Legislator
Legislator > Margie Donlon
State Assemblymember
Margie Donlon
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Assembly District 11
In Office - Started: 01/09/2024
contact info
Tinton Falls Office
766 Shrewsbury Ave.
First Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
First Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Phone: 732-695-3371
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 |
| 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. | 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. | 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 |
| A5141 | Establishes historic distillery license; allows consumption of licensee's products on and off licensed premises under certain circumstances. | This bill establishes a historic distillery license to be issued for use in connection with a premises which is included in the New Jersey Register of Historic Places. Under the bill, the license holder would be allowed to manufacture any distilled alcoholic beverages and rectify, blend, treat and mix, and fortify, blend, and treat fermented alcoholic beverages. In addition, the license holder would be entitled to sell distilled alcoholic beverages at retail to consumers on the licensed premises of the distillery for consumption on the premises. The license holder also would be entitled to sell this product for consumption off the premises in a quantity of not more than five liters per person. The bill does not establish a limitation on the amount of distilled alcoholic beverages that the holder of this license would be entitled to manufacture. Under current law, the holder of a craft distillery license is limited to annually producing 20,000 gallons or less of distilled alcohol beverages. The license fee would be $1,000. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4618 | Modifies certain requirements and award availability under film and digital media content production tax credit program. | Modifies certain requirements and award availability under film and digital media content production tax credit program. | 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 |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Passed |
| A3424 | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Passed |
| A5717 | 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. | 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. | In Committee |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | This bill codifies the current policy of the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO) to issue an annual report summarizing compensation awards granted to eligible victims. Under the bill, the report is to summarize compensation awarded to victims during the previous fiscal year. The report is also to include the number of applications for compensation, the number of applications granted and denied and the reasons for the dispositions, the amount of awards, demographics concerning awards, services for which awards were provided, funding received by the office, and any other information deemed relevant by the Attorney General and the Executive Director of the VCCO. The bill requires the report to be completed within six months following the last day of the previous fiscal year. The report is to be issued to the Governor and the Legislature, as well as made available on the official website of the Department of Law and Public Safety. | Passed |
| 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 |
| AJR216 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | This joint resolution respectfully: (1) directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) Reliability Pricing Model; and (2) directs the State of New Jersey to collaborate with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM to implement market reforms and expeditiously review new electricity generation applications. PJM is the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of electricity and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution in New Jersey, several other states, and the District of Columbia. One of PJM's responsibilities is to administer a capacity market to ensure adequate resources exist on the grid to maintain reliability at the lowest possible cost through a competitive auction. The rising cost of capacity in PJM's capacity market auctions, which contributes to the overall increase in electricity bills for ratepayers, raises concerns about the alignment of capacity prices with the principles of affordability and transparency outlined in New Jersey's "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act". In addition, delays in PJM's interconnection queue have prevented new electric generation resources from becoming operational in a timely manner. As a result, these new resources, which are needed to maintain reliability at low costs, will be unable to compete in PJM's capacity market auctions in the near future. The BPU has been working to incentivize the development of new generation resources to help meet growing energy demand and thereby prevent increases in energy and capacity prices. The BPU has also been actively working to protect ratepayers from price increases and coordinating with other PJM states to push for capacity market reforms. The BPU's initiatives, led by Governor Murphy, are accompanied by the actions of consumer advocates, who have furthered the region's efforts to reduce prices through additional complaints at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which the BPU has pledged to support. | In Committee |
| S4567 | Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | This bill appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues and various Green Acres funds to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Of the total amount appropriated by the bill, $102,679,000 would be used by the DEP to provide grants or loans, or both, to assist local government units in the State to acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, $3,000,000 would be used for a new planning grant program, and $2,320,000 would be used for the DEP's associated administrative costs. The total amount of funding allocated for local government projects listed in this bill is $102,679,000. Of this amount, $22,427,000 is for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 4 of the bill, and $80,252,000 is for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes identified in section 5 of the bill. Of the sum for projects to acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $19,959,000 is allocated for planning incentive open space acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities and counties that have an open space tax and an approved open space plan); $2,086,000 is allocated for open space acquisition projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; and $382,000 is allocated for site-specific incentive acquisition projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that have an open space tax, but do not have an open space plan). Of the sum for projects to develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes: $29,145,000 is allocated for local park development projects in urban aid municipalities or sponsored by densely populated counties; $11,951,000 is allocated for local park development projects in densely or highly populated municipalities or sponsored by highly populated counties; $6,638,000 is allocated for standard local park development projects (i.e., projects located in municipalities that do not meet the criteria of the prior two categories); $4,247,000 is allocated for stewardship activity projects; and $28,271,000 is allocated for completely inclusive playground projects, pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2018, c.104 (C.13:8C-27.1), otherwise known as "Jake's Law." The projects approved by the bill include projects in "urban aid" and densely or highly populated municipalities and counties. The bill defines a "densely or highly populated municipality" as a municipality with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile or a population of at least 35,000 persons; a "densely populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 5,000 persons per square mile; and a "highly populated county" as a county with a population density of at least 1,000 persons per square mile. In addition, the bill would appropriate $3 million to the DEP in order to establish a new a Planning Grant program, the purpose of which would be to provide matching grants to local governments to fund the preparation of plans and other activities necessary to identify needs and opportunities for additional recreation and conservation initiatives in the State. To the extent that there are funds remaining after the local government unit projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the bill also authorizes the DEP, with the approval of the JBOC, to use those funds to provide additional funding for local government unit projects listed in this bill as well as for local government unit projects previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws. The projects listed in the bill have been approved by the DEP and the Garden State Preservation Trust (GSPT). | Passed |
| AR194 | Designates June 2025 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month in New Jersey. | This Assembly resolution designates June 2025 as LGBTQ+ 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 (LGBTQ+) individuals. Public officials and citizens of New Jersey are respectfully urged to commemorate LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2025 with appropriate activities. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5004 | Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images. | Creates separate crime for items depicting sexual exploitation or abuse of children; concerns computer generated or manipulated sexually explicit images. | 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 |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Passed |
| 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 |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Passed |
| AJR128 | Designates August of each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey. | This resolution designates the month of August each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in recognition of the many valuable contributions of American artists to American society and the arts industry as a whole. The United States has a long history of artistic creation that reflects many different influences, innovations, and time periods. American artists have contributed significantly to visual and performing arts and have pioneered many artistic movements in the arts industry. Visual arts have been transformed by Pop Art, Luminism, and Photorealism, all movements which were led by American artists. American musicians have consistently been trailblazers in the music industry, popularizing many genres of music, including jazz, country, and rock and roll music. The many different artistic media and styles offer something to everyone, and by connecting with artists through their work, consumers are able to explore and consider different viewpoints on important issues. In addition to creating beautiful pieces of artwork that can stand the test of time, modern American artists contribute significantly to the nation's economy. The arts industry is one of the largest industries in the country. The arts industry is responsible for 4.7 percent of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generates more than twice as much revenue for local, state, and federal governments as the industry receives in government funding, supports 2.3 million jobs, and stimulates other industries, like food service, clothing and retail, and lodging and transportation, through live events. The film and television industry in New Jersey has been growing in recent years, due to the tax credit approved by the Legislature in 2018, and is forecasted to continue growing as the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic dissipate. In New Jersey, the arts industry currently accounts for 41 million dollars of revenue for State and local governments, as well as 25,000 jobs. New Jersey has always had a special relationship with the arts. The state is home to many prominent artists across all media, and boasts numerous museums, theatres, and arenas where exhibits and performances by American artists are hosted. It is fitting for the State of New Jersey to designate the month of August each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in recognition of the many American artists who create works of art that inspire New Jersey residents and Americans across the country. | Crossed Over |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Passed |
| A5462 | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs. | Crossed Over |
| A5860 | Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | Appropriates $107,999,000 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and various Green Acres funds to DEP for local government open space acquisition, park development, and planning projects, and for certain administrative expenses. | In Committee |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Passed |
| A5077 | Extends statutory pause on collection of student growth objective data. | An Act concerning educator evaluations and amending P.L.2024, c.14. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5622 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | This bill would appropriate certain federal and State moneys to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for the purpose of implementing the State Fiscal Year 2026 New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program (NJEIFP). The bill would appropriate these funds for the purpose of making loans to local governments and privately-owned water companies (project sponsors) for a portion of the costs of water infrastructure projects. A companion bill, Assembly Bill No. 5621 of this session, would authorize the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to execute loans using the funds appropriated to the DEP by this bill to finance a portion of the costs of the clean water and drinking water projects enumerated by the bill. The bill would authorize the DEP to use the moneys appropriated by the bill to fund the following projects: (1) in subsection a. of section 2 of the bill, a list of two projects to improve water discharge and treatment systems that had previously received a loan and require supplemental loans, representing $5.2 million in estimated total loan amounts; (2) in subsection b. of section 2 of the bill, a list of four projects to improve drinking water systems that had previously received a loan and require supplemental loans, representing $19 million in estimated total loan amounts; (3) in paragraph (1) of subsection a. of section 3 of the bill, the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2026 Clean Water Project Eligibility List," a list of 151 projects to improve water discharge and treatment systems, representing $1.7 billion in estimated total loan amounts; (4) in paragraph (2) of subsection a. of section 3 of the bill, a list of four projects in the Pinelands area that are receiving funding under the "Pinelands Infrastructure Trust Bond Act of 1985," P.L.1985, c.302, to improve water discharge and treatment systems, representing $15.3 million in estimated total loan amounts; and (5) in subsection b. of section 3 of the bill, the "Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2026 Drinking Water Project Eligibility List," a list of 59 projects to improve drinking water systems, representing $651.7 million in estimated total loan amounts. The bill would also appropriate the unexpended balances from various funds to the DEP, and allow the DEP to transfer moneys between various State funds, for the purpose of funding the NJEIFP and providing the State match for federal funding provided under the federal laws, including the Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, as detailed in subsection a. of section 1 of the bill. In addition, the bill would appropriate to the DEP funds deposited in the "Clean Water State Revolving Fund" and the "Drinking Water State Revolving Fund" pursuant to the federal "Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act," Pub. L. 117-58. The bill would authorize loans to certain project sponsors to include zero interest or principal forgiveness, subject to certain funding limits and restrictions detailed in subsections b. through e. of section 1 of the bill. Projects designated for zero interest or principal forgiveness loans include projects that reduce or eliminate discharges from combined sewer overflow outfalls, water quality restoration projects, water and energy efficiency projects, and emerging contaminant projects. The bill would establish certain requirements on loans to project sponsors made by the DEP pursuant to the bill, as enumerated in section 4 of the bill. The bill would also establish additional restrictions, described in section 5 of the bill, for "Sandy financing loans," which are those loans that utilize federal funding provided pursuant to the federal "Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013," Pub.L. 113-2. Under the bill, the project lists and the DEP's authorization to utilize the funds appropriated by the bill would expire on July 1, 2026. The bill would also authorize the NJIB to utilize repayments of loans made using moneys from various State funds, enumerated in subsections a. and b. of section 10 of the bill, to recoup trust bond repayments and administrative fees that have not been paid by project sponsors instead of redepositing the money into the funds. However, the bill would also require the NJIB to make a compensatory deposit into certain State funds, as detailed in subsection c. of section 10 of the bill, when the NJIB receives the deficient payments or fees from the project sponsor. Finally, the bill would appropriate to the NJIB, from repayments of loans, interest payments, certain federal funds, and any earnings received from the investment of those funds, as enumerated in sections 12 and 13 of the bill, such amounts as the chairperson or secretary of the NJIB certifies are necessary and appropriate for deposit into one or more reserve funds established by the NJIB. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A4544 | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Expands eligibility requirements of State's child care assistance program to include full-time graduate and post-graduate students. | Passed |
| A5153 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | In Committee |
| A5827 | Modifies certain requirements and award availability under film and digital media content production tax credit program. | Modifies certain requirements and award availability under film and digital media content production tax credit program. | Crossed Over |
| A4897 | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Passed |
| 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. Promotes equity in health insurance appeal process. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Passed |
| SJR154 | Directs BPU to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s Reliability Pricing Model; directs State to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM Interconnection, L.L.C. to implement certain reforms. | This joint resolution respectfully: (1) directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection, L.L.C.'s (PJM) Reliability Pricing Model; and (2) directs the State of New Jersey to collaborate with neighboring states to promote affordable energy practices and to urge PJM to implement market reforms and expeditiously review new electricity generation applications. PJM is the regional transmission organization responsible for coordinating the movement of electricity and ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution in New Jersey, several other states, and the District of Columbia. One of PJM's responsibilities is to administer a capacity market to ensure adequate resources exist on the grid to maintain reliability at the lowest possible cost through a competitive auction. The rising cost of capacity in PJM's capacity market auctions, which contributes to the overall increase in electricity bills for ratepayers, raises concerns about the alignment of capacity prices with the principles of affordability and transparency outlined in New Jersey's "Electric Discount and Energy Competition Act". In addition, delays in PJM's interconnection queue have prevented new electric generation resources from becoming operational in a timely manner. As a result, these new resources, which are needed to maintain reliability at low costs, will be unable to compete in PJM's capacity market auctions in the near future. The BPU has been working to incentivize the development of new generation resources to help meet growing energy demand and thereby prevent increases in energy and capacity prices. The BPU has also been actively working to protect ratepayers from price increases and coordinating with other PJM states to push for capacity market reforms. The BPU's initiatives, led by Governor Murphy, are accompanied by the actions of consumer advocates, who have furthered the region's efforts to reduce prices through additional complaints at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which the BPU has pledged to support. | Passed |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Passed |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Passed |
| 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 |
| A4818 | Reduces and clarifies requirements for municipal tourist development commission disbursements for advertising. | This bill modifies and clarifies provisions of law governing municipal tourist development commissions which concern their expenditures for advertising outside of the municipality to attract tourists into the municipality. Under the bill, a tourist development commission would be required to disburse at least 20 percent of its revenues for such advertising. Current law requires a tourist development commission to disburse at least 50 percent of its revenues for such advertising. Additionally, the bill defines the term "advertising outside of the municipality" to clarify that the term applies to advertisements targeted to people who work or reside outside of the municipality, encouraging them to patronize tourist opportunities within the municipality, regardless of whether the advertisement also reaches people working or residing inside the municipality. | Crossed Over |
| A5217 | Requires third-party discounts and payments for individuals covered by health benefits plans to apply to copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for covered benefits. | Requires third-party discounts and payments for individuals covered by health benefits plans to apply to copayments, coinsurance, deductibles, or other out-of-pocket costs for covered benefits. | Crossed Over |
| 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. | 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. | Crossed Over |
| A4380 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A5768 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | In Committee |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Passed |
| A2998 | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases. | Crossed Over |
| A4969 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Passed |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Vetoed |
| 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 |
| A3099 | Establishes option for students nearing completion of program in chiropractic medicine to participate in preceptorship provided by State-licensed chiropractor. | This bill requires the State Board of Chiropractic Examiners (the "board") to allow for preceptorships for students in the final year or final two semesters of a program in chiropractic medicine. "Preceptorship" is defined in the bill to mean a clinical program in which a student participates in the practice of chiropractic medicine under the direct supervision of a New Jersey-licensed chiropractor. The board is to approve the State-licensed chiropractors who can act as preceptors for students. Additionally, the school, institution, or college of chiropractic in which the student is enrolled is to be approved by the board pursuant to current law. Under the bill, a student seeking to participate in a preceptorship is to apply to the board for a limited license. The limited license is not to be renewed upon expiration. To the extent the board considers it appropriate, the provisions of current law governing chiropractors and additional staff are to apply to students in a preceptorship. The bill aims to retain graduates of programs of chiropractic medicine based in New Jersey to work as licensed chiropractors in the State. | Crossed Over |
| A5595 | Permits individuals to establish voluntary nonopioid directives. | Permits individuals to establish voluntary nonopioid directives. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A3036 | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | "Swift Access For Emergency Response Actions Preservation Program (SAFER APP)"; authorizes Attorney General to order turn-by-turn navigation systems to reroute vehicular traffic under certain conditions. | Crossed Over |
| A5806 | Eliminates sales tax on baby necessities and sunscreen. | This bill provides sales and use tax exemptions for the sales of certain baby products and sunscreen. The exemption provided for baby products would include baby wash or soap, baby shampoos, baby lotions, and baby powders; child restraint systems; cribs; nursing bottles, nipples, and funnels; and strollers. A "child restraint system" is defined under the bill to mean any device that is designed to protect, hold, or restrain an infant or young child while riding in a motor vehicle to prevent or minimize injury and conforms with federal motor vehicle safety standards. The bill also defines a "crib" as a bed or sleeping enclosure designed to accommodate an infant or young child including bassinets and toddler beds. In addition, the bill further defines a "stroller" as a non-motorized, wheeled vehicle designed to push or otherwise transport an infant or young child including, but not limited to, a carriage, folding-type umbrella stroller, or full-size stroller. The bill also provides a sales and use tax exemption for the sales of sunscreen. "Sunscreen" is defined under the bill to mean a lotion, cream, spray, or gel regulated by the federal Food and Drug Administration that is primarily used for purposes of absorbing, reflecting, or scattering ultraviolet radiation and preventing sunburn or any sun-related skin damage. The definition of sunscreen would not, however, include products marketed or intended for use as cosmetics or otherwise intended to be applied for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A5861 | Appropriates $52,798,268 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues and other farmland preservation funds to State Agriculture Development Committee for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill appropriates $52,798,268 from various farmland preservation funds to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for certain farmland preservation purposes. Of the funding provided by the bill, $21,046,028 is appropriated to the SADC to pay the cost of acquisition by the SADC of development easements on, or fee simple titles to, farmland, to provide grants to counties and municipalities for up to 80 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland, and to provide grants to qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland, for farmland preservation purposes for projects approved as eligible for such funding pursuant to: the "Agricultural Retention and Development Act"; the "Green Acres, Farmland and Historic Preservation, and Blue Acres Bond Act of 1995"; the "Garden State Preservation Trust Act"; the "Green Acres, Farmland, Blue Acres, and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2007"; the "Green Acres, Water Supply and Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Bond Act of 2009"; and the "Preserve New Jersey Act." In addition, this bill appropriates $3,452,240 from the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" to the SADC for the purpose of providing stewardship grants for activities, beyond routine operation and maintenance, undertaken by landowners, or farm operators as agents for landowners, to repair, restore, or improve lands preserved for farmland preservation purposes, including but not limited to, soil and water conservation project activities, and deer-fencing activities. The appropriations in this bill for the acquisition of fee simple titles and development easements to farmland and for stewardship grants have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. The bill also appropriates to the SADC such sums from any additional proceeds which may become available by the effective date of the bill due to the lease or conveyance of farmland previously acquired in fee simple by the SADC, for the purpose of providing for the cost of acquisition by the SADC of development easements and fee simple titles to farmland for farmland preservation purposes. This bill also appropriates from the "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" to the SADC: $25,000,000 for organizational, administrative, and other work and services, including salaries, equipment, materials, and services necessary to administer the applicable provisions of the "Preserve New Jersey Act"; $2,000,000 for costs associated with administering the direct easement program; $800,000 for organizational, administrative and other work and services necessary to administer the Garden State Preservation Trust; and $500,000 for the costs associated with legal advice and representation in connection with the committee's enforcement of development easements acquired for farmland preservation purposes pursuant to P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.). The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014, for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 8 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." Of the funding in this bill, $51,616,360 is from these constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues. | 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 |
| A3976 | Revises licensure requirements for residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs. | This bill revises licensure requirements for residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs. Under the bill, the Department of Health (department) is to require an applicant for licensure to operate as a residential substance use disorders treatment facility or program to submit to the department a financial audit that is conducted by an independent, certified public accountant, who is chosen by the department. The applicant is to bear the cost of the audit. The department is to deny an application for licensure if the financial audit reveals business practices or financial activities that are deemed improper or questionable by the department. The bill provides that the department is to require an applicant for licensure to operate as a residential substance use disorders treatment facility or program to complete a criminal history record background check and submit to being fingerprinted. The department is to deny an application for licensure if the results of the criminal background check reveal a conviction involving dishonesty or fraud. Finally, the bill requires the department to periodically conduct unannounced inspections of residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs. | In Committee |
| A5376 | Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations. | Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A5755 | Requires certain municipalities to include certain information concerning beach costs and revenues in municipality's public access plan. | This bill would require each municipality with a municipally owned beach for which it charges beach tag fees, to include the following information within its public access plan prepared pursuant to the "Municipal Land Use Law," P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.): (1) an itemized budget of the actual costs for each municipally owned beach for the previous beach season; (2) the revenues generated by each municipally owned beach for the previous beach season; (3) an itemized projection of costs for the upcoming beach season; and (4) if the revenues provided exceed the costs provided, an explanation of how the municipality will expend the excess revenue. | In Committee |
| A2980 | Requires health care professionals to report cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease. | Requires health care professionals to report cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and motor neuron disease. | Crossed Over |
| A3981 | Subjects certain rooming and boarding houses to municipal land use regulations; requires owners and operators of cooperative sober living residences to submit certain approvals with license applications. | This bill subjects certain types of rooming and boarding houses, regulated by the Department of Community Affairs, to municipal land use regulations. Current law provides that no owner or operator of a rooming or boarding house is to be subject to regulation by any county or municipality for the purposes described in the "Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.496 (C.55:13B-1 et seq.), except for an explicit exemption that subjects rooming and boarding houses to municipal construction regulations. The bill establishes an additional explicit exemption to require owners and operators of rooming and boarding houses be subject to municipal land use regulations. The bill also requires the prospective owner or operator of a cooperative sober living residence to submit to the State proof of certain local approvals as a condition of State issuance of a Class F license, described in N.J.A.C.5:27-1.6, to own or operate a cooperative sober living residence. | Crossed Over |
| A4899 | Limits amount of residential rental property application fee; establishes penalty. | Limits amount of residential rental property application fee; establishes penalty. | Crossed Over |
| A4753 | Requires hospitals and birthing facilities to request new parents watch water safety video prior to discharge. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Health (DOH) to prepare and make available to each hospital and birthing facility in the State an informational video on water safety for children, including, but not limited to, information on the risks to children of drowning in bathtubs, pools, and other bodies of water, the importance of receiving instruction on basic swimming, water safety, water rescue, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills; the use of life jackets and other age appropriate flotation devices for children; and anti-entrapment drain covers, safety release systems, and pool fences. The video is to be shown to a new parent and any other adult family member present at the infant's birth, prior to an infant's birth or the new parent's discharge from a hospital or birthing facility. The commissioner may make the informational video available to hospitals and birthing facilities by posting it on the DOH's Internet website or by other electronic means. The bill also stipulates that the DOH mandate that each hospital and birthing facility in the State require new parents to watch the informational video specified in the bill, which is to be shown to a new parent and any other adult family member present at an infant's birth, prior to the parent's discharge, as part of the hospital or birthing facility's discharge procedures. As used in bill "birthing facility" means an inpatient or ambulatory health care facility licensed by the DOH that provides birthing and newborn care services. | Crossed Over |
| AJR62 | Designates first week of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week." | This joint resolution designates the first week of May as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of mental health and mental illness in children. Mental illness can adversely affect children in many ways, including increasing the likelihood of a child of being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system. Many children with mental health disorders do not receive treatment for their illnesses, due to poor understanding of mental illness and treatment options, stigma or lack of access to treatment. The resolution intends to promote awareness in hopes of improving the lives of children who have emotional disturbances and other mental health disorders. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A5442 | Requires BPU members to have certain experience and complete certain training. | Requires BPU members to have certain experience and complete certain training. | Crossed Over |
| A4763 | Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires DOE to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons. | Requires development of educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools; requires DOE to maintain list of locations providing swim lessons. | Crossed Over |
| A1996 | Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for preeclampsia. | Establishes requirements to evaluate certain people who are pregnant and who have given birth for preeclampsia. | Crossed Over |
| A4762 | Designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" in NJ; encourages DOE to provide resources on water safety. | This bill designates May of each year as "Water Safety Month" to raise awareness for safe water practices and accident and drowning prevention. The bill encourages the Department of Education (DOE), in consultation with the Department of Health (DOH), to provide resources to school districts to hold presentations and educational activities during "Water Safety Month" for students in grades kindergarten through five to provide water safety education. The bill stipulates that the presentations and educational activities may be held in partnership with nonprofit organizations. The bill also encourages the DOE, in consultation with the DOH, to provide resources to public schools to educate students on water safety. | Crossed Over |
| A3893 | Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints. | This bill allows a complaint for guardianship of a minor who is anticipated to require a guardian upon attaining the age of 18 to be filed six months before the minor attains the age of 18. The bill also establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints in general. Under current law, once a child reaches age 18, a parent or other appropriate person may file a complaint for guardianship. However, if proceedings are delayed and a guardian is not yet appointed, the young person is left without the legal protection of a parent, other appropriate person, or appointed guardian, until such time as the guardian is actually appointed. Allowing guardianship proceedings to be initiated in advance will help avoid potential administrative or procedural delays and ensure a seamless transition as the minor turns age 18. Under the bill, an order of guardianship entered before a minor is 18 would not take effect until the day the minor turns 18. The bill additionally specifies that a complaint for adjudication of incapacity and appointment of a guardian shall not be withdrawn absent a showing that the alleged incapacitated person is deceased or has capacity. The showing of capacity does not require medical evidence but may, in the court's discretion, be satisfied by testimony of a witness with knowledge of the alleged incapacitated person's condition and circumstances. | In Committee |
| A1715 | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | Requires public institution of higher education to invite Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey on institution's campus. | Crossed Over |
| S2332 | Allows complaint for guardianship of minor to be filed six months before minor reaches age 18 under certain circumstances; establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints. | This bill allows a complaint for guardianship of a minor who is anticipated to require a guardian upon attaining the age of 18 to be filed six months before the minor attains the age of 18. The bill also establishes certain standards for filing guardianship complaints in general. Under current law, once a child reaches age 18, a parent or other appropriate person may file a complaint for guardianship. However, if proceedings are delayed and a guardian is not yet appointed, the young person is left without the legal protection of a parent, other appropriate person, or appointed guardian, until such time as the guardian is actually appointed. Allowing guardianship proceedings to be initiated in advance will help avoid potential administrative or procedural delays and ensure a seamless transition as the minor turns age 18. Under the bill, an order of guardianship entered before a minor is 18 would not take effect until the day the minor turns 18. The bill additionally specifies that a complaint for adjudication of incapacity and appointment of a guardian shall not be withdrawn absent a showing that the alleged incapacitated person is deceased or has capacity. The showing of capacity does not require medical evidence but may, in the court's discretion, be satisfied by testimony of a witness with knowledge of the alleged incapacitated person's condition and circumstances. | Passed |
| A2596 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | In Committee |
| A1841 | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | In Committee |
| A5673 | "Gary Letizia Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Act"; authorizes paramedics, under medical oversight, to administer blood products to patients in pre-hospital settings, and establishes certain reimbursement for emergency medical services providers. | This bill, to be known as the "Gary Letizia Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Act," would allow emergency medical services (EMS) providers to establish a blood transfusion program. An EMS provider would have to notify the Department of Health (department) at least 60 days in advance of its intent to begin such a program. The EMS provider, in establishing the program, would need to:· designate a licensed physician specializing in trauma or emergency medicine, or Emergency Medical Services as the medical director of the program;· utilize only paramedics who have completed a blood administration course approved by the department;· ensure the presence of at least two trained emergency medical services personnel during the administration of blood products; and· maintain proper blood storage and warming equipment, including transport coolers. All blood product storage, warming and other equipment must be those approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration, if applicable. Additionally, the EMS provider would need to:· conduct quarterly audits of pre-hospital blood transfusions; · submit an annual report to the department with detailed outcomes and protocol compliance; and · implement protocols for recognizing and managing transfusion reactions. Once the program is established, a licensed paramedic would be authorized, with medical oversight, to administer blood products to a patient in a pre-hospital setting under certain conditions. Reimbursement rates for pre-hospital blood transfusions would be at rates equivalent to hospital-based transfusions. Additionally, the department would establish a grant program to assist EMS providers with the initial cost of implementation of the blood transfusion program. The department would work with blood banks and hospitals to ensure an adequate supply of low-titer O whole blood is available for EMS use and develop a Statewide blood rotation system to prevent the expiration and waste of blood products. The "Gary Letizia Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion Act" is named in honor of Gary Letizia, whose life was extended by timely blood transfusions. His family's enduring commitment to raising awareness about the life-saving power of transfusion in partnership with first responders continues to inspire this vital initiative. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A3541 | Establishes legislative internship program. | Establishes legislative internship program. | Crossed Over |
| A4982 | Prohibits health insurance carriers from using human body weight as factor in determining coverage for treatment of eating disorders. | This bill prohibits health insurance carriers from using human body weight as a factor in determining coverage for treatment of eating disorders. For the purpose of this bill, "carrier" means an insurance company, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, health service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey. | Crossed Over |
| A5275 | Imposes locational restriction on construction of a new crematory. | Imposes locational restriction on construction of a new crematory. | 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 |
| A3770 | Requires Medicaid reimbursement of mental health rehabilitation services provided via clubhouse program. | Requires Medicaid reimbursement of mental health rehabilitation services provided via clubhouse program. | In Committee |
| A5562 | Requires Division of Gaming Enforcement to arrange study and implement certain language requirements in gambling advertisements; restricts advertisements and promotions in certain locations. | This bill requires the Division of Gaming Enforcement in the Department of Law and Public Safety to arrange for the conduct of a study of the effectiveness of using various words and phrases in advertisements for casino games and sports pools to deter illegal or irresponsible gambling, challenge perceptions of gambling, and to encourage the use of responsible gambling tools. The study will evaluate whether: (1) certain words of phrases resonate with members of the public; (2) certain words or phrases are more likely to cause persons engaged in gambling activities to bet responsibly; (3) the placement of words and phrases in different locations on an advertisement may better draw the attention of viewers; (4) the size of the font and any distinguishing features of the text, such as bold or underline, may emphasize the message for members of the public; (5) the use of different messages would be more effective in reaching problem gamblers, persons on the list of self-excluded persons established pursuant to section 1 of P.L.2001, c.39 (C.5:12-71.2), and persons under the legal age to gamble in this State; and (6) the repeated use of the same words and phrases diminishes their effectiveness. The bill requires the study to be completed within 12 months and for the division to publish a copy of the study on its Internet website. The division will then review and use this study as the basis for developing not less than three, but not more than 10 key words or phrases to be included in advertisements for casino games and sports pools, in addition to language already required such as "If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800 GAMBLER." These words and phrases will also be required to be used in advertisements at a frequency which optimizes their effectiveness. The division may modify these words or phrases from time to time, as necessary to maintain their effectiveness. The bill also authorizes the division to adopt rules and regulations to prevent advertising and promotions, to the extent practicable, from being placed in or near locations, such as schools or college campuses, or on media which would predominantly target underage or other prohibited persons, including those on the list of self-excluded persons. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A5594 | Establishes certain protections for health care professionals who receive behavioral health care and apply for State licensure. | This bill establishes certain protections for health care professionals who receive behavioral health care and are seeking State licensure as health care professionals. This bill is intended to encourage healthcare professionals to seek behavioral health care without fear of licensing repercussions. The bill aims to strike a balance between ensuring patient safety and encouraging healthcare professionals to seek behavioral health treatment. Under the bill, no State board or agency that licenses health care professionals in the State is permitted to inquire into an applicant's history of receiving behavioral health care during the licensing or license renewal process, except when inquiring about a behavioral health condition that impairs the applicant's ability to practice health care safely. A State board or agency will limit any questions on any licensing or license renewal forms concerning the applicant's behavioral health to inquiries about current impairments affecting the applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the professional role with reasonable skill and safety. A State board or agency may inquire whether an applicant has a current health condition, including a behavioral health condition that impairs the applicant's ability to practice health care safely. Such inquiry must include assurances that the applicant will not face board or agency action if the applicant is receiving treatment for a behavioral health care condition and not currently impaired. Any inquiry responses related to past or current behavioral health care provided to an applicant will remain confidential and, if there is no impairment to the applicant's ability to practice safely, such responses will not be used as the sole basis for denial of licensure or license renewal or imposition of a requirement by the board or agency that the applicant participate in a treatment program as a condition of licensure. The bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety, in collaboration with the Department of Health, to provide training to each State licensing board and agency and the board and agency's staff on how to handle behavioral health disclosures in a non-stigmatizing manner. | In Committee |
| A5590 | Adds storage of sperm and oocytes for certain persons to current health insurance coverage regarding iatrogenic fertility. | This bill adds storage of sperm and oocytes for covered persons up to age 21 years of age to current coverage requirements for standard fertility preservation services when a medically necessary treatment may directly or indirectly cause iatrogenic infertility. This bill applies to hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial group insurers and health maintenance organizations that provide benefits to groups of more than 50 persons. The bill also applies to health benefits plans issued pursuant to the State Health Benefits Program and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program. | 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 |
| A5597 | Requires hospitals to adopt and develop environmental sustainability plan. | This bill requires each hospital to adopt, develop, and submit to the Department of Health an environmental sustainability plan every four years. The environmental sustainability plan will set goals for the hospital to transition to high performance and sustainable operations, procurement, and buildings, provide for the efficient use of natural resources, and consider the impact of the hospital on the local and regional environment. Any hospital newly licensed by the Department of Health will be required to submit an environmental sustainability plan within six months of the date of licensure. The environmental sustainability plan required pursuant to the bill may include, but not be limited to, the following areas of focus: (1) development of Green Teams and a Sustainability Officer within the executive suite of the hospital to ensure successful integration of sustainability into decision-making and day-to day-operations; (2) identifying the financial implications, including potential savings, of implementing the environmental sustainability plan and potential funding sources for any expenditure increases; (3) development of a sustainable purchasing strategy that prioritizes community and environmental health and safety through the acquisition of sustainable supplies, electronics, and other materials, and the prioritization of contracts with vendors focused on environmental sustainability; (4) evaluation of hospital procurement with consideration of end-of-life disposition in order to reduce the volume and toxicity of materials and wastes; (5) water use reduction and conservation; (6) revising the design of operating rooms, from lighting, anesthesia, and reusables, to create less waste; (7) identifying methods to utilize electricity produced from renewable energy sources, like wind and solar; (8) provision of educational materials and programs for employees and the community to model and change the culture of sustainability at the hospital; (9) identifying opportunities to purchase food through local and regional sources and purchase products with third-party certifications for quality and sustainability practices; (10) promotion of less toxic chemical usage from substances used to deliver health care, cleaning supplies, and effective management of disposal; (11) implementation of a policy or commitment to design and construct all new buildings and major renovations to LEED, or another green building design standard; (12) identifying methods to lower the level of carbon emissions and reduce the carbon footprint of the hospital, including a plan to transition to electric or hybrid vehicles and other alternatives, such as planting trees and purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions; and (13) fostering health system resilience and recognizing interdependencies and linkages of supply and demand and their contextual factors. Each hospital will issue an annual progress report on the implementation of the environmental sustainability plan to the Commissioner of Health on January 15 of each year, which plan will be published on the Department's Internet website. The Commissioner of Health may establish a Sustainability in Health Care Facilities Advisory Committee within the Department of Health to support the department in the review of environmental sustainability plans submitted pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| A5596 | Establishes State stockpile of medicine and medical supplies; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Health (department), in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management, to establish a Statewide strategic essential buffer stock for emergency preparedness and drug shortage prevention to be used and dispensed in the event of public health emergency, outbreak, or other emergency, including, but not limited to a natural disaster, man-made disaster, or mass casualty event at the local and State level. The bill defines "essential buffer stock" to mean an essential buffer stock of emergency and chronic disease medication, vaccines, and medical supplies, an essential medicine reserve, or a strategic inventory of essential medicines. Under the bill, the department, in collaboration the State Office of Emergency Management, will establish guidelines for the procurement, management, and distribution of medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies items in the essential buffer stock. The bill requires the department, in consultation with the State Office of Emergency Management and other relevant agencies, define a list of entities that may receive resources from the essential buffer stock. The department may contract with a private entity for the procurement of strategic emergency readiness supplies for, and the management and distribution of, the essential buffer stock, including a virtually sequestered buffer stock. The department may contract for the reservation of supplies stored by a private vendor-managed entity for the essential buffer stock, and the distribution of those supplies to locations specified by the department, consistent with the guidelines established pursuant to the bill. The bill requires the department, in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management, and other stakeholders, as necessary, to conduct demand planning and essential buffer stock modeling to help determine which emergency readiness supplies are to be included in the essential buffer stock at the discretion of the department. In maintaining and securing supplies pursuant to the bill, the department will seek to maximize available federal and State funding to implement the provisions of this act. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the department such sums as are necessary to implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| A5588 | Revises child labor laws concerning employment of minor in theatrical production. | This bill revises the child labor laws concerning the employment of a minor in a theatrical production. Specifically, the bill revises the hours in which a minor may work each day on a production so that a minor: (1) between six and under nine years old may work up to six hours in a day, with time on set not exceeding eight hours in a day; (2) between nine and under 16 years old may work up to seven hours in a day, with time on set not exceeding nine hours in a day; and (3) between 16 years old and under 18 years old may work on set for up to 8 hours a day, with time on set not exceeding 10 hours in a day. The bill further provides that on a day not preceding a school day, a minor may work between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. The bill creates a registration system independent of the system for other working minors that allows one account to be shared by a parent or guardian and a minor and allows a parent or guardian to apply for a multi-employer or multi-production permit that will be valid for one year. An employer for a theatrical production may still apply for a single production permit on behalf of a minor, with the consent of a parent or guardian. The bill changes the schooling requirements for a minor in a theatrical production to require that the employer provide a tutor for the minor who will provide schooling to the minor for three hours per day on a day of employment. The bill provides that additional schooling may be permitted under certain circumstances that may count toward the three-hour daily schooling requirement. This bill is modeled after child theatrical labor requirements in California and New York, as well as guidelines established by the Screen Actors Guild. | 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 |
| S3620 | Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers. | An Act concerning electric and gas public utilities and supplementing Title 48 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5542 | Requires health insurance coverage of diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (insurance companies, health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and State and School Employees' Health Benefits Program contracts) to provide coverage for diagnostic and supplemental breast examinations without cost-sharing. Under the bill, "diagnostic breast examination" means a medically necessary and appropriate, in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines, examination of the breast (including, but not limited to, such an examination using contrast-enhanced mammography, diagnostic mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, or molecular breast imaging) that is used to evaluate an abnormality: (1) seen or suspected from a screening examination for breast cancer; or (2) detected by another means of examination. Under the bill, "supplemental breast examination" means a medically necessary and appropriate, in accordance with National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines, examination of the breast (including, but not limited to, such an examination using contrast-enhanced mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging, breast ultrasound, or molecular breast imaging) that is: (1) used to screen for breast cancer when there is no abnormality seen or suspected; and (2) based on personal or family medical history or additional factors that increase the individual's risk of breast cancer (including heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts). | In Committee |
| A5531 | Establishes "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act." | This bill establishes the "Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Accesses Act." The bill provides that the reimbursement rate for prescription drug services paid to a pharmacy providing prescription drug services to a beneficiary of the Medicaid program, whether such services are provided in the Medicaid fee-for-service delivery system or through the Medicaid managed care delivery system, will be no less than the national average drug acquisition cost of the drug plus a Medicaid fee-for-service professional dispensing fee of $10.92. The bill provides that each Medicaid managed care contract executed in this State will include pharmacy choice as a required benefit for any enrollee as outlined under the bill. To ensure that enrollees have access to a competitive selection of providers, each Medicaid managed care organization will permit the enrollee to choose any qualified pharmacy provided that the qualified pharmacy is a contracting provider and provide that no pharmacy will be denied the right to participate as a contracting provider, under the same terms and conditions currently applicable to all other contracting pharmacies, provided that the pharmacy accepts the terms and conditions of the Medicaid managed care contract. The bill requires the State Auditor to perform an audit of pharmacy pricing practices within the Medicaid program to determine the amount of savings the State should accrue from all pharmacies as a result of the provisions of the bill. In conducting this audit, the State Auditor will audit the flow of funds in the State's Medicaid program from managed care organizations to pharmacy benefit managers to pharmacies. In recent years, drug pricing has escalated at unprecedented rates. Restrictive practices that segregate certain drug types and disadvantage patients' choice and access are contributing factors, particularly in Medicaid programs. According to evaluation data found in the Governor's Budget Recommendations, total Medicaid prescription drug spending increased by approximately $700 million, or 3.3 percent, from $2.1 billion in FY 2019 to $2.8 billion in FY 2024. It is the sponsor's belief that ensuring that Medicaid establishes the Equitable Drug Pricing and Patient Access Act will provide greater transparency and cost management within the program to reduce waste and cost increases. | In Committee |
| S3587 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | An Act concerning retail theft, amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5118 | Provides health care benefits to disabled members of TPAF and PERS. | Provides health care benefits to disabled members of TPAF and PERS. | Crossed Over |
| A4343 | Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission. | Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission. | In Committee |
| AR185 | Urges Comcast and YES Network to renew their carriage agreement before its expiration in March 2025. | This resolution urges Comcast (Comcast) and the YES Network (YES) to renew their carriage agreement before its expiration on March 25, 2025. YES has been the exclusive New York Yankees regional sports network since 2002. YES also broadcasts coverage of Brooklyn Nets basketball games. YES is carried by Comcast and can be viewed by hundreds of thousands of Comcast customers in New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. Fans have been hurt before when in 2016 Comcast and YES failed to reach an agreement depriving Yankees fans of the entire 2016 season of access to YES. Sports games are one of the few types of television broadcasts that viewers must watch live to enjoy the experience and are often the reason customers subscribe to cable providers and are willing to pay additional money to watch their favorite sports team or sports network. The New York Yankees are one of the oldest and most popular professional sports franchises in the country and serve as a cultural bond that stretches across all generations and all socio-economic groups. This resolution urges Comcast and YES to renew their carriage agreement, which, if not renewed, may prevent thousands of customers from enjoying broadcasts of New York Yankees games with Opening Day only days away. The resolution also urges Comcast to consider reimbursing on a pro rata basis its customers who are paying for YES programming for each day of any broadcast interruption and both parties are urged to engage in good-faith negotiations and reach carriage terms that do not increase rates to Comcast customers who are Yankees fans for access to the YES Network. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5479 | Permits municipalities to charge reduced or no beach fee for children ages 12 to 17; revises law concerning beach fees for veterans. | This bill would allow a municipality, by ordinance, to charge no fee or a reduced beach fee to children between the ages of 12 and 17. This bill would also provide that a municipality, by ordinance, may charge no fee or a reduced beach fee to honorably discharged veterans, regardless of length of active duty or disability. Under current law, a municipality, by ordinance, may charge no fee or a reduced fee to: (1) persons 65 or more years of age; (2) persons who meet the disability criteria for disability benefits under Title II of the federal Social Security Act; (3) persons in active military service in any of the Armed Forces of the United States and their spouse and dependent children over the age of 12 years; (4) persons who are active members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training and their spouse and dependent children over the age of 12 years; (5) persons who have served in any of the Armed Forces of the United States and who were discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable and who either have served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability; and (6) persons holding a driver's license or identification card with a Gold Star Family designation. This bill would expand the list of individuals who could receive no fee or a reduced beach fee to children between the ages of 12 and 17. In addition, the bill would delete language in current law limiting the exemption and reduced fee to veterans who have either served at least 90 days in active duty or have been discharged or released from active duty by reason of a service-incurred injury or disability. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| S2423 | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | An Act renaming the Juvenile Justice Commission and amending the various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5446 | Prohibits BPU approval of electric and gas public utility rate increases resulting in total increase to average residential customer bill in excess of two percent annually. | This bill prohibits the Board of Public Utilities from approving electric or gas public utility rate increases that are projected to result in a total increase to an average residential customer bill in excess of two percent annually. | 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 |
| S3848 | Concerns alcoholic beverage licenses for sporting facilities. | An Act concerning alcoholic beverage licenses for sporting facilities and amending R.S.33:1-12. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3534 | Establishes timeframe for adoption of, and requires public comment on, proposed annual economic benefits for certain solid waste facilities; authorizes residents to petition State to establish or adjust annual economic benefit. | Establishes timeframe for adoption of, and requires public comment on, proposed annual economic benefits for certain solid waste facilities; authorizes residents to petition State to establish or adjust annual economic benefit. | 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 |
| A4365 | Establishes Council for Community Recovery and Family Success; appropriates $4.0 million. | This bill establishes the Council for Community Recovery and Family Success in, but not of, the Department of Community Affairs, which will develop strategies to promote the well-being of infants, children, youth, and families, and encourage family success. The council will consist of 25 members, including the Commissioners of Children and Families, Community Affairs, Corrections, Education, Health, Human Services, and Labor and Workforce Development, and the Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Commission in the Department of Law and Public Safety, or their designees, who will serve ex officio, and 17 public members, who will be representatives of certain entities that provide services to children and families, or have certain experience with receiving family services in New Jersey. The council will manage the development and implementation of a Statewide initiative concerning the social and economic well-being of infants, children, youth, and families, and the provision of holistic, age and developmentally appropriate services that support a child's development from birth to young adulthood. In order to implement the Statewide initiative, the council will: (1) advocate for a State Bill of Rights for Infants, Children, Youth, and Families, which will provide a framework for the initiative; (2) identify and develop policies, strategies, and financial priorities that promote family success; (3) recommend policies to improve the efficacy of existing State and community-based services and programs; (4) explore strategies to leverage public and private funding to provide preventive services; and (5) establish community recovery and family success councils in each county. The goal of the Statewide initiative will be to: promote positive family relationships, community connections, and preventive services to ensure financial security, quality education, health, safety, and permanency for infants, children, youth, and families through an integrated service planning and delivery system. The bill defines "distress services" to mean services to remediate circumstances that endanger the safety, permanency, health, and well-being of infants, children, and youth; and "preventative services" as those services that promote the safety, permanency, health, and well-being of the target populations and divert the need for distress services. The council will submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature that will include recommendations for legislative and administrative actions on the use of public and private resources to support family success initiatives and preventive services for all families. The bill appropriates $4.0 million from the General Fund to the council to implement the provisions of the bill, and provides that the council may use any unexpended appropriations in the succeeding fiscal year. | 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 |
| A1802 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct danger assessment of domestic violence victims and provide assistance to high-risk victims. | This bill requires law enforcement officers to conduct a danger assessment of victims of domestic violence and provide assistance to victims deemed to be at a higher risk of harm. Specifically, the bill requires a law enforcement officer to conduct a danger assessment of any person who the officer has reasonable cause to believe is a victim of domestic violence in order to determine if the potential victim is in immediate need of services. The danger assessment is to be conducted with the consent of the alleged victim using an objective, standardized, and evidence-based domestic violence danger assessment instrument approved by the Attorney General, in consultation with the Domestic Violence Fatality and Near Fatality Review Board. The danger assessment instrument is required to generate a score or rating that indicates an elevated risk that an alleged victim of domestic violence will suffer serious bodily injury or death as a result of a future act of domestic violence. The approved instrument is to be based on information deemed relevant by the Attorney General which is to include, but not be limited to: · the date of all recent acts of domestic violence using a calendar provided by the officer to the victim to identify or approximate the date of all recent acts; and· for each recent act of domestic violence:o a description of each act including the type of physical violence used, if any; o whether any injuries were sustained by the alleged victim; ando whether the act involved the use of, or threat to use a firearm or other weapon. If the danger assessment generates a score or rating that indicates an elevated risk of serious bodily injury or death to an alleged victim, the law enforcement officer is required to: notify the victim that the score generated indicates there is an elevated risk; and, with the consent of the alleged victim, facilitate the provisions of immediate assistance through a domestic crisis team or other services available to victims of domestic violence. The bill also requires the Attorney General to incorporate the current domestic violence curriculum for law enforcement officer training on how to conduct the danger assessment and notifying and facilitating access to services to alleged victims who are deemed to be at an elevated risk of harm. | In Committee |
| S1445 | Requires public institution of higher education to readmit student whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service. | An Act concerning military service members at public institutions of higher education and supplementing chapter 62 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A5182 | Modernizes responsibilities of New Jersey Council of County Colleges. | Modernizes responsibilities of New Jersey Council of County Colleges. | 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 |
| A1921 | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | Concerns AG guidelines on bias incident investigation standards. | Crossed Over |
| A5043 | Requires DOH to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy. | This bill requires the State Department of Health (DOH) to create and disseminate materials and resources related to cardiomyopathy, including a cardiomyopathy risk assessment. The DOH, in consultation with the Department of Education, would be required to develop public education materials and resources on the signs, symptoms, and risk-factors associated with high-risk cardiac conditions and genetic heart rhythm abnormalities. These materials and resources would then be disseminated to school administrators, educators, school health professionals, coaches, families, guardians, caregivers, and other appropriate individuals. The cardiomyopathy risk assessment would be disseminated to the public. With this bill, the DOH would submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature detailing existing activities already conducted by the department on the prevalence and epidemiology of cardiomyopathy across the lifespan of an individual, from birth to adulthood, focusing on the natural history of an individual with cardiomyopathy and the estimated number of cardiomyopathy-related emergency department visits in the pediatric and adult population. The submitted reports would also be made available to the public. This bill would require the DOH apply to any available federal grants to expand and coordinate research and research-related activities associated with cardiomyopathy. The DOH would be required to submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the department's research efforts and future plans and needs for cardiomyopathy research. Additionally, this bill sets up a grants program. Under the program, the commissioner would award grants to eligible public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools for the following purposes: 1. Developing and providing comprehensive materials to establish AED and CPR programs in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools; 2. Providing support for CPR and AED training programs in public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools for students, staff, and related sports volunteers; 3. Providing support for developing a cardiac emergency response plan within public and nonpublic elementary and secondary schools; 4. Purchasing AEDs, AED batteries, and performing necessary AED maintenance; or 5. Replacing old and outdated AED and CPR equipment, machinery, and educational materials. To receive grant funds, a local educational agency, in consultation with a qualified health care entity, would submit an application to the Commissioner of Health. If a local educational agency has applied and been awarded federal funds for the same or similar purposes as listed above, the educational agency would need to first utilize the federal funds before applying to the State for any additional funds. Lastly, this bill appropriates $300,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Health to implement the provisions of this bill. | Crossed Over |
| AR178 | Condemns U.S. House of Representatives for passage of budget resolution cutting $1.5 trillion from federal budget and urges U.S. Senate to reject House resolution. | This Assembly Resolution condemns the United States House of Representatives for passage of a budget resolution, on February 25, 2025, cutting $1.5 trillion over ten years from the federal budget and respectfully urges the United States Senate to reject this House resolution. The budget resolution specifically targets $880 billion in cuts from the House Energy and Commerce Committee which regulates public healthcare programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, $330 billion from the Education and Workforce Committee which routinely legislates matters on education funding, and $230 billion from the Agriculture Committee whose purview includes the Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Given the size and scope of the desired cuts, as well as budget documents circulated by House leadership, policy experts believe that these cuts are aimed at or will ultimately fall on critical safety net programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. In New Jersey, approximately 1.8 million low- and moderate- income people rely on NJ FamilyCare, which encompasses the Medicaid Program and the Children's Health Insurance Program, to cover their healthcare needs. Funding reductions of this size would have severe consequences for these enrollees, as well as the provider community who deliver the critical healthcare services under the program. Approximately 830,000 low-income residents in New Jersey receive SNAP benefits, which provides them with the resources needed to feed their families. It is anticipated that federal funding cuts to SNAP under the House budget resolution would be realized by limiting benefits, restricting eligibility, or some combination of both of these actions; thereby, significantly reducing the number of residents who receive support from this program. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4755 | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | Upgrades, and in some circumstances provides for extended terms of imprisonment for, certain retail theft crimes, addresses gift card fraud, and authorizes new Attorney General initiatives to address organized retail theft. | In Committee |
| A5007 | Concerns alcoholic beverage licenses for sporting facilities. | Concerns alcoholic beverage licenses for sporting facilities. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A4817 | Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers. | Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers. | In Committee |
| A5342 | Requires Office of Homelessness Prevention to contract with county agencies or nonprofits to issue certain identification and birth certificates to individuals experiencing homelessness; appropriates $2 million. | This bill requires the Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP) in the Department of Community Affairs to contract with a county agency or nonprofit in each county of the State that administers homelessness programs to issue personal identification, in a form and manner as determined by the director, and to coordinate provision of copies of birth certificates to individuals experiencing homelessness. A county agency or nonprofit is to be permitted to directly access and issue a birth certificate maintained by the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry and shall notify the State Office of Vital Statistics and Registry of each issuance. This bill appropriates $2 million from General Fund, which shall be divided among the contracted county agencies or nonprofits pursuant to the bill, prorated based on the homeless population of each county, to the Office of Homelessness Prevention in the Department of Community Affairs, to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A5212 | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | In Committee |
| A5308 | Requires Director of Division of Local Government Services in DCA to establish grant program to enhance local government efficiency; appropriates $1.5 million. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Local Government Services (division) in the Department of Community Affairs to establish a local government unit management enhancement review grant program. The purpose of the program is to provide grants to local government units to contract with management enhancement review consultants, as defined in the bill, to conduct local government unit efficiency reviews and to make recommendations to streamline operations and reduce costs. Under the bill, to participate in the program, a local government is required to submit an application to the division detailing the local government unit's proposed plans for the grant funding, including, but not limited to:· the amount of grant funding being sought by the local government unit; · a description of how the grant funding will be used to conduct an efficiency review; and· the proposed sources of matching funding to be used by the local government unit to conduct the efficiency review. Under the bill, after reviewing the applications, the Director of the division is required to select local government units to receive a management enhancement review grant. In selecting grant recipients, the director is to consider factors specified in the bill. The maximum grant award under the program is $150,000 for a county-based local government unit and $100,000 for a municipal-based local government unit. The bill requires a local government unit that receives a grant under the program to contribute 25 percent of the grant award amount to the management enhancement review. Within one year of receiving a grant, each participating local government unit is required to submit a report to the director detailing:· the expenditures of the grant funds under the program; · the specific shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services achieved as a result of the management enhancement review; and· the specific cost savings achieved as a result of the shared services, operating efficiencies, or improved delivery of services. The director is required to compile the reports submitted for inclusion in a comparative profile of the participating local government units and to post the profile for public inspection on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location. The bill appropriates $1.5 million from the General Fund to the division to provide grants to local government units to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| A5310 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | This bill makes various changes to State school aid, including extraordinary special education aid and vocational expansion stabilization aid, and establishes a new category of State school aid known as reduction adjustment aid. The bill also includes certain additional requirements for the issuance of the Educational Adequacy Report. The bill requires the Department of Education to make available on the department's Internet website the calculation of aid payable to each school district in the succeeding year in a user-friendly manner, including explanations of the variables used to determine the district's aid. The information is required to be posted each year within two days of the Governor's Budget Message. Under current law, a school district is reimbursed for certain special education costs in the form of extraordinary special education aid. However, in recent years the State's appropriation for extraordinary special education aid has covered only a portion of eligible costs provided in state, with the percentage covered fluctuating from year to year. The bill requires the State to increase the appropriation from year to year, or otherwise ensure that the percentage of a school district's costs reimbursed through extraordinary special education aid increases compared to the previous fiscal year. Additionally, the bill provides that the amount of vocational expansion stabilization aid received by a county vocational school district is to be adjusted to allow for increases in resident enrollment. The adjustment is to equal the number of additional students enrolled in the district multiplied by the additional cost per pupil for county vocational school districts and the geographic cost adjustment. The bill also establishes certain municipal overburden protections to prevent a school district from receiving a reduction in State school aid. Pursuant to the bill, an SDA district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and if the district is spending below adequacy. In the case of a school district other than an SDA district, the district would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid if it is located in a municipality in which the equalized total tax rate is at least 10 percent greater than the Statewide average equalized total tax rate for the most recently available calendar year and is spending at least 10 percent below adequacy. These municipal overburden protections would also apply to a regional school district if 50 percent or more of the district's constituent districts or municipalities met either of the aforementioned qualifying criteria. An SDA district that is spending above adequacy would not be subject to a reduction in State school aid that exceeds the amount by which the district is spending above adequacy. The bill also establishes reduction adjustment aid to ensure that the amount of State school aid provided to a school district is not decreased by more than two percent of the district's prebudget year total operating budget. The total operating budget is defined as the sum of a district's general fund revenues from local sources, State sources, federal sources, and other sources, less any withdrawals from reserve accounts and reimbursements for extraordinary special education aid. Additionally, the bill makes certain changes to the Educational Adequacy Report, which is submitted to the Legislature every three years to update the various parameters used to calculate State aid to school districts. Pursuant to the bill, the Commissioner of Education may initiate a review of certain elements of the school funding formula, including the metrics for adjusting costs in intervening years between reports. Additionally, the bill requires that a draft of the Educational Adequacy Report be made available for public comment for at least 30 days, during which time members of the public may provide remarks on the draft report at public hearings to be held at various locations across the State and through the submission of written and electronic testimony. During the development of the next Educational Adequacy Report following enactment of this bill, the commissioner is to engage a diverse group of stakeholders to review and make recommendations concerning: the calculation of a district's local share and whether the metrics used are best able to estimate a district's potential adjusted tax levy; the impact and feasibility of using multi-year averages in the calculation of local share; the abilities of the Department of Education and school districts to predict and anticipate State school aid amounts from year to year; and possible methods of improving upon the existing preschool funding methodology. Finally, the bill establishes the Special Education Funding Review Task Force for the purpose of assessing the effectiveness of State aid provided to support special education costs, examining the possibility of a tier-based model for special education funding, and making recommendations regarding the implementation of a tier-based funding model. The task force is to consist of 11 members, each of whom is to have a background in, or special knowledge of, the legal, policy, and administrative aspects of special education in New Jersey. The task force is to issue a final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature no later than one year after the organization of the task force. | In Committee |
| A4810 | Requires NJ FamilyCare reimbursement for comprehensive medication management services provided for certain children by licensed pharmacist. | This bill requires the NJ FamilyCare program to provide reimbursement for comprehensive medication management (CMM) services when provided by a licensed clinical pharmacist for a medically complex pediatric patient. "CMM services" is defined as a standard of care by which a clinical pharmacist assesses each of a patient's medications, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements, to determine that each is appropriate, effective, and safe, given the patient's medical conditions, comorbidities, and other medications. Comprehensive medication management services are provided by a clinical pharmacist as part of a patient's health care team. The bill defines a "clinical pharmacist" as a licensed pharmacist who has completed a clinical residency to acquire expertise in the therapeutic use of medications to ensure optimal patient health outcomes. Clinical pharmacists work as part of a patient's team of healthcare professionals to provide medication therapy evaluations and recommendations to patients and healthcare providers. CMM services for which a clinical pharmacist would receive NJ FamilyCare reimbursement will include:1. comprehensive reviews of a pediatric patient's prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements;2. development and implementation of patient-specific medication action plans;3. ongoing monitoring of patient adherence to the patient-specific medication action plan;4. follow-up consultations and services necessary to ensure the efficacy and safety of the patient-specific medication action plan; and5. any other CMM services deemed necessary by the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (the division) in the Department of Human Services and the Board of Pharmacy for the appropriate care of a medically complex pediatric patient. The bill directs the division to enter into value-based contracts with licensed clinical pharmacists in order to reimburse for CMM services provided for medically complex pediatric patients. The division also will establish a quality assurance program in order to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and efficacy of the CMM services provided, and ensure that these services align with the division's value-based payment strategies. The division and the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy in the Division of Consumer Affairs will designate the educational, training, and credentialing requirements for licensed clinical pharmacists to provide CMM services. The bill also amends "The New Jersey Pharmacy Practice Act," P.L.2003, c.280 (C.45:14-40 et seq.), to specify that a licensed clinical pharmacist who satisfies the credentialing requirements for the provision of CMM services will not be required to enter into a written agreement with a licensed physician in order to provide CMM services. The bill further amends section 25 of P.L.2003, c.280 to provide that the statutory provisions regulating collaborative drug therapy management will not apply to the provision of CMM services, as provided by a licensed clinical pharmacist. | In Committee |
| A4612 | Increases resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups. | Increases resource threshold limit for certain Medicaid eligibility groups. | In Committee |
| A4816 | Prohibits requirement for beach tag for access to beach below mean high tide line for recreational purposes. | Prohibits requirement for beach tag for access to beach below mean high tide line for recreational purposes. | In Committee |
| A2801 | Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program. | Renames, extends eligibility, and makes various other changes to Primary Care Practitioner Loan Redemption Program. | Crossed Over |
| A4841 | Concerns housing discrimination based on source of lawful income. | Concerns housing discrimination based on source of lawful income. | Crossed Over |
| A2804 | Provides DHS and State Board of Medical Examiners to develop and implement process to improve efficiency of reviewing NJ FamilyCare provider applications. | Requires DHS and State Board of Medical Examiners to develop and implement process to improve efficiency of reviewing NJ FamilyCare provider applications. | Crossed Over |
| A3879 | Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO. | Requires signs to be posted in emergency rooms regarding VCCO. | Crossed Over |
| A5086 | Revises penalty for underage gambling to be civil penalty; provides for all associated fines to be used for gambling addiction treatment. | Under current law, anyone who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility while under the legal age of 21 is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble, while they are in that person's legal care or custody, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble is guilty of a disorderly persons offense as well. This bill changes the penalties for each of these actions from that of a disorderly persons offense, which is of a criminal nature, to instead be a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for the second offense, and up to $2,000 for any offense thereafter. The fines collected will used for prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. | Crossed Over |
| S684 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients's admission to long-term care facility. | An Act allowing for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipients' admission to certain long-term care facilities and supplementing Title 56 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR154 | Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence. | Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR166 | Urges Miss America Pageant to return to Atlantic City. | This resolution urges the Miss America Pageant to return to Atlantic City in 2025 and every year thereafter. The Miss America Pageant began in Atlantic City as the Inter-City Beauty Contest in 1921. Over time, as the pageant grew in size and reputation, it became the Miss America Pageant. The Miss America Pageant came to involve contestants from across the country, and one of the first winners was Bette Cooper, who was from New Jersey. Since 1945, the Miss America Pageant has given out more than $150 million in scholarships, making it the world's largest scholarship program for women. In 1989, the pageant adopted the concept of a platform, inviting contestants to champion and raise awareness for various social causes. Every Miss America since 1989 has spent the year following her victory promoting noble and worthwhile causes around the country. Despite hosting the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City for the majority of its history, the pageant moved to Orlando, Florida in 2024. In light of the long and successful history of the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City, the Miss America Organization is urged to return in 2025 and all future years the pageant is held. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3922 | Appropriates $18,518,738 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses. | An Act appropriating $18,518,738 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues for the purpose of providing grants, as awarded by the New Jersey Historic Trust, for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S720 | Requires DCPP to consult with Division of Developmental Disabilities following finding of child abuse or neglect to create services plan for person with developmental disability under certain circumstances. | An Act concerning the Division of Child Protection and Permanency and amending P.L.1974, c.119. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3678 | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | Renames Juvenile Justice Commission as Youth Justice Commission. | In Committee |
| A5121 | Appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs. | An Act appropriating $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues for the acquisition of lands by the State for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and certain administrative expenses. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3179 | Concerns certain emergency operations plans required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. | An Act concerning certain emergency operations plans and amending P.L.2010, c.78. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3803 | Requires public institution of higher education to readmit student whose enrollment was interrupted due to military service. | This bill requires a public institution of higher education to readmit an undergraduate student who withdrew from the institution due to the student's service in the uniformed services, including service in the Armed Forces, or as a member of the National Guard or Reserve, on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal or State authority. Under the bill, the institution is required to readmit the student with the same academic status as the student had when the student last attended the institution. The bill also provides that readmission is to be granted upon written request by the student for the next academic semester beginning after the date of the request. Finally, the bill provides that an institution cannot charge an application or other fee for a readmission request made pursuant to the bill's provisions. This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review. As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed. | In Committee |
| A5231 | Allows veteran service organizations to obtain license to serve members alcoholic beverages. | This bill establishes a veteran's service organization license that would allow certain veteran organizations to sell alcoholic beverages on the licensed premises and only to bona fide members of a veteran's service organization, guests of a bona fide member, affiliated bona fide members of other veteran service organizations, and members of auxiliary organizations that are allied with other veteran's service organizations. The bill defines veteran's service organization as the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, or other veterans' organizations chartered under federal law, or any service foundation of such an organization recognized in its bylaws. Under current law, these veteran organizations may obtain a club license to serve alcoholic beverages to members and guests but are prohibited from serving alcoholic beverages to auxiliary and affiliated members. Under the bill, a bona fide member of a veteran's service organization would be permitted to have not more than nine individuals as guests on any one occasion and host private events. The bill prohibits affiliated and auxiliary members from having guests and hosting private events on the premises of a veteran's service organization at which they are not a member. A bona fide member who hosts a private event would be required to provide all of the alcoholic beverages which are to be purchased off the licensed premises. The license holder would be prohibited from selling alcoholic beverages or charging a fee for the consumption of alcoholic beverages at a private event but would be allowed sell food and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption on the licensed premises. | In Committee |
| A4754 | Prohibits business entities from selling or manufacturing certain personal flotation devices not approved by United States Coast Guard. | This bill prohibits any business entity from selling, distributing, manufacturing, delivering, holding, or offering for sale in this State a personal flotation device (PFD) that is not approved by the United States Coast Guard. Under the bill, a "personal flotation device" is defined as a wearable device, including but not limited to a lifejacket, puddle jumper, water wings, or other flotation device designed for recreational swimming and to be worn or attached to the body of a person who is less than 12 years of age. Any business entity that violates the provisions of this bill would be subject to a civil penalty of up to $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense, and $500 for a third or subsequent offense. The penalty may be collected and enforced by the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Several agencies and experts have issued warnings about the risks associated with certain PFDs, such as water wings, which can deflate or slip off, creating a false sense of safety for children and their parents. From 2018 to 2020, an average of 371 children under 15 drowned in pools or spas each year, and in 2022 there were about 6,400 non-fatal drowning incidents in the same age group. The American Red Cross advises children, inexperienced swimmers, and boaters to wear United States Coast Guard-approved life jackets. This bill aims to reduce confusion by prohibiting the sale and manufacture of unsafe PFDs from the market to better ensure that consumers can select reliable and effective PFDs for their safety. | In Committee |
| A5236 | Establishes education requirements for certain officers of State Board of Medical Examiners. | This bill amends R.S.45:9-2 to require the State Board of Medical Examiners (the board) to elect a vice president in addition to a president, a secretary, and a treasurer, and requires the president and vice president to be an allopathic physician (M.D.), an osteopathic physician (D.O.), or a doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.). This bill will take effect on the first day of the fourth month next following the date of enactment to allow the board sufficient time to comply with the new education requirements for its officers. | In Committee |
| S715 | Requires AG to establish rape kit tracking system. | An Act concerning sexual assault forensic evidence kits and supplementing Title 52 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| ACR148 | Urges federal government to develop protocols for State and local law enforcement to respond to drones. | This resolution urges the President, Congress, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration to develop protocols and mechanisms for State and local law enforcement to investigate and respond to threats posed by unidentified unmanned aircraft, also known as drones. Currently, the Federal Aviation Administration is not authorized to delegate formal enforcement functions to State and local governments. This resolution requests that the federal government expand the powers of State and local law enforcement to mitigate aerial threats to public safety. New Jersey has recently experienced a surge in sightings of drones. The drones appear to be larger than any craft a hobbyist would be permitted to own. These sightings, which have occurred on the heels of similar sightings of drone activity on United States military bases in England, have occurred in several counties and usually happen between dusk and dawn. Troublingly, many have been spotted over sensitive locations such as military installations, the Round Valley Reservoir, and a residence of the President-elect. It is the sponsor's intent to provide the law enforcement professionals of New Jersey with the authority and means to investigate and mitigate threats posed by unidentified drones. | In Committee |
| A4220 | Revises Statewide transfer agreements for transfer of academic credit and reverse credit at participating institutions of higher education; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education. | Revises Statewide transfer agreements for transfer of academic credit and reverse credit at participating institutions of higher education; establishes New Jersey Transfer Ombudsperson within Office of Secretary of Higher Education. | Crossed Over |
| A5158 | Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007. | This bill removes the membership tiers established in the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) and transfers all current non-retired members of TPAF to the membership tier referred to as "Tier 1" by the Division of Pensions and Benefits. All transferred members will be considered eligible for any benefits associated with Tier 1. Under the bill, employees of public employers who earn more than the minimum salary requirement, but do not currently meet the minimum hour eligibility requirements, will be considered eligible to be enrolled as members of TPAF. The employer is to process the compulsory enrollment of each affected employee within two months following the enactment of the bill. Any affected employees who are currently enrolled as participants of the Defined Contribution Retirement Program (DCRP) will be eligible for an automatic transfer of all years of service credit to TPAF, if the employee elects to transfer their membership from DCRP to TPAF. Any years of service credit transferred to TPAF from DCRP will be used to qualify members for retirement and health benefits associated with TPAF, but will not be used to calculate the amount of pension benefit. A participant's prior contributions into the DCRP will not be transferred into TPAF and will remain in the fund. The employee will receive a notice of the transfer of service credit to TPAF within two months following the enactment of the bill. Upon receiving the notice, the affected employee has six months to notify their employer if they do not wish to become enrolled as a member and transfer their service credit to TPAF. Employees in the DCRP who opt out of the transfer will remain in the DCRP. Additionally, any members of TPAF who are receiving long term disability insurance will be eligible to apply for disability retirement as long as they apply within two calendar years following the enactment of the bill. Any changes to the early retirement, deferred retirement, service retirement, and maximum base salary resulting from the transfer of members to Tier 1 of TPAF will only affect members who begin processing a retirement application after the bill is enacted. | In Committee |
| A2104 | Requires DEP to prioritize funding for certain projects for acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes and certain environmental infrastructure projects that include, or allow for, flood mitigation projects. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide additional priority points to certain applicants that seek funding, for Blue Acres projects and for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects. Specifically, under the bill, projects that include, or allow for, a flood mitigation project to occur onsite would receive additional priority points in the ranking for funding pursuant to the respective program. The DEP would factor these additional points into its calculations when establishing: (1) the list of projects eligible to receive "Blue Acres funding"; (2) the "clean water project priority list," pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1985, c.334 (C.58:11B-20); and (3) the "drinking water project priority list," pursuant to section 24 of P.L.1997, c.224 (C.58:11B-20.1). As used in the bill, "Blue Acres project" means any project of the State or a qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization to acquire, for recreation and conservation purposes, lands that have been damaged by, or may be prone to incurring damage caused by, storms or storm-related flooding, or that may buffer or protect other lands from such damage. | Crossed Over |
| A2102 | Exempts community gardens operating on-site composting systems or other systems of managing organic waste from certain DEP permits under certain conditions. | This bill would exempt a community garden that operates an on-site composting system, or other on-site system of managing organic waste in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) standards for recycling, from any permits required by the DEP pursuant to the "Solid Waste Management Act," P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.), the "New Jersey Statewide Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act," P.L.1987, c.102 (C.13:1E-99.11 et al.), the "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)," P.L.1954, c.212 (C.26:2C-1 et seq.), or the "Water Pollution Control Act," P.L.1977, c.74 (C.58:10A-1 et seq.), or any rules or regulations adopted pursuant thereto. To be eligible for the exemption provided by the bill: (1) the system may not accept more than 200 gallons per week of source separated food waste, except that a community garden located on property that is 5,000 square feet or larger in size may accept source separated food waste in an amount equal to 200 gallons per week per 5,000 square feet of property; and (2) the compost generated from the system is to be used on-site for the community garden or be given away or offered for sale in accordance with the requirements of the DEP providing for the disposition of processed Class C recyclable materials. As defined in the bill, "community garden" means any publicly or privately owned piece of land maintained and cultivated as a garden by members of the surrounding community. | 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 |
| A2845 | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Authorizes funding to protect safety of cooperating witnesses; expands Crime Victim's Bill of Rights to provide these witnesses with certain guarantees. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A4475 | Establishes standards for court-ordered counseling for domestic violence offenders. | This bill establishes standards for court-ordered counseling for domestic violence offenders. Under current law, the court may order a defendant charged with a crime or offense involving domestic violence who has been released pending trial, or as part of a final restraining order issued by the court in a domestic violence matter, to receive professional domestic violence counseling from either a private source or a source appointed by the court. If ordered to participate in this counseling, the defendant would be required to provide the court with documentation of attendance. Under the bill, any domestic violence counseling program in which a defendant participates based on a court order issued in a domestic violence matter would be required to facilitate defender accountability and include the following components: (1) risk assessments that identify dynamics of domestic violence and escalating risk factors, and include information provided by the courts; (2) information and education concerning the tactics of power and control and the understanding of domestic violence as a domination and control issue; (3) a protocol to demonstrate the defendant's attendance in programming, and additional reporting as requested by the court to support a prompt and effective review by the court for noncompliance; and (4) regular reviews of the program and compliance by the New Jersey Department of Children and Families for Batterers' Intervention Programs funded by the Department of Children and Families. This bill implements Recommendation #28 of the June 2023 report of the Reconvened Joint Committee on Criminal Justice. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A5162 | Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $10 million for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. | The bill supplements the FY2025 appropriations act by appropriating $10 million to the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to create a grant program for State and local officials to purchase equipment or training necessary to address sightings of unidentifiable Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), also known as drones. The recent surge in mass sightings of UAS and unexplained usage of this technology in national airspace is disconcerting to the citizens of New Jersey and a potential threat to critical infrastructure. This supplemental appropriation provides needed funds to support State and local law enforcement in safeguarding vital assets and ensuring strict adherence to all regulations and requirements associated with UAS ownership and operation in New Jersey. | In Committee |
| AJR89 | Condemns hate in all forms and especially all hate and bias crimes. | Condemns hate in all forms and especially all hate and bias crimes. | Crossed Over |
| A5157 | Prohibits food service businesses from providing single-use utensils and condiments to customers, except upon request, and requires certain food service businesses to provide reusable, washable utensils to customers eating on site. | This bill would prohibit food service businesses in the State from providing customers with single-use utensils or condiments, except upon request. Specifically, the bill would provide that, commencing on the first day of the seventh month after the bill's enactment: (1) no food service business operating in the State may provide single-use utensils or condiments to any customer, except upon, and in accordance with, the express request of that customer; and (2) a food service business that has on-site seating capacity for 50 or more customers will be required to provide its on-site customers with easy access to reusable, washable utensils, which are to be returned to the food service business, upon completion of the on-site meal, for cleaning and reuse. The bill would expressly provide, however, that: (1) schools are to be exempted from the bill's provisions for the first five years following the bill's effective date; (2) food service businesses are to be exempted from the bill's provisions for the first two years following the bill's effective date; and (3) health care facilities are to be exempted from the bill's provisions during any infectious disease outbreak, or during outdoor recreational activities or family picnics. Under the bill's provisions, any food service business that elects to supply customers with single-use utensils or condiments, upon request, would be required to provide each customer with only those types and amounts of single-use utensils and condiments that have been expressly requested by the customer. A food service business would also be prohibited from creating, acquiring, or providing customers with bundled utensil or condiment packages that contain more than one type of single-use plastic utensil or condiment. Any food service business that violates the bill's provisions would be liable to a warning for the first offense, a civil penalty of $2,500 for the second offense, and a civil penalty of $5,000 for the third and each subsequent offense, to be collected through a summary proceeding. Each day on which a violation occurs would constitute a separate and distinct offense. Any moneys collected from penalties imposed pursuant to the bill would be deposited into the "Clean Communities Program Fund" for use in financing litter pickup, removal, education, and enforcement programs at the State and local levels, except that municipalities and county environmental enforcement agencies would be permitted to retain 30 percent of the moneys. Finally, the bill would amend the law at P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.126 et al.), which prohibits the distribution of plastic bags and polystyrene food serviceware, in order to provide for entities that are certified pursuant to the "County Environmental Health Act," P.L.1977, c.443 (C.26:3a2-21 et seq.), to have primary enforcement responsibility under, and for the purposes of, that law. | In Committee |
| A5151 | Allows public bodies to continue using newspapers for required public notices and legal advertisements until certain specified date regardless of format. | An Act allowing publication of required public notices and legal advertisements in certain newspapers for extended period regardless of format. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3853 | Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth until July 1, 2026. | An Act regarding telemedicine and telehealth and amending P.L.2021, c.310. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5152 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | An Act concerning the date of the June 2025 primary election and adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR173 | Urges federal government to investigate unidentified drones operating in NJ airspace. | This resolution affirms support for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the program's progress in reducing hunger among vulnerable populations in New Jersey. The resolution urges the United States Congress to reject the proposed federal cuts to SNAP. On May 14, 2025, to achieve a minimum $1.5 trillion cut from the federal budget over a ten year period, the House Agriculture Committee voted in favor of a bill that would reduce up to $300 billion in food aid funding, largely aimed at SNAP. In New Jersey, SNAP is a critical resource for residents, with nearly 850,000 individuals, or nine percent of the total population, relying on the program's benefits to feed their families. A significant number of the households that participate in SNAP include some of the State's most vulnerable members: the elderly, disabled, veterans, and children. The New Jersey General Assembly supports State and federal collaboration to identify programmatic efficiencies within SNAP; however, budgetary cost savings implemented at the expense of striping income-limited children, seniors, and families of safety net food and nutrition services is unconscionable. The General Assembly urges Congress to reject these drastic proposed federal funding reductions, or any subsequent proposals, and to maintain SNAP as an accessible resource for those in need of food assistance. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| AR82 | Urges NJ DOH to increase public awareness on effects of xylazine. | Urges NJ DOH to increase public awareness on effects of xylazine. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4168 | Requires DCPP to consult with Division of Developmental Disabilities following finding of child abuse or neglect to create services plan for person with developmental disability under certain circumstances. | Under current law, if the court finds that a person who has abused or neglected a child appears to be in need of therapeutic services, the court may order the person to accept such services or an evaluation for services. The services ordered by the court may include, but are not limited to, homemaker services, functional education, and professional therapy. This bill would provide that in cases where the person has a developmental disability and is eligible for services provided by the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services, the Division of Child Protection and Permanency would be required make reasonable efforts to consult with DDD to create a plan for services for the person. DDD would also be required to determine an appropriate method to offer the services based on the person's disability. | In Committee |
| A908 | Requires AG to establish rape kit tracking system. | This bill requires the Attorney General to establish a sexual assault forensic evidence (SAFE) kit, commonly referred to as a rape kit, tracking system. Under the bill, the Attorney General is to issue guidelines or a directive establishing the system. The bill defines a "sexual assault forensic evidence kit tracking system" as an Internet-based system that allows a person, including a victim; a State, county, or municipal law enforcement officer; an employee of a healthcare facility or laboratory, as deemed appropriate by the Attorney General; and any other person, as deemed appropriate by the Attorney General, to track a sexual assault forensic evidence kit through the chain of custody from the time of collection at a healthcare facility to the transfer to a local law enforcement agency, submission to a laboratory, and final disposition. | In Committee |
| A5120 | Appropriates $18,518,738 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses. | The bill appropriates $18,518,738 to the New Jersey Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects contained in the bill and associated administrative expenses. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014. The "Preserve New Jersey Act" implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Historic Preservation Fund" was established by section 9 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." The funding contained in this bill will be used by the New Jersey Historic Trust to provide capital preservation grants for 43 projects, totaling $15,031,000 (listed in subsection b. of section 1 of the bill), and historic site management grants, including heritage tourism initiatives, for 34 projects, totaling $1,467,738 (listed in subsection c. of section 1 of the bill). In addition, of the funding, $100,000 will be used by the New Jersey Historic Trust to purchase a historic preservation easement. Lastly, the bill appropriates $1,920,000 to the New Jersey Historic Trust for administrative expenses incurred in the implementation of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." Capital preservation grants fund the restoration, preservation, repair, and rehabilitation of historic sites for new or continued use by nonprofit organizations or local governments. There are three levels of capital preservation grants: Level I grants of $5,000 to $150,000; Level II grants of $150,001 to $750,000; and Multi-Phase Level II grants range of $500,000 to $750,000. Historic site management grants help fund preservation planning projects, such as condition assessments, historic structure reports, archaeological investigations, construction documents, and heritage tourism initiatives to improve visitors' experiences at historic sites. All of the grants require a match from the recipient. All of the properties are listed or eligible to be listed in the New Jersey and National Register of Historic Places, either individually or within designated historic districts. The projects listed in this bill have been approved by the New Jersey Historic Trust and the Garden State Preservation Trust. The bill also provides that any transfer of any funds to another project, or change in project sponsor, site, or type, listed in the bill would require the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee. The bill further provides that, to the extent there are funds remaining after the projects listed in this bill are offered funding, the New Jersey Historic Trust, with the approval of the Joint Budget Oversight Committee, may use those funds to provide additional funding for historic preservation projects, provided those projects were previously approved for funding pursuant to various other laws or approved for funding pursuant to this bill. | In Committee |
| A2941 | Concerns certain emergency operations plans required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. | This bill concerns certain emergency operations plans that are required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies. Under current law, all sports and entertainment facilities, movie theaters, and places of worship are required to annually prepare an emergency operations plan in coordination with the appropriate local fire, law enforcement, and emergency response agencies. A copy of the plan is to be filed with the municipal emergency management coordinator and the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the sports and entertainment facility, movie theater, or place of worship is situated. The plan is required to include a copy of the building plans or building layout that identifies the internal and external access routes. Under the provisions of this bill, all sports and entertainment facilities, movie theaters, and places of worship are required to file the emergency operations plan in an electronic format that is compatible with public safety software systems. In addition, the bill requires the emergency operations plan to include emergency mapping data. The bill defines "emergency mapping data" as a digital representation of a building's interior and exterior that is verified for accuracy by a person and provided to public safety officials as set forth under current law electronically and in a printable format through existing public safety software systems. The bill requires the emergency mapping data to include an aerial image of the building; a geospatially referenced floor plan or building schematic; site specific labeling of rooms, suite numbers, and key features; locations of hazardous material and utility shut-offs; and any other relevant information. Current law defines "place of worship" to mean a building capable of seating more than 500 people, including but not limited to a church, mosque, or synagogue, used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination registered as a not-for-profit organization pursuant to current law. This bill changes that definition from a building capable of seating more than 500 people to a building capable of seating more than 300 people. It is the intent of the sponsor to bring the provisions of this law in line with the provisions of current law requiring schools to submit certain data regarding school buildings and grounds to law enforcement. | In Committee |
| A2334 | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient's admission to long-term care facility. | In Committee |
| A5149 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of date on which primary elections will be held if date coincides with period of religious observance. | This bill reschedules the June 3, 2025 primary to take place on June 10, 2025, the following Tuesday, in order to accommodate a period of religious observance. The bill requires the Secretary of State to inform all county clerks, county boards of election, superintendents of elections, municipal clerks, and members of the public at large in this State of the rescheduled primary election day no later than seven days following the effective date of this bill. The Secretary of State will also be required to make all necessary adjustments to all deadlines required to be met ahead of a primary election pursuant to Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, and publish a calendar containing the adjusted dates to be used for the 2025 primary election pursuant to the bill This bill also requires the Secretary of State to reschedule the date of primary elections in any future year if the date of the primary elections coincides with a period of religious observance that limits significantly the usual activities of the followers of a particular religion or that would result in significant religious consequences for such followers. In such a scenario, the secretary must inform all county clerks, county boards of election, superintendents of elections, municipal clerks, and members of the public at large in this State of the rescheduled primary election no later than the first working day in January of the year in which the rescheduled election is to occur. Whenever the date of a primary election is rescheduled, the Secretary of State will be required to make all necessary adjustments to all deadlines required to be met ahead of a primary election pursuant to Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, and publish a calendar containing the adjusted dates to be used for that primary election pursuant to the bill. The bill defines "a period of religious observance" as any day or portion thereof on which a religious observance imposes a substantial burden on an individual's ability to vote in person on election day. | In Committee |
| A1878 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to DOH for Huntington's Disease Grant Program. | This bill makes a supplemental appropriation of $500,000 to Division of Community Health in the Department of Health (DOH) for the Huntington's Disease Grant Program. The amount appropriated under the bill, in addition to any other State or federal funds allocated for the same purposes, is to be allocated to support grants to institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, or New Jersey based and operated research organizations for the provision of pre-symptomatic testing, neurology and psychiatry services, neurophysiological evaluations, treatment, disease management, and counseling for people living with or at risk for Huntington's disease. According to the department's Notice of Fund Availability, the Huntington's Disease Grant Program is currently estimated to distribute $200,437 in FY 2023. This supplemental appropriation would increase that amount to $700,437. Huntington's disease is a fatal rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities during their prime working years and has no cure. Huntington's disease has a wide impact on a person's functional abilities and usually results in movement, cognitive, and psychiatric disorders. Many describe the symptoms as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease simultaneously. According to the DOH, there are approximately 900 to 1,200 New Jersey residents who are living with Huntington's disease. The incidence of the disease is estimated between 1 in 8,000 and 1 in 10,000 State residents. There are also about 7,000 at-risk individuals in New Jersey. But since this is a fatal disease, this number may be low since the majority of people who go through genetic counseling decide to not get tested. | In Committee |
| S3611 | Provides grant to study and map mental health care resources for children; makes appropriation. | An Act concerning mental health services for children, supplementing Title 30 of the Revised Statutes, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4967 | Requires DEP to implement Advanced Clean Trucks regulations no earlier than January 1, 2027. | This bill would delay the implementation of the Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) regulations to January 1, 2027. Under current law, N.J.A.C. 7:27-31.3, the regulations would become operative on January 1, 2025. The DEP adopted the Advanced Clean Trucks regulations in 2021. Pursuant to P.L.2003, c.266 (C.26:2C-8.15 et al.), the DEP is authorized to implement California's Low Emission Vehicle Program in New Jersey. The ACT regulations would require, among other things, that manufacturers of medium-duty and heavy-duty motor vehicles sell an increasing percentage of zero-emissions vehicles, capping at 40 percent to 75 percent of annual sales in 2035, depending on the type of vehicle sold. | In Committee |
| SJR103 | Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | This resolution declares New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." New Jersey veterans and active duty military members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation's freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President to veterans and active duty military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in our nation's Armed Forces. The recipients of the Purple Heart Medal deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that recipients have shown while serving our nation. Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are declared "Purple Heart States." Parts of 45 states are part of the "Purple Heart Trail," a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to the veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. New Jersey has multiple counties, cities, and locations that are part of the "Purple Heart Trail." The "Purple Heart Trail" was established at the 1992 Military Order of the Purple Heart convention, which was held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" honors the contributions and sacrifices of the New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Purple Heart Medal recipients from the State have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State's citizens. The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly served our country and the State. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to declare New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1430 | Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding. | An Act concerning use of affordable housing vouchers for homeownership expenses, amending P.L.2004, c.140, and supplementing P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR71 | Designates first week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week. | This joint resolution designates the first full week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week in New Jersey. With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of military service members are surviving severe wounds and injures in the service of the United States. It is estimated that during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, over 48,000 servicemen and women were physically injured. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with another 320,000 believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. This State should honor and empower all wounded warriors, encouraging them in their adjustment to civilian life and achievement of their goals. Designates first week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5078 | Prohibits aquaculture of any species of octopus for purpose of human consumption. | This bill prohibits the aquaculture of any species of octopus for the purpose of human consumption. In addition, this bill prohibits a business entity from selling, possessing, or transporting any species of octopus that is the result or product of aquaculture. Any violation of the bill's provisions would be subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, and each day during which the violation continues would constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense. The practice of octopus aquaculture has raised ethical and environmental concerns due to the highly advanced cognitive abilities and complex behaviors exhibited by these animals. Octopus farming practices and conditions, including inadequate living environments and confinement, may subject octopus to significant stress and suffering, compromise their well-being, and lead to adverse behavioral changes. As carnivores, octopuses require a high-protein diet sourced from wild fish and shellfish which could substantially increase demand on marine resources, further depleting fish stocks and disrupting marine ecosystems. Additionally, octopus aquaculture poses further risks to the marine ecosystems due to the heightened potential for the spread of infectious pathogens, which may impact other marine species and ecosystems. | In Committee |
| A4297 | Requires issuance of raincheck for unavailable good or service advertised by digital coupon. | This bill requires the issuance of rainchecks for goods or services advertised by digital coupon. Under the bill, if an item advertised to the public by a person who sells or offers for sale goods or services at a retail location is not currently available in stock, as advertised to the public in a digital coupon, the person is required to provide a raincheck for not less than 60 days, which would allow the consumer to obtain the same product, service, or benefit at the same price, discount or on the same terms and conditions as that provided by the digital coupon. A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). 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. | In Committee |
| A5052 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for screening, prevention, and treatment services of behavioral health issues affecting children. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program) and the State Medicaid program to provide benefits to any covered person for medical expenses incurred relating to screening, prevention, and treatment of behavioral health issues in children. Carriers and the State Medicaid program are required to accept and reimburse claims for screening, prevention, and treatment using an at-risk diagnosis. As used in the bill, an "at-risk diagnosis" is a diagnosis made after consideration of factors influencing behavioral health and child development, such as family circumstances or life challenges, that does not lead to a formal mental health diagnosis and instead, promotes preventive care. Allowing providers to bill for an "at-risk diagnosis" authorizes providers to use an alternative code, including a Social Determinants of Health Z-code, to the codes of the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders or the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood when billing for services, without a formal mental health diagnosis for children who are 18 years of age or younger. | In Committee |
| A3505 | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Establishes protected leave under "Family Leave Act" and family temporary disability leave benefits for bereavement for death of child, miscarriage, stillbirth, and certain other circumstances. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| S2652 | Revises statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children. | An Act concerning certain criminal offenses involving sexual exploitation or abuse of children and amending various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S912 | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | An Act concerning postpartum care, pregnancy loss, stillbirth, and supplementing Title 26 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A5042 | Requires public entities purchase five percent of goods and services from Central Nonprofit Agency; requires Division of Purchase and Property establish training protocols for all purchasing agents; grants Central Nonprofit Agency right of first refusal. | Under current law, State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State that are authorized to purchase goods and services are required to make a good faith effort to purchase five percent of such goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency, an agency established by the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." Under the bill, such State and local government agencies and political subdivisions of the State will be required to purchase five percent of goods and services through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The bill clarifies reporting and oversight requirements. Under the bill, the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury must submit a report of purchasing data to the Central Nonprofit Agency for the Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside program no more than six months after the effective date of this bill, and on a quarterly basis thereafter. In addition, the Department of the Treasury will be required to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature detailing the compliance of State and local government entities and political subdivisions with the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Division of Purchase and Property, in collaboration with the Central Nonprofit Agency, must establish training protocols for all purchasing agents employed by State or local government entities or political subdivisions required to meet the purchasing thresholds. The bill also provides that the Central Nonprofit Agency will have a right of first refusal for all goods and services that may otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog so long as the Central Nonprofit Agency can deliver the goods or services that would otherwise be purchased through a cooperative purchasing agreement catalog at a price that is within 15 percent of fair market value. The "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" assists persons who are blind or have a severe disability with achieving maximum personal independence through productive employment by assuring a continuous market for their goods and services, which are produced at qualified rehabilitation facilities and distributed through the Central Nonprofit Agency. The Central Nonprofit Agency is designated by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to facilitate the distribution of orders received from various State agencies as provided in the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act." This bill furthers the goals of the "Rehabilitation Facilities Set-Aside Act" to assist in the productive employment of individuals with special needs. | In Committee |
| A4706 | Revises statutes implementing certain property tax relief programs pursuant to recommendations promulgated by Stay NJ Task Force. | An Act concerning the Stay NJ property tax benefit program and amending and supplementing various parts of the statutory law. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4970 | Provides grant to study and map mental health care resources for children; makes appropriation. | This bill requires the Department of Children and Families to distribute a $1,000,000 grant to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to study and map mental health care resources for children. Under the bill, the New Jersey Health Care Quality will be required to assemble a group of stakeholders to: create a comprehensive visual journey map that outlines families' experiences in obtaining mental health care and related support services for their children; identify the eligibility rules for various pediatric mental health care programs and resources available to children in this State, steps and barriers to accessing these programs and services, and how these programs and services may connect, disconnect, or compete; and provide concrete policy suggestions to improve the structure, funding, mission, and interconnectedness of pediatric mental health care programs ensuring that programs are family- and child-focused. The group of stakeholders will consist of: representatives with subject matter expertise in pediatric mental health care services; pediatric mental health care providers; and mental health care program administrators from counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey. Under the bill, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute will be required to: (1) evaluate the current landscape of pediatric mental health care services across: schools; counties; State agencies including, but not limited to, the Departments of Children and Families, Education, Human Services, and Health; insurers; and the legal system; (2) identify the eligibility rules, covered services, and funding structures for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in this State; (3) conduct qualitative research through interviews and focus groups with families, health care providers, and program administrators across three counties representing the northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey; (4) review the applicable laws, regulations, and contract terms governing pediatric mental health care services in the State; (5) highlight barriers to care and analyze payment structures, reimbursement rates, and cost-sharing provisions to identify financial barriers to access to pediatric mental health care services; (6) compile and analyze data on pediatric mental health outcomes, stratified by payer type, race, ethnicity, and other relevant characteristics that can identify disparities in access to pediatric mental health care services and pediatric mental health outcomes across different populations; (7) prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that visually maps the steps a child and family are required to take in order to access mental health care services, covering the initial contact with a mental health care provider to the provision of mental health care and noting all the interactions, required steps, and encountered barriers related to receiving mental health care; and (8) prepare and submit to the Department of Children and Families a document that: summarizes eligibility criteria, coverage details, and payment policies for pediatric mental health care programs available to children in the State; identifies any key issues related to pediatric mental health care and any disparities in mental health outcomes in the State; and includes the advisory group's policy recommendations to pediatric improve mental health care program structures, efficiency, coverage, funding, and interconnectedness. No later than 15 months after the date of enactment of this bill, the Commissioner of Children and Families will submit to the Governor and the Legislature the documents prepared pursuant to the bill. The commissioner will also make the documents available to the public on the Department of Children and Families' Internet website. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families the sum of $1,000,000 to effectuate the purposes of this bill. | In Committee |
| AJR60 | Declares NJ "Purple Heart State." | This resolution declares New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." New Jersey veterans and active duty military members have fought selflessly to preserve our nation's freedom, with many being wounded or killed while in the line of duty. The Purple Heart Medal is awarded in the name of the President to veterans and active duty military members who have been wounded or killed while serving in our nation's Armed Forces. The recipients of the Purple Heart Medal deserve recognition and honor for the bravery that recipients have shown while serving our nation. Three states, including West Virginia, Virginia, and Washington, are declared "Purple Heart States." Parts of 45 states are part of the "Purple Heart Trail," a symbolic and honorary system of roads, highways, bridges and other monuments that give tribute to the veterans and active duty military members who have been awarded the Purple Heart Medal. New Jersey has multiple counties, cities, and locations that are part of the "Purple Heart Trail." The "Purple Heart Trail" was established at the 1992 Military Order of the Purple Heart convention, which was held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Declaring New Jersey a "Purple Heart State" honors the contributions and sacrifices of the New Jersey service members who have received the Purple Heart Medal. Purple Heart Medal recipients from the State have been vital in maintaining the freedoms and way of life enjoyed by the State's citizens. The people of New Jersey have great respect, admiration, and the utmost gratitude for all of the service members who have selflessly served our country and the State. Therefore, it is altogether fitting and proper to declare New Jersey a "Purple Heart State." | In Committee |
| A5008 | Concerns distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account. | This bill expands the purposes funded by the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account." Under this bill, funds credited to the account are to be annually appropriated to pay any costs associated with the recruitment and retention of first responders. The bill also allocates, annually, five percent of funds credited to the account to the New Jersey EMS Task Force, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides emergency medical services throughout New Jersey and regularly collaborates with the State. | In Committee |
| AJR25 | Designates first week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week. | This joint resolution designates the first full week of May of each year as Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week in New Jersey. With advancements in battlefield medicine and body armor, an unprecedented percentage of military service members are surviving severe wounds and injures in the service of the United States. It is estimated that during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, over 48,000 servicemen and women were physically injured. In addition to the physical wounds, it is estimated that as many as 400,000 service members live with the invisible wounds of war including combat-related stress, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, with another 320,000 believed to have experienced a traumatic brain injury while on deployment. This State should honor and empower all wounded warriors, encouraging them in their adjustment to civilian life and achievement of their goals. | 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 |
| 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 |
| A586 | Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding. | Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding. | In Committee |
| A4872 | Prohibits certain coordination among residential rental property owners who restrict competition with respect to residential dwelling units. | Prohibits certain coordination among residential rental property owners who restrict competition with respect to residential dwelling units. | In Committee |
| A4809 | Requires DOLWD to identify and recruit unemployed individuals for employment in healthcare facilities, home care services, and hospice services; makes appropriation. | Requires DOLWD to identify and recruit unemployed individuals for employment in healthcare facilities, home care services, and hospice services; makes appropriation. | In Committee |
| A4963 | Establishes professional licensure and certification for tobacco treatment counseling. | This bill establishes professional licensure and certification for the practice of certain tobacco and nicotine treatment counseling. The bill establishes two new regulated professions: licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialists and certified clinical tobacco treatment specialists. The bill provides that both professions are to be regulated by the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee in the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners. The bill prohibits the practice of tobacco treatment counseling as a licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialist or certified clinical tobacco treatment specialist unless a person is licensed or certified pursuant to the bill. The bill establishes an application process for licensed or certified clinical tobacco treatment counselors. The bill provides that the board is to issue a tobacco treatment specialist license to any health care provider in this State who, within the scope of that provider's practice, diagnoses and treats tobacco or nicotine related disorders and demonstrates to the board that the person has: (1) received, at a minimum, a master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a minimum of 18 graduate semester hours in counseling or counseling related subjects; (2) successfully completed all the requirements to be a certified tobacco treatment specialist; and (3) successfully completed a written examination. For certified tobacco treatment specialists, each applicant is to furnish evidence satisfactory to the committee that the applicant has completed the Rutgers Tobacco Dependence Program of 42 hours. Applicants must also complete varying amounts of full-time counseling or health care experience, and supervised practice training, depending on their educational background. The bill also provides that a tobacco treatment specialist may not disclose any confidential information that the specialist, or an employee of a specialist may have acquired while performing tobacco counseling services for a patient unless in accordance with the federal regulations regarding the confidentiality of tobacco treatment patient records. The bill provides that no person shall engage in the practice of tobacco treatment counseling as a licensed clinical tobacco treatment specialist or a certified clinical tobacco treatment specialist unless the person is practicing under the direct supervision of a physician licensed to practice in this State. The bill provides it does not prevent a person from doing tobacco counseling work, or advertising that service, if acting within the scope of the person's profession or occupation and doing work consistent with the person's training, including physicians, clinical social workers, psychologists, nurses, or any other profession or occupation licensed by the State, or students within accredited programs of these professions, if the person does not hold himself or herself out to the public as possessing a license or certification issued pursuant to the bill. | In Committee |
| A4925 | Provides corporation business and gross income tax credit for certain Pre-Broadway and Post-Broadway theater productions. | This bill provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to production companies for costs incurred for certain accredited theater productions. Specifically, the bill provides that a production company may receive tax credits for costs related to eligible pre- and post-Broadway theater productions that are performed at qualified facilities in New Jersey. The credits would equal 35 percent of the production's eligible production and performance expenditures. Under the bill, production and performance expenditures include: (1) expenditures for design, construction, and operation, including sets, special and visual effects, costumes, wardrobe, make-up, and accessories; (2) costs associated with sound, lighting, staging, facility expenses, rentals, per diems, and accommodations; (3) payroll costs up to $250,000 per week; and (4) certain advertising and public relations expenditures and transportation expenditures. The bill requires production companies to apply to the New Jersey Economic Development Authority for the initial approval of tax credits. However, the bill provides that the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury would be responsible for the final approval of tax credits. Under the bill, the total value of tax credits awarded in each fiscal year may not exceed $10 million. | In Committee |
| AJR200 | Designates first Sunday of May of each year as "National Centenarian Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates the first Sunday of May of each year as "National Centenarian's Day" in New Jersey in order to celebrate and honor those among us who have lived an entire century and to share in their wisdom, joys, and life as a whole. | In Committee |
| AJR201 | Designates last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Degeneration Awareness Week" in NJ. | This resolution designates the last full week of September of each year as "Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week" in New Jersey. Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) refers to a group of disorders caused by progressive nerve cell loss in the brain's frontal lobes or temporal lobes. FTD is a terminal and incurable neurodegenerative disease that causes impairments to speech, personality, behavior, and motor skills. Approximately 40 percent of individuals living with FTD have a family history of the disease or a related condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Due to its broad range of cognitive and behavioral symptoms, FTD is often misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition or another neurodegenerative disease. An individual living with FTD may lose their sense of social propriety and experience significant changes in their personality. They might also struggle with understanding grammar, lose the meaning of words, become hesitant in their speech, and may eventually become mute. A person living with FTD may also experience physical changes such as muscle weakness which can lead to loss of balance and increased falls. Research at both the national and global level is needed to enhance our understanding of FTD and ultimately discover a cure. In New Jersey there are an estimated 185,000 people living with Alzheimer's dementia. It is unknown how many New Jerseyans are living with FTD. Increasing FTD awareness through public events focused on the impact that FTD has on communities is key to informing New Jerseyans of this often overlooked and incurable terminal neurodegenerative medical condition. Designating the last full week of September as "Frontotemporal Dementia Awareness Week" would provide New Jerseyans with an annual reminder on the effects that FTD has on New Jerseyans diagnosed with FTD. | In Committee |
| A4942 | Establishes multiple sclerosis public awareness campaign. | This bill establishes a multiple sclerosis public awareness campaign in the Department of Health (DOH) in order to promote among the citizens of the State an understanding of MS, including its causes and health effects, and to deliver information on how the disease can impact an individual's quality of life. The campaign may provide for the development of print and electronic media in languages including, but not limited to, English and Spanish. The public awareness campaign is to include, but not be limited to: (1) a comprehensive description of MS, including a discussion of causes, symptoms, and treatment options; (2) information about educational resources available to, and research being conducted to develop effective therapies and find a cure for, those with MS; and (3) materials on how MS can impact an individual's quality of life and ways in which those with MS can maintain the best health possible, live well with the disease, and make educated decisions about their health care. The DOH is to make available to the public information about MS, informational literature concerning the signs, causes, health effects of the disease, and any other information that the department deems to be necessary, and the information may be revised whenever new information about MS becomes available. | In Committee |
| A4525 | Requires NJTA and SJTA to provide written notice of toll violations and process for remedying violations prior to issuing administrative fee. | This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) and South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA) to provide a written notice of an alleged toll violation and a process for remedying the toll violation before issuing or collecting any administrative fee. Specifically, the bill requires the NJTA and SJTA to provide a written notice within 60 days of a toll violation to the owner of the vehicle by regular mail, providing the owner with the opportunity to resolve the matter prior to the issuance of a summons and complaint that charges a violation of the toll collection monitoring system regulations and any administrative fee that is associated with a violation of the toll collection monitoring system regulations. The written notice is required to contain sufficient information to inform the owner of the nature, date, time, and location of the alleged violation, as well as information pertaining to a process by which the owner may elect to remedy the alleged violation within 30 days of the date the written notice was sent to avoid the issuance of an administrative fee. The NJTA and SJTA are required to include within the written notice, a notification that, if the alleged violation is not remedied within the required time period, the owner will be required to pay a reasonable administrative fee. The bill prohibits the NJTA or SJTA from issuing any administrative fee to, or collecting any administrative fee from, the owner for an alleged violation of the toll collection monitoring system regulations unless the written notice has been provided and the time period to remedy the alleged violation has expired. Current law requires the NJTA or SJTA to provide an advisory and payment request within 60 days of a toll violation. The advisory and payment request requires that the owner of the vehicle pay the proper toll and a reasonable administrative fee. | In Committee |
| A4929 | Requires health insurers, SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare coverage for sign language interpreter services for covered individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. | This bill requires private health insurance plans, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP), the School Employees Health Benefits Program (SEHBP), and the NJ FamilyCare program to cover the services of a qualified sign language interpreter during a medical encounter for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing. A "qualified sign language interpreter" is defined as an interpreter, preferably with expertise in medical interpreting, who is certified by the New Jersey Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf or by an accredited certifying organization designated by the Division of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in the Department of Human Services. The bill also establishes a minimum reimbursement rate of $42.40 per hour for sign language interpreter services provided during a medical encounter for NJ FamilyCare enrollees, and $42.53 when such services are provided for an individual covered under the SHBP or the SEHBP. Under the bill, sign language interpreter services would be provided upon the request of a patient who is deaf or hard of hearing. Video remote interpreter services also would be covered, provided in person interpreter services are not available. The bill stipulates that interpreter services will not be covered in situations in which such services are provided by a family member or friend of the requester, unless: 1. the family member or friend is a qualified sign language interpreter; and 2. the individual requesting sign language interpreter services consents to having the family member or friend interpret during the medical encounter; or 3. the individual who is deaf or hard of hearing is a minor, and the child's parent or legal guardian is present and agrees to interpret during the medical encounter. In cases of suspected domestic violence, a health care provider is prohibited from allowing a family member to serve as a sign language interpreter during a health care encounter for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing; rather, the bill requires the health care provider to provide a qualified sign language interpreter or video remote interpreter services during the encounter. In cases of suspected child abuse or neglect by a parent or legal guardian, the health care provider may not permit the parent or guardian to serve as a sign language interpreter for a minor child who is deaf or hard of hearing. The bill instead requires the health care provider to provide a qualified sign language interpreter for the child during the encounter. NJ FamilyCare coverage of, and the reimbursement rate for, interpreter services will be contingent upon federal approval of the State's application for any requisite Medicaid or CHIP waivers or state plan amendments. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Pub.L.101-336 (42 U.S.C., s. 12101 et seq.) and federal regulations grant individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing the legal right to equal access to, and an equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from, health care. Federal regulations permit the use of sign language interpreters as one of the acceptable "auxiliary aids and services" that medical providers are required to furnish to ensure accessible and effective communication with patients who are deaf or hard of hearing. Federal regulations prohibit medical providers from billing patients for the provision of sign language interpretation; rather, medical providers are advised to treat expenditures on interpreter services as an administrative or an overhead cost of their practice. The ADA provides a limited exemption for medical providers who demonstrate that furnishing a specific auxiliary aid or service, as requested by a patient with a disability, would present an undue burden or cause a fundamental change in the nature of the provider's services and goods. In such instances, however, the ADA stipulates that the medical provider must furnish an alternative auxiliary aid or service that would not present an undue burden and would facilitate effective provider-patient communications. It is the sponsor's intent to codify existing federal requirements concerning sign language interpreter services to ensure that private health insurance plans, the SHBP, the SEHBP, and the NJ FamilyCare program, cover sign language interpreter services during medical encounters for enrollees who are deaf or hard of hearing. | In Committee |
| A4883 | Clarifies authorization for any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes. | The bill clarifies that the standing order authorizing any person or entity to distribute opioid antidotes under current law is to authorize the distribution of any opioid antidote approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. The bill provides that any program approved by the State for the distribution of opioid antidotes will be authorized to distribute any opioid antidote approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. | In Committee |
| A4021 | Requires Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services; Requires DOH to approve training and certification program for violence prevention professionals. | This bill requires Medicaid coverage for community violence prevention services to an individual who has: 1) received medical treatment for an injury sustained as a result of an act of community violence, and 2) been referred by a certified or licensed health care provider or social services provider to receive community violence prevention services from a certified violence prevention professional, after such provider determines such beneficiary to be at elevated risk of a violent injury or retaliation resulting from another act of community violence. This bill also requires that Department of Health, within six months of the effective date of the bill, to approve at least one accredited training and certification program for certified violence prevention professionals. A program approved by the department is to include: 1) At least 35 hours of initial training, collectively addressing all of the following: the effects of trauma and violence and the basics of trauma-informed care; community violence prevention strategies, including, but not limited to, conflict mediation and retaliation prevention related to community violence; case management and advocacy practices; and patient privacy and the federal "Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996," P.L.104-191; and 2) At least six hours of continuing education every two years. Any entity that employs or contracts with a certified violence prevention professional to provide community violence prevention services will be required to: 1) maintain documentation that the certified violence prevention professional has completed a training and certification program approved by the department; and 2) ensure that the certified violence prevention professional is providing community violence prevention services in compliance with any applicable standards of care, rules, regulations, and governing law of the State or federal government. No person, unless certified as a violence prevention professional pursuant to the bill, may use the title "certified violence prevention professional" or make use of any title, words, letters, abbreviations, or insignia indicating or implying that the person is a certified violence prevention professional. Furthermore, nothing in the bill is to be construed to alter the scope of practice for any health care professional. Under the bill, "community violence prevention services" means evidence-based, trauma-informed, supportive and non-psychotherapeutic services provided by a certified violence prevention professional, within or outside of a clinical setting, for the purpose of promoting improved health outcomes and positive behavioral change, preventing injury recidivism, and reducing the likelihood that individuals who are victims of community violence will commit or promote violence themselves. "Community violence prevention services" may include the provision of peer support and counseling, mentorship, conflict mediation, crisis intervention, targeted case management, referrals to certified or licensed health care professionals or social services providers, patient education, or screening services to victims of community violence. Additionally, "community violence" is defined to mean any intentional act of physical force against one or more other persons by an individual or small group of individuals committed in one or more public areas, where no actor is a family member or intimate partner of any victim. | In Committee |
| A4895 | Makes FY2025 supplemental appropriation of $8,000,000 to Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to assist in the purchase of the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey. | This bill would appropriate $8,000,000 from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Monmouth County Open Space and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund to meet the $25,000,000 needed to purchase the Stein property in Upper Freehold Township, New Jersey. Preservation of the property would prevent construction of an obstructive warehouse on the property. The Stein property is a historic Revolutionary War site, providing a campground for 10,000 British soldiers as they retreated from Philadelphia before the Battle of Monmouth. The proposed development would split the farm into two properties, each to contain a 50 foot warehouse with loading docks. The Upper Freehold Planning Board members estimated that, during a 24 hour period on an average weekday, a total of 790 vehicles (including trucks) might enter and leave the site. Residents most affected would be those living along the property's neighboring border with Allentown Borough, where the construction would allow for 100 feet of space between warehouse properties and adjacent Allentown Borough residents. Local property owners express concern that the warehouse plans will threaten local open space, generate air pollution, disrupt the natural ecosystem, and contaminate water sources with industrial runoff. Stormwater flooding already presents an issue at sewage plants and in private basements in Allentown Borough. The proposed construction would necessitate a water mitigation and sewer system to support the warehouse's infrastructure. The New Jersey Society of the Sons of the American Revolution has also urged Upper Freehold Township to preserve the land. | In Committee |
| A4916 | Prohibits use and sale of algorithmic devices for setting rent price or occupancy of residential dwelling units. | This bill prohibits the use and sale of algorithmic devices for setting rent price or occupancy of residential dwelling units. In recent years, a number of new software programs, often referred to as "algorithmic devices," have threatened to destabilize rental housing markets in cities nationwide, including in New Jersey. These programs enable landlords to indirectly coordinate with one another through the sharing of non-public competitively sensitive data in order to artificially inflate rents and vacancy rates for rental housing. Participating landlords provide vast amounts of proprietary data to the programs, which in turn set or provide recommendations for rent and occupancy rates. More and more landlords in the United States now pool their data and pricing decisions using such software. This software has contributed to double-digit rent increases, higher vacancy rates, and higher rates of eviction, and has distorted markets so that rents and vacancy rates have increased in tandem. Often used by large corporate landlords, the software fuels the consolidation of corporate and private equity ownership of rental housing, at the expense of landlords large and small who compete in the market without use of this software. Landlords using these tools are not appropriately engaging in the market and the companies developing and selling these tools to landlords are contributing to these problems. Numerous antitrust lawsuits have been filed against certain of these companies, including RealPage, Inc. and Yardi Systems, Inc. The lawsuits allege that these companies are enabling and participating in a scheme of unlawful price fixing. These include lawsuits filed by the District of Columbia Attorney General and the Arizona Attorney General and more than 20 federal private class action lawsuits nationwide that have been consolidated in the federal court in the Middle District of Tennessee. This bill does not restrict the development, sale, or use of software to help landlords manage units based on internal data or with use of publically available data. Nor does it regulate the amount of rent that a landlord may charge. This bill prohibits the sale, license, and use of an algorithmic device that sets, recommends, or advises on rents or occupancy rates that may be achieved for residential dwelling units in the State. The bill provides that the Attorney General may file a civil action for a violation for damages, injunctive relief, restitution or return of illegal profits, civil penalties of up to $1000 per violation, or some combination. A court is required to award reasonable attorney's fees and costs to the Attorney General if the Attorney General is the prevailing party in such a civil action. The bill defines "algorithmic devices" and "non-public competitor data" for the purposes of the "New Jersey Antitrust Act." | In Committee |
| A2029 | Directs DOE and DOH to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education concerning student vaping awareness campaigns. | This bill directs the Department of Education (DOE) and the Department of Health (DOH), to develop guidelines for school districts and institutions of higher education that will help facilitate the implementation of on-campus anti-vaping awareness campaigns that target student populations. The purpose of the guidelines is to assist school districts, colleges, and universities in equipping adolescents and young adults with research backed material on the dangers of vaping in effort to combat the increased use of e-cigarettes among adolescents and young adults. The DOE and DOH are to review and update the guidelines annually. The guidelines, at a minimum, are to include recommendations for: (1) implementing an in-school and on-campus multi-tiered anti-vaping campaign that focuses on theories that promote age-appropriate positive behavior change among adolescents and young adults; (2) disseminating research backed materials on the dangers of vaping, as it relates to: its effects on the users' lungs, effects on mental health, how it compares to cigarette smoking, dangers to pregnant women, and its impact on people in the workplace and small children; (3) using decision-making models and decision-making aids to help students make healthy decisions and overcome peer pressure that encourages vaping; and (4) incorporating marketing materials, such as pamphlets, to promote on-campus age-appropriate anti-vaping information to middle school students, high school students, and college age adults. Under this bill, the DOE and DOH are to post the guidelines on the respective website of each department. | Crossed Over |
| A4313 | Requires Division of Travel and Tourism develop and maintain Internet website on historic sites, districts, and roadside markers. | This bill requires the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State to develop and maintain an Internet website for historic sites and historic districts, including, but not limited to, the New Jersey program on historical and cultural roadside markers. Under the bill, the division would develop and maintain an interactive website providing information on the historic sites or historic districts throughout the State. The bill requires the division to update the website whenever a site or district is added to the program or whenever a governmental entity establishes a new historic site or district. | Crossed Over |
| A3366 | Establishes Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. | Establishes Women's Menstrual Health Program to identify and assist patients with symptoms related to endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome. | Crossed Over |
| AJR112 | Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ. | Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ. | Crossed Over |
| A4134 | Requires homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification examinations to be translated into multiple languages. | Requires homemaker-home health aide and nursing assistant certification examinations to be translated into multiple languages. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A3539 | Revises statutory terms pertaining to sexual exploitation or abuse of children. | This bill updates terminology in statutory law pertaining to the sexual exploitation or abuse of children. Current state law prohibits the creation, manufacture, distribution, sale or viewing of child pornography. Among child protection advocates, however, terms such as "child sexual abuse material" and "child sexual exploitation material" have come into wider use, replacing the general description of "child pornography" because these terms more accurately reflect the suffering of the children who are victims of these crimes. When used in the context of depictions of children, the term "pornography" may be understood to legitimize or trivialize the sexual abuse or exploitation of those children. In addition, the term "pornography" carries with it the implication that the acts are performed with the consent of the child, and represent legitimate sexual material. This bill replaces the term child pornography with the term "trade in child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in Title 2A. In Title 2C, the definition of "item depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of a child" is amended to include "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" and the acronym "CSAEM." The bill replaces the term child pornography with "network to share child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in various sections of Title 2C concerning the definition, degrees of crime, examination referrals, registration of sex offenders, and special sentencing for parole supervision for life for a leader of a network distributing depictions of child sexual abuse or exploitation. The bill further clarifies that online distribution or possession of sexual abuse or exploitation material is to be included in the schedule of penalties pertaining to offenses involving computer criminal activity in Title 2C. In Title 9, the term pornography is replaced with "any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material" concerning disqualification of employment pursuant to N.J.S.9:3-40.5. In Title 18A, the word pornography is replaced with the term "child sexual abuse or exploitation material" with regard to the practice of "sexting," or sending sexually explicit messages pursuant to N.J.S.18A:35-4.32. This bill replaces the term pornography in various parts of Title 30 with "any crime involving child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in the statutes concerning revocation of a day care center's registration, criteria for permanent disqualification from employment, disqualification from adopting a child or being a resource family parent, and disqualification of employment at, or ownership or sponsorship of, a child day care center. In Title 52, the term pornography is replaced with "online distribution or possession of child sexual abuse or exploitation material" in the statutes concerning the Department of Law and Public Safety's efforts to receive and respond to inquiries or complaints from members of the public reporting computer crimes pursuant to N.J.S.52:17B-193. This bill also updates the terminology used in current law to replace outdated references to certain crimes that involve the sexual exploitation or abuse of children. According to the sponsor, the changes made in this bill are not intended, nor should they be construed, to have any substantive impact on the applicability of the affected provisions; the changes are intended to render the terminology consistent with the rest of the current statutory scheme and the broader international trend. The bill also corrects technical inconsistencies in the statutes. | In Committee |
| AR164 | Recognizes and celebrates Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. | This Assembly Resolution recognizes and celebrates Bruce Springsteen's 75th birthday. Bruce Springsteen was born on September 23, 1949, in Long Branch, New Jersey and raised in Freehold, New Jersey by his working class family. Beginning in the late sixties and early seventies, Bruce Springsteen began his music career by touring with bands based in New Jersey, including The Castiles and Steel Mill, which eventually led him to several members of the now famous E Street Band. In 1972, Bruce Springsteen was signed to a record deal with Columbia Records and released the critically-acclaimed "Greetings from Asbury Park," launching his recording career as a musician. Throughout his career, Bruce Springsteen has established himself as a proud New Jersey native and as one of the greatest musicians of all time, selling over 120 million albums, winning 20 Grammys, and earning inductions in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the New Jersey Hall of Fame. Bruce Springsteen has also continuously pursued philanthropic endeavors, such as performing at numerous charitable concerts, contributing millions of dollars to humanitarian causes, and encouraging his audiences to give back, including bringing canned goods to his concerts to later be donated at local food banks. At the age of 75, Bruce Springsteen and his legacy continues to inspire musicians and fans worldwide, especially those who reside in his home state of New Jersey. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3887 | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans. | In Committee |
| A3533 | Increases tuition credit amount permitted under volunteer tuition credit program. | This bill increases the tuition credit amount permitted under the volunteer tuition credit program. Under current law, certain persons who are active members of a volunteer fire company or volunteer first aid or rescue squad or association in good standing and the person's dependent children and spouse are permitted to enroll in a postsecondary program on a tuition-free basis in a county college, county vocational school or county technical institution and be eligible to receive tuition credit in an amount not to exceed a maximum of $2,400 provided the person agrees to serve as a member of a volunteer fire company or volunteer first aid or rescue squad or association for a minimum of four years of service. Current law provides for a tuition credit of up to $600 following each year of service not to exceed a maximum of $2,400 for the member, dependent, and spouse over a four-year service period. This bill increases the tuition credit amount from $600 to $1,250 per year of service, not to exceed a maximum of $5,000 for the member, dependent, and spouse over a four-year service period. | In Committee |
| AJR197 | Designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month. | This joint resolution designates May of each year as Haitian Heritage Month. Haitian Heritage Month, recognized globally during the month of May, celebrates the rich culture of Haiti and its people, including their history, language, distinctive art, and cuisine. The purpose of Haitian Heritage Month is to raise awareness and understanding about Haitian culture, history, and traditions by educating the public about the historical global contributions Haitian people have made and to celebrate these Haitian achievements worldwide. Haiti's history is of vital significance and pride for its people and has crucial global importance, representing a new concept of human rights, universal citizenship, and participation in government through the Haitian Revolution, which occurred from 1791 to 1804. The Haitian Revolution is one of the largest and the first successful slave rebellions in the Western Hemisphere. Haitian Heritage Month is an expansion of Haitian Flag Day, a national Haitian Holiday celebrated annually on May 18th, serving as a major patriotic celebration in Haiti and the Diaspora to encourage patriotism. Haitian Flag Day serves as a reminder of the struggle to freedom and the Haitian Flag symbolizes the unity that borne the Haitian nation through the alliance of the Blacks and mulattoes during the Revolutionary war. Haitian American immigrants have come to the United States bringing their own influences and cultural traditions to a variety of spheres including the arts, business, sports, literature, science, and law. Today, New Jersey has the fourth largest Haitian-American population in the United States, with nearly 69,000 Haitian-American residents. For decades, Haiti has faced significant challenges, including natural disasters that have devastated the land and disrupted the lives of millions. However, the Haitian people have demonstrated resilience throughout history. It is time to officially recognize the Haitian people and all of their achievements. | In Committee |
| A4758 | Establishes annual sales tax holiday for certain retail sales of computers, school computer supplies, school supplies, school art supplies, and school instructional materials. | This bill establishes an annual "back-to-school" sales tax holiday in the State of New Jersey during August and September. During the two month period, the retail purchases of certain personal computers with a sales price of less than $3,000, school computer supplies with a sales price of less than $1,000 per item, and certain school supplies and equipment made by individual shoppers for non-business purposes will be exempt from the State sales tax. While the tax holiday is intended to provide financial relief to the students of New Jersey and their families, the general public may also make tax-free purchases for other nonbusiness uses during this time period. Annual and temporary sales tax holidays have been established in at least 19 states and the District of Columbia, and have gained popularity and support in several others. While some states have opted to celebrate tax holidays at the beginning of the calendar year or during seasonal holiday periods, a majority of states have established tax moratoria during some portion of the late summer and early autumn back-to-school period, as families prepare to send their children back to school. These tax holidays typically include exemptions for purchases of educational supplies, consumer products, and clothing items that allow students to face the challenges of the coming year. Under the bill, tax exempt school supplies and equipment during the holiday include: (1) school supplies, such as pens and pencils, notebooks, and binders; (2) school art supplies, such as paints and paintbrushes, clay, and glazes; (3) school instructional materials, such as maps, globes, reference books, and workbooks; (4) computers with a sales price of less than $3,000 per item; and (5) school computer supplies, such as computer storage equipment, printers, and personal digital assistants, with a sales price of less than $1,000 per item. Unlike other tax relief initiatives, the establishment of a back-to-school sales tax holiday in New Jersey could be developed and implemented with minimal administrative effort. It would provide an administratively simple and effective way to cut taxes for consumers that would require no special taxpayer forms or rebate applications. In addition, it would be economically beneficial to the State's merchants and small business owners by encouraging consumer spending during a period of time when demand is typically soft. | In Committee |
| A3800 | Bans certain children's products containing excessive amounts of lead, mercury, or cadmium. | Bans certain children's products containing excessive amounts of lead, mercury, or cadmium. | Crossed Over |
| A3860 | Establishes certain medical billing requirements concerning specific nature of charges or expenses for health care services. | Establishes certain medical billing requirements concerning specific nature of charges or expenses for health care services. | Crossed Over |
| A4819 | Provides increased flexibility in school district enrollment for military-connected students. | This bill provides increased flexibility in school district enrollment for military-connected students. As used in the bill, "military-connected student" (or "military-connected child") means a student enrolled in a public school in the State who is a dependent of: (1) a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force; (2) a member of the National Guard; (3) a member of any other reserve component of the armed forces; (4) retirees and those separated honorably from the armed forces; (5) a member or veteran who is medically discharged for one year or longer after the date of separation; (6) a member who perished while on active duty; (7) a uniformed member of the Commissioned Corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and United States Public Health Services; (8) a civilian employee of the Department of Defense; and (9) a school employee who works in a school district in which federal impact aid makes up a significant portion of the district budget, as determined by the Commissioner of Education, as a result of its proximity to a military installation. The bill provides that in the event that a military-connected child relocates outside of the child's original district of residence, the parent or guardian will retain the option to maintain the child's enrollment in the original district of residence for the remainder of the school year, or to begin enrollment in the new school district in which the family resides. Additionally, the bill provides that in the event that a military-connected child relocates outside of the child's original district of residence during the 11th grade, the parent or guardian will retain the option to maintain the child's enrollment in the original district of residence until the child's graduation from high school, or to begin enrollment in the new school district in which the child resides. The bill also provides that, in the event that a military-connected student cannot access temporary living facilities or military installation housing within 30 days of arriving on duty station, the parent or guardian will have the option to enroll their child in a school that serves families that reside on the military installation within ten days of arrival on duty station. In the event that a military-connected child resides in a school district that is found to satisfy less than 80 percent of the quality performance indicators in the instruction and program component of school district effectiveness under the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum, the parent or guardian will have the option to enroll their child in a school that serves families that reside on the military installation. The bill amends the "Interdistrict Public School Choice Program Act" and requires a school district that participates in an inter-local agreement for the enrollment of students provide a military-connected student: (1) a waiver from any requirement of the agreement that a student reside in a district for a certain length of time before applying for enrollment in a school that is subject to the agreement; (2) preference for enrollment in a school that is subject to the agreement above other students; (3) protection from discrimination in its admission policies or practices on the basis of the student's status as a military-connected student; and (4) guaranteed admission to any school that is subject to the agreement regardless of the capacity of the district, if the parent or guardian can provide military orders or other evidence documenting the parent or guardian's temporary transfer for more than 30 consecutive days. | In Committee |
| A4191 | Protects access to assisted reproductive technology. | This bill provides every woman in this State the fundamental right to choose whether to use assisted reproductive technology (ART). Under current law, the State provides the fundamental right to choose or refuse contraception or sterilization, or to choose whether to carry a pregnancy, to give birth, or to terminate a pregnancy. Under the bill, the fundamental rights related to reproductive health choice in the State are expanded to include the use of ART. ART includes, but is not limited to, in vitro fertilization (IVF). This legislation is in response to the Alabama Supreme Court ruling in LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic, P.C. (Docket No. SC-2022-0515, SC-2022-0579), decided in February 2024. In LePage, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that embryos are "extrauterine children," finding that that the state's "'Wrongful Death of A Minor Act' applies on its face to all unborn children, without limitation." This holding could have widespread implications for anyone in Alabama who is seeking or provides IVF. New Jersey has long been a State that supports, and provides protections for, the reproductive freedom of its citizens, including the right to make the choice of whether to start or expand a family through IVF. | Crossed Over |
| 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 |
| A4381 | Permits boards of education to lease certain school property to federally qualified health centers without bidding. | Permits boards of education to lease certain school property to federally qualified health centers without bidding. | In Committee |
| S3368 | Concerns law protecting residential tenants from lead-based paint hazards. | An Act concerning lead-based paint hazards in residential rental property, including establishing lead-based paint hazard programs, amending P.L.2021, c.182, and repealing section 1 of P.L.2007, c.251. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A4682 | Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs. | This bill makes it unlawful when a licensed health care provider prescribes a nonopioid medication to a person covered by a health insurance carrier for the treatment of acute pain and the carrier denies coverage of a nonopioid prescription drug: (1) in favor of an opioid prescription drug; or (2) to require a covered person to try an opioid prescription drug prior to approving the use of a nonopioid prescription drug. "Carrier" is defined in the bill to mean an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State. Under the bill, a carrier that establishes and maintains a drug formulary is to ensure that a nonopioid drug approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment or management of pain will not be disadvantaged or discouraged, with respect to coverage or cost-sharing, relative to any opioid or narcotic drug for the treatment or management of pain on the formulary of the carrier under various circumstances. It is not prohibited in the bill for an opioid drug to be preferred over another opioid drug or for a nonopioid drug to be preferred over another nonopioid drug. The provisions of the bill prohibiting denial of a nonopioid prescription drug are also incorporated into the laws governing the required coverage for contracts negotiated by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, and in the law overseeing Medicaid. | In Committee |
| A4697 | Requires local recreation departments, youth serving organizations, and youth camps to have defibrillators for youth athletic events. | This bill requires local recreation departments, youth serving organizations, and youth camps to have defibrillators for youth athletic events. Under the bill, a youth camp operator, municipal or county recreation department, and a nonprofit youth serving organization including, but not limited to, Little Leagues, Babe Ruth Leagues, Pop Warner Leagues, Police Athletic Leagues, and youth soccer leagues, which organizes, sponsors, or is otherwise affiliated with youth athletic events that are played on municipal, county, school, or other publicly-owned fields, is to ensure that there is available on site an automated external defibrillator at each youth athletic event and practice held on the home field of the youth camp operator, municipal or county recreation department, or nonprofit youth serving organization. The bill provides that a youth camp operator, municipal or county recreation department, or nonprofit youth serving organization is to be deemed to be in compliance with the bill's requirements if a State-certified emergency services provider or other certified first responder is on site at the athletic event or practice and has a defibrillator available for use on site. Under the bill, a youth camp operator, municipal or county recreation department, or nonprofit youth serving organization, and employees, volunteers, coaches, and licensed athletic trainers of the youth camp operator, municipal or county recreation department, or nonprofit youth serving organization, are to be immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of a defibrillator. | In Committee |
| A4691 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $100 million to Affordable Housing Production Fund in DCA for completion of 100-percent affordable housing projects. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $100 million to the Affordable Housing Production Fund (fund) in the Department of Community Affairs. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to municipalities to support the completion of 100-percent affordable housing projects. The fund was established pursuant to P.L.2022, c.49. Under the law, "100-percent affordable housing project" means an affordable housing project in which 100-percent of the residential units are constructed for occupancy by low- and moderate-income households and that has been identified in a fair share affordable housing obligation judgment of repose entered into by the municipality. | In Committee |
| A4718 | "New Jersey Motorcycle Awareness and Safety Act"; requires DOT to develop public awareness campaign for motorcycle day. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety to develop and annually update a motorcycle safety public awareness campaign for the purpose of promoting motorcycle safety, encouraging vigilant driving, and reducing the number of motorcycle-related accidents on New Jersey roads. The public awareness campaign is required to include, at a minimum: (1) educational materials on the importance of motorcycle safety; (2) information on the risks associated with distracted driving; and (3) variable message signs to promote best practices for sharing the road safely with motorcyclists. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| A2280 | Codifies prohibition of discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and requires real estate appraisers to complete anti-bias training. | An Act concerning discriminatory practices in real estate appraisals and supplementing and amending P.L.1991, c.68. | 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 |
| S3275 | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | This bill revises certain provisions of the film and digital media content production tax credit program to include eligibility for wages and salaries paid to persons who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Under the film and digital media content production tax credit program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority awards corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to eligible taxpayers based on the qualified film production expenses or qualified digital media content production expenses incurred for use within certain parts of the State. In addition to certain other eligibility requirements, at least 50 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred by a taxpayer are required to be for wages and salaries paid to full-time or full-time equivalent employees in New Jersey in order to qualify for the digital media content production tax credit. Under current law, the terms "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" are defined to include, among other expenses, the wages and salaries paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are subject to the tax imposed by the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Current law also defines the term "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include persons working not less than 35 hours per week, or other standard of service accepted by custom or practice as full-time or full-time equivalent employment, and whose wages and salaries are subject to withholding as provided in the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." This bill expands the scope of qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses to include wages and salaries that are paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. The bill also provides that these expenses would include any payments made by the taxpayer to a loan out company for services performed in New Jersey by individuals who are employed by the loan out company and whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Additionally, the bill amends the definition "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include otherwise eligible persons whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Currently, the State has entered into a reciprocal income tax agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the terms of this agreement, compensation paid to Pennsylvania residents who are employed in New Jersey is not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Accordingly, the bill provides that wages and salaries paid to certain Pennsylvania residents may be included as qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses, provided that these persons are employed in the New Jersey for the purposes of the film or digital media content production. The provisions of this bill would take effect immediately and apply retroactively beginning on January 1, 2024 to any taxpayer who has not received a tax credit certificate or tax credit transfer certificate from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority before this date. However, any taxpayer that has previously received a tax credit certificate, but has not used such tax credit certificate before January 1, 2024, would be allowed to surrender the tax credit certificate to the authority and receive a new tax credit certificate in accordance with the provisions of this bill. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| 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 |
| A4572 | Appropriates $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for local government open space acquisition and park development projects; and for certain administrative expenses. | An Act appropriating $101,696,535 from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax revenues to help local government units acquire or develop lands for recreation and conservation purposes, and for certain administrative expenses. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2825 | Removes time limitation on issuance of additional alcoholic beverage licenses within boundaries of former federal military installations. | An Act concerning alcoholic beverage licensing and amending P.L.2018, c.101 and P.L.2023, c.290. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A3906 | Removes time limitation on issuance of additional alcoholic beverage licenses within boundaries of former federal military installations; allows ABC Director to issue concessionaire permit for locations eligible to receive special mall license. | Removes time limitation on issuance of additional alcoholic beverage licenses within boundaries of former federal military installations; allows ABC Director to issue concessionaire permit for locations eligible to receive special mall license. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| A4448 | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | Revises various provisions of film and digital media content production tax credit program. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| AR148 | Condemns action of Republican members of United States Congress in failing to support passage of SB3612; affirms New Jersey Legislature's commitment to protecting reproductive freedom and full access to reproductive health care. | This resolution condemns the action of the Republican members of the United States Congress in failing to support the passage of SB3612, federal legislation supportive of the use of in vitro technology and the rights of individuals in relation to the use of assisted reproductive technology. 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. Tammy Duckworth, a Democratic Senator from Illinois who utilized IVF to conceive her two children, introduced Senate Bill 3612 (SB3612), part of a four-bill package of legislation known as the "Right to IVF Act," in order to protect the rights of individuals to seek reproductive assistance, such as IVF, and the physicians who provide these services, without the fear of prosecution. . SB3612, known as the "Access to Family Building Act," would bar the limitation of access to assisted reproductive technology, such as IVF, and grants the individual rights to (1) access assisted reproductive technology, (2) continue or complete ongoing assisted reproductive technology treatment or procedure, and (3) retain all rights regarding the use or disposition of genetic materials. Senator Duckworth urged her Republican colleagues to join the Democrats' efforts to protect access to IVF by unanimously passing this legislation. The Republicans failed to support the measure and the vote to pass the measure failed. Instead of supporting the passage of SB3612, Republican senators proposed an alternative measure, the "IVF Protection Act," which would discourage, but nonetheless allow, states to enact burdensome treatment restrictions. Following the failure to support the passage of SB3612, Senate Republicans issued a statement of support for the use of IVF technology. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4623 | Concerns law protecting residential tenants from lead-based paint hazards. | Concerns law protecting residential tenants from lead-based paint hazards. | In Committee |
| AR138 | Designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey. | This Assembly resolution designates June 2024 as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in New Jersey, in recognition of the achievements, contributions, struggles, and humanity of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, non-binary, and pansexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. Public officials and citizens of New Jersey are respectfully urged to commemorate LGBTQIA+ Pride Month 2024 with appropriate activities. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A4638 | Establishes "Resident Firefighter Grant Program" in Division of Fire Safety. | This bill establishes the "Resident Firefighter Grant Program" in the Division of Fire Safety (division) in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). This program would provide grants to fire districts to use for the creation and expansion of resident firefighter programs. The bill defines "resident firefighter" as a firefighter who performs fire station duties including, but not limited to, attending trainings and responding to emergency calls, in exchange for free living accommodations. The bill requires the director of the division, to the extent possible, to equitably distribute grant awards to successful applicants in the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. Funds distributed under the program are required to be used for the purposes as prescribed in the bill, including, but not limited to, incentives and amenities for resident firefighters, and construction of, and supplies for, dormitories for resident firefighters which may include kitchen facilities. The bill also requires DCA to annually request, as part of its annual budget proposal, a minimum of $5 million to fund the grants authorized by the bill. The bill also requires DCA and the division to pursue and utilize any available federal, State, local, and private funding for the grants. | In Committee |
| A4628 | Requires health benefits coverage of continuous glucose monitoring system for treatment of glycogen storage disease. | This bill requires health insurers (health, hospital, and medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program) to provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase and use of a continuous glucose monitoring system, as prescribed by health care practitioner for the treatment of glycogen storage disease. | In Committee |
| A4646 | Requires Medicaid coverage for self-administered hormonal contraceptives dispensed by pharmacist under standing order. | This bill requires the State's Medicaid program to cover expenses incurred in the provision of self-administered hormonal contraceptives as prescribed by a standing order and dispensed by a pharmacist. Under the bill, "self-administered hormonal contraceptive" means any oral, transdermal, or vaginal contraceptive product, including, but not limited to, birth control pills, vaginal rings, and diaphragms. "Standing order" means a prewritten medication order authorizing pharmacists in this State to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives to patients without an individual prescription. Currently, pharmacists are permitted, pursuant to P.L.2023, c.2 (C.45:14-67.9 et seq.), to furnish self-administered hormonal contraceptives pursuant to a standing order, in accordance with protocols established by Board of Pharmacy and Board of Medical Examiners. That law, in conjunction with this bill, would eliminate the need for Medicaid beneficiaries to get a prescription from a doctor for a self-administered hormonal contraceptive, as is the existing requirement, before going to have it filled at a pharmacy; thereby increasing access to these medications. | 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 |
| A4459 | Revises film and digital media content production tax credit program to allow certain production expenses to be eligible for tax credits. | This bill revises certain provisions of the film and digital media content production tax credit program to increase the amount of credits that may be awarded based on certain post-production costs. The bill also revises other provisions of the program, including increasing eligibility for compensation paid to persons who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Under the film and digital media content production tax credit program, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) awards corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to eligible taxpayers equal to (1) 30 percent of the qualified film production expenses incurred for use within certain parts of Northern New Jersey, or 35 percent of qualified film production expenses incurred for use within all other parts of the State; and (2) 35 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred through vendors located in certain counties in Southern New Jersey, or 30 percent of all other qualified digital media content production expenses incurred through vendors within the State. In addition to certain other eligibility requirements, current law also provides that to qualify for the digital media content production tax credit, at least 50 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses incurred by the taxpayer are required to be for wages and salaries paid to full-time or full-time equivalent employees in New Jersey. Increased Digital Media Content Production Tax Credits The bill increases the amount of digital media content production tax credits that may be awarded to taxpayers for qualified digital media content production expenses related to certain post-production services, including visual effects. Specifically, the tax credit would be equal to 40 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses of the taxpayer incurred during the tax period for post-production services performed at a New Jersey film-lease production facility, provided that at least $500,000 of these expenses were incurred for services performed at the New Jersey film-lease production facility. Additionally, the tax credit would be equal to 35 percent of the qualified digital media content production expenses of the taxpayer incurred during the tax period for post-production services performed by independent post-production companies, as defined in the bill. In either circumstance, if the taxpayer includes a diversity plan with their tax credit application and complies with all relevant requirements established in that plan, the taxpayer's tax credit may be increased by an additional four percent. Compensation Subject to Tax Reciprocity Agreements Under current law, the terms "qualified film production expenses" and "qualified digital media content production expenses" are defined to include, among other expenses, the wages and salaries paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are subject to the tax imposed by the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Current law also defines the term "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include persons working not less than 35 hours per week, or other standard of service accepted by custom or practice as full-time or full-time equivalent employment, and whose wages and salaries are subject to withholding as provided in the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." This bill expands the scope of qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses to include wages and salaries that are paid to individuals who are employed for the purposes of the production and who are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. The bill also provides that these expenses would include any payments made by the taxpayer to a loan out company for services performed in New Jersey by individuals who are employed by the loan out company and whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Additionally, the bill amends the definition "full-time or full-time equivalent employee" to include otherwise eligible persons whose wages and salaries are not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act" due to the provisions of a tax reciprocity agreement with another state. Currently, the State has entered into a reciprocal income tax agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under the terms of this agreement, compensation paid to Pennsylvania residents who are employed in New Jersey is not subject to tax under the "New Jersey Gross Income Tax Act." Accordingly, the bill provides that wages and salaries paid to certain Pennsylvania residents may be included as qualified film production expenses and qualified digital media content production expenses, provided that these persons are employed in New Jersey for the purposes of the film or digital media content production. Tenants of New Jersey Film-Lease Partner Facilities The bill also provides that certain tenants of New Jersey film-lease partner facilities would be eligible for tax credits under the program. Specifically, the bill provides that any film production company that enters into a lease or sublease with the owner or developer of a designated New Jersey film-lease partner facility before receipt of the facility's temporary or final certificate of occupancy, which lease or sublease is for not less than three years and includes at least 36,000 square feet of soundstage space, and which company executes a contract to provide production services for all films produced at the New Jersey film-lease partner facility, would be eligible for the tax credit allowed for a taxpayer designated as a New Jersey film-lease production company, provided that the film production company satisfies all other eligibility requirements for New Jersey film-lease production companies. If the EDA determines that a New Jersey film-lease partner facility has failed to meet the requirements of the program, the EDA may rescind the New Jersey film-lease partner facility designation. In this circumstance, the bill provides that any tenant of the New Jersey film-lease production company that has entered into a lease for the film-lease partner facility would not be entitled to the portion of any tax credit that is only available to the New Jersey film-lease production company by virtue of the company being a tenant at a New Jersey film-lease partner facility. | In Committee |
| A3908 | Increases personal needs allowance to $140 for low-income persons residing in certain facilities. | This bill increases the monthly personal needs allowance (PNA), from the current rate of $50, pursuant to the FY 2024 Appropriations Act, to $140 for residents of nursing homes, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers. This allowance is intended for residents to spend at their discretion on items such as telephone expenses, a meal out with friends, cards to send to family, reading materials, or hobbies. The PNA provides residents the opportunity to participate in activities beyond those provided by the facility, to remain connected with family and friends, and to obtain basic items such as clothing and shoes. The bill also stipulates that beginning January 1 of the following year after the bill's enactment, the PNA is to be increased annually by the same percentage as the cost-of-living adjustment for Social Security benefits for that year. In the case of residents eligible to receive SSI public assistance, a federal income supplement program designed to help aged, blind, and disabled people with little to no income, the federal government provides up to $30 a month for small comfort items not provided by the facility. The State currently supplements the federal allowance by $20 to ensure that SSI recipients residing in nursing facilities, State and county psychiatric hospitals, and State developmental centers receive a total PNA per month equal to that of Medicaid recipients, or $50. Under the bill, absent any changes in the federal allowance, the State would be responsible for a $90 per month supplemental payment for each SSI recipient. | In Committee |
| A4327 | Revises statutory definition of "elevated blood lead level." | Revises statutory definition of "elevated blood lead level." | In Committee |
| A4593 | Creates offense of financial exploitation of the elderly. | This bill creates the offense of Financial Exploitation of the Elderly. Under the bill, a person obtains property by financial exploitation of the elderly when, being a person in a position of trust, he compels or induces an elderly person to deliver such property to him or to a third person by means of fraud, false promise, extortion or intimidation. "Elderly person" is defined as any person who is 60 years of age or older and is suffering from a disease or infirmity associated with advanced age or who suffers from a mental disease, defect or condition which renders the person incapable of deciding whether to give or withhold consent to taking, obtaining or withholding of his or her property. A "person in a position of trust" means a person who: (a) is the parent, spouse, adult child or other relative by blood or affinity of an elderly person; or (b) is a joint tenant or tenant in common with an elderly person; or (c) has a fiduciary obligation to an elderly person; or (d) receives monetary or other valuable consideration for providing care for the elderly person; or (e) lives with or provides some component of home care services on a continuing basis to the elderly person including, but not limited to, a neighbor or friend who does not provide such services but has access to the elderly person based on such relationship. The offense is graded as a crime of the third degree punishable by up to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both when the amount involved is at least $200.00 but does not exceed $500.00. Ordinarily thefts of this amount are graded as crimes of the fourth degree. The bill also upgrades theft when the amount is less than $200.00 to a crime of the fourth degree from a disorderly persons offense. Theft from an elderly person when the amount involved exceeds $500.00 but is less than $75,000.00 continues to be a crime of the third degree. | In Committee |
| A4601 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for reproductive health care services; prohibits adverse actions by medical malpractice insurers in relation to performance of health care services. | This bill requires health insurance carriers (including health service corporations, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, commercial individual and group health insurers, and health maintenance organizations), entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and the NJ FamilyCares/Medicaid program to provide coverage for the termination of pregnancies. Under the bill, "pregnancy" is defined as the period of the human reproductive process beginning with the implantation of a fertilized egg. The bill provides that, upon request of a religious employer, health insurers are required to grant an exclusion if the coverage conflicts with the religious employer's bona fide religious beliefs and practices. "Religious employer" is defined in the bill to mean an organization that is referred to in section 6033(a)(3)(A)(i) or (iii) of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. s.6033), and that is organized and operates as a nonprofit entity. Additionally, the bill provides that any State program that provides benefits for pregnancy-related care will also provide benefits for the termination of a pregnancy. Lastly, under the bill, medical malpractice insurers are barred from taking any adverse action, including loss of coverage, sanctions, fines, penalties, or rate increases, against an insured for providing or facilitating reproductive health care services or gender-affirming health care services based solely on the fact that the patient receiving the service is a resident of a state where providing or facilitating the activity is illegal. | In Committee |
| A4538 | Prohibits public institutions of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition by more than two percent over prior academic year. | This bill prohibits a public institution of higher education from increasing the institution's resident undergraduate tuition rates for any academic year by more than two percent over the institution's resident undergraduate tuition rates for the prior academic year. | In Committee |
| A4144 | "New Jersey Student Support Act"; establishes program in Department of Treasury to provide tax credits to taxpayers contributing to organization which awards scholarships to certain nonpublic school students. | This bill directs the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to establish a program to provide tax credits to taxpayers that make contributions to a selected student support organization that awards scholarships for eligible students to attend participating nonpublic schools. The program established by the director would allow a taxpayer to claim a tax credit against the corporate business tax or personal gross income tax equal to 75 percent of any contribution made to a student support organization; in the case of the gross income tax credit, a taxpayer is required to contribute a minimum of $100 to a student support organization in order to claim a tax credit. The value of a credit for an individual taxpayer in a given year or privilege period is not permitted to exceed the lesser of 50 percent of the taxpayer's total tax liability or $1,000,000 for a tax credit against the corporate business tax or $100,000 for a credit against the personal gross income tax. The maximum amount of tax credits allowable in each State fiscal year may not exceed $37.5 million. The Director of the Division of Taxation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, is responsible for the administration of the program. The Director of the Division of Taxation is to select one student support organization, draft regulations to implement the program, and submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature on the implementation and results of the program. The regulations are to include a requirement that tax credits issued under the provision of the bill will be issued equitably among the counties. The Director of Taxation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, is also required to establish a five-person oversight committee to oversee the operation of the student support organization. The student support organization would receive contributions made to the program, spending no more than five percent of contributions on administrative costs, and distributing the remaining 95 percent as scholarships for eligible families. The student support organization is required to verify student eligibility prior to awarding a scholarship, not limit scholarships to students in a certain school or region, award scholarships equally to all eligible students who apply in a given school year, and provide a student with a scholarship that is not less than the amount the student received in the prior school year. The student support organization is to publicize the program, carry forward no more than 20 percent of funds each year, and submit an annual report to the State Treasurer and the Commissioner of Education. The student support organization is required to contract annually for an independent financial audit of the program and transmit a copy of the financial audit to the Division of Taxation, the State Treasurer, and the Commissioner of Education no later than December 1 of each year. To be eligible for a scholarship from the student support organization, a student is to reside in New Jersey and intend to enroll in grades kindergarten through 12 in the next school year. A student is required to have a household income that does not exceed the federal income guidelines for reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program multiplied by 2.6. To participate in the program, a school is to: be located in New Jersey; be a nonpublic school that is eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program; comply with all federal and State anti-discrimination statutes; and comply with the "Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act," P.L.2002, c.83 (C.18:A37-13 et seq.). The bill also includes language requiring that the provisions of the bill not supersede, impact, or interfere with the full funding in each State fiscal year necessary to satisfy the requirement of the New Jersey Constitution that the Legislature provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools for the instruction of all children in the State between 5 and 18 years of age; the full funding of the veterans' $250 property tax deduction, required to be provided to eligible veterans pursuant to the State Constitution; the senior citizens' and disabled persons' $250 property tax deduction authorized by the State Constitution; the full payment of contributions required by law to be made to the State-administered retirement systems; and the full funding of the Stay NJ property tax credit program established in P.L.2023, c.75 (C.54:4-8.75a et seq.). No later than six months after the conclusion of the fourth school year in which scholarships are awarded under the program, the Department of the Treasury, in conjunction with the Department of Education, any relevant governmental organization, and stakeholders from the nonpublic school community, is required to submit a report to the Governor and Legislature that will include: information on the number of scholarships and the amount of tax credits awarded under the program; recommendations on improvements to the program; and the number of nonpublic school closures five years prior to awarding any scholarships under the program compared to closures after the implementation of the program. The Department of Education is required to establish a Student Support Grant Program to provide grants to school districts in which at least 50 percent of the student population is eligible for free or reduced price lunch under the National School Lunch Program. The grant funding is for student support services, including tutoring programs or opportunities, teacher retention bonuses, or the provision of mental health or counseling services. The department will establish an application process for the grants. As part of that process, the eligible school districts are required to demonstrate how the funding will assist the district in providing needed support to its students. The bill provides that the Legislature will annually appropriate from the General Fund to the Department of Education $37.5 million to fund the grant program. | Dead |
| A4511 | Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage for enrollment of student in recovery high school alternative education program. | This bill requires hospital, medical and health service corporations, commercial insurers, health maintenance organizations, health benefits plans issued pursuant to the New Jersey Individual Health Coverage and Small Employer Health Benefits Programs, the State Health Benefits Program, and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, to provide coverage for benefits for the enrollment of a student in a recovery high school alternative education program established pursuant to State law. The bill requires health insurance coverage only if placement in the recovery high school alternative education program is determined to be clinically appropriate by a certified alcohol and drug counselor, licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor, treating physician, treatment facility, or district student assistance counselor using the criteria for substance use disorder or dependency as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Under current law, a "recovery high school alternative education program" means an alternative education program that serves students diagnosed with substance use disorder or dependency as defined by the most recent Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, and that provides a comprehensive four-year high school education in an alternative public school setting and a structured plan of recovery that is aligned with the national framework of evidence-based practices for recovery high schools. | In Committee |
| A1855 | Prohibits modification of mufflers and exhaust systems to produce audible sounds. | Prohibits modification of mufflers and exhaust systems to produce audible sounds. | In Committee |
| A4509 | Establishes municipal water infrastructure planning and design project grant program in DEP; appropriates $100 million. | This bill would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a program to provide grants to municipalities that undertake planning and design projects related to prospective water infrastructure projects. In order to be eligible for a grant, a planning and design project would be required to be in support of a water infrastructure project that would be eligible for financing under the New Jersey Environmental Infrastructure Financing Program, carried out jointly by the DEP and the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank. The maximum grant award per project would be $2 million. Municipalities would not be required to provide matching funds in order to be eligible for a grant. The bill would also require the DEP to provide priority to applications for projects located in overburdened communities. Under the bill, the DEP would determine the application procedures and criteria for evaluating applications. The bill would require the DEP to report to Governor and the Legislature on the progress of the program in achieving its goals. Finally, the bill would appropriate $100 million from the General Fund to the DEP for the purposes of the grant program established by the bill. | In Committee |
| AR142 | Supports continued protection of federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act. | This Assembly resolution supports the continued protection of the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). In 1986, Congress enacted EMTALA to ensure public access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay. EMTALA provides that all individuals who present to a hospital emergency department are to be screened by qualified medical personnel to determine the presence or absence of an emergency medical condition. Under EMTALA, hospitals may not delay providing an appropriate medical screening examination or stabilizing medical treatment for any reason, including to ask about an individual's method of payment or health insurance status. EMTALA applies until either (1) the medical screening exam does not identify an emergency medical condition, or (2) the patient is provided with stabilizing treatment or an appropriate transfer. Under EMTALA, hospitals are required to provide a patient with stabilizing treatment that is within the capabilities of the hospital's staff and facilities before the hospital may initiate a patient transfer to another hospital or medical facility or before the hospital may discharge the patient. EMTALA provides that a patient with an emergency medical condition may only be transferred after screening and the provision of stabilizing treatment if: (1) the transferring hospital has minimized the medical risks of the patient; (2) the receiving medical facility has available space and qualified personnel for the treatment and agrees to accept the transfer; (3) the transferring hospital sends all medical records related to the emergency condition that are available at the time of the transfer and any other records not yet available as soon as practicable; and (4) the patient is transferred using appropriate personnel and transportation, including the use of necessary and medically appropriate life support measures during the transfer. It is vital that the provisions of EMTALA remain intact and that the federal government continues to enforce the provisions of this statute to ensure the public's continued access to emergency services regardless of ability to pay. | 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 |
| A3532 | Provides gross income tax credit to active members of volunteer emergency service organizations for use of personal motor vehicle in performance of active duty. | This bill establishes a refundable gross income tax credit to provide reimbursement to active members of volunteer fire departments and first aid squads for the use of their personal vehicle in the performance of active duty. The amount of the credit is determined by multiplying the business standard mileage rate set by the Internal Revenue Service for transportation or travel expenses by the number of miles the taxpayer actually and necessarily traveled by the taxpayer in the tax year using their personal vehicle in the performance of active duty. The maximum amount of the credit would be $500. If married individuals filing a joint return both qualify, they would be allowed a joint credit of up to $1,000. To be eligible for the credit, a taxpayer would, in the taxable year for which the credit was claimed, have to: (1) have been an unpaid member in good standing of the organization; and (2) have completed "qualifying service" with the organization. The bill defines "qualifying service" as: (a) for a volunteer who does not have duty hours, (i) active participation in at least 60 percent of the regular alarms or other calls to active duty to which the organization responds during the taxable year, (ii) recorded attendance at not less than 60 percent of the organization's mandatory meetings during the year, (iii) participation in all of the organization's mandatory meetings during the year, and (iv) performance during the year of not less than 60 percent of any other miscellaneous duty required by the organization; or (b) for a volunteer who does have duty hours, performance of at least 400 duty hours during the year, of which no more than 50 percent could be for drills or other training classes or exercises. The bill requires each volunteer emergency services organization to certify to the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury, on or before January 15 of each year, a list of the active members of the organization during the prior tax year. The certification will assist the Division of Taxation in verifying a taxpayer's eligibility for a gross income tax credit under the bill. | In Committee |
| A4373 | Encourages public school teachers to hold current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and use of automated external defibrillator. | This bill encourages public school teachers to hold a current certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an automated external defibrillator from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or other training program recognized by the Department of Health. The Department of Education is required to provide teachers with opportunities to obtain certification in both traditional and online formats. Additionally, the bill requires school districts to recognize teachers who voluntarily prioritize the importance of life saving measures in the State's public schools by awarding a certificate of commendation to a teacher who obtains certification. Each school district is required to post a list of all teachers certified in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of an automated external defibrillator on the district's Internet website. The bill permits certified teachers to receive eight hours towards the annual professional development requirements established by the State Board of Education upon submitting proof of their certification or the certificate issued by the school district for obtaining certification. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time and can happen to anyone, including students, teachers, or parents at a school. Additionally, injuries and sudden illnesses that require emergency first aid treatment, such as broken bones, head and back injuries, and shortness of breath, are common occurrences in the school setting. Approximately 2,000 children and adolescents die each year of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Receiving immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation from a bystander for cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, and effective first aid treatment can stabilize an emergency situation and save lives. Encouraging teachers to hold a current certification can help protect the health and safety of children, parents, and teachers in our schools, while also adding lifesavers to our communities. | In Committee |
| A4209 | Establishes matching grant program in Department of State for local government units hiring storytellers with Revolutionary War expertise for United States Semiquincentennial; makes appropriation. | This bill establishes in the Department of State (department) a program to provide matching grant funds of up to $25,000 each to local government units to fund the hiring of storytellers with Revolutionary War historical expertise for the purpose of attracting tourists in celebration of the United States Semiquincentennial. The bill provides that, in establishing the matching grant program, the department is to develop guidelines, terms and conditions, and reporting procedures, as enumerated in the bill. Matching grants are to be awarded to local government units on a competitive basis based upon an applicant's demonstration of certain criteria, which are to include, but not be limited to: (1) submission of specific objectives in the hiring of one or more storytellers with Revolutionary War historical expertise for the United States Semiquincentennial; and (2) evidence the local government unit is located within an area of historical significance concerning the Revolutionary War. The bill provides that within 90 days after enactment of the bill, and notwithstanding the provisions of the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.) to the contrary, the department is to adopt, immediately upon filing proper notice with the Office of Administrative Law, the rules and regulations prepared by the department necessary to establish and implement the grant program. The rules and regulations adopted by the department are to be in effect until the expiration of the grant program, which is to occur upon the exhaustion of the $2,000,000 appropriated from the General Fund or by the end of 2026. | 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 |
| A2198 | Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities. | This bill would amend the State's substance abuse treatment laws in relation to the regulation of sober living homes and halfway houses. In particular, the bill would expressly clarify that the existing statutory authority of the Department of Human Services (DHS) to license and regulate residential substance abuse facilities, pursuant to the provisions of P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.) which concerns alcohol and P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.) which concerns narcotic drugs, includes the authority to license and regulate residential substance abuse aftercare facilities such as transitional sober living homes and halfway houses. The bill also provides for criminal history record background checks of a person employed or seeking employment as an administrator of these residential substance abuse facilities, or as a representative payee who receives government benefits on behalf of an individual residing in a facility. The background checks are also to be conducted on a person who is the owner of the physical plant on which a facility is located. A person would be disqualified from securing or maintaining a license pursuant to P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.) or certificate of approval pursuant to P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.), if the criminal history record background check of the person who is the owner of the physical plant of the facility or a person employed as an administrator or representative payee at the facility reveals a record of conviction of the crimes or offenses enumerated in the bill. If a person refuses to consent to, or cooperate in, securing a criminal history record background check, DHS is to suspend, deny, revoke, or refuse to renew the license or certificate of approval of the facility. The criminal history record background checks are to be processed by the Division of State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the person who undergoes the background check is to assume the cost of the background check. The bill also provides that the facilities are not to remove a resident from a facility until at least one week following the date of delivery by the facility to the resident of a written notice advising that the resident is to be removed. However, this provision would not apply if the resident poses an immediate and serious threat to other residents or the facility. DHS is also required to conduct inspections every two weeks if there is an investigation for a violation of the laws and regulations governing these facilities or under any other authority. Additionally, the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS is to oversee the development and maintenance of a registry to collect and track information about the number of openings available for persons seeking residency in these facilities. The facilities are required to submit to the registry, no less than once a day, information as to the number of openings that are available on that day. The registry would contain, by county, the following information: the name, address and telephone number of the facility; the type of services provided; the maximum occupancy; and the number of openings available. The registry would: be prominently displayed on the DHS website; provide for a search by county or name; be made available to the public, upon request, through the addictions telephone hotline and the Statewide 2-1-1 telephone system; and also be made available using any other means that the Commissioner of Human Services deems appropriate. Lastly, the bill would update the language used in this area of law, in order to ensure grammatical correctness, maintain consistency with current rules of statutory drafting, and correctly reference the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in DHS, which is the agency and division currently responsible for the regulation of substance abuse treatment facilities. | In Committee |
| A3977 | Concerns State regulation of boarding houses, including cooperative sober living residences. | The bill amends the "Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979" to strengthen the State's regulation of cooperative sober living residences, as defined in the bill. Specifically, the bill increases the maximum civil penalty for certain licensing violations for a rooming or boarding house, including cooperative sober living residences. The bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to maintain a list of licensed cooperative sober living residences on its Internet website including the location and contact information for each licensed cooperative sober living residence. The bill also establishes reporting requirements for incidents affecting the safety or welfare of cooperative sober living residence residents or staff, which includes an immediate notification to DCA and a written report of the incident within five working days of the incident. Incidents for which the bill's reporting requirements would apply include: (1) fire, flood, disaster, accident, or other unanticipated event that results in the serious injury or death of a resident or staff member, or the evacuation of residents from the cooperative sober living residence, or closure of the cooperative sober living residence for six or more hours; (2) serious injury or death of a resident of the cooperative sober living residence, including overdose; (3) outbreak of a communicable disease or other condition that adversely affects multiple residents or staff; (4) alleged or suspected crimes that endanger the life or safety of residents or staff, or which jeopardize the operations or fiscal stability of the cooperative sober living residence; (5) disciplinary actions concerning staff, including termination, resulting from inappropriate staff interaction with residents; and (6) criminal convictions or disciplinary sanctions imposed on staff or board members or representatives of the governing authority by licensing or credentialing boards since the prior application for licensure. | In Committee |
| AJR177 | Urges Congress and President to enact "Do Not Disturb Act." | This joint resolution urges Congress to pass, and for the President to sign, the "Do Not Disturb Act." American citizens receive over 2 billion spam and scam calls per month. This inundation of spam and scam calls led to over 195 million hours of wasted time answering these calls in 2023. These spam and scam calls are dangerous and abusive fraud tactics that affect every American citizen with a phone, particularly senior citizens. The United States Supreme Court's decision in Facebook, Inc. v. Duguid, 141 S. Ct. 1163 (2021) held that the definition of "automatic telephone dialing system" as defined in the Telephone consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA) only includes devices that have the capacity to either store a telephone number using a random or sequential generator or to produce a telephone number using a random or sequential generator, which definition excludes a bulk of robocalls taking place today. Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. introduced a bill package known collectively as the "Do Not Disturb Act," to protect consumers from the bombardment of dangerous and unwanted calls and texts by expanding anti-robocall protections, combatting the use of artificial intelligence for scams, and alleviating the cost of robocall blocking technology for consumers. | In Committee |
| A4353 | Permits individual holding a nursing multistate license to be eligible for school nurse certification. | This bill permits registered nurses holding a nursing multistate license to be eligible for an educational services certificate with a school nurse endorsement, a school nurse/non-instructional endorsement, and a substitute school nurse/non-instructional credential. P.L.2019, c.172 (C.45:11A-9 et seq.) entered the State into the enhanced multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (eNCL). The eNLC provides for a mutual recognition model of nurse licensure in which a nurse needs to obtain one license from the nurse's state of residence in order to be permitted to practice nursing in any other state that is a party to the compact, as long as the nurse complies with the state practice laws of the state in which the patient is located at the time that care is rendered. This bill amends current law to permit a nurse holding a multistate license through the eNCL to be eligible for an educational services certificate with a school nurse endorsement, a school nurse/non-instructional endorsement, and a substitute school nurse/non-instructional credential. | In Committee |
| A4354 | Concerns venue for juveniles charged with certain acts of delinquency. | This bill concerns venue for juveniles who are charged with certain acts of delinquency. Under current New Jersey Court Rules, juvenile delinquency complaints are filed in the county where the incident giving rise to the complaint allegedly occurred. However, when the juvenile charged is domiciled in a county other than the county of the alleged occurrence, venue is to be laid in the county of the juvenile's domicile unless the court finds good cause for venue to be retained in the county where the incident occurred. Venue is the county in which an action or prosecution is brought for trial. Under the provisions of this bill, when a juvenile is charged with a delinquent act which if committed by an adult would constitute theft of a motor vehicle, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, carjacking, or burglary with the intent to commit theft of a motor vehicle and the juvenile has previously been adjudicated delinquent for one of the offenses set forth above, there is a presumption that venue is laid in the county where the complaint was filed. | In Committee |
| A4329 | Requires court to consider certain factors in appointing guardian and to justify guardianship appointment on record. | This bill establishes factors a court is required to consider when making a guardianship determination for an individual. This bill would apply to general and temporary guardianship, guardianship for the person, guardianship for the estate, or both. Under the bill, the court is required to consider, but is not limited to, the following factors: 1) the safety and the well-being of the individual; 2) the ability of the potential guardian to care for the individual; 3) any pre-established relationship between the potential guardian and the individual; 4) any affidavits or certifications provided by physicians evidencing the individual's incapacity; 5) any report provided to the court by a court-appointed counsel for the alleged incapacitated individual in an incapacity hearing; and 6) any issue relevant to the care of the alleged incapacitated individual or the management of the individual's estate. The bill requires any determination for guardianship to be based on clear and convincing evidence. Finally, the court is required to specifically place on the record the factors and evidence which justify the appointment of a guardian for an individual. | In Committee |
| A4352 | Exempts bars in municipally designated redevelopment areas from provisions of "Noise Control Act of 1971" under certain conditions. | This bill would exempt bars operating from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in a redevelopment area designated by a municipality from the provisions of the "Noise Control Act of 1971," P.L.1971, c.418 (C.13:1G-1 et seq.). As used in the bill, "redevelopment area" means an area determined to be in need of redevelopment pursuant to sections 5 and 6 of P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-5 and 40A:12A-6) or determined to be a "blighted area" pursuant to P.L.1949, c.187 (C.40:55-21.1 et seq.) prior to that law's repeal in 1992, as made pursuant to the authority of Article VIII, Section III, paragraph 1 of the Constitution. The Department of Environmental Protection has adopted rules and regulations, pursuant to the "Noise Control Act of 1971," which establish sound level standards of 50 decibels during nighttime (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.) and 65 decibels during daytime for commercial and industrial stationary sources. | 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 |
| A4136 | Provides additional State school aid to certain school districts; makes an appropriation. | This bill provides that certain school districts that are subject to a reduction in State school aid under P.L.2018, c.67 (commonly referred to as "S2") for the 2024-2025 school year will receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid. A district would receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid if the district's reduction in State school aid for the 2024-2025 school year under S2 is greater than one percent of the district's total operating budget in the 2023-2024 school year. The aid provided under the bill would ensure that no district receives a reduction in aid from the 2023-2024 school year that is greater than one percent of the district's total operating budget in the 2023-2024 school year. To receive the aid provided under the bill, a school district is required to submit to the Commissioner of Education, in a manner and form to be prescribed by the commissioner, a written plan explaining how the district intends to fund operations in future school years in which the district does not receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid or similar supplemental State school aid. A county vocational school district that receives vocational expansion stabilization aid in the 2024-2025 school year is not eligible to receive Supplemental Stabilization Aid under the bill. The bill appropriates such amounts as are required from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Department of Education. | In Committee |
| A2296 | Permits municipality to authorize municipal clerk to submit certain written statements concerning affordable housing. | An Act concerning affordable housing administration, including municipal approval of certain affordable housing projects, supplementing and amending P.L.1985, c.222, and amending P.L.1983, c.530. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| ACR127 | Declares Division of State Lottery's new rule concerning online lottery sales inconsistent with legislative intent. | This concurrent resolution embodies the finding of the Legislature that the final rule adopted by the Division of State Lottery on August 17, 2023 at N.J.A.C. 17:20-1.5, permitting the direct internet sale of lottery tickets by the Division of State Lottery, is not consistent with the legislative intent of the "State Lottery Act". The Division of State Lottery shall have 30 days from the date of transmittal of this resolution to amend or withdraw the rule or the Legislature may, by passage of another concurrent resolution, exercise its authority under the Constitution to invalidate the rule in whole or in part. | In Committee |
| A3907 | Requires MVC to allow customers to schedule appointments on MVC's website; extends expiration date of certain documents under certain circumstances. | This bill requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to allow a customer to reserve an appointment for service at a specific commission agency location on the commission's website. If a customer schedules an appointment through the commission's website to renew a document that is set to expire and the first available appointment at the selected commission agency location is for a date and time after the document is set to expire, the document is not to expire until the date and time of the appointment scheduled by the customer for that service at the selected commission agency location. The commission is required to issue to the customer documentation that extends the expiration date of the document to the date and time of the scheduled appointment. | In Committee |
| A3768 | Requires provision of water safety instruction as part of New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | This bill requires each school district to incorporate instruction on water safety into the health education curriculum for students in grades K through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The instruction is to provide information on: the nature and danger of rip tides; the importance of learning about water conditions and beach safety practices, particularly for student populations that do not reside near beach communities; hand signs that may be used to indicate swimmer distress; and the sightline limitations of lifeguards and others monitoring swimmers from the beach. | In Committee |
| A3767 | Establishes four-year pilot program, and creates Triploid Grass Carp Commission, to study use of triploid grass carp in freshwater lakes for weed control; appropriates $150,000. | This bill would establish a four-year pilot program and create a Triploid Grass Carp Commission (commission) in the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study use of triploid grass carp in freshwater lakes for weed control. The purpose of the four-year pilot program is to evaluate the use of triploid grass carp as an alternative to the use of herbicide in freshwater lakes, while ensuring the protection of native plants and aquatic ecosystems. The pilot program would provide matching grants to three qualified lake management organizations for the purchase of triploid grass carp and the construction of the containment barriers necessary to introduce the carp into a freshwater lake. To be eligible for a grant pursuant to this program, a lake is required to be between 10 and 25 acres in size. The bill requires the DEP to develop criteria for the evaluation of applications. The commission would be charged with: (1) considering the efficacy of using triploid grass carp as an alternative to herbicides for aquatic weed control in freshwater lakes; (2) evaluating whether triploid grass carp may be safely used in the State without negatively impacting native fisheries or aquatic ecosystems; (3) evaluating current laws, rules, and regulations in effect in other states concerning the use of triploid grass carp and the effectiveness of the use of triploid grass carp in other states and the protection of native fisheries and aquatic ecosystems; and (4) at least annually, evaluating the pilot program established pursuant to the bill. In addition, the commission would be required to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature at the conclusion of the four-year pilot program. The commission would be comprised of seven members appointed by the Governor, as follows: a representative of the DEP's Bureau of Freshwater and Biological Monitoring; a representative of the New Jersey Audubon Society; a representative of Rutgers, the State University, with expertise in freshwater fisheries and aquatic ecosystems; a representative of Rowan University, with expertise in freshwater fisheries and aquatic ecosystems; and a representative of each lake management organization selected to receive a grant pursuant to section 1 of the bill. The commission would expire 30 days after submission of its final report. The bill would appropriate $150,000, from the General Fund, for the purposes of providing the matching grants to be issued by the pilot program established by the bill. Grass carp are an aquatic plant-eating species of carp native to eastern Asia, and the "triploid" is a genetically altered form thereof which is unable to successfully spawn. Stocking triploid grass carp in certain bodies of water can substantially aid in managing vegetative growth and improve the overall health of the waterbody. | In Committee |
| A3780 | Expands purpose of Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by eligible individuals in accessing support group meetings. | This bill expands the purpose of the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund to support transportation costs incurred by an eligible individual in accessing support group meetings. Under the bill, support group meetings mean any gathering of individuals with traumatic brain injuries who congregate in order to obtain information and perspective, relative to their injuries, and to improve their general well-being. Pursuant to N.J.A.C.10:141-1.11, the Traumatic Brain Injury Fund currently provides payment to an eligible individual for transportation services related to accessing medical appointments, treatment facilities, or vocational programs. The Traumatic Brain Injury Fund purchases supports and services for eligible New Jersey residents of any age, who have survived a traumatic brain injury, to foster independence and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources, or public programs are unavailable to meet those needs. A portion of the fund also is used to support public education, outreach, and prevention activities related to traumatic brain injuries. A $0.50 surcharge on motor vehicle registration fees generates revenue for the fund. | 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 |
| A3685 | Establishes pilot program in Office of Planning Advocacy to reimburse municipalities for certain expenditures concerning warehouse development; appropriates $1 million. | This bill establishes a pilot program in the Office of Planning Advocacy (office) for the purpose of reimbursing a municipality for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in reexamining and updating municipal zoning ordinances, and conducting certain mitigation studies, concerning warehouse development. The bill defines "warehouse" to mean any site, building, room, structure, or facility used primarily for the storage of goods intended for sale or distribution. The pilot program is to offer grant funding to reimburse a municipality for: 1) a reexamination of the municipality's master plan and adoption a warehouse-specific zoning ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill; or 2) a mitigation study on the potential effects of pending warehouse development site plan applications and, regardless of the results of the mitigation study, adoption of a warehouse-specific zoning ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill. The bill provides that a municipality may submit to the office an application, in a form and manner to be determined by the office, for a funding reimbursement grant for expenses incurred consistent with the provisions of the bill. The application is to require a municipality to demonstrate that the municipality has enacted an ordinance consistent with the office's guidance on warehouse development and compatible with a model ordinance developed pursuant to the bill as a condition of receiving a reimbursement grant. The office is to develop criteria to prioritize reimbursement grant applications from municipalities that are in most need of financial assistance. The bill provides that the office is to promulgate one or more model zoning ordinances detailing different regulatory options for the siting of warehouses that may impose a negative impact on land use, traffic volume, infrastructure, storm water runoff, public health, or any other impact category determined by the office, and direct development towards areas ideally suited to handle warehousing impacts. The bill further provides that the office, upon the exhaustion of funds allocated to the pilot program, is to submit a report to the Governor and to the Legislature evaluating the effectiveness of the pilot program, detailing the expenditure of the appropriated funds, and making any recommendations on the feasibility of implementing the pilot program on a permanent basis. The bill appropriates from the General Fund the sum of $1,000,000 to the Office of Planning Advocacy for the purposes of the pilot program. The pilot program is to expire upon the submission of the report required by the bill. | In Committee |
| A3588 | Provides for certain pediatric NJ FamilyCare beneficiaries to maintain private duty nursing hours when transitioning to Managed Long Term Services and Supports; codifies and expands appeals provisions for private duty nursing services. | This bill provides that a NJ FamilyCare beneficiary transitioning from the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) program for children under age 21 to the Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) program for people of all ages with long-term care needs will automatically receive coverage under the MLTSS program for no less than the number of weekly private duty nursing service hours that the beneficiary was eligible to receive pursuant to the most recent nursing assessment completed under the EPSDT program. Moreover, the bill requires that such beneficiaries will be allowed to carry forward unused private duty nursing service hours from week to week. A managed care organization may decrease the number of covered private duty nursing service hours for such a beneficiary only based on a change in medical necessity, as determined by an authorized provider. The MLTSS program currently limits the number of weekly private duty nursing hours to 16. By contrast, there is no cap on such services under the EPSDT program. Furthermore, the bill directs the Department of Human Services to review the records of all beneficiaries who have transitioned from the EPSDT program to the MLTSS program in the five years preceding the bill's enactment to determine if any beneficiaries may be eligible for coverage of an increased number of private duty nursing services hours pursuant to the provisions of the bill. The bill also codifies and expands certain provisions in the contract between the Medicaid managed care organizations and the State for all private duty nursing services appeals. Under the bill, a managed care organization is required to automatically continue a beneficiary's provider-authorized private duty nursing services benefits during an appeal of a change of previously authorized private duty nursing services, provided that the appeal request is made by an eligible entity within 30 calendar days of the date of notification of the adverse benefit determination. These provisions reflect existing contract elements, except that currently an appeal request must be made within 10 calendar days, rather than 30. The bill also requires managed care organizations to continue the beneficiary's private duty nursing services benefits while an appeal is pending until 30 days after either the beneficiary withdraws the appeal or the appeal results in a decision adverse to the beneficiary. Currently, the managed care organizations can discontinue benefits upon the date of either of these two events. | In Committee |
| AJR122 | Designates last weekend in October as "Honor Your Hometown Weekend." | This joint resolution designates the last weekend in October every year as "Honor Your Hometown Weekend" in New Jersey to recognize and appreciate the towns, cities, communities, and neighborhoods that have shaped the bonds between people, with the State, and with the nation. The resolution respectfully requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation and to call upon public officials and all citizens of the State to observe "Honor Your Hometown Weekend" with appropriate programs and activities. The resolution also respectfully requests the Governor to, until so designated, call upon Congress and the President of the United States to designate a national weekend of celebration to honor America's hometowns for the reasons set forth in this resolution. | In Committee |
| A3531 | Eliminates fee for re-issuance of motor vehicle title following loan payoff. | This bill prohibits the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission from charging a title fee to individuals who have paid off their car loans for the re-issuance of a title without a lienholder noted on it. | In Committee |
| A3491 | Requires certain animals used in testing to be offered for adoption; requires establishment of procedures for assessment and disposition of animals; establishes penalties for noncompliance. | This bill requires any cat, dog, or ferret used for product testing or research conducted or contracted by a company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility in the State to be offered to an animal rescue organization or private individual for adoption when the testing or research is concluded, if the animal is assessed to be suitable for adoption. Current law limits circumstances under which animal product testing or research may be conducted by manufacturers and contract testing facilities. Current law also requires, pursuant to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act," P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), that cats and dogs used for educational, research, or scientific purposes by an institution of higher education or a research institution that contracts with an institution of higher education for such use of cats and dogs, to be assessed for the suitability of adoption, and if suitable, to be offered for adoption. The bill expands the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to include testing or research using ferrets and to provide for adoption of ferrets used in that way. The bill directs the Office of Veterinary Public Health (OVPH) in the Department of Health (DOH) to establish procedures for documenting the assessment and disposition of any cat, dog, or ferret used by a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or a research institution for such purposes. The bill authorizes the OVPH to monitor compliance with the procedures and enforce the provisions of section 1 of the bill and section 1 of P.L.2019, c.414 (C.18A:3B-85), concerning the assessment of the suitability of animals for adoption and the requirements to offer suitable animals for adoption. The bill further requires that each company, corporation, manufacturer, or contract testing facility that is subject to the bill, and each institution of higher education and research institution that is subject to the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act" to register with the OVPH when undertaking animal testing with cats, dogs, or ferrets, and to report to the OVPH: 1) the type and number of animals being used; 2) the date on which the testing or research is completed or upon which the animal is no longer being used in the testing or research; 3) an assessment of the condition of any animal no longer being used in the testing or research and its suitability for adoption; 4) the disposition of the animal, including the name and contact information of the animal rescue organization with which, or the animal rescue organization facility in which, the animal is placed; and 5) if an animal assessed as suitable for adoption is not adopted, documentation of the good faith effort to place the animal with an animal rescue organization or in an animal rescue organization facility, and any effort to offer the animal for private adoption. The bill provides that private individuals who have adopted animals would not have to be identified but requires documentation of which animals were adopted by private individuals. The bill establishes civil penalties for noncompliance with the bill's provisions and requirements, and the provisions of the "Homes for Animal Heroes Act." The bill provides for a civil penalty of $10,000 for a first offense, and $50,000 for a second offense, to be collected in a summary proceeding brought by the DOH pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). Upon finding of a third offense, the DOH is required to institute an action for an injunction to prohibit the company, corporation, manufacturer, contract testing facility, institution of higher education, or research institution from conducting animal testing. The bill provides that the Superior Court would have jurisdiction for enforcing the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999" and for imposing an injunction for a third violation. Finally, the bill requires the DOH to maintain a registry of animal rescue organizations and animal rescue organization facilities, directs the DOH to establish a database of those animal rescue organizations and facilities that accept animals that have been used in testing or research, and requires a company, corporation, manufacturer, contract facility, institution of higher education, or research institution, as applicable, to contact an animal rescue organization or animal rescue organization facility listed in the database whenever a cat, dog, or ferret used in testing or research is determined to be suitable for adoption. | In Committee |
| A3373 | Establishes lifeguard recruitment campaign; appropriates $1 million. | This bill establishes a lifeguard recruitment campaign in the Department of Health and appropriates $1 million. Under the bill, the Department of Health is to develop a public campaign to encourage lifeguard recruitment. The purpose of the public campaign is to increase the number of lifeguards in this State in order to reduce the number of drowning deaths. The public campaign is to, at a minimum: (1) utilize social media platforms, indoor and outdoor signs on public transportation platforms and vehicles and other state property, radio and television commercials, and other electronic and print media to encourage individuals to become lifeguards; and (2) develop an informational pamphlet containing information on the requirements to become a lifeguard, recommended preparation and training for becoming a lifeguard, and the benefits of working as a lifeguard, which informational pamphlet is to be distributed to beach areas, entertainment and sports facilities, health clubs, movie theaters, places of worship, schools, and other facilities and locations which are likely to attract potential lifeguard recruits. The bill appropriates $1,000,000 to the Department of Health to implement the bill's provisions. | In Committee |
| AJR109 | Establishes "Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force" to study and make recommendations concerning ways to improve transportation services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. | This joint resolution establishes the "Persons with Disabilities and Senior Citizen Transportation Services Task Force" to study and make recommendations concerning ways to improve transportation services for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Specifically, the task force is required to consider the following issues and services: 1) transportation obstacles for persons with disabilities and senior citizens and solutions for mitigating those obstacles; 2) ways to improve infrastructure and technology and to coordinate and connect transportation systems to create seamless mobility; 3) ways to improve independent travel training; 4) ways to improve real-time transit technology in order to inform passengers of delays or cancellations; and 5) ways in which automated and connected vehicle technology can improve transportation accessibility for persons with disabilities and senior citizens. The task force is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including legislative proposals, to the Governor and the Legislature within 18 months of its organizational meeting. The commission will expire upon submission of the report. | In Committee |
| A3351 | Requires DHS and DOH to submit federal waivers to cover menstrual products under NJ FamilyCare, SNAP, WIC and establishes State funded benefit if federal waiver is denied; appropriates $2 million for State benefit. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Human Services and the Commissioner of Health to submit an application for a waiver or a state plan amendment to provide menstrual hygiene products among the covered benefits available for eligible recipients through the NJ FamilyCare program, the New Jersey Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). The bill stipulates that, if the federal government denies the State's waiver application or state plan amendment, the Commissioner of Human Services, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, is to establish a program to provide menstrual hygiene products to eligible beneficiaries, in a quantity and through a process determined to be equitable. Under the program, the Commissioner of Human Services would establish a process through which an eligible beneficiary would certify the number of menstruators in the beneficiary's household who are minors and who qualify for the menstrual hygiene products benefit. The bill additionally requires the Commissioner of Human Services to consult and coordinate with the Commissioner of Health on the establishment of an educational and public awareness campaign to inform the public about the provisions of bill and to ensure that eligible recipients of the public assistance programs covered under the bill are aware of the new benefits made available to them, and to post the information provided through the campaign on each of the departments' Internet sites. The bill appropriates $2 million to the Department of Health for the menstrual hygiene products benefit. The provisions of the bill will take effect upon any federal determination regarding the waiver application or state plan amendment submitted by the State, and the acceptance of any federal approval by the Departments of Human Services and Health; however, the departments are authorized to take any anticipatory action in advance of the federal determination as may be necessary to implement the requirements under the bill. As defined in the bill, "menstrual hygiene products" means tampons, panty liners, menstrual cups, sanitary napkins, and other similar products designed for a person's hygiene in connection with the human menstrual cycle. | In Committee |
| A1872 | Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure. | This bill revises certain reporting requirements for nursing homes. Specifically, the bill requires nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home and third party entities exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, to provide an organizational chart identifying parent corporations, wholly-owned subsidiaries, related parties, and unrelated parties that provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home that are paid $200,000 or more by the nursing home. In the case of an applicant for a transfer of ownership of a nursing home, these disclosures will be based on expectations with regard to services, facilities, supplies, and payments. The bill defines "related party" to mean any organization, either directly or through contracts with a third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, providing or expected to provide a service, facility, or supplies to the nursing home or that otherwise, either directly or through contracts with a third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, does, or is expected to do, business with the nursing home: 1) in which organization an owner or principal of the nursing home, an applicant for transfer of ownership, or a third party managing entity, has an ownership or control interest of five percent or more; 2) which is an organization in which an immediate family member of the owner, principal, applicant, or third party managing entity is an owner or principal; or 3) which is an organization that is under common ownership or control with the owner, applicant, or third party entity. The bill additionally revises the financial disclosures required for nursing home owners and operators, as well as applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities to which substantial management control over the nursing home would be delegated, to require the submission of a consolidated financial statement that: 1) is reviewed or audited by a certified public accountant in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; and 2) includes: a balance sheet detailing the assets, liabilities, and net worth that the end of the reporting entity's fiscal year; a statement of income, expenses, and operating surplus or deficit for the annual fiscal period, and a statement of ancillary utilization and patient census; a statement detailing patient revenue by payer, including, but not limited to, Medicare, NJ FamilyCare, and other payers, and revenue center; a statement of cash flows, including, but not limited to, ongoing and new capital expenditures and depreciation; and a combined financial statement that includes all entities reported in the consolidated financial report. For nursing homes that are part of a chain or group of nursing homes owned by the same parent or holding company, the parent or holding company will be permitted to submit a single consolidated financial statement for all nursing homes in New Jersey that are owned, operated, or controlled by the parent or holding company. For applicants for a transfer of ownership and entities seeking to delegate management of a nursing home, this information will be included with certain materials that current law requires be provided to the Department of Health (DOH); in the case of a transfer of ownership application, the information will be made available on the DOH's Internet website, with certain personal identifying and proprietary material excised. For current nursing home owners and operators, the following materials are to be annually posted on the nursing home's internet website, submitted to the DOH, and linked through the DOH's website: 1) the nursing home's ownership information; 2) the financial information for the nursing home, for certain parties providing services to the nursing home, and for a third party exercising substantial management control over the nursing home; and 3) the organizational chart for the nursing home and for any third party exercising substantial management control over a nursing home. Current law provides that the financial disclosures required for a transfer of ownership application vary, depending on whether the transfer involves a controlling interest in the nursing home and whether the prospective new owner has previously owned, operated, or managed a nursing home in New Jersey. The bill revises these requirements to require audited consolidated financial statements for all prospective new owners and operators who will be acquiring an interest of five percent or more in the nursing home. The bill removes an existing requirement for nursing homes to post the cost reports submitted to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on their Internet websites. Current law allows nonprofit nursing homes to submit their Internal Revenue Service Form 990 in lieu of an owner-certified financial statement. The bill removes this language, thereby requiring nonprofit nursing homes to submit the same audited consolidated financial statements as are required of for profit nursing homes under the bill. Current law requires nursing homes to annually disclose certain ownership interests of 10 percent or more in the nursing home's mortgage, note, deed of trust, or other obligation appearing on the nursing home's books. The bill makes these disclosures applicable to ownership interests of five percent or more. The bill additionally requires nursing homes to annually provide to the DOH: 1) a disclosure of any person who owns or operates a sister company, holding company, or parent company, or who is a member of the board of trustees or the board of directors of the nursing home; 2) a disclosure of any person who has an ownership interest in a private equity pool that funds the nursing home; 3) information identifying 100 percent of the current owners of any third party entity exercising substantial management control over the nursing home, including all principals and interested parties and including 100 percent of the owners, principals, and interested parties in a third party entity identified as a principal or interested party; and 4) a copy of any lease agreements for the nursing home's use of land, buildings, facilities, or other real property. Current law establishes certain monetary penalties for nursing homes that fail to make the required disclosures. The bill grants the DOH the authority to additionally curtail new admissions at a nursing home that fails to make the required disclosures or that files false disclosures. The bill grants the Commissioner of Human Services the discretion to accept a consolidated financial statement that meets the requirements of the bill as satisfying the requirement that nursing homes report revenues and expenditures for the purposes of establishing and enforcing a direct care loss ratio, as required under current law. | In Committee |
| A1253 | Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000. | This bill would prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from planting non-native plant species as part of the landscaping of a State park or forest. The bill would also direct the DEP to establish a grant program to provide funds to local governments that seek to plant native plants at local parks and forests. As used in the bill, "native plant" means a plant species that occurs naturally in New Jersey or the greater Mid-Atlantic region, either because it evolved here or because it established itself here without human assistance. The injunction on the use of non-native plants would take effect three months after the bill's enactment, in order to allow the DEP to utilize any remaining nursery stock it has acquired or contracted for. Each grant awarded under the grant program would be for a maximum of $5,000, although a local government could apply for more than one grant per year. Under the bill, the DEP would determine the eligibility conditions, priority ranking of projects, and application procedures for the program. The bill would require the DEP to report to Governor and the Legislature on the progress of the program in achieving its goals, and would require the DEP Commissioner to request sufficient funds in the DEP's annual budget request to execute the program. | In Committee |
| A2001 | Prohibits sale of crayon and chalk products containing lead. | This bill would prohibit the sale, distribution, or manufacture of a chalk product or crayon product that is intended for use by a child under the age of six and is made with or contains lead. The Director of Consumer Affairs or a manufacturer or distributor of a chalk product or crayon product intended for use by a child under the age of six who discovers that the product is made with, or contains lead, would be required to issue an immediate recall for that product. Within 48 hours of receiving notice of the recall, the retailer of the chalk product or crayon product would be required to remove the product from display and make it unavailable for purchase. Within 14 business days, retailers of a recalled chalk product or crayon product would be required to return all inventory of the product to the manufacturer or distributor from which it was obtained, at the expense of the manufacturer or distributor. The manufacturer or distributor would then have 60 business days to destroy the recalled chalk product or crayon product in such a way that renders it useless, and to dispose of the remnants in a manner and location designed to remove them from access by the general public. The bill specifies the following penalties for violations: 1) the knowing sell, offer for sale, distribution, or manufacturing of a chalk product or crayon product, which is intended for use by a child under the age of six and is made with or contains lead, would constitute an unlawful practice under the State's consumer fraud act; 2) the failure to remove a recalled chalk product or crayon product from retail display and make it unavailable for purchase, or the failure to return the product to the manufacturer or distributor within the requisite timeframe, would each constitute an unlawful practice under the State's consumer fraud act; and 3) the failure of a manufacturer or distributor to issue an immediate recall or to destroy and dispose of a chalk product or crayon product returned as a result of a recall, as required, would constitute a crime of the fourth degree in the case of a first offense, a crime of the third degree in the case of a second offense, and a crime of the second degree in the case of a third or subsequent offense. An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine of $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by three to five years imprisonment, a fine of $15,000, or both, and a crime of the second degree is punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, a fine of $150,000, or both. | 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 |
| A1582 | Requires public school students with concussion to be evaluated by licensed health care professionals before return to school; requires school districts to provide restrictions or limitations to student as needed. | This bill provides that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion must receive an evaluation by a licensed health care professional and written clearance from the licensed health care professional to return to school. In the event that the licensed health care professional provides notice that the student requires restrictions or limitations, the school district 504 team, as defined in N.J.A.C.6A:8-1.3, (a group of persons that makes program and placement decisions according to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794, and 34 CFR § 104.35(c)), must immediately implement the restrictions or limitations and notify all teachers and staff who have contact with the student of the restrictions or limitations. The school district's 504 team would promptly identify the manner in which the restrictions or limitations would be provided to the student during recovery and the need for the continuation or adjustment of the restrictions or limitations, and to determine the duration of the restrictions or limitations. The bill also provides that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion is prohibited from engaging in any physical activity at school including, but not limited to, recess or physical education. The student may not participate in any physical activity until evaluated by a licensed health care professional and receives written clearance to participate. As defined in the bill, "licensed health care professional" means a health care provider whose scope of practice includes the ability to diagnose and treat a concussion. | In Committee |
| A2401 | Concerns removal of abandoned vessels; appropriates $25 million. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Abandoned and Derelict Boat Removal working group, a fund to reimburse municipalities for the cost of removing abandoned vessels, and appropriates $25,000,000. The working group will be allocated within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The working group will be comprised of 21 members and include ex officio members from the federal, State, and local government as follows: the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard or a designee; the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or a designee; the Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police or a designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Department of Transportation Office of Maritime Resources or a designee; the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Bureau of Coastal and Land Use Enforcement or a designee; the President of the New Jersey Association of Counties or a designee; the President of the New Jersey League of Municipalities or a designee; a member of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey; a member of the commercial fishing industry from the State; and a member of the recreational fishing industry from the State. The working group will also include 11 public members, to be appointed as follows: four public members are to be appointed by the President of the Senate; four public members are to be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly; and three public members are to be appointed by the Governor. The bill requires the Governor to designate a chairperson and any co-chairpersons deemed necessary by the Governor. The working group's responsibility under this bill is to assist local communities in identifying and safely removing abandoned and derelict boats within the State. Within one year of the working group's initial organizational meeting, the working group is required to issue an interim report of its work and provide a copy to the Governor, and the members of the Senate and General Assembly. Thereafter, annual reports shall be issued by February 1st of each succeeding year for the activities of the preceding calendar year. This bill requires that staff support for the working group be provided by the Department of Law and Public Safety. In addition, the bill establishes a fund to reimburse municipalities for the cost of removing abandoned vessels and appropriates $25,000,000 for this purpose. Under current law, municipalities are authorized to remove abandoned vessels under certain circumstances. This bill requires the State Treasurer to establish a program to provide reimbursement to municipalities for the cost of removing the abandoned vessels. Under the bill, a municipality may submit an application for reimbursement in a form and manner determined by the State Treasurer. This bill establishes in the Department of the Treasury a separate, nonlapsing fund to be known as the "Abandoned Vessels Fund." The fund is to be administered by the department and dedicated to providing reimbursement to municipalities for the cost of removing abandoned vessels pursuant to the program established by the bill. The bill provides that the funds contained in the "Abandoned Vessels Fund" are not to be diverted for another purpose, unless the Legislature approves the diversion by a two-thirds majority. The bill also appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of the Treasury $25,000,000 for the provision of that amount to the "Abandoned Vessels Fund" for the purposes set forth in the bill. Under current law, it is unlawful for an owner to abandon a vessel on public land or water or private property without the consent of the owner, except when an emergency exists. An owner who violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000. Each day upon which the violation continues is to constitute a separate offense. In addition, under current law, a municipality may adopt an ordinance, or a harbor commission may adopt a resolution, requiring every owner or operator of a vessel that moors or docks in a municipal waterway or grounds on land under the control of the municipality or harbor commission to register with the appropriate official. An owner or operator who violates the provisions of the ordinance or resolution is subject to a civil penalty between $100 and $1,250. Each day upon which the violation continues constitutes a separate offense. Current law provides that these civil penalties are to paid into the treasury of the municipality in which the violation occurred for the general uses of the municipality. Under this bill, these civil penalties are to be paid to the State Treasurer and deposited into the "Abandoned Vessels Fund" established by the bill. Finally, the bill provides that in order to be eligible for reimbursement under the program established by the bill, a municipality is required to adopt an ordinance requiring an owner or operator of a vessel that moors or docks in a municipal waterway or grounds on land under the control of the municipality or harbor commission to register with the appropriate official. | In Committee |
| A1581 | Provides gross income tax credit for certain expenses paid or incurred for care and support of qualifying senior family member; designated as Caregiver's Assistance Act. | This bill, designated as the Caregiver's Assistance Act, provides a gross income tax credit to qualified caregivers, including resident taxpayers and resident individuals, who pay or incur qualified care expenses for the care and support of a qualifying senior family member. The bill provides that to be allowed a credit qualified caregivers who pay or incur qualified care expenses must have gross income that does not exceed an annual income limitation. The bill specifies that qualified caregivers must have gross income that does not exceed $100,000, or does not exceed $50,000 if married or a civil union partner filing separately or if unmarried, not a partner in a civil union, and not filing or eligible to file as head of household or as a surviving spouse for federal income tax purposes, to be allowed the credit. The bill provides that the amount of the credit is equal to 22.5 percent of the qualified care expenses paid or incurred by the qualified caregiver during the taxable year for the care and support of a qualifying senior family member that are not in excess of $3,000. The bill provides that if multiple qualified caregivers are allowed a credit for qualified care expenses of the same qualifying senior family member, the credit allowed will be allocated in equal amounts unless a different allocation is established by agreement. The bill provides that the credit is in addition to the benefit of the dependent deduction that may be received by the qualified caregiver for claiming the qualifying senior family member as a dependent on the caregiver's gross income tax return. The bill provides that the credit is refundable: the amount of any credit that reduces the qualified caregiver's tax liability to an amount less than zero is required to be refunded to the caregiver as an overpayment of tax. The bill provides that a qualified caregiver is eligible to receive the benefits of the credit, even if the caregiver has gross income below the statutory minimum subject to tax. The bill defines a qualifying senior family member as an individual who: (1) is 60 years of age or older and a relative of the qualified caregiver, or is 50 years of age or older, is a relative of the qualified caregiver, and qualifies for Social Security Disability Insurance, and (2) has gross income for the taxable year not in excess of the New Jersey Elder Index, as reported by the Department of Human Services pursuant to P.L.2015, c.53 (C.44:15-1 et seq.) for the most recent calendar year. The bill generally defines qualified care expenses as the expenses paid or incurred during the taxable year for the purchase, lease, or rental of tangible personal property and services that are necessary to allow the qualifying senior family member to be maintained within or at the qualified caregiver's or the qualifying senior family member's permanent place of abode in this State. | In Committee |
| A112 | Exempts certain motor vehicles that are owned by certain nutrition programs and certain nonprofit organizations that offer social services from motor vehicle registration fees. | This bill provides an exemption from motor vehicle registration fees for motor vehicles not used for pleasure or for hire that are owned by a local nutrition program for seniors that is a Meals on Wheels America member and those that are owned by certain nonprofit organizations that offer social services to New Jersey residents. | 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 |
| AJR28 | Designates third full week in May as "Roxie's Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children." | This joint resolution designates the third full week in May of each year as "Roxie's Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children" to promote public awareness of strategies and best practices for the prevention of drowning among children. The resolution requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the week and calling on public officials and the residents of New Jersey to observe the week with appropriate programs and activities. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death among children in this country, especially those under age five. Thousands of people in the United States, many of them being children, die each year from drowning under circumstances that are preventable. Additionally, nonfatal drownings can cause a number of long-term, significant cognitive and motor skill impairments. It is critical that public awareness is increased so that residents can take proactive measures to prevent children from drowning. By utilizing simple safety strategies to mitigate risk, such as ensuring pools are properly enclosed, providing close adult supervision whenever children are in the water, teaching children how to swim, and providing life jackets to children who cannot swim, unintentional drowning deaths among children can be prevented. | In Committee |
| AJR32 | Designates October as "Lead Poisoning Awareness Month." | This joint resolution would designate October of each year as "Lead Poisoning Awareness Month" in the State. | In Committee |
| A668 | Requires Commissioner of Education to develop educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education in consultation with water safety organizations such as the American Red Cross, the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance, or other similar organizations to develop an educational fact sheet on water safety for public and nonpublic schools. The commissioner would also be required to utilize any resources produced by water safety organizations in creating the fact sheet. The fact sheet would include information on: · how parents and guardians can reduce their child's risk of injury or drowning while in, on, and around bodies of water;· the important role water safety education courses and swimming lessons play in saving lives; and· locations in each county of the State where age-appropriate water safety courses and swimming lessons are offered, including courses and lessons that are offered for free or at reduced prices. A school district would distribute the fact sheet to parents and guardians who initially enroll their child in school in a manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Education. The Commissioner of Education would also be required to make the educational fact sheet available to nonpublic schools which would be encouraged, but not required, to distribute the fact sheet to parents and guardians who initially enroll their child in the school. | In Committee |
| A2807 | Requires mail-in ballot applications to include prepaid postage. | Under current law, a voter may complete and return to the county clerk by regular mail an application requesting to receive a mail-in ballot. This bill requires the mail-in ballot application form to include prepaid postage, to be paid by the State. | 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 |
| A892 | Expands liability of certain individuals associated with limited liability companies and other commercial entities, when acting as residential landlord. | This bill expands the liability of certain individuals associated with limited liability companies and other commercial entities in relation to residential properties that they lease. Specifically, the bill provides that, in addition to retaining the ability to hold a commercial entity itself liable for housing, building, and health code charges, and charges issued under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," ("HMDL") P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-1 et seq.), a court may hold certain members of a member-managed limited liability company, the managers of a manager-managed limited liability company, and the directors and officers of a corporation, jointly and severally liable for such charges, so long as:(1) there are at least three charges concerning the property leased by the entity for residential purposes;(2) at least three charges remain unpaid on the first day of the thirteenth month following the due date of the first charge;(3) notice of the charge and impending enforcement has been issued to the address of the record owner, the registered agent, the managing agent, the members in the case of a limited liability company, the directors and officers in the case of a corporation, and each holder of a recorded mortgage and other existing lienholders, if provided within the landlord's registration information. If the landlord is not registered, in violation of section 2 of P.L.1974, c.50 (C.46:8-28), then this notice requirement would not apply. The notice provided to an individual would be sufficient even if the commercial entity ceases to own the property, so long as the same individual has a role as a registered agent, managing agent, member, manager, director, or officer of the property's new owner;(4) the individual, if a member of a member-managed limited liability company, possesses at least a 10 percent interest in the business and(5) the defendant does not successfully assert an affirmative defense showing a lack of ability to ensure payment of the charge. Additionally, landlord registration requirements, under section 2 of P.L.1974, c.50 (C.46:8-28), currently require submission of the name and address of a registered agent who may accept service of process if the landlord is a corporation. This bill requires a landlord organized as any other legal or commercial entity, to also submit of the name and address of a registered agent, as well as the name and address of the members a member-managed limited liability company who possess at least a 10 percent interest in the business, and the officers and directors in the case of a corporation, when registering as a landlord. Upon filing this information, the bill requires the municipal clerk to notify the construction official of the name and address of the record owner, and registered agent as applicable. Finally, this bill allows municipalities to amend their housing, building, and health codes to direct that any charge issued to a landlord for violating the code may, after serving notice, be enforced as a lien on the property. However, enforcement as a lien would only be permitted if the charge remains unpaid on the first day of the thirteenth month following the due date of the charge. | In Committee |
| A1854 | Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding. | This bill supplements the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977" and requires a minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding, thereby reinstating New Jersey's only State appropriated, unrestricted fund for local health departments. From 1966 to 2010, under the "State Health Aid Act" and later amended as the "Public Health Priority Funding Act of 1977," the State provided local health departments with flexibility to address local needs, emerging threats, and other priorities via the appropriation of dedicated funds. The State eliminated Public Health Priority Funding in the FY 2011 Appropriations Act, undermining the ability of local health departments to operate as the front line service ensuring health of the public. For context, in FY 2010, Public Health Priority Funding amounted to approximately 15 percent of the total funding for local health departments. Currently, local health departments in New Jersey are funded via local property taxes and State and federal funding that is designated for specific purposes, such as vaccines or environmental health services. The re-establishment of dedicated, Public Health Priority Funding is critical to allowing local health departments to plan for operational expenses and support core local public health programs. | In Committee |
| A1213 | Makes supplemental appropriation of $15 million to DMVA for New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation for facilities expansion. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation of $15 million from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs for the New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation for the purpose of providing financial assistance to complete facilities expansion, consisting of an additional 11,850 square feet for the Vietnam Era Museum. The New Jersey Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Foundation commemorates New Jersey service members who served in Vietnam and their families through storytelling that enhances public understanding of the Vietnam War Era. The Foundation serves over 10,000 New Jersey students annually. The expansion would help the Foundation obtain critical accreditation and recognition from national bodies and public audiences, acquire State-of-the-art equipment to care for museum artifacts, and deliver a premier educational experience that would attract volunteers, tourists, and revenues to the museum and the State. | In Committee |
| A1801 | "Stephanie's Law"; Requires AOC to establish publicly-accessible domestic violence registry; requires law enforcement officer to search State's domestic violence registries when conducting arrest. | This bill establishes "Stephanie's Law," to require the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), in conjunction with the Attorney General, to develop and maintain a publicly-accessible domestic violence Internet registry, and require law enforcement officers to search the State's domestic violence registries upon arresting a person. This registry established under the bill is to be separate from the domestic violence central registry maintained by the AOC pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:25-34, which is not accessible to the public. Under the bill, the public is to be able to access the registry to obtain all available information concerning any person who has been convicted of a crime or offense involving domestic violence; has had a final domestic violence restraining order issued against them; or has committed contempt of a temporary or final domestic violence restraining order. The Internet registry is to contain the following information for any person to be included in the registry: (1) the person's name and any aliases the person has used or under which the person may be or may have been known; (2) a brief description of any crime or offense involving domestic violence for which the person was convicted; the date and location of each disposition; and a general description of the person's modus operandi, if applicable; (3) the person's age, race, gender, date of birth, height, weight, hair, eye color, and any distinguishing scars or tattoos; (4) a photograph of the person and the date on which the photograph was entered into the registry; (5) the make, model, color, year, and license plate number of any vehicle operated by the person; (6) and the person's last known address. A person whose name is erroneously included in the registry established under the bill may petition the AOC for removal of the person's name. The AOC is required to remove the person's name from the registry if the person has not had a final domestic violence restraining order entered against them, has not been found guilty of contempt of a temporary or final domestic violence restraining order, or has not been found guilty of a crime or offense involving domestic violence. Within five days of a change of address, a person whose name is included in the registry is required provide the AOC with the new address. On the website through which a person may search the registry established under the bill, the AOC is required to include information regarding: the manner in which a person may petition the AOC to remove their name; the circumstances under which the AOC would grant a petition to remove their name; and the manner in which a person may provide an updated address to the AOC. In addition, the provisions of the bill require a law enforcement officer to determine, upon an arrest, if there is a domestic violence restraining order entered against the person. This determination is to include a search of the central domestic violence registry maintained by the AOC established pursuant to N.J.S.A.2C:25-34, as well as the publicly-accessible central registry established under the bill. This bill, designated "Stephanie's Law," is named after a domestic violence victim, Stephanie Nicole Parze, who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend. The Stephanie Nicole Parze Foundation was created in her memory to provide support to victims of domestic violence. This bill, which is intended to provide additional protections for victims of domestic violence, is named in her honor. | In Committee |
| A300 | Authorizes hospital patient with developmental disabilities to have designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver accompany patient throughout hospital stay. | This bill would provide that, in addition to the other rights that are retained by a hospital patient under existing law, a hospital patient with a developmental disability has the right to be personally accompanied by a designated family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver throughout the duration of the patient's stay at the hospital, except when the patient is actively undergoing a surgical procedure and would be endangered by the presence of the designated person in the room where surgery is being performed. The bill would require a hospital, immediately upon the admission of an individual with a developmental disability thereto, to provide the patient or the patient's parent or legal guardian, as appropriate, with an opportunity to designate a family member, guardian, direct support professional, or other caregiver to accompany the patient throughout the patient's hospital stay. If the patient is unconscious or otherwise incapacitated at the time of admission to the hospital, the patient's parent or guardian, if any and as appropriate, is to be given the opportunity to make the designation under the bill unless the patient is an adult who does not have a guardian, in which case, the adult patient is to be given the opportunity to make a designation as soon as practicable after the patient regains consciousness or decision-making capacity. If a patient with a developmental disability is a minor child whose parents are divorced, it is the custodial parent who will have the authority to make a designation under the bill's provisions. The hospital will be required to promptly document, in the patient's medical record, either the name of the person designated to accompany the patient or a statement indicating that the patient or the patient's parent or guardian has declined to make a designation. The hospital will be required to allow the designated person to accompany the patient throughout the course of the patient's hospital stay, except as otherwise provided by the bill. A designation made under the bill will not obligate the designated person to provide direct support or personal care assistance to the patient during the patient's hospital stay or after-care assistance to the patient following the patient's discharge from the hospital. A patient or the patient's parent or guardian, as the case may be, may elect, at any time, to change the designation made pursuant to the bill. Any such person wishing to change the designation is to provide the hospital with notice of the change at least one hour prior to the effectuation thereof, and the hospital is to promptly update the designation in the patient's medical record. | In Committee |
| ACR58 | Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $2,500 over four years. | If approved by the voters of the State, this proposed constitutional amendment would increase the amount of the veterans' property tax deduction from the current $250 to $2,500. The increase would occur over four years. Veterans who are honorably discharged from active service in a branch of the United States Armed Forces qualify for the deduction. A qualified veteran's surviving spouse would receive the deduction after the qualified veteran dies. The amendment would increase the amount of the deduction to $1,000 in tax year 2024, $1,500 in tax year 2025, $2,000 in tax year 2026, and $2,500 in tax year 2027, and every tax year thereafter. The voters of the State last approved an increase in the amount of the deduction in 1999, from $50 to $250, over four years. The amount of the deduction has been $250 since 2003. | In Committee |
| A2490 | Requires DHS to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. | This bill requires the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish Alzheimer's disease public awareness campaign. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Human Services, subject to available funds, is to establish an Alzheimer's disease public awareness and education program. The purpose of the program is to promote public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and the value of early detection and possible treatments, including the benefits and risks of those treatments. The DHS may accept for that purpose any grant of monies, services, or property from the federal government, an organization, or a medical school. The program is to include the following: (1) development of a public campaign to promote Alzheimer's disease awareness and education, including, but not limited to, the subjects outlined in the bill; (2) development of educational materials to be made available through local boards of health, physicians, hospitals, and clinics; and (3) development of educational programs for judicial staff, police officers, fire fighters, and social services and emergency medical service providers, to assist them in recognizing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and understanding how to respond to the needs of persons with the disease in the course of performing their duties. The bill provides that the DHS, in consultation with the Greater New Jersey Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, is to prepare and make available on the DHS's Internet website, in English and Spanish, and in a manner that is easily understandable by the general public, information about the symptoms and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and any other information that the commissioner deems necessary. | In Committee |
| A936 | Establishes four-year Career and Technical Education Partnership Grant Program. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to establish a four-year Career and Technical Education Partnership Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to create an incentive program in which grants are awarded to county vocational school districts and other school districts that operate approved career and technical education programs or programs of study, to partner with urban districts, other school districts, county colleges, and other entities to create high-quality career and technical education programs in existing facilities. Under the bill, the commissioner will develop and administer the grant program. The commissioner will award grants, within the limit of State appropriations, to selected county vocational school districts and other school districts that operate approved career and technical education programs or programs of study to support the development and implementation of a career and technical education program in an existing school or college facility that is not owned or leased by the grant recipient. The commissioner will determine the amount of each grant awarded under the program and may award multi-year grants. The bill specifies the information that will be included in the grant application. Four years following the grant program's establishment, the commissioner will submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature on the outcomes of the grant program that includes a recommendation on the establishment of a permanent source of funding for such career and technical education partnership programs. The grant program established pursuant to this bill is modeled on the County Vocational School District Partnership Grant Program established pursuant to P.L.2014, c.73 (C.18A:6-132 et seq.). Grants were provided pursuant to that four-year grant program in FY 2015 through FY 2018 and were available only to county vocational school districts. The grant program established under this bill would permit school districts that operate approved career and technical education programs or programs of study to also be eligible to receive the grants. | In Committee |
| A832 | Extends pension eligibility for survivors of certain emergency services volunteers who contracted COVID-19 during 2020 public health emergency declared by Governor. | This bill extends pension eligibility to the widow, children, or parent of any volunteer firefighter, first aid worker or rescue squad worker, or emergency medical technician who contracted COVID-19 during the public health emergency in this State declared by the Governor on March 9, 2020. Under current law, if any volunteer firefighter, first aid worker, rescue squad worker, or emergency medical technician has died as the result of injuries sustained in the course of performance of duty as a member of the volunteer fire company or first aid or rescue squad on or after January 1, 2000, the widow or children or parent of the volunteer is eligible for a survivor's pension. The pension is $15,000 per year, and $10,000 or $5,000 depending on the survivor's relationship to the deceased. Once approved by the municipality, the pension will be payable by the State. Under this bill, for a survivor's pension, the death of a volunteer attributable to COVID-19, complications therefrom, or the aggravation or acceleration of a preexisting condition caused thereby will be deemed to have occurred as the result of injuries sustained in the course of performance of duty as a volunteer if: the volunteer contracted COVID-19 and the volunteer's death occurred after receiving a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2 during the public health emergency; the volunteer died as a result of COVID-19; and the volunteer's regular or assigned duties required the volunteer to interact, and the volunteer so interacted, with the public or to directly supervise other personnel so interacting with the public on any date during the public health emergency and within 14 calendar days prior to the appearance of symptoms consistent with COVID-19 that were confirmed in writing by a licensed health care provider on a form approved by the board of trustees and also confirmed by a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2. An eligible beneficiary of a volunteer who died during the public health emergency may apply for a survivor's pension pursuant to this bill. If approved by the governing body of the municipality, the survivor's pension will be retroactive to the first calendar year after the year of the volunteer's death. | In Committee |
| A5915 | Requires certain golf courses to maintain automated external defibrillator. | Requires certain golf courses to maintain automated external defibrillator. | Introduced |
| A5913 | Permits farm brewery licensees to sell products to consumers for consumption on licensed premises. | Permits farm brewery licensees to sell products to consumers for consumption on licensed premises. | Introduced |
| A5955 | Establishes provisional licensure for international medical graduates. | Establishes provisional licensure for international medical graduates. | Introduced |
| AJR230 | Recognizes Sanskrit as one of world languages. | Recognizes Sanskrit as one of world languages. | Introduced |
| A5914 | Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." | Revises definition of health care professional in aggravated assault statute to match definition under "Health Care Heroes Violence Prevention Act." | Introduced |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Assembly Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A775 | "Fairness in Women's Sport Act." | Assembly Floor: Table Motion | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Assembly Floor: Concur in Senate Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2090 | Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3099 | Establishes option for students nearing completion of program in chiropractic medicine to participate in preceptorship provided by State-licensed chiropractor. | Assembly Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Assembly Floor: Suspend Rule 22:5b | 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 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | New Jersey Assembly District 11 | Assembly | Democrat | In Office | 01/09/2024 |