Legislator
Legislator > Rosaura Bagolie
State Assemblymember
Rosaura Bagolie
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Assembly District 27
In Office - Started: 01/09/2024
contact info
Livingston Office
651 Old Mount Pleasant Ave.
Livingston, NJ 07039
Livingston, NJ 07039
Phone: 973-535-5017
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| S4476 | Permits awarding of contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution of board of education; extends maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. | This bill exempts certain contracts awarded for preschool education services from public advertising and bidding and permits the contracts to be awarded by a resolution of the board of education. The bill also extends the maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. Under current law, certain contracts under the Public School Contracts Law may be awarded by a resolution of the board of education without public advertising and bidding. The bill permits contracts for preschool education services provided by a licensed childcare provider or Head Start program and supported by preschool education aid to be awarded by a resolution of the board of education without public advertising and bidding. The Public School Contracts Law also limits awarded contracts to no more than 24 consecutive months unless otherwise authorized for a longer term. This bill permits contracts for preschool education services provided by a licensed childcare provider or Head Start program and supported by preschool education aid to be awarded for a period not to exceed three years. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4113 | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Prohibits sports wagering partnerships at public institutions of higher education. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5466 | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Requires BPU to study effects of data centers on electricity costs. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1439 | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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. | This bill requires that enrollment for health care coverage under the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) for eligible resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, including University Hospital, and their dependents, be available on the first day of employment for new hires, and on the bill's effective date for such current employees. Delays in health care coverage and access to life-saving medicine can be dangerous and cause debilitating health care debt during emergencies. In 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Governor signed Executive Order 172 allowing public employees to immediately enroll in the SHBP. However, the ability to immediately enroll was eliminated when the Governor later signed Executive Order 244 in 2021, which ended the public health emergency. This bill provides for immediate enrollment for eligible resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, including University Hospital, and their dependents. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Passed |
| 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 |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Passed |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Passed |
| S2335 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Passed |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Passed |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Passed |
| 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. | Permits certain consumers up to five business days to cancel home improvement contracts and up to three days to cancel certain consumer goods contracts. | Crossed Over |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | This bill amends the definition of compensation for purposes of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) to include additional pay for performing extracurricular duties beyond the regular school day or the regular school year. This additional pay is currently not included in the definition of compensation for pension purposes. Extracurricular duties include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities. | Passed |
| A5803 | Modifies tax on certain forms of online gaming and wagering. | This bill increases the Internet casino gaming tax, the Internet sports wagering tax, and the daily fantasy sports operating fee from 15, 13, and 10.5 percent, respectively, to 19.75 percent. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5780 | Permits awarding of contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution of board of education; extends maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. | This bill exempts certain contracts awarded for preschool education services from public advertising and bidding and permits the contracts to be awarded by a resolution of the board of education. The bill also extends the maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. Under current law, certain contracts under the Public School Contracts Law may be awarded by a resolution of the board of education without public advertising and bidding. The bill permits contracts for preschool education services provided by a licensed childcare provider or Head Start program and supported by preschool education aid to be awarded by a resolution of the board of education without public advertising and bidding. The Public School Contracts Law also limits awarded contracts to no more than 24 consecutive months unless otherwise authorized for a longer term. This bill permits contracts for preschool education services provided by a licensed childcare provider or Head Start program and supported by preschool education aid to be awarded for a period not to exceed three years. | In Committee |
| 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. | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Passed |
| A5779 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | 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 |
| A5000 | Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. | Requires Medicaid coverage for fertility preservation services in cases of iatrogenic infertility caused by medically necessary treatments. | Crossed Over |
| A5847 | Extends deadline for completion of school district's annual audit for 2024-2025 school year. | This bill extends the deadline for the completion of a school district's annual audit for the 2024-2025 school year. Under current law, the board of education of every school district is required to complete an annual audit of the school district's accounts and financial transaction completed no later than five months after the end of the school year. The school district's accountant is required to file a report of the annual audit with the board of education, and within five days thereafter, the Commissioner of Education. This bill extends each of these deadlines for the 2024-2025 school year. The provisions of P.L.2023, c.305 similarly extended the deadline for the completion of a school district's annual audit for the 2022-2023 and the 2023-2024 school years. | 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 |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5383 | Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility. | Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility. | Crossed Over |
| A5125 | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | In Committee |
| A4295 | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Establishes New Jersey-India Commission. | Crossed Over |
| A5810 | Promotes equity in health insurance appeal process. | This bill eliminates fees for appeals against health insurance carriers pursuant to the Independent Health Care Appeals Program. This bill is in response to the Governor's Fiscal Year 2026 budget recommendations to enact legislation to permanently eliminate fees for consumer appeals against insurance carriers that deny, reduce, or terminate benefits. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Passed |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Passed |
| A4479 | Requires social media platforms to cooperate with nonprofit organization initiatives to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos. | Requires social media platforms to cooperate with nonprofit organization initiatives to remove nonconsensual intimate images or videos. | Crossed Over |
| A5792 | Provides for workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health related communications are confidential. | Provides for workers' compensation coverage of certain counseling services for first responders and provides that certain mental health related communications are confidential. | Passed |
| A5592 | Establishes licensure requirement for source plasma donation centers. | This bill would require source plasma donation centers to apply annually for a license from the Department of Health (department) in order to operate within the State. The Commissioner of Health (commissioner) would establish a process by which persons operating a source plasma donation center would apply for licensure. The commissioner would establish the initial licensure fee, as well as the fee for renewal, except that the initial licensure fee for a person who has been operating a source plasma donation center prior to the effective date of this bill would be set at $25. The income received from the licensure and renewal fees would be appropriated to the department. The commissioner, to promote the safety and best practices among source plasma donation centers, would promulgate rules and regulations governing the donations of source plasma. The commissioner would also have enforcement powers, including the power to enter and inspect any source plasma donation center to investigate the premises and the books and records. The commissioner would also have the power to suspend, revoke, and refuse to grant a license. Before any such action can be taken, the commissioner must provide notice and an opportunity to be heard to the applicant or licensee, at a time and place as specified in the notice. However, if the commissioner believes that a violation has occurred that is dangerous to the public health, the commissioner may suspend the donation center's license without notice until the correction is completed. If the licensee denies the existence or occurrence of the condition, the licensee would be able to request a hearing and a decision would be rendered within 48 hours of the receipt for the request for a hearing. If the commissioner rules against the licensee, the licensee could then apply for injunctive relief against the commissioner's order. Jurisdiction for the injunctive relief would be in the Superior Court of New Jersey. Any person who violates the provisions of this act or an order of the commissioner issued pursuant to this bill would be liable to a penalty of not less than $100 but not more than $1,000 for the first offense. For the second and each succeeding offense, a penalty of not less than $500 but not more than $5,000, to be established by the commissioner. The penalties are to be enforced pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, .c274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). | Crossed Over |
| A5595 | Permits individuals to establish voluntary nonopioid directives. | Permits individuals to establish voluntary nonopioid directives. | Crossed Over |
| A4029 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A4124 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| A5075 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | In Committee |
| A4380 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | In Committee |
| A2390 | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Requires municipalities in compliance with affordable housing obligations be provided priority consideration for certain State grants and assistance. | Passed |
| A3974 | Prohibits use of deceptive marketing practices by substance use disorder treatment providers. | Prohibits use of deceptive marketing practices by substance use disorder treatment providers. | Passed |
| A3871 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history and contributions of Latino and Hispanic Americans as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | Requires school districts to provide instruction on history of Latinos and Hispanics as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards. | In Committee |
| A1675 | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Extends membership in TPAF to 10 years after discontinuance of service and to 15 years for those who were laid off or had 10 or more years of continuous service upon voluntary termination. | Passed |
| A4331 | Establishes licensure for cosmetic retail services. | Establishes licensure for cosmetic retail services. | Passed |
| A5077 | Extends statutory pause on collection of student growth objective data. | Extends statutory pause on collection of student growth objective data. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5278 | Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments. | Establishes "New Jersey Menopause Coverage Act"; requires health insurance coverage of medically necessary perimenopause and menopause treatments. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A4976 | Establishes crime of reckless discharge of firearm. | Establishes crime of reckless discharge of firearm. | 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 |
| A4974 | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of machine gun conversion devices. | Establishes criminal penalties for sale and possession of a machine gun conversion device. | Crossed Over |
| A4981 | Permits court to take additional time to consider pretrial release or pretrial detention when firearm offense is involved. | Permits court to take additional time to consider pretrial release or pretrial detention when firearm offense is involved. | Crossed Over |
| A5865 | Appropriates $3,750,990 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill would appropriate $3,750,990 to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation purposes. Specifically, the bill would appropriate funds for grants to one qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, for projects at eight farms. The grants provided by the bill are for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of development easements on farmland for farmland preservation purposes, or up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland for resale or lease with agricultural deed restrictions approved by the SADC. 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." Of the total appropriated, $3,561,350 is made available due to the reallocation of previously appropriated monies. Of the total appropriated, $591,700 is to be utilized to provide grants to one qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, for projects at three farms that were previously funded in fiscal year 2024. The allocations and projects listed in this bill have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. | In Committee |
| A2414 | Establishes "New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission" to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs. | Establishes "New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission" to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs. | 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 |
| A4748 | Extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | This bill extends accidental death benefits for survivors of certain State Police Retirement System (SPRS) retirees. Under current law, the surviving spouse or child of a retired member of the SPRS who died on or before July 8, 2019 and had been receiving an accidental disability retirement allowance is permitted to apply to receive accidental death benefits if the retired member had a qualifying condition or impairment of health due to World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill removes the limitation that only a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS retiree who died before July 8, 2019 is eligible, so that the provisions will apply regardless of when the SPRS retiree died. In addition, this bill establishes eligibility for a surviving spouse or child of a qualifying SPRS member who had been receiving an ordinary disability retirement, a special retirement, or a service retirement. This bill prohibits a written and sworn statement from being required when applying for the accidental death benefits. Under current law, a spouse or child is only eligible for accidental death benefits if the member's or retiree's death was the result of a qualifying condition or impairment of health which the medical board determines to be caused by participation in World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations. This bill also allows the World Trade Center Health Program to make this determination. Under current law, the spouse of a deceased retired member who is receiving a pension due to the death of that member on or before July 8, 2019 is eligible to apply to the board of trustees and, upon approval of the application by the board, will receive the accidental death benefits if the surviving spouse submits sufficient documentation that the deceased retiree would have qualified for a retirement. This bill also allows the spouse to apply if the member did qualify for retirement or if the member previously filed the required written and sworn statement. This bill requires notification to SPRS surviving spouses and children of the changes made by the bill by certified mail within 60 days after the bill's effective date. Under current law, a surviving spouse, former surviving spouse, or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, must submit an application not later than two years after the effective date of the law. This bill allows survivors to submit an application not later than two years after the date of the member or retiree's death, or two years after the effective date of this bill, whichever is later. Under current law, a surviving spouse or former surviving spouse or surviving child, or any legal guardian of the surviving child, is prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the effective date of the law. This bill also provides that these survivors are prohibited from being granted a retroactive payment based upon the difference between the benefit the person would have received if the benefit had been applicable on the date of death of the retiree and the benefit that the person has received from that date of death to the date of the application approval if the date of approval is later than the effective date of the law. | 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 |
| A4652 | Establishes offense of inciting public brawl; upgrades penalty for disorderly conduct in certain circumstances. | An Act concerning public brawls and disorderly conduct and amending N.J.S.2C:33-1 and N.J.S.2C:33-2. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3008 | Requires certain health care facilities to offer lactation counseling and consultations to persons who have given birth. | Requires certain health care facilities to offer lactation counseling and consultations to persons who have given birth. | Crossed Over |
| A4618 | Requires official inspection facility employees covered by collective bargaining agreement to be offered employment following contract renewal or award of new contract; requires collective bargaining agreement to be binding in certain cases. | Requires official inspection facility employees covered by collective bargaining agreement to be offered employment following contract renewal or award of new contract; requires collective bargaining agreement to be binding in certain cases. | Crossed Over |
| A5211 | Establishes New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative Act, which codifies the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development's New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative. Under the bill, the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development is required to operate a New Jersey Pathways to Career Opportunities Initiative, the purpose of which is to provide students, workers, and job seekers with career pathways they need to pursue promising new careers and opportunities; to strengthen career pathways partnerships between county colleges and employers, primary and secondary schools, vocational technical high schools, four-year institutions of higher education, unions, and community based organizations; and to ensure that employers have access to a highly skilled workforce to meet critical labor market needs. The bill permits the New Jersey Community College Consortium for Workforce and Economic Development to establish Centers of Workforce Innovation that offer career pathways in various areas. The bill directs the Centers of Workforce Innovation to develop curriculum specific to each career pathway that is to be made publicly available, provide students with instruction and skills necessary to gain employment in a career pathway, promote the use of the Community College Opportunity Grants, promote the expansion of apprenticeship and other work-based learning opportunities for students, and to collaborate with business leaders and educational partners across the State. | Crossed Over |
| A4562 | Allows State, municipality, and county to implement automatic enrollment of their employees in deferred compensation plans. | Allows State, municipality, and county to implement automatic enrollment of their employees in deferred compensation plans. | Crossed Over |
| A3856 | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | Requires health benefits coverage for additional orthotic and prosthetic appliances under certain circumstances; requires coverage for orthotic and prosthetic appliances obtained through podiatrists. | In Committee |
| A5436 | Requires BPU to determine and consider lowest reasonable return on equity before approving electric, gas, and water public utility base rate cases. | Requires BPU to determine and consider lowest reasonable return on equity before approving electric, gas, and water public utility base rate cases. | In Committee |
| A5620 | Prohibits increase of staple food prices more than once per day. | This bill prohibits a retail food store from increasing the retail price of a staple food good more than once per day. Under the bill, "staple food good" means a food item intended for home preparation and consumption and shall include cereals, bakery products, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. A retail food store that violates the provisions of this bill shall be subject to a civil penalty of $1,000 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second offense, and $5,000 for a third and subsequent offense. Violations of this bill shall be investigated and enforced by the Office of Weights and Measures in consultation with the Office of Consumer Protection. | In Committee |
| A3340 | Clarifies which health care professional may provide documentation to school district of need for home instruction due to student's health condition. | Clarifies which health care professional may provide documentation to school district of need for home instruction due to student's health condition. | 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 |
| A5459 | Extends time period in which to enroll newborn infant in health benefits coverage. | This bill extends the time period in which newly born children are covered under their parents' health benefits coverage to 90 days after birth. Current law limits the coverage of newly born children to 60 days from their birth. At the conclusion of the 60 days, the child will be without coverage, unless the parents enroll the child in a private health benefits coverage policy or in a State or federal program, such as FamilyCare. The bill will provide a longer period of time for children to be covered under their parents' health benefits coverage, which will assist new parents and ensure that children have access to adequate health care during the critical first few months of life. | Crossed Over |
| A3598 | Requires patient to receive notification of abnormality in chest x-ray; designated as Claudia's Law. | This bill, which is designated as Claudia's Law, provides that if a patient's chest x-ray demonstrates any abnormality, the report provided to the patient is to include the following information, at a minimum: "Your chest x-ray shows an abnormality that may be associated with a risk factor for various illnesses. This information about the result of your chest x-ray is given to you to raise your awareness. Use this information to talk to your health care provider about any risks for illness that pertain to your personal medical history. At that time, ask your health care provider if more screening tests might be useful, based on your risk. A report of your results was sent to your physician." | Crossed Over |
| A3541 | Establishes legislative internship program. | Establishes legislative internship program. | Crossed Over |
| A4983 | Requires certain athletic trainers and certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete student-athlete eating disorder training program developed by Commissioner of Education. | Requires certain athletic trainers and certain coaches of interscholastic sports, cheerleading and dance programs, and collegiate sports to complete student-athlete eating disorder training program developed by Commissioner of Education. | Crossed Over |
| S3199 | Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission. | An Act establishing the New Jersey-Haiti Commission and supplementing chapter 18A of Title 52. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4170 | Designates State House Complex Welcome Center as "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center." | An Act designating the State House Complex Welcome Center as the "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center" and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A5629 | Makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for VCCO compensation under certain circumstances; establishes Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. | This bill makes victims of motor vehicle accidents eligible for compensation from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) under certain circumstances and establishes the Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. Under current law, victims of certain crimes are eligible to receive compensation from the VCCO for certain expenses, including certain medical bills, counseling, loss of earnings, and funeral costs. This bill expands the crimes for which compensation is available to also include a motor vehicle crash involving a fatality or the removal of a victim from the scene of the crash by an ambulance. In addition, this bill establishes the Traffic Crash Victim's Bill of Rights. The bill provides that traffic crash victims are entitled to the following rights: 1) To obtain, upon request, a free, timely copy of the initial police report and, upon completion, any investigation report, evidence, and materials related to the crash, including but not limited to any follow-up report and documents, photographs taken at the scene of the crash or during postmortem examination, audio and video recordings from body worn cameras as defined under current law, audio and video recordings from the motor vehicle, any other audio or video recordings of the crash, and any summonses that were issued. These provisions are not to be construed as limiting or restricting any rights pursuant to the provisions of the open public records act; 2) To be notified of court proceedings and be permitted to give an impact statement in related adjudicatory proceedings, including any hearing regarding the suspension or revocation of the driver's license of the other driver; 3) To have the right to reasonable leave from the person's employer to participate in any hearings conducted by the Motor Vehicle Commission that are related to the motor vehicle crash or exercising any other rights provided by law; 4) To be free from intimidation, threats, or harassment from the other driver; 5) To be eligible to receive compensation and assistance pursuant to the provisions of the "Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971"; and 6) To receive, upon request of information from a law enforcement agency regarding the crash, a copy of the provisions set forth in the bill and information provided by the Victims of Crime Compensation Office regarding the rights set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| A3940 | Modifies regulation of mortuary science and establishes oversight of mortuary and embalming science. | An Act concerning the practice of funeral directing and embalming, and supplementing P.L.1952, c.340 (C.45:7-32 et seq.) and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4751 | Permits purchase of service credit in SPRS for period of enrollment in military service academy and in New Jersey State Police Academy, and employment as class two special law enforcement officer. | An Act concerning the purchase of service credit in the State Police Retirement System for certain military and police service and amending P.L.1965, c.89 and P.L.2013, c.87. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A5628 | Directs State Board of Education to authorize issuance of revised military science endorsement. | This bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a revised military science endorsement to the standard certificate. Current State board regulations permit the issuance of a military science endorsement, provided the candidate: 1) documents 20 years of military service; and 2) holds a valid certification authorizing employment as a military science instructor from the branch of service in which the candidate served. To retain the endorsement, the regulations require the holder to maintain a valid military employment authorization. This bill codifies the regulations, however, it permits a candidate to be eligible upon 10 years of military service instead of 20 years to comply with current practices of the United States Army's and Navy's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs. The JROTC program is a federal program that prepares high school students for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. JROTC has traditionally relied on retired military personnel to serve as instructors. In 2023, the federal National Defense Authorization Act was amended, broadening the eligibility to serve as a JROTC instructor to: 1) separated officers and noncommissioned officers who served honorably for at least eight years; and 2) service members in the reserve component, who meet the time in, service, grade, and education requirements. Both the United States Army's and Air Force's JROTC require a minimum of 10 years of military service to be eligible as a JROTC instructor. | 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 |
| S3388 | Allows pharmacists to transfer Schedule II attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescriptions. | An Act concerning transference of prescriptions and amending P.L.2003, c.280. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2236 | Exempts nursing mothers from jury duty. | An Act concerning exemption from jury service and amending N.J.S.2B:20-10. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AJR166 | Urges Congress to continue progress on National Museum of the American Latino. | Urges Congress to continue progress on National Museum of the American Latino. | 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 |
| A5527 | Creates Midwifery Licensing Act; modifies regulation of midwifery. | This bill modifies current law regulating midwives. Specifically, the bill repeals the current law requiring approval for licensure of midwives by the State Board of Medical Examiners and establishes a State Board of Midwifery. Under the bill, a board of 11 members, seven of whom are to be midwives, is created to oversee the licensure of certified midwives (CMs), certified nurse midwives (CNMs), and certified professional midwives (CPMs). The bill: 1) delineates the responsibilities of the board, which include the approval of licensure applications, and recognition of entities accrediting midwifery certification programs and national entities issuing the certifications; 2) reviews, as deemed appropriate, the continuing education hours completed by licensees based on levels of certification; 3) requires applicants to meet certain standards to qualify for a license; and 4) authorizes the State Board of Midwifery to grant individuals currently licensed as a CM, CNM, or CPM by the State Board of Medical Examiners a license at that same level. Under the bill, the Department of Banking and Insurance is to require medical malpractice insurance providers authorized to provide insurance in New Jersey to cover certified professional midwives. Additionally, health insurance carriers authorized to provide coverage in the State are to cover home births if an individual is approved to have a home birth. The bill stipulates that licensees are to complete continuing education credits in accordance with the respective credentialing body for each level of certification, which is to include at least one hour on implicit and explicit bias, and if a licensee is authorized to prescribe drugs. The board may, in its discretion, waive requirements for continuing education for a licensee if the licensee can demonstrate a hardship, including, but not limited to, a disability, military service or deployment, or other good cause. Moreover, the bill reinstates a licensed midwife as a member of the State Board of Medical Examiners. | 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 |
| SJR140 | Designates month of March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates the month of March as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis, extend the life expectancy of those who may be unaware that they are suffering from the disease, and help improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with the amyloidosis. Designates month of March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| AJR202 | Designates month of March of each year as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates the month of March as "Amyloidosis Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey in order to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of amyloidosis, extend the life expectancy of those who may be unaware that they are suffering from the disease, and help improve the quality of life of those who have been diagnosed with the amyloidosis. | In Committee |
| A4343 | Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission. | Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission. | In Committee |
| A1203 | "Pet Insurance Act." | "Pet Insurance Act." | Crossed Over |
| A5467 | Designates State House Complex Welcome Center as "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center." | This bill directs the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to designate the State House Complex Welcome Center as the "Governor Richard J. Codey Welcome Center" in honor of the distinguished services performed by Governor Codey during his career in public service. Governor Codey became New Jersey's longest serving legislator after being elected to the General Assembly in November of 1973 at just 27 years of age. After serving for nearly a decade in the General Assembly, Governor Codey served in the Senate from 1982 to 2024 and held the highly esteemed position of Senate President from 2002 to 2010. During his tenure as Senate President, Governor Codey served as Acting Governor on multiple occasions and as New Jersey's 53rd governor for 14 months after the resignation of Governor James E. McGreevey in 2004, before returning to the Senate. Throughout his time as Acting Governor and in the Legislature, Governor Codey was a strong advocate of strengthening public health in many aspects. Governor Codey's health system improvement efforts include increasing funding for mental health care, championing stem cell research, establishing the State's charity care program, leading a ban on indoor smoking in all State buildings, and establishing a prescription drug assistance program for seniors. Governor Codey made strides in protecting the health of the youth of New Jersey by increasing the age to legally purchase tobacco to 21 and initiating drug and steroid testing for high school athletes in New Jersey. Governor Codey fought to make communities safer by pushing for higher gun control standards, establishing GPS tracking for sex offenders, and authoring laws aimed at cracking down on internet predators. Outside of Governor Codey's public service, he has been an active and beloved member of his community, coaching youth basketball teams, mentoring first-generation college students, and working as a funeral director. After a long career faithfully serving the residents of this State, Governor Codey retired from public service in January of 2024. The State Capitol Joint Management Commission will erect appropriate signs bearing the new welcome center designation. The commission is authorized to accept public and private gifts, donations, and grants for the purpose of funding the costs associated with producing, purchasing, and erecting the signs. | In Committee |
| A1992 | Exempts nursing mothers from jury duty. | This bill exempts nursing mothers from jury duty. Under current law, nursing mothers are not explicitly exempted from jury duty, which can present a hardship to mothers who are nursing or expressing milk for their babies. Currently, exemptions from jury duty are statutorily authorized for persons: 75 years of age or older; who have served on a jury within the previous three years; or who will suffer severe hardship due to circumstances that are unlikely to change within a year (e.g. medical conditions, care of another or financial hardship). Members of volunteer fire departments and first aid or rescue squads and, under certain circumstances, teachers are exempted. Medical professionals state breastfeeding provides health benefits to infants. Breastfeeding has been associated with reduced risk of respiratory infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, sudden infant death syndrome, allergic disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, diabetes, childhood leukemia and lymphoma, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Breastfeeding has also been associated with health benefits to mothers such as reduced risk of rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In 2011, the United States Surgeon General issued a "Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding." The State of New Jersey Department of Health has recognized the benefits associated with breastfeeding and has issued proposed guidelines for New Jersey hospitals which are designed to encourage more mothers to breastfeed in order to improve health outcomes of both mothers and infants It is the view of the sponsor that nursing mothers should be supported in their efforts to breastfeed their babies. This bill provides assistance to mothers who are nursing or expressing milk by enabling them to claim an exemption from jury duty during the first year of their child's life. | In Committee |
| A3418 | Enters New Jersey in Women's Reproductive Health Care Compact. | Enters New Jersey in Women's Reproductive Health Care Compact. | 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 |
| A5443 | Imposes criminal liability on persons who allow minors to access firearms used to commit crimes. | This bill amends the statutes concerning community guns and the prevention of child access to firearms. Under existing law, a "community gun" is a firearm that is transferred among, between, or within any association of two or more persons who, while possessing that firearm, engage in criminal activity or use the firearm unlawfully against the person or property of another. Possessing, receiving, or transferring a community gun is a crime of the second degree. The bill amends the "community gun" definition to clarify that "any association of two or more persons" can apply to members of the same family or household. The bill also amends the definition to clarify that criminal activity may be carried out either jointly or individually. The bill also amends the child access prevention statute, which imposes criminal liability where a minor obtains an improperly stored firearm. Under existing law, allowing a minor under the age of 16 to gain access to an improperly stored loaded firearm is a disorderly persons offense. The bill extends the statute to include firearms improperly stored in motor vehicles, removes the requirement that the firearm be loaded, changes the age of 16 to the age of 18, and upgrades the offense to a crime of the third degree. Additionally, under the bill, if a minor gains access to an improperly stored firearm and, while possessing that firearm, engages in criminal activity or uses the firearm unlawfully against the person or property of another, the firearm shall be deemed to be a community gun and the person who facilitated the minor's access to the firearm will be guilty of a crime of the second degree under the community gun statute. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of five to ten years, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. It is the sponsor's intent to strengthen the child access prevention statute by extending community gun liability to parents or other adults who purposely or recklessly facilitate a minor's access to a firearm, where the minor uses that firearm to commit a crime. According to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, between 70 percent and 90 percent of guns used in youth suicides, unintentional shootings among children, and school shootings perpetrated by shooters under the age of 18 are acquired from the child's home or the homes of relatives or friends. | In Committee |
| A5445 | Prohibits automobile insurance policies from disclaiming uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage based on use of motor vehicle owned by insured's employer. | This bill prohibits an automobile insurance policy from disclaiming uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage based on the insured's operation, maintenance, or use, for the business purposes of the insured's employer, of a motor vehicle that is owned by the insured's employer. The prohibition against disclaimer applies even if the insured regularly uses the employer's motor vehicle. This bill is a response to multiple case law decisions, including Venters v. Selected Risks Insurance Company, Edouard v. GEICO, and Siemietkoski v. Velasquez-Flores. Those cases allow insurers to deny coverage, preventing insureds from recovering against their uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage when injured in a motor vehicle accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver while using an employer's vehicle. | In Committee |
| ACR157 | Condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance. | This resolution condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance, and declares the State of New Jersey as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans. This resolution recognizes that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. The United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation, attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as "Sanatana Dharma". The American Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and so much more. Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions. Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred". There have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. | In Committee |
| A5444 | Requires prior approval from Commissioner of DOBI for rate filings for long-term care insurance issued on group basis. | This bill modifies the regulation of long-term care insurance to require that rate filings for long-term care insurance, issued on a group basis, must receive prior approval from the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance. Currently, only rate filings for long-term care insurance issued on an individual basis require prior approval from the commissioner. | In Committee |
| A4653 | Requires AG to establish training program for crowd management and provide resources to municipal police department or force for large gatherings and flash mobs. | Requires AG to establish training program for crowd management and provide resources to municipal police department or force for large gatherings and flash mobs. | Crossed Over |
| A4761 | Requires Division of Children's System of Care to make changes to certain polices regarding the provision of family support and respite care services for certain eligible individuals. | This bill requires the Division of Children's System of Care (DCSOC) in the Department of Children and Families to: (1) establish an authorization period of 12 months for the provision of agency-hired, agency-weekend respite, and self-hired respite care, to an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability; (2) once an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability has been authorized to receive family support services from an agency contracted with the Department of Children and Families (DCF), ensure that the individual's family or guardian be provided with a bank of respite care service hours, in addition to, and separate from, any other family support service hours the individual, the individual's family or guardian, or both are eligible to receive, that can be used during each authorization period, including, but not limited to, agency-hired, agency-weekend respite, or self-hired respite care, based on the specific needs of the individual, the individual's family or guardian, or both; and (3) establish a process by which the family or guardian of an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability who has been authorized to receive family support services undergoes an annual reevaluation of the need for the family support services received during the authorization period. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to allow the DCSOC to reduce the amount of respite care service hours an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability, the individual's family or guardian, or both have been authorized to receive during a 12 month authorization period. As defined in the bill: "agency-hired respite care" means respite care, including social and recreational experiences, provided by a trained respite care worker employed by an agency contracted with the DCF to an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability in, or outside of, the individual's home; "agency-weekend respite care" means social and recreational experiences provided during the weekend by a trained respite care worker employed by an agency contracted with the DCF to an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability outside of the individual's home; and "self-hired respite care" means an arrangement that allows the family or guardian of an individual under the age of 21 with a developmental disability to recruit and hire a trained respite care worker, paid directly by individual's family or guardian, to provide social and recreational experiences to the individual in, or outside of, the individual's home. Currently, DCSOC policy reauthorizes the provision of agency-hired, agency-weekend, and self-hired respite care every 90 days, stipulates that certain respite care services are limited to a set number of service hours (60 hours for agency-hired and self-hired respite care and 75 hours for agency-weekend respite care), and requires the families of individuals under the age of 21 with a developmental disability receiving family support services to undergo an annual reapplication process to continue to receive such services. This bill would require the DCSOC to expand the authorization period for the provision of agency-hired, agency-weekend, and self-hired respite care from the current 90 days to 12 months, ensure that certain respite care services are not limited to a set number of service hours during each authorization period, and replaces the annual reapplication process with an annual reevaluation process of the family supports services provided by DCSOC to eligible individuals to afford families the flexibility to access respite care based on their specific needs. | In Committee |
| A5321 | Codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for 365-day period beginning on last day of pregnancy. | This bill codifies Medicaid coverage for eligible pregnant women for a 365-day period beginning on the last day of a woman's pregnancy. The Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services has been mandated to provide this benefit, via budget language included in the State's Annual Appropriations Act, since FY 2022. Moreover, the division has included this policy in the NJ FamilyCare 1115 Comprehensive Demonstration, which governs the operations of significant components of New Jersey' s Medicaid program. The current demonstration is effective through June 30, 2028. The State's efforts regarding Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals are aligned with changes at the federal level. For example, a provision in the "American Rescue Plan Act of 2021" gave states a new option to extend Medicaid postpartum coverage to 12 months, instead of 60 days, via a state plan amendment for the purposes of improving maternal health and coverage stability, and addressing racial disparities in maternal health. This new option took effect on April 1, 2022 and was originally available for five years; however, the option was made permanent by the "Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023." This bill also clarifies that the State's existing coverage of Medicaid services for pregnant individuals is extended to those individuals whose income does not exceed the highest income eligibility level established for pregnant women under the State Medicaid plan. | 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 |
| A5038 | Requires Commissioner of Education and Local Finance Board approval for certain board of education leases exceeding 20 years; authorizes boards to enter into 20-year lease purchase agreements for improvements or additions to school buildings. | This bill extends the period of time in which a board of education may execute certain: 1) leases with the federal government, the State, a political subdivision of the State, or any other individual or entity authorized to do business in the State; and 2) lease purchase agreements for improvements or additions to school buildings. Pursuant to current law, a board of education may lease a building from the federal government, the State, a political subdivision of the State, or any other individual or entity authorized to do business in the State. To execute the lease, certain conditions are required to be met, including a condition that any lease in excess of five years is to be approved by the Commissioner of Education and the Local Finance Board in the Department of Community Affairs. This bill instead requires commissioner and finance board approval only when the lease exceeds 20 years. Current law also requires commissioner approval in cases in which a board of education seeks to acquire improvements or additions to school buildings through lease purchase agreements. The agreements, however, are prohibited from exceeding five years and are to only be approved by the commissioner if any operating expenses related to the agreement can be included within the district's tax levy growth limitation and will not result in the need for approval of additional spending proposals to maintain existing instructional programs and extracurricular activities. This bill extends the current time limitation on these lease-purchase agreements to 20 years. All other existing statutory requirements in regard to these lease purchase agreements are maintained under the bill. | In Committee |
| A3865 | Requires instruction on cursive handwriting in public school curriculum for grades three through five. | Requires instruction on cursive handwriting in public school curriculum for grades three through five. | In Committee |
| A4882 | Requires cell phone and social media guidelines to be developed by DOE and policy to be adopted by each school district. | Requires cell phone and social media guidelines to be developed by DOE and policy to be adopted by each school district. | In Committee |
| A3984 | Establishes Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program. | This bill establishes the Jersey Strong Public Service Scholarship Program. The program is to provide scholarships to eligible students who are employed in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages. To be eligible to participate in the program, a student is required to: have graduated from a public or nonpublic high school in the State in the past year or plan to graduate within six months of the date of application; be a resident of the State; be a United States citizen; be employed full-time in a paid position in an eligible public service sector providing, at a minimum, an hourly wage commensurate with the State minimum wage or be placed in an open position in a public service sector; and meet any other minimum qualifications as determined by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. Placement positions are required to, at a minimum, pay an hourly rate commensurate with the State's minimum wage. The bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce development to establish a list of eligible public service sectors experiencing critical workforce shortages, which may include employment in hospitals or public schools or employment as a crossing guard or first responder. Under the bill, an eligible student who completes one-year of full-time employment in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages is to receive a scholarship toward the cost of attendance for study at a public institution of higher education in the State for two academic years, not to exceed $25,000 total. An eligible student who completes two-years of full-time employment in a public service sector experiencing critical workforce shortages is to receive a scholarship toward the cost of cost of attendance for study at a public institution of higher education in the State for four academic years, not to exceed $50,000 total. To be eligible to receive the scholarship upon completion of each year of full-time employment as required by the program, a program participant is required to: maintain residency in the State; apply and be accepted to a full-time degree granting program at a public institution of higher education; and have applied for all other available forms of State and federal financial aid, excluding loans. Finally, the bill stipulates that a program participant's scholarship be terminated and required to be repaid if a program participant is dismissed from the public institution of higher education for academic or disciplinary reasons, or withdraws from the institution without approval from the authority. The bill also stipulates that the scholarship is to be terminated if the program participant who has received approval from the authority and withdraws due to illness, the illness of a member of the student's immediate family, or a family emergency, and the program participant would not be required to repay the scholarship. Under the bill, scholarship funds that exceed a program participant's cost of attendance are permitted to be remitted to the program participant. | In Committee |
| A1672 | Makes disabled persons receiving disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act eligible to receive homestead property tax reimbursement. | An Act concerning eligibility to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement and amending P.L.1997, c.348. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5391 | Requires certain candidates for teaching certifications to complete youth mental health education course or online module. | This bill stipulates that beginning with the 2027-2028 school year, all candidates for teaching certification who have completed an educator preparation program at a Commissioner of Education approved educator preparation program provider are to have satisfactorily completed a course or training on youth mental health education. The bill requires all commissioner-approved educator preparation programs to review and update their educator preparation programs to implement the requirements of the bill and submit the revisions to the Department of Education for approval. The bill also requires the department to develop an online module on issues in youth mental health education. The module is to include practical components such as case studies and simulations. The module is also to include information on: (1) the dangers of youth mental health challenges; (2) methods to create safe haven classrooms; and (3) cultural competence and diversity considerations in youth mental health education. Additionally, the bill requires the State Board of Education to require a candidate holding a valid teaching certificate issued by another state, or a candidate that possesses a certificate of eligibility, to complete the online module on youth mental health education developed by the department within one year of the effective date of this act. Finally, the bill stipulates that a candidate that has completed a comparable mental health education course or training within the last five years preceding the effective date of the bill may request an exemption on a form and in a manner determined by the commissioner. | In Committee |
| A5390 | Requires school districts to alert school employees of credible threats to school community. | This bill requires school districts to alert school employees of threats to school community. This bill requires a school employee to immediately notify the principal or the principal's designee if the employee has information that an individual has threatened, is planning or otherwise intends to cause death, serious bodily injury, or significant bodily injury to another person under circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe the individual genuinely intends at some time in the future to commit the violent act or carry out the threat. After being notified by the school employee, the principal or the principal's designee is to immediately report the incident to the appropraite law enforcement agency. The bill stipulates that the principal's designee may by any member of the school's threat assessment team. If the appropriate law enforcement agency determines the report is an imminent credible threat, then the principal or the principal's designee is to: (1) immediately notify the students, the parents and guardians of the students, teachers, and all staff of the school emergency; (2) place the individual on a list that prohibits access to school property and school-sponsored events; and (3) distribute the list to all school employees where the threat was made and the administrators of all the schools in the district and neighboring school districts that may be impacted by the threat. The bill specifies that the notification is to disclose information regarding the threat as deemed appropriate by the law enforcement agency, which may include: (1) the individual's name; (2) a picture of the individual; and (3) a description of the threat. Under the bill, an individual who is not a school employee may notify the principal or the principal's designee of a threat pursuant to the provisions of this bill. The bill stipulates that a school employee, including the employee that identifies the threat, the principal or principal's designee, or any other officer or agent of a board of education, is not to be held liable for any good faith act or omission consistent with the provisions of this bill. Additionally, the bill amends current law to specify that training on school safety and security is to include emergency response protocols, such as notifying the school community of threats and the establishment and enforcement of procedures that prohibit access of certain individuals to school property and school-sponsored events as established in the bill. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A4848 | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | Crossed Over |
| A1921 | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | 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 |
| A3810 | Requires adoption of policy addressing job-related issues of pregnant firefighters. | This bill provides that within 180 days after the bill's effective date a paid or part-paid fire department or force will adopt, review, and update, if needed, at least annually, a policy that addresses the job-related issues of any pregnant member of that department or force. These include, but not limited to, disclosure of a pregnancy, issuance of a medical certificate by the member's physician in regard to any limitations on job-related duties, and the availability of any light-duty or non-hazardous assignments. The policy will also provide that a pregnant firefighter will be given information as to when certain job-related tasks may not be appropriate for the member; the use of leave time for pregnancy, and the continuation of employee benefits. In creating this policy the department or force will be guided by the standards of the National Fire Protection Association, or of another such professional organization, that apply to the job-related issues affecting pregnant firefighters. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A4391 | Allows pharmacists to transfer Schedule II attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescriptions. | This bill allows pharmacists to transfer Schedule II controlled dangerous substance prescriptions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to other pharmacists. Specifically, the bill provides that a Schedule II controlled dangerous substance that is prescribed for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder may be transferred from a pharmacist to another pharmacist, provided the prescription transfer is in compliance with federal regulations. Federal rules recently changed to allow the transfer of Schedule II-V controlled dangerous substance prescriptions between licensed pharmacies for the initial filling on a one-time basis only, upon request from the patient. New Jersey currently allows for transfers of Schedule III-V controlled dangerous substance prescriptions; this bill would expand allowable transfers to also include Schedule II controlled dangerous substance prescriptions. The bill will allow for greater flexibility for people attempting to fill attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescriptions. The ability to easily transfer prescriptions between pharmacies is especially valuable to patients who are attempting to fill prescriptions for medicine that is less available due to a shortage. Currently, when a patient is unable to fill a prescription at a particular pharmacy, the patient must ask their health care provider to send a new prescription to a different pharmacy. The bill will allow for a more efficient transfer process, by allowing pharmacies to directly transfer attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder prescriptions. | In Committee |
| A5348 | Permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities for reckless indifference or intentional misconduct toward persons self-excluded from gaming activities. | This bill permits civil liability against casinos and simulcast facilities, and their employees, for their failure to withhold gaming privileges from, or restore gaming privileges to, persons voluntarily participating in the New Jersey Casino Self-Exclusion Program, or for permitting a self-excluded person to engage in gaming activity while on the self-exclusion list, if the casinos and simulcast facilities, or their employees, acted with reckless indifference or intentional misconduct against self-excluded persons. Under current law, a licensed casino or simulcasting facility, and their employees, cannot be held civilly liable to any party in any judicial proceeding for any harm which may arise as a result from their failure to withhold gaming privileges from, or restore gaming privileges to, or for permitting a self-excluded person to engage in gaming activity. The New Jersey Casino Gambling Self-Exclusion Program was established in 2001 to allow people with a gambling problem to voluntarily exclude themselves from gambling in all Atlantic City casinos. In 2013, the program was expanded to also include self-exclusion for Internet gaming activities. | In Committee |
| A5351 | Establishes interstate reciprocity for certain teachers with out-of-State teaching certificates. | This bill directs the State Board of Education to establish interstate reciprocity for a certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing for a teacher who holds the equivalent certificate in another state. In order to be eligible for a certificate of eligibility or a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing pursuant to the bill, a teacher candidate is required to: (1) hold a valid and current certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, as applicable, or the equivalent certificate, issued by another state for which there is an equivalent and currently-issued New Jersey grade level or subject endorsement; (2) have held employment as a public school teacher in the state in which the teacher holds the certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, as applicable, or the equivalent certificate, during one of the preceding two school years; (3) submit an application to the State Board of Examiners that includes two letters of recommendation, one of which shall be from a current or former supervisor, principal, or employing public school's human resource officer; (4) pass a criminal history record check; (5) comply with New Jersey's residency requirement for certain public employees; and (6) satisfy any other requirements established by the State Board of Education. | In Committee |
| A5350 | Prohibits development of affordable housing on contaminated land. | This bill prohibits the development of land intended for use as affordable housing, which has previously been determined to be contaminated, even if the land has been certified by the Department of Environmental Protection as clean or fully remediated, to safeguard the health and well-being of New Jersey's most vulnerable residents. The long-term health effects of prior contamination are not yet fully appreciated, and it is imperative to ensure that housing built for low- and moderate-income households does not pose health risks to its occupants. Specifically, the bill requires a developer to obtain a soil test on land intended for use as affordable housing, to determine whether the land constitutes contaminated land. The bill requires the results of the soil test to be provided to the approving authority of the municipality in which the proposed development is located. Except for an application for development of affordable housing that is approved prior to the effective date of the bill or subject to limited exceptions provided by the bill, the bill prohibits the development of, or the commencement of construction on, a site that has been determined to be contaminated, regardless of whether the site has been remediated, or certified by the Department of Environmental Protection or the federal Environmental Protection Agency as clean and ready for development. The requirements of the bill would not apply to remediated sites that the Department of Environmental Protection has determined to be sufficiently cleaned and restored, such that that the levels of contaminants present on the site are low enough to ensure safety for the site's intended uses, the environment, and human residency in the development. The bill provides that a developer who commences development of or construction on land in violation of the bill would be subject to penalties prescribed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, designating specific types or categories of violations as minor violations and non-minor violations and establishing penalties according to the nature of the violation. The bill provides that a municipality that submits a fair share plan and housing element to the Affordable Housing Dispute Resolution Program, in violation of the bill, would be subject to penalties prescribed by the Commissioner of Community Affairs and would not receive credit against its affordable housing obligation for any development in violation of the bill. The bill would take effect immediately, and apply to an application for development that has not been approved, and a municipality's fair share plan and housing element that has not received compliance certification, prior to the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| A5349 | Increases tax on Internet casino gaming and Internet sports wagering to 30 percent. | This bill increases the Internet casino gaming tax and the Internet sports wagering tax, from 15 and 13 percent respectively, to 30 percent. | In Committee |
| A5347 | Requires sports wagering advertisements and applications to include warning of risks of gambling. | Under current law, all sports wagering advertisements are required to include the phrase "If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." This bill modifies the required warning on sports wagering advertisements to be "Gambling is risky and can become addictive, resulting in catastrophic life consequences. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." The bill also requires this warning to be displayed any time a user opens an Internet site or mobile application that includes access to online sports pools. | In Committee |
| A5352 | Establishes "Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025." | This bill establishes the "Teacher Certification Reform Act of 2025." The bill specifically directs the State Board of Education to authorize the following endorsements to the instructional certificate: (1) a Student with Disabilities Preschool through Grade 12 endorsement; (2) a revised Elementary School endorsement; (3) a Bilingual and Bicultural Preschool through Grade 12 endorsement; and (4) a General Science endorsement. The bill permits teachers holding certain similar endorsements prior to the establishment of the new endorsements to obtain the new endorsements upon application to the State Board of Examiners. Under the bill, a candidate seeking a Middle School with Subject Matter Specialization: World Languages/Other World Languages endorsement is not required to complete subject matter preparation credits if certain listed requirements are met. The bill also directs the State Board of Education to rename the Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Oral/Aural Communication and the Deaf or Hard of Hearing for Sign Language Communication endorsements as Teacher of the Auditorily Impaired for Oral/Aural Communication and Teacher of the Auditorily Impaired for Sign Language Communication endorsements. Finally, the bill prohibits the Department of Education from requiring a teacher candidate seeking an instructional certificate with an Elementary School endorsement to achieve a minimum score on each individual subtest of the State test for subject matter knowledge, but instead to achieve a minimum average composite score of all the subtests. According to the sponsor, by creating the new standalone endorsements in the bill, adjusting testing requirements, and renaming certain endorsements, the bill seeks to make the certification process more accessible and equitable while maintaining high standards for teacher quality. These changes are essential for attracting and retaining a diverse and qualified teacher workforce in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| A4979 | Requires law enforcement officers to complete training regarding identification of machine gun conversion devices. | This bill requires law enforcement officers to complete training regarding the identification of machine gun conversion devices. Under current law, the Police Training Commission is to require all law enforcement officers as a condition of continued employment or appointment as a law enforcement officer to receive periodic commission-approved continuing officer education training. The training is to be mandated or prescribed by the commission. Under this bill, the training required under current law is to include training regarding the identification of machine gun conversion devices and associated firearm components used to convert a semiautomatic firearm into a machine gun. | 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 |
| A5310 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | This bill makes various changes to State school aid, including extraordinary special education aid and vocational expansion stabilization aid, and establishes a new category of State school aid known as reduction adjustment aid. The bill also includes certain additional requirements for the issuance of the Educational Adequacy Report. The bill requires the Department of Education to make available on the department's Internet website the calculation of aid payable to each school district in the succeeding year in a user-friendly manner, including explanations of the variables used to determine the district's aid. The information is required to be posted each year within two days of the Governor's Budget Message. Under current law, a school district is reimbursed for certain special education costs in the form of extraordinary special education aid. However, in recent years the State's appropriation for extraordinary special education aid has covered only a portion of eligible costs provided in state, with the percentage covered fluctuating from year to year. The bill requires the State to increase the appropriation from year to year, or otherwise ensure that the percentage of a school district's costs reimbursed through extraordinary special education aid increases compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the bill provides that the amount of vocational expansion stabilization aid received by a county vocational school district is to be adjusted to allow for increases in resident enrollment. The adjustment is to equal the number of additional students enrolled in the district multiplied by the additional cost per pupil for county vocational school districts and the geographic cost adjustment. The bill also establishes certain municipal overburden protections to prevent a school district from receiving a reduction in State school aid. Pursuant to the bill, an SDA district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and if the district is spending below adequacy. In the case of a school district other than an SDA district, the district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is at least 10 percent greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and is spending at least 10 percent below adequacy. These municipal overburden protections would also apply to a regional school district if 50 percent or more of the district's constituent districts or municipalities met either of the aforementioned qualifying criteria. An SDA district that is spending above adequacy would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid that exceeds the amount by which the district is spending above adequacy. The bill also establishes reduction adjustment aid to ensure that the amount of State school aid provided to a school district is not decreased by more than two percent of the district's prebudget year total operating budget. The total operating budget is defined as the sum of a district's general fund revenues from local sources, State sources, federal sources, and other sources, less any withdrawals from reserve accounts and reimbursements for extraordinary special education aid. Additionally, the bill makes certain changes to the Educational Adequacy Report, which is submitted to the Legislature every three years to update the various parameters used to calculate State aid to school districts. Pursuant to the bill, the Commissioner of Education may initiate a review of certain elements of the school funding formula, including the metrics for adjusting costs in intervening years between reports. Additionally, the bill requires that a draft of the Educational Adequacy Report be made available for public comment for at least 30 days, during which time members of the public may provide remarks on the draft report at public hearings to be held at various locations across the State and through the submission of written and electronic testimony. During the development of the next Educational Adequacy Report following enactment of this bill, the commissioner is to engage a diverse group of stakeholders to review and make recommendations concerning: the calculation of a district's local share and whether the metrics used are best able to estimate a district's potential adjusted tax levy; the impact and feasibility of using multi-year averages in the calculation of local share; the abilities of the Department of Education and school districts to predict and anticipate State school aid amounts from year to year; and possible methods of improving upon the existing preschool funding methodology. Finally, the bill establishes the Special Education Funding Review Task Force for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of State aid provided to support special education costs, examining the possibility of a tier-based model for special education funding, and making recommendations regarding the implementation of a tier-based funding model. The task force is to consist of 11 members, each of whom is to have a background in, or special knowledge of, the legal, policy, and administrative aspects of special education in New Jersey. The task force is to issue a final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after the organization of the task force. | In Committee |
| A5307 | Permits DMVA to receive voluntary contributions for veteran suicide prevention public service announcements. | This bill permits the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) to accept gifts, grants, or donations from the public and private sectors for the purpose of public service announcements for the prevention of veteran suicide. Revenues received by the department will be deposited into a special nonlapsing fund maintained by the State Treasurer. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A2803 | Codifies and extends authorization for certain out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey. | Codifies and extends authorization for certain out-of-State health care practitioners and recent graduates of health care training programs to practice in New Jersey. | Crossed Over |
| A1899 | Expands authority of pharmacy technician in administering drugs and vaccines and permits certain pharmacists and pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians to administer COVID-19 vaccine. | An Act concerning pharmacists and pharmacy interns, externs, and technicians, COVID-19 vaccines, and amending P.L.2003, c.280. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2437 | Requires ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on package. | Requires ingredients of menstrual products to be listed on package. | Crossed Over |
| SJR76 | Designates second Friday in December of each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). | Designates second Friday in December of each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3881 | Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program. | An Act concerning the financing of environmental infrastructure projects in Fiscal Year 2025 and amending P.L.2024, c.35. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5251 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 to Division on Civil Rights. | This bill appropriates $3 million to the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety. This appropriation is intended to specifically fund the New Jersey Bias Investigation Access System (NJ BIAS) updates needed to ensure State, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies properly and uniformly track all bias crimes. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is the State agency charged with enforcing New Jersey's civil rights laws, including the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, the New Jersey Family Leave Act, and the Fair Chance in Housing Act. The mission of DCR is to protect the people of New Jersey from discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and public accommodations. | In Committee |
| A2507 | Requires Administrative Law Judges to be enrolled in Workers Compensation Judges Part of PERS. | This bill requires the enrollment in the Workers Compensation Judges Part of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) of Administrative Law Judges of the Office of Administrative Law, as a condition of employment for service as an administrative law judge for each judge enrolled after the effective date of the bill. Currently, administrative law judges are enrolled in the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP). Administrative law judges will be subject to and governed by the laws and regulations of the Workers' Compensation Judges Part which was established in 2001 and reopened in 2021. An administrative law judge who is currently a participant in the DCRP will be transferred out of the program to the Workers' Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days following the bill's effective date. An administrative law judge who is currently a participant in PERS will be transferred into the Workers' Compensation and Administrative Law Judges Part of PERS within 90 days following the bill's effective date. The account in the DCRP for each judge will be transferred and each judge will be given service credit for service during participation in the program of administrative law judges. The unfunded liability for the benefits provided by the transfer will be paid by appropriations from the State General Fund. | In Committee |
| A5198 | Concerns valuation of board and lodging with respect to workers' compensation. | This bill revises the workers' compensation law to modernize its treatment of board and lodging provided by an employer when calculating the rate of benefits. Currently, board and lodging furnished by an employer are regarded as part of wages and valued at $25 per week, unless a different amount is fixed at the time of hiring. The bill provides, instead, that, unless a different amount is fixed at the time of hiring, the value of employer furnished board and lodging be its market value, except that if the claimant continues to receive board or lodging during the period of total temporary disability, the value of the board or lodging will not be included in the calculation of the workers' compensation rate for purposes of temporary total disability. | In Committee |
| A1657 | Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to professional counselors. | Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to professional counselors. | Crossed Over |
| A5175 | Reinstates automatic COLAs for retirement benefits of certain PFRS members. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, or accidental disability pension retirement benefits for certain members of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS). Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al.), signed into law on June 28, 2011, had suspended the automatic annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of PFRS and other State-administered retirement systems until those systems reach a target funded ratio. Decades of underfunding those systems by the State had placed the systems in precarious financial conditions. Although this bill does not reinstate COLAs for other retirees, it serves as the first step in reinstating COLAs for all retirees of the State-administered retirement systems. Through the prioritization of PFRS, the State will begin this process with retired first responders, police and firefighters, to provide them greater financial security and stability at a time when inflation has significantly eroded the value of their retirement benefit payments, which are already based on the lower salaries of years ago. To that end, the bill includes restrictions intended to limit costs and focus on segments among PFRS retirees expected to be most in need of an immediate benefit. Under the bill, members of PFRS will receive automatic COLAs for annual pension, ordinary disability pension, and accidental disability pension benefits if the member has been retired and receiving retirement benefits for a minimum of ten years. Longer-term retirees generally will have lower pension benefits and be less able to obtain employment to offset the erosion of their benefits. Members of PFRS who are hired more than 30 days following the effective date of this act will not be considered eligible to receive these automatic COLAs. Additionally, members who are enrolled in deferred retirement will not be considered eligible for these automatic COLAs, nor will members who retired with 20 or more years of service but less than 25 years of service. The COLAs will only apply to future pension benefit payments. The bill does not provide for retroactive COLAs. The adjustment in eligible members' pension benefits will be calculated based on an amount up to $75,000 of a retiree's benefit for the first year following the enactment of this bill. Eligible members receiving up to $75,000 of pension benefits will receive a COLA tied to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. This will ensure that greater initial benefits will be provided to those likely to be most in need. The adjustment in eligible member's pension benefits will be limited to one percent if the member receives more than $75,000 in benefits for the first year following the enactment of the bill. After the first calendar year following the enactment of the bill, the $75,000 threshold will be adjusted annually according to the CPI for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers, except that the adjustment will be calculated at a rate not to exceed three percent. The bill also grants the cost-of-living adjustment to the monthly pension or survivorship benefit of a surviving spouse, child, or beneficiary that is provided by PFRS. Under the bill, if the Board of Trustees of PFRS fails to comply with the provisions of this bill within six months following the effective date, then the State Treasurer will be responsible for implementing the cost-of-living adjustments. The bill requires the Legislature to appropriate monies from the General Fund as necessary to effectuate the cost-of-living adjustments established under the bill that are sufficient to cover both State and local expenses, and to reimburse each PFRS local employer for the full cost incurred. The bill further provides that this appropriation will take precedence over any additional funding added to the annual State budget by the Legislature through non-emergency supplemental appropriations, resolutions or other changes to the Governor's budget message. | In Committee |
| A5160 | Provides PERS members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and transfers all current non-retired members of PERS to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of PERS. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to PERS, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to PERS. Any years of service credit transferred to PERS from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with PERS, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into PERS and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to PERS within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to PERS. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of PERS who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of PERS will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| A5158 | Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and transfers all current non-retired members of TPAF to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of TPAF. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to TPAF, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to TPAF. Any years of service credit transferred to TPAF from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with TPAF, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into TPAF and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to TPAF within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to TPAF. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of TPAF who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of TPAF will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| ACR138 | Honors 40th anniversary of Jersey Fresh program. | This concurrent resolution honors the 40th anniversary of the Jersey Fresh program. The agricultural industry is critical to ensuring New Jersey residents have access to healthy food and plays a key role in the State's economy by helping to keep property taxes low, increase property values, and garner State revenue. In 1984, the New Jersey Department of Agriculture established the Jersey Fresh program, the first in the nation state-sponsored agricultural commodity marketing and quality grading program, to promote the State's agricultural industry. The Jersey Fresh program helps support family owned farms across New Jersey through its marketing campaigns that inform shoppers of what produce is in season and encourage consumers to shop local. The Jersey Fresh program's distinct label placed on locally harvested produce assists consumers easily differentiate fruits and vegetables grown in New Jersey from other produce in the marketplace. The Jersey Fresh program encourages consumers to purchase locally grown produce through its quality and freshness guarantees. Specifically, the Jersey Fresh quality grading program requires Jersey Fresh produce to meet U.S. No. 1 Fresh for Processing grade or better. With this added quality assurance, the Jersey Fresh label guarantees that its produce was freshly harvested in New Jersey, has been inspected, and meets high quality standards. The Jersey Fresh program has demonstrated success in increasing New Jersey consumers' awareness of, and willingness to purchase, locally harvested produce. Consumer recognition of Jersey Fresh products has extended beyond the State to the mid-Atlantic and New England markets and, in 2020, was on par with that of other major national brands. Today, the Jersey Fresh program is recognized as a national model for other state-sponsored agricultural branding programs. The Jersey Fresh program's innovative marketing strategies have contributed to the program's longevity and popularity. New Jersey produces over 100 types of fruits and vegetables and is nationally ranked in the top 10 producers of blueberries, peaches, bell peppers, squash, tomatoes, and cranberries. The Jersey Fresh program has expanded across the State and is available to New Jersey residents in every county, including at over 2,000 On-Farm Markets run by local New Jersey farmers, community farmers markets, major retail stores, wineries, breweries, and distilleries. The Jersey Fresh program's popularity and demonstrated success has also inspired related programs modeled after the Jersey Fresh program, including the Made with Jersey Fresh program, which identifies processed food made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients; the Jersey Grown program, which advertises New Jersey grown plants, trees, shrubs, and flowers; the Jersey Raised program, which markets livestock raised in New Jersey; and the Jersey Seafood program, which promotes aquacultured and wild-caught fish and seafood products harvested off of New Jersey's coast. | 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 |
| 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 |
| AJR101 | Designates second Friday in December of each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). | Designates second Friday in December of each year as "PSRPs in Our Schools Day" in New Jersey to recognize contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs). | In Committee |
| A5122 | Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program. | Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program. | In Committee |
| A5186 | Makes various changes to school funding and budgeting laws; eliminates use of census-based funding for special education aid; establishes reimbursement program for school district fuel costs. | This bill makes various changes to State school aid and budgeting laws, including special education categorical aid, establishes a State school aid reduction cap, and provides for the reimbursement of school district fuel costs. Under the bill, the Department of Education would be required to provide school districts with a preliminary notice of State school aid amounts no later than the first week of January. Under current law, the first notice of State school aid is required to be sent to school districts no later than two days following the delivery of the Governor's budget address. The bill also increases the amount of undesignated general fund balance that a school district is permitted to maintain. Under current law, a district, other than a county vocational district, is required to appropriate any funds in excess of two percent of the budgeted general fund for the prebudget year or $250,000, whichever is greater, for the subsequent year's budget. The bill would increase this limit to six percent of the first $100 million and in excess of three percent of the amount which exceeds $100 million. The bill does not modify current law governing the allowable undesignated general fund balances of county vocational school districts. The bill also changes how special education aid to school districts is calculated. Under the provisions of the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008," the State provides special education aid to school districts using the census-based funding method. Under this method, districts receive funding for special education based on the assumption that a fixed percent of the total student population requires special education services, rather than using the actual number of special education students in a school district to determine the amount of State aid the district receives. The bill eliminates the use of the census-based methodology, and calculates State aid for special education based on the actual number of special education students included in the district's resident enrollment. Additionally, the bill establishes certain municipal overburden protections to prevent a school district from receiving a reduction in State aid. Pursuant to the bill, a school district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if the district is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is at least 10 percent greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and the district is spending below adequacy. Similarly, the bill provides that a regional school district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if the average of the equalized total tax rates for each constituent district or municipality of the regional school district is at least 10 percent greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recent available calendar year and the regional school district is spending below adequacy. The bill also establishes a State school aid reduction cap to ensure that the amount of State school aid provided to a school district is not to be decreased by more than two percent of the amount of State school aid received by the district in the prebudget year. Additionally, the bill provides that a school district may apply to the Commissioner of Education to receive stabilization aid, in addition to any other State school aid, if the school district experiences a reduction in State school aid compared to the prior school year or otherwise confronts a structural budgetary imbalance. To receive stabilization aid, a school district is required to submit an application to the commissioner, in a manner and form to be prescribed by the commissioner, including a written plan explaining how the district intends to fund operations in future school years in which the district does not receive stabilization aid or similar supplemental State school aid. Finally, the bill provides that the State is to reimburse school districts for actual fuel costs incurred to provide student transportation services. A district seeking reimbursement is to submit to the Department of Education a written invoice, along with any other documentation or verification of costs as the department may require, no later than the submission deadline determined by the department. The department is required to make the reimbursement available to the district within 30 days of the submission deadline. The funds to support the reimbursement program are to be appropriated by the Legislature from the Property Tax Relief Fund. | In Committee |
| A5131 | Revises law on extended employment programs for persons with disabilities. | This bill modifies State statutes regarding extended employment programs that provide rehabilitation and employment for persons with significant disabilities. The bill renames the "Sheltered Workshop Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.272 (C.34:16-39 et seq.), as the "Extended Employment Act." The bill amends the act to change the term used to designate facilities operated by nonprofit organizations to provide vocational rehabilitation and transitional employment to persons with disabilities from "sheltered workshop" to "extended employment." The bill relaxes the specifications regarding which individuals, deemed "extended employees," may be served under extended employment programs by permitting the individuals to have "significant," rather than "severe," disabilities and by removing the requirement that they first complete a workshop program, and that, after completing the program, their disability still makes them incapable of competing in the regular labor market. The bill eliminates the role of the New Jersey Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired in determining the eligibility of individuals to be served by an extended employment program, setting standards for staff, facilities, and services of the programs, and requiring documentation of services. The bill eliminates the requirement that individual progress reports be provided and removes the law's exemption of extended employment facilities from the permit requirements and certain other requirements of the industrial homework law, P.L.1941, c.308 (C.34:6-136.1 et eq.). The bill clarifies the desired program outcomes of the extended employment program. The bill also sets requirements for baseline funding for the extended employment funding and parameters for minimum increases based on the funding provided in the FY 2024 New Jersey State Budget combined with the consumer price index for all urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W) or 80 percent of expenses outlined in a functional expense report to be submitted by providers of extended employment services each fiscal year, whichever of the two is greater. The bill clarifies that the Division of Vocational Rehabilitative Services is responsible for informing and referring individuals to the extended employment program and requires consultation with ACCSES New Jersey for consultation on major policy and leadership changes within the division. The bill repeals the provisions of P.L.1975, c.350 (C.34:16-45 et seq.) concerning the sale of products produced in extended employment facilities, including specific labeling requirements, requirements regarding the minimum percentage of work to be done in the facilities, and penalties for misrepresentation regarding the disability status of the workers. Finally, the bill eliminates references to particular kinds of transportation in the program assisting persons with disabilities in extended employment programs. | In Committee |
| AR172 | Condemns attacks on Jewish individuals in Amsterdam and calls for apprehension of perpetrators. | On November 9 and 10, 1938, Nazi leaders unleashed a series of violent riots against the Jewish population in Germany and recently incorporated territories. This came to be known as Kristallnacht, the "Night of Broken Glass," because of the shattered glass that littered the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues, and homes. On November 7, 2024, following a UEFA Europa League football match in Amsterdam between Israeli Maccabi Tel Aviv and Dutch AFC Ajax, tensions escalated to violence. In the hours before the match, a group of Maccabi Tel Aviv fans were filmed pulling Palestinian flags from houses, making anti-Arab chants such as "Death to Arabs," assaulting people, and vandalizing local property, and calls to target Israeli supporters were shared via social media. After the match, many Maccabi Tel Aviv supporters were ambushed and assaulted across the city, individuals were shot with fireworks, physically assaulted, and spat on, prompting eight rescue flights to be organized for the safe return of Israeli fans. November 9 and 10, 2024 should have commemorated Kristallnacht, yet on this day in Amsterdam, the world witnessed a present where hatred of Jews resurfaced in the streets. Eighty-six years have passed, and once again, Jews face broken windows, while antisemitism and hatred towards Jewish people remains alive. This House stands in solidarity with the victims of the violence in Amsterdam, strongly condemns these events, and calls for the apprehension of the perpetrators and justice from the Dutch authorities. | In Committee |
| A4148 | Requires DOH to develop informational materials on type 1 diabetes and DOE to distribute to parents and guardians of enrolled students. | An Act concerning information provided on type 1 diabetes in public schools and supplementing chapter 40 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1165 | Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. | This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with the use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. A therapy dog is a dog that has been trained, evaluated, and registered with a handler to provide animal assisted therapy and other animal assisted activities within a school or other facility. Some research suggests that the use of therapy dogs in schools is associated with improvements in school attendance, confidence, motivation, and reading and writing skills. Under the bill, a school district that wants to participate in the pilot program is required to submit an application to the commissioner. The application is required to include, but need not be limited to: the number of elementary schools in the school district; the number of students enrolled in each elementary school; information on student participation in wellness programs at each elementary school; and information on how the school district plans to use therapy dogs to promote student wellness. The commissioner will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program and will seek a cross section of school districts from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State. The commission will provide pilot districts with guidance regarding the use of therapy dogs in schools including: examples of activities that students may engage in with a therapy dog; recommended training requirements for therapy dog handlers; recommended measures to evaluate the health and appropriate behavior of therapy dogs; and insurance issues relevant to having therapy dogs on school district property. No later than June 30 of the third school year following the establishment of the pilot program, the commissioner will submit to the Governor and to the Legislature a report that evaluates the effectiveness of the pilot program in improving the academic performance and health outcomes of students in elementary schools. | In Committee |
| S871 | Establishes eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions. | An Act establishing eligibility for enrollment in PERS and subsequent retirement benefits for certain county fire instructors under certain conditions, and supplementing P.L.1954, c.84 (C.43:15A-1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3561 | Establishes crime of doxxing. | This bill establishes the crime of doxxing. Under the bill, doxxing occurs if a person, with the purpose to subject another person to violence, stalking, physical restraining, mental anguish, or to cause a person to fear for their own safety or that of another, knowingly discloses personal identifying information without the person's consent. A crime is committed under the bill when the disclosure: (1) creates a substantial risk of serious bodily injury or physical harm to the person or a close relation of the person; (2) creates a substantial risk that the person or a close relation of the person is subjected to stalking; or (3) inflicts mental anguish upon the person or a close relation of the person and places the person or close relation in reasonable fear of physical harm. Under the bill, "close relation" is defined as a spouse; domestic partner; partner in a civil union couple; former spouse, former domestic partner; former partner in a civil union; parent, stepparent, grandparent, sibling, stepsibling, child, stepchild, or grandchild, whether related by blood or by law; any person who is a present household member, or who was, within the prior six months, a household member; or any person with a significant personal or professional relationship. The crime of doxxing does not occur if the disclosure was made: (1) in good faith to inform any member of the public of conduct by the person that the actor reasonably believed to be unlawful; (2) in good faith to inform law enforcement of conduct committed by the person that the actor reasonably believed to constitute a crime; or (3) while cooperating in an official investigation or prosecution of a violation of N.J.S.A.2C:33-4.1, cyber harassment. The bill also establishes a rebuttable presumption that the actor did not act with the purpose established under the bill if the personal identifying information of another person was disclosed for the primary purpose of: (a) publishing, disseminating, or reporting in good faith conduct by an elected public official or law enforcement officer acting in their official capacity that the actor reasonably believe to be unlawful or an abuse of authority; or (b) engaging in lawful and constitutionally protected activity as it pertains to speech, assembly, press, or petition. Doxxing is a crime of the fourth degree unless the disclosure results in any serious bodily injury, physical harm, or stalking, at which time it becomes a crime of the third degree. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A5071 | Permits certain individuals to use post office box or different address on driver's license or identification card consistent with Daniel's Law. | This bill allows a "covered person" who has had an application for redaction or nondisclosure of a home address approved pursuant to Daniel's Law to have a post office box, an address other than the person's address, or other contact point listed on the person's driver's license or identification card issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission). Under the bill, a "covered person" includes an active, formerly active, or retired judicial officer, law enforcement officer, or child protective investigator in the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or prosecutor, and any immediate family member residing in the same household as the judicial officer, law enforcement officer, child protective investigator in the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, or prosecutor. Under current law, driver's licenses issued by the commission are required to contain the street address of the place of residence of the person at the time of application or renewal. A post office box, an address other than the applicant's address, or other contact point is permitted in lieu of a physical street address in the case of a person who is a victim of certain crimes or who the Chief Administrator of the commission otherwise determines to have good cause. The bill also clarifies that an identification card issued by the commission is required to contain the street address of the place of residence of the person at the time of application and renewal, except that a post office box, an address other than the applicant's address, or other contact point may be used in the case of a person who is a victim of certain crimes, a covered person who has had an application for redaction or nondisclosure of a home address approved pursuant to current law, or a person who the chief administrator otherwise determines to have good cause. It is the intent of the sponsor to facilitate a uniform application of the privacy protections currently afforded to "covered persons" under Daniel's Law across various state government agencies overseeing the covered person's sensitive and protected information. | In Committee |
| A5074 | Permits retired school superintendents, administrators, and nurses to be reemployed by school districts for periods of longer than two years. | This bill permits retired school superintendents, administrators, and nurses to be reemployed by a school district for longer than a two-year period without approval by the Commissioner of Education. Under current law, retired school superintendents, administrators, and nurses can be hired by school districts without having to be reenrolled in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, provided that their terms of employment are subject to one-year contracts which cannot be extended for more than a total of two-years without approval by the Commissioner of Education. This bill permits the renewal of one-year contracts on an annual basis without a limitation on the number of times the contract may be renewed and without approval by the Commissioner of Education. This bill does not permit a retired certificated superintendent, administrator, or certified school nurse employed or reemployed to obtain tenure in the position and any tenure or seniority rights previously obtained will not apply to the period of employment or reemployment. | In Committee |
| A5072 | Requires certain green building initiatives in plans for development or redevelopment of affordable housing planned for construction or substantial renovation. | This bill requires the developer of an applicable project to build the project to, at minimum, the currently applicable version of the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star Single-Family New Homes or Multifamily New Construction program standards, as applicable, through participation in the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities' Residential New Construction Program. Under the bill, an "applicable project" means: (1) a newly constructed development intended to be an inclusionary development, as defined in subsection f. of section 4 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-304); or (2) an existing affordable housing unit undergoing substantial gut renovation or remodeling. The bill also requires the developer to make a good faith effort to include behind the meter solar facilities. If the inclusion of behind the meter solar facilities is not feasible, a developer may apply to the Board of Public Utilities for an exemption to this requirement. The bill further requires certain green building standards in applicable project plans concerning lighting, energy, heat island reduction, air quality, sustainability, building envelope, landscaping, building automation, and transportation. The bill also requires soil testing in certain circumstances and prohibits constructing new affordable housing on land containing contaminated soil unless the land is remediated pursuant to P.L.1993, 139 (C.58:10B-1 et al.). A developer would be required to submit test results to the municipality. The Energy Star Single Family New Homes program standard is designed to achieve 10 percent more energy efficiency than the building code and meet version 3.1 or version 3.2 standards. Energy Star Multifamily New Construction requires a development achieve 15 percent increased energy savings above the building code and meet version 1.1 or version 1.2 standards. Participation in the Residential New Construction Program, administered by the Board of Public Utilities through New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, makes a development eligible for Energy Star program incentives. The bill directs the Board of Public Utilities, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Environmental Protection, to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate certain provisions of the bill. The bill further directs the Board of Public Utilities to prepare, and make available on its Internet website, a form for developers to request an exemption from the requirement to install solar facilities. The Board of Public Utilities would have 45 days within which to make a determination on an application. The bill further directs the Board of Public Utilities to notify the Department of Community Affairs of each application for exemption approved. The bill directs the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection, to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate certain provisions of the bill. The bill would take effect on the first day of the 13th 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 |
| A4934 | Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older. | Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older. | In Committee |
| A4815 | Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons. | Permits certain local units and authorities to reduce water, sewer, and stormwater fees and other charges for low-income persons. | In Committee |
| A5073 | Provides gross income tax exclusion for military compensation paid to State residents for out-of-State military service. | This bill allows a gross income tax exclusion for certain military compensation paid to members of the United States Armed Forces who are domiciled in New Jersey but who serve their military duty at a station or deployment outside of the State of New Jersey for a minimum of six months of the taxable year. | In Committee |
| A2444 | Requires DOH to study racial aspects of ovarian cancer. | Requires DOH to study racial aspects of ovarian cancer. | Crossed Over |
| A2946 | Criminalizes failure to return erroneous person-to-person electronic payments following proper notification. | Criminalizes failure to return erroneous person-to-person electronic payments following proper notification. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| S3608 | Permits restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers and manufacturers to conduct business within designated outdoor space or on public sidewalk. | An Act concerning outdoor sale of food and alcoholic beverages and supplementing Title 40 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3201 | Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances. | An Act upgrading certain penalties for assault and requiring testing for communicable diseases, and revising various parts of statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5020 | Makes $3 million supplemental appropriation for bonus awards for certain COVID-19 emergency essential frontline State workers of Local 195 International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers. | This bill provides for a supplemental appropriation of $3,000,000 from the General Fund to provide individual employee awards to the many essential frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers who provided emergency frontline workplace service during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Independent Review of New Jersey's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic completed on March 7, 2024 noted that one of the strengths of New Jersey State Government's response was that staff across government departments and agencies went above and beyond what they were expected or paid to do. Many state employees put their lives on hold to ensure that the important work of their department or agency continued amidst the uncertainty, additional workload, and safety challenges posed by the pandemic. Many frontline agency workers also reported experiencing significant trauma due to the panic and urgency of the response and the demands associated with their jobs. Personal losses and increased workloads caused many State workers to endure prolonged exhaustion and pandemic fatigue. Workers were overwhelmed by the sudden and dramatic increase in their responsibilities, which agencies had to process while being understaffed. Across departments and agencies, state employees demonstrated resilience and flexibility. Many state agencies worked closely with their respective unions to ensure their staff were well placed to continue their work during the pandemic. Agencies that had pre-existing relationships with union leaders were able to have proactive discussions and continuous dialogue in the early stages of the pandemic, enabling rapid decision making concerning workplace attendance by staff deemed essential for the health and safety of human life. The many frontline State workers of Local 195 of International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers ensured the continued operation and maintenance of the many crucial State facilities, which provide essential services to their clients and patients who could not survive a termination of services during the pandemic. This appropriation will ensure that the many thousands of these State employees receive additional compensation in the form of individual bonuses for their essential work during the most dangerous of times. | In Committee |
| A4866 | Permits restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers and manufacturers to conduct business within designated outdoor space or on public sidewalk. | Permits restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers and manufacturers to conduct business within designated outdoor space or on public sidewalk. | In Committee |
| AR165 | Urges President and Congress of United States to enact federal legislation providing proportional property tax relief for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability. | This resolution urges the President and Congress of the United States to enact federal legislation to provide proportional property tax relief for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability. The United States of America and the State of New Jersey are forever grateful to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces of the United States and who sacrifice their lives to protect the freedoms enjoyed by all citizens of this nation. However, in the course of their selfless sacrifice for this nation, many veterans unfortunately experience permanent disabilities that can limit their ability to support themselves and their families. In recognition of the sacrifice and service of these veterans, it is the responsibility of the federal government to ensure that veterans with service-connected disabilities receive the benefits necessary to enjoy a stable quality of life, without the fear of suffering catastrophic financial hardship. While the State of New Jersey currently provides crucial tax relief to these veterans in the form of a total property tax exemption for veterans with 100 percent service-connected disabilities, this assistance is unfortunately unavailable to veterans who live with similar disabilities in other states. To ensure that all veterans throughout the country receive property tax relief commensurate with the severity of their disabilities, there is an urgent need for the federal government to enact legislation to provide proportional property tax relief for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability. The provision of proportional property tax relief would entitle veterans with a service-connected disability to an annual property tax benefit based on a designated percentage of the property taxes paid by the veteran, as determined by the veteran's disability rating assigned by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. However, to ensure that these benefits target the veterans most in need of assistance, this proportional property tax relief should be limited to those veterans with annual income up to $200,000, and the federal benefits should only be provided for the principal residences of eligible veterans. In providing this proportional property tax relief, the federal government would honor its duty and obligation to support the selfless men and women who sacrificed their well-being for the betterment of this great nation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A4985 | Requires DOT to ensure electric vehicle charging stations are accessible to disabled drivers. | This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to require, no later than 18 months after the effective date of the bill, that electric vehicle charging stations in the State are accessible to allow for independent use by drivers with disabilities. The bill requires electric vehicle chargers to be located on an accessible route for drivers with mobility devices. The bill requires the DOT to adopt technical requirements for accessible routes established under federal law. The bill establishes that a charging space with mobility features shall provide a vehicle space with a minimum width of at least 11 feet and a minimum length of at least 20 feet, and that chargers provide a clear floor or ground space which meet the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" (ADA) requirements for ground and floor surfaces, including criteria for firmness, stability, and slip resistance. Further, under the bill, a reasonable number of chargers, as determined by the DOT, are required to comply with ADA operable parts requirements, including technical requirements for clear floor or ground space, reach ranges, and operation and a connector is required to allow operation with one hand and no tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist, and with no more than five pounds of force. Finally, the bill directs that all chargers operated or maintained by any entity within the State are required to comply with the technical requirements for hardware under the federal "Rehabilitation Act of 1973." | In Committee |
| A4027 | Requires health insurance coverage of preimplantation genetic testing with in vitro fertilization under certain conditions. | Requires health insurance coverage of preimplantation genetic testing with in vitro fertilization under certain conditions. | In Committee |
| A2818 | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election. | Crossed Over |
| A1792 | Directs Attorney General to establish program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety. | Directs Attorney General to establish program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety. | In Committee |
| A4931 | Requires board of education member to maintain principal residence in school district for certain number of days each year. | This bill requires each member of a board of education to maintain principal residence in the school district and spend no less than 292 days in the residence each year. Under the bill, a member of a board of education is required to maintain a principal residence in the district, or in the constituent district of a consolidated or regional district, and spend in the aggregate no less than 292 days in the residence for each calendar year that the member holds office. The bill provides that membership on the board is to immediately cease for a member who fails to maintain the principal residence. The bill permits a member to be exempt from the requirement to maintain a principal residence in the event that that the member's principal residence is damaged or destroyed by fire, flood, storm, natural disaster, or other casualty which requires the member to occupy a temporary residence. Current law requires each member of a board of education to be a resident of the district and specifies that membership on the board is to immediately cease for a member who ceases to be a bona fide resident of the district. | In Committee |
| A4952 | Requires public institutions of higher education to disclose all financial donors. | This bill requires public institutions of higher education to disclose all financial donors in each fiscal year. The bill requires a public institution of higher education to publicly disclose the names of all individuals or organizations that made a donation to the institution and any student organization affiliated with the institution of higher education in a manner and form to be determined by the Secretary of Higher Education. The disclosure is not to contain the words "unknown," "not available," or any other synonym as a placeholder for the legal name of an individual or registered name of an organization. The disclosure is to be made on or before July 31 of each year and is to contain the names of all donors for the preceding fiscal year. An institution is required to submit the disclosure to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education and publish the disclosure in an easily accessible location on the institution's Internet website. The bill provides that a public institution of higher education that does not disclose the names of all individuals and organizations that made a donation is to be subject to fines in amounts to be determined by the secretary, in consultation with the State Treasurer. An institution of higher education that has repeatedly violated the provisions of the bill may be subject to the revocation of the institution's tax exempt status with respect to local property taxes and the Sales and Use Tax Act. | In Committee |
| A4951 | Requires State to reimburse federally unreimbursed costs of snacks provided to children at certain preschools; appropriates $100,000. | This bill would amend and supplement the existing statutory rubric that governs the operation of school meals programs in New Jersey and the State-level reimbursement of certain federally unreimbursed costs incurred by participating schools and school districts in association therewith, in order to include new provisions specifically governing the operation of preschool snack programs in New Jersey and further providing for the State-level reimbursement of certain federally unreimbursed costs incurred by participating preschools in providing requisite snacks to preschoolers. Although federal reimbursement is currently available for preschools that provide free or reduced price snacks to enrolled preschoolers under the federal Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), which is operated pursuant to the "Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act," 42 U.S.C. s.1751 et seq., preschools are, generally, not eligible to receive federal reimbursement for any snacks that are served thereby in accordance with CACFP requirements, until such time as the preschool's federal application, seeking initial authorization to participate as a CACFP snack provider, is formally approved by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Moreover, because federal law generally prohibits the retroactive issuance of snack program reimbursement payments, on a back-pay basis, any preschools that are federally approved to participate as a CACFP snack provider will still be ineligible, under existing law, to receive federal reimbursement for otherwise federally reimbursable snacks that were served thereby to preschoolers during the period of time when the preschool's federal CACFP application was pending completion or final determination by the USDA. This bill would endeavor to establish greater consistency in this area by folding relevant school snack program requirements into the State's existing school meals program law, and by providing for the State to reimburse certain federally unreimbursed costs incurred by preschools, in association with their provision of snacks to preschoolers, in a manner that is consistent with the existing State reimbursement requirements applicable to authorized school lunch and breakfast providers. Specifically, the bill would amend and supplement the State's existing school meals program laws, in order to incorporate the following snack program-related provisions: (1) provisions requiring all federally eligible preschools in the State to maximize their receipt of federal resources available for preschool snacks, both by applying for and obtaining federal approval to participate as CACFP snack providers (or explaining the reasons why a CACFP application has not been submitted or has been federally disapproved and denied), and, as appropriate, by applying for and obtaining federal approval to additionally provide federally reimbursable free afterschool snacks to at-risk youth under, and for the purposes of, the CACFP's Special Program for At-Risk School Children, established pursuant to subsection r. of 42 U.S.C. s.1766 and 7 C.F.R. Part 226; (2) provisions that would require the State Department of Agriculture to establish and operate a new Preschool Snack Reimbursement Grant Program, the purpose of which would be to annually provide State-level reimbursement grant funding sufficient to offset the initial, federally unreimbursed costs being incurred by preschools that engage in the provision of snacks to preschoolers during the term-limited period when the preschool's federal CACFP application is pending completion and formal federal approval or disapproval; (3) provisions requiring all federally approved CACFP preschool snack providers to provide snacks to all enrolled preschoolers, free-of-charge; and (4) provisions requiring the State to reimburse the federally unreimbursed costs of all free and reduced price snacks served by federally approved CACFP preschool snack providers. The bill would appropriate, to the Department of Agriculture, for deposit into the existing "Nourishing Young Minds Initiative Fund," an initial sum of $100,000 to be dedicated and used for the purposes of financing reimbursement grants issued, under the Preschool Snack Reimbursement Grant Program, in the first year of program operations. The bill would further require the State Secretary of Agriculture, following the expenditure of such initially appropriated sums, to make annually recurring budget requests for supplemental appropriations, in an amount of $100,000 per year, or another amount, not exceeding $1.21 multiplied by the total number of preschoolers enrolled at all remaining eligible preschools in the State, as may be deemed thereby to be necessary to continue the grant program and facilitate the ongoing issuance of grant awards to eligible preschool applicants thereunder. | In Committee |
| A4930 | Requires board of education to adopt policy permitting remote attendance by board member in certain circumstances. | This bill requires a board of education to adopt a policy authorizing a member of the board of education to attend and participate in a meeting of the board remotely using virtual or electronic means. Pursuant to the bill, the policy may only permit a board member to remotely attend a board meeting if extenuating circumstances exist which prevent the member from attending the meeting in-person. The policy is to: (1) describe the extenuating circumstances in which a member of the board is permitted to attend the meeting remotely, including accommodating a medical condition, illness, or disability; (2) require a request for remote attendance to be made in advance of the meeting and be approved by the board president; (3) allow for the members of the public and other board members to hear the comments made by the board member attending remotely and for the board member to hear comments made by members of the public and other board members; (4) detail the permitted methods by which a member of the board may attend remotely which may include telephone, video-conferencing, or other electronic means; (5) establish procedures to ensure that a member of the board attending remotely has real-time access to any materials that are presented and available to members of the board attending the meeting in-person; and (6) establish a maximum number of meetings for which a member may attend virtually, which is prohibited from exceeding three consecutive meetings. The bill stipulates that a member attending the meeting remotely pursuant to the policy established under the bill is to be considered present for the purposes of establishing a quorum. The bill also permits a member attending remotely to attend and participate in an executive or closed session of the board provided that certain conditions are met. Finally, the bill requires a board of education to acquire adequate technology and communications equipment to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A4933 | Establishes New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program to provide water service and water bill payment assistance to certain low-income households; appropriates $25 million. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs (commissioner), in consultation with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (board), to establish the "New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program" (program). The purpose of the program is to provide affordability assistance for water and sewer services to eligible households throughout New Jersey. Under the bill, "eligible household" means a household that pays for its own water or sewer services and which has a monthly household income at or below 60 percent of the New Jersey State median income, to be established by the Department of Community Affairs based on the most recent Statewide data from the United States Census Bureau. Under the bill, the programs would provide the following types of assistance:· direct assistance;· assistance to renters and other households who do not receive a bill from a water system but pay other amounts, fees, or charges related to residential water system service;· water crisis intervention assistance;· water efficiency, leak detection, and plumbing repair measures for eligible households; and· debt relief for arrears, including arrears accrued prior to implementation of the program. The commissioner is required to coordinate the program with any existing assistance programs, and in developing the program, the commissioner is also required to review and consider adapting elements of one or more existing low-income energy assistance programs, including the Universal Service Fund and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The bill also establishes the "New Jersey Low Income Household Water Assistance Program Fund." The fund would be a non-lapsing fund to contain monies appropriated annually by the Legislature, federal and other grants received by the State, and any other monies made available to fund the water affordability assistance required to be provided in the bill. To participate in the program, each public utility, local authority, or municipal utility is required to enter into a vendor contract with the department, on a form and in such manner as determined by the commissioner, to provide assistance to eligible households. The bill requires the commissioner to submit an annual written report concerning the operations of the program to the Governor and to the Legislature, which is required to include information concerning: · the number of persons who applied for the program; · the number of persons who have been approved and denied for the program, respectively; · the number of public utilities, local authorities, and municipal utilities that have entered into a vendor contract, including the names of any such public utility, local authority, or municipal utility; and· the amount of funding that has been expended on the program, including administrative expenses and program assistance payments, respectively. The bill appropriates $25 million from the General Fund to the Department of Community Affairs to provide grants to effectuate the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| A4932 | Requires provider of early intervention services to submit certain information to child's district of residence and DOE. | This bill requires providers of early intervention services to submit certain information to the district of residence of a child receiving services. Under the bill, a provider of early intervention services is required to annually provide a list of the names and ages of all eligible infants and toddlers receiving early intervention services to each child's district of residence and the Department of Education on or before September 1. Additionally, the bill requires a provider of early intervention services to notify the district of residence of a child receiving early intervention services and the Department of Education that the child, upon the child's third birthday, will reach the age of eligibility for services under Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) no later than 120 days prior to the child's third birthday. The notification is required to provide the following information to the district and the DOE: (1) documentation of any additional information necessary for the district to ensure the continuity of services from the Part C to the Part B program under IDEA; (2) a copy of the most recent evaluation and assessments of the child and the family; and (3) a copy of the child's most recent individualized family service plan. The bill stipulates that the notification is required to comply with all State and federal laws and regulations governing parental consent and the opt-out policy permitting a parent to object to the disclosure of personally identifiable information. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Health, in consultation with the DOE, to establish appropriate penalties for a provider of early intervention services that fails to comply with the provisions of the bill. The penalties may include: (1) revocation of current funding received from the State, including, but not limited to, grant funding; (2) the nullification of current contracts between the vendor and any State entity; (3) restrictions on applying for or receiving future State funding; (4) restrictions on entering into future contracts with a State entity; (5) loss of status as an approved provider of early intervention services under the New Jersey Early Intervention System; and (6) any other penalties deemed appropriate by the Department of Health, in consultation with the Department of Education. | In Committee |
| A4529 | Requires Attorney General to conduct study tracking residential burglaries and issue guidance to law enforcement and public. | This bill requires the Attorney General, in consultation with the Administrative Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts, the Superintendent of State Police, the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police, and the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey, to conduct a study and prepare a written report concerning residential burglaries in the State. The bill requires the report to include, but not be limited to:· annual State residential burglary statistics beginning with calendar year 2018 through the most recently available data, itemized by county, including, but not limited to: the number of residential burglaries reported, including whether the burglary occurred during the day, night, or weekend, and whether any weapon was used; the number of residential burglaries resulting in injury or death to a resident or law enforcement officer; the number of residential burglaries that coincided with theft of a motor vehicle; the average and median dollar value of property damage or theft incurred; and the number of adults and juveniles charged with and convicted or adjudicated delinquent of burglary of a residence; · a summary of law enforcement initiatives and activities, including public awareness activities, implemented during the reporting period to address the issue of residential burglaries Statewide, and the effects of those initiatives and activities; and· recommendations to decrease the number of residential burglaries committed in the State, including any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that may be necessary to effectuate this purpose. Under the bill, the Attorney General is required to submit an initial report to the Governor and the Legislature within six months of the bill's enactment, and to submit an annual report thereafter. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A4870 | Exempts nonresident military spouses from "New Jersey First Act." | The "New Jersey First Act" requires most public employees in New Jersey to be residents of the State. This bill exempts nonresident military spouses from the residency requirement. This bill defines "nonresident military spouse" as a nonresident of this State who is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been transferred to this State in the course of the member's service, is legally domiciled in this State, or has moved to this State on a permanent change-of-station basis. | In Committee |
| A2378 | Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances. | Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances. | In Committee |
| A4548 | Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for employers of certain persons with disabilities. | This bill provides corporation business and gross income tax credits to taxpayers that employ certain persons with disabilities. The credit would be for up to 15 percent of the wages paid by the taxpayer during a taxable year to a qualifying employee with a disability, not to exceed $2,000 per qualified employee. To claim the credit, a taxpayer would be required to submit an application to the Director of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development for certification that the employee has a disability for purposes of qualifying for the credit. A copy of the certification would be included with the taxpayer's tax return. The contents of the certification would only state the fact the employee has a qualifying disability and not disclose any private or confidential health information. The bill requires the director to establish an application process and prescribe the form and manner through which a taxpayer may submit an application to obtain a certification from the director that an employee is a qualified employee with a disability for purposes of the tax credit. The bill provides that applications would be deemed approved and written authorizations are deemed issued if the director fails to make a determination regarding within 90 calendar days of the date a complete application is received or if the director fails to issue a written authorization within five calendar days of the date a determination is made. The bill defines a "qualified employee with a disability" as a person with a disability recognized under the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990," Pub.L.101-336 (42 U.S.C. s. 12102). A qualified employee is also required to be employed by the taxpayer for at least 35 hours a week and paid wages at a rate of no less than $15 per hour. A taxpayer would be unable to claim the credit for the wages paid to a person with a disability who works for the taxpayer as an independent contractor or on a consulting basis. | In Committee |
| A4836 | Requires written notification of advanced placement courses to parents of students with disability; prohibits exclusion from advanced placement courses on basis of disability. | This bill requires a school district to annually provide written notification of the availability of advanced placement courses offered by the school district to the parent or guardian of a student with disabilities. The bill requires the written notification to include: (1) the name of the course; (2) a description of the course material; and (3) information on any prerequisite requirements needed to enroll in the course. The bill also prohibits a school district from excluding a student with a disability from participating in an advanced placement course on the basis of the student's disability. | In Committee |
| A4725 | Requires State agencies to make good faith effort towards certain goals to use certified minority and women-owned businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors. | This bill requires State agencies to make a good faith effort towards goals to use certified minority and women-owned businesses as prime contractors and subcontractors in the State procurement process. In January 2024, a New Jersey Disparity Study was conducted on the availability and utilization of small, minority, women, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses and their experience in the State procurement process. Across all types of contracts, minority and women-owned businesses received about 10 percent of prime contract dollars and about 36 percent of subcontract dollars. The study determined that minority and women-owned businesses are capable of fulfilling large State contracts if they were to be awarded the contracts and there are measurable differences for minority and women-owned businesses across all types of contracts. Under this bill, the Chief Diversity Officer is required to recommission the statewide disparity study regarding the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in State contracts. The study and its findings must be completed by August 15, 2029. Each State agency is required to structure procurement procedures for contracts made directly or indirectly to minority and women-owned businesses to attempt good faith effort towards increased utilization of minority and women-owned businesses with regard to total annual statewide procurement across all types of contracts. Each agency is also required to develop and adopt agency specific goals based on the findings of the most recent disparity study and must be consistent with the findings of the disparity study. The bill requires each contractor to develop a utilization plan on the use of minority and women-owned businesses as subcontractors during the bidding process. The bill also establishes a waiver procedure for contractors who have made a good faith effort to comply with the minority and women-owned business participation requirements. The bill establishes a complaint procedure for State agencies who have reason to believe that a good faith effort was not made by the contractor. The bill contains a sunset provision and will expire on December 31, 2029 if the required recommissioned disparity study does not indicate a measurable disparity for minority and women-owned businesses in the State contract procurement process. | In Committee |
| A4849 | Requires county clerks to send applications for mail-in ballots to registered voters upon their 18th birthday. | This bill directs the county clerk in each county to send an application for a mail-in ballot to each 17-year-old registered voter upon their 18th birthday. Under current law, a person who is at least 17 years of age and will be 18 on the date of the next general election is entitled to register to vote, provided they meet all other voter registration requirements. | In Committee |
| A4855 | Concerns policies governing student use of cell phones and social media platforms in schools. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media and requires a board of education to adopt a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media. Under the bill, the commissioner is to develop a policy applicable to students enrolled in grades kindergarten through 12 concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms during regular school hours, on a school bus, or during school-sanctioned events when the student is under the direct supervision of a teaching staff member or employee of the board of education. The policy is to, at a minimum, (1) provide age appropriate and grade-level differentiated policies concerning limiting and prohibiting student use of cell phones and social media platforms; (2) be consistent with State and federal law including accommodations provided in a student's Individualized Education Program or educational plan; (3) permit student use of cell phones in the case of an emergency or in response to a perceived threat of danger; (4) permit student use of cell phones upon submission by a parent or guardian of documentation from a health care professional indicating that the use of a cell phone is necessary for the health or well-being of the student; (5) address smartphones, cell phones with only text or voice, and other relevant devices, including smart watches; (6) list options that may be utilized by a school district for cell phone storage, including locked pouches and cell phone lockers; (7) provide guidance for a school district to establish network-based restrictions to prevent the use of, or access to, social media platforms; and (8) detail protocols for communicating the district's policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms to students, their families, and teaching staff members. The bill also requires each board of education to adopt a policy concerning student use of cell phones and social media platforms during regular school hours, on a school bus, or during school-sanctioned events when the student is under the direct supervision of a teaching staff member or employee of the board of education. The policy is to be consistent with the policy developed by the commissioner. Additionally, the bill permits the commissioner to grant an exemption to a board of education for the requirement to adopt the policy upon submission of an application by the board. | In Committee |
| A3508 | Requires child abuse reporting hotline maintained by DCPP to provide information on resources available to victims and families. | This bill requires that the child abuse reporting hotline maintained by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) provide information on resources available to the victims of child abuse or neglect and their families. DCPP regularly contracts with community-based agencies throughout the State to provide a variety of services to children and families, including counseling, parenting skills classes, substance abuse treatment, in-home services, foster care, and residential placement. It is critical for families to be made aware of these services so that they are empowered to break the cycle of abuse and protect the most vulnerable residents of New Jersey. | Crossed Over |
| A1844 | Requires 60 day notice concerning tuition rate changes by licensed child care centers. | Requires 60 day notice concerning tuition rate changes by licensed child care centers. | Crossed Over |
| A4191 | Protects access to assisted reproductive technology. | This bill provides every woman in this State the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Under current law, the State provides the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, or to choose whether to carry a pregnancy, to give birth, or to terminate a pregnancy. Under the bill, the fundamental rights related to reproductive health choice in the State are expanded to include the use of ART. ART includes, but is not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This legislation is in response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), decided in February 2024. In LePage, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the state's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. New Jersey has long been a State that supports, and provides protections for, the reproductive freedom of its citizens, including the right to make the choice of whether to start or expand a family through IVF. | Crossed Over |
| A4532 | Establishes separate crime of burglary of residential dwelling. | This bill establishes burglary of a residence as a separate crime from the crime of burglary pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:18-2, thus facilitating the tracking of the crime of burglary of residential dwellings in this State. Under the bill, "residential dwelling" is defined as: (1) any building or structure, though movable or temporary, or a portion thereof, which serves primarily as a residence for one or more persons; or (2) any place adapted for overnight accommodation of persons. The penalties for burglary of a residence remain the same as under current law. It is a crime of the third degree to commit a burglary of a residential dwelling under this bill; except that it is a crime of the second degree if the actor: (1) purposely, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict, or threatens to inflict bodily injury on anyone; (2) is armed with or displays what appear to be explosives or a deadly weapon; or (3) enters the residential dwelling while a resident or any other person, other than a person acting in concert with the actor, is present in the residential dwelling. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. A crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | Crossed Over |
| A4528 | Establishes "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force." | This bill establishes the "Home Security Systems Anti-Burglary Task Force" in the Department of Law and Public Safety. Under the bill, the purpose of the task force is to study and make recommendations for manufacturers and installers concerning home security systems, including but not limited to keyless entry, camera, and alarm systems, meant to prevent residential burglaries. The bill provides that the task force will consist of 16 members as follows:· the chairperson of the Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee of the Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors, who shall serve as the chair of the task force;· the Attorney General and the Superintendent of State Police, serving ex officio, or their designees;· one representative of each of the following organizations selected by that organization: the New Jersey Electronic Life Safety Association; the Electronic Security Association; the Monitoring Association; the Security Industry Association; the Insurance Council of New Jersey; the New Jersey Insurance Underwriting Association; the New Jersey Property-Liability Insurance Guaranty Association; the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police; and the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey; and· four public members, appointed by the Governor, with experience in the locksmithing and alarm business, including at least one licensed locksmith and one licensed burglar alarm installer. The bill requires the task force to submit a written report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the task force's recommendations concerning improvements in home security and anti-burglary measures through security system design features and product availability. The report will also include any recommendations for legislative or regulatory action that are necessary to effectuate the improvements. | Crossed Over |
| A4746 | Restricts landlord from imposing change on applicant or tenant for keeping pets in residential rental units. | This bill prohibits a landlord from charging a tenant, including an applicant or prospective tenant, additional rent or fees because the tenant has a pet or intends to keep a pet in the residential rental dwelling unit. The bill defines the term "pet" to mean a domesticated animal normally maintained in or near the dwelling unit of that animal's owner. The bill defines the term "tenant" to mean: (1) any person who rents or leases, for a term of at least one month, a dwelling unit, except dwelling units in hotels, motels, or other guest houses serving transient or seasonal guests; and (2) an applicant, prospective tenant, or other person who applies to rent or lease, or seeks to rent or lease, for a term of at least one month, dwelling units, except dwelling units in hotels, motels, or other guest houses serving transient or seasonal guests. Specifically, the bill prohibits a landlord from:§ charging a tenant, as defined in the bill, additional rent, fees, or other increases to the monthly rent, nonrefundable or otherwise, because the tenant keeps, or intends to keep, a pet in the dwelling unit;§ requiring as a condition for a lease, lease addendum, or lease application that a tenant pay any additional fees or charges, nonrefundable or otherwise, because the tenant keeps, or intends to keep, a pet in the dwelling unit; and § including within any lease, lease addendum, or lease application a provision requiring additional fees or charges, nonrefundable or otherwise, because the tenant keeps, or intends to keep, a pet in the dwelling unit. The bill would permit a landlord to charge a one-time, refundable pet security deposit of no more than $500, which would be included within the total security deposit limit set forth by present law. The bill would also codify certain State case law by prohibiting a landlord from requiring a security deposit in excess of one and a half times the monthly rent because the tenant keeps or intends to keep one or more pets. A violation of the bill would: (1) permit a tenant to petition the court to terminate a lease or agreement in violation of the bill, and to recover reasonable attorney's fees or expenses; and (2) subject a landlord to a private cause of action, brought at the discretion of the tenant, who would be permitted to recover $1,000 from the landlord for each offense, in addition to reasonable attorney's fees or expenses. The remedies provided to a tenant would function in addition to, and are not to interfere with, existing remedies available pursuant to section 3 of P.L.1971, c.223 (C.46:8-21.1 et seq.). The bill would take effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment, and apply to tenancies commencing on or after the effective date of the bill, and to oral or written representations made by a landlord, applications offered by a landlord, and submitted applications by a tenant beginning on or after the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A4150 | Permits certified nurse aides to be employed as personal care assistants. | Permits certified nurse aides to be employed as personal care assistants. | Crossed Over |
| A4527 | Concerns keyless locking mechanisms and burglar's tools. | This bill expands the definition of "burglar's tool" to include that which may be considered an "engine, machine, tool or implement." Under the bill, an engine, machine, tool, implement, or program manufactured or possessed in violation of N.J.S.2C:5-5 includes such which may provide access to a premises through a keyless locking mechanism. Under the bill, it is a crime of the fourth degree if the person manufactured such instrument or implements or published such plans or instructions for tools which may provide access to a premises through a keyless locking mechanism. If the person merely possesses an instrument in violation of the statute, then it is a disorderly persons offense. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A disorderly persons offense is punishable by up to six months imprisonment, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. | Crossed Over |
| A4048 | Requires upcoming Educational Adequacy Report to include comprehensive review of certain components of school funding in consultation with certain stakeholders and experts. | This bill requires the upcoming Educational Adequacy Report to be developed in consultation with certain education stakeholders and school finance experts. Under current law, an Educational Adequacy Report is required to be issued every three years by the Governor, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education. The purpose of the report is to update the various parameters used to calculate State aid to school districts, including the base per pupil amount, various grade level and student characteristic weights, preschool education per pupil amounts, security and transportation aid cost coefficients, excess cost and classification rate assumption for census-based special education funding, and extraordinary special education aid thresholds. The requirements established under the bill would apply to the next upcoming Educational Adequacy Report that is to be issued by September 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill requires the Governor, in consultation with the commissioner, to engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including school administrators, staff, students, parents, and other community members, to identify the necessary school resources and student supports that are not adequately funded through the State school funding formula. In addition, the bill requires the Governor and the commissioner to commission various school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for the determination of various cost factors that are required to be updated under the Educational Adequacy Report. | Crossed Over |
| A3416 | Provides gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for expense of classroom supplies. | This bill provides a gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals employed by a New Jersey elementary or secondary school for certain expenses incurred by the educator or paraprofessional for classroom supplies during the taxable year. This New Jersey gross income tax deduction is modeled on the federal income tax deduction for educator expenses allowed under section 62 of the federal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.62). The bill defines an "eligible educator" as an individual who is employed as a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, speech language specialist, or principal by a public or private school located in this State for at least 900 hours during a school year. The bill defines a "paraprofessional" as an individual who is employed as a school aide or classroom aide who assists a teaching staff member with the supervision of pupil activities by a public or private school located in the State that provides elementary education or secondary education. The bill also allows the deduction of unreimbursed expenditures by an eligible educator or paraprofessional for supplies (other than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), books, computer equipment, including related software and services, and other equipment and supplementary materials used by the eligible educator or paraprofessional in the classroom. | Crossed Over |
| A4530 | Allows sentencing to extended term for repeat convictions of receipt of stolen property. | This bill provides that a person may be sentenced to an extended term of imprisonment for repeat convictions of receiving stolen property. Under the bill, a person is a persistent offender if the person has previously been convicted on two or more prior and separate occasions of receiving stolen property in violation of N.J.S.A.2C:20-7, regardless of the dates of the convictions. A persistent offender may be sentenced to an extended term, upon motion of the prosecutor, if the prior conviction is for a crime committed on a separate occasion and the crime for which the person is being sentenced was either: (1) within 10 years of the date of the defendant's last release from confinement for the commission of any crime; or (2) within 10 years of the date of the commission of the most recent violation of N.J.S.2C:20-7 for which the defendant has a prior conviction. | Crossed Over |
| A4736 | Amends public school laws on harassment, intimidation, and bullying to apply to certain acts against teachers and staff members; revises definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" in "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act." | This bill extends the public school law on harassment, intimidation, and bullying to apply to certain acts of fraudulent impersonation or false depiction by means of artificial intelligence or deepfake technology. The bill also extends the law to apply to acts of harassment, intimidation, or bullying against teachers and staff members. Current law requires each school district to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The definition of "harassment, intimidation, or bullying" includes gestures and written, verbal or physical acts, and electronic communications. This bill clarifies that any act or communication, including electronic communication that uses deceptive audio or visual media may not be used to harass, intimidate, or bully a student, teacher, or staff member. Under the bill, "deceptive audio or visual media" means any video recording, motion picture film, sound recording, electronic image, photograph, any technological representation of speech or conduct substantially derivative thereof, or any forgery or facsimile of a document or writing, that appears to a reasonable person to realistically depict any speech, conduct, or writing of a person who did not in fact engage in the speech, conduct, or writing, and the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, rather than the ability of another person to physically or verbally impersonate the person. | 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 |
| A2481 | Prohibits insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP from charging fee for paper bills and notices. | This bill prohibits any insurer from charging a fee to furnish tangible printed or paper bills or notices, with respect to any insurance policy, to an insured or other owner of that policy. Insurance policies referred to under the bill include automobile insurance policies, homeowners policies, individual life and health insurance policies. In addition, the bill prohibits the State Health Benefits Commission and School Employees' Health Benefits Commission from charging a fee to furnish tangible printed or paper bills or notices to any member of the State Health Benefits Program or the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. This bill ensures that an insured, or other owner of the policy, will not be charged an additional fee if the insured or other owner of the policy elects to receive tangible printed or paper bills or notices in place of digital access to the same. The bill does not prohibit an insurer from offering a discount, credit, or other incentive to an insured for selecting a specific billing, payment, or notification option. | In Committee |
| A4533 | Revises certain sections of law concerning financing mechanisms for school facilities projects of regular operating districts. | An Act concerning the financing of school facilities projects and amending P.L.2023, c.311. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AJR189 | Designates September 14 of each year as "Latino Business Day" in New Jersey. | This resolution declares September 14 of each year as "Latino Business Day" in the State of New Jersey. Latino-owned businesses present an opportunity for intergenerational upward mobility and wealth accrual, with growing revenues among Latino owned businesses increasing the assets of subsequent generations. The rapid growth of this industry outpaces the growth of the overall Latino population, as well as the number of business created by other demographic groups. Each year, Latino owned businesses supply the American economy with $800 billion in revenues. The Latino community also represents a prominent consumer base and economic force, contributing $3.2 trillion to U.S. markets. Over the last ten years, Latino-owned businesses have grown ten times faster than white-owned businesses, experiencing a 57 percent growth rate, compared to five percent for non-Latino-owned firms. This rate has slowed in recent years but the trend of demographic outperformance persists; between 2020 and 2023, Latino-owned businesses noticed an 8.7 percent growth rate, against 5.6 percent for white-owned businesses. Latino-owned business are expected to occupy 20 percent of the national labor market in five years, and 29 percent by 2050. Latino entrepreneurs currently account for 17 percent of the U.S. workforce; the 4.7 million Latino-owned businesses in America employ 3.5 million workers across the country. Between 2007 and 2019, the number of jobs created by Latino owned businesses grew from 1.9 million to 2.9 million, a 53.6 percent growth rate. Researchers estimate that unemployment rates would have risen above 10 percent if not for Latino business creation. September 14 is National Support Latino Business Day, recognizing the contributions of Latino-owned businesses to the New Jersey economy as well their positive impact on communities. With this context in mind, it is in public interest to recognize the economic strength of Latino business on September 14. | In Committee |
| A4680 | Requires schools to universally provide free meals to all students, regardless of whether students are federally eligible for free or reduced price meals. | This bill would require school districts and nonpublic schools participating in the National School Lunch Program, and public and nonpublic schools offering school breakfasts under the federal School Breakfast Program, to respectively provide school lunches or school breakfasts, or both, to all enrolled students, free of charge, regardless of whether each such student is determined to be federally eligible for free or reduced price school meals. Under existing federal law, a student is federally eligible to receive free or reduced price school lunch under the National School Lunch Program, or free or reduced price school breakfast under the federal School Breakfast Program, only if the student is determined to be categorically eligible for such benefits (i.e., is determined to be a homeless child, a migrant child, a runaway child, a foster child, or a Head Start Child, or is a participant in certain public benefits programs) or can demonstrate either that the student lives in a low-income household - i.e., a household having an annual income of not more than 185 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). Pursuant to the recently enacted "Working Class Families' Anti-Hunger Act," P.L.2022, c.104 (C.18A:33-3.2 et al.), as amended by P.L.2023, c.336 (C.18A:33-14.2 et al.), New Jersey has additionally provided for free school meals, subsidized by the State, to be provided to public school and non-public school students from "middle-income families" - i.e., families having an income of up to 224 percent of the FPL). This bill would provide for the further expansion of the existing State law, in this area, in order to expressly require all school districts and public or nonpublic schools participating in the National School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program to provide school lunch or breakfast, or both, as appropriate, to all enrolled students, free of charge, regardless of each such students categorical eligibility or income-eligibility for federally subsidized school meals. Any student who is neither categorically nor income-eligible to receive free school meals subsidized by the federal government would, under the bill's provisions, still be deemed to be statutorily eligible for free school meals fully subsidized by the State. All students who are deemed to be categorically eligible, income-eligible, or statutorily eligible for subsidized school meals, under the bill's expanded eligibility provisions, would be eligible to continue receiving such school meals, free of charge, through a summer meals program, and, if enrolled at a public school, through an emergency meals distribution program that is activated during a period of public school closure resulting from COVID-19. The bill would revise the existing law to require schools to request that a student's parent or guardian complete a household income data collection form for the limited purposes specified in the bill. This data collection form would serve the same purposes as the current subsidized school meals application that is used to certify students as eligible for free or reduced price school meals; however, parents and guardians would be encouraged, and no longer required, to submit such forms in order for the student to receive free school meals, as provided by the bill. Any parent or guardian declining to provide such income-related data would be required to submit a signed acknowledgement card confirming that declination. Consistent with State-level reimbursement requirements previously established, pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2019, c.445 (C.18A:33-21.1) and the Working Class Families Anti-Hunger Act, this bill would require the State to provide funding, to each school or school district participating in the National School Lunch Program or federal School Breakfast Program, as may be necessary to reimburse the costs associated with the provision, by such school or district, of subsidized school meals to students who are federally ineligible for free or reduced price school meals. The bill would repeal various sections of existing law, pertaining to school lunch programs, school breakfast programs, and summer meals programs, which are contrary to the bill's universal free meal provisions. Some of the sections being repealed would be replaced by new sections of the bill. The sections being repealed, and the provisions replacing those repealed sections, are as follows: (1) Section 1 of P.L.2006, c.14 (C.18A:33-3.1). This section pertains to prepayment for school lunches. Because students will no longer be required to pay for school lunches under the bill, this section is being repealed. (2) Section 2 of P.L.1974, c.53 (C.18A:33-5). This section exempts, from school lunch requirements, any school in which less than five percent of enrolled students meet federal eligibility requirements for receipt of free meals. Because the bill requires all schools to provide free school lunches, this section is being repealed; however, the exemption previously provided thereby is being restated in section 1 of P.L.1974, c.53 (C.18A:33-4), as amended by section 2 of the bill. (3) Section 3 of P.L.2003, c.4 (C.18A:33-11). This section requires a school district to publicize the availability of the federal School Breakfast Program, to ensure that students eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts are not treated differently than other students, and to encourage students who are not eligible for free or reduced price breakfasts to, nonetheless, participate in the federal School Breakfast Program. Because the bill provides that income-eligibility may not be considered when providing free meals to students, this section is being repealed, and its publicity provisions are being moved to, and restated in, other provisions of the bill. (5) Section 1 of P.L.2015, c.15 (C.18A:33-21). This section provides procedures to be implemented by a school district, and establishes certain prohibitions on discriminatory treatment, when a student's school breakfast or school lunch bill is in arrears. Because students will not be required to pay for school lunch or breakfast under the bill's provisions and the determination of school meal arrearages will, therefore, not be relevant to whether a student receives school meals under the bill, this section is being repealed. (6) Section 1 of P.L.2020, c.29 (C.18A:33-21a). This section established a short title (the "Hunger-Free Students' Bill of Rights Act"), which was to be used in citing to section 1 of P.L.2015, c.15 (C.18A:33-21) and sections 3 and 4 of P.L.2020, c.29 (C.18A:33-21b and C.18A:33-21c). However, section 3 of P.L.2020, c.29 (C.18A:33-21b) was previously repealed by P.L.2023, c.336 (C.18A:33-14.2 et al.), and section 1 of P.L.2015, c.15 (C.18A:33-21) is being repealed by this bill. In addition, because the only remaining provision of law cited in this section - i.e., section 4 of P.L.2020, c.29 (C.18A:33-21c) - contains only a single sentence related to the receipt of school meals by homeless students (and does not a more detailed provision establishing a "bill of rights" for all students), it no longer seems necessary or appropriate to attach a short title to this sole remaining provision of law, particularly when the existing short title does not reflect the purpose of that remaining provision. As a result, this short title section is being repealed. | In Committee |
| A2294 | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | Establishes mortgage payment relief and foreclosure protection for certain homeowners impacted by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. | Vetoed |
| A4716 | Requires State colleges to close on Election Day. | This bill requires State colleges to close on Election Day. Under the provisions of the bill, a State college is required to observe the date of a general election in this State as a holiday on its academic calendar and no academic classes are to be held on that date. The provisions of the bill are to take effect in the first full academic year next following the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| A2983 | Prohibits pre-approval or precertification of prenatal ultrasound screenings covered under health benefits plans. | This bill prohibits health insurers, third party administrators, and the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program from requiring the pre-approval or precertification of prenatal ultrasound screenings covered under a health benefits plan. | In Committee |
| A4686 | Requires school districts to maintain supply of nasal rescue medication and oxygen for seizure emergencies; provides for training of designees to administer nasal rescue medication and oxygen when school nurse is not physical present. | This bill requires a school district, as part of the implementation of a seizure action plan, to maintain a supply of diazepam nasal spray, midazolam nasal spray, and any other similar nasal rescue medication approved for seizures and identified in a seizure action plan submitted to the school district, as prescribed under a standing protocol from a licensed physician or an advanced practice nurse and portable oxygen delivery devices in secure but unlocked locations easily accessible by the school nurse and trained designees throughout each school building to ensure prompt availability in the event of a seizure emergency during school hours and at any other time when a school-sponsored event is taking place on the premises of a school building. The school nurse of each school building would be responsible for designating locations where such nasal rescue medication and oxygen delivery devices would be placed. Nothing in this bill would be construed to prohibit the use of portable oxygen delivery devices to respond to other medical emergencies that may occur during school hours or when a school-sponsored function is taking place on the premises of a school building. The school nurse would have the primary responsibility for administering nasal rescue medication and oxygen but would be able to designate, in consultation with the board of education, additional employees to administer nasal rescue medication to a student when the nurse is not physically present at the scene of a seizure emergency. The school nurse would also be responsible for determining that:· the designees have been properly trained in the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen using standardized training protocols established by the Department of Education in consultation with the Department of Health;· the parents or guardians of the student consent in writing to the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen by the designees;· the board of education informs the parents or guardians of the student in writing that the district and its employees or agents will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student;· the parents or guardians of the student sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the district will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student and that the parents or guardians will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees or agents against any claims arising out of the administration of nasal rescue medication and oxygen to the student; and· the permission is effective for the school year for which it is granted and is renewed for each subsequent school year upon fulfillment of the above requirements. In developing the training protocols under the bill, the Department of Education and the Department of Health would be required to: consult with the New Jersey School Nurses Association; distribute the protocols to school districts at the beginning of each school year; and update the protocols as needed. The Department of Education would be responsible for reimbursing the costs incurred by school districts implementing certain provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A4685 | "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act." | This bill establishes the "Peer-to-Peer Car Sharing Act." Under the bill, a peer-to-peer car sharing program will assume the liability for bodily injury or property damage to third parties or uninsured and underinsured motorist or personal injury protection losses during the private vehicle sharing period in an amount that is no less than the minimum coverage amount for private passenger vehicles. The bill will also require a peer-to-peer car sharing program to assume primary liability if there is a dispute as to who was in control of the shared vehicle at the time of the loss. The bill additionally provides for exclusions in motor vehicle liability insurance policies that will exclude any and all coverage and the duty to defend or indemnify for any claim afforded under a shared vehicle owner's motor vehicle insurance policy. The bill further provides recordkeeping requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs pertaining to the use of a vehicle and contains consumer protection disclosure requirements for peer-to-peer car sharing programs such as daily rates, fees, and if applicable, any insurance or protection package costs that are charged to the shared vehicle owner or the shared vehicle driver. The bill also provides that a peer-to peer car sharing program notify the shared vehicle owner if the shared vehicle has a lien against it, among other provisions. | In Committee |
| A4690 | Requires Medicaid coverage for motorized wheelchairs for nursing facility residents under certain circumstances. | This bill provides Medicaid coverage for motorized wheelchairs for nursing facility residents under certain circumstances. The bill requires the Medicaid program and the NJ FamilyCare program to provide coverage for a motorized wheelchair for an enrollee residing in a nursing facility under the following conditions: (1) the enrollee is prescribed the motorized wheelchair by the enrollee's licensed physician or primary healthcare provider; and (2) the enrollee received prior authorization for the motorized wheelchair from the enrollee's managed care organization. Under the bill, the enrollee will be granted a possessory interest for the motorized wheelchair for as long as the enrollee requires use of the equipment. When the enrollee no longer needs such equipment, possession and control will revert to the division. The nursing facility will notify the enrollee's managed care organization in writing when such equipment is no longer in use. The Commissioner of Human Services will apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of this bill and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. | 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 |
| A4717 | Allows military member to qualify for resident tuition rate at county college. | This bill provides that a member of the United States military or his dependent who lives in New Jersey and is attending a county college established by the county in which the member resides or is stationed must be charged the county resident tuition rate. Currently, many military members and their dependents maintain out-of-county or out-of-State addresses. As a result, these military members and their dependents do not qualify for the resident tuition rate at their local county college. In most county colleges in the State, the county resident tuition rate is significantly lower than the nonresident tuition rate. Current law at N.J.S.A.18A:62-4.1 provides that those members of the military who are enrolled in public institutions of higher education are considered State residents for the purposes of qualifying for in-State tuition. This benefit is also extended to the dependents of military members. This bill will ensure that military personnel and their dependents receive a similar in-county tuition benefit. | In Committee |
| S2311 | Requires criminal history background check for individuals seeking licensure issued by boards regulating certain health care professions. | An Act concerning criminal history background checks for certain health care professionals and amending P.L.2002, c.104. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2810 | Changes membership of board of trustees of SPRS to remove requirement that two members be private citizens. | An Act concerning the membership of the board of trustees of the State Police Retirement System and amending P.L.1965, c.89. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3407 | Requires payment of prevailing wage for projects financed through commercial property assessed clean energy program. | An Act concerning the C-PACE program and amending P.L.2021, c.201. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2875 | Makes certain changes to calculation of minimum loss ratio requirements for health benefits plans in individual and small employer markets. | An Act concerning minimum loss ratios for certain health benefits plans and amending P.L.1992, c.161 and P.L.1992, c.162. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2837 | Authorizes school districts to submit separate proposals for additional spending for subsequent budget year at special school election. | An Act concerning separate proposals for additional school district spending and amending P.L.1996, c.138 and P.L.2007, c.62. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2876 | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | An Act designating the interchange between State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 as the "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2884 | Provides for purchase of PFRS credit for service as class two special law enforcement officer. | An Act concerning the purchase of credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System for certain service and amending P.L.1991, c.153. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2644 | Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees. | An Act concerning student literacy and supplementing chapter 6 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2288 | Establishes Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in DOE. | An Act establishing the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery and supplementing Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A3772 | Revises process for property tax lien holder to foreclose right to redeem a property tax lien; allows property owner to protect remaining equity. | An Act revising the process for a property tax lien holder to foreclose the right to redeem a property tax lien, amending various parts of the statutory law, and supplementing chapter 5 of Title 54 of the Revised Statutes and P.L.1948, c.96 (C.54:5-104.29 et seq.). | 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 |
| A1677 | Authorizes extended terms for lease and purchase contracts for electric school buses; permits New Jersey School Boards Association to serve as government aggregator to obtain energy services for local units. | An Act concerning electric school buses and government aggregation of certain energy services, and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4084 | Authorizes school districts to submit separate proposals for additional spending for subsequent budget year at special school election. | This bill authorizes school districts without a board of school estimate to submit to the voters of the district at a special school election a separate proposal or proposals for permission to raise additional funds for the subsequent school budget year beyond the district's authorized tax levy for that year. Under current law, a school district may submit to the voters at the annual school election, a separate question or proposal for permission to raise additional funds for the budget year beyond the district's authorized tax levy. This bill would allow districts to submit proposals to voters at a special school election to raise such additional funds for the subsequent school budget year. Special school elections may occur in January, March, September, and December. A separate proposal or proposals may only be submitted on a date of a special election once during a school year. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to prohibit the submission to the voters of a question for the approval of capital projects on the same special election date as the submission of a separate proposal for additional funds. | In Committee |
| A4303 | Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees. | Requires DOE to establish working group on student literacy; mandates universal literacy screenings for kindergarten through grade three students; requires professional development for certain school district employees. | In Committee |
| A4540 | Requires payment of prevailing wage for projects financed through commercial property assessed clean energy program. | This bill removes provisions in the current law that exclude financing under the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy ("C-PACE") Program from being considered as authority financial assistance or financial assistance that would require payment of the prevailing wage. The bill expressly provides that any direct financing provided by a capital provider for a C-PACE project is considered "authority financial assistance" as that term is defined in section 1 of P.L.1979, c.303 (C.34:1B-5.1) and that work on the project is subject to the prevailing wage requirements of that section. The C-PACE program provides financing for renewable energy, energy efficiency, water conservation, and certain types of resiliency-related improvements for New Jersey. Pursuant to the bill, employers are required to ensure that not less than the prevailing wage rate is paid to workers involved in construction contracts connected to C-PACE program financing. This includes projects undertaken to meet conditions for receiving assistance. The prevailing wage rate, determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, applies to any authority financial assistance including loans, loan guarantees, grants, incentives, tax exemptions, or other financial assistance provided by the authority. | In Committee |
| AR147 | Condemns recent U.S. Supreme Court decision and reaffirms that bump stocks are a dangerous firearm component. | This resolution condemns the United States Supreme Court's ruling in Garland v. Cargill, which held that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) exceeded its authority when it promulgated a regulation prohibiting bump stocks. In addition, this resolution reaffirms this State's commitment to protecting its citizens by having enacted P.L.2017, c.323 to prohibit the sale and possession of bump stocks. On October 1, 2017, Stephen Paddock opened fire on an outdoor venue in Las Vegas, Nevada killing 60 people and injuring at least 530 people in just ten minutes, resulting in the deadliest mass shooting in the United States' modern history. According to news reports, the Las Vegas shooter modified his rifles with bump stocks, which significantly alters the speed at which an individual can pull the trigger of a firearm. A bump stock is a device or component for a firearm that increases the rate of fire achievable with the weapon by using energy from the recoil of the firearm. A firearm equipped with a bump stock can fire as many as 800 rounds per minute and a semi-automatic firearm equipped with a bump stock is not readily distinguishable from a machine gun. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3972 | Makes certain changes to calculation of minimum loss ratio requirements for health benefits plans in individual and small employer markets. | Makes certain changes to calculation of minimum loss ratio requirements for health benefits plans in individual and small employer markets. | In Committee |
| A1128 | Requires criminal history background check for individuals seeking licensure issued by boards regulating certain health care professions. | Requires criminal history background check for individuals seeking licensure issued by boards regulating certain health care professions. | In Committee |
| A3779 | Changes membership of board of trustees of SPRS to remove requirement that two members be private citizens. | This bill changes the membership requirements for the board of trustees of the State Police Retirement System (SPRS). Under the bill, two members appointed by the Governor will no longer be required to be private citizens who are neither an active nor retired member of the system. The SPRS board of trustees currently consists of two active or retired members of SPRS, two private citizens appointed by the Governor, and the State Treasurer. The board of trustees is responsible for the operations of the SPRS in accordance with current law and administrative regulations. | In Committee |
| A1669 | Removes obstacles to teacher certification for certain teachers; repeals law establishing alternative certificate of eligibility. | An Act concerning teacher certification, supplementing chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes, and repealing P.L.2023, c.180. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR141 | Urges generative artificial intelligence and content sharing platforms to make voluntary commitments to prevent and remove harmful content. | This resolution urges generative artificial intelligence platforms to make voluntary commitments to remove harmful content from their websites. "Deepfake" and "cheapfake" media involve artificially produced content which often manipulate public understandings of evidence and truth. This resolution defines deceptive audio or visual media as "any video recording, motion picture film, sound recording, electronic image, photograph, or any technological representation of speech or conduct substantially derivative thereof that appears to authentically depict any speech or conduct of a person who did not in fact engage in the speech or conduct and the production of which was substantially dependent upon technical means, rather than the ability of another person to physically or verbally impersonate the person." Cheapfakes are any software-generated audiovisual alteration. Examples of such content include face-swapping imagery, voice synthesis, and altered videos. These audiovisual manipulations have become easier to produce, with open-source animation technology allowing even inexperienced creators to forge media. With available software, authors may create convincingly realistic depictions of individuals saying or doing things they never actually did. Generative artificial-intelligence platforms may anticipate and prevent the creation of harmful content. The proliferation of social media and other digital communication platforms increase viewership of tailored deepfakes and cheapfakes, furthering the spread defamatory information. Social media and other content sharing forums may take steps to remove harmful media. Deepfakes and cheapfakes have led to impersonation, fraud, blackmail, harassment, and political misinformation. Such depictions of individuals in compromising or harmful situations can lead to significant reputational damage. Artificial intelligence and its products also offer immense promise if used responsibly. Audiovisually altered media may advance frontiers of learning, technology, and social engagement. Responsible commercialization of artificial intelligence systems requires security testing, threat protection, and monitoring of potential harms. Reports catalogue the impact of high-fidelity synthetic media on public information and understanding. Policymakers recommend collecting a library of deepfake imagery to train detection models, building tracking systems, and utilizing content provenance for AI- and human-generated content. Deliberate oversight would increase the credibility and opportunity of artificial intelligence generation. The federal government and twelve other states have drafted accountability and transparency standards for artificial intelligence companies and in some circumstances have arranged such voluntary commitments for secure artificial intelligence use. In following suit with these national legal trends, New Jersey could establish itself as a pioneer of responsible media technology. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A2824 | Modifies down payment assistance program for benefit of first-generation and first-time homebuyers. | Modifies down payment assistance program for benefit of first-generation and first-time homebuyers. | In Committee |
| A2027 | Establishes One-Year State Work First New Jersey Menstrual Hygiene Benefit Pilot Program and State Work First New Jersey Diaper Benefit Pilot Program; appropriates $2.5 million to DHS. | An Act concerning a monthly State benefit for menstrual hygiene products and diaper products under the Work First New Jersey Program, supplementing P.L.1997, c.38 (C.44:10-55), and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1446 | Modifies down payment assistance program for benefit of first-generation and first-time homebuyers; makes an appropriation. | An Act concerning housing assistance for certain homebuyers and amending P.L.2023, c.78. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR138 | Designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. | This Assembly resolution designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey, in recognition of the achievements, contributions, struggles, and humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary, and pansexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Public officials and citizens of New Jersey are respectfully urged to commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2024 with appropriate activities. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4127 | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | Designates State Highway Route 42 and Interstate Highway Route 295 interchange as "Ensign John R. Elliott Memorial Interchange." | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A2784 | Authorizes school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for budget year and subsequent budget year. | Authorizes school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for budget year and subsequent budget year. | Crossed Over |
| A4012 | Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services. | This bill amends existing law, which established minimum Medicaid reimbursement rates for brain injury services, to include structured day program services. Current law is limited to community residential services. Under existing law, "brain injury service" means community-based services, residential services, day care services, and home care services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for traumatic or non-traumatic brain injuries, regardless of whether such services are provided through the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or the managed care delivery system. Specifically, the bill requires the Medicaid per diem or encounter reimbursement rates for Structured Day Program Services provided to a Medicaid beneficiary requiring treatment for a brain injury, approximately $3.65 for every 15 minutes of services, when such services are provided by an approved brain injury service provider, to be equal to the average of the reimbursement rates for Day Habilitation Services - Tiers D and Tier E provided to a Medicaid beneficiary eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services, currently at $9.38 for every 15 minutes of service. | In Committee |
| A4537 | Requires public institution of higher education to adopt withdrawal policy permitting refund for certain extenuating circumstances. | This bill requires each public institution of higher education to adopt a policy that permits a student to withdraw for an extenuating circumstance and receive a refund. Under the bill, the policy is required to: (1) define "extenuating circumstance," which is to include: illness; injury; hospitalization; and mental health and wellness; (2) include a provision to refund tuition and fees paid by the student for the semester in which the student withdraws if the extenuating circumstances inhibit the student's ability to acquire an education at the institution; (3) establish criteria to determine whether a student's ability to acquire an education has been inhibited by an extenuating circumstance; (4) include a provision that any student who withdraws in compliance with the policy and who has paid amounts for room, board, or fees is entitled to a refund of the portion of those charges attributable to the time period during which the facilities or services were not used by the student; and (5) explain that any refund payable to a student who is a financial aid recipient or State aid recipient is subject to the applicable State and federal laws and regulations regarding refunds. | In Committee |
| A4561 | Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000. | This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:16-1, the crime of bias intimidation,to specifically include Sikhism in the protected classes set forth in the statute. Sikhism is the monotheistic religion founded in India in the 15th century by Guru Nanak. New Jersey is home to approximately 100,000 Sikhs, which is one of the largest Sikh populations in the United States. On October 16, 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI") released its annual report of hate crime statistics, which recorded 198 anti-Sikh hate crime incidents. According to the FBI report, Sikhs remain the second-most targeted group in the nation for religiously-motivated hate crime incidents. Current law enumerates the protected classes of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, and ethnicity in the bias intimidation statute. Under the provisions of the bill, a person is guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts, conspires, or threatens the immediate commission of certain specified offenses with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group because of their membership within a protected class, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity, or Sikhism, or knowing that the conduct would cause an individual or group to be intimidated on that basis or under circumstances in which the victim believes he was targeted on that basis. Pursuant to this bill, all local, county, and State law enforcement entities in New Jersey are to report all violations under the statute to the State and federal law enforcement agencies responsible for preparing bias crime reports. Further, this bill sets forth that the Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the Department of Education, is to: (1) develop training, for the dissemination to county and local law enforcement agencies, on Sihkism, which shall include, but not limited to, visible Sikh identity features, including turbans, bracelets, moustaches, beard, and physical attire, and the classification of bias intimidation cases as anti-sikh, to prevent the misclassification of hate and bias incidents. (2) coordinate with other State agencies and departments in the creation of a public awareness campaign and educational initiatives on Sikhism; and (3) annually report to the Governor and the Legislature on the public awareness campaign,educational initiatives on Sikhism executed through the public awareness campaign across different public platforms, and on the steps taken to include Sikhism education across curriculum standards in different grades across township boards of education within this State. Pursuant to this bill, the New Jersey Office of Attorney General, in consultation with the New Jersey field office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, shall develop a transnational repression recognition and response training program that is to include how to identify different tactics of transnational repression and best practices for appropriate county, local and state law enforcement prevention, reporting, and response tactics. Current law establishes within the Division of Purchase and Property in the State Department of the Treasury, the position of Chief Diversity Officer. This bill expands the Chief Diversity Officer's responsibilities to include: ensuring that each public entity of this State incorporate the definition for anti-Sikh hate into the bias intimidation policy of the public entity; and ensuring that the definition of anti-Sikh hate is incorporated into the diversity, equity, and inclusivity promotion policies in any program offered by the State or any political subdivision of the State. This bill appropriates $100,000, for three consecutive years following enactment, from the General Fund to the Office of the Attorney General to fund Sikh awareness educational initiatives and outreach efforts to the Sikh community. | In Committee |
| A4585 | Requires DHS to increase home and community-based services under Medicaid. | This bill requires the Department of Human Services to increase home and community-based services under Medicaid. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services is required to: 1) by 2027, aim to place 80 percent Medicaid participants, who are eligible to receive nursing home care, in home and community-based services, with 60 percent of the Medicaid funding for long-term services and supports allocated to home and community-based services; 2) by 2029, aim to allocate 70 percent of the Medicaid funding for long-term services and supports to home and community-based services; 3) establish a five-year strategic plan to rapidly expand home and community-based services by investing monies from available funds in a manner that decreases the number of individuals who are institutionalized in State developmental centers; 4) take measures to reduce institutional bias in State policy, including Medicaid eligibility changes, more timely authorizations for home and community-based services, and Medicaid coverage changes designed to promote home and community-based services; 5) develop an equitable plan across health care provider types with stakeholder input prior to expiration of enhanced federal funding contained in the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021; 6) manage Medicaid payment methods for home and community-based services in a manner that ensures a living wage for caregivers, and periodically review the adequacy of rates in a transparent, verifiable manner, with predictable adjustments in wages to account for inflation; and 7) in collaboration with the Department of Community Affairs, increase affordable supportive housing through various policies, including better coordination of programs at the State level, and promoting the integration of acute, primary, and long-term care through the expansion of integrated care models, such as the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. | In Committee |
| A4488 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $1 million from Property Tax Relief Fund to DOE to support Pantoliano-DePass school-based mentoring pilot program in certain Bergen County school districts. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $1 million to Pantoliano-DePass School-Based Mentoring Pilot Program in Bergen County School Districts. Funding from this bill is to be distributed between the following 14 school districts: Ridgefield Boro School District, Bogota Boro School District, Englewood City School District, Fort Lee Boro School District, Franklin Lakes Boro School District, Norwood Boro School District, Northern Highlands Regional School District, Cliffside Park Boro School District, Hackensack City School District, Carlstadt-East Rutherford Regional School District, Fairview Boro School District, Dumont Boro School District, Bergenfield Boro School District, and Ridgefield Park Township School District. The appropriation may be used to cover, for each district: an administrator's salary; administrative costs of the pilot program; and stipends for staff and mentors participating in the pilot program. The amounts appropriated to each school district are to be determined by the Commissioner of Education, pursuant to a competitive application process. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Commissioner of Education is to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature. The sponsor notes that school-based mentoring programs have numerous positive outcomes on student confidence, behavior, and engagement. The sponsor also notes that these programs strengthen student relationships and enhance school safety. | In Committee |
| A4483 | "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act." | This bill, to be known as the "Cancer Patient Care and Compassion Act," provides certain protections for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer patients. The bill: 1. Requires health insurance carriers (including health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations), entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCares/Medicaid program to provide coverage for individuals diagnosed with cancer and with a prognosis that is deemed Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal (1) parenteral treatment of the cancer; (2) survivorship care plan, including follow-up appointments; and (3) any other service or item as determined by the regulators of each type of carrier or contract. Under the bill, "parenteral treatment" means the intravenous, intra-arterial, intraperitoneal, or intrathecal administration of nutrition or medication bypassing the gastrointestinal system and "survivorship care plan" means a plan for an individual with cancer from diagnosis through the end of life that focuses on the health and well-being of the individual. This includes, but is not limited to, side effects from treatment, cancer recurrence, and quality of life. Any cost-sharing or copayment or coinsurance that may be required for coverage will not apply. 2. Prohibits residential mortgage lenders from providing a notice of intention to a residential mortgage debtor undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. Under the bill, a residential mortgage lender shall ensure, before sending a notice of intention to cure a default on a mortgage debtor's residential mortgage obligation, that the residential mortgage debtor is not undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. If a mortgage debtor is undergoing treatment, the mortgage lender will be prohibited from providing a notice of intention to the mortgage debtor until the mortgage lender receives notice from the physician of the mortgage debtor that the debtor is no longer undergoing treatment. Additionally, the bill provides that any foreclosure action to take possession of a residential property will be dismissed upon submission by the residential mortgage debtor to the residential mortgage lender of a letter from the physician of the debtor certifying that the debtor is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. 3. Prohibits a creditor from initiating a collection proceeding for a default on any debt against an individual who is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer and who submits to the creditor a letter from the individual's physician certifying treatment of the individual for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. The bill also provides that any collection proceeding against an individual who is undergoing treatment for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer is required to be dismissed upon submission by the individual of a letter from the individual's physician certifying treatment of the individual for Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer. 4. Requires that for eviction actions based on nonpayment or habitual late payment of rent, or for failure to pay a rent increase, the Superior Court will authorize a stay of eviction for up to 45 days if the tenant is actively undergoing Stage III, Stage IV, or terminal cancer treatment. To qualify for this stay, the tenant must provide a confidential certification from their treating physician, submitted under seal. Additionally, during the stay period, the tenant has the right to renew their lease upon its expiration, subject to reasonable changes proposed by the landlord. The bill also provides the right to reinstatement to equivalent employment after a period of leave applies to all periods in which TDI or FLI benefits are provided, including extending that right to FLI leave takers employed by employers with less than 30 employees, as is presently the case for TDI leave takers. Under the bill, an employee who is eligible for both earned sick leave and either TDI or FLI benefits, may use either the earned sick leave or whichever is applicable of the TDI or FLI benefits, and may select the order in which they are taken, but may not receive more than one kind of paid leave benefits during any period of time. | In Committee |
| A4524 | Creates crime of incest. | This bill would establish a third degree crime of incest that may be prosecuted separately from or in addition to other sexual offenses, such as sexual assault (N.J.S.2C:14-2) or endangering the welfare of children (N.J.S.2C:24-4). Under current law, the crime of sexual assault does not apply to incestuous acts between consenting adults. Under the bill, a person commits the crime of incest if the person marries or commits an act of sexual penetration with a person's ancestor or descendant, a sibling, a sibling of the person's parent (i.e., aunt or uncle), or a child of the person's sibling (i.e., niece or nephew). These relationships enumerated in the bill would include blood relationships of the whole or half blood, without regard to legitimacy or relationship of parent and child by adoption. 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. Incest was previously a crime under State law, N.J.S.A.2A:114-1 and 2A:114-2, but those laws were repealed by P.L.1978, c.95. | In Committee |
| A4494 | Increases penalties for drag racing; provides for impoundment under certain circumstances. | This bill concerns the penalties for drag racing on public highways. Under current law, a person is subject to a fine of a minimum of $25 and a maximum of $100 for a first offense of racing on a public highway. In addition, a person is subject to a fine of a minimum of $100 and a maximum $200 for a subsequent offense. This bill increases the penalty for racing on a public highway to a fine between $100 and $200 for a first offense and a fine between $200 and $300 for a second offense. For a third or subsequent offense, the bill provides that the motor vehicle used for racing in violation of current law be impounded for not less than 96 hours. Under the bill, the owner of the motor vehicle may reclaim the motor vehicle by showing proof of registration and insurance and paying all reasonable towing and storage costs. Further, if the owner fails to claim the motor vehicle within 30 days, it may be sold at public auction. Proceeds of the sale in excess of reasonable costs of towing and storage are returned to the owner or administered in accordance with the "Uniform Unclaimed Property Act." | In Committee |
| A4496 | Revises visitation and reporting rules for professional guardians. | This bill revises the duty of professional guardians to meet with and report on the status of an incapacitated ward. At present, persons appointed guardian of the person of a ward, including persons appointed to serve as registered professional guardians, have an obligation to visit the ward and to maintain sufficient contact with the ward to know the ward's capacities, limitations, needs, opportunities and physical and mental health. N.J.S.A.3B:12-57 provides general rules for guardians, which include that the guardian personally visit the ward not less than once every three months, or as deemed appropriate by the court, and otherwise maintain sufficient contact with the ward to know the ward's capacities, limitations, needs, opportunities and physical and mental health. This bill would require a registered professional guardian, who is compensated for guardianship services, to personally meet with the ward not less than once every three weeks, or as deemed appropriate by the court. The bill further provides that a family member of the ward may, upon motion to the Court, request a report be prepared by a registered professional guardian concerning the condition of the ward and the condition of the ward's estate which has been subject to the guardian's possession or control as ordered by the court. | In Committee |
| A4505 | Codifies certain requirements and stipulations for licensed veterinarians to engage in telemedicine and telehealth. | The bill codifies existing regulations to stipulate the requirements for veterinarians to follow when engaging in telemedicine and telehealth. Specifically, the bill provides that a licensed veterinarian is responsible for determining whether providing patient services through telemedicine or telehealth is consistent with the standard of care for those same services provided in-person. The licensee is to also provide notice regarding the risks and benefits of being treated through telemedicine and telehealth. The bill requires the licensee to establish licensee-client-patient relationships in advance of providing services through telemedicine or telehealth. In addition, the licensee will review the patient history through any available records and provide the client with the opportunity to sign applicable consent forms. The bill makes exceptions to the requirement for establishing licensee-patient-client relationships if: the purpose is for an informal consultation without the expectation of compensation; to provide consultation with a medical specialist in another jurisdiction; the assistance is provided in response to an emergency, provided there is no charge for the medical assistance; or, a substitute licensee is acting on behalf of an absent licensee on an on-call basis. Licensees engaged in telemedicine or telehealth are required to use two-way, interactive communication technologies and may use technology to allow for the electronic transmission of images, diagnostics, data, and medical information. Lastly, when telemedicine or telehealth is unable to provide all pertinent clinical information to provide care to the patient, the licensee is required to advise the client regarding the need for the patient to obtain an additional in-person medical evaluation. | In Committee |
| A4307 | Establishes exemption from State residency requirement for certain public school teachers for two years. | Establishes exemption from State residency requirement for certain public school teachers for two years. | In Committee |
| A4498 | Prohibits electric and gas public utilities from collecting payment from residential budget billing plan customers whose service was interrupted as a result of major emergency event. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to prohibit any electric or gas public utility (utility) from charging a residential customer (customer) for electric or gas utility service who participates in a budget billing plan offered by the utility, as provided by any BPU rule or regulation, if the customer incurred a service interruption due to the customer having sustained damage to the customer's residence from the effects of a "major emergency event," as that term is defined in the bill, until such time service is restored. This prohibition does not extend to any utility collecting from a customer, pursuant to law, payment for utility service rendered prior to the date of the major emergency event. | In Committee |
| A2883 | Allows gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations. | This bill allows a New Jersey gross income tax deduction for union dues paid to labor organizations. The bill defines "union dues" as the total amount of dues, fees, assessments, or other charges or expenses required of members of or public employees represented by a labor organization. The bill also defines "labor organization" as any organization of any kind, or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which employees participate and that exists for the purpose, in whole or in part, of dealing with employers concerning grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, hours of employment, or conditions of work. To claim the deduction allowed under the bill, a taxpayer would be required to provide, in a form and manner prescribed by the Director of the Division of Taxation, verification of the union dues paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year. | In Committee |
| A4480 | Establishes civil right of action for misuse of individual's name, image, likeness, or voice. | This bill establishes a person's right of publicity as a property right in the New Jersey Statutes. The right of publicity is commonly defined as the right to prevent unauthorized commercial use of a person's name, image, likeness, or voice. In this State, the right of publicity has long been recognized and developed through case law by the courts since Edison v. Edison Polyform & Mfg. Co., 73 N.J. Eq. 136 (Ct. Chancery 1907), but has never been codified in the statutes. Under the bill, every individual has an exclusive property right in the use of that individual's name, image, likeness, or voice in any medium in any manner, which may be assigned, licensed, or inherited by the individual's executors, assignees, heirs, or devisees. A deceased individual's executors, assignees, heirs, or devisees retain the individual's exclusive right of publicity for ten years following death, which may be extended in perpetuity if that right is commercially exploited, or which may be terminated after two years for non-use following the initial ten year period. A person who knowingly infringes on an individual's right of publicity, including infringement through the use of artificial intelligence technology, shall be liable in a civil action and shall also be guilty of a disorderly person offense. A disorderly person offense is punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. In addition, court may order an award of monetary damages as well as injunctive relief such as the forfeiture, seizure, or destruction of any infringing items. The bill sets forth fair use exceptions for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, research, or other uses consistent with the federal Copyright Act of 1976 and the federal Lanham Act. The bill is intended to not affect any existing licensing or publicity contracts, or service marks, trademarks, or trade names, properly made or registered as of the effective date of the bill. The bill is also intended to not affect any existing civil tort laws concerning defamation, libel, slander, invasion of privacy, false light, misappropriation of identity, intrusion of privacy, public disclosure of private facts, unlawful interference with prospective economic advantage, or tortious interference with contractual relations, or any existing criminal laws concerning identity theft, music piracy, or counterfeiting. The bill is also not intended to limit the rights of student-athletes under the New Jersey Fair Play Act. | 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 |
| AJR86 | Designating fourth Wednesday in May of each year as "Crisis Professionals Day." | This joint resolution permanently designates the fourth Wednesday in May as "Crisis Professionals Day." Crisis professionals are trained professionals that engage with people who are experiencing a crisis. These professionals directly engage with people when they are most vulnerable, oftentimes as a result of their illness and trauma, in effort to deescalate the crisis using methods that center around empathy, support, and hope. Crisis professionals face high-stress situations on a regular basis and as a result have earned the State's highest respect and gratitude. It is fitting to recognize and honor the life changing and lifesaving services that crisis professionals provide, as well as, the invaluable contributions they have provided to thousands of New Jerseyans and communities throughout the State. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1679 | Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, and the State Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for mammograms for women age 35 or older, rather than age 40 and older as is required under current law. In addition, the bill also adds a new requirement for health benefits plans issued pursuant to the School Employees' Health Benefits Program to provide mammogram coverage under the same circumstances. | In Committee |
| S2082 | Establishes New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force; clarifies collection of student growth data. | An Act establishing the "New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force," and amending and supplementing P.L.2012, c.26. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4395 | Creates "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force". | This bill establishes the New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. The task force will be permanent and consist of 18 persons, at least five of whom will be members of the public. The bill requires the task force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. In performing this duty, the task force will: (1) Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation relative to the history and current status of anti-Semitism at college campuses and state universities and the world, with a focus on New Jersey-specific information. The task force's documentation and examination will include, but not be limited to, facts related to: (a) The definition and ideology of anti-Semitism; (b) Misconceptions and stereotyping relative to the Jewish people; and (c) Discrimination and systemic failings relative to the fair treatment of the Jewish people; (2) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the New Jersey public of the task force's findings; and (3) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the task force's findings. The task force will hold at least four public meetings each year, with at least one of those meetings being held in-person. The other meetings may be conducted virtually, via videoconferencing. Meetings via conference call will not be permitted. The task force will issue a report each year to the Governor and the Legislature and will provide its first annual report no later than 12 months following its initial meeting. | In Committee |
| A4422 | Requires institution of higher education to adopt policy on use of campus facilities and grounds for camping. | This bill directs the governing board of each institution of higher education to develop and adopt a policy on the use of campus facilities and grounds for camping. Under the bill, the policy is to require any person or group seeking to camp at the institution to obtain prior approval from the institution. The bill defines "camping" to mean the pitching of tents or the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets, makeshift shelters, motor homes, campers, or camp trailers for any purpose. | In Committee |
| A4417 | Prohibits flags of designated terrorist organizations from being displayed or flown on State property. | This bill prohibits the flag of a United States Department of State-designated terrorist organization from being displayed or flown on State property. Any State entity occupying State property that permits such a flag to be displayed or flown will be penalized by the immediate loss of State or other funding in such amount as the Secretary of State and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury determine is necessary and appropriate. All such penalties will be deposited in the General Fund for reallocation by the State Treasurer as may be permissible. Under the bill, "State property" means land and improvements owned or leased by the State and includes, but is not limited to, State offices, hospitals, parks and recreational areas, institutions, and schools, including colleges and universities, together with abutting vacant land held for future use for the same purposes. The bill does not prohibit the displaying or flying of such flags for news, theatrical, historical, or educational purposes. | In Committee |
| AR140 | Condemns Rutgers University's acquiescence to anti-Semitic protests. | This resolution condemns Rutgers, The State University's acquiescence to anti-Semitic protests. In response to the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, students at institutions of higher education across the country established protests and encampments to protest the conflict, including Rutgers University-New Brunswick. On April 29, 2024 student protestors at Rutgers established an encampment on the lawns of Voorhees mall, disturbing the operations of the institution, glorifying the violence Hamas has inflicted on the Israeli people, and utilizing anti-Semitic rhetoric. The student protestors demanded 10 actions from Rutgers, including: a divestment of funds from any corporation materially participating in, benefitting from, or otherwise supporting the State of Israel; the termination of the institution's partnership with Tel Aviv University; the establishment of a memorandum of understanding with Birzeit University; the acceptance of, and scholarships for, 10 Gazan students; a statement from President Jonathan Holloway referring to the conflict as a genocide and advocating for a ceasefire; hiring based on cultural competency; and full amnesty for those participating in the encampment. Rutgers accepted eight out of 10 of the demands in return for an end to the encampment. In acquiescing to eight of the 10 demands, the administration of Rutgers displayed a blatant disregard for its Jewish and pro-Israel students. The glorification of violence and use of anti-Semitic rhetoric, a form of hate speech, and the acceptance of this hate speech by the administration, creates a hostile learning and working environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, due to the anti-Semitic practices of the administration of the institution, it is altogether fitting and proper for the Legislature to condemn the institution's acquiescence to the demands of the anti-Semitic protestors. | In Committee |
| A4004 | Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | Provides for filing extension and alternate medical documentation in PFRS, SPRS, or PERS for accidental disability retirement in certain circumstances; extends accidental death benefit for survivors of certain SPRS retirees. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A4059 | Requires Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of FY 2025 appropriations act. | An Act concerning budget submissions for certain school districts. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4161 | Establishes Stabilized School Budget Aid Grant Program to restore certain portions of State school aid reductions; permits certain school districts to exceed tax levy growth limitation in 2024-2025 school year; appropriates $44.7 million. | An Act concerning school district finances and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4364 | Establishes EMS part of PERS; provides enhanced benefits for emergency medical services employees. | This bill creates an EMS Part in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to provide enhanced pension benefits under terms identical to those provided to prosecutors under the Prosecutors Part of the PERS, including mandatory retirement at age 70. The members of the EMS Part will include State, county, or municipal employees serving in one of the following positions: emergency medical technician; mobile intensive care paramedic; paramedic; flight paramedic; mobile intensive care nurse; flight nurse; emergency medical services supervisor or deputy supervisor; emergency medical services chief or deputy chief; emergency medical services hazardous materials responder technician; emergency medical services coordinator, dispatcher, or instructor; or any position the primary or essential duties of which require the employee to be trained in basic or advanced life support services and who is certified or licensed by the Department of Health to perform these services. The State will be liable for the increased pension costs payable by counties or municipalities as a result this bill. | In Committee |
| A4319 | "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act"; prohibits distribution of State aid to an institution of higher education that authorizes, funds, or supports antisemitic events or organizations or fails to punish acts of antisemitism on campus. | This bill, entitled the "Stop Antisemitism on College Campuses Act" prohibits the disbursement of any State aid to an institution of higher education that:· authorizes, facilitates, provides funding for, or otherwise supports or encourages antisemitism or any event or organization promoting antisemitism on campus; · fails to enforce its own student code of conduct and policies and procedures on harassment, intimidation, and bullying; or· fails to adequately and appropriately punish the perpetrators of antisemitism with academic, professional, and legal consequences, which may include expulsion and referral for criminal prosecution.The bill defines "antisemitism" to mean the same as the term defined in the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016. | In Committee |
| A2265 | Revises "New Jersey Money Transmitters Act"; provides consumer protections; increases reporting and record keeping requirements. | This bill makes various revisions to the "New Jersey Money Transmitters Act" to require licensed money transmitters and their delegates to provide more reporting, record keeping and consumer disclosures. The bill requires licensees to prominently display license information at their locations. The bill broadens the consent deemed to be given by licensees and delegates to include record inspection rights for appropriate law enforcement representatives in addition to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, and requires licensees to keep records for five years instead of the three years required by the current act. The bill requires licensees to file quarterly reports with the commissioner, in addition to the annual reports presently required, and raises the penalty to $200 per day, from not more than $100 per day, as to any licensee who fails to file any report. The licensee shall also file annually with the commissioner, a copy of the licensee's most recent registration with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) as a money transmitter business pursuant to 31 C.F.R. s.1010.100 et seq. The bill expands the liability of licensees for certain acts of their delegates and provides for license suspension upon conviction for certain crimes. The bill also requires a delegate to prominently display at each of its locations a notice indicating that the delegate is an authorized delegate of a licensee. Further, the bill mandates that the department maintain a website to make licensee and delegate information available to the public. Finally, the bill increases the crime of operating as a money transmitter without a license from a crime of the third degree to a crime of the second degree. This bill provides that funds belonging to a licensee and deposited in a financial institution shall not constitute trust funds, unless the financial institution has actual knowledge that such funds are owned by or belong to the licensee. The bill also provides that the licensee is liable to a purchaser or holder of an outstanding payment instrument which is issued by the licensee or received by the licensee's authorized delegate for transmission and set-off by the financial institution. If the licensee has insufficient assets to make the purchaser or holder whole, the purchaser or holder will be entitled to reimbursement under the surety bond that the act currently requires all licensees to have. The bill also makes technical corrections. | Crossed Over |
| A3873 | Allows certain public high school student-athletes to substitute study hall for physical education during their athletic seasons. | Allows certain public high school student-athletes to substitute study hall for physical education during their athletic seasons. | In Committee |
| A4234 | Requires sellers and secured parties to deliver certificates of ownership to motor vehicle buyers in timely manner. | This bill requires sellers and other secured parties to deliver certificates of ownership to motor vehicle buyers within 30 days of the performance of a contract or the terms of a security agreement. Sellers and secured parties are prohibited from charging a fee for the delivery of a certificate of ownership. Under the bill, it is an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act for sellers and secured parties to fail to comply with the provisions of the bill. 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 of the consumer fraud act can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. | In Committee |
| A4232 | Prohibits prior authorization when prescribing certain drugs. | This bill prohibits the use of prior authorization under certain circumstances. "Prior authorization" is defined in the bill as a process used by a carrier to determine the medical necessity of an otherwise covered service. This bill prohibits the use of this process by a carrier for prescribing an interchangeable drug if the brand name drug or generic version is not available. "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 or any entity contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program or School Employees' Health Benefits Program. | In Committee |
| AR127 | Condemns Arizona Supreme Court ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes banning abortions in the state and reaffirms New Jersey citizens' freedom to access reproductive health care services. | This Assembly Resolution condemns the Arizona Supreme Court ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Mayes, which upheld a long-dormant and outdated 1864 law banning abortions. The resolution additionally reaffirms the rights of all New Jersey citizens to have the freedom to make decisions about planning their families free from unreasonable governmental interference. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A817 | Requires public institutions of higher education to establish plans concerning cyber security and prevention of cyber attacks. | Requires public institution of higher education to establish plans concerning cyber security and prevention of cyber attacks. | Crossed Over |
| A378 | Requires health insurance carriers, health care providers, and hospitals and health care facilities to change manner of communications of protected health information under certain circumstances. | Requires health insurance carriers, health care providers, and hospitals and health care facilities to change manner of communications of protected health information under certain circumstances. | Crossed Over |
| A4172 | Concerns discrimination based on membership in a labor organization. | This bill extends protection under the Law Against Discrimination (LAD) to members of a labor organization. The LAD, P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et. seq.), provides protections for those who are members of a protected class, including protection against discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, land use, lending, and association membership. Under current law, a member of a protected class includes an employee who has one or more characteristics, including race, creed, color, national origin, nationality, ancestry, age, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, affectional or sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, sex, gender identity or expression, disability or atypical hereditary cellular or blood trait of any individual, or liability for service in the armed forces. This bill provides that members of a labor organization also are members of a protected class who are entitled protection under the LAD. In addition, the bill revises the definition of "labor organization" to include any organization of any kind, including a labor union or any agency or employee representation committee or plan, in which public or private employees participate and which exists and is constituted for the purpose, in whole or in part, of collective bargaining, or of dealing with public or private employers concerning grievances, terms or conditions of employment, or of other mutual aid or protection in connection with employment. | In Committee |
| A4171 | Requires business using text-based chat to offer transcription of chat to consumer. | This bill requires a business entity that uses text-based chat to communicate with consumers to offer an option to obtain a transcription of the chat at the conclusion of the interaction. Under the bill, the business entity is required to provide clear and conspicuous notice informing consumers of the option to obtain a transcript of the chat. A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. | In Committee |
| A4135 | Requires counties to establish crisis intervention services programs for law enforcement officers, firefighters, and sheriff's officers. | Current law permits the governing body of any county to establish a law enforcement crisis intervention services program for the provision of debriefing and counseling services for law enforcement officers and sheriff's officers who have been involved in incidents which may produce personal or job-related depression, anxiety, stress or other psychological or emotional tensions, traumas, pressures or disorders. This bill, which is designated as the "Craig Tiger Act," requires that each county establish such a program. This bill also makes firefighters in the county eligible for the debriefing and counseling services of a program, and makes law enforcement officers who are employed by a State department or agency eligible for the debriefing and counseling services of a program when the officer resides in the county or when the officer's primary work location is in the county. The bill makes volunteer firefighters and 9-1-1 first responder dispatchers eligible for the program as well. The bill expands the definition of critical incident to include: (1) the visual or audible witnessing of the death or maiming, or the visual or audible witnessing of the immediate aftermath of such a death or maiming, of one or more human beings; (2) the response to or direct involvement in a criminal investigation of an offense involving dangerous crimes against children; (3) the need for rescue in the line of duty where one's life was in danger; and (4) the response to or direct involvement in an investigation regarding the drowning or near drowning of a child. This bill prohibits an employer from requiring a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or sheriff's officer who is receiving services to use accrued paid vacation leave, personal leave, or sick leave if the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or sheriff's officer leaves work to attend these counseling sessions. In addition, this bill provides that, if a provider of the crisis intervention services program determines that the law enforcement officer, firefighter, or sheriff's officer is not fit for duty while the law enforcement officer is receiving debriefing or counseling services, the employer must ensure that the law enforcement officer has no loss of pay and benefits for up to 30 calendar days per incident after the date the provider determines that the employee is not fit for duty if certain criteria are met. This bill will provide qualified officers and firefighters with up to 12 counseling sessions, which can be provided in person or by telehealth. If the provider determines that the officer or firefighter requires additional counseling sessions, the program will provide up to an additional 24 counseling sessions, if the sessions occur within one year after the first session. In addition, this bill requires each county crisis intervention services advisory council to compile data regarding the program and, on or before September 1 of each year, submit the data to the Department of Community Affairs. On or before October 1 of each year, the department is required to compile the data into a report and submit the report to the Governor and the Legislature. Finally, this bill requires the State to reimburse a county for the costs of the crisis intervention services program it is required to establish pursuant to this bill. | In Committee |
| A4119 | Establishes task force to examine issues and make recommendations concerning youth sports, including abusive coaching, confrontational parents, and bullying of players. | This bill establishes the Youth Sports Task Force. Under the bill, the task force will consist of 13 members including six members, two will be appointed by the Senate President, two will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and two will be appointed by the Governor, who each have a background in, or special knowledge of, the legal, policy, educational, social, or psychological aspects of bullying. The task force will also consist of seven members of the public to be appointed by the Governor, including: the parents or guardians of athletes participating on youth sports teams; a youth who was a victim of harassment, intimidation, or bullying while participating on a youth sports team; and three coaches representing various aspects of youth sports. The task force will study and consider issues of youth sports including, but not limited to:· protection for parents, guardians, and athletes from unscrupulous business practices conducted by for-profit entities sponsoring youth sports activities; · financial oversight to strengthen the business practices of youth sports team organizations and for-profit entities sponsoring youth sports activities;· training for coaches to recognize the signs and symptoms of harassment, intimidation, and bullying;· ways to acknowledge and promote youth sports as an extension of the classroom;· developing training workshops for parents and guardians to recognize the signs and symptoms of harassment, intimidation, bullying, and abusive coaching, and on proper spectator conduct; and · protection for sports officials from abusive behavior while engaged in the performance of their duties. The bill directs the task force to issue a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after its organizational meeting. The task force will expire 30 days after the submission of its final report. | In Committee |
| A4120 | Prohibits book banning in public libraries and schools; authorizes withholding of State aid for noncompliance. | This bill prohibits the banning of certain books in public libraries and school libraries, and authorizes the withholding of State aid for noncompliance. This bill prohibits a governing body of any free public library, joint free public library, free county library, and free regional library from banning or restricting access to books or other resources because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Additionally, this bill requires the governing body of these public libraries to either adopt: 1) the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights, which provides that books and materials "should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation," or "because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval"; or 2) a policy prohibiting the banning or restricting access to a book or resource because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval. Under the "state library aid law," the Department of the Treasury can withhold State Library aid from any municipality, county, or area library if the public library fails to comply with certain laws and regulations. This bill amends current law to permit the withholding of State Library aid if a public library fails to follow the provisions of this bill. Similarly, this bill prohibits a board of education of a school district from banning or restricting access to books or other resources in a school library. Under the bill, a board of education is similarly required to adopt the American Library Association's Library Bill of Rights or a policy prohibiting the banning or restricting access to books or resources. The bill permits the Commissioner of Education to withhold State aid to any board of education that does not follow the provisions of this bill. The bill's provisions should not be construed to require a free public library or board of education to purchase, or otherwise acquire, a book or resource for inclusion in its collection. | In Committee |
| AR122 | Condemns Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. and pending federal legislation, H.R.431; reaffirms freedom of access and protection of reproductive health care services in New Jersey, including IVF. | This resolution condemns the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. and pending federal legislation, H.R.431; and reaffirms the freedom of access and protection of reproductive health care services in New Jersey, including in vitro fertilization. In the United States, one in six people of childbearing age struggle with infertility and require some type of professional assistance in order to conceive a child. Fortunately, 90 percent of infertility cases are treatable with medical therapies including drug treatment, surgery, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). IVF is a process whereby an egg is removed from a person's body and combined with sperm inside a laboratory for fertilization; the fertilized egg, called an embryo, is then transferred into the uterus. In LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the State's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. With the support of over 120 representatives from the Republican party, Congressman Alexander X. Mooney of West Virginia introduced H.R. 431, which would implement equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution for the right to life of each "born and preborn human person." Under this bill, the terms "human person" and "human being" include "each and every member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, cloning, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being." This legislation, if enacted, poses a significant threat to the reproductive freedoms of the citizens in New Jersey and the United States, particularly those related to IVF and other fertility treatments. A number of Republican senators joined the Democrats in criticizing the LePage ruling, and expressed their support for IVF. Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic Senator from Illinois who utilized IVF to conceive her two children, introduced legislation, S.3612, to protect the rights of individuals to seek reproductive assistance, such as IVF, and physicians who provide these services, without the fear of prosecution. Senator Duckworth urged her Republican colleagues to join the Democrats' efforts to protect access to IVF by unanimously passing this legislation, as many Republican Senators initially denounced the LePage ruling for the harmful precedent that the decision has set on reproductive assistance services,. However, Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi blocked the unanimous passage of the bill by objecting to Senator Duckworth's request. When the United States Supreme Court's issued its 2022 decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Org., which overturned Roe v. Wade, the country faced fear and uncertainty around key reproductive rights issues. A number of states took action to interfere with a person's access to reproductive health care out-of-state, in some instances by seeking to prosecute a person in a state where reproductive health care access was criminalized following Dobbs, for seeking reproductive health care services in another jurisdiction where it remained legal. Such actions are designed to prevent individuals and health care providers from seeking and providing lawful reproductive health care services by instilling fear through the threat of prosecution. In stark contrast to actions taken in states to monitor private health information, the New Jersey legislature has acted to protect private medical information from prosecutors in other states, to ensure New Jersey law enforcement will not take part in extraditions to people who have sought reproductive health care that is legal in New Jersey, and to require the creation of a website so people who are confused about recent court decisions know what their freedoms are on reproductive health decisions in New Jersey The LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. ruling threatens the rights of Alabamians who are planning to have children, and endangers the fertility clinics that provide IVF services, those that have embryos stored, and the overall future of family planning in Alabama. It is in the public interest of the citizens of New Jersey to condemn, in the strongest terms, any ruling that infringes on citizens rights to exercise their reproductive freedom or their access to reproductive health care, including IVF. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3413 | Establishes New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force; clarifies collection of student growth data. | Establishes New Jersey Educator Evaluation Review Task Force; clarifies collection of student growth data. | In Committee |
| A3452 | Provides tax levy cap adjustment for certain school districts experiencing reductions in State school aid. | Provides tax levy cap adjustment for certain school districts experiencing reductions in State school aid. | In Committee |
| A3991 | Directs State Board of Education to authorize general science endorsement to instructional certificate. | This bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a general science endorsement to an instructional certificate. The endorsement authorizes the holder to teach any science course in grades nine through 12. The bill defines "instructional certificate" as a certificate of eligibility, certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, provisional certificate, or standard instructional certificate. The bill requires a candidate seeking an instructional certificate with a general science endorsement to: (1) possess a bachelor's degree or a master's degree in biology, chemistry, physics, or a related field; (2) achieve a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a scale of 4.0, or its equivalent; (3) pass a Commissioner of Education-approved basic skills test; (4) pass a commissioner-approved subject matter test, if applicable, and (5) meet any other requirements as established by the commissioner. Under the bill, a teacher who currently holds a biological science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, or physics endorsement to an instructional certificate may apply for an instructional certificate with a general science endorsement provided the teacher meets the requirements set forth in the bill. | In Committee |
| A4028 | Provides certain resources to county prosecutors for enforcement of law regarding failure to pay wages; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), for purposes of supporting the enforcement of the provisions of State wage and hour laws, to provide funds and training to each county prosecutor's office for the investigation and prosecution of the abovementioned laws and worker exploitation. The bill requires the county prosecutor of each county to establish and assign an assistant prosecutor to the investigation and prosecution of violations of the State wage and hour laws. The bill makes an appropriation from the General Fund to the DOLWD, not to exceed $2,000,000, for purposes of effectuating the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A3982 | Prohibits DOE from requiring minimum score on any individual subtest to qualify for certain endorsements; requires DOE to establish average minimum score on multiple subject matter tests to qualify for certain teacher endorsements. | This bill prohibits the Department of Education from requiring a teacher candidate seeking an instructional certificate with an elementary school teacher endorsement to achieve a minimum score on an individual subtest of a Commissioner-approved test on reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, or science. Under the bill, the department is to require a teacher candidate seeking an instructional certificate with an elementary school teacher endorsement to achieve a minimum average score on the individual subtests of reading and language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. The bill requires the commissioner to determine the minimum average score. Currently, a teacher candidate seeking an instructional certificate with an elementary school teacher endorsement is required to achieve a passing score on a Reading and Language Arts subtest, Mathematics subtest, Social Studies subtest, and a Science subtest. | In Committee |
| A3983 | Directs State Board of Education to authorize general science endorsement. | This bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a general science endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement authorizes the holder to teach a biological science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, or physics course in grades nine through 12. The bill requires the State board to establish appropriate requirements for the endorsement that provide a teacher with the special knowledge and skills necessary to work with students in these grades. The bill permits teachers holding a biological science, chemistry, earth science, physical science, or physics endorsement prior to the establishment of the general science endorsement, upon application to the State Board of Examiners, to be issued the general science endorsement established by the bill. | In Committee |
| A1803 | Directs State Board of Education to authorize issuance of new endorsements in certain fields. | This bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of new endorsements in the areas of special education, elementary and middle school education, and bilingual and bicultural education. The bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a Students with Disabilities Preschool through Grade 12 endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement authorizes the holder to teach students with disabilities, with the exception of students who are blind or visually impaired or deaf or hard of hearing, in all public schools and in all grade levels. Under the bill, the holder of a Students with Disabilities Preschool through Grade 12 endorsement may provide consultative services and supportive resource programs to students with disabilities in general education programs. The bill further provides that the holder of a current students with disabilities endorsement issued administratively prior to the bill's effective date may be granted the new endorsement upon application to the board. Under current law, special education teachers may teach students classified with disabilities in only the grade levels specified on their other endorsements. The bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a Kindergarten through Grade 8 endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement will permit the holder to teach: · students in all public schools in grades kindergarten through six; and · the specialty subjects on the face of the certificate to students in grades seven and eight in all public schools. Under current law, numerous endorsements limit the holder to teaching either only to students in elementary level grades or only to students in middle school grades. Finally, the bill authorizes the State Board of Education to issue a Bilingual and Bicultural Preschool through Grade 12 endorsement to the instructional certificate. The endorsement will authorize the holder to teach bilingual and bicultural education in all public schools and in all grade levels. Under the bill, a candidate for the endorsement is required to demonstrate oral and writing competence in English and the target language; complete an approved bilingual and bicultural education program; and meet any other requirements established by the board. Under current law, candidates for the Bilingual and Bicultural endorsement are required to have an additional endorsement for subject or grade level to be taught. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A3453 | Concerns implementation of fire sprinkler system requirements in newly constructed townhouses. | In order to provide sufficient time for the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to adopt necessary rules and regulations, and for developers to prepare to install sprinkler systems in townhouses, in accordance with the requirements of a recently-enacted statute, P.L.2023, c.265, this bill would extend and modify certain implementation-related timelines and requirements in that statute. Enacted in January 2024, P.L.2023, c.265 requires the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in new townhouses for which a construction permit application has not been declared complete prior to August 1, 2024, the first day of the seventh month following the statute's enactment. This bill would modify this requirement so that a construction permit application for a new townhouse subject to the one-and two-family dwelling subcode, adopted by the Commissioner of Community Affairs pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1975, c.217 (C.52:27D-123), would not be declared complete by the enforcing agency on or after the first day of the 25th month next following the date of enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, unless the construction permit application for the new townhouse contains provisions for the installation of an automatic fire sprinkler system in accordance with the requirements of P.L.2023, c.265. The bill also specifies that the provisions of P.L.2023, c.265 would not apply to a development for which a developmental site plan or subdivision application has been submitted prior to the first day of the 25th month following the enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, including: § a preliminary or final approval from a municipal planning or zoning board memorialized by a resolution of approval; § developer's agreement; § a redevelopment agreement; § a payment in lieu of tax agreement; § a fair share plan or housing element that provides for the development, and is subject to a judgment of repose or compliance, an affordable housing settlement agreement, or other approval provided under the "Fair Housing Act" or Mount Laurel doctrine; or § a building permit. P.L.2023, c.265 also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs to adopt rules and regulations incorporating International Residential Code guidance pertaining to such installations by June 1, 2024, the first day of the fifth month following the date of that statute's enactment. The bill would modify this requirement to allow the commissioner until the first day of the 13th month following the enactment of this bill, instead of the enactment of P.L.2023, c.265, to adopt these rules and regulations. | In Committee |
| A3560 | Concerns false public alarms involving places of worship. | This bill establishes a second degree crime for false public alarms when the alarm involves a church, synagogue, temple, or other place of public worship. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building capable of seating more than 50 people used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination. Finally, the bill provides for additional penalties for false alarms as it relates to churches, synagogues, temples, or other places of worship. A person committing such a violation is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 or the actual costs incurred by or resulting from the emergency response to the false alarm, whichever is higher. A second degree crime is punishable by a term of 5-10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A3562 | Requires health insurers to cover self-measured blood pressure monitoring for subscribers with preeclampsia; requires health care professionals to provide home blood pressure monitor to pregnant patients diagnosed with preeclampsia. | This bill directs the Commissioner of Health to require every hospital in the State, every birthing center licensed in the State, every federally qualified health center in the State, and every physician or health care practitioner in the State providing care to a pregnant person, to provide, without cost to the patient,: (1) a validated home blood pressure monitor to a pregnant patient who is diagnosed with preeclampsia; (2) a validated home blood pressure monitor to a pregnant patient who expresses fear or anxiety regarding the patient's blood pressure and who requests a blood pressure monitor; and (3) printed educational material regarding preeclampsia to each pregnant patient at the patient's first pregnancy visit. The educational material shall be developed and distributed to providers by the Department of Health and shall include, at a minimum, the following information: a definition of preeclampsia; the symptoms and warning signs of preeclampsia and at what point a patient experiencing those symptoms or warning signs should contact a medical professional; and a description of how a patient can advocate for themselves in regard to addressing preeclampsia. The sponsor's goal is to provide pregnant patients in New Jersey, particularly those diagnosed with preeclampsia, with home blood pressure monitors and the training to use such a monitor to improve maternal outcomes in the State. Preeclampsia is a high blood pressure disorder that can occur during or after pregnancy. The condition can keep the baby from getting proper amounts of blood and oxygen from the mother. Preeclampsia can also cause the mother to have serious problems with her brain, liver, and kidneys. Monitoring blood pressure is therefore an essential part of prenatal and postpartum care. Self-measured blood pressure monitoring in a patient's home can be particularly critical in the case of masked hypertension, where blood pressure levels are elevated at home despite normal blood pressure in a clinical setting. In addition, sudden rises in blood pressure can threaten pregnant women between prenatal appointments or if they have limited access to healthcare. This bill seeks to eliminate barriers to home-based monitoring, such as access to blood pressure measurement devices or limited knowledge on how to utilize a device. In doing so, this bill provides for the early detection of life-threatening high blood pressure in pregnancy, thereby preventing the maternal and neonatal morbidities associated with preeclampsia. In addition, the bill directs that a hospital, a birthing center, a federally qualified health center, or a physician or health care practitioner that provides a patient a validated home blood pressure monitor pursuant to the bill is required, in accordance with guidelines developed by the commissioner, to educate and train the patient on the proper use of the blood pressure monitor; to transmit blood pressure data from the patient's blood pressure monitor; to interpret blood pressure data from the patient's blood pressure monitor; and to report to the Department of Health, one year after the effective date of this act and annually thereafter, de-identifiable data on the number of patients who received blood pressure monitors under this section and the health outcomes of those patients. The bill also directs the Department of Health to establish a process by which a hospital, a birthing center, a federally qualified health center, or a physician or health care practitioner that provides a patient with a validated home blood pressure monitor under the bill is able to submit a claim to the department for the reimbursement of the cost of the validated home blood pressure monitor and any provider time used to educate and train the patient on the proper use of the blood pressure monitor, to transmit blood pressure data from the patient's blood pressure monitor, and to interpret blood pressure data from the patient's blood pressure monitor, provided that the patient does not have coverage of such benefits from a third party, such as an insurance carrier or medical assistance program. The bill appropriations $1 million to the department to issue these reimbursements and requires that any unspent balance at the end of the current fiscal year be appropriated for the same purpose in the next fiscal year. Finally, under the bill, the Commissioner of Health is mandated to report to the Governor and to the Legislature, 18 months after the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, on the health care outcomes of patients provided blood pressure monitors under the bill, which report is to include: the number of patients who received blood pressure monitors, disaggregated by those patients who were diagnosed with preeclampsia and those patients who requested blood pressure monitors; and the number of patients who received blood pressure monitors who: had documented improvement with blood pressure following the receipt of the monitor, required hospitalization due to blood pressure issues following the receipt of the monitor, and experienced maternal mortality related to preeclampsia. The bill also requires health insurers to provide coverage for self-measured blood pressure monitoring for any subscriber who is diagnosed with preeclampsia, which coverage is to include the provision of a validated home blood pressure monitor and the reimbursement of provider time used to educate and train the subscriber on the proper use of the blood pressure monitor, to transmit blood pressure data from the subscriber's blood pressure monitor, and to interpret blood pressure data from the subscriber's blood pressure monitor. Specifically, this provision of the bill affects health, hospital, and medical service corporations; individual and group health insurance policies; health maintenance organizations; individual health benefits plans; small employer health benefits plans; the State Health Benefits Program; the School Employees' Health Benefits Program; and the State Medicaid Program. | In Committee |
| A3542 | Requires at least one drive-up ballot drop box in each county; requires certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and locations. | This bill requires the county board of elections in each county to establish at least one drive-up ballot drop box in the county and to post certain information at ballot drop boxes and locations. Under current law, each county board of elections is required to establish at least 10 ballot drop boxes at locations throughout the county following several criteria. Under this bill, at least one of those locations would be required to be a "drive-up ballot drop box," defined as a ballot drop box and location designed and evaluated to possess accessible features including, but not limited to, sufficient vehicle turning radius adjacent to the driver side, curb cuts, availability of handicap parking, and an unimpeded path to the ballot drop box from handicap parking. The bill requires the drive-up ballot drop box to be easy to locate and readily visible by voters with adequate lighting and a clear line of sight from the street and parking area. The bill would also require certain information to be posted at ballot drop boxes and drop box locations. Under the bill, all ballot drop boxes would be marked as an "Official Ballot Drop Box." In addition, in a uniform manner prescribed by the Secretary of State, the following information would be posted at drop boxes and drop box locations in all languages required under the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965 and under current law for the county: the penalties for drop box tampering; a-toll free voter hotline; a statement indicating that no postage is necessary for depositing the ballot into the drop box; a statement indicating that the drop box is for mail-in ballots only for that county; and a statement informing the public of the applicable deadline for accepting ballots at the drop box. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of State and county boards of elections to include guidelines for county boards of elections to follow to establish an electioneering boundary of 100 feet around each ballot drop box in compliance with current law. The bill requires the posting of signs and information to notify the public of the prohibited electioneering activities within the boundary of the ballot drop box. | In Committee |
| AJR113 | Designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month." | This joint resolution designates November of each year as "Transgender Awareness Month" in the State of New Jersey, and respectfully calls on the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens of this State to observe "Transgender Awareness Month" with appropriate activities and programs. Transgender individuals, who are people whose gender identity, expression, or behavior is different from those typically associated with the individual's assigned sex at birth, face considerable challenges in society, including discrimination, harassment, physical abuse, and social isolation. In the face of a sharp increase in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation being introduced nationwide, with numerous bills seeking to limit access to health care, housing, education, and free expression for transgender individuals and transgender youth in particular, the Legislature finds it fitting and appropriate to increase awareness and understanding of the prejudice, discrimination, and violence that transgender persons face, as well as to recognize the beauty, strength, and resilience of the transgender community and the myriad contributions transgender individuals make to the life, culture, and social fabric of the United States. | In Committee |
| A3355 | Requires school districts to include information on events of September 11, 2001 as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies; requires public schools to hold annual events commemorating September 11, 2001. | This bill requires school districts to include age-appropriate instruction on the events of September 11, 2001 in the curriculum of elementary, middle, and high school students as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies. Under the bill, the instruction will provide students with information on:· the historical context of the attack;· a timeline of the day as the events unfolded; · the heroic actions of the police, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders in the rescue and recovery of the victims, and the heroic sacrifice of the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93; and· the outpouring of humanitarian, charitable, and volunteer assistance and support that occurred immediately following the events of that day, and strategies for successfully instilling those traits in daily life. The bill also requires each public school to annually organize a commemorative event that will enhance student awareness of the events of September 11, 2001. In addition to providing students with information concerning the events of September 11, 2001, the event will provide students with age-appropriate opportunities for discussion on conflict resolution, diversity, and tolerance for people of different religions and cultures. | In Committee |
| A1156 | Establishes Office of Child Advocate. | This bill establishes the Office of the Child Advocate in, but notof, the Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS). The bill provides that the child advocate would seek to ensure the provision of effective, appropriate, and timely services for children at risk of abuse and neglect in the State, and that children under State supervision due to abuse or neglect are served adequately and appropriately by the State. The Office of the Child Advocate would be deemed a child protective agency for the purposes of N.J.S.A.9:6-8.10a. The bill allows the Child Advocate to: investigate, review, monitor, or evaluate any State agency response on, or disposition of, an allegation of child abuse or neglect in this State; inspect and review the operations, policies, and procedures of juvenile detention centers, resource family homes, group homes, residential treatment facilities, shelters for the care of abused or neglected children, shelters for the care of juveniles considered as juvenile-family crisis cases, shelters for the care of homeless youth, or independent living arrangements; and any other public or private residential setting in which a child has been placed by a State or county agency or department; review, evaluate, report on, and make recommendations concerning the procedures established by any State agency providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, children in State or institutional custody, or children who receive child protective or permanency services; review, monitor, and report on the performance of State-funded private entities charged with the care and supervision of children at risk of abuse or neglect by conducting research audits or other studies of case records, policies, procedures, and protocols, as deemed necessary by the child advocate to assess the performance of the entities; receive, investigate, and make referrals to other agencies or take other appropriate actions with respect to a complaint received by the office regarding the actions of a State, county or municipal agency, or a State-funded private entity providing services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect; hold a public hearing on the subject of an investigation or study underway by the office, and receive testimony from agency and program representatives, the public, and other interested parties, as the child advocate deems appropriate; establish and maintain a 24 hour toll-free telephone hotline to receive and respond to calls from members of the public referring problems to the child advocate, both individual and systemic, in how the State, through its agencies and contract services, protect children; and intervene in or institute litigation, or intervene in or institute administrative proceedings before any department, commission, agency, or State board, to assert the broad public interest of the State in the welfare of children and to protect and promote the rights of children. The bill provides that the Child Advocate would seek to ensure the protection of children who are in an institution or resource family home by reviewing, evaluating, and monitoring the operation and activities of the Institutional Abuse Investigation Unit in the Department of Children and Families. The bill also provides that the Child Advocate would report annually to the Governor, Attorney General, and Legislature on: the activities of the office; priorities for children's services that have been identified by the child advocate; and recommendations for improvement or needed changes concerning the provision of services to children who are at risk of abuse or neglect, and are in State or institutional custody, or receive child protective or permanency services by State agencies and State-funded private entities, and make the annual report available to the public and post the report on DLPS's website. | In Committee |
| A818 | Prevents State school aid reduction in school districts that experienced decrease in equalized valuation and are located in certain counties. | This bill provides that a school district located in a county of the fifth or sixth class will not experience a reduction in State school aid relative to the 2017-2018 school year if the district's equalized valuation for the budget year is less than the equalized valuation for the 2012-2013 budget year. The bill's provisions apply to school districts located in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean Counties. The bill's intent is to prevent a reduction in State aid in school districts in areas most heavily impacted by Superstorm Sandy and whose property valuations have yet to recover from the damage caused by the storm. | In Committee |
| A2948 | Requires vehicle manufacturers to provide real-time access to motor vehicle data to vehicle owners and representatives. | This bill requires motor vehicle manufactures to provide the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative with real-time access to certain motor vehicle data. Under current law, a person other than the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative is generally prohibited from obtaining or using certain motor vehicle data, known as "recorded data," which is collected from a recording device within the motor vehicle. However, a person other than the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative may obtain or use recorded data in certain circumstances, such as upon the consent of the owner or representative. Under the bill, when the manufacturer of a motor vehicle obtains recorded data through a vehicle data interface, the manufacturer would be required to provide the owner of the motor vehicle or the owner's representative with access to the recorded data through the vehicle data interface. For the purposes of this bill, a "vehicle data interface" is defined as any device, application, program, or other mechanism that enables a manufacturer or other person to obtain and maintain direct, real-time, bidirectional accessibility and interoperability to the recorded data of a motor vehicle as collected by a recording device. The bill also revises the definition of "recorded data" to include all data generated, or generated and retained, by the operation of a motor vehicle. Specifically, the bill requires a manufacturer to provide access to recorded data: (1) free of charge, and without undue delay, upon the written request of the owner or representative; (2) in same quality as the recorded data is available to the manufacturer, except that the data is required to be transmitted in a continuous, real-time manner through the vehicle data interface and accessible in a structured, commonly used, machine-readable format; and (3) without condition or limitation, including, but not limited to, a fee or license to decrypt the recorded data or a requirement to use a device provided by the manufacturer to access and use the recorded data. After the owner of a motor vehicle or the owner's representative receives access to recorded data from the manufacturer, the bill provides that the owner or representative may transmit the recorded data to any other person or entity authorized by the owner. The bill also provides that the owner of the motor vehicle may delete any recorded data or other information that was input by the owner into the motor vehicle or recording device, except as such deletions are otherwise prohibited under current law. Under the bill, a manufacturer is prohibited from requesting, encouraging, or requiring the owner of any motor vehicle to waive the right to access recorded data. Any waiver entered into after the date of enactment of this bill would be deemed null and void. | In Committee |
| A2950 | Revises law concerning bias intimidation to include members of press or media in protected class. | This bill amends N.J.S.A.2C:16-1, the crime of bias intimidation, to specifically provide that "members of the press or media" are within the protected classes set forth in the statute. Current law enumerates the protected classes of "race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnicity." Under the provisions of this section, a person may be guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts, conspires, or threatens the immediate commission of certain specified offenses with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity or knowing that the conduct would cause an individual or group to be intimidated on that basis or under circumstances in which the victim believes he was targeted on that basis. The bill provides that "member of the press or media" means an accredited member of the press corps or media; a photographer or photojournalist employed by a newspaper, magazine, or other media company; or an individual operating equipment to facilitate the delivery of news or media. This bill is modeled after legislation recently introduced in Florida concerning offenses against members of the press. | In Committee |
| A2943 | Establishes certain requirements concerning charter school financial reporting and prohibits charter school from contracting with for-profit charter management organization. | This bill supplements the State's charter school law by prohibiting a charter school from contracting with a for-profit charter management organization to provide any operation or management services to the charter school. Under the bill, any charter management organization that provides operation or management services to a charter school in New Jersey would have to be a nonprofit organization. The bill also supplements the charter school law by adding certain requirements related to a charter school's budget and financial transparency. The bill directs charter schools to annually submit their budget for the upcoming school year to the Commissioner of Education for review. The budget will include information on all revenues, expenses supported by those revenues, and any in-kind contributions received by the charter school. The bill provides that the charter school's budget will be posted for public inspection on the charter school's website, if one exists, and made available in print in a "user-friendly" format using plain language. The commissioner will promulgate the "user-friendly" plain language budget summary format. The plain language budget summary will be submitted to the Department of Education, which will also make it available to the public on its website. In addition, the bill requires a charter school board of trustees to have an annual audit conducted of the charter school's accounts and financial transactions pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.18A:23-1 et seq., which also governs audits of each school district. The report of each annual charter school audit must be filed, by the public school accountant making the report, with his recommendations with the charter school board of trustees and with the commissioner. The commissioner annually will publish a summary of the recommendations made for each charter school and the steps that have been taken in each charter school for their implementation. Lastly, the bill imposes financial disclosure requirements on charter management organizations. Under the bill, a charter management organization that provides operation or management services to a charter school in the State must annually submit the following information to the Commissioner of Education: (1) identification of each charter school in the State served by the charter management organization; (2) a list of the officers and members of the management team, board, or other governing body of the charter management organization; (3) a certified audit statement of all revenues and all expenditures related to the organization's function as a charter management organization in this State; and (4) identification of all donors that provided contributions to the charter management organization and all donors that provided contributions to each charter school served by the organization. The bill requires the Department of Education to make the information submitted by charter management organizations publicly available on the department's website. | In Committee |
| A2945 | Establishes crime of possessing firearm during public demonstration for purpose of causing civil disorder. | This bill establishes a third degree crime of knowingly possessing a firearm during a public demonstration for the purpose of causing civil disorder. Under the bill, a person may be found guilty of the crime irrespective of whether the person possesses a valid permit to carry a firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card. The bill defines "civil disorder" as a public disturbance involving acts of violence by assemblages of two or more persons which creates a risk of imminent danger to the public health, safety, or welfare or causes bodily injury, serious bodily injury, or death. "Public demonstration" is defined by the bill as a procession, gathering, or assembly of persons in a public place, where the gathering is in pursuit of a common purpose of demonstrating support for, or opposition to, a person, matter, or thing. A third degree crime is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| A2944 | Modifies various aspects of charter school program including student enrollment procedures, revocation of charter, monitoring of charter schools, and collaboration between school districts and charter schools. | This bill implements certain measures to improve the oversight and accountability of charter schools. The bill does the following: (1) provides that students will be selected for enrollment in a charter school through a lottery. The name of each student who is enrolled in the charter school's district of residence will be placed in the lottery. If the parents or guardians of a student who is selected through the lottery decide not enroll the student, then the charter school will fill that enrollment space with a student from the waiting list. Under current law, a random selection process is only used if there are more applicants than there are openings in the charter school. The routine use of lotteries will help to ensure that a charter school's enrollment reflects the demographics of its district of residence; (2) requires a charter school to file with the Commissioner of Education and its district of residence a report on the student enrollment demographics of the charter school by October 15 of each year. The report is to be posted on the websites of the Department of Education, the charter school, and the charter school district of residence; (3) requires a charter school to maintain a waiting list for admission to the school and to annually submit the number and demographics of students on the waiting list to the commissioner. The department and the charter school will post the number and student demographics on their websites and update the number as appropriate; (4) requires the adjustment of the per pupil tax levy amount that a district of residence must send to a charter school if the district's budget is defeated by the voters or disapproved by the board of school estimate and the district's tax levy is reduced. The per pupil adjustment will reflect the reduced tax levy; (5) requires that a charter school's annual report required under current law include information on the students who have left the charter school during the preceding school year through withdrawal, expulsion, other disciplinary action, or any other circumstance; (6) requires that the commissioner's annual assessment of a charter school required under current law be in writing and posted on the department's website no later than October 15; (7) requires that the findings of the commissioner's comprehensive review of a charter school required under current law prior to granting a renewal of the charter be provided in writing to the charter school no later than six months prior to the commissioner's decision on the renewal of the charter; (8) establishes the following additional grounds for which the commissioner may revoke a school's charter: - the charter school fails to achieve the core curriculum content standards or fails to meet any performance standard set forth in the school's charter; - the charter school engages in a practice and pattern of discrimination in violation of federal or State law or violates any federal or State law; - the charter school violates any provision of its charter concerning fiscal responsibility; or - the charter school fails to make adequate yearly progress for five consecutive school years under the provisions of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001;" (9) requires the commissioner to post a charter school's approved budget on the department's website; (10) permits a board of education and a charter school to enter into a written agreement to conduct collaborative education programs or implement shared services if the arrangement will lead to improvement for all students in areas such as teacher quality and student achievement; (11) requires that a charter school, upon the revocation of its charter, provide the commissioner and the parents or guardians of its students with information on how to transfer the student to the student's school district of residence, and to forward all student records to that district; (12) provides that a charter school must cause an independent final audit to be conducted of the school's accounts and financial transactions within six months following the closure of the school; and, (13) requires charter schools to be subject to review and evaluation under the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (NJ QSAC). | In Committee |
| A2949 | Provides penalties for sexually offensive or abusive communication through social networking website. | This bill would enact the "Social Networking Safety Act." The bill provides for civil penalties against individuals who transmit a sexually offensive communication through a social networking website to or about a person located in New Jersey who is, or who the actor reasonably believes to be: (1) less than 13 years of age; or (2) at least 13 but less than 16 years old and at least four years younger than the actor. Under the bill, this person would be liable to the social networking website operator in a civil action for damages of $1,000, plus reasonable attorney's fees, for each violation and to the recipient of the communication in a civil action for damages in the amount of $5,000, plus reasonable attorney's fees, or actual damages, whichever is greater. Actual damages would consist of compensatory and punitive damages and costs of suit, including reasonable attorney's fees. Compensatory damages may include, but are not limited to, damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, emotional trauma, diminished childhood, diminished enjoyment of life, costs of counseling, and lost wages. The bill defines "sexually offensive communication" as any communication which a reasonable person would believe is intended to solicit or request a person to engage in sexual activity, and any communication which transmits obscene material as defined in N.J.S.2C:34-3. This bill also prohibits the transmission of abusive communication through a social networking website to or about a person located in New Jersey who is, or who the actor reasonably believes to be, less than 18 years of age. This bill defines "abusive communication" as any communication which a reasonable person would believe is intended to threaten, intimidate or harass another person. The bill makes it an unlawful practice and a violation of the Consumer Fraud Act, N.J.S.A.56:8-1, for a social networking website operator to fail to revoke, in the most expedient time possible without unreasonable delay, the website access of any user or third party upon receipt of information that provides a reasonable basis to conclude that the user or third party has transmitted sexually offensive or abusive communications. The bill defines "user" as a person located in this State who establishes on a social networking website an online profile, page or similar account on which the user may post personal information, and which may be viewed by third parties. A social networking website operator would not be deemed to be in violation if the operator maintains a reporting mechanism available to the user that meets the following requirements: (1) the social networking website displays, in a conspicuous location, a readily identifiable icon or link that enables a user to report to the social networking website operator a sexually offensive or abusive communication transmitted by a third party through the social networking website; (2) the operator conducts a review, in the most expedient time possible without unreasonable delay, of any report by a user or third party, including investigation and referral to law enforcement if appropriate, and provides users and third parties with the opportunity to determine the status of the operator's review or investigation of any such report; and (3) the mechanism provides the means to enable a user to block communications from third parties whom users allege have transmitted a sexually offensive or abusive communication. Under the bill, a social networking website operator that does not maintain a reporting mechanism meeting the requirements set forth in the bill must include on its website, in a clear and conspicuous manner, a statement notifying users that the website does not maintain a reporting mechanism that comports with New Jersey state law provisions to protect users against sexually offensive and abusive communications. In addition, the bill provides that a social networking website operator or any employee or agent thereof who reports information to law enforcement concerning an allegation that a user or third party has transmitted sexually offensive or abusive communication is immune from civil and criminal liability arising from such report, unless the person acts in bad faith or with malicious purpose. | In Committee |
| A2947 | Creates a civil cause of action for stalking. | This bill creates a civil cause of action for victims of stalking, a crime set out in P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10). Under the bill, a "victim" is defined as "a person who, as a result of the conduct of the defendant that is prohibited under P.L.1992, c.209 (C.2C:12-10), was placed in reasonable fear for his own personal safety or for the safety of a minor child of whom the person is a parent or legal guardian." The bill provides that the victim could bring suit whether or not the individual has been charged with or convicted of the crime. The victim could be awarded damages and costs, including attorney fees, and may also be awarded punitive damages. Under the bill, no action could be commenced beyond the applicable personal injury statute of limitations. Under N.J.S.2A:14-2 the statute of limitations for personal injury actions is two years. | In Committee |
| A1961 | Expands duties of Commission on Human Trafficking to prevent human trafficking in women and children of color. | This bill expands the duties of the Commission on Human Trafficking in the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires the commission to study issues related to human trafficking of women and children of color, identify strategies to prevent or reduce human trafficking of women and children of color, enhance and facilitate the delivery of support services for such victims, and make recommendations for legislation, if appropriate. The bill clarifies that a majority of the members of Human Trafficking Commission (commission) constitutes a quorum for purposes of the Commission performing any duty or exercising any of its powers. The bill removes the requirement that a majority of the "authorized membership" be required for a quorum so as to prevent, in the absence or vacancy of any members, the interruption of the commission's statutory mandate. | In Committee |
| AR86 | Supports Israel as it defends itself against the terrorist attacks by Hamas. | This House strongly condemns Hamas for its terroristic attacks against Israel and the atrocities perpetrated against innocent people. On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a massive, unprovoked war on Israel by air, land, and sea. Hamas terrorists crossed the land border and began killing Israelis, abducting people as hostages, slaughtering ordinary civilians and entire families, including babies and elderly people, setting houses on fire, and raping women. Since October 7, 2023, Hamas has launched over 4,500 rockets into southern and central Israel, at least 1,400 people have been confirmed dead in Israel, of whom 30 were American citizens, and another 3,400 have been injured. Hamas is a Foreign Terrorist Organization, designated as such by the United States and the European Union, for its history of suicide bombings and rocket attacks against Jewish people and the State of Israel. Israel is a non-NATO ally and strategic partner of the United States, and the United States has declared its commitment to Israel, reaffirming our 75-year partnership with Israel and the Jewish people in the advancement of our shared democratic values and cultural ties. The Israeli people and its government have shown unwavering bravery in response to the unprovoked act of terrorism by Hamas. The State of New Jersey is proud of its strong relationship with Israel and its citizens, and reaffirms its commitment to Israel in the face of these terrorist attacks. New Jersey condemns the terrorist acts of Hamas against Israel and supports Israel as it defends itself. | In Committee |
| A3116 | Requires certain public schools that receive State aid to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 A.M. | This bill provides that, in order to receive any State aid pursuant to the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" or any other law, a school district, charter school, renaissance school project, county vocational school district, or county special services school district that includes grades 9 through 12 will be required to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 AM. | In Committee |
| A1480 | Revises State renewable energy portfolio standards. | This bill would revise the State's renewable energy portfolio standards (RPS), the provisions in law that require each electric power supplier and basic generation service provider to sell a certain percentage of electricity from renewable energy sources each year. Specifically, the bill would provide that, beginning in 2030, the RPS for Class I renewable energy (Class I RPS) would apply to the total electricity sold in the State after subtracting the amount of electricity generated by existing nuclear power plants and "zero-carbon" electricity sources that begin operation after 2030. The bill would define a "zero-carbon electric generating facility" as "any electric power generation facility that does not emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of combusting fuel to generate electricity." The bill would also require that, beginning in 2030, at least 50 percent of the renewable energy certificates (RECs) used by an entity to satisfy the Class I RPS be generated in New Jersey. The bill would also extend the Class I RPS to require that, beginning in 2045, 100 percent of the energy sold at retail in the State be from Class I renewable energy sources. The bill would also provide that the current RPS for Class II renewable energy, which requires that 2.5 percent of energy sold at retail be from Class II renewable energy sources, would expire in 2045. Finally, the bill would clarify that the Class I RPS may be satisfied by purchasing and retiring RECs. | In Committee |
| A2332 | Requires health insurance coverage for testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. | This bill requires health insurance coverage for testing for breast cancer 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer 2 (BRCA2) genes. Specifically, under the bill, health insurance carriers with policies or contracts that are delivered, issued, and executed in the State will be required to cover testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Additionally, the bill establishes that a test result that is positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes can be categorized as "positive genetic testing" for breast cancer for the purposes of current law that authorizes additional testing after a baseline mammogram. | In Committee |
| AJR16 | Permits evidence of prompt reports of sexual assault or employment discrimination be admissible as hearsay exception. | This Joint Resolution amends the Rules of Evidence to permit the jury to consider a statement by a declarant as it relates to sexual assault or employment discrimination in certain cases. The resolution permits statements by the declarant relating to sexual assault or employment discrimination when: (i) the complaint was made spontaneously and voluntarily, (ii) within a reasonable amount of time after the crime had occurred, and (iii) to a person the victim ordinarily would turn to for support. The resolution permits admission of declarant's statement for the purposes of assessing the credibility of the complainant with respect to the commission of the offense; to negate the inference that the victim's initial delay or silence means the complaint was fabricated; or when relevant, and to the extent necessary, to explain the investigative process and complete the narrative of events leading to the defendant's arrest. | In Committee |
| A1717 | Permits legislative agents and organizations to receive funds assessed on tuition bills as waivable fees. | This bill would permit the governing body of a public institution of higher education to allow funds generated from student tuition bills to be distributed to legislative agents or organizations which attempt to influence legislation as waivable fees. Under current law, 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 such a 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. This bill would amend current law to eliminate the optional fee authorizations process and allow funds for legislative agents and organizations that attempt to influence legislation to be assessed on tuition bills as waivable fees. These fees would appear on student tuition bills without prior student referendum but students would have the option to have the fee waived. For purposes of this bill, a waivable fee means any amount payable on a student tuition bill, appearing as a separately assessed item, but not a mandatory charge. The bill requires a waivable fee to be accompanied by a statement as to the nature of the item, that the item is not a charge required to be paid by the student, the process for waiving the fee, and that the presence of the fee does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the governing body of the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| A2000 | Increases penalties imposed on juveniles and adults convicted of motor vehicle theft and related crimes. | This bill increases the penalties imposed on juveniles and adults convicted of motor vehicle theft and related crimes. The bill specifically provides that a person convicted of a first offense of theft of a motor vehicle would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 180 days without eligibility for parole. A person convicted of a second or subsequent offense would be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year without eligibility for parole. The court may also require a person to pay monetary restitution to any person or entity who has suffered loss resulting from personal injuries or damage to property as a result of the offense. A juvenile adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of theft of a motor vehicle, or the crime of unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (joy riding) and operating it in a manner that creates a risk of injury or risk of property damage would be sentenced to incarceration for a term of 30 days for a first offense. For a second offense, the juvenile would be sentenced to incarceration for a term of 60 days followed by a period of time in a nonresidential program operated by a public or private agency. For a third or subsequent offense, the juvenile would be sentenced to incarceration for a term of six months, followed by a period of time in a nonresidential program. If the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of entering and riding in a motor vehicle knowing that the motor vehicle has been taken or is being operated without the consent of the owner, the court would order the juvenile incarcerated for a term of 10 days, followed by a term of community service for at least 30 days. Under current law, the court may require a juvenile to make restitution to a person or entity who has suffered loss resulting from personal injuries or damage to property as a result of the offense for which the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent. Under the bill, the court would not be permitted to order a juvenile who has been adjudicated delinquent for an act which, if committed by an adult, would constitute the crime of theft of a motor vehicle, the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, or joyriding to pay restitution. Finally, the provisions of the bill provide that any person who is at least 18 years of age who knowingly uses, solicits, directs, hires, or employs a person 17 years of age or younger to commit theft of a motor vehicle, the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, or joyriding is to be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of between six months and one year for a first offense, and not less than five years for a second or subsequent offense. According to New Jersey officials, as of May 2022 car thefts have increased 37% compared to 2021 and 53% compared to 2020. There were 14,320 vehicles stolen in New Jersey in 2021. Nationally, the National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported an "unprecedented" rise in car thefts and carjackings in recent years, increasing by 16.5% across the country in 2021 compared to 2019 and nearly 29% compared to 2017. In the view of the sponsor, the increasing numbers of car thefts have had many negative impacts on the community, ranging from an increased fear of crime to the loss of transportation when a vehicle is stolen and costs for car insurance. | In Committee |
| A874 | Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems. | This bill reinstates automatic cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act," P.L.1958, c.143 (C.43:3B-1 et seq.), for members of the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund, the Judicial Retirement System, the Public Employees' Retirement System, the Police and Firemen's Retirement System, and the State Police Retirement System. Provisions contained in P.L.2011, c.78 (C.43:3C-16 et al), signed into law on June 28, 2011, cancelled the automatic, annual adjustment for current and future retirees and beneficiaries of these State-administered retirement systems. COLAs protect retirement benefits against erosion by inflation, the ills of which were addressed by the Legislature, both for the individual and the State, with the enactment of the "Pension Adjustment Act" in 1958. Without the annual adjustment, retirees and beneficiaries will gradually see significant reductions in their purchasing power. The loss of COLAs will impact their everyday lives, and, over time, make it harder to afford more necessary elements of living, such as out-of-pocket medical costs, groceries, and utility bills. Retirees and beneficiaries will find it more prudent, or perhaps necessary, to leave this State for other states with a comparably lower cost of living. For the State, such outbound migration will result in the loss of the economic activity of those retirees and beneficiaries, and any tax revenues concomitant with such activity. In addition, New Jersey's fiscal outlook may be further strained by the retirees and beneficiaries who remain. These persons will continue to slip further downward on the socioeconomic scale. In some cases, they will require, or at the least become eligible and utilize, greater levels of public assistance under the many taxpayer funded social programs administered by the State, counties, and municipalities, requiring more revenues to meet this increased demand. In the interests of the retirees and beneficiaries of the State-administered retirement systems, and the State, this bill reinstates the automatic COLAs for retirement benefits under the "Pension Adjustment Act." | In Committee |
| A1979 | Requires Commissioner of Education to develop emergency notification system to alert students and staff of active shooter on school grounds. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop an emergency notification system that enables schools to alert the students, the parents and guardians of the students, teachers, and all staff of an active shooter situation in the school or on school grounds. Under the bill, the notification system will: · provide that the parents or guardians of students, students, with the permission of a parent or guardian, teachers, and all other school staff, may register any mobile electronic communications device with the school to receive the notification; · be accessible and compatible with all makes and models of mobile electronic communications devices;· be directly linked to local law enforcement authorities or, in the case of a school located in a municipality in which there is no municipal police department, a location designated by the Superintendent of State Police, and will immediately transmit a signal or message to such authorities upon activation; and· be made available to each public and nonpublic school at no cost to the school. Under the bill, if a board of education or the chief school administrator of a nonpublic school determines to use the notification system, the principal of each school in the school district or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school is required to ensure that the notification system is customized to each particular school and includes the contact information for each person who registered with the school to receive the notification. | In Committee |
| A1625 | Eliminates requirement for State residency of public school employees for period of three years. | This bill provides for a three year period during which a person hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project will not be required to comply with the State residency requirement under R.S.52:14-7. This State residency requirement was established by law in 2011 and currently applies to all public officers and employees in the State, with certain limited exceptions. The bill also specifies that a person hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project who maintains or establishes a principal residence outside of this State during the three year period will not be required to comply with the residency requirement after the end of the three year period, regardless of whether the person changes their principal residence or experiences a break in service or employment with a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project after the end of the three year period. The bill requires the Department of Education, not later than 90 days after the end of the three year period, to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature that evaluates the elimination of the residency requirement for persons hired by a school district, charter school, or renaissance school project during the three year period, with specific regard to its effectiveness, any unintended consequences, and any recommendations for legislation. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A1259 | Increases PFRS accidental disability and accidental death pension when disability or death is caused by weapon. | This bill increases the accidental disability pension and the accidental death pension provided in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) when the disability or death is caused on or after the effective date of this bill by a weapon. If a PFRS member is injured in the line of duty by a weapon and permanently disabled, the pension for the retiree will increase from 66 percent of final compensation to 100 percent of final compensation. When the retiree attains mandatory retirement age, the pension thereafter will be 80 percent of the final compensation. If a PFRS member dies in the line of duty and the death is caused by a weapon, the pension for the surviving spouse or surviving children will increase from 70 percent of final compensation to 75 percent of final compensation. In addition, the final compensation used to determine the disability pension or the death pension will continue to increase until the member would have attained the age of 65 under the assumption of continuous service. The final compensation will increase by the same percentage increase which is applied in any adjustments of the compensation schedule of active members after the member's retirement or death but before the date on which the retired or deceased member would have attained the age of 65. | 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 |
| A1532 | "Madalyn's Law"; requires school districts to incorporate age-appropriate instruction on toxic shock syndrome and requires installation of signage in certain women's rooms to enhance public awareness of toxic shock syndrome. | This bill requires each school district, beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, to incorporate instruction on toxic shock syndrome in grades 4 through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The bill directs the Commissioner of Education to provide school districts with age-appropriate sample learning activities and resources designed to implement this requirement. This bill would also require the owner of a group A or M occupancy, that maintains a public restroom available for use by women, to ensure the installation and maintenance of a sign in the restroom alerting women to the warning signs, causes, and dangers of toxic shock syndrome. This requirement would only apply to restrooms that include two or more toilets. The bill would require the Department of Health to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill. The bill would require the toxic shock syndrome signs to be installed in the necessary restrooms on or before the first day of the sixth month following the adoption of rules and regulations by the department. Failure to comply with the provisions of this bill would result in liability for a penalty of not more than $100 for each violation. Under the bill, "group A or M occupancy" means an Assembly Group A occupancy or a Mercantile Group M occupancy, as defined in chapter 3 of the 2015 New Jersey International Building Code. Under the bill, locations within elementary schools that do not include grades above grade 5 are excluded from the "group A or M occupancy" definition. This bill is intended to enhance public awareness of toxic shock syndrome, a potentially serious illness that can develop quickly. Anyone can contract toxic shock syndrome, but women using tampons and similar devices have a higher risk. Early symptoms may include a low fever, muscle aches, chills, fatigue, and headaches. As toxic shock syndrome progresses, symptoms may include a high fever, vomiting, rashes, redness of the eyes, lips and tongue, low blood pressure, and mental confusion. Toxic shock syndrome is generally treated with antibiotics. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Health to prepare and make available on its website informational literature concerning the signs, causes, and dangers of toxic shock syndrome. This bill is named in honor of Madalyn "Maddy" Massabni, who tragically passed away on March 30, 2017 just days after contracting Toxic Shock Syndrome. Maddy was a 2016 graduate of Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School and was just beginning her academic career at Lynn University in Florida. | In Committee |
| A197 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | This bill provides for a gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers in exchange for their sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. The New Jersey gross income tax provides a deduction for a charitable, qualified conservation contribution of real property interests for land preservation purposes modeled on the similar federal income tax deduction which covers full land interest sales and restricted land use easements. But land interest sales in New Jersey to various conservation programs for which a purchase price is paid to the New Jersey taxpayer can result in taxable gains for those New Jersey sellers who need to garner some investment income from these sales. To allow a deduction for these transfers with preservation or conservation restrictions on the real estate can prevent developers from buying up environmentally valuable land in this State and benefit both the taxpayer and the residents of the State at large. The bill will allow the deductions for both parts of some mixed transfers referred to as bargain sales in which there is both a charitable donation aspect and a cash purchase payment for less than the land's fair market value (FMV). The donation value is the difference between the FMV and the cash payment. In a bargain sale, a real estate owner is both a seller (for the cash portion) and a donor (for the donated portion) of the real estate interest. The bill will also allow a deduction for full market value sales to conservation organization which include certain governmental programs and non-profit run preservation programs. These programs will include but not be limited to those run by a governmental unit, charitable trust, foundation or charitable non-profit organization that participates in a Green Acres program, Blue Acres program, farmland preservation program, historic preservation program, the Highlands Transfer Development Rights Program, a park or forestry or an open space and recreation space preservation or conservation program or a wildlife, hunting or fishing conservation and restoration program. | In Committee |
| A3089 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | This bill authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without an individual prescription under certain circumstances, and requires prescription benefits coverage for prophylaxis furnished under the bill. HIV prophylaxis is a course of treatment involving certain drug combinations that can prevent HIV infection notwithstanding exposure to the virus under circumstances in which it is normally transmitted, such as through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles, or other contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids. HIV prophylaxis includes both HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is taken by a person who anticipates engaging in conduct that risks HIV infection, and HIV postexposure prophylaxis (PEP), which is taken by a person who may have been exposed to HIV. Under the bill, pharmacists will be permitted to furnish PrEP and PEP to patients without an individual prescription pursuant to a standing order issued by the Commissioner of Health or, if the commissioner is not a duly licensed physician, the Deputy Commissioner for Public Health Services. A standing order will be issued to a pharmacist upon request, provided that the pharmacist completes a training program approved by the State Board of Pharmacy in consultation with the Department of Health, and certifies that the pharmacist will meet the requirements set forth in the bill to furnish PrEP and PEP without an individual prescription. The training program is to include information about financial assistance programs available to patients to assist with the costs of PrEP and PEP. The bill allows a patient to receive up to a 60-day supply of PrEP without an individual prescription in any given two-year period. Thereafter, to continue receiving PrEP, the patient will be required to obtain a prescription for the drugs. A pharmacist furnishing PrEP to a patient without an individual prescription will be required to document that the patient is HIV negative, as demonstrated by a test administered in the past seven days, and that the patient does not report any signs or symptoms of acute HIV infection. If the patient does not have a current HIV test, the pharmacist may order a test. If the patient tests positive for HIV, the pharmacist will be required to provide the patient with information and resources concerning HIV treatment and comply with State and federal requirements for a positive HIV test, which includes certain reporting requirements. Additionally, the pharmacist will be required to confirm that the patient is not taking any contraindicated medications, provide the patient with counseling on the ongoing use of PrEP, advise the patient that the patient will require a prescription to continue receiving PrEP, confirm the patient has not already been provided with a 60-day supply of PrEP without an individual prescription in the past two years, document the services provided, and notify the patient's primary care provider that the patient was furnished with PrEP, unless the patient does not consent to the pharmacist providing this notice. Pharmacists may furnish a complete course of PEP to a patient who may have been exposed to HIV if the pharmacist confirms with the patient that the exposure to HIV occurred within the previous 72 hours, the patient otherwise meets the clinical criteria for PEP consistent with guidelines published by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the pharmacist tests the patient for HIV, the pharmacist counsels the patient on the use of PEP consistent with CDC guidelines, the pharmacist informs the patient of the availability of PrEP, and the pharmacist notifies the patient's primary care provider the patient was furnished with PEP, unless the patient does not consent to the pharmacist providing this notice. If a patient being furnished with PrEP or PEP does not have a primary care provider, or refuses to consent to the pharmacist providing notice to the primary care provider, the pharmacist will be required to provide the patient with a list of health care providers to contact regarding ongoing treatment using PrEP or follow-up care for PEP, as applicable. The DOH will be required to publish and maintain a current list of providers for pharmacists to use for this purpose, which list may be made available on the department's Internet website. In no case will a patient be authorized to waive the consultation required under the bill to receive PrEP or PEP without an individual prescription. The bill requires health benefits plans that include prescription benefits, as well as the State Employee's Health Benefits Plan, the School Employees' Health Benefits Plan, and Medicaid, to provide coverage for PrEP and PEP furnished under the bill without any prior authorization or step therapy requirements. If therapeutic equivalents to prevent HIV and AIDS are approved, the health plans may apply prior authorization or step therapy requirements to other versions of the treatment, provided at least one version is covered without prior authorization or step therapy. Health plans will not be authorized to prohibit a pharmacist from dispensing PrEP and PEP. Health plans will not be required to provide coverage for PrEP furnished without an individual prescription in a quantity that exceeds a 60-day supply within a given two-year period. Health plans will not be required to cover PrEP or PEP furnished by a pharmacist at an out-of-network pharmacy unless the plain includes an out-of-network pharmacy benefit. | 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 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Assembly District 27 | Assembly | Democrat | In Office | 01/09/2024 |