on and after January 1, 2024 but prior to January 1, 2025, the combined total number of licenses existing in the municipality is to be fewer than one for each 2,700 of its population;· on and after January 1, 2025 but prior to January 1, 2026, the combined total number of licenses existing in the municipality is to be fewer than one for each 2,430 of its population;· on and after January 1, 2026 but prior to January 1, 2027, the combined total number of licenses existing in the municipality is to be fewer than one for each 2,187 of its population;· on and after January 1, 2027 but prior to January 1, 2028, the combined total number of licenses existing in the municipality is to be fewer than one for each 1,968 of its population;· on and after January 1, 2028 but prior to January 1, 2029, the combined total number of licenses existing in the municipality is fewer than one for each 1,771 of its population; and· on and after January 1, 2029, there is to be no limitation on the combined total number of plenary retail consumption or seasonal retail consumption licenses existing in a municipality. In addition, the bill makes certain revisions to the fees paid by plenary retail consumption license holders and the public notice requirements and procedure to issue additional plenary retail consumption licenses. The bill also changes the procedure for renewing an inactive Class C license. Under current law, an inactive Class C license is a retail license that is not being used at an open and operating licensed premise. A licensee is required to place the license on " inactive status" when the licensed business ceases operation and the license continues to be held by the licensee of record. A municipality may renew an inactive license annually for up to two years following the date it became inactive. If the license has been inactive for more than two years, the licensee is required to file a petition to maintain possession of the license with the Director of the Division of ABC. Under this bill, a municipality would have the authority to renew an inactive Class C license to sell alcoholic beverages regardless of whether the license has been actively used in connection with the operation of a licensed premises. In addition, the bill allows a municipality to deny the renewal of an inactive Class C license if the license holder has not made a good faith effort to actively use the license. This bill removes from current law the director's authority to grant petitions to renew inactive Class C licenses and grants the authority to municipalities to renew these licenses regardless of whether the license is actively used in connection with a premises. Under the bill, the governing municipal board or body also may deny a license renewal application if it finds that the license holder has not made a good faith effort to resume active use of the license. A municipal board or body would be prohibited from denying an application for renewal by a licensee who establishes by affidavit that the licensee has been deprived of the use of the licensed premises as a result of eminent domain or fire or other casualty. The bill allows a municipal board or body that denies a license renewal to reissue the license at public sale in accordance with current law. Finally, the bill provides a tax credit to persons and entities that held a plenary retail consumption license on or prior to the bill's date of enactment. The tax credit would be issued based on taxable sales made on the licensed premises in the three years preceding the bill's date of enactment. Under the bill, a plenary retail consumption license holder who, on the bill's effective date, had taxable sales in any one of the three preceding calendar years at the licensed premises which: · did not exceed $1,500,000 would be allowed a tax credit in the amount of $50,000;· was between $1,500,000 and $2,900,000 would be allowed a tax credit in the amount of $40,000; and· exceeded $2,900,000 would be allowed a tax credit in the amount of $30,000. It is the sponsor's intent to create new market opportunities, foster economic growth and development, and encourage New Jersey's flourishing alcoholic beverage industry and its contribution to the local economy by making more retail licenses available and granting additional privileges to this State's alcoholic beverage manufacturing license holders. | In Committee |
| A1868 | Prohibits possession and requires registration of body armor in certain circumstances. | This bill establishes prohibitions on the possession of body armor by certain persons and a registration requirement for body armor. The bill provides that it is unlawful for a person to own or otherwise possess body armor unless the person has registered the body armor in accordance with the bill's provisions. The bill requires the Attorney General to establish a registration process for body armor owned prior to the effective date of the bill and provides that an owner has 90 days from the effective date to register each piece of body armor owned in compliance with the registration process. For purchases of body armor occurring after the bill's effective date, a person would be required to meet eligibility criteria established by the Attorney General and obtain a permit to purchase body armor, and a seller of body armor would be required to register the sale of the body armor with the Attorney General. Under the bill, the eligibility criteria would include: (1) law enforcement officers; (2) law enforcement officers who retired in good standing; (3) persons engaged in active duty military service; (4) persons whose duties of employment expose them to serious bodily injury that may be prevented or mitigated by the use of body armor, as determined by the Attorney General; (5) bona fide dealers of body armor; and (6) any other persons meeting good cause eligibility criteria established by the Attorney General. The bill requires the Attorney General to establish a permit to purchase body armor and an application process for a person to obtain the permit. The application is required to include, but need not be limited to an applicant's: name; date of birth; street and mailing address; telephone number; email address; and proof that the applicant meets the eligibility criteria set forth in the bill. The bill provides that the permit would remain in effect for 30 days following issuance. Under the bill, a person is prohibited from selling, giving, transferring, assigning, or otherwise disposing of body armor to a person unless the person purchasing or otherwise taking possession of the body armor has first secured a permit to purchase body armor and displays the same to the seller. Following the sale or other transfer of body armor, a seller is required to take possession of the purchaser's permit to purchase body armor and complete a registration form that includes the personal identifying information of the purchaser and a description of the body armor purchased. The bill requires the seller to submit the registration form and the permit to purchase body armor obtained from the purchaser to the Attorney General within three business days. A seller who violates these provisions would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The provisions of the bill would not apply to: (1) a State or local government entity which purchases or possesses body armor for the purpose of furnishing body armor to employees; or (2) possession of body armor by employees of a State or local government entity during the employee's period of employment and used for employment-related purposes. The registration and permit to purchase body armor provisions of the bill would not apply to a bona fide dealer of body armor who has registered with the Attorney General. A dealer in business prior to the bill's effective date has 60 days following the effective date to register with the Attorney General. Possessing or purchasing body armor in violation of the bill's provisions are both crimes of the third degree. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The bill defines "body armor" as any product sold or offered for sale as personal protective body covering intended to protect against gunfire, regardless of whether the product is to be worn alone or is sold as a complement to another product or garment. The bill additionally amends current law concerning unlawful use of body vests. Under current law, it is a crime of the second or third degree, depending on circumstances, to use a body vest during the commission of certain crimes. The bill redefines the term "body vest" as "body armor" and expands the current law to include all body armor. | In Committee |
| A1902 | "New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)"; establishes certain requirements for disclosure and processing of personally identifiable information; establishes Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use in Division of Consumer Affairs. | The bill, entitled the "New Jersey Disclosure and Accountability Transparency Act (NJ DaTA)," establishes certain rights for consumers concerning the disclosure and processing of a consumer's personally identifiable information. A controller, as that term is defined in the bill, that collects the personally identifiable information of a consumer may lawfully process the personally identifiable information pursuant certain provisions in the bill only if at least one of the following applies: 1) the consumer has given consent to the processing of the personally identifiable information for at least one specific purpose provided by the controller; 2) processing is necessary for the performance of a contract to which the consumer is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the consumer prior to entering into a contract; 3) processing is necessary for compliance with a legal obligation to which the controller is subject; 4) processing is necessary to protect the vital interest of the consumer or another person; 5) processing is necessary for the performance of a task conducted in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the controller; or 6) processing is necessary for the purposes of the legitimate interests pursued by the controller or by a third party, except where those interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the consumer, which require protection of personally identifiable information, including that of a child. The bill provides that a controller that collects the personally identifiable information of a consumer is to, at the time when personally identifiable information is collected, provide to a consumer information concerning the processing of that personally identifiable information in a concise, transparent, intelligible, and easily accessible form, using clear and plain language, in writing, or by other means, including, where appropriate, by electronic means that shall include, but not be limited to, certain information listed in the bill. The bill further provides that where the controller intends to process a consumer's personally identifiable information for a purpose other than that for which the personally identifiable information was collected, the controller is to provide certain disclosures to the consumer prior to that processing. The processing of personally identifiable information revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinion, religious or philosophical belief, or trade union membership, and the processing of biometric data for the purpose of uniquely identifying a person, information concerning health or a person's sexual history or orientation is to be prohibited except in certain circumstances provided in the bill. The bill provides that a controller that discloses a consumer's personally identifiable information to a processor or third party is to make certain information provided in the bill available to the consumer free of charge upon receipt of a verified request from the consumer for this information through a designated request address. The bill provides that a controller that receives a verified request from a consumer is to provide a response to the consumer within 30 days of the controller's receipt of the request and is to provide information concerning all disclosures of personally identifiable information. The bill provides that if the controller does not take action on a consumer's verified request the controller is to inform the consumer without undue delay and at the latest within one month of receipt of the verified request of the reasons for not taking action and on the ability for the consumer to lodge a complaint with the Office of Data Protection and Responsible Use (office) in the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, established by the bill. The bill provides that the purpose of the office is to serve as a clearinghouse of information, comprehensive resource for consumers, controllers, and processors, and regulatory body concerning the security and processing of personally identifiable information. The office's functions are enumerated in the bill. The bill provides that a consumer is to have the right to obtain by any means from the controller rectification of inaccurate personally identifiable information. A consumer is to have the right to obtain by any means from the controller the erasure, or restriction of the processing, of personally identifiable information under certain circumstances provided by the bill. The bill provides that where processing has been restricted, personally identifiable information, with the exception of storage, is to only be processed with the consumer's consent or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims or for the protection of the rights of another person or legal entity or for the public interest. The bill provides that a controller is to notify each processor and third party that received a consumer's personally identifiable information of any rectification or erasure of personally identifiable information made by a consumer pursuant to the bill or restriction of processing made by a consumer pursuant to the bill. The bill provides that a consumer is to have the right to object, by any means, to the processing of personally identifiable information, at which time the controller is to no longer process the personally identifiable information unless the controller demonstrates compelling legitimate grounds for the processing which overrides the interests, rights, and freedoms of the consumer or for the establishment, exercise, or defense of legal claims. Where personally identifiable information is processed for direct marketing purposes, including profiling, the consumer is to have the right to object at any time to processing of personally identifiable information for this purpose, at which time the personally identifiable information is to no longer be used for this purpose. The bill provides that where personally identifiable information is processed for scientific or historical research purposes or statistical purposes, the consumer is to have the right to object, by any means, to the processing of their personally identifiable information unless the processing is necessary for the public interest. The bill provides that a consumer is not to be subject to a decision based solely on automated decision making, including profiling, which produces legal effects concerning the consumer or similarly significantly affects the consumer except under certain circumstances provided in the bill. The bill provides that a controller is to implement the appropriate technical and organizational measures to ensure and to be able to demonstrate to the office that processing is performed in accordance with the requirements of the bill. The bill requires a controller and processor, in certain situations provided in the bill, to designate in writing to the office a representative that is to serve as a liaison between the controller or processor and the office and public. The bill provides that, where processing is to be conducted on behalf of a controller by a processor, the controller is to contract with a processor providing sufficient guarantees to implement appropriate technical and organization measures in a manner that processing shall meet the requirements the bill. The processor shall not engage another processor without prior specific or general written authorization of the controller. Processing by a processor is to be governed by a contract between a processor and controller that is to include certain provisions provided in the bill. The bill allows the office to adopt standard contractual clauses for the contracts between controllers and processors. The bill provides that a controller and, where applicable, the controller's representative, is to maintain a record of processing activities under its responsibility. A processor and, where applicable, the processor's representative, is to maintain a record of all categories of processing activities carried out on behalf of a controller. These records are to be in writing, including in electronic form, and be made available to the office upon request. Taking into account the technology, the costs of implementation, and the nature, scope, context, and purposes of processing, as well as the risk of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of a person, the bill requires a controller and processor to implement appropriate technical and organization measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk, including certain measures provided in the bill. In assessing the appropriate level of security, account is to be taken concerning the risks that are presented by processing, such as from unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorized disclosure of, or access to personally identifiable information transmitted, stored, or otherwise processed. Adherence to a code of conduct or certification mechanism approved by the office may be used as an element by which to demonstrate compliance with the requirements established pursuant to the bill. The bill provides that, notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, in the event of a data breach resulting in the unauthorized access of personally identifiable information, the controller is to immediately and, where feasible, not later than 72 hours after having become aware of it, notify the office. Where the notification to the office is not made within 72 hours, it is to be accompanied by reasons for the undue delay. A processor is to notify the controller immediately after becoming aware of a data breach resulting in the unauthorized access of personally identifiable information and the notice is to contain certain information provided in the bill. The controller is to document any data breaches resulting in the unauthorized access of personally identifiable information, its effects, and remedial action taken, which is to be made available to the office at the office's request. The bill further provides that, notwithstanding any other law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, in the event of a data breach resulting in the unauthorized access of personally identifiable information that is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of a person, the controller is to notify a consumer without undue delay. The bill provides that the data breach notification is to describe in clear and plain language the nature of the data breach but notification is not to be required under certain circumstances provided in the bill. The bill allows the office to notify consumers of a data breach resulting in the unauthorized access of personally identifiable information if the office determines there is a high risk to the rights and freedoms of a person. The bill requires a controller to, prior to processing personally identifiable information, conduct a data protection impact assessment that is to contain certain information provided for in the bill. The office is to establish and publicize a list of the kind of processing operations that are subject to the requirements of the data protection impact assessment. The office may establish and publicize a list of the kind of processing operations for which no data protection impact assessment is required. Where appropriate, a controller is to request input from consumers on the intended processing. The bill requires a controller to consult with the office prior to processing in the event the data protection impact assessment indicates that the processing would result in a high risk to a consumer's personally identifiable information in the absence of measures taken by the controller to mitigate the risk. If the office determines that the controller's data protection impact assessment indicates the processing may violate the provisions the bill, the office is to, within eight weeks of the submission of the data protection impact assessment, provide written advice to the controller, and processor where applicable, concerning best industry practices to conform with the requirements of the bill. The Attorney General is to, in consultation with the State's Chief Information Officer, appoint an executive director to head the office who is to be an individual qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office and who is to devote the time as executive director solely to the performance of those duties. It is to be an unlawful practice and violation of the consumer fraud act for a controller or processor to violate any provision of the bill, which includes $10,000 fine for the first offense and a $20,000 for each subsequent offense. | In Committee |
| A2359 | Requires Director of Division of Housing and Community Resources in DCA to establish grant program to encourage local governments to promote New Jersey as innovation hub in certain fields; appropriates $100,000. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Transportation, to establish a grant program to encourage local governments to develop and install, in accordance with federal law, street pole banners promoting New Jersey as an innovation hub in various fields of science, technology, and engineering. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to local governments which develop and install banners promoting local and regional achievements in fields such as bioscience, telecommunications, and clean energy, and which promote the local or regional area as part of an innovation hub. Under the bill, a municipality that wants to participate in the grant program is required to submit an application to the division in a manner and on such forms as determined by the director. The application is required to include information detailing the municipality's proposed plans for the grant funding as outlined in the bill. After reviewing the applications, the director, in consultation with the commissioner, is required to select a total of nine municipalities, including three municipalities in each of the northern, southern, and central regions of the State, to participate in the program and is to seek a cross section from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State. Within one year of receiving a grant, each participating municipality is required to submit a report to the director detailing certain information as provided in the bill. The director is required to compile the reports for inclusion in a comparative profile of the participating municipalities and post the profile for public inspection on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location. Under the bill, within one year of posting the comparative profile, the director is required to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature. The report is to contain information on the implementation of the grant program, including the director's recommendation on the feasibility of implementing the program on a Statewide basis, and a list of best practices concerning the promotion of local and regional achievements in certain fields. The director is required to post the report for public inspection on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to the division to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| AJR65 | Designates annual Lunar New Year in NJ. | This joint resolution recognizes the date corresponding with a certain new moon following each year's winter solstice as Lunar New Year in New Jersey. Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new calendar year as measured by the cycles of the moon. Lunar New Year varies from year to year as the date corresponding with the second new moon following each year's winter solstice, or the third new moon following winter solstice if an intercalary month intervenes. Lunar New Year has been celebrated for thousands of years in many countries. The holiday remains a culturally and historically significant celebration for many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Lunar New Year is traditionally an important time to visit family, enjoy food together, and welcome good fortune in the new year. New Jersey schools currently have the option of recognizing Lunar New Year as a Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist holiday. Commemorating Lunar New Year recognizes the importance of this day for many New Jersey residents and the value of those who celebrate the occasion to this State. | Dead |
| A2880 | Enters New Jersey into Counseling Compact. | This bill enters New Jersey into the Counseling Compact. The Counseling Compact (compact) is an interstate compact, or a contract among states, allowing professional counselors licensed and residing in a compact member state to practice in other compact member states without need for multiple licenses. The purpose of this compact is to facilitate interstate practice of licensed professional counselors with the goal of improving public access to professional counseling services. The practice of professional counseling occurs in the state where the client is located at the time of the counseling services. The compact preserves the regulatory authority of states to protect public health and safety through the current system of state licensure. In addition, the compact is designed to achieve the following objectives: 1) increase public access to professional counseling services by providing for the mutual recognition of other member state licenses; 2) enhance the states' ability to protect the public's health and safety; 3) encourage the cooperation of member states in regulating multistate practice for licensed professional counselors; 4) support spouses of relocating active duty military personnel; 5) enhance the exchange of licensure, investigative, and disciplinary information among member states; 6) allow for the use of telehealth technology to facilitate increased access to professional counseling services; 7) support the uniformity of professional counseling licensure requirements throughout the states to promote public safety and public health benefits; 8) invest all member states with the authority to hold a licensed professional counselor accountable for meeting all state practice laws in the state in which the client is located at the time care is rendered through the mutual recognition of member state licenses; 9) eliminate the necessity for licenses in multiple states; and 10) provide opportunities for interstate practice by licensed professional counselors who meet uniform licensure requirements. The compact is administered by a commission comprising representatives of each of the member states. The commission has certain powers to promulgate rules and bylaws, create a budget, conduct investigations, assess member fees, and to generally enforce the provisions of the compact. The compact sets forth procedures for investigating and disciplining professional counselors for misconduct, as well as for communicating to member states information concerning a professional counselor who is under investigation, has lost the right to practice under the compact, or who has regained the right to practice under the compact. The compact provides that it takes effect when it has been adopted in 10 states. Currently, 16 states have joined the compact: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah, and West Virginia. | Dead |
| A1907 | Establishes the authority of the court to order electronic monitoring of certain convicted domestic violence offenders. | This bill establishes the authority of the court to order electronic monitoring of a defendant found guilty of a crime or offense involving domestic violence when a condition of sentence restricts the defendant's ability to have contact with the victim. The bill would further authorize the court to order electronic monitoring for a defendant following the issuance of a final restraining order issued pursuant to section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29), to address the heightened risk of injury to a victim during this period. Under the bill, the Administrative Office of the Courts in consultation with the Attorney General is directed to establish a program for the continuous, satellite-based monitoring of domestic violence defendants deemed to present a serious risk of re-offense based upon relevant risk factors such as the seriousness of the offense which is the basis of the conviction and any other factors the court deems relevant. The monitoring system would use global positioning system (GPS) technology. | In Committee |
| AR63 | Urges President and Congress to enact legislation granting amnesty and providing path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. | This resolution urges the President of the United States and the United States Congress to enact legislation granting amnesty and providing a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. Currently, more than 11 million undocumented immigrants are living in the shadows of the United States economy. These immigrants are in need of legalization and a pathway to citizenship. Immigrants have made significant contributions to American society, but current law confines millions of productive immigrants in low skill industries, unable to participate fully in the political, economic, and social spheres in the United States. The "Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986" was signed into law by President Reagan. Close to three million immigrants who had arrived in the United States before January 1, 1982 were granted amnesty. The act improved the overall health, economic, and educational outcomes of the immigrants. Undocumented immigrants are often economically exploited, earning less per hour than their native-born counterparts. Legalization and a pathway to citizenship are essential to protecting and integrating immigrants into American society. Allowing undocumented immigrants a path to citizenship will have significant impact on economic growth, earnings, tax revenue, and jobs. | In Committee |
| A2600 | Allows resident taxpayers to deduct from gross income fifty percent of amount paid through E-ZPass for NJTA tolls. | This bill allows resident taxpayers to deduct from gross income fifty percent of amount paid through E-ZPass or another electronic tolling system for New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) tolls. The NJTA tolls are the tolls on the NJ Turnpike and the Garden State Parkway. A taxpayer may not include in the calculation of the deduction any amount paid through E-ZPass for fees or fines. Amounts that are reimbursed to the taxpayer or that are otherwise deductible under certain provisions of State law also cannot be included in the calculation of the deduction. | In Committee |
| A1409 | Requires Medicaid fee-for-service coverage of managed long term services and supports when beneficiary is pending enrollment in managed care organization. | This bill requires Medicaid fee-for-service (FFS) coverage of managed long term services and supports when the beneficiary is pending enrollment in a managed care organization (MCO). In doing so, the bill codifies existing Medicaid policy established in Medicaid Newsletter, Vol. 24, No. 14. This policy was prompted due to assisted living programs experiencing difficulties receiving reimbursement for established residents who had been determined financially and clinically eligible for Medicaid services, but who were awaiting enrollment in a MCO. Under this scenario, MCO enrollment may require up to 60 days. In response to this concern, the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) in the Department of Human Services implemented a new billing procedure intended to avoid a gap in service payment for Medicaid eligible beneficiaries residing in assisted living programs in which assisted living programs are authorized to request FFS payments during this gap period. Specifically, the bill requires the DMAHS to provide Medicaid coverage via the FFS delivery system for eligible services provided by an assisted living residence, a comprehensive personal care home, an assisted living program, or an adult family care provider to an individual who is determined eligible for the Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports program, but who is pending enrollment in a MCO contracted by the division to provide health care services to Medicaid recipients. FFS coverage provided under the bill shall begin on the date on which the individual is determined clinically and financially eligible for services provided under the Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports program, and shall end on the date on which the individual's enrollment in a Medicaid MCO becomes effective. The bill directs the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. | In Committee |
| A2802 | Requires State to take steps to create additional graduate medical education program slots focused on behavioral health care. | The bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services to apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program for the purpose of establishing additional graduate medical education slots focused on behavioral health care. Contingent on the approval of such State plan amendments or waivers, the Commissioner of Human Services and the Secretary of Higher Education are to establish a process for new and existing graduate medical education programs to request and use Medicaid funds to establish additional graduate medical education program slots focused on behavioral health care. | In Committee |
| A1909 | Limits amount paid by covered persons for purchase of insulin drugs and epinephrine; requires Division of Consumer Affairs to investigate insulin prices. | This bill requires that carriers that provide coverage for prescription drugs pursuant to the terms of a health benefits plan offered by the carrier are prohibited from requiring a covered person to pay an amount exceeding $100 for a 30 day supply of insulin; or an amount exceeding $100 for a package of two epinephrine auto-injector devices. In addition, the bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety to investigate the pricing of prescription insulin drugs that are available to New Jersey consumers to determine whether additional consumer protections in the pricing of prescription insulin drugs are needed. The division is required to issue and make available to the public a report detailing its findings and present the report to the Governor, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| A1906 | Prohibits business receiving State development subsidies from making certain campaign contributions. | This bill prohibits a business, or any holding company or affiliate of the business, or an officer, director, or key or principal employee of the business, from making campaign contributions to candidates for nomination or election to any public office in the State during a period when the business is receiving a development subsidy totaling $25,000 or more from a State agency or authority. The prohibition does not prohibit any individual who is a candidate for public office in this State from contributing to the individual's own campaign. A violation of this prohibition would be a crime of the fourth degree, except that the amount of a fine may be up to $200,000, and in the case of a person other than a natural person, the amount of a fine may be up to $500,000. Further, a recipient business found to have willfully and intentionally made a contribution or failed to reveal a contribution may be liable to a penalty of up to the value of its development subsidy with the State agency, may be ineligible for any remaining amount of the development subsidy, and may be debarred by the State Treasurer from contracting with any State agency or receiving a development subsidy for up to five years. The bill provides that a candidate for nomination or election to any public office in this State who solicits or accepts a political contribution prohibited by the bill is liable to a penalty for each violation as set forth in current law in N.J.S.A.19:44A-22. | In Committee |
| A1940 | Requires domestic violence orders to be issued in other languages in addition to English under certain circumstances. | This bill would: (1) require law enforcement officers, after responding to a domestic violence incident, to provide information to domestic violence victims in English, Spanish, and up 10 additional high demand languages spoken in the State, regarding their right to file for temporary restraining orders and to file criminal complaints; and (2) task the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) with preparing standard templates for temporary and final restraining orders in English, Spanish, and other identified high demand languages for use by law enforcement, municipal courts, and the Superior Court when issuing such orders. Under current law, the information disseminated by law enforcement officers is provided in writing in both English and Spanish. The AOC currently implements, via its Directive #10-22 (September 30, 2022), a revised Judiciary Language Access Plan, which plan includes translating into several other languages information contained in restraining orders among other court documents, policies, and standards used when interacting with persons who are limited in their ability to speak or understand English or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Regarding the dissemination of information in English and Spanish by law enforcement officers, the current law simply states that it "shall be written" in a notice. The bill would specifically assign responsibility for the written materials to the Attorney General and, as previously mentioned, the writing would be made available in English and Spanish, and up to 10 additional "high demand languages spoken in the State." Regarding the issuance of restraining orders by courts, a domestic violence victim is currently permitted to file a domestic violence complaint seeking a temporary restraining order with the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part or, at times when the Family Part is closed, with a judge of the Family Part or judge of the municipal court assigned to accept such complaints and issue a temporary order. See section 12 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-28). To assist these courts as well as law enforcement regarding the issuance of the orders and their service on the alleged abuser, the AOC would prepare standard templates in English, Spanish, and other high demand languages identified in its Language Access Plan, as approved by the Supreme Court, to be provided to the victim and defendant. As to any subsequently issued permanent restraining orders, which are only issued by judges of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family Part upon a finding of abuse by a preponderance of the evidence, see section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29), multiple standard templates would be prepared by the AOC using the same, above described language criteria to be provided to the victim and defendant. | Dead |
| A565 | Adds new civil penalties and increases surcharges imposed on domestic violence offenders; establishes "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund." | This bill would impose new civil penalties on domestic violence offenders and increase the surcharges imposed on these offenders under current law. The additional revenue would be appropriated to organizations that provide for direct legal services to domestic violence victims. Final Hearing: New Civil Penalty. Currently, N.J.S.A.2C:25-29.1 provides that a person found by the court in a final hearing to have committed an act of domestic violence must pay a civil penalty of $50 to $500. The monies are forwarded to the "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund," established by N.J.S.A.30:14-15, which uses the monies for services to domestic violence victims. This bill adds an additional civil penalty of $1,500, payable at $500 per year for three years. The monies from the new penalty would be deposited into a new fund created by the bill, the "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund." Inability to Pay. Under the bill, if the court finds that the person does not have the ability to pay the penalty for the "Domestic Violence Victims' Fund" in full on the date of the hearing or, in the case of the new penalty for the "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund," the ability to make the first payment in full on the date of the hearing and the ability to make the two subsequent payments on the dates they are due, the court may order the payment of the penalties in installments for a period of time to be determined by the court. If the person defaults on the payment then the court may: (1) reduce, suspend or modify the installment plan; (2) order community service; (3) impose any other alternative in lieu of payment; or (4) waive the penalties in cases of extreme hardship. Criminal Conviction: Increased Surcharge. The bill also increases the current surcharge imposed on persons convicted of a crime or offense involving domestic violence. Under N.J.S.A.2C:25-29.4, a person convicted of an act of domestic violence is subject to a surcharge in the amount of $100 payable to the State Treasurer for use by the Department of Human Services to fund grants for domestic violence prevention, training, legal assistance services and assessment. This amount would be increased to $500 under the bill. The monies realized by the increase in the surcharge would be deposited into the new "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund." Technical Correction. The bill also makes a technical correction to N.J.S.A.2C:25-29.4 concerning the reference to the department, changing it to the Department of Children and Families to reflect the current structure. Violation of Restraining Order: New Civil Penalty. In addition, the bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:25-30 to create a new civil penalty for persons convicted of violating a domestic violence restraining order. The bill would impose a civil penalty of $500 for the first violation and $1,000 for a second or subsequent violation. This civil penalty would also be deposited into the new fund established by the bill. New Fund. The "Domestic Violence Victims' Legal Assistance Fund" established by the bill would be a dedicated fund within the General Fund and administered by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in the Department of Children and Families. All monies deposited in the new fund would be appropriated to organizations that provide for direct legal services to victims of domestic violence, including but not limited to medical and legal advocacy services, information and referral, and community education. The fund would be the depository of moneys realized from the increases in the surcharge and the new civil penalties imposed by the bill, and would also be the depository of any other moneys made available for the purposes of the fund. | In Committee |
| A1923 | Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT. | Requires owner or operator of certain trains to have discharge response, cleanup, and contingency plans to transport certain hazardous materials by rail; requires DEP to request bridge inspection reports from US DOT. | In Committee |
| A1932 | Establishes New Jersey Student Educator Tuition Remission Program. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Student Educator Tuition Remission Program to reduce financial barriers to teacher certification. Under the bill, the program is to provide tuition remission, up to a student's full eligible tuition expenses, to students completing required clinical practice through a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing educator preparation program at a public institution of higher education. A student is eligible to receive tuition remission for a maximum of two academic semesters. To be eligible for tuition remission, an applicant is required to: be a United States citizen, permanent resident alien, or any student eligible to complete the New Jersey Alternative Financial Aid Application; be a resident of the State; be enrolled full time in an approved program of study; and complete the necessary steps to apply for clinical practice. The Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, in coordination with the Department of Education, may establish additional eligibility requirements and minimum qualifications for the program. Additionally, the authority, in coordination with the department, is to annually collect data on the program. Finally, the bill stipulates that a student's tuition remission be terminated and required to be repaid if a student: is dismissed from the program of study for academic or disciplinary reasons, is disqualified from employment by a school district due to the detection of criminal history record information under current law, or becomes ineligible to receive a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing for any other reason. The bill also stipulates that tuition remission is to be terminated if the student withdraws due to illness, but the student would not be required to repay the tuition remission. | In Committee |
| A1962 | Requires AG to address human trafficking in underserved communities. | This bill requires the Attorney General to address human trafficking in underserved communities. Under the bill, the Attorney General is required to allocate and utilize resources in the Department of Law and Public Safety to perform functions designed to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities related to human trafficking which are experienced by members of underserved communities, particularly girls and women of color. The bill provides that the functions to be performed include, but are not limited to: (1) coordinating with State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies to investigate cases related to human trafficking in underserved communities; (2) coordinating with relevant government entities, including, but not limited to the Victims of Crime Compensation Office and the Commission on Human Trafficking, and community-based organizations to create and administer programs to connect victims to appropriate and effective information and resources; and (3) collecting and maintaining data related to human trafficking cases and trends concerning members of underserved communities. | Dead |
| A2110 | Exempts 100 percent disabled veterans from payment of motor vehicle registration fees; requires notification of eligible motorists. | This bill exempts from motor vehicle registration fees one passenger motor vehicle owned by any resident who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States who is adjudicated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or its successor, as being permanently 100 percent disabled. The bill also requires the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, in consultation with the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, to notify all eligible motorists of the availability of the fee exemption. | In Committee |
| A1917 | Prohibits soliciting or phishing for personal identifying information. | This bill would prohibit a practice commonly referred to as "phishing." Under the bill, it would be a disorderly persons offense to solicit, request, or take any action to induce another person to provide personal identifying information for the purpose of identity theft. The bill uses the definition of "personal identifying information" currently used in the law pertaining to theft, including identity theft. This definition includes "any name, number or other information that may be used, alone or in conjunction with any other information, to identify a specific individual and includes, but is not limited to, the name, address, telephone number, date of birth, social security number, official State issued identification number, employer or taxpayer number, place of employment, employee identification number, demand deposit account number, savings account number, credit card number, mother's maiden name, unique biometric data, such as fingerprint, voice print, retina or iris image or other unique physical representation, or unique electronic identification number, address or routing code of the individual." A disorderly persons offense is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A1931 | "Consumer Legal Funding Act." | This bill regulates consumer legal funding providers. Consumer legal funding is a transaction in which a company purchases and a consumer sells to the company a contingent right to receive an amount of the potential proceeds of a settlement, judgment, award, or verdict obtained in the consumer's legal claim for the consumers household needs. Under current law, consumer legal funding providers are largely unregulated in New Jersey. The bill requires consumer legal funding contracts to: be completely filled in when presented to the consumer for signature; contain, in bold and boxed type, a right of rescission, allowing the consumer to cancel the contract without penalty or further obligation within five business days after the funding date under certain circumstances; contain the initials of the consumer on each page; and if applicable, require that the consumer legal funding contract be written in the consumer's native language. The bill requires consumer legal funding contracts to contain a written acknowledgment by the attorney retained by the consumer in the legal claim that attests to the following: (1) all proceeds of the legal claim will be disbursed via either the trust account or a settlement fund; (2) the attorney is following the written instructions of the consumer with regard to the consumer legal funding; and (3) the attorney has not and will not receive a referral fee or other consideration from the consumer legal funding company. The bill provides that if the written acknowledgment by the attorney is not complete, the contract is void. If the acknowledgement is completed, the contract will remain valid if the consumer terminates the initial attorney or retains a new attorney with respect to the legal claim. Under the bill, a consumer legal funding company shall not: (1) pay or offer to pay commissions, referral fees, or other forms of consideration for referring a consumer to the company; (2) accept any commissions, referral fees, rebates, or other forms of consideration for the referral of consumers; (3) intentionally advertise materially false or misleading information; (4) refer, in furtherance of an initial legal funding, a customer or potential customer to a specific attorney, law firm, medical provider, chiropractor, or physical therapist or any of their employees; provided, however, if a customer needs legal representation, the company may refer the customer to a local or State bar association referral service; (5) fail to promptly supply a copy of the executed contract to the attorney for the consumer; (6) provide funding to a consumer who has previously assigned or sold a portion of the consumer's right to proceeds under certain circumstances; (7) receive any right to or make any decisions with respect to the conduct of the underlying legal claim or any settlement or resolution thereof; (8) knowingly pay or offer to pay for court costs, filing fees, or attorney's fees either during or after the resolution of the legal claim, using funds from the consumer legal funding transaction. The consumer legal funding contract is required to include a provision informing the consumer that funding is not to be used to pay for court costs, filing fees, or attorney's fees during or after the resolution of the legal claim; (9) charge a fee in an amount greater than 40 percent of the funded amount in any 12-month period. The consumer legal funding contract is required to include a provision informing the consumer of the maximum dollar amount charged. In no event is the consumer legal funding company to charge the consumer above the maximum dollar amount specified under the contract; or (10) charge any additional administrative, origination, underwriting or other fees, except for a one time document preparation fee, which shall be no greater than $500. The bill requires a consumer legal funding company to require the contracted amount to be paid to the company to be set as a predetermined amount based upon intervals of time from the funding date through the resolution date, and not to be determined as a percentage of the recovery from the legal claim. The bill requires all consumer legal funding contracts to contain certain disclosures. The bill requires the front page of the contract to contain language specifying the funded amount to be paid to the consumer by the consumer legal funding company; an itemization of one time charges; the total amount to be assigned by the consumer to the company, including the funded amount and all charges; and a payment schedule. The contract must also contain disclosures on: the consumer's right to cancellation; how the company will be notified of a settlement; and the consumer only being required to pay in the event that there are proceeds from the legal claim. The bill provides that nothing in it shall restrict the exercise of powers or the performance of the duties of the Attorney General, which the Attorney General is authorized to exercise or perform by law. Under the bill, if a court of competent jurisdiction determines that a consumer legal funding company has intentionally violated the provisions of the bill with regard to a specific consumer legal funding, the consumer legal funding company shall only be entitled to recover the funded amount provided to the consumer in that specific consumer legal funding and shall not be entitled to any additional charges. The bill provides that the contingent right to receive an amount of the potential proceeds of a legal claim shall be assignable by a consumer. Under the bill, an attorney or law firm retained by the consumer in the legal claim may not have a financial interest in the consumer legal funding company offering consumer legal funding to that consumer. Additionally, no communication between the consumer's attorney in the legal claim and the consumer legal funding company as it pertains to the consumer legal funding shall limit, waive, or abrogate the scope or nature of any statutory or common-law privilege, including the work-product doctrine and the attorney-client privilege. The bill provides the existence of a consumer legal funding contract to be presumed to be discoverable in a civil action and allows an attorney, upon receipt of a written discovery request, 30 calendar days to disclose to the requesting party that a consumer has entered into a consumer legal funding transaction. The bill provides that unless a consumer legal funding company has first registered with the Department of Banking and Insurance, the company shall not engage in the business of consumer legal funding, and provides for certain criteria for registration, such as the payment of fees, maintenance of a bond, and investigation of the character and fitness of the applicant. | In Committee |
| A1933 | Appropriates $15,564,293 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses. | The bill appropriates $15,564,293 to the New Jersey Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects contained in the bill and associated administrative expenses. 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" implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund" was established by section 9 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." The funding contained in this bill will be used by the New Jersey Historic Trust to provide capital preservation grants for 37 projects, totaling $12,181,724 (listed in subsection b. of section 1 of the bill), and historic site management grants, including heritage tourism initiatives, for 35 projects, totaling $1,592,569 (listed in subsection c. of section 1 of the bill). In addition, of the funding, $25,000 will be used by the New Jersey Historic Trust for a special project initiative concerning heritage tourism and $100,000 will be used for emergency intervention. Lastly, the bill appropriates $1.665 million to the New Jersey Historic Trust for administrative expenses incurred in the implementation of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." Capital preservation grants fund the restoration, preservation, repair, and rehabilitation of historic sites for new or continued use by nonprofit organizations or local governments. There are three levels of capital preservation grants: Level I grants of $5,000 to $150,000; Level II grants of $150,001 to $750,000; and Multi-Phase Level II grants range of $500,000 to $750,000. Historic site management grants help fund preservation planning projects, such as condition assessments, historic structure reports, archaeological investigations, construction documents, and heritage tourism initiatives to improve visitors' experiences at historic sites. All of the grants require a match from the recipient. All of the properties are listed or eligible to be listed in the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, either individually or within designated historic districts. The "Preserve New Jersey Act" authorizes the use of monies in the "Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund" for emergency intervention and defines "emergency intervention" as an immediate assessment or capital improvement necessary to protect or stabilize the structural integrity of a historic property. The projects listed in this bill have been approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Garden State Preservation Trust. The bill also provides that any transfer of any funds to another project, or change in project sponsor, site, or type, listed in the bill would require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. The bill further provides that, to the extent there are funds remaining after the projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the New Jersey Historic Trust, with the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, may use those funds to provide additional funding for historic preservation projects, provided those projects were previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws or approved for funding pursuant to this bill. | Dead |
| A1095 | Provides one-third of motor vehicle fine moneys generated through State Police issued tickets go to municipality where violation occurred. | This bill revises the way motor vehicle fines collected for tickets issued by the State Police are distributed. Under current law, all funds collected from motor vehicle fines, penalties, and forfeitures that are generated through tickets written by the State Police are paid to the State Treasurer and available for general State purposes. This bill revises that distribution to provide two-thirds of the funds would be paid to the State and the remaining one-third would be paid to the municipality in which the violation occurred. The bill authorizes the recipient municipalities to use the funds to defray the cost of operating their municipal courts. | In Committee |
| A1934 | Reduces statute of limitations from six years to two years in medical fee disputes in workers' compensation matters. | This bill provides that the statute of limitations for a medical fee dispute in a workers' compensation matter will be two years from the date that a payment or notice of denial of payment was received by a claimant. The current statute of limitations for these matters, as interpreted by State courts, is six years from the date that a payment or notice of denial of payment was received by a claimant. | In Committee |
| A1910 | Prohibits unfair discrimination in issuing or rating life insurance policies based on transgender status or certain gender identity information. | This bill amends the law concerning unfair discrimination in the issuance, extension or renewal of life insurance policies or in the fixing of the rates, terms, or conditions of a life insurance policy, to prohibit such discrimination against individuals based on: (1) an individual's transgender status, including a diagnosis of gender dysphoria and any related medical treatments; or (2) any apparent incongruence between the individual's gender identity and the individual's sex assigned at birth, or the gender designated in the individual's insurance application or records or other identification documents. | In Committee |
| A1916 | Provides for process to vacate and expunge certain arrests, charges, complaints, convictions, other dispositions, and DNA records, associated with violations by certain human trafficking victims. | This bill would provide a process for a person to vacate and expunge, as applicable, all arrests, charges, complaints, convictions, or other dispositions, as well as DNA records, for violations of law committed by the person as a result of the person's status as a victim of human trafficking, and which violations were committed as a result of a trafficking scheme or other course of conduct that resulted in the person's victimization or done at the direction of an organizer, supervisor, financier, or manager of that scheme or other course of conduct, with limited exceptions. The process would not be available to a person convicted of murder pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-3, manslaughter pursuant to N.J.S.2C:11-4, kidnapping pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-1, luring or enticing a child pursuant to N.J.S.2C:13-6, or sexual assault pursuant to 2C:14-2. Under current law, a victim can make an application to the Superior Court for an order to vacate and expunge convictions and related records only for violations of N.J.S.2C:34-1, prostitution and related offenses, or section 3 of P.L.1997, c.93 (C.2C:34-1.1), loitering for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, or a similar local ordinance. The bill would remove this limitation on qualifying convictions and instead provide that nearly all convictions and other dispositions for violations of law committed under the conditions of victimization as described above may be vacated and expunged, as applicable. Additionally, the victim could also seek, in a separate application to be considered in conjunction with the general vacating and expungement application, an order to expunge the person's DNA record and other identifiable information from the State DNA Database. Under the bill, a general vacating and expungement application would be made to the Superior Court in the county in which the most recent disposition was adjudged, and could include any other prior disposition which the person is seeking to be vacated, regardless of where that prior disposition occurred. The application, and all associated supporting documents filed therewith, would remain under seal and kept confidential, and would not be disseminated or disclosed except to the following parties, who would be noticed with copies of the filing and provided an opportunity to object: the Attorney General; the county prosecutor of the county wherein the court is located; the Superintendent of State Police; the chief of police or other executive head of the police department of the municipality wherein each offense or other violation of law was committed or alleged to have been committed; the chief law enforcement officer of any other law enforcement agency of this State that participated in the arrest of the person; the superintendent or warden of any institution in which the person was confined; and, if a disposition was made in municipal court, upon the judge of that court. These parties would also have a duty to keep the application and supporting documents confidential. However, when one or more convictions sought to be vacated involved a crime of the first or second degree, any victims of such crimes would also be given an opportunity to submit a written statement about the impact of the particular crime to the court. The county prosecutor that was provided a copy of the application would be responsible for making a good faith effort to notify any victim, but would have the discretion to waive the victim notification when the victim was the trafficker or the notification could endanger the petitioner. The bill provides that unless one of the above noticed law enforcement or judicial parties filed an objection to the application and requested a hearing within 60 days of the date of receipt of the application, the application would be deemed unopposed and the court could grant the relief sought. If the person seeking relief was required to make a court appearance concerning the application, the court would be required, consistent with the Rules of Court, to permit the person to enter an appearance by telephone, video link as approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts, or other approved means of audio or audio and visual communication, unless there was a compelling reason to so deny. If the Superior Court found by a preponderance of the evidence that a person was a victim of human trafficking, and that the offense or other violations of law to be vacated was a result of the person having been a victim of human trafficking, then the court may vacate the conviction or other disposition for each such offense or other violation of law. Concerning any expungement request with the application, the court order would require that any court, and any law enforcement and correctional agency which received a copy of the application expunge all references to the victim's arrest, charge, complaint, conviction, or other disposition and any related proceedings from records relating to each vacated conviction or other disposition. If the court also entered, pursuant to the separate but simultaneously considered application concerning DNA information, any order to expunge the person's DNA record and other identifiable information from the State DNA Database, such order would require the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety to purge the information in accordance with section 9 of P.L.1994, c.136 (C.53:1-20.25). | In Committee |
| A953 | Establishes standards for domestic violence counseling and creates "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." | This bill sets forth certain requirements governing court ordered domestic violence counseling and creates the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee" within the Department of Children and Families. Under current law, as part of a final restraining order issued by the court in a domestic violence matter, the court may order the defendant to receive professional domestic violence counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court and, in that event, require the defendant to provide the court with documentation of attendance. Under the bill, any domestic violence counseling program in which a defendant participates based on a court order issued in a domestic violence matter would include the following components: (1) risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence and escalating risk factors, and include information provided by the courts; (2) working collaboratively with the courts to support offender accountability, requiring that offenders be held accountable for their behavior, and that offenders are provided with services geared towards behavioral change; (3) information and education concerning the tactics of power and control and the understanding of domestic violence as a domination and control issue; (4) a protocol to demonstrate the defendant's attendance in programming, and additional reporting as requested by the court to support a prompt and effective review by the court for noncompliance; and (5) regular reviews of the program and compliance by the New Jersey Advisory Council on Domestic Violence or the Department of Children and Families for Batterers' Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Children and Families. The bill creates within the Department of Children and Families, the "Abuse Intervention Program Advisory Committee." The advisory committee is to include representatives from the following: Administrative Office of the Courts, including representatives of the Municipal Court and the Family and Criminal Divisions of Superior Court; Department of Corrections; Department of Human Services, Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Department of Law and Public Safety; Department of Education; domestic violence advocates who represent underserved communities in rural and urban settings; practicing licensed mental health professional; community providers with experience providing treatment to domestic violence perpetrators; a person who has received abuse intervention services; community organizers providing restorative justice practices; and faith community leaders. In consultation with the committee, the Department of Children and Families would select an existing evidence-based, evidence-supported or promising Batterers' Intervention Program model. Based on strategic priorities and subject to the availability of funds, the Department of Children and Families is responsible for funding the selected abuse intervention programs. The Department of Children and Families is to access consultation and technical assistance from selected model developers or other field experts; support the development, refinement, and maintenance of the necessary implementation infrastructure including, but not limited to, model refinement, training, quality improvement, and evaluation; and provide periodic progress updates to the committee on the selected Batterers' Intervention Program model. The domestic violence counseling provisions of this bill embody recommendation 18 of the Report of the Supreme Court Ad Hoc Committee on Domestic Violence issued June 2016. | In Committee |
| A1922 | Prohibits development over 35 feet in height in Hudson River Palisades viewshed. | This bill would prohibit any development that exceeds 35 feet in height in the Hudson River Palisades viewshed. The beauty of the Hudson River Palisades has been threatened by the approval of a high-rise development at the top of the cliffs. The scenic, iconic, and unspoiled views of the lower Hudson River have been protected for over 100 years, and height limits on building above the tree line have been respected until now. This bill would prevent such development from marring the natural beauty of this previously unspoiled ridgeline. The bill would apply retroactively to any development for which the foundation has not been completed by May 1, 2014. | In Committee |
| A595 | Prohibits disclosure of personal information pertaining to certain health care workers who are victims of assault; establishes civil penalty for each violation. | This bill prohibits the disclosure of personal information pertaining to certain health care workers who are assaulted by a patient or resident of a health care facility to prevent further violence, threats or intimidation against the victim. Specifically, the bill prohibits the disclosure of the name and address of a victim of an alleged simple assault, aggravated assault, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault on a report, statement, court document, indictment, or complaint which is provided to the public if the actor is a patient or resident at a health care facility and the victim is: 1) a health care worker employed by a licensed health care facility to provide direct patient care; 2) a health care professional licensed or otherwise authorized pursuant to Title 26 or Title 45 of the Revised Statutes to practice a health care profession; or 3) a direct care worker at a State or county psychiatric hospital or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home. The bill requires this information to be omitted or redacted from the document. The bill also requires that any report, statement, court document, indictment, or complaint which states the name or address of a victim be kept confidential and unavailable to the public, unless authorized pursuant to a court order. Any person who purposefully discloses, releases, or otherwise makes available to the public, without authorization, any of these documents would be subject to a civil penalty of $100 for each document disclosed in violation of the bill. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor, health care and social service workers experience the highest rates of injuries caused by workplace violence and are five times as likely to suffer a workplace violence injury than workers overall. In 2018, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S. Department of Labor reported that healthcare workers accounted for 73 percent of the more than 18,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses due to violence. | In Committee |
| A1629 | Revises membership of New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | This bill revises the membership of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Currently, the board requires one licensed teacher who has engages in teaching at a licensed school of beauty culture or cosmetology and hairstyling in New Jersey to be appointed. Under the bill, two individuals representing public school vocational programs are to be appointed to the board. Two individuals representing private licensed schools of cosmetology and hairstyling are also to be appointed. Additionally, the bill modifies the number of public members on the board. Currently, three public members are appointed. The bill adjusts this to two members who are to represent the interests of the public. Moreover, the bill modifies the type of professional that is to be appointed to the board. Instead of allotting six slots for cosmetologist-hairstylists, beauticians, and barbers, those same slots are to be filled by individuals licensed in any of the professions for which the board issues a license. With the revisions, total board membership is expanded from 13 to 15 individuals. | In Committee |
| A1904 | Requires modernization of all State blanks, forms, documents, and applications to incorporate new standards for collection of information about sex, gender, and sexual orientation. | This bill would require all blanks, forms, documents, and applications furnished to the public for official business by every State department, commission, committee, council, or agency to be modernized to incorporate new standards for the collection of information about an individual's sex, gender, and sexual orientation. The bill would provide, in particular, that: 1) information about an individual's sex, gender, or sexual orientation may only be collected when such information is vitally necessary for the health and wellbeing of the individuals seeking the service; 2) the collection of information about an individual's sex, gender, or sexual orientation for the purposes of statistical research or study is to be optional, and is to be clearly marked as such on each blank, form, document, or application, in order to inform each individual filer that services will not be withheld in the case that the filer chooses not to provide such information; 3) any questions relating to sex, gender, or sexual orientation are to be posed in a manner that is sensitive to the individual, and that does not infringe upon or threaten the individual's mental and physical wellbeing; are to allow for non-binary designations; and are to be consistent with relevant best practices, as recognized by Garden State Equality and other relevant organizations that engage in advocacy on behalf of the State's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning (LGBTQ) communities; and 4) the authority to grant or refuse the disclosure of information about an individual's sex, gender, or sexual orientation is to remain with the individual, or with the individual's parent or guardian, if the individual is a minor under the age of 18, and no third party actor, including, but not limited to, a health care provider or a State employee or partner, will have the ability to grant or refuse the disclosure of such information. The bill would further provide that, in cases where the State is required by a federal agency or other federal initiative to collect and report information related to a person's sex, gender, or sexual orientation, the State department, commission, committee, council, or agency responsible for collecting and reporting that information will be required to include, within its program rules, documentation verifying the applicable federal requirements before it will be authorized to include any questions related to sex, gender, or sexual orientation on the forms, blanks, documents, or applications that it uses to comply with those federal requirements. Most, if not all, State blanks, forms, documents, and applications currently use outmoded means of collecting information about sex and gender. Specifically, they often conflate the meanings of sex and gender, unnecessarily require the collection of information related to sex, gender, and sexual orientation, and do not allow individuals who exist outside of the historical male/female binary system to accurately document their gender identity and biological sex. This is inconsistent with recent changes made to New Jersey birth certificates, which now allow for documentation of biological sex outside of a historical male/female binary system. By requiring all State forms and other documents to reflect a more modernized methodology for the collection of information on sex, gender, and sexual orientation, the State can better prevent unnecessary psychological harm and medical risk to New Jersey's transgender, transsexual, and intersexual communities. | In Committee |
| A668 | Requires Commissioner of Education to develop educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education in consultation with water safety organizations such as the American Red Cross, the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, or other similar organizations to develop an educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools. The commissioner would also be required to utilize any resources produced by water safety organizations in creating the fact sheet. The fact sheet would include information on: · how parents and guardians can reduce their child's risk of injury or drowning while in, on, and around bodies of water;· the important role water safety education courses and swimming lessons play in saving lives; and· locations in each county of the State where age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons are offered, including courses and lessons that are offered for free or at reduced prices. A school district would distribute the fact sheet to parents and guardians who initially enroll their child in school in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Education. The Commissioner of Education would also be required to make the educational fact sheet available to nonpublic schools which would be encouraged, but not required, to distribute the fact sheet to parents and guardians who initially enroll their child in the school. | In Committee |
| A1919 | Allows voters to submit application to vote by mail using electronic mail-in ballot application form through website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election. | The bill allows voters to submit an application to vote by mail using an electronic mail-in ballot application form through a website maintained by the Secretary of State up to seven days before election. Under the bill, in addition to offering paper mail-in ballot applications, the Secretary of State must provide mail-in ballot applications electronically through a secure website maintained by the secretary. The bill provides that if an applicant submits an electronic mail-in ballot application, the application would be signed by the applicant using the applicant's electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System and electronically submitted to the appropriate county clerk. The bill provides that the electronic mail-in ballot application form must contain substantively the same information that is contained on a paper mail-in ballot application. The bill also provides that if a voter opted to receive mail-in ballots in all future elections, a voter may stop receiving such mail-in ballots if the voter submits a mail-in ballot application form without selecting the option to vote by mail in all future elections. | In Committee |
| A557 | Requires State agencies update demographic data collection methods on Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian and Indian Diaspora residents of this State. | This bill requires State agencies to update demographic data collection methods on Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian and Indian Diaspora residents of New Jersey. Asian-Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI), Middle Easterners and North Africans (MENA), and South Asian and Indian Diaspora peoples are significant and important communities in New Jersey. Nearly one million Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders reside in the State. The number of residents who would classify as Middle Eastern and North African or as South Asian and Indian Diaspora peoples cannot be determined under current data collection methods. Since 2000, the United States Census Bureau has separated the broader AANHPI label into two distinct categories labeled "Asian" and "Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders." The Census Bureau currently reports data for more than 20 different ethnicities within these two categories. Middle Eastern and North African and South Asian and Indian Diaspora categories do not currently exist. There is speculation that the 2030 United State Census may include a category for Middle Eastern and North African. This bill requires each State agency that directly or by contract collects demographic data as to the ancestry or ethnic origin of residents of the State of New Jersey to use separate collection categories and tabulations for these groups. The groups would be broken down by the following categories: (1) each major Asian group; (2) each major Pacific Islander group, including Native Hawaiian; (3) each major Middle Eastern and North African group; (4) each major South Asian and Indian Diaspora group; and (5) other Asian or Pacific Islander group. This bill also requires each State agency collecting demographic data to use separate collection categories and tabulations for: (1) the primary language spoken at home; and (2) the ethnic group or ancestry. The data collected would be included in every demographic report on ancestry or ethnic origins of residents of the State of New Jersey. The data would be made public, except for personal identifying information, by posting the data on the internet website of the State agency. | Dead |
| A2184 | Requires registration of data brokers and prohibits brokering of certain health records. | This bill requires data brokers to register with the Division of Consumer Affairs ("the division") in the Department of Law and Public Safety and prohibits the brokering of physical or behavioral health records. Data brokers are businesses that collect and sell or license to third parties the personal identifying information of an individual with whom the business does not have a direct relationship. As used in the bill, "personal identifying information" means one or more computerized data elements about an individual that are categorized or organized for dissemination to third parties and that, alone or in combination with other information sold or licensed, would allow a reasonable person to identify the individual with reasonable certainty. Specifically, the bill requires the division to establish and maintain a public registry of data brokers doing business in New Jersey. Data brokers are required to register with the division, pay an annual registration fee of $100, and provide the division with certain information about the data broker's business as described in the bill. Collected registration fees will be used to implement the provisions of the bill. Under the bill, the information that data brokers are required to submit to the division at the time of registration includes: (1) the data broker's name and primary physical, email, and Internet addresses; (2) the data broker's policies for opting out of the data broker's collection practices; (3) whether the data broker uses a credentialing process for purchasers of data and, if applicable, a general explanation of that process; (4) a history of data breaches and other cybersecurity events affecting the data broker, including the number of individuals affected by each such data breach or cybersecurity event; (5) a separate statement detailing the data collection practices, databases, sales activities, and opt-out methods that are applicable to the personal identifying information of persons under the age of 18 and whether the data broker has actual knowledge that it possesses the personal identifying information of persons under the age of 18; and (6) any other information the division deems appropriate. Data brokers are required to update this information annually or at such other intervals as the division requires. Using the information submitted by data brokers, the division is to include in the registry, at minimum, each data broker's name and physical address, a general email address that may be used to request information about the data broker's privacy policies and data collection practices, a general Internet website address for the data broker, an Internet website address specific to the data broker's privacy policies, and any relevant opt-out information. The division is required to review and update this information at least annually. Data brokers that fail to submit and update information as required under the bill, or that fail to register and pay the registration fee required under the bill, will be liable for a civil penalty of $50 for each day the data broker is not in compliance. A business will not be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if the collection and sale or licensing of personal identifying information is incidental to one or more of the following activities conducted by the business: (1) developing or maintaining a third-party e-commerce or application platform; (2) providing 411 directory assistance or directory information services on behalf of or as a function of a telecommunications carrier; (3) providing publicly available information related to an individual's business or profession; or (4) providing publicly available information via real-time or near real-time alert services for health or safety purposes. A business that engages in these activities will still be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if the business collects and sells or licenses personal identifying information in any way that is not incidental to one or more of those activities. Additionally, a business will not be considered a data broker for the purposes of the bill if it is a financial institution or an affiliate of a financial institution subject to Title V of the federal "Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act," and the rules or regulations issued under its authority. The bill provides that in no case may a data broker sell, offer for sale, license, or otherwise furnish, provide, or transmit to any other individual or entity any physical or behavioral health record pertaining to an individual, including records describing physical or behavioral health care provided to an individual and records that otherwise identify an individual as having a physical or behavioral health condition or as receiving care or treatment for a physical or behavioral health condition. A data broker that violates this prohibition will be liable to a civil penalty of $1,000 for each physical or behavioral health record sold, offered for sale, licensed, or otherwise furnished, provided, or transmitted in violation of this prohibition. | In Committee |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A775 | "Fairness in Women's Sport Act." | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2090 | Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3099 | Establishes option for students nearing completion of program in chiropractic medicine to participate in preceptorship provided by State-licensed chiropractor. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3007 | Increases maximum age for pediatric long-term care facility residents to 26. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3035 | Prohibits certain vehicles from parking in electric vehicle charging spaces under certain circumstances. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1675 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2998 | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2390 | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2390 | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A551 | Permits certain consumers up to five business days to cancel home improvement contracts and up to three days to cancel certain consumer goods contracts. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2335 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| AJR128 | Designates August of each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3742 | Requires Secretary of Agriculture to establish Farm to School Local Food Procurement Reimbursement Grant Program to reimburse school districts for costs expended in sourcing and procuring local foods for students; appropriates $4,500,000. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2788 | Appropriates $128.241 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3974 | Prohibits use of deceptive marketing practices by substance use disorder treatment providers. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3979 | Requires certain providers of substance or alcohol use disorder treatment, services, or supports to be assessed for conflicts of interest prior to receiving State funds, licensure, or certification. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3973 | Revises law concerning patient referrals to substance use disorder treatment facilities, recovery residences, and clinical laboratories. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4085 | Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3052 | Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3041 | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4182 | Concerns conditions of employment of certain cannabis workers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3132 | Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4215 | Directs BPU to adopt rules and regulations concerning small modular nuclear reactors; authorizes EDA to incentivize construction and operation of such reactors. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4248 | Requires certain documentation as proof of voter identity to vote; updates procedures for challenging voters regarding proof of identity. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4295 | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4302 | Amends current child labor laws to protect minor working as vlogger in certain circumstances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4479 | Requires social media platforms to cooperate with nonprofit organization initiatives to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4521 | Concerns provision of services to defendants on pretrial release. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4544 | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3418 | Authorizes certain types of permanent structures, recently constructed or erected on preserved farmland, to be used, in certain cases, for purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4577 | Requires State departments and Office of Technology to provide reports on proposed technology upgrades. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4636 | Requires that notice concerning gift card fraud be posted by retail mercantile establishments that sell gift cards to consumers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4643 | Creates penalty for child endangerment via use of social media. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4651 | Establishes penalties for certain conduct related to public brawl and disorderly conduct. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4714 | Broadens riot; enhances penalties for certain crimes committed during riot; creates new crimes of mob intimidation and cyber-intimidation by publication; establishes duty in municipality to permit law enforcement to respond appropriately. | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4765 | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4818 | Reduces and clarifies requirements for municipal tourist development commission disbursements for advertising. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3663 | Establishes reproductive health travel advisory. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3773 | Concerns requirements to report separations from employment under employee leasing agreements. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5000 | Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5004 | Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5077 | Extends statutory pause on collection of student growth objective data. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3910 | Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3944 | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5146 | Removes exception to civil service working test period for political subdivision employees. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3982 | Requires certain information be provided to parent at least two business days prior to annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting; establishes IEP Improvement Working Group in DOE. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3992 | Modifies capital reserve funding requirements for certain planned real estate developments. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5213 | Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5199 | Requires resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who are eligible for coverage in SHBP, to be eligible to enroll and receive health insurance on first day of employment. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5195 | Requires producer of certain firefighting equipment containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to provide written notice to purchaser; prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain firefighting equipment containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5260 | Prohibits sale, manufacture, and distribution of certain apparel containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5277 | Establishes public awareness campaign and call center for certain property tax relief programs; requires submission of annual report by Stay NJ Task Force. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5278 | Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR154 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5362 | Prohibits casino licensees from using non-wagering casino games to solicit future gaming. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5378 | Modifies provisions of Cultural Arts Incentives Program, New Jersey Aspire Program, and Grow New Jersey Program; eliminates Community-Anchored Development Program. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5383 | Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5420 | Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5421 | Requires development of online tax training for small and micro-businesses. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5422 | Allows businesses to receive information via email concerning new regulations and economic incentives that affect business. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| AR180 | Urges DEP, Pinelands Commission, and Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council to engage in alternative forest management practices during periods of drought when prescribed burning is unsafe. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5462 | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5517 | Directs BPU to study feasibility of developing advanced reactors Statewide. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5533 | Establishes requirements for receipt and purchase of scrap metals containing lithium-ion or propulsion batteries. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| Committee | Position | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail | New Jersey Assembly Ballot Design Select Committee | 8 | |
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly Budget Committee | Vice Chair | 2 |
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture Committee | 9 | |
| Detail | New Jersey General Assembly Judiciary Committee | Chair | 1 |
| Detail | New Jersey Joint Law Revision Commission | 1 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Assembly District 37 | Assembly | Democrat | In Office | 01/11/2022 |