Legislator
Legislator > Jim Beach
State Senator
Jim Beach
(D) - New Jersey
New Jersey Senate District 06
In Office - Started: 01/03/2009
contact info
Voorhees Office
221 Laurel Road
Suite 105
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Suite 105
Voorhees, NJ 08043
Phone: 856-429-1572
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 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. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3812 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Passed |
| S3891 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | In Committee |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Passed |
| S3504 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | In Committee |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Passed |
| S4551 | Appropriates $3,750,990 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to State Agriculture Development Committee for grants to certain nonprofit organizations for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill would appropriate $3,750,990 to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation purposes. Specifically, the bill would appropriate funds for grants to one qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, for projects at eight farms. The grants provided by the bill are for up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of development easements on farmland for farmland preservation purposes, or up to 50 percent of the cost of acquisition of fee simple titles to farmland for resale or lease with agricultural deed restrictions approved by the SADC. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated corporation business tax (CBT) revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, approved by the voters of the State in November 2014. The "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), implements the constitutional dedication of CBT revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. The "Preserve New Jersey Farmland Preservation Fund" was established pursuant to section 8 of the "Preserve New Jersey Act." Of the total appropriated, $3,561,350 is made available due to the reallocation of previously appropriated monies. Of the total appropriated, $591,700 is to be utilized to provide grants to one qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organization, the Land Conservancy of New Jersey, for projects at three farms that were previously funded in fiscal year 2024. The allocations and projects listed in this bill have been approved by the SADC and the Garden State Preservation Trust. | Crossed Over |
| S4387 | Requires establishment of tracking system in Division of Consumer Affairs to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. | This bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to develop an automated system for use by the boards, committees, or other entities in the division that regulate a profession or occupation which requires a licensee to complete continuing education to renew a license to track the credits or hours completed by each licensee. The system is to determine if a licensee is in compliance with the continuing education requirement of the particular profession or occupation in time for the renewal of a license, notwithstanding any hardship experienced by a licensee that has been determined by the requisite board, committee, or other entity. | Crossed Over |
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Crossed Over |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Crossed Over |
| S4650 | Concerns eligibility for unemployment benefits for individuals who leave work for student teaching experience. | This bill provides that no otherwise eligible individual will be denied unemployment benefits for any week in which the individual is regarded as having left work voluntarily and without good cause attributable to the work, if the individual left work to participate in a student teaching experience required as part of a State-approved educator preparation program for teacher certification. The bill requires the individual to provide documentation verifying enrollment in the program, that student teaching is a required component of the certification program, and specifying the period during which the student teaching experience is to occur. | In Committee |
| S4613 | Establishes Department of State Police as principal department in executive branch of State government. | This bill establishes the Department of State Police as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. Under current law, the Division of State Police is situated in the Department of Law and Public Safety, which is headed by the Attorney General. Under the provisions of this bill, the Division of State Police is transferred to and constituted as the Department of State Police, which is established as a principal department in the executive branch of State government. The Superintendent of State Police is established as the head of the Department of State Police. The bill provides that the Superintendent of State Police is to be designated as the State Director of Emergency Management and that any personnel change made within the Department of State Police is subject only to the approval of the Superintendent of State Police. The approval of the Attorney General is not required. Currently, the Office of Emergency Management is allocated within the Division of State Police, with the superintendent serving as the Director of Emergency Management. Finally, the bill clarifies that the oversight and monitoring of the current Division of State Police performed by the Office of Law Enforcement Professional Standards under current law would apply to the Department of State Police established under this bill. | In Committee |
| S2361 | Requires DMVA notify certain veteran organizations and county officers and municipal registers of names of persons buried or cremated in State veteran cemeteries. | Requires DMVA notify certain veteran organizations and county officers and municipal registers of names of persons buried or cremated in State veteran cemeteries. | In Committee |
| S854 | Permits dogs to visit at State veterans' residential facilities. | This bill permits dogs to visit residents at State veterans' residential facilities. Under federal law, service animals are permitted on federal Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) property with some restrictions. The federal regulation defines service animals as any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. The work or tasks performed by a service animal are required to be directly related to the individual's disability. The federal regulation does not include emotional support animals in its definition of service animals; therefore, emotional support animals are not permitted on federal VA property. Under the bill dogs, including, but not limited to, emotional support dogs, may be permitted at any State veterans' residential facility on a temporary basis. If permitted by the State veterans' residential facility, family members of residents at the facility may bring a dog to visit the resident. At the request of the State veterans' residential facility, animal shelters, nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, animal organizations and veterans service organizations, or charity groups may also bring dogs to the facility to visit residents at the facility. The bill provides that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs must take into consideration the health and respiratory needs of the residents when considering the presence of dogs at a State veterans' residential facility, and must adopt rules and regulations consistent with federal law and guidelines to effectuate the provisions of the bill. Under the bill, a dog brought to a State veterans' residential facility by a family member of a resident must have a harness, leash, or other tether. If the handler is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether, the dog must be under the handler's control by voice command, signals, or other effective means. The bill also provides that a dog brought by an animal shelter, nonprofit organization, or charity group may go without a harness, leash, or other tether in an outdoor setting at the discretion of the dog's handler and the management at the facility. However, if in an indoor setting, a dog brought by an animal shelter, nonprofit organization, or charity group must have a harness, leash, or other tether, except that if the handler with the animal shelter, nonprofit organization, or charity group is unable because of a disability to use a harness, leash, or other tether, the dog must be under the handler's control by voice command, signals, or other effective means. Under the bill, a dog would be denied access to a State veterans' residential facility or removed from that facility if: (1) the dog is not under the control of the handler; (2) the dog is not trained to eliminate its waste in an outdoor area; or (3) the dog otherwise poses a risk to the health or safety of people or other dogs. Nothing in bill would affect the ability of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to adopt rules and regulations consistent with federal law and guidelines to permit or prohibit a dog from being at the facility overnight or permanently. Under the bill, "State veterans' residential facility" means any State veterans' memorial home or Veterans Haven facility. | In Committee |
| S2376 | 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. | Crossed Over |
| S3902 | Permits excused absence for students participating in college visits, visits to postsecondary technical institutions, and military recruitment-related activities. | Permits excused absence for students participating in college visits, visits to postsecondary technical institutions, and military recruitment-related activities. | Crossed Over |
| S3615 | Replaces definition of "management committee" with "board of authority commissioners" and makes various changes to existing law concerning administration of regional authority. | Replaces definition of "management committee" with "board of authority commissioners" and makes various changes to existing law concerning administration of regional authority. | In Committee |
| S2867 | Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students. | Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students. | In Committee |
| S1277 | Establishes centralized directory for affordable housing, and housing for senior citizens and veterans. | Establishes centralized directory for affordable housing, and housing for senior citizens and veterans. | Passed |
| S4550 | Permits State and certain local government employees to work on Good Friday in exchange for alternate religious holiday leave. | This bill permits State government employees, and certain local government employees, to work on the day known as Good Friday in exchange for religious holiday leave to be used during the same calendar year on the day of another religious holiday. The bill directs the Civil Service Commission to create a list of acceptable holidays for this purpose. Under the bill, the list created by the Civil Service Commission will be based upon the annual list of observable religious holidays created by the Commissioner of Education pursuant to current law. The bill directs the commission to promulgate rules, regulations, and administrative procedures to implement its provisions, which would include, but need not be limited to: providing that employees of political subdivisions are eligible to exchange religious holiday leave; employees of schools or school districts are not eligible to exchange religious holiday leave; eligible employees must notify their employers by January 1 of the calendar year in which the holiday leave will be used and if the employee fails to notify their employer, the religious holiday leave will default to Good Friday. | In Committee |
| S4514 | Permits county clerk to require electronic submission of certain documents. | This bill allows county clerks to require documents submitted to the county clerk's office by businesses that employ 10 or more individuals to be submitted electronically to the county clerk's office in a form and manner determined by the county clerk. | In Committee |
| S4527 | Establishes a senior citizens telephone chat-line. | This bill requires the Division of Aging Services (the division) in the Department of Human Services to establish a senior citizens telephone chat-line to connect older adults who are feeling isolated or lonely with matched volunteers who will offer emotional support via weekly telephonic check-ins. A person 60 years of age or older or a person's family member or guardian may register with the division to receive a weekly telephone call, on a form prescribed by the division. The form is to include the name and address of the person who will be receiving the weekly telephone call, information on the person's interests and hobbies, the most convenient times for the person to receive the weekly telephone calls, and any other information prescribed by the division. A person 18 years of age or older seeking to volunteer with the telephone chat-line is to register with the division and provide information on: the person's interests and hobbies; the person's place of residence; and any other information that will help the division match a volunteer, based on similar interests and geographical location, with a person registered to receive a weekly telephone call. The bill stipulates that the division provide for the confidentiality of the names of the persons registered to receive weekly telephone calls, the names of the volunteers making the weekly telephone calls, and the information discussed on the telephone calls. | In Committee |
| S4254 | Eliminates five-year residency requirement for employees of NJ Racing Commission. | Current law provides that employees of the New Jersey Racing Commission must have been residents of the State for a minimum of five years prior to employment. This bill eliminates this requirement for New Jersey Racing Commission employees. | In Committee |
| S4113 | Permits certain winery license holders to sell wine produced by other winery licensees under certain circumstances; establishes supplemental wine production facility license. | This bill permits plenary and farm winery license holders who produce not more than 250,000 gallons per year to sell the wine they produce to any other plenary or farm winery license holder in this State for purposes of sale by the purchaser on the licensed premises of the winery or to sell wine to any winery outside of this State in accordance with the laws of the purchaser's state. Under the bill, wine sold to another winery is not to be considered towards the calculation of the amount of wine produced by the seller but is to be considered towards the total number of gallons produced per year by the purchasing winery. The bill provides that no less than 50 percent of the wine sold per year is required to be produced on the license holder's premises. In addition, this bill establishes a supplemental wine production facility sublicense. The holder of a plenary winery license or a farm winery license engaged in the production of wine on the licensed premises of the winery who holds a supplemental wine production facility sublicense would be entitled to produce wine at the supplemental wine production facility owned and leased by the license holder. Under the bill, the holder of this sublicense is additionally entitled, subject to rules and regulations, to transfer wine produced at the supplemental wine production facility to the licensed premises of the winery or salesroom for sale at retail to consumers and to otherwise sell and distribute wine produced at the supplemental wine production facility pursuant to the laws of the place of sale and distribution. The bill provides that any wine produced at the supplemental production facility that is not sold to another winery license holder is to be considered when calculating the total gallons per year of wine produced by the licensee for purposes of determining any fees, limitations, and eligibility for privileges that may pertain to the holder of a plenary winery license or farm winery license. The bill prohibits the sale of wine at retail to consumers on the premises of the supplemental wine production facility. Under the bill, the fee for the sublicense is $750. | In Committee |
| S4112 | Permits certain wineries to sell their products by the glass for consumption in licensed salesrooms. | This bill permits plenary winery license holders, out-of-State winery license holders, and farm winery license holders to sell their products by the glass for consumption in their licensed salesrooms. Under the bill, "by the glass" is defined as the selling of an individual portion of wine, or wine mixed with non-alcoholic beverages, in an open container. The sponsor intends for this bill to provide additional purchase options for consumers and increase revenue for winery license holders. | In Committee |
| S3269 | Concerns false public alarms involving places of worship. | This bill establishes a second degree crime for false public alarms when the alarm involves a church, synagogue, temple, mosque, gurdwara, or other place of public worship. The bill defines "place of worship" as a building capable of seating more than 50 people used primarily as a place of public or private worship on a permanent basis by a recognized and established religious sect or denomination. Finally, the bill provides for additional penalties for false alarms as it relates to churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, gurdwaras, or other places of worship. A person committing such a violation is subject to a civil penalty of not less than $5,000 or the actual costs incurred by or resulting from the emergency response to the false alarm, whichever is higher. A second degree crime is punishable by a term of 5-10 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $150,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S4276 | Provides that State contract for non-commercial sustaining announcements will be awarded as single contract for all State agencies without public advertising for bids. | This bill requires the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury to award a single contract providing for the purchase by State agencies of services relating to the airing of non-commercial sustaining announcements to a non-profit association representing broadcasters, without publicly advertising for bids, when it determines that to do so is in the best interest of the State, price and other factors considered. "Non-commercial sustaining announcements" are radio and television public service announcements that promote various programs, including public health and safety campaigns, public education, and public outreach or awareness missions. | In Committee |
| S4121 | Amends Fiscal Year 2025 annual appropriations act to assign distribution of funding for Community Security Initiatives to Jewish Federation of Southern New Jersey. | An Act amending P.L.2024, c.22, the Fiscal Year 2025 annual appropriations act, to adjust the distribution of Homeland Security funding for Community Security Initiatives. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S4120 | Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to businesses employing and retaining certain neurodiverse individuals. | Provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits to businesses employing and retaining certain neurodiverse individuals. | In Committee |
| S4010 | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | Provides for expansion of social services supports at county colleges. | In Committee |
| S4444 | Requires health insurance coverage for certain neurological diseases. | 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 expenses incurred in the diagnosis and treatment of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) that is prescribed or ordered by the treating physician. Coverage pursuant to the bill includes antibiotics, medication and behavioral therapies to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms, immunomodulating medicines, plasma exchange, and intravenous immunoglobulin therapy. | In Committee |
| S4447 | Allows dog owners to procure identification cards for guide or service dogs; appropriates $100,000. | This bill requires the Department of Department of Health (DOH) to develop and make available to the clerk of a municipality or other official designated by a governing body to license dogs, a card that can be used to identify a person's dog as a guide or service dog. The person who owns the guide or service dog may request to apply for the identification card, and the application is to include the owner's name and address and any other information prescribed by the DOH. The bill amends section 2 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C4:19-15.2) to allow the owner of a guide or service dog, at the same time the owner applies for a dog license and registration tag or renews the license and registration tag, to apply for and procure the identification card. The application is to include an affidavit signed by the owner attesting that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog. A person who knowingly submits a false affidavit with the application is liable to a civil penalty of $500. The bill also amends section 3 of P.L.1941, c.151 (C.4:19-15.3) to stipulate that an identification card issued to a guide or service dog owner does not expire and is to be accepted by all municipalities as evidence that the dog has been trained as a guide or service dog. The bill provides that a guide or service dog owner who applies for an identification card is not to be charged a fee to procure the card. | In Committee |
| S4445 | Requires DOH to establish public awareness campaign and develop policies and procedures to promote recognition and treatment of perinatal anxiety. | This bill provides for increased public education and patient screening in relation to the perinatal mood disorder known as perinatal anxiety. The bill directs the Commissioner of Health (commissioner), in conjunction with the Board of Medical Examiners and the Board of Nursing, to work with health care facilities and licensed health care professionals in the State to develop policies and procedures to effectuate the following requirements: Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals who provide prenatal care will be required to provide prenatal patients and their family members with complete information about perinatal anxiety, including the symptoms of the disorder, methods for coping with the disorder, and a list of available treatment resources, and would additionally be required to screen prenatal patients for perinatal anxiety at least once during each trimester of pregnancy; All birthing facilities will be required to provide departing new mothers and fathers, and, as appropriate, other family members, with complete information about perinatal anxiety, including the symptoms of the disorder, methods for coping with the disorder, and a list of available treatment resources; Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals who provide postnatal care will be required to screen new mothers for perinatal anxiety prior to the mother's discharge from the birthing facility, and again at the first few postnatal check-up visits; and Physicians, nurse midwives, and other licensed health care professionals who provide prenatal or postnatal care will be required to include fathers and other family members, as appropriate, in both the education and treatment processes. Screening would be accomplished either through the use of the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) - a recently developed screening test that has been recognized for its ability to correctly identify women with anxiety disorders, and recommended for use by medical professionals in the screening of pregnant women and new mothers for perinatal anxiety - or through the use of another scale or test that has been approved by the commissioner for such screening purposes. Provided there are sufficient funds available, the bill would additionally require the commissioner to develop a public awareness campaign that is designed to inform the general public about the nature and causes of perinatal anxiety and its health implications, including the symptoms of the disorder, methods of coping with the disorder, and the most effective means of treatment. | In Committee |
| S4394 | Prohibits certain substances in sale, distribution, and manufacture of commercial foods within two years; immediately bans certain dyes in school food. | This bill adds several substances to the list of conditions the State set forth to deem commercial food adulterated. It is unlawful for any entity in the State to distribute, sell, manufacture for distribution or sale, or possess with intent to distribute or sell, an adulterated food. Each violation of the State Sanitary Code constitutes a separate offense and is punishable by a penalty of not less than $50 and not more than $1,000. Under the bill, a food that contains butylated hydroxyanisole, propylparaben, red dyes 3 and 40, yellow dyes 5 and 6, blue dyes 1 and 2, and green dye 3 would be rendered adulterated. This general prohibition takes effect two years after the bill is enacted. The bill also immediately adds the prohibited dyes to the list of items that are not to be served, sold, or given away as a free promotion anywhere on school property at any time before the end of the school day, including items served in the reimbursable After School Snack Program. | In Committee |
| S4446 | Establishes Animal Cruelty Offender Registry; prohibits purchase, adoption, and breeding of animals by animal cruelty offenders. | This bill would provide for the establishment and implementation of an animal cruelty offender registry that would require the continuing registration of animal cruelty offenders and allow for the public disclosure of certain information pertaining to those offenders. Requiring the registration of animal cruelty offenders is necessary because the overwhelming evidence accumulated since 1970 shows that persons who cruelly abuse or torture animals are likely to engage in recidivist acts of violence against both animals and humans. In particular, studies have shown that early incidents of animal abuse are often part of the criminal histories of serial killers, child, spouse, and elder abusers, and sexually violent predators, and may be characteristic of the developmental histories of up to 66 percent of violent offenders, in general. In addition, it has been shown that those who abuse animals through participation in animal fighting rings also often engage in other crimes associated with violence, and will often continue to engage in animal abuse and other violence-related offenses even after serving jail time. The bill would require registration for any person convicted of an enumerated animal cruelty offense who maintains, establishes, or re-establishes a primary residence or secondary residence in this State or who is otherwise physically present in the State for more than 14 consecutive days or a period exceeding 30 days in a calendar year. In particular, a person would be required to register if they have been convicted, adjudicated delinquent, found not guilty by reason of insanity, or found civilly liable for any of the following animal cruelty offenses: (1) overdriving, overloading, driving when overloaded, overworking, depriving of necessary sustenance, abusing, or needlessly killing a living animal by direct or indirect means, including through the use of another living animal; (2) tormenting, torturing, maiming, hanging, poisoning, unnecessarily or cruelly beating, or needlessly mutilating a living animal by direct or indirect means, including through the use of another living animal, whether or not such actions cause the death of the animal; (3) cruelly killing, by direct or indirect means, a living animal, including through the use of another living animal; (4) causing, allowing, or permitting the fighting or baiting of a living animal for amusement or gain; (5) engaging in the management of, or receiving money or other consideration for the admission of a person to, a place that is kept or used for the purposes of fighting or baiting a living animal; (6) owning, possessing, keeping, training, promoting, purchasing, or knowingly selling a living animal for the purposes of fighting or baiting that animal; (7) allowing or suffering a place under a person's ownership or control to be used for the purposes of fighting or baiting a living animal; (8) acting as a spectator, gambling on the outcome of a fight, or otherwise encouraging or assisting in activities occurring at a place that is kept or used for the purposes of fighting or baiting a living animal; (9) carrying a living animal in or upon a vehicle or otherwise, in a cruel or inhumane manner; (10) impounding or confining a living animal and failing to supply it during such confinement with a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water; (11) abandoning a maimed, sick, infirm, or disabled animal to die in a public place; (12) abandoning a domestic animal; (13) unlawfully debarking or silencing a dog; (14) using a live pigeon, fowl, or other bird as a target or to be shot at for amusement or as a test of skill in marksmanship, or shooting such a bird, except where such use or shooting conforms with the rules pertaining to the shooting of game animals; and (15) any comparable offense in another state, country, or jurisdiction. The bill establishes a prohibition against the animal cruelty offender from adopting, purchasing, or engaging in any part of breeding animals after being required to register and during any period of time when the animal cruelty offender is required to register. If it is the first time the animal cruelty offender has been required to register and the animal cruelty offender owns, or has in the animal cruelty offender's residence, any animals, the appropriate municipal official shall inspect the conditions under which the animals are kept and the health and environment of the animals, and determine if the animals are in good physical health, and appear to receive necessary care as defined pursuant to R.S.4:22-15, and do not seem to be suffering from any abuse or neglect. If such a determination is made, the animal cruelty offender would be permitted to continue to own, care for, or live with the animals in the animal cruelty offender's residence. If the determination is that the animals are in poor physical health, do not receive necessary care, or show signs of abuse or neglect, or the animal cruelty offender has committed a second offense that would require registering, the animals would be immediately forfeited and offered for adoption. The bill would require the Attorney General to provide for the release of the animal cruelty offender from registration requirements after the animal cruelty offender has remained incident-free for 10 years. The Attorney General is required to provide for the annual archiving of the registry and any animal cruelty offender's name and other required information would remain accessible to law enforcement and the public, regardless of whether the animal cruelty offender is currently required to register. The bill would require that notice of the duty to register be provided by the Attorney General within 30 days after the bill's enactment, and by the Motor Vehicle Commission upon application for a driver's license or identification card. The court or local law enforcement agency with which an offender is required to initially register pursuant to this bill would be required to notify the offender of the specific requirements of the bill, and the penalties for noncompliance. The information to be included in an offender's registration would consist of the following: (1) A statement in writing, signed by the animal cruelty offender, acknowledging that the offender has been advised of the duty to register, and including the offender's name, social security number, age, race, sex, date of birth, height, weight, hair and eye color; address of primary residence and secondary residence if any, or county and municipality of physical presence if a non-resident or homeless resident; address of anticipated or current places of employment; any anticipated or current school enrollment; the commission date and a brief description of the conviction offenses for which registration is required; and the indictment number associated with each such offense; (2) A photograph of the defendant; and (3) Any other information that the Attorney General deems necessary to properly inform the public about the identity of the offender and to assess the risk of re-offense. The bill would require each offender to verify the address on the registration statement on an annual basis, and would additionally require each offender to notify law enforcement officials of any change in address. Any person who fails to register as required by the bill's provisions would be guilty of a crime of the third degree and would be subject, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, to pay a fine of $2,500. Any registered animal cruelty offender who fails to comply, or who falsifies information in complying with the change of address requirements or address verification requirements provided by the bill, would be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, and would be subject, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, to pay a fine of $1,500. The Attorney General would be required to maintain a central registry of all registrations submitted in accordance with this bill's provisions, and would additionally be required to develop a system for making certain offender information from the central registry available to the public on the Internet. The Attorney General would be responsible both for ensuring that the Internet registry contains appropriate warnings and notifications, and for maintaining the accuracy of, and for timely updating the information contained therein. An Animal cruelty offender Internet Registry Advisory Council would be established to consult with and make recommendations to the Attorney General concerning the publication of registration records on the Internet. All records maintained pursuant to the bill would be open to any law enforcement agency in the State, any other state, or the United States government, and would be able to be released to the Office of Animal Welfare in the Department of Health, or to the Division of Child Behavioral Health Services, the Division of Prevention and Community Partnerships, or the Division of Youth and Family Services in the Department of Children and Families for use in carrying out the office's and the divisions' respective responsibilities under law. Any official would be immune from civil liability for damages for any discretionary decision to release relevant records unless it is shown that the official acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. Upon receipt of an offender's registration or notification of an offender's change in address, and pursuant to the procedures outlined in the bill's provisions, the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality (or county) wherein the offender's primary residence and secondary residence, if any, is located, or wherein the offender is generally present if a non-resident or a homeless resident of the State, would be required to provide notification to the community of the offender's presence therein, in accordance with guidelines to be established by the Attorney General relating to the offender's risk of re-offense. The bill would establish a temporary advisory council to assist the Attorney General in establishing these guidelines and procedures for risk assessment and community notification. The bill would require the Attorney General to consider various factors relevant to an offender's risk of re-offense, and would require the regulations adopted by the Attorney General to provide for two tiers of community notification based on whether the offender is determined to have a low risk of re-offense, or whether the offender is determined to have a moderate or high risk of re-offense. The bill would require the regulations adopted by the Attorney General to prohibit a "low risk" categorization in a case where the registered animal cruelty offender (1) has more than one prior conviction for an animal cruelty offense, as defined by the bill, (2) has one prior conviction for an animal cruelty offense in addition to one or more convictions for a violent offense against a person, or (3) has been diagnosed with Conduct Disorder - a disorder characterized by a general and ongoing disregard for societal laws and the feelings of others, and for which animal abuse is a symptom. In the case that an offender is determined to have a low risk of re-offense, notification of the offender's presence in the community would be provided only to law enforcement agencies likely to encounter the person, and the person's registration information would be prohibited from publication on the Internet unless such publication is ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction. In the case that an offender is determined to have a moderate or high risk of re-offense, notification of the offender's presence in the community would be provided to law enforcement agencies likely to encounter the offender, as well as to members of the public likely to encounter the offender, and to animal shelters, pet adoption societies, humane societies, veterinarian's offices, and other animal welfare or control groups in the offender's community. Furthermore, registration information for offenders having a moderate to high risk of re-offense would be made available for public viewing, without limitation, on the Internet registry. The bill would require the Attorney General's regulations to ensure that an offender will be provided with notice of the results of the risk assessment and will be afforded an opportunity to have that determination reviewed prior to Internet publication or any notification of community members. Because the courts have found that there may be some limited privacy interest in the disclosure of the offender's exact address, the bill would allow disclosure of the offender's exact address only to individuals and businesses in the offender's community having a particular need for the information, and would prohibit publication of this information on the Internet registry - providing, instead, for the Internet publication only of the general vicinity of the offender's address. Moreover, private citizens and businesses in the offender's community would be entitled to obtain the offender's exact address only after signing a receipt of notice form, prepared by the Attorney General, which explicitly prohibits the disclosure of the offender's exact address to persons who are not members of the household or employees of the business, as the case may be, and which provides express notice that any harassment or harming of the offender, the offender's family, or the offender's property is prohibited and punishable by law. Any information disclosed pursuant to the bill's provisions could be used by any person in any manner to protect an animal at risk, or for any other lawful purpose consistent with the enhancement of public safety. Except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct, any person who provides or fails to provide information to the community, or who discloses or fails to disclose information on the Internet registry in accordance with the bill's provisions, would be immune from civil or criminal action. The bill would provide, however, that any person using the information disclosed pursuant thereto to commit a crime would be guilty of a crime of the third degree, and that any person using the information disclosed to commit a disorderly persons or petty disorderly persons offense would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense and subject to pay a fine of $500 to $1,000, in addition to any other penalty imposed. Evidence that a person obtained information about an offender from law enforcement or from the Internet registry within one year prior to committing a criminal offense against that offender would give rise to an inference that the person used information in violation of the bill's provisions. The bill would also provide that any person who uses any information disclosed pursuant to the bill's provisions to encourage, solicit, or assist a registered animal cruelty offender or other person to engage in criminal activity or an animal cruelty offense would be guilty of a crime of the third degree and, in addition to any other penalties provided by law, subject to pay a fine of $2,500. The bill would additionally prevent the use of information disclosed pursuant thereto for purposes of health or other insurance; loans; credit; education, scholarships, or fellowships; benefits, privileges, or services provided by a business establishment, unless consistent with enhancement of the public safety; or housing and accommodations. However, the bill would specifically allow a humane society, animal welfare organization, or other similar group to use the information disclosed pursuant to its provisions in order to screen applicants for employment or for pet adoption services. The use of any information disclosed pursuant to the bill's provisions for any of the specifically prohibited purposes would make the user of the information liable for actual damages, attorney's fees, and any amount that may be determined by a jury or a court sitting without a jury, which is not less than $250, and not more than three times the amount of actual damage, or for a civil penalty of not more than $25,000. Furthermore, the bill would authorize civil action for injunctive or other preventative relief in the case that there is reasonable cause to believe that any person or group is engaged in a pattern of misuse of information disclosed pursuant to the bill's provisions. The bill would establish the "Animal Cruelty Offender Registration Fund," separate and distinct from the General Fund, in order to provide a dedicated source of moneys by which to finance the ongoing administrative and maintenance costs associated with the Animal Cruelty Offender Registry and the expenses associated with the community notifications required under the bill. The fund would be credited with: (1) fifty percent of all civil and criminal fines collected by a court in relation to the animal cruelty offenses for which registration is required; (2) any excess fines collected by a court as a result of an offender's failure to register, failure to notify authorities of a change in address, failure to timely verify the offender's address, or falsification of any information in the course of complying with the bill's requirements in this regard; (3) any excess fines collected by a court from the unlawful use of information disclosed pursuant to the act's provisions to encourage, solicit, or assist a registered animal cruelty offender or other person to engage in criminal activity or commit an animal cruelty offense; (4) any interest or other investment income accrued on moneys deposited in the account; (5) any moneys gifted to the fund; and (6) any other moneys appropriated by the Legislature and allocated to the fund for its purposes. Finally, the bill would provide that a registered animal cruelty offender may make application to the Superior Court to terminate the obligation to register under this bill upon proof that the person has not committed an animal cruelty offense or an offense constituting violence against humans within 15 years following conviction or release from a correctional facility for any term of imprisonment imposed, whichever is later, and is not likely to pose a threat to the safety of others. A registered animal cruelty offender would also be able to make application to the Attorney General to terminate the obligation to register under this bill upon the submission of evidence, sufficient in the determination of the Attorney General, to establish that the offender no longer maintains primary residence or secondary residence in this State, and will not be present in the State for more than 14 consecutive days, or for an aggregate period of 30 days or more. However, such an offender would be required to re-register with the State in the event that he re-establishes primary residence or secondary residence in the State or re-establishes physical presence therein for the requisite period of time. | In Committee |
| S4308 | Requires Division of Housing and Community Resources in DCA and applicable State agencies and nonprofits to establish a consolidated application for residential utility assistance programs. | This bill directs the Division of Housing and Community Resources in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to enter into a memorandum of understanding with each State agency and Statewide nonprofit energy assistance organization that administers a financial assistance program for residential utility customers to provide a consolidated, user-friendly Internet website-based application for those programs on the DCA's Internet website. The bill also directs each State agency and Statewide nonprofit energy assistance organization to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the DCA and to assist the DCA in developing the consolidated application, including alerting the DCA of temporary programs that provide financial assistance to residential customers for utility bill payments or energy efficiency measures that the State agency or Statewide nonprofit energy assistance organization may be directed to administer, so that the DCA may integrate those temporary programs into the consolidated Internet website application. The bill directs the DCA, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to adopt rules and regulations it deems necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill. | In Committee |
| S4012 | 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. | 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. | In Committee |
| S3905 | Requires DCA to establish online, Statewide database of local government unit legal notices. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (department) to establish and maintain a database for the purpose of providing the general public with a single, Statewide, access point for locating and viewing local government unit legal notices. Under the bill, whenever a local government unit is required by law to publish a legal notice in one or more newspapers, the local government unit may satisfy that requirement by transmitting the legal notice to the department for inclusion, without charge or fee, on the department's centralized database of local government unit legal notices. The bill affords discretion to the department to determine the manner in which it may require a local government unit to submit legal notices to the department for inclusion in the database. The bill requires the department to prominently post the database on the department's Internet website. | In Committee |
| S4323 | Requires health insurance coverage of screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for certain covered persons. | 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 screening for Alzheimer's disease and related disorders for a covered person who is 65 years of age or older. As used in the bill, "Alzheimer's disease and related disorders" means forms of dementia characterized by a general loss of intellectual abilities of sufficient severity to interfere with social or occupational functioning. | In Committee |
| S4362 | Requires DHS to reformat MyNJHelps web-based platform as centralized online resource for all State administered public assistance programs. | This bill directs the Commissioner of Human Services (commissioner), no later than 365 days after the effective date of the bill and in collaboration with all applicable State agencies, to expand the MyNJHelps web-based application platform for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Work First New Jersey Program, and the NJFamilyCare Program to include all State administered public assistance programs. In doing so, the commissioner is required to: reformat the MyNJHelps web-based application platform as the State's centralized online resource for applicants to access information about, apply for benefits to, and check the application status of all State administered public assistance programs; and design a single application, accessible on the MyNJHelps web-based application platform, through which an applicant can apply for all State administered public assistance programs. The bill defines "public assistance program" to mean a program that provides benefits to low-income New Jersey residents via a means-tested eligibility process. These types of programs provide benefits that include, but that are not limited to: healthcare, pharmaceutical, food, cash, child care, housing, and utility assistance. The provisions of the bill are not to be construed to alter the administrating agency of a public assistance program. Rather, the platform established under the bill is required to provide all applicable administering agencies with access to the necessary applicant information to make eligibility determinations, as well as access to platform functions to post information regarding application status. Moreover, the bill directs the commissioner to enter into any necessary data sharing agreements with applicable State agencies to comply with the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2881 | Authorizes school districts to establish electric vehicle certification programs. | Authorizes school districts to establish electric vehicle certification programs. | 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 |
| S3098 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for biomarker precision medical testing. | In Committee |
| S1016 | Requires State agencies to make their websites accessible to people with disabilities and on mobile devices. | This bill requires that the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 AA, or the most up-to-date version of the guidelines, must be the accessibility standard for the websites of all State agencies, and each website must be configured in such a way that it can be navigated, viewed, and accessed on a smartphone, tablet computer, or similar mobile device. The WCAG guidelines make content accessible for people with disabilities. The Chief Technology Officer must establish the protocol by which a State agency can determine that its websites comply with the requirements. The Chief Technology Officer must certify each website's compliance two years after the bill's effective date and recertify compliance once every two years thereafter. As used in this bill, "State agency" means the Executive and Legislative Branch of the State, including, but not limited to, any department, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council, agency, or instrumentality thereof, or independent agency, public authority, or public benefit corporation. | Crossed Over |
| S165 | Expands definition of child under PFRS and SPRS. | This bill expands the definition of a child under the PFRS and SPRS to include the child of a deceased member that is under the age of 24 and that is enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester. Under current law, a person is considered a child under the PFRS and SPRS if the person is: (1) under the age of 18; (2) 18 years of age or older and enrolled in a secondary school; (3) under the age of 24 and enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester, provided that the member died in active service as a result of an accident met in the actual performance of duty at some definite time and place, and the death was not the result of the member's willful misconduct; or (4) any age who, at the time of the member's or retirant's death, is disabled because of an intellectual disability or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and the impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board. This bill would remove the requirement that if the child is under the age of 24 and enrolled in an institution of higher education, the child must be the survivor of a member who died in the line of duty to be considered a child under the PFRS or SPRS. This bill would permit any child of a deceased member that is under the age of 24 and that is enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester to be considered a child regardless if the member died in the line of duty or not. | In Committee |
| A3904 | Requires geotechnical testing and certain monitoring of transportation projects. | An Act concerning certain testing and monitoring of transportation capital projects and supplementing Title 27 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| A1672 | Makes disabled persons receiving disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act eligible to receive homestead property tax reimbursement. | An Act concerning eligibility to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement and amending P.L.1997, c.348. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2366 | Expands eligibility for veterans' civil service preference; creates additional preference benefits. | This bill would expand eligibility for veterans' hiring preference in the civil service so that individuals who are eligible for veterans' preference in the federal civil service, but are not eligible for preference in the State civil service, would receive additional points above the individual's earned score on State civil service examinations. To receive the additional points, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements established under section 2108 of Title 5, United States Code, as may be amended and supplemented. This means that an honorable or general discharge is necessary. National Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes would not qualify. Under the bill, five points would be added to the passing examination score of an individual who is not eligible for State veterans' hiring preference, but served:· during the period December 7, 1941, to July 1, 1955; or· for more than 180 consecutive days, any part of which occurred after January 31, 1955, and before October 15, 1976; or· during the Gulf War from August 2, 1990 through January 2, 1992; or· in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign medal has been authorized, including El Salvador, Grenada, Haiti, Lebanon, Panama, Somalia, Southwest Asia, Bosnia, and the Global War on Terrorism. Under the bill, ten points would be added to the passing examination score of an individual who is not eligible for State disabled veterans' hiring preference, but who served at any time and (1) has a present service-connected disability or (2) is receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or a pension from the federal military or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This new benefit to disabled veterans who did not serve in a time of war would apply only if an amendment to the State Constitution is approved by the voters to permit such disabled veterans to receive the benefit. | In Committee |
| S843 | Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury. | This bill requires the Adjutant General of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop, in coordination with appropriate departments and agencies, a program to assist veterans in accessing evaluation and treatment for a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis related to military service. The program may include offering support and guidance, transportation, assistance filing disability compensation claims, assistance updating discharge status, health care and other services or programs available at the local, State and federal level for obtaining and addressing a post-traumatic stress disorder, total brain injury, or traumatic brain injury diagnosis. Under the bill, "veteran" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or a Reserve component thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard. | In Committee |
| S4237 | Includes Jewish persons with definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business." | This bill includes Jewish persons within the definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business" in laws concerning public contracts and grants. Under current law concerning public contracts and grants, the definitions of "minority," "minority group member," and "minority business" include persons who are black, Hispanic, Asian-American, American Indian or Alaskan natives, and, in certain definitions, Portuguese. This bill would add Jewish persons to such definitions. | In Committee |
| S4165 | Directs DOH to establish food bank for pets pilot program; appropriates $1 million. | This bill directs the Department of Health (DOH) to develop and implement, in cooperation with, and with the participation of, selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations, a "Food Banks for Pets Pilot Program" to provide food for cats and dogs to pet owners who are facing financial challenges in providing for their pets without assistance. The bill provides for the pilot program to be operated for at least a one-year period after it is implemented, but the bill would also authorize the DOH to extend the term of the pilot program if funding permits or if the DOH determines that the pilot program, after one-year of operations, continues to be operable and is achieving its goals. The bill directs the DOH, no later than one year after the pilot program is implemented, to submit to the Governor and the Legislature a written report on the implementation of the pilot program, including a recommendation on establishing the Food Banks for Pets Pilot Program as a permanent program, in, but not of, the Department of Health, or disbanding the program. The bill authorizes the DOH to select non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations for participation in the pilot program, to delegate implementation of the pilot program to those selected groups and organizations, to coordinate the establishment and operation of food banks for pets with municipalities and selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations, and to take any other actions necessary to implement the bill's provisions. The bill further authorizes the DOH to collect and deposit moneys necessary to fund the costs of implementing the pilot program, including, among other expenses, the costs of awarding grants to selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations to finance their delegated implementation of the pilot program. The bill provides that persons donating pet food, in good faith, and selected non-profit organizations and volunteer groups or organizations receiving and distributing donated pet food, in good faith, pursuant to the bill's provisions, will be immune from liability for damages resulting from consumption of the donated pet food. The bill appropriates $1 million to the DOH for the purposes of the pilot program. | In Committee |
| S3616 | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | Requires health care professionals to perform lead screening on pregnant persons under certain circumstances. | In Committee |
| S3666 | Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | Requires school districts to provide instruction on risks of compulsive gambling as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. | In Committee |
| S1242 | Makes compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment program optional penalty for casino gambling by person under legal age of 21; makes fine optional. | Under current law, a person who enters or gambles at a casino when the person is under 21 years of age is guilty of a disorderly persons offense and is subject to a fine of not less than $500 and not more than $1,000. This bill would allow the court the option to impose the fine, and to also require that person to participate in a compulsive gambling prevention, education, and treatment program that meets certain criteria, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S3558 | Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering. | 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 coverage for medical expenses incurred in the treatment of stuttering, including habilitative speech therapy and rehabilitative speech therapy. Whether treatment is a medical necessity is to be determined by the covered person's medical doctor. The bill requires coverage to be provided whether the services are delivered in-person or through telemedicine or telehealth, without the imposition of any prior authorization or other utilization management requirements, and without cost-sharing. Pursuant to the bill, "habilitative speech therapy" means speech therapy that helps a person keep, learn, or improve skills and functioning for daily living; and "rehabilitative speech therapy" means speech therapy that helps a person restore or improve skills and functioning for daily living that have been lost or impaired. | In Committee |
| A5117 | Modifies number of signatures required for candidates to be placed on primary, general, nonpartisan municipal, and school election ballots; requires Secretary of State to publish certain nominating petition forms by January 1 of each year. | An Act concerning the number of signatures required for candidates to be placed on the ballots for the primary, general, nonpartisan municipal, and school elections, amending various sections of statutory law, and supplementing chapter 23 of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S1416 | Requires DOH to develop Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan. | This bill requires the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) in the Department of Health (DOH) to develop a Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan that provides for a comprehensive, coordinated, emergency medical services (EMS) system in New Jersey. The plan is to include both short-term and long-term goals and objectives, and may incorporate the use of regional emergency medical services plans tailored to the specific needs of regions within the State as may be designated by the OEMS. If used, regional plans are to be jointly developed by each county board of health within the designated region, and will be developed in consultation with local boards of health, as needed. Regional plans will be subject to approval by the OEMS; upon receiving such approval, the regional plan will be deemed to be part of the Statewide plan. The OEMS will be required to review and update the Statewide plan triennially, and to make such changes to the plan as may be necessary to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the State's EMS system of care. The DOH will be required to make the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan available on its Internet website. In developing and updating the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan, the OEMS will be required, at a minimum, to: (1) conduct an inventory of EMS resources available within the State; (2) conduct an assessment of the current effectiveness of the EMS system of care in the State; (3) determine the need for changes to the current EMS system of care, including any changes as may be needed to improve access to EMS in a given region of the State or for a given population within the State; (4) develop performance metrics with regard to the delivery of EMS, establish a schedule for achieving the performance metrics, develop a method for monitoring and evaluating whether the performance metrics are being achieved, and prepare a cost estimate for achieving the performance metrics; (5) work with professional medical organizations, hospitals, and other public and private agencies to develop approaches whereby individuals who presently use the existing emergency department for routine, nonurgent, primary medical care will be served more appropriately and economically; and (6) consult with and review, with appropriate EMS agencies and organizations, the development of applications to governmental or other appropriate sources for grants or other funding to support EMS programs. The bill additionally requires the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan to: (1) establish a comprehensive Statewide EMS system, incorporating facilities, transportation, manpower, communications, and other components as integral parts of a unified system that will serve to improve the delivery of EMS and thereby decrease morbidity, hospitalization, disability, and mortality; (2) seek to reduce the time period between the identification of an acutely ill or injured patient and the provision of definitive treatment for the illness or injury; (3) increase access to high quality EMS for all citizens of New Jersey; (4) promote continuing improvement in system components, including: ground, water, and air transportation; communications; hospital emergency departments and other emergency medical care facilities; health care provider training and health care service delivery; and consumer health information and education; (5) ensure performance improvement of the EMS system and of the emergency services and care delivered on scene, in transit, in hospital emergency departments, and within the hospital environment; (6) conduct, promote, and encourage programs of education and training designed to upgrade the knowledge and skills of EMS personnel, including expanding the availability of paramedic and advanced life support training throughout the State, with particular emphasis on regions underserved by EMS personnel having such skills and training; (7) maintain a process for designating appropriate hospitals as trauma centers, certified stroke centers, and specialty care centers based on an applicable national evaluation system; (8) maintain a comprehensive EMS patient care data collection and performance improvement system, which is to incorporate certain EMS data currently reported to the DOH; (9) collect data and information and prepare reports for the sole purpose of designating and verifying trauma centers and other specialty care centers, which data, information, and reports will not be considered a government record for the purposes of open public records access laws; (10) establish and maintain a process for crisis intervention and peer support services for EMS personnel and public safety personnel, including Statewide availability and accreditation of critical incident stress management or peer support teams and personnel. The accreditation standards are to include a requirement that a peer support team be headed by a clinical psychologist, psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or professional counselor who: (a) is licensed pursuant to Title 45 of the Revised Statutes; and (b) has at least five years of experience as a mental health consultant working directly with EMS personnel or public safety personnel; (11) coordinate with the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program to maintain, and update as needed, the Statewide program of EMS for children developed under current law; (12) establish and support a Statewide system of health and medical emergency response teams, including EMS disaster task forces, coordination teams, disaster medical assistance teams, and other support teams that will assist local EMS providers at their request during mass casualty events, disasters, or whenever local resources are overwhelmed; (13) establish and maintain a program to improve dispatching of EMS personnel and vehicles, including establishing and supporting EMS dispatch training, accrediting 911 dispatch centers, and establishing and maintaining public safety answering points; and (14) identify and establish best practices for managing and operating EMS providers, improving and managing EMS response times, and disseminating such information to the appropriate persons and entities. In developing the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan, the OEMS will be required to coordinate with the Emergency Medical Services for Children program and the State trauma medical director, both of which will be required to revise any plans, programs, protocols, or other requirements related to EMS as may be necessary to bring those plans, programs, protocols, or other requirements into conformity with the Statewide Emergency Medical Services Plan. | In Committee |
| S315 | Permits school bus driver to administer epinephrine to student in emergency under certain circumstances. | This bill requires the policy of a board of education or a nonpublic school for the emergency administration of epinephrine to a student will permit a school bus driver to administer epinephrine to a student when the following conditions are met: (1) the student's parent or guardian has provided written authorization for a school bus driver to administer epinephrine to the student in an emergency; (2) the student's parent or guardian has provided to the board of education or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school written orders from a physician or advanced practice nurse that the student requires the administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis; (3) the board or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school informs the student's parents or guardians in writing that the district and its employees or agents or the nonpublic school and its employees or agents, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism; (4) the student's parents or guardians sign a statement acknowledging their understanding that the district or the nonpublic school, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor will have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism to the student and that the parents or guardians will indemnify and hold harmless the district and its employees or agents or the nonpublic school and its employees or agents, the school bus driver, and school bus contractor against any claims arising out of the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism; and (5) the school bus driver has been properly trained in the administration of epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism using standardized training protocols established pursuant to current law. The training will be conducted by an entity or individual approved by the Department of Health. | In Committee |
| S1253 | Establishes pilot program in DOE to use therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. | This bill establishes a three-year pilot program to assess the academic and health benefits associated with the use of therapy dogs in public elementary school wellness programs. A therapy dog is a dog that has been trained, evaluated, and registered with a handler to provide animal assisted therapy and other animal assisted activities within a school or other facility. Some research suggests that the use of therapy dogs in schools is associated with improvements in school attendance, confidence, motivation, and reading and writing skills. Under the bill, a school district that wants to participate in the pilot program is required to submit an application to the commissioner. The application is required to include, but need not be limited to: the number of elementary schools in the school district; the number of students enrolled in each elementary school; information on student participation in wellness programs at each elementary school; and information on how the school district plans to use therapy dogs to promote student wellness. The commissioner will select two districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program and will seek a cross section of school districts from urban, suburban, and rural areas of the State. The commission will provide pilot districts with guidance regarding the use of therapy dogs in schools including: examples of activities that students may engage in with a therapy dog; recommended training requirements for therapy dog handlers; recommended measures to evaluate the health and appropriate behavior of therapy dogs; and insurance issues relevant to having therapy dogs on school district property. No later than June 30 of the third school year following the establishment of the pilot program, the commissioner will submit to the Governor and to the Legislature a report that evaluates the effectiveness of the pilot program in improving the academic performance and health outcomes of students in elementary schools. | Crossed Over |
| S2954 | Requires geotechnical testing and certain monitoring of transportation projects. | Requires geotechnical testing and certain monitoring of transportation projects. | In Committee |
| S3881 | Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program. | An Act concerning the financing of environmental infrastructure projects in Fiscal Year 2025 and amending P.L.2024, c.35. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S3994 | Modifies number of signatures required for candidates to be placed on primary, general, nonpartisan municipal, and school election ballots; requires Secretary of State to publish certain nominating petition forms by January 1 of each year. | Modifies number of signatures required for candidates to be placed on primary, general, nonpartisan municipal, and school election ballots; requires Secretary of State to publish certain nominating petition forms by January 1 of each year. | In Committee |
| S4025 | Requires signs to be posted and pamphlets to be distributed in emergency rooms regarding VCCO. | This bill requires signs to be posted and pamphlets to be distributed in emergency rooms regarding Victims of Crime Compensation Office. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health (commissioner), in collaboration with the Attorney General, is to develop, prepare, and produce pamphlets and signs containing and displaying information relating to the Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO). The pamphlets and signs are to be clearly written and readily comprehensible, and are to provide information concerning: (1) the services and benefits offered by the VCCO; (2) contact information for the VCCO; and (3) the procedures for filing a victim's compensation claim. In every emergency department of a general hospital, and in every satellite emergency department licensed pursuant to P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.), the commissioner is to require pamphlets to be distributed to victims of crime and signs to be posted in conspicuous locations, as necessary. | In Committee |
| S4003 | Establishes "Service Dogs Assisting Veterans Grant Program" in DMVA. | This bill establishes a grant program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for nonprofit organizations to provide service dogs to disabled veterans. DMVA would be required to develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria for applications and awards. At a minimum, applications will include a proposal for the provision of service dogs to disabled veterans, a description of the training that will be provided to disabled veterans and service dogs, a list of any additional support or services the nonprofit organization will provide, a marketing campaign plan, a description of the commitment of the nonprofit organization to humane standards for animals and how these standards will be implemented, and proof of accreditation by Assistance Dogs International or the International Guide Dog Federation. The bill also prohibits nonprofit organizations awarded a grant from charging a fee to a disabled veteran receiving a service dog through the program. The bill also requires DMVA to provide a commercially available veterinary insurance policy for a service dog to each disabled veteran who receives the service dog through the grant program. The policy will continue to be provided without regard to the continuation or termination of the grant program. The grant recipients will be required to report grant fund use to DMVA. Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S1285 | Makes disabled persons receiving disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act eligible to receive homestead property tax reimbursement. | This bill would make disabled persons who receive disability payments pursuant to federal Railroad Retirement Act, (45 U.S.C. s. 231 et seq.), eligible to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement. Under current law, only disabled persons who receive monetary payments pursuant to Title II of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. s.401 et seq.) are eligible to receive a homestead property tax reimbursement. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S3965 | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | Reschedules June 2025 primary election date; provides for adjustment of certain election related deadlines. | In Committee |
| S3972 | Revises penalty for underage gambling to be civil penalty; provides for all associated fines to be used for gambling addiction treatment. | Under current law, anyone who gambles at a casino or simulcasting facility while under the legal age of 21 is guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A person who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble, while they are in that person's legal care or custody, is also guilty of a disorderly persons offense. A licensee or employee of a casino who allows someone under the age of 21 to gamble is guilty of a disorderly persons offense as well. This bill changes the penalties for each of these actions from that of a disorderly persons offense, which is of a criminal nature, to instead be a civil fine of up to $500 for the first offense, up to $1,000 for the second offense, and up to $2,000 for any offense thereafter. The fines collected will used for prevention, education, and treatment programs for compulsive gambling, such as those provided by the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey. | In Committee |
| S3971 | Include skin cancer as medical condition that permits certain materials on motor vehicle windows and windshields. | This bill includes skin cancer as one of the specific medical conditions that permits a person to apply for permission to add certain materials to the windshield and windows of a motor vehicle, including tinting material. Current law provides that the owner or lessee of a motor vehicle that is driven by or is used to regularly transport a person who has a medical condition involving ophthalmic or dermatologic photosensitivity may apply to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (chief administrator) for permission to have the windshield and windows of that vehicle covered by or treated with a product or material that increases its light reflectance or reduces its light transmittance. Current law specifies that the application is to be in a form and manner prescribed by the chief administrator and is to include, but not be limited to, a written certification by a certified ophthalmologist or a physician with a plenary license to practice medicine and surgery in this State or a bordering state that the person for whom the application is submitted has a medical condition involving ophthalmic or dermatologic photosensitivity. The bill provides that a history of, or a substantial risk of developing, skin cancer would be considered a medical condition involving ophthalmic or dermatologic photosensitivity and therefore, would qualify as a medical exemption available for vehicle window tinting. | In Committee |
| S3811 | Revises definition of "contracting unit" for government cooperative purchasing agreements. | Under current law, certain government contracting units authorized to purchase goods, or to contract for services, may make purchases and contract for services through the use of a nationally-recognized and accepted cooperative purchasing agreement that has been developed utilizing a competitive bidding process by another contracting unit within the State of New Jersey, or within any other state, when available. The definition of "contracting unit" in this provision of law includes various government entities, but specifies that they are "not a State board, commission, committee, authority or agency." This bill revises this definition of "contracting unit" to change the use of "authority or agency," providing instead for "State authority or agency." Thereby, State authorities or agencies would be included in the definition of contracting unit and be able to participate in the pertinent cooperative purchasing agreement. State boards, commissions, and committees will remain ineligible to participate in these cooperative purchasing agreements. | In Committee |
| S3595 | "Welcome Home Veterans Act"; requires MVC to provide veteran benefit information packets. | This bill establishes the "Welcome Home Veterans Act" which requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to provide information concerning federal and State benefits that are available to veterans upon the issuance of an initial license, renewal license, probationary license, or an identification card to a veteran, provided the document issued includes a veteran designation. The information required to be provided to veterans under the bill is to be available in both a hardcopy version at each commission agency as well as in a digital format on the commission's Internet website. The information provided to veterans is to include, at a minimum: (1) a copy of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs Veterans' Benefits Guide; (2) a copy of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' "Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents, Survivors, and Caregivers" booklet; (3) information on where veterans can find more information about available benefits; and (4) any other information the commission, in conjunction with the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs, believes is necessary for veterans in this State. | In Committee |
| S3617 | Requires county clerks to send applications for mail-in ballots to registered voters upon their 18th birthday. | Requires county clerks to send applications for mail-in ballots to registered voters upon their 18th birthday. | In Committee |
| S3557 | Changes monetary threshold for certain fourth degree theft crimes. | This bill changes monetary threshold to $100 for certain fourth degree theft crimes, where the monetary threshold was previously set at a higher amount. Under current law contained within the consolidated theft statute, N.J.S.2C:20-2, theft constitutes a crime of the fourth degree if the amount involved is at least $200 but does not exceed $500, and constitutes a disorderly persons offense if the amount involved was less than $200. The bill amends N.J.S.2C:20-2, under which theft would constitute a crime of the fourth degree if the amount involved is at least $100 but does not exceed $500, and constitutes a disorderly persons offense for crimes involving was less than $100. The bill also provides that a person convicted of theft as an indictable offense is to be sentenced to a minimum term of imprisonment of not less than one year. Current law, under N.J.S.2C:21-17, provides that a person is guilty of identity theft if the person engages in certain deceptive actions, defined under the statute, by any means including, but not limited to, the use of electronic communications or an Internet website. Under N.J.S.2C:21-17, a person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, if the person obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount less than $500 and the offense involves the identity of one victim; and guilty of a crime of the third degree, if the person obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount of at least $500 but less than $75,000, or the offense involves the identity of at least two but less than five victims. The bill amends the statute to provide that a person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, if the person obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount less than $100 and the offense involves the identity of one victim; and guilty of a crime of the third degree, if the person obtains a benefit or deprives another of a benefit in an amount of at least $100 but less than $75,000, or the offense involves the identity of at least two but less than five victims 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. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of up three to five years, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| S900 | Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation. | Exempts poll workers wages from affecting unemployment compensation. | In Committee |
| S1239 | Requires New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association to require criminal history records check for person to serve as official at athletic events sanctioned by association. | This bill requires that a criminal history records check be conducted on any person who serves as an official for an interscholastic athletics meet, game, or tournament sanctioned by the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA). Under the bill's provisions, the association is to request the check through the Commissioner of Education. A prospective or current official will submit his name, address, and fingerprints to the NJSIAA which will then forward this documentation to the commissioner. The bill authorizes the commissioner to exchange fingerprint data with and receive criminal history record information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the State Bureau of Identification in the Division of State Police. In conducting the check, the State Bureau of Identification will examine its own files and will arrange for a similar examination by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Identification Division. A prospective or current official will be disqualified from serving as an official for any interscholastic athletic events sanctioned by the NJSIAA if the person's criminal history record information reveals a record of conviction for a disqualifying crime or offense. The bill incorporates by reference the list of disqualifying crimes and offenses applicable to prospective school employees. Following qualification to serve as an official, the State Bureau of Identification will immediately forward to the commissioner any information which the bureau receives on a charge pending against the official. If the charge is for a disqualifying crime or offense, the commissioner will notify the NJSIAA, and the association will take appropriate action. If the pending charge results in conviction, the person will be disqualified from continuing to serve as an official. | In Committee |
| S3437 | Requires creation of license plates that allow disabled veterans to park in parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities. | Requires creation of license plates that allow disabled veterans to park in parking spots reserved for persons with disabilities. | In Committee |
| S3909 | Authorizes creation of "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War" license plates. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator (chief administrator) of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue 250th Anniversary Revolutionary War license plates. The design of the license plate is to be chosen by the chief administrator, in consultation with the New Jersey Historical Commission (historical commission) in the Department of State. In addition to the required motor vehicle registration fees, there is an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the license plates. After deducting the costs to implement the plates, the additional fees collected are to be deposited into the "250th Anniversary Revolutionary War License Plate Fund." The proceeds of the fund are to be appropriated annually to support and preserve Revolutionary War sites throughout New Jersey. The chief administrator is required to annually certify the average cost of producing, issuing, renewing, and publicizing the availability of the specialty license plates. If the average cost per plate exceeds $50 in two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator may discontinue the license plate program. The bill also requires that the Chair of the New Jersey Historical Commission appoint a liaison to represent the historical commission in all communications with the MVC regarding the license plates. The bill provides that State or other public funds may not be used by the MVC for the initial cost to implement the license plate program. The bill requires the historical commission, or an individual or entity designated by the historical commission, to contribute non-public monies, not to exceed $25,000, to offset the initial costs to design, produce, issue, and publicize the license plates and for any computer programming necessary to implement the program. The bill authorizes the historical commission to receive funds from private sources to be used to offset the initial costs. The MVC is not required to design, produce, issue, or publicize the availability of the license plates, or make any necessary programming changes, until: (1) the historical commission, or an individual or entity designated by the historical commission, has provided the MVC with the money necessary to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC in establishing the license plate program; and (2) the historical commission has provided the MVC with a minimum of 500 completed applications for the license plates, upon the availability for purchase of those license plates. The provisions of the bill will remain inoperative until the appropriate applications and fees required to offset the initial costs incurred by the MVC are provided by the historical commission or its designee. The bill expires on the last day of the 12th month following the bill's enactment if sufficient applications and fees to offset the initial costs are not received. | In Committee |
| 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 |
| SR98 | Commemorates 45th anniversary of enactment of Taiwan Relations Act and 35th anniversary of New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. | This resolution commemorates the 45th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act and the 35th anniversary of the New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship. The Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) was passed by the United States. Congress on April 10, 1979 to sustain a close bilateral relationship and advance mutual security and commercial interests between the United States and Taiwan. Since its enactment, the TRA has served as the cornerstone of U.S.-Taiwan relations, preserving peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, a part of the South China Sea that separates the island of Taiwan from the Asian continent. The Taiwan Strait is crucial to the maintenance of a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific region. Its importance has been recently highlighted in global summits such as the G7, NATO and East Asian Summit. The TRA has served as the foundation for the mutually beneficial partnership between Taiwan and the United States. In 2023, a total of $127.5 billion in bilateral trade occurred between the United States and Taiwan, making Taiwan the 8th largest trading partner of the United States. In June 2023, the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade was signed to enhance the existing trade partnership as a means to promote innovation and inclusive economic growth for workers, as well as businesses. The United States has also assisted Taiwan in furthering their global participation through international organizations, such as the World Health Organization and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. In 1989, New Jersey and Taiwan entered a sister-state relationship, which remains a continuous and prosperous affiliation today. In 2021, the relationship was expanded by a sister-city agreement between Newark, New Jersey and Taoyuan City, Taiwan. In 2023, New Jersey exported approximately $723 million worth of products to Taiwan, making Taiwan the State's 5th largest export market in Asia. In October 2023, Governor Murphy announced plans to open Choose New Jersey's New Jersey Asian-Pacific Center in Taiwan and witnessed numerous Memorandums of Understanding between State executive agencies and Taiwan to establish powerful economic trade partnerships and bilateral educational infrastructure. As of March 2024, over 200 Taiwanese companies have invested in New Jersey leading to the creation of new jobs in the State. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| SJR94 | Designates October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. | On October 27, 2018, a mass shooting fueled by religious and ethnic animus towards Jewish people occurred at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The senseless act of violence resulted in the loss of eleven innocent lives and injury to six others. The people of New Jersey share the grief of the families and friends of those who were injured or killed, and the designation of October 27th of each year as "Tree of Life Remembrance Day" would allow New Jersey residents to annually recognize the victims of that mass shooting and honor their memories. | Crossed Over |
| SR38 | Urges Congress to make Election Day federal holiday in US. | This resolution urges Congress to make Election Day, which occurs each year on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in the month of November, as a federal holiday in the United States. Voting is the most important civic duty granted to the public by the United States Constitution. By voting, the public is able to express their choice for who represents the country as public officials and lawmakers and for important public policy decisions. However, it is essential to increase voter participation and turnout in order to ensure elections are truly representative of the public. Designating Election Day as a federal holiday in the United States would increase voter turnout by easing some of the obstacles deterring voters and ensuring greater voter flexibility. In addition, it would emphasize to the public that the election process, and each vote, matters. For these reasons, Congress is urged to make Election Day a federal holiday in the United States. | In Committee |
| SJR33 | Designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey. | This joint resolution designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey. Service dogs play an important role in assisting veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorder. It is estimated that 29 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience PTSD, and 28 percent of veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom may experience TBI. New Jersey has a current veteran population of over 300,000. However, despite federal law to expand the availability of service dogs to veterans, the training and placement of service dogs falls primarily upon community non-profit organizations that depend on charitable donations, such as Paws Healing Heroes of Glassboro. The average cost to rescue, train, and present a service dog to a veteran can be $3,000 to $5,000, which is not covered by insurance or other veterans' benefits. Designating "Paws Healing Heroes Day" will promote greater awareness of the unique role of service dogs in assisting veterans. | In Committee |
| S3410 | Requires DMVA establish Disabled Veterans Transportation Task Force. | This bill establishes a Disabled Veterans Transportation Task Force. The purpose of the task force will be to study, evaluate, and develop recommendations to address the transportation needs of disabled veterans. The task force will consist of the Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the President of New Jersey Transit, and the Adjutant General will appoint: at least three disabled veterans; at least three representatives from different veterans organizations; and at least three representatives from different Boards of County Commissioners. The task force will hold at least three public hearings in different parts of the State and elicit testimony from the public at such times and places as the chairs will designate. It will be the duty of the task force to: identify ways to improve and increase transportation opportunities for disabled veterans; identify barriers that exist to providing disabled veterans with transportation opportunities; develop recommendations regarding reimbursement of travel expenses, including, but not limited to, utilizing travel allowances and mileage based reimbursement; and make recommendations for legislation or such other action as it deems appropriate with regard to transportation opportunities for disabled veterans. The task force will submit an interim report of its findings and recommendations no later than six months after its initial organizational meeting, and a final report of its findings and recommendations no later than 12 months after its initial organizational meeting. The report will be publicly accessible and posted on the website of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. | In Committee |
| S3257 | Allows law enforcement agencies to distribute epinephrine to officers; requires training. | Allows law enforcement agencies to distribute epinephrine to officers; requires training. | In Committee |
| S3807 | Establishes Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission. | This bill creates the Veterans Suicide Prevention Commission act. The purpose of the commission will be to assess, support, and create programs for the successful transition, adjustment, and reintegration of service members back into civilian life through the coordination of the collective efforts of State agencies with the goal of preventing veteran suicides. The commission will coordinate with State agencies to effectively and responsibly meet the needs of the military community. In performing these responsibilities, the commission will conduct planning, research, education, training, and evaluation activities to improve the operations and coordination of the systems of care and support provided by the agencies. The commission will coordinate its activities with the activities of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs for its veterans, service members, and their families. The commission will consist of 13 members. Members of the commission will be appointed for a term of four years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Upon expiration of the initial term, each member may be reappointed for an additional term of four years. The commission, in its discretion, may divide its membership into subcommittees in the course of carrying out its duties. The commission will hold at least six meetings each year, but otherwise will meet at the call of the chair. The primary focus of the commission will be on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of those State programs and services related to the military community with the goal of the prevention of veteran suicides. The commission will review the activities related to the military community of each State agency to ensure there is efficient and effective coordination and alignment with the needs of the military community. The commission will ensure accountability by tracking the progress of initiatives, programs, and services; develop strategic collaborations among State agencies; and increase public awareness of the services and support available to the military community to prevent veteran suicides. The commission will promote coordination and efficiency among State, county, and local units of government through knowledge sharing, mobilization of resources, and an aligned approach to serving the military community to prevent veteran suicides. The commission will issue periodic reports, which will include, but not be limited to, its strategic goals, its public research agenda, and its performance and progress in meeting its goals. | In Committee |
| SR115 | Commemorates anniversary of October 7th attack on Israel. | On October 7, 2023, just after the 50th anniversary of the start of the multi-front 1973 Yom Kippur War against Israel, the terrorist organization Hamas carried out a brutal attack against the Jewish people and the State of Israel. The attack began in the early morning when Hamas launched thousands of rockets from the Gaza Strip that reached as far as Tel Aviv and the outskirts of Jerusalem, and then infiltrated Israeli towns and army bases in the south, including a gathering of young people at a music festival. The armed terrorists launched a coordinated strike arriving in boats, paragliders, motorcycles, and other vehicles. News reports, survivor accounts, images, and videos from the scenes of this horrific attack show that Hamas terrorists slaughtered ordinary civilians and entire families, including babies and elderly people, set houses on fire, raped women, and took hostages. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, 1,200 people were confirmed dead in Israel, including American citizens, and another 3,400 were injured. The October 7th attack was one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in modern history, resulting in more Jews killed that day than on any single day since the Holocaust. On October 7th, Hamas took 251 men, women, and children hostage from Israel into Gaza, including American citizens, and kept them in inhumane and torturous conditions, including in cramped underground tunnels, since their kidnapping. One of the American hostages taken into captivity by Hamas, Edan Alexander, is a resident of Tenafly, New Jersey, and is still being held in captivity. Hamas has executed many of these hostages, including six individuals who were shot at close range on August 29, 2024 as Israeli Defense Forces approached their location. Israeli authorities believe that 101 of the hostages who were kidnapped on October 7th remain in captivity, and it is believed that only 64 individuals remain alive. The October 7th terror attack prompted a defensive war against Hamas by the Israeli Defense Forces. Many thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians have been wounded and killed by Israeli strikes targeting Hamas leaders, militants, and command and control positions. A large percentage of Palestinian civilians have been displaced and are now living in makeshift shelters with limited access to food, clean water, and medical care. The suffering and death which has occurred as a result of the October 7th attacks are tragic and horrific. It is therefore fitting and proper for New Jersey to commemorate the anniversary of the October 7th attack by Hamas against Israel, to mourn the lives that were lost as a result, condemn any and all acts of terrorism, stand in solidarity with the people of Israel and the Palestinian people, call for the release of all hostages, and support efforts seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict. | In Committee |
| S3051 | Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to hire staff to alleviate professional license application backlog; appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. | Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to hire staff to alleviate professional license application backlog; appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal years 2026, 2027, and 2028. | In Committee |
| S3140 | Requires eligible children from birth to five to receive early intervention services. | Requires eligible children from birth to five to receive early intervention services. | In Committee |
| S2306 | "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. | "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions. | In Committee |
| S1213 | Prohibits pharmacies from charging additional fee for processing prescriptions transmitted by telephone or electronic means. | This bill would prohibit pharmacists from charging additional fees for processing prescriptions that are transmitted by telephone or electronic means unless the fees also apply to prescriptions transmitted in writing. It is the sponsor's belief that electronically-transmitted prescriptions are more efficient than written prescriptions, and that imposing additional processing fees may discourage the use of electronic prescriptions. | In Committee |
| S1220 | Increases penalties for failing to secure a child in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat while operating a motor vehicle. | Increases penalties for failing to secure a child in a child passenger restraint system or booster seat while operating a motor vehicle. | In Committee |
| S3721 | Requires mandatory imprisonment for crime or offense committed against elderly person. | This bill requires a person who commits a crime or offense against an elderly person to serve a mandatory minimum term of incarceration. Under the bill, a person who commits a crime or offense against an elderly person is required to serve a term of one-third to one-half of the sentenced impose, and during such time, the defendant is not eligible for parole. The bill defines "elderly person" to mean any person 60 years of age or older. | In Committee |
| S3718 | Permits Secretary of Higher Education to appoint antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education; requires institution to implement recommendations of antisemitism monitor. | This bill authorizes the Secretary of Higher Education to appoint, at the secretary's discretion, an antisemitism monitor to any institution of higher education in the State. Under the bill, the responsibilities of the antisemitism monitor include: (1) reviewing institution policies related to combatting antisemitism and protecting Jewish students and staff, and how those policies are implemented and enforced; (2) reviewing the efforts of the institution in developing a safe academic environment for Jewish students and staff; and (3) establishing a procedure for members of the campus community to report an incident of antisemitism, including information, as applicable, on the institution's response to the incident. The monitor is to permit the submission of anonymous reports. The bill directs an antisemitism monitor to issue quarterly progress reports to the secretary and the governing board of the institution, or on a schedule determined by the secretary. The progress report shall detail the monitor's findings and include: (1) recommendations to the institution; and (2) recommendations to the Legislature. The bill also requires the institution to implement the recommendations of the antisemitism monitor. The bill directs the salary of an antisemitism monitor to be fixed by the secretary and paid by the institution. The bill requires an institution of higher education to provide the support and access to the monitor as may be necessary for the monitor to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. Under the bill, the failure of an institution to comply with the bill's provisions may, at the recommendation of the secretary, result in: (a) a reduction or total withdrawal of State support for operational and capital costs of the institution; or (b) the loss of eligibility for students enrolled at the institution in student assistance programs administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. | In Committee |
| A2180 | Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses. | An Act concerning school transportation, amending P.L.2015, c.268 (C.18A:39-20.1). | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S2860 | Establishes Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program. | Establishes Sports Equipment Equity Pilot Program. | In Committee |
| S1284 | Establishes County-Based School Security Pilot Program in DOE; appropriates $15 million. | This bill establishes the County-Based School Security Pilot Program in the Department of Education. The County-Based School Security Pilot Program would establish county-based mental health services for public school students and provide security infrastructure to certain public schools in Essex, Mercer, and Camden counties for three years. This bill directs the Commissioner of Education to work in collaboration with the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Children and Families, and the Director of the State Office of Emergency Management in the Department of Law and Public Safety to implement the pilot program. The pilot program established under the bill would include a county-based mental health program available to students residing in a pilot county and attending a public school. The mental health program would incorporate individual and group clinical mental health services; referrals to community-based mental health care providers; evidence-based interventions; mental health screenings; and crisis intervention. The pilot program would also provide additional security supports for school districts within a pilot county including expanded access to training for active shooter scenarios; bullet-resident mobile ballistic shields; and other protective equipment as deemed necessary by the commissioner. Under the bill, the commissioner would be required to submit a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature within one year after the implementation of the pilot program and annually thereafter for a total of three years. Additionally, this bill appropriates $15 million from the General Fund to the department. This bill takes effect in the first full school year following enactment, but the bill allows the commissioner to take anticipatory administrative action in advance of the effective date. | In Committee |
| S1240 | Expands duties of Office of School Bus Safety. | Expands duties of Office of School Bus Safety. | In Committee |
| S3697 | Prohibits seller from charging credit card surcharges; establishes notice requirements for credit card minimums and cash discounts. | This bill prohibits a seller from imposing a credit card surcharge on a customer using a credit card for a transaction occurring in the State. Under current law, a seller may impose a credit card surcharge that is no greater than the actual cost to the seller to process the credit card payment. The bill also establishes certain notice requirements for sellers that condition the acceptance of a credit card on a minimum transaction amount and for sellers that offer a discount on transactions to induce payment by cash, check, or debit card rather than by credit card. The bill does not apply to the existing notice requirements for motor fuel retail dealers that sell similar fuels at different prices to customers that use cash and customers that use credit cards. | In Committee |
| S3614 | Dedicates sales tax revenues collected on retail sales of locally produced wine for promotion of New Jersey wine. | This bill dedicates a portion of the State sales tax revenues collected on the retail sales of wine to support the promotion of New Jersey wines. The tax revenue annually collected from the sales and use tax collected on certain retail sales of wine produced at a winery in this State, including wine sold in bottles or other containers and sold in the ordinary course of business for consumption by the glass on a vendor's business premises, will be credited to the "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account" in the Department of Agriculture. The annual appropriation of this revenue will be used by the Secretary of Agriculture for research and development concerning the viticultural and wine-making processes in the State and for the promotion of New Jersey wine, consistent with the recommendations of the New Jersey Wine Industry Advisory Council. The dedication and separate record keeping requirements for New Jersey produced wine will not apply to the sales tax on sales of wine by any vendor that regularly and principally provides meals to its customers through kitchen and dining facilities. | 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 |
| S2548 | Authorizes school district that moves its annual school election to November to submit separate proposals for additional spending for budget year and subsequent budget year. | Under current law, a school district may submit to the voters at the annual school election a separate question or proposal for permission to raise additional funds for the budget year beyond the district's authorized tax levy cap in order to support a particular program or purpose. This bill provides that in the case of a school district that has moved its annual school election to November, the district may submit a separate proposal for additional funds for the budget year, or a separate proposal for additional funds for the subsequent budget year, or separate proposals for additional funds for each of those budget years. The bill stipulates, however, that in the case of a district that submits a separate question for additional funds for the subsequent budget year and the separate question is approved, the school district may not increase its tax levy for that subsequent budget year by the amount of any "banked" tax levy that the district may have at its disposal under the cap banking provisions of the law. In light of the fact that a school district that has moved its annual school election to November is already well into the school year by the time a separate question for that budget year is approved by the voters, which makes budget planning difficult, this bill will provide such districts with flexible options to increase their ability to do sound budget planning. The bill addresses situations similar to the one faced by a school district that submitted a separate question to the voters to ask for their approval to raise additional tax levy to expand the district's half-day kindergarten program to a full-day program. When the voters approved the question, it was the district's intention to expand the kindergarten program in the next school year and to begin raising the additional tax levy in that next year. However, under current law the tax levy would begin to be collected in the school year in which it received voter approval and the collection could not be delayed until the next school year. Under this bill, the collection of the taxes could be delayed. | In Committee |
| S2937 | Requires definitions of Antisemitism and Islamophobia be included in State's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging policies, and in any such policy for recipients of State's funds. | Requires definitions of Antisemitism and Islamophobia be included in State's diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging policies, and in any such policy for recipients of State funds. | In Committee |
| S2378 | Provides gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals for expense of classroom supplies. | This bill provides a gross income tax deduction to eligible educators and paraprofessionals employed by a New Jersey elementary or secondary school for certain expenses incurred by the educator or paraprofessional for classroom supplies during the taxable year. This New Jersey gross income tax deduction is modeled on the federal income tax deduction for educator expenses allowed under section 62 of the federal Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. s.62). The bill defines an "eligible educator" as an individual who is employed as a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, speech language specialist, or principal by a public or private school located in this State for at least 900 hours during a school year. The bill defines a "paraprofessional" as an individual who is employed as a school aide or classroom aide who assists a teaching staff member with the supervision of pupil activities by a public or private school located in the State that provides elementary education or secondary education. The bill allows the deduction of unreimbursed expenditures by an eligible educator or paraprofessional for supplies (other than nonathletic supplies for courses of instruction in health or physical education), books, computer equipment, including related software and services, and other equipment and supplementary materials used by the eligible educator or paraprofessional in the classroom. | In Committee |
| S1292 | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; appropriates $100,000. | Establishes State definition of anti-Semitism; creates a public awareness campaign; and appropriates $100,000. | In Committee |
| S3442 | Permits home health care services agencies to employ certified nurse aides as homemaker-home health aides. | The bill provides that a licensed home care services agency licensed may employ certified nurse aides to work as homemaker-home health aides. Under current law, home care services agencies are only permitted to employ certified homemaker-home health aides, while long-term care facilities are permitted to employ both certified homemaker-home health aides and certified nurse aides under certain conditions. | In Committee |
| S3454 | Establishes "Jersey Vines Program" in Department of Agriculture. | This bill directs the Secretary of Agriculture, in conjunction with the State Board of Agriculture, to develop and implement a "Jersey Vines Program" to encourage, advertise, and promote the sale of wine produced in the State by plenary winery and farm winery licensees. The wines promoted by the program would be produced using grapes, fruits, and other ingredients that are cultivated and grown in New Jersey. The Jersey Vines Program would increase consumer awareness of the New Jersey wine industry, organize advertising campaigns and create marketing programs to promote wine produced in the State, disseminate information about the variety and availability of wine produced in the State, disseminate information about certain wineries, vineyards, and farms in the State, and create a labeling program (similar to the "Jersey Fresh" program) to identify wine produced in the State as "Jersey Vines" wine. | In Committee |
| S2363 | Permits DMVA to receive voluntary contributions for veteran suicide prevention public service announcements. | This bill permits the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA) to accept gifts, grants, donations from the public and private sectors for the purpose of public service announcements for the prevention of veteran suicide. Revenues received by the department will be deposited into a special nonlapsing fund maintained by the State Treasurer. | In Committee |
| S1200 | Allows a gross income tax deduction for certain higher education tuition and fee expenses. | This bill allows taxpayers who have annual gross income of $85,000 or less to deduct certain higher education tuition and fee expenses paid during the taxable year. The bill allows the deduction for higher education tuition and fee expenses paid on account of the status of the taxpayer, the taxpayer's spouse and the taxpayer's dependents as a matriculated student at an accredited higher education institution. | In Committee |
| S1235 | Establishes a gross income tax credit for attendance at New Jersey county colleges. | This bill encourages greater opportunities for attendance at county colleges by establishing a $750 gross income tax credit for payment of tuition and maintenance costs for full time attendance, and a $375 credit for part-time attendance, at a New Jersey county college paid by a taxpayer either for a dependent under 22 years of age or for the taxpayer's own attendance at a county college. These tax credits provide tax savings that can be used to finance a significant portion of a county college student's tuition. The county community college system, comprised of 19 institutions, provides access to higher education for a broad range of New Jersey residents who might otherwise be denied the benefits of a college education. This tax credit can provide a substantial financial subsidy for those taxpayers who are pursuing this gateway to a post-secondary education for themselves or their dependents. | In Committee |
| S3419 | Authorizes certain types of permanent structures, newly constructed or erected on preserved farmland, to be used, in certain cases, for purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. | This bill would amend existing State law, at P.L.2023, c.9 (C.4:1C-32.15 et seq.), which authorizes the holding of certain limited special occasion events on preserved farms, in order to clarify the circumstances under which certain newly constructed or erected permanent structures may be used for such special occasion events. The law currently prohibits any new, permanent structures from being constructed or erected on preserved farmland for the purpose of holding a special occasion event thereon, and it further prohibits the improvement of any existing structures, for such purposes, except when such improvements are limited to the minimum required for the protection of health and safety. This bill would establish a limited exception to these general statutory prohibitions, which would authorize certain new and permanent structures, currently existing or proposed to be newly constructed or erected on a preserved farm, to be used for the purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. Specifically, the bill would provide that, commencing on its effective date and retroactive to February 3, 2023 (i.e., the effective date of P.L.2023, c.9 (C.4:1C-32.15 et seq.)), any new and permanent structure existing, or proposed to be newly constructed or erected on, preserved farmland, may be used for the purposes of holding special occasion events thereon, provided that: (1) the new and permanent structure either: was constructed or erected on or after the February 3, 2023 effective date of P.L.2023, c.9 (C.4:1C-32.15 et seq.) and within the 24-month period immediately preceding submission of the application; or will be constructed or erected in the same calendar year in which, but prior to the date on which, the special occasion events necessitating the use thereof are approved to be held; (2) the construction or erection of the new and permanent structure is or was demonstrably necessary both: to effectuate the applicant's functional ability to hold special occasion events on the preserved farm, in accordance with existing law; and to prepare or rehabilitate the grounds, on the farm, which are to be used for special occasion event purposes; (3) the new and permanent structure is not solely functional or formally designated as an entertainment or events venue and has a primary farm-related function other than serving as a space for the holding of special occasion events; and (4) the new and permanent structure satisfies all siting and construction requirements applicable to the construction of facilities and buildings on preserved farmland. The farm owner or operator would be required, in the application to the grantee submitted pursuant to the law, to certify and provide supporting documentation to establish that any such new and permanent structure meets the standards established by the bill. | In Committee |
| SCR109 | 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. | In Committee |
| S3335 | Provides gross income tax deduction for expenses incurred by disabled veterans for service animals. | This bill provides a gross income tax deduction of up to $5,000 for certain expenses incurred by a disabled veteran taxpayer related to the purchasing, training, or maintaining a service animal. Eligible maintenance expenses for a service animal would include purchases of food, grooming, and veterinary care. Under current law, certain taxpayers are permitted to claim a deduction for the portion of certain medical expenses incurred related to the maintenance of service animals. The deduction authorized in this bill would be allowed for any qualifying costs incurred by a disabled veteran that are not already deductible as an eligible medical expense. A "disabled veteran" is defined under the bill as any resident of the State who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service in the United States Armed Forces and who has a service-connected disability, as determined by the United States Veteran's Administration. Under the bill, the term "service animal" has the same meaning as is defined under the federal "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990," 42 U.S.C. s.12101 et seq. and any regulations promulgated under the act. Currently, federal regulations at 28 CFR 35.104 define "service animal" to mean "any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability." Federal regulations further require the work or tasks performed by the service to be directly related to the individual's disability. | In Committee |
| S3344 | Establishes public awareness campaign concerning risks of gambling and resources available to compulsive gamblers; appropriates $200,000. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement to establish a compulsive gambling public awareness campaign to educate the general public on the inherent risks of gambling and the resources available to help compulsive gamblers in the State. Under the bill, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, will develop and implement a public awareness campaign on the inherent risks of gambling and the resources available to help compulsive gamblers in the State through media outlets, which include, but are not limited to, Statewide newspapers, radio, public service announcements, social media, television ads, and any other media outlets deemed appropriate by the commissioner, no later than 180 days after this bill is enacted. The Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement will report to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than 24 months after the effective date of this bill, on the activities and accomplishments of the public awareness campaign. Finally, the bill appropriates, from the General Fund to the Department of Law and Public Safety $200,000 to develop and implement the public awareness campaign. | In Committee |
| S1224 | Incorporates boardwalks into transportation local aid program and provides for Local Aid Infrastructure Fund grants to boardwalk projects. | This bill amends the definition of public highway to include boardwalks. The bill also amends the State transportation local aid program formula for the distribution of county aid and municipal aid to include boardwalk mileage in addition to county and municipal road mileage respectively. This provides counties and municipalities with the same amount of annual local aid funding for each mile of boardwalk that they must maintain as they receive for each mile of road that they must maintain. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Transportation (commissioner) to provide no less than $4 million per year in grants from the Local Aid Infrastructure Fund for boardwalk projects in State Fiscal Years 2022 through 2031. The Local Aid Infrastructure Fund is a discretionary grant pool that the commissioner may award to projects not covered by the other local aid program categories. | In Committee |
| S2327 | Requires MVC to check Social Security Administration records and mark deceased individuals in MVC database once per month. | This bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (commission) to compare, not less than once per month, the commission's database records with the death records produced by the Social Security Administration and mark as deceased in the commission's database records any individual who is listed in those death records. | In Committee |
| S3000 | Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses. | Permits certain persons to operate Type S school buses. | In Committee |
| S1287 | Removes obstacles to teacher certification for certain teachers; repeals law establishing alternative certificate of eligibility. | Removes obstacles to teacher certification for certain teachers; repeals law establishing alternative certificate of eligibility. | In Committee |
| S1616 | Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States. | This bill provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education in this State to New Jersey residents who are members of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States and to certain children and surviving spouses of those members. Under current law, a member of the New Jersey National Guard is permitted to attend regularly-scheduled courses at a public institution of higher education and receive up to 16 credits per semester tuition-free. The law also provides a tuition benefit to a child or surviving spouse of a member of the National Guard who was or is killed in the performance of his or her duties, if available classroom space permits and the tuition-paying students constitute the minimum number required for the course. This bill amends current law to extend these tuition benefits to a member of a reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States who is a resident of New Jersey, and to a child or surviving spouse of such a member of the reserves who was or is killed in the performance of his or her duties. The bill requires the child or surviving spouse to be a resident of New Jersey for the tuition benefits to apply. For purposes of the bill, the reserve components of the Armed Forces of the United States include the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Reserve, Air Force Reserve, and Coast Guard Reserve. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and is first applicable to the academic year following enactment. | In Committee |
| S1458 | Requires DMVA to develop mobile application to provide guidance on available resources to veterans and their families. | This bill requires the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application for veterans and their families. The mobile application will be a resource guide and will provide veterans and their families with information related to veterans' legal rights, medical and insurance issues, education, housing, the transition from active to civilian life. The guide should have substantially the same information as available on the DMVA website, A Resource Guide for New Jersey's Military, Veterans and Families, and New Jersey Veterans Benefits Guide. Making these resources available through a mobile application will provide veterans with an additional avenue to access DMVA resources. The content on mobile applications generally loads faster than websites, and mobile applications are easier to use than websites and will provide veterans with a better user experience. | In Committee |
| S2938 | Creates neutral safe exchange zones at county sheriff offices for certain custody and visitation exchanges of minor children; makes appropriation. | Creates neutral safe exchange zones at county sheriff offices for certain custody and visitation exchanges of minor children; makes appropriation. | In Committee |
| S1065 | Establishes New Jersey Veteran Services Grant Program in DMVA; makes appropriation. | This bill establishes the New Jersey Veteran Services Grant Program to assist veterans in applying for and receiving State and federal benefits and to provide training for veterans service officers employed by the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). The grants will be awarded to qualified veterans' organizations on a competitive basis based on criteria developed by DMVA. An application for a grant must have a detailed outline of the training that will be provided to State veterans service officers or the number of additional veterans service officers the organization will provide to assist veterans with applying for and receiving State and federal benefits, or both. Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature. Under the bill, "qualified veterans' organization" is defined as a nonprofit veterans' organization that qualifies as a section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or a federally chartered Veterans' Service Organization. This bill also appropriates $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the department to defray the costs of the grant program. | 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 |
| S3002 | Requires Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of FY 2025 appropriations act. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to permit certain school districts losing State school aid to submit budgets after enactment of the State fiscal year 2025 appropriations act. The commissioner is authorized under the bill to make any adjustments to the school budget calendar that are necessary to conform with the provisions of the bill, which adjustments include a compressed schedule by which a school district can enact its budget. The bill would apply to school districts, which are proposed to receive a State school aid reduction and are experiencing a reduction that is greater than the total amount of the district's unused tax authority permitted under current law. This unused tax authority is often referred to as "banked cap." Under current law, a school district may add to its adjusted tax levy in any one of the next three succeeding budget years, the amount of the difference between the maximum allowable amount to be raised by taxation for the current school budget year and the actual amount to be raised by taxation for the current school budget year. | In Committee |
| SR101 | Condemns Rutgers University's acquiescence to anti-Semitic protests. | This resolution condemns Rutgers, The State University's acquiescence to anti-Semitic protests. In response to the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, students at institutions of higher education across the country established protests and encampments to protest the conflict, including Rutgers University-New Brunswick. On April 29, 2024 student protestors at Rutgers established an encampment on the lawns of Voorhees mall, disturbing the operations of the institution, glorifying the violence Hamas has inflicted on the Israeli people, and utilizing anti-Semitic rhetoric. The student protestors demanded 10 actions from Rutgers, including: a divestment of funds from any corporation materially participating in, benefitting from, or otherwise supporting the State of Israel; the termination of the institution's partnership with Tel Aviv University; the establishment of a memorandum of understanding with Birzeit University; the acceptance of, and scholarships for, 10 Gazan students; a statement from President Jonathan Holloway referring to the conflict as a genocide and advocating for a ceasefire; hiring based on cultural competency; and full amnesty for those participating in the encampment. Rutgers accepted eight out of 10 of the demands in return for an end to the encampment. In acquiescing to eight of the 10 demands, the administration of Rutgers displayed a blatant disregard for its Jewish and pro-Israel students. The glorification of violence and use of anti-Semitic rhetoric, a form of hate speech, and the acceptance of this hate speech by the administration, creates a hostile learning and working environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff. Therefore, due to the anti-Semitic practices of the administration of the institution, it is altogether fitting and proper for the Legislature to condemn the institution's acquiescence to the demands of the anti-Semitic protestors. | In Committee |
| S3209 | Prohibits flags of designated terrorist organizations from being displayed or flown on State property. | This bill prohibits the flag of a United States Department of State-designated terrorist organization from being displayed or flown on State property. Any State entity occupying State property that permits such a flag to be displayed or flown will be penalized by the immediate loss of State or other funding in such amount as the Secretary of State and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury determine is necessary and appropriate. All such penalties will be deposited in the General Fund for reallocation by the State Treasurer as may be permissible. Under the bill, "State property" means land and improvements owned or leased by the State and includes, but is not limited to, State offices, hospitals, parks and recreational areas, institutions, and schools, including colleges and universities, together with abutting vacant land held for future use for the same purposes. The bill does not prohibit the displaying or flying of such flags for news, theatrical, historical, or educational purposes. | In Committee |
| S3208 | Prohibits institution of higher education which boycotts or divests from Israel-supporting or Israeli businesses from receiving State funds. | This bill prohibits an institution of higher education which boycotts or divests from Israel-supporting businesses or Israeli businesses from receiving State funds. Under the bill, an institution of higher education is prohibited from receiving State operating aid; the proceeds State-supported revenue bonds that are issued by the New Jersey Educational Facilities Authority; the proceeds of State general obligation bonds; or funds awarded to a student enrolled in the institution distributed through any State student assistance or scholarship program administered by the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority if the institution, including all endowment funds, subdivisions, departments, and sections of the institution: boycotts the goods, products, or businesses of Israel; boycotts entities doing business with Israel; boycotts companies operating in Israel or Israeli-controlled territory; divests from any investment due to a company's support, either through in-kind or for-profit, of Israel; or supports or participates in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. | In Committee |
| S3210 | Requires institution of higher education to adopt policy on use of campus facilities and grounds for camping. | This bill directs the governing board of each institution of higher education to develop and adopt a policy on the use of campus facilities and grounds for camping. Under the bill, the policy is to require any person or group seeking to camp at the institution to obtain prior approval from the institution. The bill defines "camping" to mean the pitching of tents or the overnight use of sleeping bags, blankets, makeshift shelters, motor homes, campers, or camp trailers for any purpose. | In Committee |
| SCR104 | Condemns Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance. | This resolution condemns Hinduphobia, anti-Hindu bigotry and intolerance, and declares the State of New Jersey as a place that welcomes the diversity brought by Hindu Americans. This resolution recognizes that Hinduism is one of the world's largest and oldest religions with over 1.2 billion adherents in over 100 countries and which encompasses an array of diverse traditions and belief systems with values of acceptance, mutual respect, and peace. The United States has always been a beacon of hope, progress, and innovation, attracting people from around the world to create and live a better and fulfilling life, and has welcomed more than four million Hindus from all corners of the world and given them better opportunities and the freedom to practice Hinduism, also known as "Sanatana Dharma". The American Hindu community has been a major contributor to diverse sectors such as medicine, science and engineering, information technology, hospitality, finance, academia, manufacturing, energy, retail trade, and so much more. Hindu contributions of Yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, food, music, arts, and more have enriched the cultural fabric and have been widely adopted in American society and enriched the lives of millions. Hinduphobia, as described by the Understanding Hinduphobia Initiative, is "a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred". There have been documented instances of hate crimes against Hindu Americans over the last few decades in many parts of the country. | In Committee |
| S3139 | Concerns conditions of employment of certain cannabis workers. | This bill provides cannabis workers employed by cannabis employers rights and protections equal to the rights and protections provided to other workers with respect to employee representation, collective bargaining, and unfair labor practices. Cannabis employers are defined in the bill as employers who are licensed or regulated under chapter 6I of Title 24 of the Revised Statutes. Currently, certain cannabis workers, most notably those employed by licensed cannabis cultivators, are excluded from protections against unfair labor practices provided to most private sector workers by the federal National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. s.151 et seq.)("NLRA"), and provided to public employees by the State public employment relations law, P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1 et seq.)("PERL") and the Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act, P.L.2018, c.15 (C.34:13A-5.11 et seq.) ("WDEA"). This bill brings those cannabis workers under protections similar to those laws, by expanding the responsibilities of the State Board of Mediation in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding cannabis employment not regulated by the NLRA. It provides the board with the power to prevent specified unfair labor practices, thus providing rights to the cannabis workers similar to the rights provided to other private sector workers by the NLRA, and the rights provided to public employees by the PERL and the WDEA. The bill prohibits cannabis employers and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of the rights granted by the bill. 2. Dominating or interfering with any employee organization. 3. Discriminating against employees for making disclosures or otherwise exercising their rights. 4. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 5. Violating any board regulation. The bill similarly prohibits cannabis worker organizations and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights. 2. Interfering with, restraining, or coercing a cannabis employer in the selection of a representative for negotiations or grievance procedures. 3. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 4. Violating any board regulation. The board may order an offending party to cease any unfair practice and take reasonable remedial action, including, in the case of a discharge, reinstatement, paying lost wages, costs of action, and damages equal to the wages due. It is also an unfair practice under the bill for a cannabis employer to encourage or discourage employees from joining, forming or assisting an employee organization, or encourage them to end their employee organization membership or revoke authorization of the deduction of dues or fees. The board is required to order the employer to make whole the employee organization for any resulting losses to the organization. Current law, section 5 of P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1), directs the New Jersey State Board of Mediation to designate a labor organization to represent employees of any private sector employer not regulated under the NLRA, including an employer who is not a cannabis employer, if the employees select the organization in an election conforming with NLRA procedures, or, if only one labor organization seeks to represent the employees, a majority of the employees sign cards showing that they prefer that organization. The bill provides that in such cases, including cases of non-cannabis employers, the employee organization may petition the board to require the employer to provide a list of current employees with contact information. The bill increases penalties for employer non-compliance from not more than $1,000 to not more than $5,000 per day of non-compliance. Finally, the bill clarifies that the provisions of section 5 of P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1) concerning private employers not subject to the NLRA apply to employees not subject to the NLRA even if employed by an employer who has both employees not subject to the NLRA and employees who are subject to the NRLA. The bill provides, with respect to cannabis workers and employers, that if the employee organization petitions the board for that information, then the employer must also give the organization access to the employees, including allowing meetings in the workplace and employer-controlled living quarters. The bill provides that once the organization is designated as the employee representative, the employer must give the organization access to the employer's premises to investigate and discuss grievances and other issues, conduct meetings, and meet newly hired employees. The bill gives cannabis worker organizations the right to engage in publicity regarding products produced by an employer with which the organization has a dispute, including publicity asking the public to not patronize businesses distributing or selling the products. | In Committee |
| S3110 | Establishes program to provide free tuition under State Tuition Aid Grant Program to certain students who are accepted to public four-year institutions of higher education and elect to attend county college for first two years. | This bill establishes the Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program within the State Tuition Aid Grant Program. The program will provide free tuition to certain students who are accepted for admission to a four-year public institution of higher education, qualify for tuition aid grants, and elect to attend a county college for the first two years of their undergraduate education. A grant for an eligible student under the program will cover the full cost of tuition for two years at a county college to complete an associate degree and two years at a four-year public institution of higher education to complete a baccalaureate degree. In order to be eligible to participate in the Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program, a student must meet the following criteria: (1) be accepted for admission as a full-time undergraduate student at a four-year public institution of higher education; (2) be eligible to receive a State tuition aid grant pursuant to N.J.S.18A:71B-18 et seq., and apply for all available State and federal student grants and scholarships for which the student is eligible; (3) elect to complete the first two years of the student's undergraduate education at the New Jersey county college serving the student's county of residence; (4) defer admission at the four-year public institution of higher education for a period of two years; and (5) have a New Jersey Eligibility Index under the State Tuition Aid Grant Program that does not exceed 2499. The bill requires a four-year public institution of higher education to grant a deferment for two years to a student who has been accepted for admission to the institution and who participates in the Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program. All academic credits earned at the county college by a program participant will be fully transferrable and credited as the first two years of a baccalaureate degree program at the four-year institution. In addition, the bill allows independent institutions of higher education to elect to participate in the program. In the case of an eligible student who is accepted to a participating independent institution, the grant will cover the full cost of tuition for two years at a county college, and for the two subsequent years the grant amount will equal the average cost of attendance at the four-year public institutions of higher education in each year of attendance. The independent institution may charge the student for the cost of tuition in excess of the grant amount. The bill provides that any monies the State saves under the Tuition Aid Grant Program as a result of students participating in the Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program will be reinvested in the Tuition Aid Grant Program in order to expand the population of students who are eligible to participate in the Two to Four Tuition Free Students Program. The bill also requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to submit a report annually to the Governor and the Legislature on the program, which will include the number of students participating in the program, the graduation rate of participants, information on student outcomes, and the amount of any cost savings realized by the State as a result of students participating in the program. | In Committee |
| S3092 | Ensures no school district receives State school aid reduction greater than five percent. | This bill establishes a new category of State school aid entitled "stabilized reduction aid." Under the bill, stabilized reduction aid is to be used to ensure that, in the 2024-2025 school year and each school year thereafter, a school district receives no greater than a five percent reduction in State school aid compared to the prior school year. The bill specifies that a county vocational school district would receive the greater of the amount of State school aid calculated pursuant to the provisions of the bill or the amount of State school aid calculated with the inclusion of vocational expansion stabilization aid. Under current law, vocational expansion stabilization aid ensures that a county vocational school district receives no less than the sum of the district's State school aid received in the 2017-2018 school year. | In Committee |
| S3060 | Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing. | As amended, this bill requires health, hospital, and medical service corporations, health maintenance organizations, and commercial group health insurers to provide coverage for an annual prostate cancer screening without cost sharing for men who are between 40 and 75 years of age. Under current law, these health insurance carriers are required only to provide coverage for an annual medically recognized diagnostic examination including, but not limited to, a digital rectal examination and a prostate-specific antigen test for men age 50 and over who are asymptomatic and for men age 40 and over with a family history of prostate cancer or other prostate cancer risk factors. The bill expands the definition of "prostate cancer screening" to mean medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of prostate cancer, which includes a digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test and associated laboratory work. "Prostate cancer screening" shall also include subsequent follow up testing as direct by a physician, including, but not limited to: (1) urinary analysis; (2) serum biomarkers; (3) medical imaging, including, but not limited to, magnetic resonance imaging. The bill also extends the prostate cancer screening requirements to commercial individual health insurers, 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, which are not required to provide this coverage under current law. | In Committee |
| S3070 | 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 |
| A4 | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | An Act concerning affordable housing, including administration and municipal obligations, amending, supplementing, and repealing various parts of the statutory law, and making an appropriation. | Signed/Enacted/Adopted |
| S50 | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | Reforms municipal responsibilities concerning provision of affordable housing; abolishes COAH; appropriates $16 million. | In Committee |
| S2973 | Requires upcoming Educational Adequacy Report to include comprehensive review of certain components of school funding in consultation with certain stakeholders and experts. | This bill requires the upcoming Educational Adequacy Report to be developed in consultation with certain education stakeholders and school finance experts. Under current law, an Educational Adequacy Report is required to be issued every three years by the Governor, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education. The purpose of the report is to update the various parameters used to calculate State aid to school districts, including the base per pupil amount, various grade level and student characteristic weights, preschool education per pupil amounts, security and transportation aid cost coefficients, excess cost and classification rate assumption for census-based special education funding, and extraordinary special education aid thresholds. The requirements established under the bill would apply to the next upcoming Educational Adequacy Report that is to be issued by September 1, 2025. Specifically, the bill requires the Governor, in consultation with the commissioner, to engage a diverse group of stakeholders, including school administrators, staff, students, parents, and other community members, to identify the necessary school resources and student supports that are not adequately funded through the State school funding formula. In addition, the bill requires the Governor and the commissioner to commission various school finance experts to recommend revisions to the methodologies used for the determination of various cost factors that are required to be updated under the Educational Adequacy Report. | In Committee |
| S3001 | Allows Chief Administrator of MVC to enter into cooperative arrangements with foreign countries for reciprocal recognition of certain motor vehicle driver licenses. | This bill authorizes the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (chief administrator), consistent with federal law, to enter into a cooperative arrangement with a foreign country for the reciprocal recognition of driver licenses that authorize the operation of a non-commercial motor vehicle, provided that: 1) the chief administrator and the foreign country have exchanged information allowing each jurisdiction to assess the other jurisdiction's non-commercial motor vehicle driver licensing standards; 2) the chief administrator determines that the non-commercial motor vehicle driver licensing standards of the foreign country correspond substantially to those of this State; and 3) the foreign country extends the same privileges within the foreign country to those persons licensed by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to operate a non-commercial motor vehicle within this State. | In Committee |
| S3004 | Creates "New Jersey Life Sciences Internship Challenge" program. | This bill creates the "New Jersey Life Sciences Internship Challenge" program ("program") to provide tax credit subsidies to certain companies that have summer interns in the life sciences field. Any life science company that has a research laboratory within New Jersey may hire summer interns through the program, but only companies that have their principal place of business in the State and have fewer than 100 employees are eligible to receive the tax credit subsidy. The bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to administer the program and set the number of internships that will be subsidized each year, which may be up to 150. The amount of the tax credit is to be equal to wages paid to the intern; however, at most $15 per hour and 20 hours per week for 12 weeks will be subsidized per intern. | In Committee |
| S3003 | Increases flexibility, clarity, and available tools of certain municipal consolidation processes. | This bill would create greater flexibility in the municipal consolidation process, set forth in sections 25 through 28 of P.L.2007, c.63 (C.40A:65-25 through C.40A:65-28), in the following ways: ? non-contiguous municipalities would be permitted to consolidate if located within a reasonable distance of one another; ? applicants for consolidation would be allowed to develop their own process for the equalization of property assessments in the new municipality, subject to the approval of the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury; ? districts based on old or newly established boundaries with unique planning mechanisms, services, and ordinances would be permitted in the new municipality; ? existing debt, or debt newly created by any financial arrangement between any or all of the former municipalities in furtherance of any aspect of a consolidation plan, may be apportioned among the taxpayers of the consolidating municipalities as debt within special taxing districts in any manner that the parties mutually agree upon in the consolidation plan; ? consolidating municipalities would be permitted to enter into any financial or other agreement to adjust benefits between the municipalities, provide indemnification from legal actions stemming from a consolidation, or provide incentives or other acts to facilitate municipal consolidation; and ? a joint public hearing on applications for consideration of a consolidation plan or to create a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission would no longer be required. The bill provides greater clarity with respect to the municipal consolidation process in the following ways: ? clarification of the petition process for the creation of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission, by providing specifics as to the form of the petition, its filing, and its verification, consistent with requirements for a petition proposing the formation of a joint municipal consolidation study commission under the "Municipal Consolidation Act," P.L.1977, c.435 (C.40:43-66.35 et al.); ? provision of specific requirements with regard to the composition, meetings, and responsibilities of a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission; ? clarification that a consolidation must be implemented in accordance with the consolidation plan under the oversight of the Local Finance Board; ? clarification that a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission report must address the implementation issues set forth in subsection a. of section 26 of P.L.2007, c. 63 (C.40A:65-26); ? the Director of the Division of Taxation would be expressly permitted to waive any law, rule, or regulation concerning the assessment of property that may not have anticipated a phase-in or consolidation of services if a waiver is found reasonable to further the process of consolidation, as may already be pursued through a referral to the agency pursuant to provisions of existing law; ? the Local Finance Board would be expressly permitted to, in making decisions concerning consolidation, pursue a waiver of a law, rule, or regulation that may not have anticipated a phase-in or consolidation of services through referral of the matter to the appropriate agency pursuant to provisions of existing law; and ? the Local Finance Board would be expressly authorized to make decisions and issue orders regarding consolidation. The bill permits the designation of an administrative support entity to handle the administrative affairs of the Municipal Consolidation Study Commission so that the commission can focus on its work in creating a consolidation plan. An administrative support entity would be subject to the provisions of P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), more commonly known as the "Open Public Records Act." The bill requires a referendum in a new municipality on whether to have a municipal open space tax, and the amount or rate of such tax, if one or more of the consolidating municipalities has an annual open space tax levy, even if all the consolidating municipalities have an open space tax at the same rate. The bill requires that an application to create a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission include the proposed means of funding the study. The bill requires that a consolidation plan and a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission report address the projected property tax impact resulting from consolidation. The bill provides certain seniority, tenure, pension, and other protections for law enforcement officers and chiefs of police and for firefighters and fire chiefs in a consolidation, consistent with the protections for law enforcement officers and police chiefs current law provides in the case of shared services and joint contracts. The bill requires that, whenever one or more of the participating municipalities is subject to Civil Service, terminal leave payments be made to employees who were terminated for reasons of economy and efficiency as a result of a consolidation, consistent with the existing terminal leave requirement for shared services and joint contracts. The bill requires the voters of each participating municipality to approve of a proposed consolidation in order for it to be implemented, regardless of whether it is proposed by the governing bodies of the municipalities or a petition-created Municipal Consolidation Study Commission. Current law only requires approval of a consolidation by voter referendum if a consolidation is pursued by a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission created by applications of the governing bodies of the municipalities. Lastly, the bill also revises the procedures for the consolidation of a sparsely populated municipality pursuant to P.L.1995, c.376 (C.40:43-66.78 et seq.). These revisions include changing the definition of a "sparsely populated municipality" to include a municipality with a population of less than 1,000. Current law defines such municipality as one with a population of less than 500. The revisions also include requiring voter approval for a sparsely populated municipality with a population of less than 100. Current law allows such municipality to consolidate by ordinances adopted by the governing bodies of the participating municipalities. The revisions also require the formulation of a plan to consolidate a sparsely populated municipality with an absorbing municipality. | In Committee |
| SR87 | Recognizes 100th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between United States and Ireland. | This Senate resolution recognizes the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States and Ireland. On October 7, 1924, 100 years ago, Ireland formally opened diplomatic relations with the United States of America when Irish Ambassador Timothy Smiddy performed the presentation of credentials to President Calvin Coolidge. The United States was one of the first nations to recognize the new Irish state following the Irish people's long and painful struggle for independence. When Ambassador Smiddy emerged from the White House, he had become Ireland's first ambassador to any country in the world. The already established and deep connection of the Irish people to the United States made it appropriate that the first dispatch of an Irish representative was to Washington D.C. Approximately 32 million people in the United States and 1.3 million people in New Jersey today claim Irish ancestry. Irish immigrants helped build the America known to the world today, from the skyscrapers of Manhattan and the transcontinental railroad to our modern political system. Irish people have made an enormous contribution to public debate and politics in America, from their local communities to the White House. More than twenty American Presidents have claimed some Irish ancestry. The influence of Irish-Americans extends well beyond the Oval Office and the United States Capitol to every state of the nation. This fact being most evident by the significant number of State legislators in the American Irish State Legislators Caucus. Since Timothy Smiddy's presentation of credentials 100 years ago, an additional 18 Irish Ambassadors have presented credentials to United States Presidents. Over this time, the relationship between Ireland and the United States has progressed significantly. Ireland has transformed into the economically prosperous, culturally vibrant, and peaceful nation it is today. This transformation is due to the support of friends in the United States, from the crucial role America played in brokering peace in Northern Ireland, culminating with the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, to the substantial American economic investment in Ireland. America and Ireland have a two-way prosperous economic relationship as there are almost 1,000 American companies in Ireland employing over 200,000 people and almost 650 Irish companies in America employing over 100,000 people. The American-Irish relationship is a shining example of how ancestral ties, historical connections, cultural affinities, and shared values can create a foundation for an enduring partnership and mutual prosperity. Irish-American State legislators in New Jersey and across the United States are playing a vitally important role in fostering this partnership and ensuring that it continues and flourishes for another century to come. | In Committee |
| S2865 | Establishes "The Voter Convenience Act" to allow voters to vote at any polling place in their municipality on election day. | Establishes "The Voter Convenience Act" to allow voters to vote at any polling place in their municipality on election day. | In Committee |
| S1230 | Prohibits electioneering within 25 feet of person waiting in line at polling place or ballot drop box; makes electioneering a disorderly persons offense. | Prohibits electioneering within 25 feet of person waiting in line at polling place or ballot drop box; makes electioneering a disorderly persons offense. | Crossed Over |
| S3005 | Creates grant program for business accelerator and incubator networks; transfers $1 million in societal benefits charge revenues to EDA to administer program. | This bill directs the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority) to establish and administer the "Business Accelerator and Incubator Network Grant Program" (program) for the purpose of awarding grants to an individual or network of business accelerators or incubators that provide support to incubator businesses that are located within a business accelerator or incubator in this State. Grants may be made to a business accelerator or incubator in an amount as determined by the authority. Grant funds may be applied to: 1) any aspect of the business accelerator or incubator that provides support to incubator businesses in the business accelerator or incubator as determined by the authority; or 2) any aspect of an incubator business operating within the business accelerator or incubator. The bill requires that, in order to be eligible for a grant, a business accelerator or incubator, at the time of application, is to provide proof that it is a business accelerator or incubator providing support to an incubator business that is in one of the following fields: 1) clean energy or environmental technology; 2) life sciences, biotechnology, or medical device technology; 3) advanced materials, engineering, or manufacturing; 4) supply chain, transportation, and logistics; 5) big data, advanced computing, and digital technology; 6) defense and homeland security; or 7) food and agriculture. A business accelerator or incubator seeking to participate in the program is to submit an application in a form and manner as the authority requires and include information the authority determines is necessary to administer the program. The authority is to review and may approve an application for the grant program. The authority is to issue payment of a grant pursuant to a grant agreement as the authority may determine and subject the approval of the grant agreement to the submission of proof by an approved applicant of the expenditures contributing to the success of an incubator business assisted by the business accelerator or incubator. A grantee that fails to comply with a grant agreement made as a condition of a grant award is to repay any grant amount received and, if so determined by the authority, is to pay a penalty not in excess of 10 percent of the grant amount. The authority is to establish and maintain the program with the following sources of funds: 1) societal benefits charge revenues collected by the Board of Public Utilities that the authority determines are necessary in response to the demand for the program, up to $1,000,000; 2) funds as may be available to the authority from other business development programs administered by the authority or other State agencies or authorities, and which the authority determines to be necessary in light of the volume of applications from business accelerator or incubators and incubator businesses for grants under the grant program as necessary to implement the bill; and 3) other monies as may be made available to the authority from public or private sources. The bill requires the authority to prepare an annual report on the program, deliver the report to the Governor and the Legislature, and make the report available on the authority's website. The report is to include the number of program applicants, the number and names of business accelerator or incubators and incubator businesses approved for the program, the types of incubator businesses located within business accelerator or incubators in the program, the total amount of grants distributed, the amount received per business accelerator or incubator and incubator business, and any other information as the authority determines is necessary to evaluate the progress of the grant program. The program is to expire six years after its establishment upon the effective date of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2959 | Requires second enrollment count for determining State school aid. | This bill revises requirements for enrollment counts used to determine State aid to school districts to include a second enrollment count. The bill stipulates that a school district's resident enrollment would be equal to the average of both enrollment counts. Under current law, school districts are required to report resident enrollment to the Department of Education as of the school day prior to October 16. The bill would require a second enrollment count to be conducted on the school day prior to February 2 of each year. The bill provides that, for the purposes of determining State aid, a district's resident enrollment would be equal to the average of the enrollment determined by each of the counts conducted. Additionally, the bill provides that in the case of students placed in a State facility by the district or the State, enrollment counts would only occur on the last school day prior to October 16 of the prebudget year. [CA1]Changed [CA2]New [CA3]New [CA4]Changed [CA5]Changed [CA6]Changed [CA7]New | In Committee |
| S2960 | Exempts fuel used for operation of certain school buses from petroleum products gross receipts tax and motor fuel tax. | This bill provides an exemption from the petroleum products gross receipts tax (PPGRT) and the motor fuel tax for fuel used for the operation of certain school buses. The bill also excludes the exemptions from the review of legislative actions by the three-member review council established by P.L.2016, c.57, to prevent a cessation in the imposition of one of the components of the petroleum products gross receipts tax. Fuel Used for Certain School Buses. The bill provides an exemption from the petroleum products gross receipts tax and the motor fuel tax for fuel used for the operation of certain school buses. Under the bill, the exemption applies to fuel used for school buses operated for the transportation of pupils to or from school or a school-sponsored activity or event by a religious or charitable organization or corporation or by a person under contract with a public or governmental agency or a religious or other charitable organization or corporation. Under the bill, to receive the benefit of the exemption, purchasers of fuel used to operate a school bus for the transportation of pupils to or from school or a school-sponsored activity or event would be required to pay tax at the point of purchase and seek a refund of the taxes paid by the filing of a claim with the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. As is required under current law for certain other exempt uses of fuel, the claim for refund is required to be filed with the director by the purchaser providing proof that the tax has been paid, and the director is required to confirm that a refunds has not been previously issued. The bill defines "school buses" by reference to the definition of "school bus" under R.S.39:1-1. Under that section of law, a "school bus" is any motor vehicle operated by, or under contract with, a public or governmental agency, or religious or other charitable organization or corporation, or privately operated for the transportation of children to or from school for secular or religious education, which complies with the regulations of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission affecting school buses, and includes "School Vehicle Type I" and "School Vehicle Type II." Under current law, consumers of fuel that are eligible for an exemption from the petroleum products gross receipts tax and the motor fuel tax are required to pay the tax at the point of purchase and seek a refund of the taxes paid by the filing of a claim with the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. The law requires the claim for refund to be filed by the consumer providing proof that the tax has been paid and a refund has not been previously issued. Exclusion from Review by the Review Council. The bill excludes the exemptions from the review of the three member review council established by P.L.2016, c.57 to prevent a cessation in the imposition of one of the components of the PPGRT. Under the bill, the provisions of current law that direct the three-member review council to review legislative actions and issue certifications to the Director of the Division of Taxation concerning implementation of P.L.2016, c.57 will not apply to those sections of the bill that exempt fuel used for certain school buses. Under current law, the three member review council (i.e., the State Treasurer, Legislative Budget and Finance Officer, and a third public member) is directed to monitor the actions of the Legislature on an ongoing basis for interference with the implementation of P.L.2016, c.57. If the implementation is impeded, the council is to certify this interference to the Director of the Division of Taxation and the director is to effectuate the cessation of the imposition of one of the components of the PPGRT. Effective Date. The bill is scheduled to take effect immediately upon enactment, but provides for the exemption to apply to the fuel used on or after the first day of the first month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S1255 | Requires mail-in ballot applications be available at polling places on election day for voting in future elections. | This bill requires mail-in ballot applications to be available at polling places on election day for voting in future elections. Under the bill, the County Clerk would make available at each polling place on the day of any election copies of mail-in ballot applications for future elections. | In Committee |
| S2940 | Prohibits institution of higher education from authorizing, funding, or supporting hate speech or antisemitic events and organizations. | This bill prohibits an institution of higher education from authorizing, facilitating, providing funding for, or otherwise supporting any event or organization promoting antisemitism or hate speech on campus. The bill defines "antisemitism" as the working definition of antisemitism adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance on May 26, 2016. According to the alliance, antisemitism "is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." | In Committee |
| S2939 | Requires school districts to observe Veterans Day as school holiday. | Current law provides each board of education with the discretion to annually determine the dates between which the schools of the district will be open, in accordance with law. Current law does not require schools to be closed on any particular holiday. This bill prohibits a board of education from opening schools on November 11th of each school year, in observance of Veterans Day. It is the sponsor's intent to ensure that New Jersey's young citizens are taught to honor our veterans, who have so bravely served our country and who did not hesitate to answer when their nation called on them. Closing the schools on Veterans Day will appropriately signal to students the importance of the holiday. | In Committee |
| S2941 | Establishes process for county colleges to offer baccalaureate degree nursing programs. | This bill establishes a process under which a county college may receive approval to offer a baccalaureate degree nursing program. Under the bill's provisions, the board of trustees of a county college may submit a proposal to the New Jersey Presidents' Council to offer such a four-year degree program. The proposal must include: 1) a description of the program, the unmet need for graduates of the program in the geographic region to be served by the program, and the timeframe for implementation of the program; 2) identification of the facilities, equipment, and library and academic resources that will be used to deliver the program; 3) a cost analysis of establishing the program; 4) the program's admission requirements, academic content, curriculum, faculty credentials, and accreditation plan; and 5) the program's enrollment projections and funding requirements. The New Jersey Presidents' Council is to review the proposal, notify the board of trustees of any deficiencies in writing within 30 days following receipt of the proposal, and provide the board with an opportunity to correct the deficiencies. Within 45 days of receipt of a completed proposal, the council will forward the proposal, with its recommendation for approval or disapproval, to the Secretary of Higher Education. The secretary will provide the county college with a written determination on the approval or disapproval of the proposal within 60 days of its receipt from the council. The establishment of a baccalaureate degree nursing program by a county college is dependent upon the county college receiving accreditation for the program by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. | In Committee |
| S2936 | Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in underserved areas in New Jersey. | This bill establishes a tuition reimbursement program for advanced practice nurses who provide mental health care services in order to address a shortage of mental health care access in certain areas of the State. Under the bill, the Commissioner of Health will designate, on the basis of health status and economic indicators, geographic areas of the State which have a shortage of medical professionals who provide mental health care services. The program will provide reimbursement of a portion of tuition expenses in attending an accredited advanced practice nurse program to advanced practice nurses who agree to provide mental health care services in one of these State underserved areas for a period of one to four years. A program participant must: (1) be a State resident; (2) be certified by the New Jersey Board of Nursing as an advanced practice nurse; (3) have specialized education or training in mental health care; and (4) apply for the program within one year of obtaining certification as an advanced practice nurse. Program participants will enter into a contract with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) for a specified number of one-year periods of service, up to four years, in which the participant agrees to engage in the full-time practice of mental health care in a State underserved area. In return for this commitment, a portion of the participant's tuition expenses in attending an accredited advanced practice nurse program will be reimbursed. Tuition reimbursement will equal 25 percent of the participant's eligible tuition expenses for the one academic year of an advanced practice nurse program in which tuition was the lowest, in return for each full year of service under the program. The maximum total tuition reimbursement for a participant for four years of service will be 100 percent of the participant's eligible tuition expenses for the one academic year of an advanced practice nurse program in which tuition was the lowest. Under the bill, participants in the program will be required to adhere to certain terms and standards, including charging for professional services at the usual and customary rates, allowing patients who are unable to pay that charge to pay a reduced rate or receive care at no charge, and not discriminating against any patient on the basis of ability to pay. Participants will also be required to maintain their State residency and certification to practice as an advanced practice nurse, remain current with payments on any student loans, maintain satisfactory performance of services, and report to HESAA on the performance of services rendered prior to receiving tuition reimbursement. | In Committee |
| S1207 | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | Requires members of Sexual Assault Response Team to receive training on interacting with victims with developmental disabilities. | In Committee |
| S1649 | Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons. | Creates crime of fiscal victimization against senior citizens or disabled persons. | In Committee |
| S2896 | Creates home purchase grant program in HMFA for certain veterans who served in federal active duty; appropriates $2,000,000. | This bill establishes a grant program to assist certain veterans, who served in active federal duty, in the purchase of a home. This grant program would be established by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The grant program may be interfaced with any program administered by the agency for first-time homebuyers, except that a recipient need not meet the eligibility criteria of any other homebuyer program in order to participate in the matching grant program established pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, the grant program would provide matching grants to eligible veterans on a dollar-for-dollar matching fund basis, up to a maximum of $10,000. These funds may be applied to closing costs, equity payments, or for any other purpose which assists the recipient in purchasing a home. The bill prohibits any person from receiving more than one matching grant under the program To qualify for the grant program, a veteran would be required to provide, at the time of application, proof of: (1) at least 90 days of service on federal active duty; (2) legal residency in the State of New Jersey; and (3) the intent to purchase a principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Under the bill, the agency may not establish income eligibility requirements for the grant program. However, the agency may give priority to those applicants who also qualify for assistance under other programs administered by the agency, such as the first time home-buyer program. The bill defines "veteran" to include any active member of any branch of the United State Armed Forces, any member of the reserve components of the United States Armed Forces, and any member of the New Jersey National Guard. The bill also appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to fund the grant program. | In Committee |
| S2882 | Modifies Community College Opportunity Grant Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs to receive financial assistance. | This bill amends the law establishing the Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG) Program to permit adult students enrolled in postsecondary career and technical education programs at county vocational school districts to be eligible to receive financial aid under the program. Under current State law, the CCOG Program provides last-dollar grants to eligible county college students, to pay for the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees that are not already covered by any other State, federal, and institutional need-based grants and merit scholarships for which a grant recipient is eligible. Under the bill, an adult student would be eligible for financial aid under the CCOG Program if the student: is a legal resident of the State; is enrolled in a postsecondary career and technical education program of at least four months in length offered by a county vocational school district; is enrolled at the county vocational school district that serves the student's county of residence or is enrolled at an out-of-county vocational school district, in which case the student, if otherwise eligible, would receive a grant under the program to cover the remaining costs of tuition and approved educational fees, charged at the in-district rate for the county vocational school district at which the student is enrolled; does not have an annual adjusted gross income that is negative; has an annual adjusted gross income between $0 and $65,000; has applied for all other available forms of State, federal, and institutional need-based grants and merit scholarships and submitted a financial aid form; does not owe a refund on a grant or scholarship previously received from a State or federal program through any institution or be in default on any loan made under any State or federal student loan program at any institution, unless the student makes arrangements with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to repay the debt; and is in good academic standing and meets the minimum standards for academic performance and satisfactory academic progress as defined by county vocational school district which the student is attending. An adult education student enrolled in a postsecondary career and technical education program at a county vocational school district, who is eligible for a financial aid grant under the bill, would be eligible for a financial aid grant for up to two years. | In Committee |
| S2813 | Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to provide certain students with information and assistance regarding federal financial aid application. | This bill directs the Commissioner of Education, in coordination with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority, to establish a three-year pilot program to provide information on and assistance in the proper completion and submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The goal of the pilot program is to ensure that each 12th grade student has the opportunity and instruction necessary to apply for federal financial aid. Under the bill, a school district that wants to participate in the program is required to submit a proposal to the commissioner. The commissioner will select four districts in each of the southern, central, and northern regions of the State to participate in the program. The bill requires the board of education of a participating school district to ensure that each student receives information at least once before the student enters grade 12 on how to properly complete and submit the FAFSA. Information may be disseminated through classroom instruction during regular school hours. Information may also be provided through an existing school program, family information sessions, or group or individual sessions with school counselors. The information provided is to include material related to: (1) the types of documentation and personal information that each student financial aid application requires; (2) an explanation of terms used for each application; (3) eligibility requirements for student financial aid; and (4) application timelines and submission deadlines for the FAFSA. The bill also requires the board of education of a participating school district to ensure that the parent or guardian of each student entering grade 12 receives, via written or electronic means, information on the FAFSA and how to properly complete and submit the form. Under the bill, the board of education of a participating school district is required to ensure that a paper copy of the FAFSA is provided upon request to each high school student or the student's parent or guardian. The board of education is also required to ensure that any information shared by a student, parent, or guardian pursuant to this bill is handled according to applicable State and federal privacy laws and regulations. At the conclusion of the pilot program, the Commissioner of Education is directed to submit a report to the Governor and the Legislature. The report is to contain information on the implementation of the pilot program, including the commissioner's recommendation on the feasibility of implementing the program on a Statewide basis. | In Committee |
| S1252 | Requires local recreation departments and youth serving organizations to have defibrillators for youth athletic events. | This bill requires municipal or county recreation departments and nonprofit youth serving organizations, which organize, sponsor, or are otherwise affiliated with youth athletic events that are played on municipal, county, school, or other publicly-owned fields, to ensure that there is available on site an automated external defibrillator (AED) at each youth athletic event and practice held on the department's or organization's home field. A recreation department or youth serving organization will be deemed to be in compliance with the AED requirement if a State-certified emergency services provider, licensed athletic trainer, or other certified first responder is on site at the athletic event or practice and has an AED available for use on site. A recreation department or youth serving organization and its employees, umpires, coaches, and licensed athletic trainers will be immune from civil liability in the acquisition and use of an AED. | In Committee |
| S1210 | Requires automatic external defibrillators on-site at certain places of public assembly and youth athletic events. | Requires automatic external defibrillators on-site at certain places of public assembly and youth athletic events. | In Committee |
| S1268 | Authorizes special "We Support the Arts" license plates with proceeds to New Jersey State Council on Arts. | This bill authorizes a "We Support the Arts" license plate, with proceeds dedicated to the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. The design of the license plate would be chosen by the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) after conducting a Statewide contest. The design would include the slogan "We Support the Arts." There is a $50 initial fee in addition to the registration fees required by law, with a $10 annual fee in addition to the renewal fees required by law. The monies raised, after reimbursement to the MVC, would be deposited into the "Support the Arts Fund," also established by this bill. Under the bill, the MVC is prohibited from using State or public funds for the initial cost of designing, producing, issuing, and publicizing the availability of support the arts license plates, or for any computer programming changes which may be necessary to implement the support the arts license plate program. The New Jersey State Council on the Arts (the council), or an individual or entity designated by the council, would be required to contribute non-public monies in an amount to be determined by the chief administrator, not to exceed $25,000, to be used to offset these initial costs or computer programing changes. The council, or designated individual or entity, would also be required to provide the commission with not less than 500 completed applications for support the arts license plates, along with the initial fee for each application, constituting the initial order for support the arts license plates. The bill would take effect immediately, but would remain inoperative until the first day of the seventh month following the date on which the specified non-public moneys and initial applications are delivered to the MVC. The bill would expire if these requirements are not met by the last day of the 12th month following the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| S2739 | Creates housing purchase matching grant program for members of United States Armed Forces and New Jersey National Guard who have served in certain military operations. | This bill establishes a matching grant program for certain members of the United States Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard to assist them in purchasing a home. The program is established in the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency in coordination with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. The program may be interfaced with any program currently administered by the agency for first time homebuyers, although a recipient need not meet the other eligibility criteria of any other homebuyer program in order to be entitled to participate in the matching grant program. The bill defines "members of the United States Armed Forces" as members in both active and reserve components. Matching grants shall be made on the basis of available funds to eligible personnel on a dollar for dollar matching fund basis, up to a maximum of $10,000. The funds may be applied to closing costs, equity payments, or for any other purpose which assists the recipient in purchasing a home. There shall be no income eligibility for the program; however, the agency may give priority to those applicants who are also eligible for assistance under other programs administered by the agency, such as the first time home-buyer program. Applicants shall not be eligible for more than one matching grant under the program. In order to be eligible for a matching grant, a member of the United States Armed Forces or the New Jersey National Guard, at the time of application, must provide proof of: (1) at least 90 days of service on active duty in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom, or Operation Iraqi Freedom; (2) legal residency in the State of New Jersey; and (3) intent to purchase a principal residence in the State of New Jersey. The bill appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency to fund the grant program. | In Committee |
| S2711 | Prohibits public institution of higher education from increasing resident undergraduate tuition for four continuous academic years following student's initial enrollment. | This bill prohibits a public institution of higher education from increasing the tuition of a resident undergraduate student for four continuous academic years following the student's initial enrollment or, in the case of a student enrolled in an undergraduate program regularly requiring more than four academic years to complete, for the number of academic years required for completion. | In Committee |
| S2794 | Establishes Task Force on Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities to study various issues including improving and streamlining tuition-setting process, funding, and fiscal accountability. | This bill establishes a 19-member Task Force on Approved Private Schools for Students with Disabilities. The task force will study various issues associated with improving and streamlining the tuition-setting process, funding, and fiscal accountability of approved private schools for students with disabilities (APSSD). The task force will include in its study a comparison of the actual costs to taxpayers of educating students at APSSDs and the post-graduation outcomes of these students to the actual costs to taxpayers of educating students at comparable public programs serving similar students and the post-graduation outcomes of these students. The task force will be comprised of the Commissioner of Education and 18 members appointed by the Governor. The Governor's appointees will include: a member of the State Board of Education; a parent or guardian of a student attending an APSSD; a board member of an APSSD; two accountants or auditors familiar with the fiscal provisions of the State Board of Education regulations governing APSSDs; one representative of ASAH; one representative of the Council of Private Schools for Children with Special Needs; one representative of the Coalition for Special Education Funding Reform; one representative of the Special Needs Advocacy Network; one representative of the Arc of New Jersey; one representative of Autism New Jersey; one representative of the Advocates for Children of New Jersey; one representative of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators; one representative of the New Jersey School Boards Association; one representative of the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials; one representative of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association; one representative of the New Jersey Education Association; and one director of special services from a school district. The task force is required to issue a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, the State Board of Education, and the Commissioner of Education no later than one year after the task force organizes. | In Committee |
| S2790 | Requires certain public utilities to provide customers notice of certain utility work that could impact traffic. | The bill provides that a public utility providing electric, gas, sewer, telephone, or water service is to provide written notice in a customer's utility bill of upcoming, scheduled utility service work, which is not the result of an emergency, that could impact traffic within a three-mile radius of the customer's residence. Under the bill, "emergency" is defined as any condition constituting a clear and present danger to life, health, or property caused by a sudden natural or man-made disaster or related event. | In Committee |
| S2764 | The "Farm Labor Equality Act." | This bill, the "Farm Labor Equality Act," modifies a number of labor laws to provide farmworkers with rights and protections equal to the rights and protections provided to other workers, specifically in the areas of child labor, overtime pay, employee representation and collective bargaining, and unemployment benefits. Child labor: This bill repeals provisions of the State child labor law, P.L.1940, c.153 (C.34:2-21.1 et seq.), that currently exempt minors employed in agriculture from requirements of that law which apply to most other minors. The bill: 1. raises the minimum age that minors may work in agriculture from 12 years old to 14 years old; 2. reduces the number of hours per day that a minor may work in agriculture from 10 to 8 hours, and clarifies that various limits to work time that apply to most minors also apply to minors employed in agriculture, including not working more than six days, or 40 hours, per week, and not working before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m,; and The bill does not change the provisions of P.L.1940, c.153 which exempt from its provisions agricultural work done by a minor in connection with the minor's own home under the minor's parent or guardian while school is not in session. Overtime pay: The bill repeals provisions of the State wage and hour law, P.L.1966, c.113 (C.34:11-56a et seq.), that currently exclude farmworkers from overtime pay, thus requiring employers to pay farmworkers 1½ times their regular wage for each hour excess of 40 hours per week, as is currently required for most other workers. Employee representation and collective bargaining: Currently, farmworkers are excluded from the protections against unfair labor practices provided to most private sector workers by the federal National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. s.151 et seq.)("NLRA"), and provided to public employees by the State public employment relations law, P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1 et seq.)("PERL") and the Workplace Democracy Enhancement Act, P.L.2018, c.15 (C.34:13A-5.11 et seq.) ("WDEA"). This bill brings farmworkers under protections similar to those laws, by expanding the responsibilities of the Division of Private Employment Dispute Settlement in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development regarding agricultural employment not regulated by the NLRA. It provides the division with the power to prevent specified unfair labor practices, thus providing rights to the farmworkers similar to the rights provided to other private sector workers under the NLRA, and the rights provided to public employees under the PERL and the WDEA. The bill prohibits agricultural employers and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining, or coercing employees in the exercise of the rights granted by the bill. 2. Dominating or interfering with any employee organization. 3. Discriminating against employees for making disclosures or otherwise exercising their rights. 4. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 5. Violating any division regulation. The bill similarly prohibits employee organizations and their representatives and agents from the following unfair practices: 1. Interfering with, restraining or coercing employees in the exercise of their rights. 2. Interfering with, restraining or coercing an agricultural employer in the selection of a representative for negotiations or grievance procedures. 3. Refusing to negotiate in good faith or sign a negotiated agreement. 4. Violating any division regulation. The division may order an offending party to cease any unfair practice and take reasonable remedial action, including, in the case of a discharge, reinstatement, paying lost wages, costs of action, and damages equal to the wages due. It is also an unfair practice under the bill for an agricultural employer to encourage or discourage employees from joining, forming or assisting an employee organization, or encourage them to end their employee organization membership or revoke authorization of the deduction of dues or fees. The division is required to order the employer to make whole the employee organization for any resulting losses to the organization. Current law, section 5 of P.L.1968, c.303 (C.34:13A-5.1), permits the New Jersey State Board of Mediation to designate a labor organization to represent employees of a private sector employer not regulated under the NLRA, if the employees select the organization in an election conforming with NLRA procedures, or, if only one labor organization seeks to represent the employees, a majority of the employees sign cards showing that they prefer that organization. The bill provides that in such cases the employee organization may petition the board to require the employer to provide a list of current employees with contact information. If the organization petitions the board for that information, the employer must also give the organization access to the employees, including allowing meetings in the workplace and employer-controlled living quarters. The bill provides that once an employee organization is designated as the employee representative, the employer must give the organization access to the employer's premises to investigate and discuss grievances and other issues, conduct meetings, and meet newly hired employees. The bill gives farmworker organizations the right to engage in publicity regarding products produced by an employer with which the organization has a dispute, including publicity asking the public to not patronize businesses distributing or selling the products. Unemployment benefits: The bill repeals provisions of the State "unemployment compensation law," R.S.43:21-1 et seq., that currently exclude farmworkers from unemployment benefits if their employer employs less than 10 farmworkers during each of 20 weeks in the preceding year or pays less than $20,000 in wages to farmworkers during any calendar quarter in the current or preceding year. This exclusion applies only to farmworkers, and may prevent laid-off farmworkers from receiving benefits even if their combined employment with multiple employers would otherwise make them eligible. | In Committee |
| S2747 | Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints. | This bill requires each State government department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to make available on a prominent location on its Internet site a link to allow any member of the public to submit a complaint to the State entity. Under the bill, the complaints could be concerning that entity's performance, customer service, or similar matter of interest to the entity. The head of the State entity would periodically review the complaints received through the website, and would be required to assess in what manner appropriate actions may be taken to remedy matters that caused the complaint. | In Committee |
| S2775 | Requires public institution of higher education post bias intimidation statistics; requires governing board to adopt bias intimidation policy. | This bill requires a public institution of higher education to post bias intimidation and crime statistics on the institution's Internet website. The bill also requires a public institution of higher education to adopt a bias intimidation policy. The "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" (Clery Act) requires institutions of higher education that participate in Title IV student financial assistance programs to disclose information about crime on and around the institution's campuses to students and the public. Specifically, the Clery Act requires institutions of higher education to release statistics, for the previous three years, related to bias intimidation and hate crimes for the following offenses: murder; sex offenses; robbery; aggravated assault; burglary; motor vehicle theft; manslaughter; arson; arrests or persons referred for campus disciplinary action for liquor law violations, drug-related violations, and weapons possession; larceny-theft; simple assault; intimidation; and destruction, damage, or vandalism of property, and any other crimes that involve bodily injury to any person. These statistics are currently publicly available on the United States Department of Education's Campus Safety and Security Internet website. Additionally, New Jersey law criminalizes acts of bias intimidation, defined as certain offenses committed with the purpose to intimidate or with the knowledge that the offense would intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of, protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. This bill requires public institutions of higher education to post the statistics required under the Clery Act at a publicly accessible location on the institution's Internet website. Specifically, the bill requires an institution to post: (1) the institution's policy prohibiting bias intimidation; (2) a link to the United States Department of Education's Internet website for campus safety and security; (3) a link to the institution's crime statistics for each campus; and (4) statistics related to bias intimidation incidents at each of the institution's campuses. The bill requires the institution to inform every student and incoming student of the institution's Internet website. Additionally, the bill requires a public institution of higher education to incorporate a course module on bias intimidation into the institution's first-year student programming. Finally, the bill requires the governing board of each public institution of higher education to adopt a policy prohibiting bias intimidation. Under the bill, the policy is required to include: (1) a statement prohibiting bias intimidation and affirming the institution's values to diversity and inclusion; (2) disciplinary actions if a person commits an act of bias intimidation; (3) a definition of bias intimidation; (4) a description of the institution's programs to combat bias intimidation; (5) a procedure for a student to internally report an incident; (6) a procedure that the institution is to follow once an incident has been reported; (7) the identification of a designated employee or office at the institution that is to be responsible for receiving and tracking each report; and (8) a description of existing counseling options available to victims and perpetrators. | In Committee |
| S2771 | 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 required 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 |
| S2682 | Requires Commissioner of Education to develop emergency notification system to alert students and staff of active shooter on school grounds. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to develop an emergency notification system that enables schools to alert the students, the parents and guardians of the students, teachers, and all staff of an active shooter situation in the school or on school grounds. Under the bill, the notification system is to: · provide that the parents or guardians of students, students, with the permission of a parent or guardian, teachers, and all other school staff, can register any mobile electronic communications device with the school to receive the notification; · be accessible and compatible with all makes and models of mobile electronic communications devices;· be directly linked to local law enforcement authorities or, in the case of a school located in a municipality in which there is no municipal police department, a location designated by the Superintendent of State Police, and is to immediately transmit a signal or message to such authorities upon activation; and· be made available to each public and nonpublic school at no cost to the school. Under the bill, if a board of education or the chief school administrator of a nonpublic school determines to use the notification system, the principal of each school in the school district or chief school administrator of a nonpublic school is required to ensure that the notification system is customized to each particular school and includes the contact information for each person who registered with the school to receive the notification. | In Committee |
| S2703 | Requires institution of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises of each athletic facility and student center. | This bill requires an institution of higher education to place an automated external defibrillator in an unlocked location in each athletic facility and student center with an appropriate identifying sign. The defibrillator will be accessible during the normal operating hours of the athletic facility or student center and within reasonable proximity of the institution's athletic fields. Under the bill, the institution is required to ensure that: (1) at least two staff members who are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of the defibrillator are in the athletic facility or student center during the normal operating hours; and (2) each defibrillator is tested and maintained according to the manufacturer's operational guidelines, and notification is provided to the appropriate first aid, ambulance, or rescue squad, or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and its location. An institution of higher education and its staff are granted immunity from civil liability in the acquisition and use of a defibrillator. | In Committee |
| S2651 | Regulates smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. | This bill amends the "New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act" (act) with respect to smoking in casinos and casino simulcasting facilities. Under the bill, the act's prohibition on smoking is not to apply to the area within the perimeter of any casino simulcasting facility approved by the Casino Control Commission pursuant to section 4 of P.L.1992, c.19 (C.5:12-194) and any casino approved by the Casino Control Commission pursuant to section 6 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-6), provided that: (1) smoking is to be permitted in not more than 25 percent of the area of any casino floor and casino simulcasting facility; (2) smoking is to only be permitted in areas of the casino floor and casino simulcasting facility designated by signage by the operators for smoking; (3) smoking is to only be permitted under the following circumstances: in unenclosed interior designated smoking areas which contain slot machines or other electronic games, but is not to include areas of the casino floor and casino simulcasting facility that are fifteen feet or less from any casino pits offering table games with live dealers; and in enclosed interior designated smoking areas equipped with a ventilation system that is separately exhausted from other interior areas of the casino, casino simulcasting facility, and hotel facility, as applicable, so that air from the smoking area is not recirculated or backstreamed into interior areas that are not interior designated smoking areas; (4) all enclosed interior designated smoking areas are to be separated from other interior areas of the casino, casino simulcasting facility, and hotel facility, as applicable, by solid walls or windows, a ceiling, and a solid door; and (5) no stationary employee is to be assigned to work in an enclosed interior designated smoking area unless the employee voluntarily chooses to work in the designated enclosed interior smoking area. | In Committee |
| S2674 | Includes crime of creating false public alarms as form of bias intimidation. | This bill expands the list of crimes that are a form of bias intimidation to include the crime of creating a false public alarm under N.J.S.2C:33-3. Under current law, a person is guilty of the crime of bias intimidation if he commits, attempts to commit, conspires with another to commit, or threatens the immediate commission of certain offenses, which include terroristic threats, assault, murder, arson, harassment, and certain weapons offenses, with a purpose to intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of race, color, religion, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, or ethnicity. The bill also removes paragraph (3) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:16-1 from the statute. In State v. Pomianek, 221 N.J. 66 (2015), the New Jersey Supreme Court held that the provision was unconstitutionally vague and violates due process because, rather than focusing on the defendant's state of mind, the law focuses on the victim's perception of the defendant's state of mind. Depending upon the circumstances, the crime of creating a false public alarm can range from a fourth degree to a first degree crime.Bias intimidation is a crime of the fourth degree if the underlying offense is a disorderly persons offense or petty disorderly persons offense. Otherwise, bias intimidation is a crime graded one degree higher than the most serious underlying crime, except in cases in which the underlying crime is of the first degree. A crime of the fourth degree is typically punishable by a term of up to 18 months imprisonment, a fine up to $10,000, or both. A crime of the first degree is typically punishable by a term of 10 to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $200,000, or both. A conviction for bias intimidation as a first-degree crime may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, be an ordinary term of imprisonment between 15 years and 30 years, with a presumptive term of 20 years. | In Committee |
| S1237 | Requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their name and telephone number on any caller identification service. | Requires telemarketers making sales calls to display their name and telephone number on any caller identification service. | Crossed Over |
| S159 | Establishes "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" within Department of Treasury to provide funding for grants to counties to support tourism advertising and promotion. | This bill establishes the "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" and provides for the appropriation and distribution of excess State hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues for deposit to the fund to provide funding for grants to counties to support tourism advertising and promotion. Under the bill, the "County Tourism Incentive Grant Fund" is established as a special, non-lapsing fund within the Department of the Treasury. The bill requires the fund to be administered by the State Treasurer, and provides for the fund to be used as a repository for all excess State hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues that are appropriated and distributed to the Department of the Treasury for deposit to the fund. The bill requires the State Treasurer to use the excess revenues deposited to the fund to issue annually, commencing with State fiscal year 2022, tourism incentive grants to counties for purposes of providing financial assistance to counties to support tourism advertising and promotion. To effectuate that purpose, the bill authorizes the State Treasurer to approve, on or before January 1, 2023, and on or before January 1 of each year thereafter, the issuance of an incentive grant to each county that has, on or before October 1, 2022, and on or before October 1 of each year thereafter: (1) made and filed an application with the State Treasurer; (2) submitted a statement to the State Treasurer detailing how financial assistance from the fund will be used to support tourism advertising and promotion; and (3) entered into an agreement with the State Treasurer requiring the county to use financial assistance from the fund to support tourism advertising and promotion, to not use financial assistance from the fund to reduce or eliminate the total amount of other funds currently used by the county to support tourism advertising and promotion, and to repay, with interest, the total amount of financial assistance issued to the county if the assistance is not used to support tourism advertising and promotion or the assistance is used to reduce or eliminate the total amount of other funds currently used by the county to support tourism advertising and promotion. The bill provides that the amount of each incentive grant issued to a county will equal the county's share of the excess State hotel and motel occupancy fee revenues deposited to the fund. The bill authorizes the State Treasurer, in consultation with the New Jersey Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State, to adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill, and permits the immediate filing of those rules and regulations with the Office of Administrative Law, effective for a period not to exceed 360 days following the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S1579 | Provides tax credits for hiring certain military spouses. | This bill provides tax credits, to be awarded by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development, for the hiring of certain military spouses. Under the bill, an employer may claim a tax credit for hiring an employee who is a nonresident of this State and is the spouse of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who has been transferred to this State in the course of the member's service, is legally domiciled in this State, or has moved to this State on a permanent change-of-station basis. The final amount of the tax credit provided to an employer for hiring a nonresident military spouse employee is to equal: (1) for a nonresident military spouse employee who works for an employer for at least 120 hours but less than 400 hours in a taxable year or privilege period, 15 percent of the wages provided by the employer to the nonresident military spouse employee; or (2) for a nonresident military spouse employee who works for an employer for at least 400 hours in a taxable year or privilege period, 25 percent of the wages provided by the employer to the military spouse employee. The bill limits the final amount of a tax credit for hiring a nonresident military spouse employee to $2,400 in a tax year. | In Committee |
| S1286 | Establishes New Jersey Veteran Gravesite Maintenance Grant Program in DMVA. | This bill would establish a grant program within the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for qualified veterans' organizations to maintain veteran gravesites across the State. DMVA would be required to develop guidelines, procedures, and criteria for applications and awards. The grant recipients would be required to report grant fund use to DMVA. Implementation of the grant program would be subject to a future appropriation by the Legislature. The bill defines "qualified veterans' organization" as a nonprofit veterans' organization that is a section 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(19) tax exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code, or a federally chartered Veterans' Service Organization. | In Committee |
| S2574 | Establishes signs and Internet websites for State tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts. | This bill requires the establishment of signs and Internet websites for State tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts. Under the bill, the Department of Transportation, in coordination with and subject to the approval of the Federal Highway Administration, is directed to adopt rule amendments governing participation in the Tourist Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) Program, adding tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts as eligible facilities under the TODS program. The rule amendments are intended to provide awareness of and directional guidance to tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts in the State through roadway signs, and support a trail-like path through signage which allows persons to find and visit various indoor and outdoor attractions in an efficient and reasonable manner, and promote these locations within New Jersey. The bill requires the rule amendments, as a condition of eligibility to participate in the TODS program, that tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts: (1) be located within 15 miles of the State highway on which the intersection approach sign is erected; (2) be open to the general public a minimum of six hours each day and five days per week for at least 20 consecutive weeks in a year; (3) provide artistic, cultural, historical, or entertainment value to tourists; (4) be licensed and approved by all appropriate authorities; and (5) be in compliance with all laws regarding public accommodation. The bill specifically directed the department, in coordination and subject to the approval of the Federal Highway Administration, to adopt amendments to the rules governing the procedures and standards for the implementation of the Specific Service Sign (Logo) Program, adding tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts as eligible attractions, for the purpose of applying for the installation of a business logo panel on the blue motorist service signs along designated freeways and interstate highways. In addition, the bill requires the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State, in consultations with the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection, the Historic Preservation Office in the Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Historic Trust in the Department of Community Affairs, and the New Jersey Historical Commission, to develop and maintain a website providing information on tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts in the State. The website would provide awareness of and directional guidance to tourism attractions, historic sites, and historic districts in the State and allow persons to find and visit them in an efficient and reasonable manner and to promote these locations within New Jersey. Under the bill, the information on the website would be searchable and available as a list and as an interactive map. The website would: (1) specify the location of each attraction, site, and district, and provide driving directions from the north, south, east, and west, as well as directions by public transit, where applicable; (2) provide information about whether an attraction, site, and district offers guided tours, the frequency of the tours, and the hours during which the tours are conducted; (3) display photographs of each attraction, site, and district; and (4) provide contact information for the owner or operator of each attraction, site, and district, including the telephone number and web address, and any other information that the Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism deems appropriate. | In Committee |
| S2579 | 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 |
| S2537 | Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter fees when vehicle bears veteran's or recipient's special license plate or placard issued by MVC. | This bill allows the use of a special license plate or placard issued to a disabled veteran (veteran) or Purple Heart recipient (recipient) to permit a veteran or recipient to be exempt from paying a parking meter fee (fee) when driving or traveling as a passenger in a motor vehicle regardless of the vehicle's ownership. The exemption does not apply to instances when the motor vehicle is parked for more than 24 hours at one location where the motor vehicle is subject to a fee. | In Committee |
| S2540 | Requires use of email for certain community notification under Megan's Law. | This bill requires the Attorney General, upon request, to provide a means for email notification when a sex offender listed on the Internet registry registers a new address in a different county or zip code from the offender's previous address or when any other information concerning that sex offender is updated on the registry. Under the bill, members of the public may request to receive this information by email for up to three counties or zip codes. The notification by email provided under this bill supplements the current methods of notification. | In Committee |
| S2576 | Establishes grant program in Department of State for preservation of certain Revolutionary War sites; appropriates funds. | This bill would require the Department of State to establish a program to provide grants to local government units and qualifying tax exempt not for profit entities to support the preservation, expansion, and management of Revolutionary War Battlefields, encampments, and skirmish sites in New Jersey that are endangered due to development. Under the bill, the department is to develop criteria for evaluating applications and award grants to applicants who submit specific plans and objectives for the preservation, expansion, or management of Revolutionary War Battlefields, encampments, or skirmish sites in New Jersey that are endangered due to development. The bill also appropriates $50 million from the General Fund to the Department of State to implement the provisions of the bill. According to the United States' National Park Service, New Jersey hosted more battles and skirmishes during the American Revolution than any of the other 13 original states. New Jersey's Revolutionary War heritage is a source of pride for its residents and the nation. The State's Revolutionary War Era battlefields, encampments, and skirmish sites deserve every protection possible so that future generations may continue to celebrate and gain inspiration from our history. | In Committee |
| S2597 | 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 |
| S2549 | Establishes "Student Mental Health Task Force." | This bill establishes the "Student Mental Health Task Force," the purpose of which is to examine issues related to the mental health of students, including depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder; study and survey the resources that are available to schools and parents to address student mental health needs; and develop recommendations to ensure that students have access to mental health care programs and services in order to allow students to meet their educational goals. The task force will consist of the following 17 members: the Commissioner of Education, or a designee, ex officio; the Commissioner of Health, or a designee, ex officio; the Commissioner of Children and Families, or a designee, ex officio; the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, or a designee, ex officio; the Director of the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services in the Department of Human Services, or a designee, ex officio; one public member appointed by the Senate President, one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate, one public member appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and one public member appointed by the Minority Leader of the General Assembly, all four of whom shall have demonstrated expertise in issues relating to the work of the task force; and the following eight public members appointed by the Governor: one representative of the New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association, one representative of the New Jersey School Boards Association, one representative of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one representative of the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, one representative of the New Jersey Association of Counties, one representative of the New Jersey League of Municipalities, one member representing school district leaders, and one school mental health professional who holds a valid educational services certificate issued by the State Board of Examiners that may include, but is not limited to, a school counselor, a school social worker, or a school psychologist. The task force is responsible for examining issues related to the mental health of students, including depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder; study and survey all resources that are currently available to the schools and parents within each county in the State, and within the northern, central, and southern regions of the State, for helping a student or child who experiences mental health issues; and develop recommendations to ensure that students have access to mental health care programs and services in order to allow students to meet their educational goals. The task force is required to survey the availability of certain mental health treatment services, mental health care provider networks that offer mental health treatment, government agencies that offer funding and mental health treatment services, and partnership opportunities with institutions of higher education to address mental health needs of students. The task force is also required to study and make recommendations regarding the identification of public school students who experience mental health difficulties, the evaluation and expansion of counseling programs and services available to students experiencing mental health difficulties, the relationship of student mental health to school safety and security, the amount of funding that may be necessary for public schools to employ the appropriate staff and to establish new programs or expand existing programs necessary to address student mental health, an examination of mental health programs successfully implemented by other states, and any other proposals the task force determines would provide for increased access to high-quality mental health programs. The task force, in performing the above duties, is required to consult with parents of general education students, parents of students who receive special education and related services, and teaching staff members. The task force will issue a final report to the Governor and Legislature no later than one year after the organization of the task force that contains the results of the above survey and recommendations. The task force is required to forward a copy of the report to every school district in the State. The task force will expire 30 days after issuing its final report. | In Committee |
| S2570 | Requires CATV company to establish toll-free telephone number for customers to report and to receive updates concerning CATV service outages. | This bill requires a cable television (CATV) company to establish and maintain a toll-free telephone number that may be used by its customers to report CATV service outages, to receive updates concerning the status of CATV service outages, and to receive information concerning the resumption of CATV service, which shall include, but not be limited to, an estimated time of CATV service restoration. Under the bill, a CATV company is to publish the toll-free telephone number, with an explanation of the purpose of the toll-free telephone number, on every periodic bill sent to each customer of the cable television company and in a prominent location on the homepage of the CATV company's Internet website. | In Committee |
| S2550 | "Combat to College Act"; grants priority course registration to military service members and veterans attending public institutions of higher education. | This bill provides that military service members and veterans who live in New Jersey and attend a public institution of higher education will be granted priority in registering for courses at the public institution of higher education. The priority registration benefit applies to current military service members serving on active duty and to veterans who were honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service. Priority course registration for service members and veterans will occur using the same procedures used by other segments of the student population, if any, that are offered priority registration by the institution. | In Committee |
| S2511 | Prohibits sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops; repeals "Pet Purchase Protection Act." | This bill repeals the "Pet Purchase Protection Act," P.L.1999, c.336 (C.56:8-92 et seq.) and replaces it with a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits by pet shops. The bill also imposes several other requirements concerning the sale and adoption of animals. The bill provides that, without limiting the prosecution of any other practices which may be unlawful pursuant to State consumer fraud laws, it would be an unlawful practice and a violation of State consumer fraud law, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), for any breeder or broker to knowingly sell a cat or dog that is unfit for purchase. The bill defines "unfit for purchase" as having any disease, deformity, injury, physical condition, illness, or defect which is congenital or hereditary and severely affects the health of the animal, and which was manifest, capable of diagnosis or likely contracted on or before the sale and delivery of the animal to the consumer. The bill specifies that the death of an animal within 14 days of its delivery to the consumer, except by death by accident or as a result of injuries sustained during that period, would be construed to mean the animal was unfit for purchase. The bill establishes a prohibition on the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits by pet shops and establishes a $500 fine for each violation of this prohibition to be collected in a civil action under the Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999. The bill authorizes a pet shop to: 1) sell or offer for sale any other type of animal as may be otherwise permitted pursuant to State law or regulation, or sell or offer for sale pet supplies for any type of animal, including a cat, dog, or rabbit, if it is licensed by its municipality to do so; and 2) offer, in collaboration with an animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, space in the pet shop to showcase cats, dogs, and rabbits that are available for adoption, provided that no payment or compensation, monetary or otherwise, is exchanged between the pet shop and animal rescue organization, shelter, or pound, for the use of the pet shop or for the adoption of any cat, dog, rabbit, or any other animal. The bill prohibits animal rescue organizations, animal rescue organization facilities, pet shops, shelters, or pounds from obtaining a cat, dog, or rabbit from a breeder or broker in exchange for any type of compensation. The bill specifies that: 1) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke the requirements for pet dealers that are not pet shops or the rights of a consumer purchasing an animal from a pet dealer that is not a pet shop, as may be provided elsewhere in law or any rule or regulation; 2) any provision of law or regulation pertaining to pet shops that does not pertain to the sale of cats, dogs, or rabbits would continue to apply to pet shops; and 3) no provision of the bill may be construed to alter, diminish, replace, or revoke any recourse or remedy that is otherwise available to a consumer purchasing a cat, dog, rabbit, or any other type of animal and provided under any other law. The bill specifies that the bill's provisions may not be construed to interfere with the implementation of, or otherwise invalidate, or limit or restrict any municipality, county, local health agency, or municipal or county board of health from enacting or enforcing, any law, ordinance, rule, or regulation that places additional obligations or restrictions on pet shops, pet shop sales, pet dealers, breeders, brokers, or breeder or broker sales. | In Committee |
| S1392 | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program. | In Committee |
| S1493 | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | Eliminates smoking ban exemption for casinos and simulcasting facilities. | In Committee |
| S2430 | Allows certain licensees of New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to teach in private schools of cosmetology and hairstyling. | This bill allows certain licensees of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to teach in a private school of cosmetology and hairstyling. Current law limits a license to teach cosmetology and hairstyling to individuals who hold a cosmetologist-hairstylist license. This bill expands that law to allow individuals holding a license to practice barbering, beauty culture, manicuring or as a hair braiding or skin care specialist to teach in a private school of cosmetology and hairstyling, provided the individuals meet certain other requirements. The bill also makes it an unlawful practice for a teacher to teach a course in a service not within the scope of practice of the professional license held by the teacher. | In Committee |
| S2410 | Allows certain members of PFRS to serve until age 70 upon approval by municipal governing body. | Under current law, a member of the Police and Firemen's Retirement System of New Jersey (PFRS) must retire upon reaching 65 years of age. This bill would allow a member holding an administrative position to stay until age 70 if the governing body of the municipality retains the member in service and if such a decision is communicated in writing to the PFRS board of trustees before the member turns 65. For a primarily administrative position, the physical rigors of the job are less than for other police positions, and longevity in the position is an asset, not a liability. Therefore, it is appropriate to give the governing body of the municipality the discretion to allow an effective employee to continue in service beyond the current mandatory retirement age. | In Committee |
| S2419 | Permits wagering by business entities with horse racing and sports pool operators. | This bill would permit wagering by business entities with horse racing or sports pool operators. Business entity wagering functions similar to a mutual fund whereby funds pooled together from different investors are then used by fund managers to wager on various sporting events in an attempt to produce a profit for investors. The business entity's gains or losses would be shared by each investor in proportion to his or her equity share. Business entities would not be permitted to wager on casino games. Business entities that choose to establish a wagering account with a horse racing or sports pool operator would be required to provide certain documentation to the operator showing that all those associated with the business entity are over 21 years of age and that the business entity has been properly formed, along with any other documents required by the Casino Control Commission, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Racing Commission, or a horse racing or sports pool operator. A business entity would also be required to maintain originals or copies of records received from the operator for all wagers placed, maintain an account with a bank or other financial institution in the State, and make the above records available for review by the Casino Control Commission, the Division of Gaming Enforcement, and the Racing Commission. It would be unlawful for any person solely, or in conjunction with others, to knowingly distribute funds to a designated individual or equity owner who is not disclosed to the horse racing or sports pool operator, distribute revenue from a business entity's wagering activities to an individual that has not been disclosed to the horse racing or sports pool operator, wager money on behalf of an individual who has not been disclosed to the horse racing or sports pool operator, or submit false information required by the bill. Under the bill, violations would be a second degree crime punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both. | In Committee |
| S2415 | Prohibits open public records requests for commercial purposes. | This bill prohibits requests for access to government records for commercial purposes. The bill also requires a requestor to certify that the information requested will not be used for a commercial purpose, and a requestor who is found to have intentionally failed to certify that a records request is for commercial purposes will be subject to a fine of $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. | In Committee |
| S2432 | Provides for inclusion of alcohol manufacturers on highway signs; provides for internet site for alcohol manufacturers in New Jersey. | This bill requires a change in the rules governing the procedures and standards for participation in highway sign programs to allow local alcohol manufacturers to be included in the signage. Specifically, the Department of Transportation (DOT), in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), will adopt amendments to the Tourist Oriented Directional Signs (TODS) Program and the Specific Service Sign (Logo) Program to add cideries, distilleries, and meaderies to the list of eligible facilities for participation in the programs. This will provide awareness of and directional guidance to alcohol manufacturers in the State through roadway signs and will support a trail-like path. This will allow a person to find and visit alcohol manufacturers efficiently and promote these locations within New Jersey. The following conditions of eligibility will apply to wineries, breweries, cideries, distilleries, and meaderies participating in the TODS Program:(1) be located within 15 miles of the State highway on which the intersection approach sign is erected;(2) be open a minimum of six hours each day, three days a week including Saturday and Sunday;(3) produce wine, cider, mead, beer, or distilled alcoholic beverages on the premises; (4) have a tasting area on the premises; (5) conduct scheduled public tours; (6) market the product on the premises for retail sale; and (7) be appropriately licensed by the State of New Jersey. The Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State, in consultation with the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control in the Department of Law and Public Safety, will develop and maintain an Internet website providing information on brewery, cidery, distillery, and meadery locations in the State. The purpose of the website will be to provide awareness of, and directional guidance to, alcohol manufacturers in the State and to allow people to find and visit alcohol manufacturers efficiently and promote them within New Jersey. The website will be searchable and will be available as both a list and as an interactive map. The website will: (1) specify the location of each facility and provide driving directions from the north, south, east, and west, as well as directions by public transit where applicable;(2) provide information about whether a facility offers guided tours, the frequency of the tours, and the hours during which the tours are conducted; (3) display photographs of each facility; and(4) provide contact information for the owner or operator of each facility, including the telephone number and web address of the facility, and any other information provided by the facility that the Director of the Division of Travel and Tourism deems appropriate for inclusion on the website. | In Committee |
| S2412 | Permits non-instructional staff member retired from PERS to return to employment in school district for up to two years without reenrollment in PERS if employment commences during remainder of 2023-2024 and entirety of 2024-2025 school years. | This bill would permit a non-instructional staff member who retired from the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) to return to work full time with a board of education in a position of critical need, as determined by the State Commissioner of Education, without being reenrolled in the PERS if reemployment commences during the remainder of the 2023-2024 school year and the entirety of the 2024-2025 school year. As defined in the bill, "non-instructional staff member" means a New Jersey school-based employee whose position does not require a New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) certification and who is enrolled in the PERS. If the retired non-instructional staff member returns to work with the former employer, it must occur more than 120 days after the retirement. This bill will permit the non-instructional staff member to receive the PERS retirement allowance as well as a salary. The bill permits the return to work under a contract for one year, which may be renewed only for one additional year. The total period of reemployment with any individual board of education cannot exceed a two-year period, unless so approved by the Commissioner of Education as being in the best interests of the school district. Under the bill, the former member's retirement must have been a bona fide retirement and any employment or reemployment under the bill must not be prearranged before retirement. Under the bill, a school district of a board of education with a position of critical need seeking to reemploy a former member pursuant to the provisions of the bill is required to demonstrate to the board of education the need for reemploying such members prior to reemployment. Current law has a substantially similar provision to permit certain Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) retirees to return to work with a board of education in a TPAF position as a certificated superintendent, certificated administrator, teacher, or professional staff member providing special services, for a limited period of time, without reenrollment in the TPAF. | In Committee |
| S2413 | Establishes "New Jersey Elections Security Act." | This bill, the "New Jersey Elections Security Act," establishes a demonstration program to transition the State to a paper ballot voting system using optical scanners in each election. The bill requires that whenever a county replaces its electronic voting machines, it must replace them with a paper ballot voting system as described in the bill. The paper ballot voting system will include the following components: a voter at the polls will mark a paper ballot either by hand, or by using a ballot marking device, or both, which will be tabulated using voting equipment certified by the State. The voter will vote independently, unless the voter is entitled to request and has requested assistance to vote pursuant to guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and in that case the voter shall be assisted. The bill requires the voting equipment to provide a "cast vote record," and to adhere to the federal Election Assistance Commission's Voluntary Voting System Guidelines. The bill provides that, prior to verification of the official election results by the County Boards of Elections or Superintendents of Elections, as the case may be, the boards or superintendents would be required to (1) compare and reconcile the cast vote record with the number of voters who signed in at the polling place and who voted by mail-in, provisional, and military or overseas ballots; (2) compare and reconcile precinct totals with countywide results to ensure that they add up to the correct amount; and (3) review, and account for, all voting equipment memory cards or flash drives to ensure they are properly loaded into the tally server. The bill also requires counties to conduct a risk-limiting audit for each election, which is an audit protocol that makes use of statistical methods and is designed to limit to acceptable levels the risk of certifying a preliminary election outcome that constitutes an incorrect outcome. This provision in the bill is modeled after the risk-limiting audit statute in the State of Colorado. Under the bill, the State is permitted to appropriate funds necessary to purchase new equipment. Counties would be permitted to sell decommissioned voting machines, equipment, and software to other states to recoup funds, and the Department of State is to apply for grant funding from the United States Election Assistance Commission to help offset these costs. In addition, the bill creates a permanent 12-member New Jersey Election Security Commission, composed of cabinet officers from the Executive Branch, members of the Senate and General Assembly, and local officials from the New Jersey Association of Election Officials. No later than four months following each general election after the bill becomes law, the commission is to draft and release a report on the security of elections occurring in this State during the previous year. The report is to include the results from the risk-limiting audit and the change to paper ballots as required by the bill. The commission may make recommendations, if deemed necessary, for the improvement of election security in this State. The bill would take effect 180 days following the date of enactment, but the Department of State in conjunction with any other applicable departments and local government units may take anticipatory actions prior to its enactment. | In Committee |
| S2365 | Requires court to consider results of domestic violence assessment before dissolving certain domestic violence restraining orders. | This bill requires the court to consider the results of a domestic violence assessment before dissolving a final restraining order when the defendant has two or more restraining orders against him. The defendant would be responsible for the costs of the assessment and the assessment would be considered confidential. The bill defines a "domestic violence assessment" as an assessment performed by a psychiatrist, licensed psychologist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor with the goal of determining the likelihood that the offender will commit future acts of violence, abuse or other unacceptable behavior that could pose a threat to the victim, the victim's family, the victim's property, or other person identified as being at risk. The substitute requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to develop standards for persons who are eligible to conduct the assessments. The bill also codifies the factors currently considered by the court in determining whether a defendant who has applied to dissolve a final order has established requisite good cause. Those factors, as set forth in Carfagno v. Carfagno, 288 N.J.Super. 424 (Ch. Div. 1995), are: (1) whether the victim voluntarily consents to dissolve the final order; (2) whether the victim fears the defendant; (3) the nature of the current relationship between the victim and defendant; (4) the number of times the defendant has been convicted of contempt for violating the final order; (5) whether the defendant has a continuing involvement with drug or alcohol abuse; (6) whether the defendant has been involved in other violent acts with other persons; (7) whether the defendant has engaged in counseling; (8) the age and health of the defendant; (9) whether the victim is acting in good faith in opposing the defendant's request for dissolution; and (10) whether another jurisdiction has entered a restraining order protecting the victim from the defendant. Finally, the bill clarifies that when there is a complaint for a restraining order, the court may order a domestic violence assessment. Current law authorizes the court to order a psychiatric evaluation. | In Committee |
| S2405 | Allows gross income tax deduction for certain student loan interest. | This bill provides a tax deduction for taxpayers who make student loan payments. A taxpayer may deduct from gross income, the same amount as the federal income tax deduction, if any, that the taxpayer is permitted under section 221 of the Internal Revenue Code for interest paid on education loans. The federal provision establishes a maximum allowable deduction, currently set at $2,500, and a formula, subject to adjustments for inflation, by which the allowable deduction is reduced as the modified adjust gross income of the taxpayer exceeds $70,000, or $140,000 for joint returns. The deduction is eliminated entirely for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is $85,000 or more, or $170,000 for joint returns. As defined in section 221, the interest paid on indebtedness incurred solely to pay qualified higher education expenses at eligible educational institutions can be deducted subject to the conditions outlined in the section. In addition, married taxpayers must file jointly in order to claim the deduction. Because this bill links the calculation of any State gross income tax deduction for student loan interest paid to the corresponding provision in the Internal Revenue Code, any change in the federal provision will automatically affect the State. A benefit of this linkage is that New Jersey taxpayers can determine the availability and amount of both State and federal student loan interest deductions at the same time. | In Committee |
| S2420 | Creates New Jersey Cold War medal. | This bill creates a Cold War medal to be presented by the Governor to a veteran who is a resident of the State, or who was a resident on the date of commencement of service, in recognition of his or her honorable service during the Cold War between the dates of September 2, 1945 and December 26, 1991, inclusive. The Cold War was a long and costly struggle between the forces of freedom and democracy led by the United States and the forces of communism led by the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The Cold War started after World War II and ended with the collapse of the government of the Soviet Union in December of 1991. Tens of thousands of soldiers, sailors, marines, and air force personnel served during this period of crisis and struggle and some paid with their lives to protect the freedom and democracy we have today. | In Committee |
| S2364 | Establishes Commission on Career and Technical Education and creates initiatives that promote career and technical education programs in State. | This bill establishes a Commission on Career and Technical Education and creates various initiatives that promote career and technical education programs in the State. Under the bill, the Commission on Career and Technical Education will study and evaluate the availability of high quality secondary career and technical education programs across counties and review the costs, benefits, and challenges associated with the potential expansion of career and technical education programs in the State. The 11-member commission will include: the Commissioner of Education, or a designee; the Director of the Office of Career and Technical Education in the Department of Education; and 9 members appointed by the Governor, including: three superintendents of a county vocational school district upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools; one principal of a public school operating a career and technical education program; two teachers employed in a public school career and technical education program; one member upon the recommendation of the New Jersey Education Association; one member from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association; and one member from the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools. The bill also does the following:· grants the right of first refusal to a county vocational school district operating a career and technical education program to purchase or lease at or below fair market value, a closed public school facility or property located in the same county; · requires the principal of a public school with students enrolled in grades 6 through 12 to take specific actions that will promote an interest in and increase awareness of educational opportunities available through career and technical education programs offered by the district, local charter schools, and the county vocational school district;· directs the Department of Education to provide on its website information on best practices in the field of career and technical education;· provides that the Commissioner of Education will give preference to an application for a charter school that proposes to offer an approved career and technical education program that is not duplicative of programs offered in the resident district or county vocational school district; and · provides that the Commissioner of Education will give preference to an application submitted by a proposed choice district under the "Interdistrict Public School Choice Program" that offers an approved career and technical education program that is not duplicative of programs offered in the county vocational school district. | In Committee |
| S2368 | Requires feasibility study to examine establishment of regional medical examiner office facility in Southern New Jersey and collaborative development of new medical examiner education initiatives; appropriates $40,000. | This bill requires the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner (Office) to contract with an appropriate entity to conduct a feasibility study related to addressing the needs and enhancing the operations of the Office in the southern region of the State. Specifically, the feasibility study will examine: (1) the development of a regional Chief State Medical Examiner Office facility in the southern region of the State, including an assessment of: the anticipated need for a regional facility; the size of facility that would be needed to meet regional needs, including the size of the physical plant and anticipated staffing needs; the advantages and disadvantages of establishing morgue facilities and administrative offices in a single location; the advantages and disadvantages of constructing a new facility as opposed to adapting an existing facility for this purpose; the costs of acquiring and maintaining a computerized tomography scanner; and the advantages and disadvantages of accommodating on-site forensic testing services, as well as partnering with one or more institutions of higher education to facilitate data collection and research with the goal of informing public health policy and (2) collaboration with one or more medical schools operating in the southern region of the State to establish a forensic medical examiner fellowship program, develop a death investigation program for medicolegal investigators and law enforcement, enhance education and training for medical students and medical residents related to forensic medical examination, establish new graduate and undergraduate courses in forensic medical examination, and invest in and expand graduate and undergraduate courses in the forensic sciences in New Jersey institutions of higher education. The feasibility study is to additionally include recommendations for legislation, administrative action, or other governmental action that may be needed to implement any recommendations included in the report of the feasibility study. The Office will be required to transmit a copy of the report of the feasibility study to the Governor and to the Legislature. The bill appropriates the sum of $40,000 to the Office from the General Fund for the purposes of contracting with an appropriate entity to conduct the feasibility study required under the bill. | In Committee |
| S2372 | Allows termination of motor vehicle lease in event of death; prohibits imposition of fee for early termination. | This bill allows a motor vehicle lease to be terminated upon the death of the lessee and the return of the vehicle to the dealer or lessor. The bill prohibits a dealer or lessor from imposing or assessing any fee for the early termination of a vehicle lease in the event of a lessee's death. However, the dealer or lessor would be permitted to assess a reasonable fee for a vehicle returned with excess wear, use, or mileage, if specified in the lease agreement. The bill also prohibits a lease from requiring, in the event of a lessee's death, that the decedent's surviving spouse, family member, guardian, or estate administrator or executor: 1) purchase the leased vehicle; 2) buy out the remainder of the lease; or 3) continue to lease the vehicle under the original terms of the lease. A surviving spouse, family member, guardian, or estate administrator or executor would need to provide a death certificate, or other satisfactory proof of the lessee's death, to the dealer or lessor within 60 days after the death of the decedent. The bill provides that it is not to be construed as applying to a surviving co-lessee who executed the motor vehicle lease agreement with the lessee. Further, the bill requires that dealers and lessors provide information about early termination in the event of death in the lease contract or financing agreement. A dealer or lessor in violation of this requirement would be subject to a $500 penalty. | In Committee |
| S2371 | Increases mandatory minimum term of imprisonment for certain repeat sex offenders. | This bill requires that a person convicted of a second or subsequent sex offense be sentenced to an increased mandatory minimum term. The provisions of the bill require that any person who is convicted of any second or subsequent crime of sexual assault, criminal sexual contact, or lewdness involving a minor be sentenced to not less than 85 percent of the maximum ordinary sentence applicable to the degree of the crime without eligibility for parole. The bill permits the court to impose a reduced term of imprisonment of less than 85 percent of the term if the defendant pleads guilty to a negotiated agreement, or plea bargain, that the court finds is in the best interest of the victim, in which case the court may impose a term that is no less than the term set forth in the agreement. In the absence of an agreement, the court may impose a term that is less than the maximum term if the court finds that serious injustice would result which overrides the need to deter the defendant and others, in which case the court is required to impose the greatest term that would not constitute a serious injustice. The court is required to state with specificity its reasons for imposing any term that is less than the maximum term of imprisonment. Under the bill, if the court imposes a sentence that is less than the maximum term of imprisonment, the sentence would not become final for a period of 10 days in order to permit the prosecution to appeal the sentence. The bill further provides that the Attorney General is to develop guidelines to ensure that the prosecution and plea negotiation of second or subsequent sex offenses subject to sentencing under the bill are conducted in a uniform manner throughout the State. Under current law, a person who is convicted of a second or subsequent crime of sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual contact is subject to a mandatory minimum term of five years. Under the bill, the following mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment would be imposed in second or subsequent convictions of the following crimes: ? 85 percent of 20 years for aggravated sexual assault under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 (a crime of the first degree);? 85 percent of 10 years for sexual assault under subsections b. or c. of N.J.S.2C:14-2 (a crime of the second degree); ? 85 percent of five years for aggravated criminal sexual contact under subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:14-3 (a crime of the third degree); ? 85 percent of 18 months for criminal sexual contact under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-3 (a crime of the fourth degree); and ? 85 percent of 18 months for lewdness under subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:14-4 (a crime of the fourth degree). The bill specifies that in the event of a conflict between a provision of the bill and another mandatory minimum sentencing provision, the greater mandatory minimum sentence will be imposed. | In Committee |
| S2370 | Upgrades penalties for assaulting certain health care support staff and security guards at health care facilities and human services and veterans' facilities. | This bill upgrades simple assault to aggravated assault if committed against health care support staff who do not provide direct patient care or security guards employed by a licensed health care facility, State or county psychiatric hospital, or State developmental center or veterans' memorial home, while clearly identifiable as being engaged in the duties of providing support services or security services. The bill does not apply to patients or residents at State or county psychiatric hospitals, State developmental centers, or veterans' memorial homes who are classified as having a mental illness or developmental disability. Aggravated assault under the bill is a crime of the third degree if the victim suffers bodily injury; otherwise it is a crime of the fourth degree. A crime of the third degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment of three to five years; a fine of up to $15,000; or both. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by a term of imprisonment for not more than 18 months; a fine of up to $10,000; or both. | In Committee |
| S2379 | Allows public libraries, boards of education, and local governments to dispose of certain personal property without advertising for bids. | This bill would revise the "Public School Contracts Law," ("PSCL") N.J.S.18A:18A-1 et seq., the "Local Public Contracts Law," ("LPCL") P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), and current law regarding county library commissions and boards of trustees for regional, municipal or joint public libraries. The bill enhances the ability of boards of education, governing bodies of municipalities, counties, and other local entities, to dispose of certain personal property through private sales. Currently, a county library commission or a board of trustees for a regional, municipal, or joint public library may purchase certain library materials without advertising for bids. These library materials include: books, periodicals, newspapers, documents, pamphlets, photographs, reproductions, microforms, pictorial or graphic works, musical scores, maps, charts, globes, sound recordings, slides, films, filmstrips, video and magnetic tapes, other printed or published matter, and audiovisual and other materials of a similar nature. This bill amends the law to allow public libraries to also dispose of those materials without advertising for bids. The bill further provides that a board of education or governing body of a local governing unit seeking to dispose of certain property with an estimated fair value no less than 15 percent of the bid threshold, but no greater than the actual bid threshold, as defined by the PSCL and LPCL, may sell such property by private sale if the contracting agent, to the extent practicable, obtains at least two competitive offers. Property sold in this manner would go to the party with the highest offer. In addition, the bill would revise the PSCL and the LPCL to allow a school board or local governing body seeking to sell personal property with an estimated fair value which is less than 15 percent of the bid threshold to do so by private sale without advertising for bids or soliciting competitive offers. | In Committee |
| S2374 | Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 72 hours. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to require telecommunications companies and companies that offer Voice Over Internet Protocol or other Internet-based telephone services, to provide a bill adjustment or credit, on a prorated basis, to certain customers who experience a service interruption for more than 72 hours. Under the bill, these companies may not require the customer to take any action in order to receive the bill adjustment or credit. In the case of companies that offer Voice Over Internet Protocol or other Internet-based telephone services, the provision of bill adjustments and credits is limited to residential customers and is not required when a customer's service interruption occurs during an event that causes significant damage to the electric grid. The bill also permits the BPU to establish any other exceptions or limitations to the provision of bill adjustments and credits by these companies. | In Committee |
| S2377 | Requires public institutions of higher education to waive or reimburse application fees and transcript fees for veterans and members of the military. | This bill requires a public institution of higher education to waive or reimburse the institution's application fee and fee for the receipt or transmission of a transcript for each veteran, member of the Armed Forces of the United States, the Reserve components thereof, or member of the New Jersey National Guard who resides in the State and accepts admission to the public institution of higher education. | In Committee |
| S2360 | Provides same military service credit for compensation purposes to noncertificated employees of school districts that is provided to certificated employees under current law. | N.J.S.18A:29-11 provides that teaching staff members are entitled to military service credit for compensation purposes, provided that the period of the service cannot be credited toward more than four employment or adjustment increments. This bill will provide the same military service credit to employees of school districts who are not teaching staff members and will apply to those employees who are hired on or after the effective date of the bill. A "teaching staff member" is defined at N.J.S.18A:1-1 as a "member of the professional staff of any district or regional board of education, or any board of education of a county vocational school, holding office, position or employment of such character that the qualifications, for such office, position or employment, require him to hold a valid and effective standard, provisional or emergency certificate, appropriate to his office, position or employment, issued by the State Board of Examiners and includes a school nurse and a school athletic trainer." | In Committee |
| S2380 | Permits certain mental health professionals working in school districts to refer or help facilitate referral of students to private professional counselors. | This bill would permit a student assistance coordinator or a school psychologist or other mental health professional working in a school district to refer, or help facilitate the referral of, a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, for mental health assessments and services. An individual licensed to provide professional counseling would include, but not be limited to, a psychiatrist, certified social worker, licensed clinical social worker, licensed social worker, licensed marriage and family therapist, certified psychoanalyst, or licensed psychologist. A principal or a school counselor will also be permitted to refer or help facilitate the referral of a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, after first consulting with the student assistance coordinator or a school psychologist or other mental health professional working in the school district. In the case of a student who is not legally permitted to consent on his own to the assessments and services, the student's parent or guardian will be notified of the referral or the facilitation of the referral, and the parent or guardian will be required to consent prior to the provision of any assessment or service by the licensed private individual. In the case of a referral or the facilitation of a referral of a student to a private individual licensed to provide professional counseling, the bill provides that neither the school district nor the individual making the referral or facilitating the referral will be required to bear the cost of the assessments and services provided to the student. | In Committee |
| S2408 | Requires annual General Fund appropriation to DMVA for purposes of base realignment and closure. | This bill will require an annual appropriation not to exceed $200,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs for the Council on Armed Forces and Veterans' Affairs for the preservation of military installations in the event of federal action taken on base realignment and closure. The bill also requires a competitive contracting process to be followed every two years for any contract or agreement with a lobbyist or governmental affairs agent to assist with the preservation of military installations. In addition, the bill requires an annual report to be submitted by the Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs that details each expenditure from the funds provided for the preservation of military installations. The report is to be available as a public record and posted on the website of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs. | In Committee |
| S2369 | Requires local government notification of sex offender registration and prohibits sex offenders from living near schools, child care centers or playgrounds. | This bill expands Megan's Law to require that members of municipal governing bodies be notified when a sex offender moves into a municipality and restricts sex offenders from residing in areas frequented by children. Under the provisions of the bill, when a sex offender listed on the Internet registry maintained by the Superintendent of the State Police registers with the chief law enforcement officer of a municipality, the officer is to forward the name and address of the sex offender to the members of the governing body of the municipality. If the sex offender is required to register with the Superintendent of State Police because he is moving to a municipality that does not have a police force, then the Superintendent of State Police is to forward the sex offender's name and address to the members of the governing body of the municipality in which the sex offender intends to reside. Under the provisions of the bill, it is unlawful for a person who is subject to the Megan's Law registration requirements for a sex offense against an individual under the age of 18 to reside within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground or child care center. The residential ban would not cover a sex offender who: resides at a prison or mental health facility; resides at a residence established before the bill's enactment; has a school, playground or child care center established or built within 500 feet of his or her existing residence; was granted a needs based exception by the parole board; or was discharged from a psychiatric facility by a court and was granted an exemption by a court. | In Committee |
| S2418 | Prohibits investment of pension and annuity funds by State in entities that avoid Superfund obligations to State. | This bill prohibits the investment of New Jersey public employee retirement funds in any business, country, country's instrumentality, or business affiliate that avoids its Superfund obligations to the State. The bill prohibits the investment of any pension or annuity fund asset under the jurisdiction of the Division of Investment in the Department of the Treasury in any business, country, country's instrumentality, or business affiliate, if that business has been identified as a responsible party by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, in accordance with the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) for a Superfund site in the State, and if that business, country or country's instrumentality filed for bankruptcy rendering it incapable of complying with its obligations with respect to a Superfund site in the State for which it has been identified as a responsible party. This prohibition applies if the bankruptcy filing is in direct anticipation of or in direct response to a finding of responsibility by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in accordance with CERCLA for a Superfund site in the State. The bill requires that divestment occur within three years of the bill's effective date or within three years of an initial identification of a business, country, or country's instrumentality that it is in violation of the bill. The bill requires the director to notify the business, country, or country's instrumentality that it is in violation of the bill, and to inform the business of the appeal process, prior to taking any action to divest prohibited investments. The bill requires the director to file a report with the Legislature of all investments held in violation of the bill within 180 days of the bill's effective date. Every year thereafter, the director is required to report on all investments divested in accordance with the bill. The bill requires the State to indemnify and hold harmless members and employees of the State Investment Council from all claims, liability, losses, and damages that council members, and State officers and employees, may sustain because of a decision to divest investments prohibited by the bill. | In Committee |
| S2407 | Creates task force to study feasibility of paperless State government. | This bill establishes a task force to study the feasibility of a paperless State government. The task force will consist of 15 members. The purpose of the task force will be to study the feasibility and logistics of a paperless system in the Executive branch of State government. At a minimum, the task force will study: (1) the opportunities and risks associated with using electronic registration and electronic transactions; (2) different types of technology available for the State to develop a paperless system; (3) cybersecurity protections and technology upgrades to State computer systems, networks, software, and hardware across all State-level departments, commissions, councils, boards, authorities, offices, or other appropriate agencies; (4) any cost-benefit analysis concerning all needed technology upgrades; (5) a summary of the benefits of a paperless system; (6) how the Legislature can modify current State laws to support a secure paperless system; (7) the feasibility of implementing a paperless system in the State and the best approach to finance the cost of implementing a paperless system; (8) the opportunities and risks associated with a paperless electronic permit submission process; (9) the feasibility of a paperless records retention process; and (10) such other topics relative to a paperless system in State government. The task force will issue an interim report on its activities and progress to the Governor and the Legislature within six months from the date of its first meeting. The task force will issue its final report within one year from the date of its first meeting. Following the issuance of its final report, the task force will convene at the call of the chairperson to consider and respond to any written request submitted to it by a legislator or officer or employee of the Executive branch of State government on any issue, item, or decision set forth in its report. The task force will expire six months after the issuance of the task force's final report. | In Committee |
| S2414 | Creates New Jersey Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act. | This bill creates the New Jersey Servicemembers' Civil Relief Act and repeals the "New Jersey Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1979," (C.38:23C-1 et seq.). The purpose of the bill is to update and modernize the benefits and protections afforded to military servicemembers and their dependents and to bring such benefits and protections in line with those provided for by federal law. No benefits or protections are reduced in this bill.This bill, expands the definition of those who are protected under New Jersey law, reconciles any differences between State and federal law, and affords greater protections to servicemembers in the State. These protections include:· Mandatory stays of civil proceedings and executions of judgments in circumstances when the servicemember's ability to represent himself is materially affected by his military service;· Allowance of application for anticipatory relief by theservicemember;· Protections against default judgments which cannot be properly defended by reason of military service;· Relief from contracts that cannot be performed due to military service;· Tolling of the statute of limitations during the period ofmilitary service;· A maximum six-percent rate of interest on debts incurredbefore military service;· Relief related to evictions, foreclosures, and certain taxes;· Termination of leases executed before an individual was called into military service;· Protections against liens for storage, repair, and cleaning of property and effects;· Automatic extension of the power of attorney for servicemembers who have entered missing status;· Protections regarding life insurance, professional liability insurance, and health insurance;· Employment protections for those returning from military service;· Reservation of land rights provided under federal law;· Procedures to effect waiver of any rights provided under the act; and· Creation of a civil action which may be brought by theAttorney General or a person aggrieved by a violation of the act. | In Committee |
| S2406 | Requires health benefits plan and carriers to meet certain requirements concerning network adequacy and mental health care. | This bill requires carriers to take certain action to ensure that health benefits plans meet certain network adequacy requirements and mental health care. Under the bill, "carrier" means an insurance company, health service corporation, hospital service corporation, medical service corporation, or health maintenance organization authorized to issue health benefits plans in this State, and includes the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, the Medicaid program, and a Medicaid managed care organization. The bill requires the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance or the Commissioner of Human Services, as appropriate, to approve a network for a health benefits plan only if the plan meets certain requirements concerning access to mental health providers. Under the bill a plan is required to have a sufficient number of mental health providers to ensure that 100 percent of the covered persons have access to either in-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered in person and within certain geographic and temporal requirements, or access to in-network or out-of-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth. A plan that provides access to in-network or out-of-network mental health providers that can provide services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth is required to provide coverage for out-of-network mental health care services delivered through telemedicine or telehealth on the same basis as when the services are delivered through in-person contact and consultation in New Jersey and at a provider reimbursement rate of not less than the corresponding Medicaid provider reimbursement rate. Reimbursement payments are to be provided either to the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, or to the agency, facility, or organization that employs the individual practitioner who delivered the reimbursable services, as appropriate. In addition, a carrier is not to charge any deductible, copayment, or coinsurance for a mental health care service, delivered through telemedicine or telehealth, in an amount that exceeds the deductible, copayment, or coinsurance amount that is applicable to an in-person, in-network consultation. | In Committee |
| S2411 | Requires new voting machines purchased or leased for use in elections in this State to produce voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast. | Under current law, the requirement for the purchase of new voting machines or retrofitting of existing voting machines to produce a paper record of the votes cast has been suspended until funding is made available from State or federal sources. This bill would require that new voting machines purchased or leased following the bill's effective date must produce a voter-verifiable paper record of each vote cast. Specifically, the bill requires that each voting machine be able to produce an individual permanent paper record for each vote cast, which must be made available for inspection and verification by the voter at the time the vote is cast, and preserved for later use in any manual audit. The bill also provides that the Secretary of State may waive the voter-verifiable paper record requirement for voting machines that were in use during an election in this State prior to the bill's effective date. However, the bill prohibits the Secretary of State from granting any such waiver for voting machines that were newly-purchased or leased following the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S2429 | Makes consent to register with Selective Service part of driver's license application process for males under age 26. | This bill requires every male United States citizen or immigrant under age 26 who applies for a special learner's permit, an examination permit, a probationary driver's license, a basic driver's license, or a nondriver identification card, or for renewal of a license or identification card, to consent to his registration for the draft in compliance with the requirements of the "Military Selective Service Act," 50 U.S.C. App. 453. The bill requires the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to forward the personal information required for draft registration to the Selective Service System. Submission of an application to the MVC would serve as an indication that the applicant has already registered with the Selective Service or that he is authorizing the chief administrator to forward to the Selective Service the necessary information for registration. The chief administrator is required to print a statement on the application for a permit, driver's license, or nondriver identification card stating that the applicant is consenting to Selective Service registration if required by Federal law or, if under age 18, registration upon attaining age 18. Failure to register or otherwise comply with the "Military Selective Service Act" is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. In addition, violators may be precluded from obtaining student financial aid, job training, government employment and U.S. naturalization. | In Committee |
| S2362 | Creates gallery space on State House grounds for display of certain art works. | This bill requires the State Capitol Joint Management Commission to designate space in the State House or on the grounds of the State House for the display of art work from each county in New Jersey. Each county will have an opportunity to have art work displayed from their respective county, determined by a schedule to be established by the commission. Each display will be for at least 60 days and will include only art work from the scheduled county. The Director of Public Information, in the Office of Legislative Services, will select which art work will be displayed, based on the standards promulgated by the commission. | In Committee |
| S2409 | Permits DOC and DCF to award contracts for medical and dental services to vendors. | Current law requires the Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Children and Families (DCF) to ensure certain medical and dental services are provided by public employees. This provision limits the qualified vendors from which these services may be procured and increases costs to the State. This bill revises the State's procurement process for certain medical and dental contracts to increase efficiency and quality. This bill will provide DOC and DCF with the ability to award contracts for medical and dental services to the vendors whose proposals are most advantageous to the State, price and other factors considered, in order to reduce the State's health care costs. | In Committee |
| S2375 | Creates pilot program to fund adult education programs for residents of certain communities. | This bill would establish a five-year pilot program to provide State funding for certain students enrolled in adult education programs. Beginning in the 2020-2021 school year, a school district that operates an approved adult high school program will receive $1,500 in adult education aid for each eligible pupil enrolled in the program. An eligible pupil is defined as one who resides in a municipality that is part of a school district that, in the 2016-2017 school year, ranked in the bottom 20 percent Statewide with respect to the four-year adjusted cohort graduation rate. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to submit a report summarizing the outcomes of the pilot program. | In Committee |
| S2416 | Permits State and county boards of election to purchase or lease decomissioned letter collection boxes for use as ballot drop boxes. | This bill permits the Department of State or a county board of elections to purchase, lease, or otherwise acquire any decommissioned letter collection boxes from the United States Postal Service for use as ballot drop boxes during the conduct of an election, provided that the decommissioned letter collection boxes meet, or can be altered to meet, the guidelines for ballot drop boxes established by the Secretary of State pursuant to current law. | In Committee |
| S2417 | Includes electronic sports event as sports wagering; authorizes electronic sports wagering at certain locations. | This bill includes electronic sports events as sports wagering and authorizes electronic sports wagering at certain locations. The bill defines "electronic sports event" to mean a competition between or involving teams, individuals, or the operator, using a video game or games which occur, or are hosted, at a physical location or exclusively online. Electronic sports events and authorized wagering on electronic sports events are not considered an "authorized game" or "authorized gambling game" as defined in section 5 of P.L.1977, c.110 (C.5:12-5). Under the bill, the Division of Gaming Enforcement (division) in the Department of Law and Public Safety may authorize wagers on electronic sports events to be accepted in a sports wagering lounge or by an internet sports wagering operator operating in partnership with a sports wagering licensee. For electronic sports events which occur within the physical facilities of a casino licensee, within a racetrack that has a sports wagering license, or within a facility located in Atlantic City that has been approved by the division as suitable for hosting electronic sports events, and which events are sponsored by one or more casino licensees, racetracks or their authorized internet sports wagering providers or online internet gaming affiliates: ? the division may authorize competitors in such events who are otherwise eligible to make sports wagers to make wagers on themselves or their own team with regard to an individual electronic sports contest; ? the division may authorize the casino or other authorized facility in which the electronic sports event takes place, or the provider or affiliate which sponsors the event, to be the exclusive operator for the placing of wagers on the outcome of such electronic sports event; and ? a casino, racetrack or the sponsor of the electronic sports event may accept wagers on such event provided a third party such as a game publisher certifies that the electronic sports event meets all integrity requirements of the division for being an authorized wagering event. For electronic sports events which occur at physical facilities within the State but do not meet the previous criteria: ? the division may authorize competitors in such events who are otherwise eligible to make sports wagers to make wagers on themselves or their own team with regard to an individual electronic sports contest; and ? a casino, racetrack or the sponsor of the electronic sports event may accept wagers on such event provided that a third party, such as a game publisher, certifies that the electronic sports event meets all integrity requirements of the division for being an authorized wagering event. Under the bill, wagering in New Jersey on electronic sports events occurring at physical facilities outside the State are permitted only upon the approval of the division and upon such terms and limitations as the division may impose. The bill provides that an operator: (1) may accept wagers on electronic sports events which occur, or are hosted, exclusively on an online gaming system upon the approval of the division and upon such terms and limitations as the division may impose; and (2) may offer payouts to competitors in electronic sports events upon such terms and limitations as the division may impose. The bill provides that websites and mobile applications are permitted to offer wagering on traditional sports events and electronic sports events that are approved for wagering by the division. Websites and mobile applications authorized by casino licensees may also offer other types of Internet gaming. In addition, each sports wagering licensee may offer not more than two additional individually branded websites with accompanying mobile applications that offer wagering solely on electronic sports events. Under the bill, the division maintains its ability to oversee and approve sports wagering agreements involving either a casino or a racetrack. Where the agreement involves a racetrack, the New Jersey Racing Commission will be informed of the approval of such agreements. | In Committee |
| S2431 | Permits persons who are hearing impaired to apply for vehicle identification placards. | This bill permits any person who has been issued a driver's license with the numerical code designating hearing-impairment to apply to the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (chief administrator) for a corresponding windshield placard for use on a vehicle owned or operated by the applicant. The windshield placard is to bear the international symbol of the deaf, be posted or attached to the motor vehicle in a place and manner to be determined by the chief administrator, and be free of charge to applicants. Under the bill, a person who uses the windshield placard is not permitted to receive parking privileges reserved for persons with disabilities, unless the person is otherwise qualified and authorized to receive those parking privileges. The bill also provides that a citation for a violation of law is not to be issued and a penalty or fine is not to be assessed for operating a motor vehicle with a valid windshield placard, issued pursuant to this bill. | In Committee |
| S2329 | Revises membership of New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. | This bill revises the membership of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling. Currently, the board requires one licensed teacher who has engaged in teaching at a licensed school of beauty culture or cosmetology and hairstyling in New Jersey to be appointed. Under the bill, two individuals representing public school vocational programs are to be appointed to the board. Two individuals representing private licensed schools of cosmetology and hairstyling are also to be appointed. Additionally, the bill modifies the number of public members on the board. Currently, three public members are appointed. The bill adjusts this to two members who are to represent the interests of the public. Moreover, the bill modifies the type of professional that is to be appointed to the board. Instead of allotting six slots for cosmetologist-hairstylists, beauticians, and barbers, those same slots are to be filled by individuals licensed in any of the professions for which the board issues a license. With the revisions, total board membership is expanded from 13 to 15 individuals. | In Committee |
| S2328 | Requires State to use certain energy-efficient outdoor lighting fixtures. | This bill requires the State to install, replace, or maintain outdoor lighting fixtures that comply with design requirements stated in the bill that are intended to minimize wasted light and State funds. The bill does not require the State to replace outdoor lighting fixtures that function properly as of the bill's effective date, but only applies to the replacement of deficient outdoor lighting fixtures. Under the bill, the State is to install, replace, or maintain an outdoor lighting fixture if: an outdoor lighting fixture with a rated output greater than 1,800 lumens is installed or replaced with a cutoff luminaire; the minimum illuminance adequate for the intended purpose is used with consideration given to nationally recognized standards; for fixtures used for lighting a designated highway of the State highway system, the Department of Transportation determines that that purpose of the outdoor lighting fixture cannot be achieved by the installation of reflective road markers, lines, warning or informational signs, or other effective methods; and full consideration has been given to energy conservation, reducing glare, minimizing light pollution, and preserving the natural light environment. Under this bill, the State is not required to install, replace, or maintain an outdoor lighting fixture if: the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis because emergency personnel require it; the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a temporary basis for nighttime work; the outdoor lighting fixture is used for a special event or situation; a compelling safety interest exists; the replacement of outdoor lighting fixtures constitutes less than 30 percent of an entire outdoor lighting system at a New Jersey Transit (NJT) Corporation facility, or an outdoor lighting fixture at a NJT Corporation facility was approved by the New Jersey Historic Preservation Office; a federal law supersedes or is inconsistent with the bill; or the outdoor lighting fixture is used on a historic property or any building, site, or area designated historic by a historic preservation commission. | In Committee |
| S2302 | Establishes "Zero Energy Construction Act"; requires all new residential and commercial developments to be zero energy ready; requires developers to offer zero energy construction. | This bill would establish the "Zero Energy Construction Act," which would, beginning on January 1, 2025, require all new residential and commercial developments to be zero energy ready and require developers to offer zero energy construction to prospective owners. Zero energy buildings consume only as much energy as can be produced onsite through renewable resources, and zero energy ready buildings are buildings capable of reaching this level of energy consumption with the addition of renewable resources. Requiring new developments to be constructed as zero energy ready will reduce both the consumption of energy that contributes to climate change as well as the long-term energy costs of home and business owners. The bill requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities, to compile, and make available on the Internet website of the Department of Community Affairs, information for prospective owners and developers concerning the environmental benefits of, and potential energy cost savings associated with, zero energy buildings, and any applicable credits, rebates, or other incentives that may be available to the prospective owner for purchasing a zero energy building. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and the Board of Public Utilities, to adopt rules and regulations necessary to effectuate the purposes of the bill and to revise the State Uniform Construction Code and the energy subcode accordingly. While the construction requirements of the bill would be inoperative until January 1, 2025, the bill authorizes the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Board of Public Utilities, to take any anticipatory administrative action in advance as is necessary for the implementation of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2307 | Reduces allowed diversion of funds from stormwater, water, and sewer purposes to municipal and county budgets; requires municipalities and counties to notify Division of Local Government Services of diversions. | This bill would reduce the amount of funds that counties and municipalities may divert from stormwater, water, and sewer utilities and authorities to county and municipal budgets. Under current law, municipalities may transfer available surplus revenue that was collected to fund a utility to other expenditures made by the municipality, in an amount up to five percent of the utility's annual operating costs. This bill would reduce the allowed transfer for stormwater, water, and sewer utilities to three percent of the utility's annual operating costs. Similarly, current law allows counties and municipalities to appropriate undesignated funds and unreserved retained earnings held by an authority that was created by the county or municipality, in an amount up to five percent of the authority's annual operating costs. This bill would reduce the allowed appropriation for water and sewer purposes to three percent of the authority's annual operating costs. This bill would also require counties and municipalities to notify the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs whenever the county or municipality: (1) transfers funds from a stormwater, water, or sewer utility, or (2) appropriates funds from a water or sewer authority. | In Committee |
| S2308 | Limits amount of fee for issuance and renewal of permits for sale of certain alcoholic beverages and related products at seasonal farm markets. | This bill sets a limit on the amount of the fee established by the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the issuance and renewal of a daily or annual permit to the holder of a limited brewery license, restricted brewery license, craft distillery license, plenary winery license, farm winery license, or cidery and meadery license to sell the licensee's products at a seasonal farm market for consumption off the premises. Under the bill, the director may establish a fee not to exceed $25 for a daily permit and not to exceed $75 for an annual permit. | In Committee |
| S2305 | Provides spouses of military servicemembers with gross income tax credit, up to $500, for professional relicensing fees incurred upon relocating to State. | This bill provides a gross income tax credit, up to $500, for spouses of certain military servicemembers who incur professional relicensing fees upon relocating to the State. Specifically, an eligible spouse of a servicemember who moves to the State due to military orders is eligible to receive a refundable gross income tax credit in the amount of qualified relicensing fees incurred due to the relocation, not to exceed $500. The term "eligible spouse" is defined to mean a person who, at the time the fees are incurred, is married to a member of the Armed Forces of the United States and relocates to the State pursuant to a permanent change of station order. The term "qualified relicensing fees" is defined to mean the fees incurred by the spouse that are for a license or certification required by the State to engage in a profession: (1) for which the State requires a professional or occupational license or certification; and (2) that the eligible spouse practiced prior to moving to the State. However, this credit only covers: (1) the relicensing fees incurred beginning on the date that the permanent change of station order is issued; and (2) ending on the first day of the thirteenth month next following the reporting date in the permanent change of station order. The Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury is required to issue forms and procedures that enable a taxpayer to verify that he or she qualifies for a credit per this bill. Spouses of servicemembers are required to uproot their lives and move to another State (or country), sometimes frequently, based on military orders. In doing so, these individuals incur costs associated with rebuilding their professional careers in the State. This bill serves dual purposes of easing the burdens placed on military families and helping professionals develop their careers in the State. | In Committee |
| S2304 | Permits counties to charge a fee to fund infrastructure through voter approval. | This bill would create the "County Self-Help Infrastructure Act," permitting the governing body of any county to impose a county-wide fee for the purpose of funding infrastructure construction within the county after first obtaining voter approval. Like many states, New Jersey's infrastructure needs are growing increasingly critical. Various other states have created a self-help fee at the local level to address these needs. Because local aid for these projects from the New Jersey Department of Transportation and other State agencies is woefully inadequate, New Jersey's counties could benefit tremendously from following other states' examples. The infrastructure construction fee created through this bill could take any reasonable form so long as it is presented to the voters through a public question that clearly states the maximum fee to be established. | In Committee |
| S1022 | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | Establishes special license plates for honorably discharged veterans. | In Committee |
| S2301 | Provides credits under corporation business tax and gross income tax for qualified wages of certain disabled veterans. | This bill establishes credits under the corporation business tax and gross income tax for employers who employ certain disabled veterans. The purpose of the bill is to encourage employers to hire certain disabled veterans who are seeking employment. This bill provides an employer with a gross income tax or corporation business tax credit equal to 15 percent of the wages paid to a qualified disabled veteran, up to a maximum of $1,800 per disabled veteran per taxable year or privilege period. A qualified disabled veteran is a resident of the State, initially hired by the employer on or after the date of enactment, who has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service, on or after January 1, 1990, from any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States and who has been determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to have a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or higher. The VA uses a scale ranging from 10 to 100 percent, in increments of 10 percent, depending on the severity of the condition or illness to rate the extent of a veteran's disability. The credits established by this bill are temporary in that qualified wages are those wages paid by the employer to a qualified disabled veteran on or after January 1, 2023, but before January 1, 2026. The qualified disabled veteran must be employed for a least 185 business days of the tax year for which a credit is claimed. The bill contains provisions that prevent the potential for misuse of the tax credit. A taxpayer may not claim a credit established by this bill if the wages paid by that taxpayer to a qualified disabled veteran are already included in the calculation of any State tax credit or grant for the same tax year. If it is determined that a taxpayer is displacing current employees and replacing them with qualified disabled veterans for the primary purposes of utilizing a credit in this bill, the credit will be denied, and if any credit was previously allowed, it would be recaptured by the State and a penalty assessed against the taxpayer. The bill contains certain restrictions that prevent the corporation business tax credit provided by this bill from being used in conjunction with any other corporation business tax credit available to the taxpayer so as to exceed 50 percent of the tax liability otherwise due, or to reduce the taxpayer's corporation business tax liability to an amount less than the minimum required by statute. Similarly, the gross income tax credit provided by this bill may not be used to reduce a taxpayer's liability to an amount less than zero. Any unused credit resulting from those restrictions may be carried forward over seven tax years by the taxpayer. The bill also provides that a taxpayer eligible for a credit under this bill may apply to the Director of the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury for a tax credit transfer certificate, in lieu of applying the credit against its tax liability. A tax credit transfer certificate may be sold or assigned to another taxpayer who has a corporation business tax or gross income tax liability in exchange for financial consideration of not less than 75 percent of the transferred credit amount. | In Committee |
| S2322 | Amends "Law Against Discrimination" to provide every person engaged in raising a dog for guide or service the right to access public facilities. | This bill would amend the New Jersey "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1977, c.456 (C.10:5-29.3), to provide every person engaged in raising a dog for guide or service, the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities as a person with a disability, for dog training purposes. Under current law, professional service and guide dog trainers, who typically begin training dogs at 18 to 20 months of age, have the same rights and privileges with respect to access to public facilities as persons with disabilities. However, there are volunteers who often raise service and guide dogs prior to their entering formal training, from approximately eight weeks to 18 months, who do not have the same rights as persons with disabilities or professional trainers. This bill would extend the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities with respect to access to public facilities, to persons who volunteer to raise service or guide dogs, subject to them meeting the requirements in this bill. This bill requires that in public facilities a service or guide dog in training must (1) wear a collar, leash, or other appropriate apparel or device that identifies the dog as a participant in a training program with an accredited service or guide dog training program; and (2) be held on a leash, and under the control of the person raising the dog for an accredited program. The bill also requires that the volunteer have in his possession, and available for inspection, credentials from an accredited program identifying him as a participant in a service or guide dog training program. | In Committee |
| S2300 | Provides free or reduced fee beach access to certain New Jersey National Guard members. | This bill adds persons who have served in the New Jersey National Guard and who were discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, to the list of persons eligible to receive free or reduced beach access granted by a shore municipality. Current law permits shore municipalities, by ordinance, to provide free or reduced fee beach access to persons who are active members of the New Jersey National Guard who have completed Initial Active Duty Training and to their spouse or dependent children over the age of 12 years. This bill permits a shore municipality to provide free or reduced fee beach access to any person who has served in the New Jersey National Guard and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable. | In Committee |
| S2303 | 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 maximum allowable gross income to qualify for a credit under the bill will be $100,000 in the case of taxpayers filing a joint return and $50,000 for taxpayers filing separately or an individual tax return. The amount of the credit will be equal to 22.5 percent of up to $3,000 in qualified care expenses paid or incurred by the qualified caregiver during the taxable year, or a maximum of $675 per year. 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, such that, the amount of any credit that reduces the qualified caregiver's tax liability to an amount less than zero will 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 |
| S2320 | Provides that children under care, custody or supervision of DCPP may not be home-schooled. | This bill provides that children under the care, custody or supervision of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, including children placed in resource family homes or in kinship care homes, may not be home-schooled and are required to be enrolled in a public or nonpublic school. | In Committee |
| S2323 | Requires Division of Developmental Disabilities to make comprehensive list of its programs available to public. | This bill requires the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to include on its website and make available in print to a member of the public, upon request, a comprehensive list of available services and supports from DDD for individuals with developmental disabilities. The list is to include a detailed description of the different services and supports, including, but not limited to, those available through: the Supports Program to persons residing in unlicensed settings such as the home of a family member or their own home; the Community Care Waiver to persons residing in licensed residential settings such as group homes, supervised apartments, and supported living arrangements; the self-directed services program; and any other program providing services and supports funded in whole, or in part, by DDD. The comprehensive list would also include the specific criteria for eligibility for each program, which would, at a minimum, include any requirements for: application for and maintenance of eligibility for the Medicaid program; the level of care needed by the individual with a developmental disability seeking services and supports from DDD; an assessment of the needs of an individual with a developmental disability, and the different amounts of funding to be made available for services and supports for the individual based on those needs, as applicable. The list would also provide information about the availability of transitional planning for individuals with developmental disabilities, guardianship services from DDD, and any other information that DDD deems necessary to help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. The bill also requires DDD to update the list as necessary to ensure that the list reflects a current and comprehensive list of available services and supports, and to prominently display on the DHS website, or include with any printed materials, information about any webinars or presentations offered by DDD that may help an individual with a developmental disability obtain services and supports from DDD. | In Committee |
| S2321 | Revises requirements concerning disqualification from registration as, and duties of, a professional guardian. | This bill amends section 3 of P.L.2005, c.370 (C.52:27G-34) to expand the reasons why a person would be ineligible for registration as a professional guardian or, if registered, may have his registration suspended or revoked, and to establish civil penalties to apply to a person who has engaged in any acts that disqualify the person from registering or continuing to serve as a professional guardian. Current law allows for the disqualification of a person from registering or continuing to serve as a professional guardian if the person engages in any disqualifying acts. The bill expands the list of disqualifying acts to include knowingly engaging in self-dealing including, but not limited to, taking advantage of the professional guardian's position in performing guardian responsibilities or acting for the guardian's own interests rather than for the interests of the incapacitated adult. Under current law, a person who is disqualified from registering as a professional guardian or whose registration to serve as a professional guardian has been revoked is not subject to any criminal or civil penalties other than those applicable to the disqualifying acts. This bill provides for the imposition of a supplemental civil penalty of not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000 on any person whose registration has been suspended or revoked. The civil penalty is in addition to those penalties that are applicable to any of the disqualifying acts. Current provisions of N.J.S.A.3B:12-56 and N.J.S.A.3B:12-57, which describe the powers and duties of a guardian of the person of a ward, do not indicate that the guardian has any duty to avoid engaging in the abuse, neglect, or exploitation of the ward or to act in the ward's best interest. This bill amends N.J.S.A.3B:12-56 and N.J.S.A.3B:12-57 to stipulate that a guardian of the person of a ward has an affirmative duty to take actions that are not abusive, neglectful, or exploitive of the ward, and to act in a manner that is in the ward's best interests when performing or not performing any task relating to the provision of guardianship services to the ward. | In Committee |
| S2318 | Revises and updates law pertaining to conservatorship to encourage ethical conduct by conservators and to provide stronger protections for conservatees and proposed conservatees. | This bill revises the law pertaining to conservatorship arrangements in order to encourage ethical conduct by conservators and provide stronger protections for conservatees and proposed conservatees. Specifically, the bill makes the following substantive changes to strengthen the existing conservatorship law: Existing law requires a court to appoint counsel for a proposed conservatee only if it believes that counsel is necessary to adequately protect the conservatee's interests. The bill would amend the law to require a conservatee or proposed conservatee to be represented by counsel throughout the course of conservatorship proceedings and, if a conservatorship is established, until such time as the conservatorship is terminated. The bill would further require counsel to personally interview the conservatee or proposed conservatee not more than 72 hours before each scheduled hearing related to conservatorship and certify to the court that the interview has been performed. If the conservatee or proposed conservatee is, at any time, not represented by counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the court will be required to appoint counsel for the person. Existing law requires a conservatee or proposed conservatee to be present at each hearing relating to the conservatorship unless the person is unable to attend by reason of physical or other inability established to the court's satisfaction. If it is alleged that the conservatee or proposed conservatee is unable to attend, the existing law requires the court to order an investigation unless the court believes, in its discretion, that the interests of the conservatee are adequately protected by counsel. The bill would amend the existing law to require a court to order an investigation in any case where it is alleged that the conservatee or proposed conservatee is unable to attend the hearing in order to verify that the conservatee or proposed conservatee is, in fact, incapable of attending the hearing. The investigation is to be ordered regardless of whether the court believes that the interests of the conservatee or the proposed conservatee are adequately represented and protected by counsel. Existing law authorizes a civil action for conservatorship to be filed either by the proposed conservatee or by one of the following individuals: 1) the spouse of the conservatee; 2) the adult children of the conservatee or, if there are no adult children, the person or persons who are closest in degree of kinship to the conservatee; 3) a public agency or social services official of the State or county in which the conservatee resides; 4) the chief administrator of a State licensed hospital, school, or institution in which the conservatee is a patient or from which the conservatee receives services; or 5) any other person having concern for the financial or personal well-being of the conservatee. The bill would amend the law to remove the catch-all provision that allows a civil action to be filed by any person who has concern for the financial or personal well-being of the conservatee. The bill provides that every person who is entitled by law to receive notice of a conservatorship proceeding, including: 1) the proposed conservatee; 2) the spouse and adult children of the conservatee or, if there are no adult children, the person or persons closest in degree of kindship to the conservatee; and 3) the person with whom the conservatee resides or, if the conservateee resides in an institution, the chief administrator of that institution, are entitled to appear at all hearings and be heard on all matters relating to the conservatorship. Existing law authorizes such persons to appear at hearings and be heard on matters related to the conservatorship only if the court approves of such action and deems it to be in the interest of the conservatee. Although the bill would entitle these persons to appear and present testimony and other evidence, it would preserve the court's ability to use its discretion in determining the relevance and credibility of, and the weight to be given to, the testimony and evidence. Existing law provides for a conservator to file with the clerk of court, under oath, an inventory identifying and appraising all of the real and personal property that has come into the conservator's hands or control or has come into the hands of any other person, on the conservator's behalf; however, such inventory need only be submitted if the court expressly requires such reporting. The court is not currently required, by existing law, to review any inventory that is filed therewith. The bill would amend the existing law to require a conservator, in all cases, to file with the clerk of court, under oath, at time intervals ordered by the court, but not less often than every six months during the course of a conservatorship, the inventory required by existing law, as well as a formal accounting that shows each expenditure and disbursement that has been made by the conservator from the conservatee's estate during the reporting period. The bill would further require the court to review the inventories and accounting statements submitted pursuant to the bill, on at least an annual basis, in order to ensure that the conservator is properly fulfilling the conservator's duties with respect to the conservatee and is operating in a manner consistent with the conservatee's best interests. The bill authorizes the court, at any time, and requires the court, whenever an inventory or formal accounting indicates that the conservator may not be properly fulfilling the conservator's duties or acting in the conservatee's best interests, to appoint a third-party to interview the conservatee and conservator and to undertake any other investigation the court may direct. The bill would clarify that a conservator will also be required to annually provide, to the conservatee and the court, an informal report or accounting statement setting forth the income and other assets within the conservator's control that have been collected and expended or otherwise distributed by the conservator during the preceding year. This informal report or accounting statement will be supplemental to the formal inventory and accounting statements that are to be submitted to the court, under oath, at least every six months under the bill. The bill would require a conservator, when expending or distributing funds from the conservatee's estate, to take into account the requirements of the "Prudent Investor Act," P.L.1997, c.36 (C.3B:20-11.1 et seq.). The bill also specifies that the conservator will be required to give due regard to, and to take actions that are consistent with, the ward's best interests and the ward's expressed wishes and preferences, to the extent that the ward is capable of expressing those wishes and preferences. Although existing law already provides that a conservator will be liable to the conservatee or other interested parties, to the same extent as a trustee of an express trust, whenever the exercise of a conservator's power is improper, the bill would clarify this provision by providing a list of examples of instances where a conservator's exercise of power is improper. Specifically, the bill provides that a conservator will be liable to the same extent as a trustee of an express trust whenever a court finds that the conservator has breached his or her fiduciary duties by taking an action that is outside the scope of the conservatorship arrangement or that violates the rights of the conservatee, contradicts or violates the conservatee's best interests, or is otherwise deemed by the court to be improper for a fiduciary. Finally, the bill amends the existing conservatorship law to modernize and clarify the existing language and paragraph and sentence structure and ensure that appropriate language is used consistently, and is presented in an active and direct voice, throughout the law. | In Committee |
| S2316 | Requires certain ratios of school library media specialists to students in public schools. | This bill establishes minimum ratios of school library media specialists to students required in school districts. The ratios are:· in each public school having an enrollment of less than 300 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one half-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement;· in each public school having an enrollment of between 300 and 1,499 students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, one full-time staff member who holds an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement; and· in each public school having an enrollment of 1,500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year, the board of education is required to employ, at a minimum, two full-time staff members who hold an educational services certificate with a school library media specialist endorsement. The bill specifies how much time in each school day the school library media specialist is required to devote to school library work in public secondary schools, which is dependent upon the enrollment in the school. The bill also requires a public school having an enrollment of 500 or more students on October 15 of the prior school year to employ a minimum of one full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk, and to employ one additional full-time staff member to serve as a library clerk for each additional 500 students enrolled in the school. In order to be college- and career-ready in the twenty-first century, students must be able to use a wide range of information resources including books, media, technology, and the Internet. All students must be able to locate, evaluate, and interpret information accurately for academic and professional success. A qualified school library media specialist is uniquely suited through educational training and professional development to provide this educational foundation for all students. Many states currently require school library media specialists in their schools and most use student enrollment to determine the number of school library media specialists the schools employ. | In Committee |
| S2324 | Provides for uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in this State. | This bill provides for the uniform regulation of small wireless facility deployment in the State by the State government and local government units (authorities). The bill prohibits an authority from regulating small wireless facilities in a manner inconsistent with the bill, including entering into an exclusive arrangement with any person or entity for the use of the right-of-way for: 1) the collocation of a small wireless facility; 2) the mounting or installation of a small wireless facility on new or replacement poles; 3) the installation of associated antenna equipment adjacent to a structure on which a small wireless facility is or will be collocated, mounted, or installed; or 4) the installation, operation, marketing, modification, maintenance, or replacement of associated poles. The bill provides that a wireless provider, as defined in the bill, is to have the right, as a permitted use not subject to zoning review or approval, and without the need for authority consent to: 1) collocate small wireless facilities; 2) mount or install small wireless facilities on new or replacement poles; 3) install associated antenna equipment adjacent to a structure on which a small wireless facility is or will be collocated, mounted, or installed; or 4) install, modify, or replace its own poles, or, with the permission of the owner, a third party's poles, associated with a small wireless facility, along, across, upon, and under the right-of-way. The bill provides that each new, replaced, or modified pole installed in the right-of-way for the purpose of collocating, mounting, or installing a small wireless facility is to follow certain height restrictions pursuant to the bill. A wireless provider is not to install a new pole unless the wireless provider has determined it cannot meet its service objectives by collocating on existing poles or structures. An authority may adopt aesthetics requirements governing the deployment of small wireless facilities and associated antenna equipment and poles in the right-of-way, subject to certain requirements pursuant to the bill. A wireless provider is to comply with undergrounding requirements that are consistent with the bill. The bill requires a wireless provider to repair all damage to the right-of-way caused by the activities of the wireless provider and to return the right-of-way to its functional and aesthetic equivalence before the damage, pursuant to the competitively neutral, reasonable requirements, and specifications of the authority. If the wireless provider fails to make the repairs required by the authority within a reasonable time after written notice, the authority may make those repairs and charge the applicable party the reasonable documented cost of the repairs. Under the bill, a wireless provider is not required to replace or upgrade an existing pole, except for reasons of structural necessity or compliance with applicable building codes. A wireless provider may, with the permission of the pole owner, replace or modify the existing pole, but any replacement or modification is to be consistent with the design aesthetics of the pole being modified or replaced. The bill requires wireless provider to notify an authority at least 30 days before the abandonment of a small wireless facility located within the authority's jurisdiction. Following receipt of the notice, the authority is to direct the wireless provider to remove all or any portion of the small wireless facility and associated antenna equipment that the authority determines would be in the best interest of the public. If the wireless provider fails to remove the abandoned small wireless facility within 90 days after the notice, the authority may undertake to remove the small wireless facility and recover the actual and reasonable expenses of the removal from the wireless provider, its successors, or assigns. The bill allows an authority to require an applicant to obtain a permit for: 1) the collocation of a small wireless facility; 2) the mounting or installation of a small wireless facility on a new, modified, or replacement pole; or 3) the installation, modification, or replacement of a pole or antenna equipment as provided in the bill. Each permit issued pursuant to the bill is to be of general applicability and is not to apply exclusively to a small wireless facility and an authority is to receive and process applications following certain requirements pursuant to the bill. Application fees for any permit issued pursuant to the bill are not to exceed certain amounts pursuant to the bill. Under the bill, the rates, fees, and terms and conditions for any make-ready work to collocate, mount, or install a small wireless facility on an authority pole and to install associated antenna equipment are to be non-discriminatory, competitively neutral, commercially reasonable, and are in compliance with the provisions of the bill. The bill further provides that all rates and fees established pursuant to the bill are to be a reasonable approximation of the authority's reasonable costs, and are to be applied by the authority in a non-discriminatory manner. An authority may not require a wireless provider to pay any rates, fees, or compensation to the authority or other person other than what is expressly authorized by the bill for the right to use or occupy the right-of-way for the collocation, mounting, or installation of a small wireless facility on a pole in the right-of-way, or for the installation, maintenance, modification, or replacement of associated antenna equipment or a pole in the right-of-way. The bill provides that an authority is not to have or exercise any jurisdiction or authority over the design, engineering, construction, installation, or operation of a small wireless facility located in an interior structure or upon the site of a campus, stadium, or athletic facility not owned or controlled by the authority, other than to require compliance with applicable building codes. Further, except as it relates to small wireless facilities subject to the permit and fee requirements established pursuant the bill or otherwise specifically authorized by State or federal law, an authority is not to adopt or enforce any regulations or requirements on the placement or operation of communications facilities in the right-of-way by a communications service provider authorized by federal, State, or local law to operate in the right-of-way, regulate any communications services, or impose or collect any tax, fee, rate, or charge for the provision of additional communications service over the communications service provider's communications facilities in the right-of-way. The bill allows an authority to adopt an ordinance that makes available to wireless providers rates, fees, and other terms and conditions that comply with the provisions of the bill. In the absence of an ordinance, a wireless provider may install and operate a small wireless facility and any associated poles and antenna equipment under the requirements of the bill. An authority may not require a wireless provider to enter into an agreement to implement the provisions of the bill, but agreements are permissible if voluntary and non-discriminatory. The bill provides that an authority may adopt reasonable indemnification, insurance, and bonding requirements related to a small wireless facility and associated pole permits and antenna equipment. The bill requires a wireless provider that owns or operates a small wireless facility or utility pole in the right-of-way to indemnify, protect, defend, and hold the authority and its elected officials, officers, and employees, agents, and volunteers harmless against all claims, lawsuits, judgements, costs, liens, losses, expenses, and fees. The bill further provides that an authority may require a wireless provider to have in effect certain insurance coverage as provided in the bill. The bill also allows an authority to impose reasonable and non-discriminatory requirements for bonds, escrow deposits, letters of credit, or any other type of financial surety to ensure removal of abandoned or unused wireless facilities or damage to the right-of-way or authority property caused by the wireless provider or its agent. The bill provides that nothing in the bill is to be construed to authorize certain actions, including authorizing a person to collocate a small wireless facility on property owned by a public utility without consent of the public utility, to impact, modify or supersede any construction standard or other obligation applicable to certain entities that are not wireless providers, or to apply to a public utility's use of its own poles, facilities, or both for communications associated with its public utility operations. The bill provides that a court of competent jurisdiction is to have jurisdiction to determine disputes arising pursuant to the bill. A dispute is to be pursued in accordance with accelerated docket or complaint procedures, where available. | In Committee |
| S2314 | Provides for receipts for applications for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. | This bill provides for applicants for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, also called food stamps) to receive a receipt when they apply for the program. Under the bill, a county welfare agency, county board of social services, or other entity that is responsible for receiving SNAP applications would provide to the applicant a receipt proving that the application has been filed. The receipt would be provided for applications filed in-person or electronically. The receipt would include, at a minimum:· the date that the application was received;· a checklist of all required documents or other verifications related to the application and the date on which each document was received; and· a list of all documents or other verifications still needed to complete the application and the date by which each item must be received. | In Committee |
| S2317 | Revises and updates law pertaining to guardianship to encourage ethical conduct by guardians and to provide stronger protections for wards and proposed wards. | This bill revises the law pertaining to guardianship in order to provide stronger protections for wards and proposed wards, encourage ethical conduct by guardians, with a particular focus on guardians of the estate, and ensure that the laws pertaining to guardianship of the estate are consistent with the laws pertaining to conservatorships. Specifically, the bill makes the following substantive changes to strengthen the existing guardianship law: The bill requires a ward or proposed ward to be represented by counsel throughout the course of guardianship proceedings and, if a guardianship arrangement is established, until such time as the arrangement is terminated. The bill further requires counsel to personally interview the ward or proposed ward not more than 72 hours before each scheduled hearing related to guardianship and certify to the court that the interview has been performed. If the ward or proposed ward is, at any time, not represented by counsel and is unable to afford counsel, the bill would require the court to appoint counsel for the person. The bill further requires a court, in establishing a guardianship arrangement, to authorize only that level of intervention that the court finds to be least restrictive of the proposed ward's rights while being consistent with the protection of the ward's welfare and safety. The bill clarifies that the court may, at any time, expand or limit the powers of the guardian or revoke or revise any previously ordered expansion or limitation of powers. The bill also specifies that all actions undertaken by a guardian, whether by a guardian of the person or by a guardian of the estate, are to be undertaken with due regard to, and are to be consistent with, the ward's best interests and the ward's expressed wishes and preferences, to the extent that the ward is capable of expressing those wishes and preferences. Current law recognizes that a guardian of the estate holds title as trustee to the property of the ward. The bill would clarify that, whenever a court finds that a guardian has breached the guardian's fiduciary duties to the ward by taking an action that is outside the scope of the guardianship arrangement or that violates the rights of the ward, contradicts or violates the ward's best interests, or is otherwise deemed by the court to be improper for a fiduciary, the guardian of the estate will be liable to the ward or other interested parties for damage or loss resulting from breach of fiduciary duty to the same extent as a trustee of an express trust. Current law also requires a "guardian" to submit reports to the court, at time intervals ordered by the court, but it only imposes specific content requirements in association with reports that are submitted by guardians of the person; not guardians of the estate. The existing law also authorizes the court to waive the reporting requirement entirely, and it does not require the court to actually review any of the submitted reports. The bill would amend the law to: 1) require a report to be submitted by both the guardian of the person and the guardian of the estate at time intervals ordered by the court, but not less often than every six months during the course of the guardianship arrangement; 2) specify the content that must be included in reports submitted by guardians of the estate; 3) eliminate the court's discretion to waive the reporting requirement; and 4) require the court to review the reports submitted pursuant to the bill, on at least an annual basis, in order to ensure that each guardian is properly fulfilling the guardian's duties with respect to the ward or the ward's estate, or both, as the case may be, and is operating in a manner consistent with the ward's best interests. The bill would also authorize the court, at any time, and require the court, whenever its annual review of the submitted reports reveals that the guardian may not be properly fulfilling the guardian's duties or acting in the ward's best interests, to appoint a third-party to interview the ward and the guardian and undertake any other investigation the court may direct. The existing law requires a guardian of the estate to consider the recommendations of the ward's parent or the guardian of the ward's person when expending and distributing funds from the ward's estate; however, an incapacitated person often does not have a living parent, and the guardian of the person may be the same as the guardian of the estate, meaning that, under existing law, there will often be no available third-party to provide recommendations to the guardian of the estate. The bill would, therefore, amend the law to require the guardian of the estate to consider the recommendations of all of the following individuals: 1) the ward, to the extent that the ward is capable of making the recommendations; 2) if the ward is a minor, the ward's parent; 3) if the ward is an incapacitated person, the spouse and any adult children of the ward or, if there are no adult children, the person or persons who are closest in degree of kinship to the ward; 4) the guardian of the ward's person; and 5) the person or persons with whom the ward resides or, if the ward resides in an institution, the chief administrator of that institution. This change will make the law consistent with the law pertaining to conservatorship, which requires a conservator to consider the recommendations of all these persons. The bill also amends the existing guardianship law to modernize and clarify the existing language and paragraph and sentence structure and ensure that language is used consistently and in an active and direct voice throughout the law. | In Committee |
| S2315 | Requires DCA to approve credentialing entity to develop and administer voluntary recovery residence certification program. | This bill requires the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), within 120 days after the bill's enactment, to approve a credentialing entity to develop and administer a voluntary certification program for recovery residences and recovery residence administrators in the State. "Recovery residence" is defined by the bill to mean housing with a home-like atmosphere, which is available in a professionally-managed facility (i.e., a facility that is directly managed by a recovery residence administrator) or in a peer-managed facility (i.e., a facility that is cooperatively self-managed by residents in recovery who are renting rooms at the facility), and which provides a sober living environment and alcohol and drug free living accommodations to individuals with substance use disorders, or to individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, but which does not provide clinical treatment services for mental health or substance use disorders. The term includes, but is not limited to, facilities that are commonly referred to as sober living homes. "Recovery residence administrator" is defined as the owner or operator of a recovery residence who is responsible for the overall management of the recovery residence, including, but not limited to, the supervision of residents and staff, and who does not reside in the recovery residence. The bill requires the DCA to use a portion of the monies annually appropriated thereto to provide appropriate funds to the credentialing entity, on an annual basis, to enable the credentialing entity to fulfill its duties and responsibilities under the bill. In developing the recovery residence certification program (which is to become operational within 180 days after the credentialing entity is approved by the DCA), the credentialing entity is required to: 1) establish requirements for the voluntary certification of recovery residences and recovery residence administrators, as well as for the annual recertification of certified residences and administrators; 2) establish criminal background check requirements for the administrators and employees of professionally-managed facilities, as deemed by the credentialing entity to be necessary; 3) administer all aspects of the certification program and establish procedures to facilitate the application, certification, and annual recertification processes; 4) engage in the on-site pre-certification inspection of recovery residences applying for certification; 5) establish procedures and protocols for the regular monitoring and inspection of certified recovery residences, which procedures and protocols must, at a minimum, require at least one unannounced on-site inspection of each certified recovery residence as a condition of annual recertification; and 6) establish an Internet website to provide information to the public about the recovery residence certification program. The requirements adopted under the recovery residence certification program are to be consistent with applicable standards adopted by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR). The credentialing entity is required to issue a certificate of compliance to any recovery residence, upon application therefor, provided that the residence satisfactorily passes a pre-certification inspection, complies with all other certification requirements established by the credentialing entity, and is either professionally managed by a certified recovery residence administrator or is a peer-managed facility. A recovery residence that is professionally managed by an uncertified administrator is not eligible to obtain a certificate of compliance until such time as the recovery residence administrator obtains professional certification. The bill specifies that, for the purposes of expediency, the credentialing entity may consider an application for the professional certification of an administrator at the same time as it is considering an application for certification of the recovery residence. A recovery residence administrator or other recovery residence employee or volunteer is prohibited from advertising, representing, or implying to the public that the recovery residence is a "certified recovery residence" unless the residence has obtained a certificate of compliance from the credentialing entity. Similarly, a recovery residence administrator or other recovery residence employee or volunteer is prohibited from advertising, representing, or implying to the public that the administrator is a "certified recovery residence administrator" unless the administrator has obtained a professional certification from the credentialing entity. Any person who violates these provisions is subject to a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for each offense. A certificate of compliance issued to a recovery residence, and a professional certification issued to a recovery residence administrator, is valid for a period of one year from the date of issuance. The credentialing entity is authorized to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew a certificate of compliance issued to a recovery residence if it finds that the residence has violated any certification requirements or that the residence, if professionally managed, is no longer being managed by a certified administrator. The credentialing entity is authorized to suspend, revoke, or refuse to renew the professional certification issued to an administrator, if it finds that the administrator is not in compliance with the requirements necessary to maintain such certification. Within 180 days after the recovery residence certification program becomes operational, the credentialing entity is required to publish, on its website, a list that provides contact information for all recovery residences that have obtained a certificate of compliance. The credentialing entity is to notify the DCA, immediately upon publication, that the list is publicly available. The bill specifies that the published list of certified recovery residences may not include the names or contact information of any individual resident of a recovery residence, but, instead, is to include contact information only for the residence or the owner of the residence, as deemed appropriate by the credentialing entity. At no point is the credentialing entity authorized to disclose any personally identifying information about the residents of a recovery residence. The credentialing entity is required to regularly update the list of certified recovery residences to ensure that the list reflects the most up-to-date certification information. The DCA is similarly required to update its website to reflect its approval of the credentialing entity and to provide the public with the name and contact information of the credentialing entity, as well as a link to the entity's website. Upon the DCA's receipt of notice that the credentialing entity has published a list of certified recovery residences, the DCA is required to notify all health care practitioners and substance use disorder treatment providers in the State about the availability of the list and about the bill's requirements regarding professional referrals to recovery residences. In particular, a health care practitioner or substance use disorder treatment provider is prohibited from referring a patient to a recovery residence unless the recovery residence is listed as a certified recovery residence on the credentialing entity's website, or the recovery residence, whether certified or not, is owned or operated by a licensed or certified substance use disorder treatment provider or by a wholly owned subsidiary thereof. However, the bill specifies that nothing in its provisions may be deemed to require a health care practitioner or substance use disorder treatment provider to refer any patient to a recovery residence. The bill specifies that a recovery residence, whether certified or not, may not be considered to be either a health care facility within the meaning of the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.), or a substance use disorder treatment facility within the meaning of P.L.1970, c.334 (C.26:2G-21 et seq.), and P.L.1975, c.305 (C.26:2B-7 et seq.). The bill further specifies that any recovery residence that holds a valid certificate of compliance may not be considered to be a rooming or boarding house, and is to be exempted from the provisions of the "Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.496 (C.55:13B-1 et seq.). Uncertified recovery residences are to remain subject to applicable rooming and boarding house requirements. In addition, a certified recovery residence is to be exempt from any rules and regulations governing the operation or certification of recovery residences or sober living homes, which were adopted prior to the bill's effective date. This bill effectively supersedes all other pre-existing rules and regulations on this issue. | In Committee |
| S2319 | Requires residential psychiatric and long-term care facilities to provide certain financial information to facility residents and other individuals. | This bill expands the types of residential long-term care facilities that are required to provide quarterly financial accounting statements to a resident, the resident's next-of-kin, the resident's guardian, if any, and, if the resident is a ward of the State, an individual whom the resident identified upon becoming a ward of the State to receive the quarterly statements. Under this bill, residential long-term care facilities would be required to provide a written account of the resident's funds, an itemized list of property deposited with the facility for the resident's use, and all financial transactions with the resident, the resident's next-of-kin or authorized representative, and any guardian appointed for the resident. Moreover, these quarterly statements would report the amount of property in the resident's account at the start and end of the accounting period, as well as a listing of all deposits and withdrawals, which transactions would be substantiated with copies of receipts to be provided to the resident, the resident's next of kin or authorized representative, and any appointed guardian. Facilities affected by this new requirement are: nursing homes, assisted living facilities, comprehensive personal care homes, dementia care homes, inpatient psychiatric facilities, and continuing care residential communities. Under current law, only nursing homes, assisted living facilities and comprehensive personal care homes are required to provide quarterly accounting statements, and only to the resident or the resident's guardian. By requiring these residential care facilities to provide regular, detailed accounting statements to a resident, the resident's next-of-kin, and a trusted representative named by a resident who is a ward of the State, the bill's sponsor intends to make it more difficult for unscrupulous guardians or relatives to siphon money or other financial resources from a vulnerable individual who has become a ward of the State. It is the hope of the sponsor that, by providing a clear financial accounting to the resident and the resident's trusted advisors, any financial improprieties would be more readily identified and thwarted. | In Committee |
| SR64 | Urges Governor and Legislature to establish programs to help eliminate food deserts. | This resolution urges the Governor and Legislature to establish programs to help eliminate food deserts. There are certain areas of the State, known as "food deserts," which are areas where residents are unable to obtain nutritious foods. Food deserts lack fresh foods, such as fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. Instead, available foods are often processed and high in sugar and fats, which can contribute to a variety of health issues. Food deserts and exist in rural and urban areas and tend to be inhabited by low-income residents with reduced mobility. Food deserts develop in the absence of supermarkets and grocery stores. Grocery stores and supermarkets offer opportunities to purchase affordable, fresh, and nutritious food and also create local jobs. The establishment of incentives to grocery stores and supermarkets to open locations in food deserts may be a path by which to create jobs and ensure residents of food deserts are provided the ability to purchase nutritious foods. The resolution urges the Governor and the Legislature to work together to create programs to incentivize the establishment of grocery stores and supermarkets in food deserts. | In Committee |
| S2326 | Requires State to use at least half of future federal "Help America Vote Act" funds for voting systems with paper record. | Under the federal "Help America Vote Act of 2002," Pub.L.107-252, also known as HAVA, the federal government allocated to the State funding for modernizing various aspects of the elections process. This bill provides that at least half of any future funds allocated to the State under HAVA during the 15 years following the bill's effective date would be used to replace current voting machines with a voting system that provides a paper record of each vote cast. | In Committee |
| S2325 | Allows reverse auctions for certain health benefits. | This bill permits the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury to structure an advertisement for bids to include an auction or reverse auction procedure for contracts for the provision of hospital, surgical, obstetrical, and other covered health care services and benefits or for the provider network for those services in connection with the State Health Benefits Program, the School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and Medicaid Managed Care Program. | In Committee |
| S1019 | Establishes program in DOLWD to connect persons with disabilities with job training and employment. | This bill directs the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, to establish a program to connect persons with disabilities with qualified organizations providing job training for the disabled community and with employers with employment needs. The bill requires the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to: 1. establish and maintain the program in collaboration with qualified organizations, defined as nonprofit organizations, or organizations working with nonprofit organizations, which have at least five years of experience working with persons with disabilities; 2. request community-based and nonprofit organizations to provide job training, education, and outreach services, making the organizations responsible for developing in, consultation with the department, on-the-job training and outreach materials; 3. develop an online resource hub to provide employment and training information for persons with disabilities, a list of qualified organizations providing job training, education, and outreach services to persons with disabilities, and a database which permits employers to post job openings and provides information on State labor laws and fair employment guidelines; and 4. issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature reviewing the implementation of the program. | In Committee |
| S1410 | Eliminates use of census-based funding of special education aid in school funding law. | Under the provisions of the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008," P.L.2007, c.260 (C.18A:7F-43 et al.), the State provides special education aid to school districts using the census-based method. Under this method, districts receive funding for special education based on the assumption that a fixed percent of the total student population requires special education services, rather than using the actual number of special education students to determine the amount of State aid that school districts will receive. This bill eliminates the use of the census-based methodology, and calculates State aid for special education based on the actual number of special education students included in the district's resident enrollment. | In Committee |
| S1238 | Concerns training of employees about access to public facilities for individuals with service or guide dogs. | Concerns training of employees about access to public facilities for individuals with service or guide dogs. | In Committee |
| S1603 | Establishes fringe benefit rate for State colleges and universities. | This bill directs the Division of Budget and Accounting, also known as the Office of Management and Budget, in the Department of the Treasury to establish a fringe benefit rate for public institutions of higher education that reflects the actual cost of employee fringe benefits. The separate fringe rate is to first apply in FY 2025. Currently, the fringe benefit rate used is not specific to employees at the State's public institutions of higher education, but to State employees in general. Many State employees are enrolled in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), while many of the employees employed by State public colleges and universities are enrolled in the less costly Alternative Benefit Plan (ABP) or are not enrolled in a retirement plan. This results in a difference between the actual cost of benefits and the amount paid to the State. | In Committee |
| S1260 | Requires use of protective headgear when horseback riding on State-owned lands. | This bill would require any person horseback riding on State-owned lands to wear properly-fitted protective headgear with the attached harness properly secured. The headgear would be required to meet or exceed the headgear standards established for equestrian use by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and have either a Safety Equipment Institute tag certifying conformity with the ASTM standards or a tag, label, or other indicator that the headgear conforms with headgear safety standards for equestrian use comparable to those established by the ASTM. The bill would also require the Department of Environmental Protection to erect a sign, notifying the public of the provisions of this bill, at each entrance to State-owned lands on which members of the public may engage in equestrian activity. A person found to have violated this requirement would be subject to a fine up to $50 for a first offense and up to $200 for any subsequent offense. All penalties collected would be deposited in the "New Jersey Brain Injury Research Fund," and be used for the purpose of making grants for brain injury research projects at qualified research institutions approved by the New Jersey State Commission on Brain Injury Research Studies have shown that horseback riding accounts for more severe head injuries than any other sport. Head injuries are associated with approximately 60 percent of all equestrian deaths and 18 percent of equestrian injuries. Aside from death, head injury survivors may suffer personality changes, intellectual and memory impairment, or epilepsy. Treatment for an acute head injury may cost up to $25,000 per day, and over $3 million in a lifetime. Despite these risks, only 20 percent of equestrians regularly wear protective headgear while horseback riding. This bill seeks to encourage the use of a helmet while horseback riding in order to reduce the prevalence of head injury in equestrian sports and to promote public health and safety. | In Committee |
| S1244 | "The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias. | This bill promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias by encouraging school districts, public schools, and nonpublic schools to adopt the strategies of The Smarter Lunchroom Movement. The Smarter Lunchroom Movement was founded by researchers at the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs and offers simple, low to no-cost evidence-based tools that improve child eating behaviors in school cafeterias. The bill requires the Commissioner of Education to make every effort to assist, guide, and support school districts, public schools, and nonpublic schools in planning, establishing, and implementing the strategies of The Smarter Lunchroom Movement. Strategies include highlighting fruit and other nutritional foods by placing them near the cash register and placing the most nutrient-filled entre first in the serving line and first on the menu board. The bill also requires that information on The Smarter Lunchroom Movement be available for public inspection on the Department of Education's Internet site in a user-friendly, plain language format. In New Jersey, nearly 24.7 percent of children aged 10 through 17 are classified overweight or obese. Because many of the over 1.37 million children enrolled in New Jersey public schools rely upon school cafeterias for their breakfast and lunch meals, schools are in an influential position to combat this growing trend. By implementing the strategies of The Smarter Lunchroom Movement, schools can have a positive and lasting impact on the overall health of students in the State. | In Committee |
| S1291 | Requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services. | This bill requires certain political subdivision contracting units (contracting units), including boards of education and local contracting units under the "Local Public Contracts Law," P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-1 et seq.), to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services. The bill provides that a cost savings analysis prescribed by the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs is required to include, at a minimum: factors such as charges for service, materials, delivery, soft costs, costs of acquisition, and other costs of traditional bidding such as cost overruns, protest, rework, and change orders. If the purchasing agent determines that entering into a cooperative purchasing system for the procurement of goods or services will result in cost savings, the contracting unit is required to utilize a cooperative purchasing system. Under the bill, prior to entering into a contract for the procurement of any goods or services, the contracting unit is required to ensure that the contractor and any subcontractors are compliant with existing State and federal laws, rules, and regulations including, but not limited to, employment discrimination, employment opportunity, wage requirements, and material and product sourcing. This bill also requires the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioner of Education, to develop harmonized guidelines for a local contracting unit, including boards of education, to enter into cooperative purchasing systems for the procurement of goods or services. Under the bill, the cooperative purchasing system guidelines will include, but not be limited to:· the types of goods and services, including work, labor, commodities, equipment, materials, or supplies of any tangible or intangible nature, except real property, that may be procured through a contract awarded by a contracting agent under a cooperative purchasing system;· the requirements concerning the process for advertising and soliciting bids for contracts through a cooperative purchasing system, and the factors that are required to be utilized in the awarding of contracts;· provisions ensuring contracting units enter into contracts for the procurement of goods or services through a cooperative purchasing system with contractors and subcontractors that are compliant with existing State and federal laws, rules, and regulations related to employment discrimination, employment opportunity, wage requirements, and material and product sourcing, and any other standards determined by the director to be appropriate for inclusion; and· information outlining the benefits of entering into cooperative purchasing systems, including but not limited to: cost-savings for the procurement of goods and services; access to experienced and reliable contractors and subcontractors; improvements in project execution time; elimination of pre-bid costs; and guaranteed maximum pricing to eliminate unforeseen expenses. The division is required to develop a cost savings analysis template comparing the costs of cooperative purchasing systems and other methods of procurement including, but not limited to, factors such as charges for service, materials, delivery, soft costs, costs of acquisition, and other costs of traditional bidding such as cost overruns, protest, rework, and change orders. The division will: (1) distribute the template to the governing body of each municipality, county, and school district in the State; and (2) publish the cost savings analysis template on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location and format. Under the bill, the division is required to distribute the guidelines to the governing body of each municipality, county, and school district in this State, and publish the guidelines on the division's Internet website in an easily accessible location and format. | In Committee |
| S1261 | 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. | In Committee |
| S1218 | Authorizes certain restaurants to advertise that patrons may bring their own beer or wine or purchase wine from on premises salesroom. | This bill removes the State's statutory prohibition on restaurants without liquor licenses advertising that their patrons may bring their own beer or wine ("BYOB") for consumption on the premises. The bill also authorizes restaurants to advertise that certain wines in winery salesrooms located on the premises are available for purchase. Under current statutory law, a person who owns or operates a restaurant, dining room, or other public place where food or liquid refreshments are sold or served to the general public, but is not licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, may allow the consumption of wine or beer in those portions of the premises open to the public. But the owner or operator is prohibited from advertising this option inside or outside of the premises. An owner or operator who violates the prohibition on advertising BYOB is guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to $1,000, or both. The bill removes the prohibition on advertising that a restaurant is BYOB in response to a recent decision by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, GJJM Enterprises, LLC v. City of Atlantic City, holding that the State's prohibition on BYOB advertising is an unconstitutional violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. Also, current law authorizes plenary wineries which produce less than 250,000 gallons of wine per year, as well as farm wineries, to sell their wines in 15 salesrooms off the winery premises for consumption on and off the premises and for sampling purposes. "Sampling" is defined as selling at a nominal charge or the gratuitous offering of an open container not exceeding one and one-half ounces of any wine. Out-of-State wineries which produce less than 250,000 gallons of wine per year similarly are authorized to sell their wine in up to 16 salesrooms. Under the bill, restaurants which have a salesroom on the premises would be authorized to advertise that these wines are available for purchase. | In Committee |
| S1219 | Revises certain licensee filing requirements for alcoholic beverage price lists; removes requirement that limited brewery and distillery licensees provide tour when selling certain alcoholic beverages to consumers. | This bill permits a licensee or registrant who sells less than 60 stock-keeping units per month of an alcoholic beverage to retailers in this State to petition the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to file only an initial current price list no later than December 15th preceding the year in which the alcoholic beverage will be sold. The bill grants the director the authority to change the December 15th filing date or establish multiple filing dates during the first year following the bill's effective date. Currently, ABC requires a current price list to be filed monthly regardless of the number of stock-keeping units of an alcoholic beverage sold per month. Under the bill, a price list filed by a licensee or registrant who continues to sell less than 60 stock-keeping units per month remains in effect until the licensee or registrant files an amendatory current price list. If the alcoholic beverages listed or the price of alcoholic beverages change, the licensee or registrant is to file with the director an amendatory current price list no later than the 15th day of the month preceding the month in which the change will take effect. The bill further requires the director to permit electronic filing of an initial or amendatory price list within 18 months following the bill's enactment. Finally, the bill removes from current law a provision requiring the holder of a limited brewery license or distillery license to provide a tour of the facility when selling the brewery's or distillery's respective products for consumption on the licensed premises. | In Committee |
| S1280 | Eliminates restriction on sale of beer by limited brewery licensee for on-premises consumption only when in connection with tour; requires licensee to provide tours during certain business hours. | Under current law, the holder of a limited brewery license is entitled to brew up to 300,000 barrels of 31 fluid gallons capacity per year of malt alcoholic beverages to sell and distribute to wholesalers and retailers. These licensees are authorized to sell their product at retail to consumers on the licensed premises for on-site consumption, but only in connection with a tour of the brewery. Under this bill, consumers would not be required to take a tour of the brewery to purchase beverages for on-site consumption. However, the bill requires the licensee to make tours of the brewery available to consumers during business hours when the brewery is open to the general public and brewing, packaging, or maintenance operations allow for the conducting of a tour. | In Committee |
| S1885 | Broadens eligibility for certain veterans' benefits by eliminating requirement of service during specified dates or in specified locations. | This bill broadens the eligibility for various veterans benefits by eliminating the requirement that to be considered a veteran a person must have served during periods of war, in specific war zones, or during periods of emergency. Instead, the bill provides that a person will be considered a veteran if he or she served for at least 90 days, exclusive of certain types of initial training, in order to be eligible for veterans benefits. The bill specifies that to be considered a veteran and eligible for veterans benefits, a member of a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces (including the National Guard) must serve the entire period to which he or she is called to federal active service, exclusive of active duty for training. A person who is discharged as the result of a service-connected disability will be classed as a veteran even if he or she did not meet the 90-day service requirement. The veterans benefits include: (1) civil service preference under Title 11A of the New Jersey Statutes; (2) veteran's retirement allowance under the Teachers' Pension and Annuity Fund (TPAF) or the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS); (3) the purchase of additional military service credit in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), TPAF and PERS; (4) the annual property tax deduction provided under Article VIII of the New Jersey Constitution ($250 each tax year) or the property tax exemption provided under N.J.S.A.54:4-3.30 for a veteran who is certified permanently 100% disabled by the United States Department of Veterans' Affairs; and (5) surviving spouse benefits for veterans killed in active service, including civil service preference and the property tax deduction or exemption. The bill provides that an active service member of the United States Armed Forces or a current member of a military reserve component (including the National Guard) who has not been discharged from service is eligible for the civil service preference and the property tax deduction provided that he or she qualifies as a veteran. Eligibility for the property tax benefits and civil service preference is contingent upon voter approval of authorizing amendments to the State Constitution. Article VIII, Section I, paragraph 3 (concerning property tax benefits) and Article VII, Section I, paragraph 2 (concerning civil service preference) of the State Constitution currently refer to service in time of war. The bill repeals a section of existing civil service, pension and tax law regarding wartime service which is no longer necessary because of the elimination of the wartime service requirement. | In Committee |
| S78 | Establishes the "Domestic Violence Tuition Waiver Program." | This bill establishes the "Domestic Violence Tuition Waiver Program," and directs the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to implement and administer the program. The bill provides that the purpose of the program is to provide State-paid tuition or a tuition waiver, for one semester, to persons who are victims of domestic violence and who, as a result of the domestic violence, were unable to complete a course of study at an institution of higher education or county vocational school post-secondary program in this State. Under the bill, the State will reimburse an institution of higher education or county vocational school for the tuition cost of each person who enrolls in the institution or school pursuant to the provisions of the bill. The bill provides that a person who meets the following requirements at the time of the initial application to the authority will be eligible for the tuition waiver program: -- the person qualifies for admission to a New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school post-secondary program; -- the person is a documented victim of domestic violence; -- the person was enrolled in a course of study in a New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school post-secondary program at the time of occurrence of the act of domestic violence, was unable to complete the course of study because of that act, and submits an affidavit to that effect; -- no more than two years have passed since the act of domestic violence; and -- the person is seeking to reenroll in the same or substantially similar course of study. The bill provides that a person who meets the eligibility requirements may apply to the authority for a tuition waiver in a form and manner prescribed by the authority. The bill provides that the authority, upon receipt of an application, will review the application and, if the applicant meets the eligibility requirements, approve the application and notify the appropriate New Jersey public institution of higher education or county vocational school that the person qualifies for a waiver of one semester's tuition for the course work left incomplete as a result of the incidence of domestic violence. The bill provides that eligibility for the program will be limited to two years from the date the applicant is notified of acceptance by the authority for a tuition waiver. The bill provides that no applicant will be granted more than one tuition waiver. The bill permits the authority to adopt rules and regulations, in accordance with the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), to effectuate the purposes of the bill. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment. | In Committee |
| S2205 | Requires school district to establish "School Meal Fund" to assist students with school meal bill in arrears. | This bill requires a board of education to accept monetary donations from any person or entity for the purposes of assisting students with the purchase of school breakfast or school lunch, and for the purposes of satisfying any arrears of school breakfast or school lunch bills of students enrolled in the district. The bill requires a board of education to establish a "School Meal Fund" and to place in the fund any donations received by a school district that are intended to assist students enrolled in the school district with purchasing school meals or satisfying arrears of school meal bills. The fund will be established through the adoption of a resolution by the board of education. School Meal Fund moneys will be maintained in a separate bank account. The fund will be credited with any donations made to the fund, any moneys allocated to the fund by the school district, and any interest income that may be earned on the investment of moneys in the fund. The fund will be reduced by all costs related to the operation of the fund, including bank service fees and direct administrative costs for the oversight and management of the fund. Any funds remaining at the end of a fiscal year will be carried forward into subsequent fiscal years and utilized solely for the purposes of assisting students enrolled in the district with purchasing school meals and satisfying arrears of school meal bills. The board will also adopt a policy that will ensure the fiscal accountability of the fund and will outline the standards that will be applied in making a determination to disburse moneys from the fund. The bill provides that the policy adopted by the board will ensure equitable distribution of the moneys that are disbursed from the fund. The fund will be subject to audit as part of the school district's annual audit required under current law. The bill directs a board of education to provide, through written and electronic means, information to the parents and guardians of students enrolled in the school district and to other residents of the school district and community organizations regarding the board of education's obligation to accept donated funds and the procedures to be followed to make a donation to the fund. The information will also be posted in a prominent location on the school district's Internet website. Finally, the bill provides that the requirement to provide information to parents and guardians will not apply to school districts in which all schools within the district have adopted the Community Eligibility Provision and provide free schools meals to all students enrolled in the district. | In Committee |
| S1236 | Includes e-mail addresses in list of confidential items to be redacted from public records under open public records act. | This bill revises the definitions section of what is commonly known as the open public records act, N.J.S.A.47:1A-1 et seq., to include e-mail addresses on the list of confidential items that must be redacted from any public record disclosed under the provisions of the act. | In Committee |
| S909 | Permits exemption from certain civil service examinations for person with disability. | Under current law, a person must pass a civil service open competitive examination prior to becoming eligible for employment in an entry level position. Under this bill, a person with a disability who seeks to apply for a civil service position may request, in writing, an exemption from the examination required for the position. The Civil Service Commission will grant the request if the commission determines that the duties of the position for which the person seeks to apply can be performed by a person with a disability who is otherwise qualified to satisfactorily perform those duties. The appointing authority will require proof of the person's disability prior to making an appointment. The appointing authority will accept as proof of disability a letter or other official certification from a medical professional. The appointing authority will also accept as proof of eligibility participation in certain specified programs. The records pertaining to a person's disability, except to the extent necessary for the proper administration of this bill and for statistical purposes, will be deemed confidential and not subject to the law commonly referred to as the open public records act. | In Committee |
| S1228 | Invalidates consumer contracts which require a waiver of right to file a consumer complaint. | This bill invalidates any consumer contract, including any arbitration agreement, that contains language requiring a consumer to waive the right to contact a law enforcement agency, State, county, or municipal department or agency, or any other entity for the purposes of reporting a consumer complaint. The bill also invalidates any consumer contract containing language that requires a consumer to waive substantive rights provided by the consumer fraud act, the used car lemon law, and other consumer protection laws. | In Committee |
| S114 | Provides tax credits to vineyards and wineries for qualified capital expenses. | This bill provides credits against the New Jersey gross income tax and corporation business tax, as applicable, to vineyards and wineries for qualified capital expenses, as defined in the bill, in an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified capital expenses made in connection with the establishment of a new vineyard or winery or the capital improvements made to an existing vineyard or winery during each taxable year or privilege period in which the qualified vineyard or winery is operated for a profit by the taxpayer. Under the bill, a "qualified capital expense" means all expenditures made by the taxpayer for the purchase and installation of equipment or agricultural materials for use in the production of agricultural products at a vineyard or winery, but not for use on preserved farmland, including examples of which are provided in the bill. The amount of credit allowed is to be taken by the taxpayer to reduce the tax otherwise due and required to be paid for the taxable year to which the credit applies. A credit is only to be taken by the taxpayer to reduce the tax otherwise due and required to be paid for the taxable year in which the vineyard or winery is conducted or operated for a profit by the taxpayer. The bill would provide that the total value of the grants of tax credits approved by the Director of Taxation (director) that may be applied against a gross income and corporation tax liability for a privilege period shall not exceed an aggregate annual limit of $3,000,000. Each gross income taxpayer or individual vineyard or winery paying corporation business tax would be allowed a total of $250,000 in tax credits to be taken over a 10 year period, and no more than $50,000 per tax year or privilege period, as applicable. If the amount of tax credits applied for by taxpayers exceeds the aggregate annual limit of $3,000,000, then a taxpayer who has first applied for and has not been allowed a tax credit amount for that reason would then be allowed, in the order in which they have submitted an application, their approved amount of tax credit on the first day of the next succeeding privilege period in which tax credits are issued and are not in excess of the amount of credits available. The bill permits a taxpayer, who is allowed a gross income tax credit pursuant to the bill but whose gross income tax liability in the taxable year in which the credit is received is less than the amount of the credit, to either: 1) carry forward the unapplied portion of the credit and apply the credit to the gross income tax liability of the taxpayer in the next 10 taxable years; or 2) receive the unapplied portion of the credit as a refund. The bill provides that a taxpayer who is allowed a corporation business tax credit pursuant to the bill may not reduce the taxpayer's corporation business tax liability in a privilege period to an amount less than the applicable statutory minimum provided by law. Under the bill, a taxpayer is not to be permitted to take any credits to reduce or offset the New Jersey gross income tax liability or corporation tax liability that is incurred and required to be paid by the taxpayer in connection with the conduct or operation of a vineyard or winery unless the taxpayer has obtained prior written authorization from the director. The director is to establish an application process and prescribe the form and manner through which a taxpayer may make and file an application to obtain the director's written authorization for the allowance of a credit. Under the bill, the director is to review each application made and filed by a taxpayer and make a determination regarding the approval of an application seeing the director's written authorization for the allowance of accredit within 90 calendar days of the date a complete application is received. The director is to issue a written authorization for the allowance of a credit to each taxpayer that made and filed a complete application that has been reviewed and approved by the director within five calendar days of the date the director's determination is made. Each taxpayer issued a written authorization for the allowance of a credit is to include a copy of the director's authorization when filing a return that includes a claim for the credit. If the director fails to make a determination regarding the approval of an application seeking the director's written authorization for the allowance of a credit within 90 calendar days of the date a complete application is received, or if the director fails to issue a written authorization for the allowance of a credit within five calendar days of the date the director's determination is made, the application is to be deemed to have been approved and the written authorization is to be deemed to have been issued by the director. Each taxpayer that made and filed a complete application but fails to receive a determination from the director is to include a copy of the taxpayer's application when filing a return that includes a claim for the credit allowed. | In Committee |
| S1263 | Prohibits release of personal identifying information of violent crime victims and witnesses under State's open public records law. | This bill would prohibit the release of any personal identifying information of violent crime victims and witnesses under P.L.1963, c.73 (C.47:1A-1 et seq.), commonly known as the open public records act. Current law specifically provides that the name, address, and age of any victims of crime are public record. This bill would delete that provision and clarify that all manner of personal identifying information of violent crime victims and witnesses are confidential for purposes of public records requests to bolster the safety and privacy of violent crime victims and witnesses. | In Committee |
| S1468 | Provides that public school used as polling place shall not be open for classes on day of election. | This bill would prohibit boards of education from holding classes whenever a public school is used as a polling place on the day of an election. The board is permitted to use the day for in-service training or professional development for the teaching staff members employed by the school district. The purpose of this bill would be to ensure the safety of students at a time when an increased number of individuals from the general public will be entering school grounds. | In Committee |
| S1251 | Exempts certain health information contained in 9-1-1 calls from definition of government record. | Under current law, 9-1-1 audio recordings and transcripts are generally considered government records which are available for inspection, copying, and examination by the public. This bill would make confidential any part of a 9-1-1 audio recording or transcript that disclosed a person's health status, medical conditions, health care services or treatments, medical history, genetic information, or current health insurance plan information by excluding it from the definition of a government record. | In Committee |
| S1983 | Eliminates certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses. | This bill eliminates practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs), including restrictions that limit the ability of APNs to prescribe medications and administer anesthesia, and establishes new requirements for APNs to prescribe medications. The bill expressly provides that, notwithstanding the provisions of any other law or regulation to the contrary, an APN with greater than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice will be authorized to practice without a joint protocol with a collaborating provider. With regard to prescribing medications, the bill requires the use of New Jersey Prescription Blanks and satisfying continuing professional education requirements related to pharmacology and prescribing controlled substances. An APN with fewer than 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be permitted to prescribe medication only if a formal joint protocol with a physician or experienced advanced practice nurse is in place. The bill revises the requirements for APNs to authorize patients for medical cannabis and to issue written instructions for medical cannabis, to provide that the APN will only be required to meet the requirements set forth under the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act," P.L.2009, c.307 (C.24:6I-1 et al.). Those requirements include: possessing active State and federal registrations to prescribe controlled dangerous substances; being the health care practitioner responsible for the ongoing treatment of a patient's qualifying medical condition; and complying with various other requirements for issuing written instructions for medical cannabis. The bill further provides that every APN who is an APN-Anesthesia and who has completed 24 months or 2,400 hours of licensed, active, advanced nursing practice in an initial role will be authorized to practice as an APN-Anesthesia to the full scope of practice for APNs-Anesthesia, without any requirement for supervision by a licensed physician and without any requirement that the APN-Anesthesia enter into joint protocols with a licensed physician. The bill provides that any State law or regulation that requires the signature or similar endorsement of a physician will be deemed to require the same of an APN, to the extent consistent with an APN's scope of practice. The bill revises and repeals certain sections of law that are obviated by the changes made under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1288 | Requires certain disclosures regarding lithium ion powered electric vehicles. | This bill requires every business in this State that sells vehicles powered by lithium ion batteries to make certain disclosures to a purchaser regarding lithium used in the car's battery. The statement is to be produced by the Division of Consumer Affairs and acknowledge that lithium is a raw material of increasingly scarce known reserves that must be mined or extracted. The statement is to further provide that most extraction processes entail some form of mining to reach underground deposits of lithium-rich minerals or brines, having a significant impact on local ecosystems. Finally, the statement is required to identify the source of the lithium used in the battery being sold. The bill also requires these businesses to affirm each purchaser's receipt of the disclosure statement. A business that violates this provision is subject to a civil penalty of $150 for a first offense and $300 for subsequent violations, collectible in a civil action by summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274. | In Committee |
| S838 | Creates sexual assault prevention and response program and coordinator for service members. | This bill establishes in the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs a sexual assault prevention and response program. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will appoint an individual to serve as the sexual assault prevention coordinator. The coordinator will provide victim advocacy services, including ensuring that victims of sexual assault receive appropriate responsive care, understand available reporting options, and are notified of eligibility for compensation from the Victims of Crime Compensation Office. The coordinator may also file an application with the consent of the victim for a protective order on behalf of the victim. The protective order may be filed at the State level and with the military authorities. The program will permit a victim of sexual harassment to: (1) file a confidential complaint of sexual harassment with the coordinator alleging that a service member committed the offense; (2) participate in the United States Department of Defense Catch a Serial Offender Program; (3) receive notice if the accused service member is subsequently accused of an offense of sexual assault by a service member or another person; and (4) convert a confidential complaint to a formal complaint at any time. An annual report will be submitted to the Legislature and the Governor on the activities of the program and the activities of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs relating to the prevention of sexual assault. The report will include: (1) the policies and procedures implemented by the coordinator and the Adjutant General in response to incidents of sexual assault; (2) an assessment of the implementation and effectiveness of the program and the policies and procedures on the prevention and oversight of and response to sexual assaults; (3) an analysis of the number of sexual assaults involving members of the New Jersey National Guard; (4) deficiencies in the department's sexual assault prevention training; and (5) the department's plans for preventing and responding to sexual assault. The program will apply to alleged sexual assaults committed by a service member against another service member, regardless of whether or not either person was on or off duty at the time of the alleged assault. A complaint may be filed if the alleged offense took place while the accused was a service member and retires or is discharged from service prior to the filing of the complaint. Under the bill, "service member" means a member of the United States Armed Forces, or a Reserve component thereof, including the New Jersey National Guard. | In Committee |
| S1197 | Regulates pay-off of trade-in vehicles and certain vehicle title releases. | This bill requires motor vehicle dealers to pay the remaining loan on a customer's trade-in within 15 days of accepting that trade-in. The bill also requires the dealer to provide proof of the payment to the customer upon request. A dealer who violates the bill's provisions is to be subject to a penalty of up to $1,000 for the first offense and up to $2,000 for each subsequent offense. In addition, the bill requires a secured party to release the title within 15 days of receipt of payment from the motor vehicle dealer. When the balance is paid by non-certified check, the secured parties are required to release the title within 15 days from the date the check is credited to their account. A secured party who fails to comply with these time requirements is to be subject to a civil penalty of up to $500 for the first offense and up to $1,000 for each subsequent offense. Under current law, a creditor that takes actual or constructive possession of a motor vehicle is required to notify the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. This bill invalidates levies placed on vehicles unless a creditor taking constructive possession of the vehicle seizes and takes actual possession of the vehicle within 30 days of providing notice to the chief administrator. The bill also exempts a subsequent purchaser of a trade-in vehicle from financial responsibility for a levy on a motor vehicle that is not in a creditor's actual possession. The chief administrator is to release title transfer restrictions on vehicles that have been legally, but not physically, seized after 30 days or upon request of the good faith purchaser. | In Committee |
| SJR41 | Condemns hate in all forms and especially all hate and bias crimes. | This resolution unequivocally rejects and condemns all forms of hatred, hate-based violence, incitements to violence, and any form of racism, religious or ethnic bias, discrimination, or animus targeting persons by race, religion, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, age, marriage, familial status, gender, or sexual orientation. The resolution recognizes that the Governor and the Attorney General should continue to provide assistance to victims of hate crimes, enhance security measures, improve preparedness, and develop new ways to understand and combat hatred and bias crimes. The State of New Jersey is firmly committed to never allowing hatred and bigotry to go unchecked and unchallenged and to protecting its citizens from the harm that hatred can cause. It is the mission of the State of New Jersey to promote a vibrant, livable, and inclusive community which celebrates the diversity of its citizenry, support all of its community members, prevent the spread of misinformation, and reject hatred and bias in all forms. It is in the public interest of the citizens of the State of New Jersey to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, any and all forms of hatred, violence, incitement to violence, and criminality against any individual motivated by race, religion, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, age, marriage, familial status, gender, or sexual orientation. | In Committee |
| S1217 | Creates certain assistance and set-aside programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, by persons with a disability, and by veterans. | The bill creates certain assistance and set-aside programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, or LGBT, persons, by persons with a disability, and by veterans. The bill designates these businesses as eligible businesses for the purpose of qualifying for the programs or assistance established by the bill when the businesses have their principal place of business in this State; are independently owned and operated; are qualified pursuant to law and regulation as a prospective bidder; and are certified by the Division of Revenue, or an appropriate third-party agency, as: (1) a sole proprietorship owned and controlled by a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender person, a person with a disability, or a veteran; (2) a partnership or joint venture owned and controlled by lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, persons with a disability, or veterans, in which at least 51 percent of the ownership is held by one or more such persons, and the management and daily business operations of which are controlled by one or more such persons who own it; or (3) a corporation or other entity whose management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender persons, persons with a disability, or veterans who own it, and which is at least 51 percent owned such persons, or, if stock is issued, at least 51 percent of the stock is owned by one or more such persons. A third-party agency in the bill is a nationally recognized organization that adheres to generally accepted standards for supplier diversity certification, and includes the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce for the certification of LGBT business enterprises and the United States Business Leadership Network for the certification of disability-owned business enterprises. A veteran must present to the Adjutant General evidence of a record of service and receive a determination before the date for the submission of bids. The bill permits the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) to waive bonding requirements to facilitate the participation of an eligible business on projects financed by the authority if the business has been rejected by two surety companies. The EDA may also provide assistance to eligible businesses that are unable to secure bonding for other projects that are not financed by the EDA. The bill permits the Division of Revenue in the Department of the Treasury to: establish loan programs for eligible businesses, compile lists of qualified professionals, including LGBT persons, persons with a disability, and veterans, in specific areas of expertise, to be disseminated to eligible businesses and to be used in making referrals, provided those professionals submit written consent to be included the lists; coordinate managerial and technical assistance; establish an internship program for undergraduate and graduate students in business administration and related fields; and provide assistance and advice to eligible businesses in areas including, but not limited to, advertising, marketing, sales, distribution, government contract bidding and procurement, obtaining legal counsel, financial analysis and accounting, insurance, commercial loans, and professional development. The bill requires the division to certify and verify that a business is an eligible business, either directly or through a third-party agency. The division is required to approve third-party agencies to perform the certifications, which it has the authority to accept in lieu of performing its own certification. The division may also develop a streamlined process for verification of eligible business. The process for certification and verification is to be clear, concise, and streamlined. The director is to submit an annual report to the Governor and Legislature concerning these processes. The bill permits counties and municipalities to establish a pilot program that provides technical or certification assistance to eligible businesses, and permits those counties and municipalities to apply to the EDA for a financial assistance grant to pay for up to 50 percent of the cost of a pilot program. The bill also permits counties and municipalities, as well as boards of education, to establish set-aside programs for eligible businesses. The goals set for the programs could be met by the use of subcontracting. The bill establishes requirements related to how local governments and boards of education could administer those programs, including advertising and bidding processes, and establishes penalties that local governments and boards of education could assess against businesses that are classified as eligible businesses based on false information. Local governments and boards of education with these programs are to publish their attainments of the set-aside goals in at least one newspaper in the county, municipality, or school district, as appropriate, by March 1 of each year. | In Committee |
| S1001 | Requires municipalities to designate parking spaces for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients. | This bill would require the governing body of each municipality to designate a parking space at or near the municipality's city hall or other principal municipal building for the exclusive use of a motor vehicle owned by and transporting a disabled veteran or Purple Heart recipient, which vehicle displays a disabled veteran's or Purple Heart license plate or placard issued by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. The bill would take effect immediately but remain inoperative until the first day of the sixth month following the date of enactment in order to allow municipalities a period of time to comply with the bill's requirements. The Motor Vehicle Commission already issues specialized license plates to persons who qualify as disabled veterans and to active members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. The Motor Vehicle Commission also issues placards to eligible disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients so that eligible persons who do not have a specialized license plate may qualify for the exemption from payment of municipal parking meter fees that was established by P.L.2015, c.218 (C.39:4-207.10). By reserving parking spots for disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients, municipalities will call attention to the significant contributions made by wounded combat veterans, and of their existence in our communities. | In Committee |
| S1205 | Provides primary and school election sample ballots may be sent to registered voter by electronic mail if so requested. | This bill allows the district board of election or the commissioner of registration, as appropriate, to send the primary election and school election sample ballots by electronic mail instead of regular mail to any registered voter in the election district who is eligible to participate in that election, and who requests to receive the sample ballot by electronic mail. Under current law, sample ballots must be printed and mailed to each eligible registered voter. The bill further provides that the electronic mail address of any voter who requests to receive a sample ballot by electronic mail would not be a government record under the "Open Public Records Act," would not be available for public inspection or copying, and must be redacted from any document that it is a part of. The bill provides that the registered voter shall provide the voter's physical address on the request to receive the sample ballot and documents by electronic mail. In the event the district board or the commissioner of registration, as the case may be, receives a failure to deliver notice from the electronic mail account of the voter who requested to receive a sample ballot by electronic mail for the primary election, the district board or the commissioner of registration, as the case may be, shall transmit a paper copy of the sample ballot to the voter in a timely manner. The bill directs the Secretary of State, in collaboration with the election officials in this State, to develop standard procedures to effectuate the provisions of the bill. These procedures would include, but may not be limited to: (1) establishing a method to inform all voters of the opportunity to receive a sample ballot and other materials by electronic mail, and by which a voter can notify election officials of his or her desire to obtain a ballot and other materials by electronic mail in lieu of receiving them by regular mail; (2) maintaining the confidentiality of the voter electronic mail addresses; and (3) providing notice and opportunity for a voter who has requested to receive a sample ballot and other materials by electronic mail to request to again receive the sample ballot and other materials by regular mail. The bill also provides that the standard procedures shall include a notice informing the voter that by completing a request to receive a sample ballot by electronic mail the voter is waiving his or her right to hold the district board or the commissioner of registration, as the case may be, legally responsible if the voter does not receive the sample ballot by electronic mail due to technical issues that are not under the control of the sender including, but not limited to, typographic errors made by the voter in providing his or her address, the action of a spam filter, deactivation of the voter's email address by the voter, or any other technical issue identified by the Secretary of State. | In Committee |
| S1609 | Creates online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for health care students. | This bill creates an online job portal for behavioral health care workers and online internship and externship portal for students enrolled in both physical and behavioral health care training programs. Under the bill the Department of Health (department) is to create, maintain, and update an online job portal that permits in-State employers to post job openings for behavioral health care workers. The bill defines "behavioral health care" to mean health care and associated services for the treatment of a mental illness, emotional disorder, or substance use disorder. In addition, the department will be required to create, maintain, and update an online internship and externship portal that permits in-State employers to post internship and externship openings providing academic credits for students studying to become a health care professional. The department will be authorized to contract with a third-party entity to develop and administer the online behavioral health job portal, the online internship and externship portal, or both. | In Committee |
| S1206 | Permits qualified person with post-traumatic stress disorder to obtain handicapped parking placard. | This bill would permit a person diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to obtain a handicapped parking placard. To qualify for the handicapped parking placard, a psychiatrist or psychologist licensed in this State or a bordering state, or a psychiatrist or psychologist stationed at a military or naval installation located in New Jersey who is licensed to practice in any state, would certify the person's diagnosis of PTSD. | In Committee |
| SCR54 | Condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. | This resolution condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts to justify anti-Jewish hatred. Throughout the last decade, there has been clear evidence of increasing incidents and expressions of anti-Semitism throughout the world. More recently, in a 2018 report, the Anti-Defamation League noted that in 2018 there were 1,879 anti-Semitic incidents against Jews and Jewish institutions, which included the deadliest attack on Jewish persons in American history on October 27, 2018 at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where 11 worshippers were killed. In 2018, a report showed New Jersey ranked third in the nation in anti-Semitic incidents with 200 anti-Semitic incidents reported. In 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported an increase in hate crimes against Jews or Jewish institutions and found that attacks against Jews or Jewish institutions made up 60.3 percent of all religious-based hate crimes. There is an urgent need to ensure the safety and security of Jewish communities, and synagogues, schools, cemeteries, and other institutions. Anti-Semitism is the centuries-old bigotry and form of racism faced by Jewish people simply because they are Jews. Anti-Semitism is a challenge to the basic principles of tolerance, pluralism, and democracy and the shared values that bind Americans together. The First Amendment to the Constitution established the United States as a country committed to the principles of tolerance and religious freedom, and the Fourteenth Amendment established equal protection of the laws as the heart of justice in the United States. Adherence to these principles is vital to the progress of the American people and the diverse communities and religious groups of the State of New Jersey. The New Jersey Legislature unequivocally condemns all forms of anti-Semitism and rejects attempts in this State, the United States, and throughout the world to justify anti-Jewish hatred. In 2021, anti-Semitic incidents were the highest in the past 10 years, reaching an all-time high of 2,717 incidents in the United States. In New Jersey, anti-Semitic incidents in 2021 were the second highest in the nation for the third straight year, and comprised 14 percent of the total number of incidents in the United States. There were 370 anti-Semitic incidents in New Jersey in 2021, representing an increase from 345 in 2019 and 295 in 2020. Of these incidents in New Jersey, 123 took place in public areas, 82 took place in non-Jewish K-12 schools, 44 took place at Jewish institutions, 40 occurred at private residences, 35 took place at business establishments, and 29 took place online. The 44 incidents that took place at Jewish institutions in New Jersey in 2021 occurred across 13 different counties, represented a significant 76 percent increase compared to the 25 such incidents recorded in 2020, and included 39 incidents of harassment, four incidents of vandalism, and one incident of assault. Incidents related to Israel or Zionism in New Jersey increased by 35 percent in 2021, reaching a total of 27 incidents. The Anti-Defamation League recorded the highest number of anti-Semitic incidents of 2021 during the month of May, which directly coincided with the escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. There were 56 incidents documented in New Jersey in May 2021, which is 86 percent higher than the State's average monthly total of 30 incidents. In New Jersey's schools, there were 82 anti-Semitic incidents in 2021, representing a 110 percent increase relative to 2020, of which 40 were incidents of harassment and 42 were incidents of vandalism. In New Jersey's institutions of higher education, there were 16 anti-Semitic incidents recorded in 2021, which represents a 45 percent increase relative to the 11 incidents recorded in 2020. | In Committee |
| S1209 | Authorizes temporary waiver from requirement that farm winery use NJ grown fruit. | This bill authorizes the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to waive the requirement that the holder of a farm winery license manufacture fermented wines and fruit juices from at least 51 percent grapes or fruit grown in the State during the first five years of the winery's operation. Specifically, the bill allows a farm winery licensee to apply to the director for a waiver from the requirement in R.S.33:1-10 that fermented wines and fruit juices be manufactured from at least 51 percent grapes or fruit grown in the State during the first five years of the operation of the winery. A waiver would be granted provided the licensee: (1) agrees to manufacture fermented wines and fruit juices with the minimum percentage of grapes or fruits grown in the State as soon as practicable; and (2) does not exceed the production volume of its highest producing year when using grapes or fruit grown outside of New Jersey. The bill also provides that the director may charge a reasonable fee to apply for the waiver, and requires the director to make a determination as to whether the waiver will be granted within 15 days of receipt of the application. Under current law, a farm winery licensee is required during the first five years of operation to manufacture fermented wines and fruit juices from at least 51 percent grapes or fruit grown in the State, and thereafter manufacture fermented wines and fruit juices from grapes or fruit grown in this State at least to the extent required for labeling as "New Jersey Wine" under the applicable federal laws and regulations. | In Committee |
| SR30 | Recognizes strong relationship between New Jersey and Israel; recognizes contributions of Israeli-American Community. | The State of Israel is a sovereign country and Israeli-Americans have enriched the quality of life of New Jerseyans as well as Americans in general. The special relationship between the United States and Israel is rooted in shared national security interests and shared values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The strong bond between the State of New Jersey and Israel is represented by cultural, economic, academic, and research and development exchanges that contribute materially to all New Jerseyans. This special bond was recognized in 1989 with the creation of the New Jersey-Israel Commission, whose mission it is to further and foster economic, scientific, educational, and cultural ties with Israel. New Jersey is a leading destination for Israeli companies seeking to establish operations in the United States, leading to local investment in manufacturing facilities that create jobs for New Jerseyans and helping to drive the technological advancement of our State. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and Israeli-Americans contribute invaluable innovations and skills that enhance our quality of life and promote the economic prosperity of our State and country. | In Committee |
| S1396 | Establishes requirements for State entities to enter into bulk purchasing arrangements for pharmaceutical products. | This bill requires the Director of the Division of Purchase and Property in the Department of the Treasury to review all State pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements, contracts, and initiatives, and consider options to maximize the State's bargaining power with regard to pharmaceutical products and pharmacy services, which may include recommending appropriate statutory, administrative, or executive action. The director will be required to create and maintain a list of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that may appropriately be prioritized for bulk purchasing initiatives or reexamined for potential renegotiation with the manufacturer, which list shall be reviewed and updated by the director at least annually. The director's determination as to which prescription drugs, devices, and biological products are to be prioritized will include: consideration of the price of the drug, device, or biological product; the extent to which therapeutically-equivalent alternatives are available; and the 25 prescription drugs, devices, or biological products that represented the highest cost to the State in the prior calendar year, based on total purchases by State programs and entities. If any of the 25 highest-cost prescription drugs, devices, or biological products is not recommended for prioritization, the director is to provide a written explanation as to why the drug, device, or biological product was not recommended for prioritization. The current prioritization list will be posted on the Internet website of the Division of Purchase and Property. The director is to use the prioritization list to, in coordination with the Commissioner of Human Services, the Commissioner of Health, the Commissioner of Corrections, the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance, the State Treasurer, the Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services in the Department of Human Services, the State Health Benefits Commission, the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, and any other appropriate State departments, divisions, offices, agencies, programs, and entities as may be designated by the director, develop and implement bulk purchasing arrangements for high-priority drugs. The director will additionally be required to develop outreach efforts and establish processes for county and local governments, as well as private purchasers, including small businesses, health benefits plans, and self-insured individuals and entities, to benefit from State bulk pharmaceutical purchasing arrangements. Commencing 18 months after the effective date of the bill, and annually thereafter, the director will be required to report to the Governor and to the Legislature concerning implementation of the bill, including, but not limited to: the specific drugs, devices, and biological products that are subject to bulk purchasing arrangements; the effects of bulk purchasing arrangements on the price and consumer availability of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that are subject to a bulk purchasing arrangement; an analysis as to whether bulk purchasing arrangements have affected the price and consumer availability of prescription drugs, devices, and biological products that are not subject to a bulk purchasing arrangement; and any participation in, and any benefits realized by, county and local governments and private purchasers in association with a bulk purchasing arrangement. | In Committee |
| S1199 | Requires dealerships to notify buyers of recalls on used motor vehicles for sales; limits attorneys' fees in certain consumer actions. | This bill requires a car dealer to provide information to any potential buyer of a used motor vehicle with outstanding recalls. The bill also limits the attorneys' fees available in certain consumer actions. The bill makes it an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), for a dealer to sell a used vehicle without first contacting, or accessing information provided by, the vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine if there are any recalls on the used vehicle which have not been corrected or addressed. In the event that a recall is discovered, the dealer would inform the prospective purchaser about the recall, and whether the recall work for that particular vehicle was resolved, if known, prior to finalizing the sale of the vehicle. The bill also provides that a dealer may not sell or transfer a used motor vehicle that is subject to a "stop sale" or "do not drive" or similar designation from the NHTSA. Additionally, the bill provides that there is an irrebuttable presumption that a dealer has no knowledge of the existence of a prior recall on a used vehicle if that dealer accessed the NHTSA website and, after the dealer input the specific vehicle identification number (VIN), the website indicated that no open recall existed for that particular vehicle. This provision would not: (1) create any legal duty upon a dealer related to the accuracy, errors, or omissions of the NHTSA website; or (2) require a dealer to provide the prospective purchaser with any recall information that may be added to the NHTSA website, after the dealer prints a copy of the recall information and provides it to the prospective purchaser of the used vehicle. The bill defines a motor vehicle "dealer" as a person who is actively engaged in the business of buying, selling or exchanging new or used motor vehicles at retail. For the purposes of the bill, "at retail" does not include wholesale sales, sales between dealers, and sales to owners or operators of motor vehicle junk businesses or motor vehicle junk yards, or any other persons or entities engaged in the business of dismantling, destroying, or recycling motor vehicles. Under the bill, any person who suffers any ascertainable loss of moneys or property, real or personal, as a result of the use or employment by a dealer of any method, act, or practice declared unlawful under the consumer fraud act may bring an action or assert a counterclaim therefor in any court of competent jurisdiction. In any action under the bill, the court shall award compensatory damages sustained by any person in interest. In any action under the bill in which the court finds an egregious violation of the consumer fraud act the court may award threefold the damages sustained by any person in interest. In all actions under the bill, including those brought by the Attorney General, the court may also award reasonable attorneys' fees, up to thirty percent of the amount of damages awarded the person in interest, filing fees and reasonable costs of suit. The bill creates an irrebuttable presumption that the consumer received a copy of the signed contract documents related to an automobile purchase, if the consumer acknowledged receipt of the signed contract documents with the consumer's signature. The bill provides that these damages are the exclusive remedy for a person bringing an action or counterclaim against a dealer pursuant to the consumer fraud act.Requires dealerships to notify buyers of recalls on used motor vehicles for sales; limits attorneys' fees in certain consumer actions. | In Committee |
| S849 | "New Jersey Safe Haven for Protection of Domestic Companion Animals Act." | This bill provides that any person, may voluntarily and anonymously deliver a domestic companion animal to a shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station in the State, and leave the animal with an employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the facility. The bill provides that the person would not be liable for the care or disposition of the animal. The bill further provides that no employee, veterinarian, or police officer at the shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, or police station, as applicable, may refuse to accept any domestic companion animal. Finally, the bill directs the Commissioner of Health to establish a public education and information program to disseminate the information on the requirements of this bill to every municipality, shelter, pound, veterinary hospital, police station, and public school with students in grades three through 12. | In Committee |
| S1198 | Requires dealership to notify buyers of recalls on used motor vehicles for sale. | This bill requires a car dealer to provide information to any potential buyer of a used motor vehicle with outstanding recalls. The bill makes it an unlawful practice under P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.) for a dealer to sell a used vehicle without first contacting, or accessing information provided by, the vehicle manufacturer or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine if there are any recalls on the used vehicle which have not been corrected or addressed. In the event that a recall is discovered, the dealer would inform the prospective purchaser about the recall, and whether the recall work for that particular vehicle was resolved, if known, prior to finalizing the sale of the vehicle. Additionally, the bill provides that there is an irrebuttable presumption that a dealer has no knowledge of the existence of a prior recall on a used vehicle if that dealer accessed the NHTSA website and, after the dealer input the specific vehicle identification number (VIN), the website indicated that no open recall existed for that particular vehicle. This provision would not: (1) create any legal duty upon a dealer related to the accuracy, errors, or omissions of the NHTSA website; or (2) require a dealer to provide the prospective purchaser with any recall information that may be added to the NHTSA website, after the dealer prints a copy of the recall information and provides it to the prospective purchaser of the used vehicle. The bill defines a motor vehicle "dealer" as a person who is actively engaged in the business of buying, selling or exchanging new or used motor vehicles at retail. For the purposes of the bill, "at retail" does not include wholesale sales, sales between dealers, and sales to owners or operators of motor vehicle junk businesses or motor vehicle junk yards, or any other persons or entities engaged in the business of dismantling, destroying, or recycling motor vehicles. | In Committee |
| S1259 | Prohibits distribution to students of literature that promotes, favors, or opposes candidacy of any candidate for election at any general, municipal, or school election. | Current law prohibits the distribution to students of literature that promotes, favors, or opposes the candidacy of any candidate for election at any annual school election or the adoption of any bond issue, proposal, or any public question submitted at any general, municipal, or school election. This bill amends the law to extend the prohibition to the distribution to students of literature regarding the candidacy of any candidate of any general, municipal, or school election. | In Committee |
| SCR37 | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | Commemorates 127th anniversary of Jewish War Veterans of United States of America. | In Committee |
| SJR48 | Establishes working definition of antisemitism for NJ. | This joint resolution adopts a working definition of antisemitism for the State of New Jersey.Antisemitism, as well as discrimination, harassment, bias, and bigotry against those who are or who are perceived to be Jewish or have Jewish heritage remains prevalent throughout the world, including throughout the United States and in New Jersey and has both historical and contemporary contexts. According to data compiled by the New Jersey State Police, as of April 2022, anti-Jewish bias was cited as a motivation for 298 reported bias incidents in 2020 and 347 reported bias incidents in 2021. According to the Anti-Defamation League, one in four Jews in the United States reported having been impacted by antisemitism in 2021. In recent months, the country has witnessed a disturbing trend of public figures making comments, supporting viewpoints, and meeting with individuals that are widely regarded as antisemitic.Antisemitism is closely linked to other forms of bigotry and hatred. New Jersey law criminalizes acts of bias intimidation, defined as certain offenses committed with the purpose to intimidate or with the knowledge that the offense would intimidate an individual or group of individuals because of, among other protected characteristics, religion, ethnicity, or national origin. New Jersey law prohibits discrimination and bias-based harassment in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation on the basis of, among other protected characteristics, actual or perceived religion, ethnicity, ancestry, or national origin. Despite these prohibitions, many acts and occurrences of bias and bigotry go unreported or unaddressed. It is the responsibility of the State of New Jersey to reject and speak out against bias and bigotry, including condemning antisemitism in all its forms. A critical component of combatting antisemitism is understanding what antisemitism is. The International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance ("IHRA") is a thirty five-member intergovernmental organization created to focus on antisemitism and Holocaust-related issues. The IHRA has adopted a non-legally binding working definition of antisemitism, illuminated by useful examples, illustrations, and distinctions, to help guide and empower governments to understand and address the rise in hate and discrimination against Jews and those with Jewish heritage. The working definition of antisemitism may be used as an education and training tool for public officials, law enforcement offices, educators, and other public and private employees so that they may effectively raise awareness of and call out antisemitism and understand its impact. 38 countries including the United States have adopted or endorsed the IHRA working definition of antisemitism, as have several state and local governments.The working definition, as adopted by the IHRA on May 26, 2016, reads: "Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". The IHRA also notes, in the context of defining the concept of antisemitism, that criticism of Israel similar to that leveled against any other country cannot be regarded as antisemitic.This working definition of antisemitism is intended as an analytical and educational tool and is not legally binding, and thus is not intended to diminish or infringe upon any right protected under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, or paragraph 6 of Article I of the New Jersey State Constitution. | In Committee |
| S1248 | Requires DHS and other appropriate state agencies to disseminate information on transportation options for persons with developmental disabilities. | This bill would require the Department of Human Services and any other State agency that provides services to or otherwise interacts with individuals with developmental disabilities to: 1) provide persons with developmental disabilities and their families with pamphlets or other written materials describing the various transportation options, including, but not limited to, the Access Link paratransit system operated by the New Jersey Transit Corporation, that are available to help such persons travel in the State; and 2) post those informational materials on their departmental websites, along with hyperlinks to relevant transportation provider websites. The Assistant Commissioner of the Division of Developmental Disabilities in the Department of Human Services will be required to develop and distribute, to all appropriate State agencies, the written materials required by the bill. The written materials are to utilize language and imagery that can be easily understood by persons with developmental disabilities and are to identify: 1) for each mode of transport, the phone number or website address that can be used by consumers to reserve a ride or review applicable transportation schedules; the eligibility requirements, if any, that must be satisfied in order to use the particular mode of transport; and whether family members or caregivers may accompany a person with a developmental disability when using the mode of transport; and 2) any other information that may help persons with developmental disabilities and their families understand and navigate the State's available transportation systems. | In Committee |
| S1211 | Exempts certain plenary winery licensees from filing requirements imposed on retail sellers of litter-generating products. | This bill would exempt the holder of a plenary winery license, in most cases, from filing requirements with regard to the user fee imposed on retail sellers of litter-generating products. Current law exempts from the user fee a retail seller of less than $500,000 in annual retail sales of litter-generating products and requires a return to be filed by retail sellers upon whom the user fee is imposed. The bill would affirmatively establish the exemption from the return filing requirement for a holder of a plenary winery license who has less than $500,000 in annual retail sales of litter-generating products and who is already exempt from the user fee. | In Committee |
| S1381 | Requires organizations training disabled veteran assistance dogs to register with Division of Consumer Affairs and provide disabled veteran assistance dogs with vests or harnesses. | This bill stipulates that a non-profit organization that trains a disabled veteran assistance dog is prohibited from operating in this State unless the organization annually registers with the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. As used in the bill: "disabled veteran assistance dog" means a service dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a veteran with a disability. Under the bill, a non-profit organization registered with the division is to provide every disabled veteran assistance dog the organization trains, upon request of the handler of the disabled veteran assistance dog, with a vest or harness that identifies the dog as a working animal, if requested by the dog's handler. The vest or harness is to: (1) be labeled, in clearly visible block letters, with the words "DISABLED VETERAN ASSISTANCE DOG" or the acronym of "DVAD"; (2) be printed or decorated with an identifiable logo or symbol, developed by the organization, denoting the dog as a disabled veteran assistance dog; or (3) have a patch decorated with the logo or symbol developed by the organization affixed to it. The vest or harness may be worn by a disabled veteran assistance dog whenever the dog accompanies its handler, defined in the bill as a veteran with a disability, in any place where the general public is allowed. The organization training a disabled veteran assistance dog will additionally, upon request by the dog's handler, provide the handler with an identification card that includes an identifiable logo or symbol providing: (1) the name of the handler; (2) the name and breed of the disabled veteran assistance dog; (3) the name of the organization that trained dog; and (d) any other information the organization deems appropriate for identification purposes. The bill requires the division to adopt requirements that a non-profit service dog training organization must meet in order to train disabled veteran assistance dogs in the State. The bill provides that it is an unlawful practice and a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act for any organization to violate any provision of the bill. | In Committee |
| S1222 | Directs Department of Agriculture to establish Jersey Fresh sales pilot program; appropriates $500,000. | This bill requires the Department of Agriculture to establish three-year pilot program to create at least three locations in the State that sell exclusively Jersey Fresh products. The bill appropriates $500,000 for this purpose. Under the bill, the department would publish a request for proposals for prospective proprietors of the Jersey Fresh venues, which may be freestanding stores, kiosks, counters, or vending machines. The bill directs the department to place the venues at highly trafficked State facilities such as tollway service areas, rail stations, State Parks, airports, museums, and event centers, or at other locations at the discretion of the department. The bill requires that Jersey Fresh venues sell only products that have been approved for participation in the Jersey Fresh Program. This includes "Jersey Fresh" for fruits and vegetables, "Jersey Seafood" for aquacultured and wild-caught fish and shellfish, and "Made with Jersey Fresh" for processed food made with State-sourced agricultural products. | In Committee |
| S1243 | Directs Secretary of State to contract with qualified vendor to develop national marketing campaign promoting State's innovation economy; appropriates $1,000,000. | This bill requires the Secretary of State to enter into a contract or agreement with a qualified vendor to develop and undertake a national marketing campaign to promote the State's assets as an innovation economy, to attract people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors in other states, and to both promote and increase the State's high-technology and high-skilled workforce. The bill requires the qualified vendor to be a private nonprofit organization qualified for exemption from federal taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3) and that supports business relocation to, and entrepreneurship in, the State. The marketing campaign would include, but would not be limited to, the following elements: (1) a branding strategy to publicize the State's assets and to strengthen the State's innovation economy brand; (2) promotion of the State's employment opportunities in the high-technology and high-skilled sectors of the economy, the well-paying wages in those sectors, as well as the infrastructural, workforce, investment, and other assets that make it ideal for people, businesses, entrepreneurs, and investors to locate and grow their business in New Jersey; (3) targeted marketing to specific populations, including out-of-state businesses, entrepreneurs, investors, recent college and graduate school graduates, young professionals, and other persons interested in starting a high-technology business or bringing a research idea to commercialization; (4) promotion of the quality careers in manufacturing, a critical part of the innovation economy; and (5) any other element the Secretary of State deems appropriate. The marketing campaign would incorporate radio, television, print, and internet media platforms. The bill appropriates from the General Fund to the Department of State the sum of $1,000,000 and such sums as the State Treasurer and the Director of the Division of Budget and Accounting in the Department of the Treasury deem necessary to effectuate its provisions. | In Committee |
| S1272 | Permits certain breweries, wineries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries to sell each other's products on licensed premises. | This bill permits certain New Jersey breweries, wineries, cideries, meaderies, and distilleries to sell each other's products on the licensed premises. Specifically, under the provisions of this bill, limited breweries, plenary wineries that produce less than 250,000 gallons per year, farm wineries, cideries, meaderies, and craft distilleries are permitted to sell each other's products for consumption off the licensed premises. | In Committee |
| S1045 | Requires association of age-restricted community to retain emergency contact information for residents. | This bill would authorize the association of an age-restricted community to establish and implement procedures for the collection of emergency contact information for each resident of each dwelling unit in the community. The emergency contact information collected and retained would include that of the resident's next-of-kin, and preferred contact in the event of an emergency. The information would be used to provide notice in the event of the hospitalization or death of a resident. The bill defines an "age-restricted community" as a planned real estate development that complies with the "housing for older persons" exception from the federal "Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988," Pub.L.100-430 (42 U.S.C. ss.3601 et seq.) for that community as set forth in section 100.301 of Title 24, Code of Federal Regulations. The bill would require an association to provide notice to, and opportunity for, each current and prospective resident to provide, and update as necessary, emergency contact information to enable the association to notify the emergency contacts in the event of the hospitalization or death of the resident. Upon learning of the hospitalization or death of a resident, an association would be required to notify the emergency contacts for that resident as soon as is practicable, but no later than 24 hours thereafter. An association that fails to provide the required notice would be liable to a civil penalty of $500, which may be collected and enforced by the Commissioner of Community Affairs ("commissioner"), the Attorney General, or other persons, pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The bill directs the commissioner, in consultation with the Commissioners of Health and Human Services, to adopt regulations on the collection of emergency contact information and the notification of the emergency contacts as required by the bill. The bill would take effect on the first day of the fifth month next following enactment. | In Committee |
| S1604 | Establishes "State House Flag Program"; makes appropriation. | This bill establishes the "State House Flag Program." The "State House Flag Program" will be operated by the Building Management office within the State House Joint Management Commission. At the request of a member of the Legislature, the Building Management office will fly a New Jersey State flag on top of the State House. A certificate will be created for each flag flown, including the information of when it was flown and for which individual, group, or organization the flag is flown. The Building Management office will mail the flag to the individual, group, or organization. This bill directs the Director of Public Information of the Office of Legislative Services to provide information about the "State House Flag Program" to the Legislature and the public in order for members and constituents to be informed of the program's existence. The bill makes to make an appropriation from the General Fund in order to properly implement the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S59 | Provides corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of certain electric vehicle charging stations. | This bill provides corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credits for the purchase and installation of certain electric vehicle charging stations. The credits are available for the taxpayer tax periods beginning in calendar years 2023, 2024, and 2025. The bill provides credits under the corporation business tax and the gross income tax for electric vehicle charging stations used directly and exclusively by the taxpayer in the taxpayer's business, trade, or occupation. For charging stations purchased and installed in 2023 tax periods a taxpayer will be allowed a credit in an amount of 25 percent of the cost, up to $500 per electric vehicle charging station; for a charging station purchased and installed in 2024 tax periods the credit is 15 percent of the cost, up to $300 per charging station; and for a charging station purchased and installed in 2025 tax periods the credit is eight percent of the cost, up to $150 per station. The bill also provides a gross income tax credit for a charging station purchase that is not required to be for business use. The credit for 2023 is 25 percent of cost, up to $500, for 2024 15 percent of cost, up to $300, and for 2025 eight percent of cost, up to $150, for the purchase and installation of a charging station. Married taxpayers filing separately are allowed up to half of those amounts. To qualify for the bill's tax credits, the bill requires the taxpayer to file an application for a certification with the Commissioner of Environmental Protection that the charging station purchased and installed by the taxpayer is a qualified electric vehicle charging station. | In Committee |
| S2001 | Allows individuals on active duty to participate remotely in certain governmental meetings. | This bill allows individuals who are on active duty in a branch of the United States Armed Forces to participate remotely in certain governmental meetings. The bill provides that the governing body of a municipality may, by resolution, allow a member of the governing body who is serving on active duty to participate remotely in meetings of the governing body. Furthermore, a governing body member who is serving on active duty who participates remotely is required to be included in the quorum of that governing body meeting. Under the bill, the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) would be permitted to develop guidelines and provide advice, as may be requested, to allow active duty service members to participate in meetings of these governing bodies. DCA would be required to publish any guidelines on DCA's Internet website. Under the bill, a board of county commissioners may, by resolution, allow a county commissioner who is serving on active duty to participate remotely in meetings of the board of county commissioners. Furthermore, a county commissioner who is serving on active duty who participates remotely is required to be included in the quorum of the meeting of the board of county commissioners. The Director of the Division of Local Government Services in DCA would be permitted to develop guidelines and provide advice, as may be requested, to allow active duty service members to participate in meetings of the board of county commissioners. DCA would be required to publish any guidelines on DCA's Internet website. The bill provides that a board of education may, by resolution, allow a school board member who is serving on active duty to participate remotely in meetings of the board of education. Furthermore, a school board member who is serving on active duty who participates remotely is required to be included in the quorum of that school board meeting. The Office of School Ethics and Compliance in the Department of Education (DOE) would be permitted to develop guidelines and provide advice, as may be requested, to allow active duty service members to participate in meetings of the board of education. DOE would be required to publish any guidelines on DOE's Internet website. Under the bill, a member of a State board, commission, committee, task force, or similar multi-member entity, created by law and allocated within a principal department of the Executive Branch of the State government or within any other State entity, who is serving on active duty in a branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, may be allowed to participate remotely in meetings of that State entity. Additionally, a member of a board, commission, committee, task force, or similar entity who attends a meeting remotely would be included in the quorum for that meeting. Furthermore, either the chair or staff member of a board, commission, committee, task force, or similar entity for whom the State already provides by law or otherwise may make arrangements to allow for the participation of a member serving on active duty. | In Committee |
| S1257 | Permits use of uniform ballot for emergency and provisional ballot purposes. | This bill permits the use of a uniform ballot for emergency ballot and provisional ballot purposes at an election district on the day of an election. Under current law, only three types of ballots are permitted to be prepared or used at any election in any election district: ballots as are required for use in voting machines; emergency ballots for use if a voting machine fails to operate; and provisional ballots for use by certain voters who no longer reside at the place from which they are registered. This bill would allow a single, uniform ballot to be used as an emergency ballot or as a provisional ballot, eliminating the separate ballot printing requirements for those two types of ballots. This bill does not change any other provisions of current law regarding the materials and procedures for the use of emergency ballots (when voting machines malfunction) or provisional ballots (when there is a problem with a voter's registration record). All of the same envelopes, affirmation statements, and voting procedures specific to emergency ballots and provisional ballots would continue to apply. | In Committee |
| S329 | Establishes "Food Innovation District Pilot Program." | This bill would establish a three-year "Food Innovation District Pilot Program" within the Division of Marketing and Development in the Department of Agriculture. The purpose of the program is to encourage the development of food innovation districts within New Jersey. A food innovation district is a geographic concentration of food-oriented businesses, services, and community activities that are supported through planning and economic development initiatives in order to promote a positive business environment, spur regional food system development, increase access to local food, and support the transition to healthy and environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. The division, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Community Affairs, and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, would identify criteria for the designation of food innovation districts. The bill specifies the criteria for a food innovation district designation to include, but not be limited to:· accessibility to mass transportation facilities and services;· zoning or a redevelopment plan that permits mixed-use development; and· a cluster of interconnected food businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions. The bill directs the division to establish an application form and procedure for municipalities to apply for designation of an area as a food innovation district. The bill would require an application to include, but would not be limited to: (1) the boundaries of the proposed food innovation district; (2) an inventory of existing and proposed food-oriented businesses; regional food hubs; community kitchens and ghost kitchens; farmers markets; warehousing, processing, distribution, and related facilities; and other food system infrastructure; and (3) a plan for the development or redevelopment of the proposed food innovation district, which would be limited to plans for community kitchens and ghost kitchens; warehousing, processing, distribution, and related facilities; and supporting the food industry in its transition to the use of healthy and environmentally-friendly alternatives to single-use plastic packaging. The bill directs the division to publicize the Food Innovation District Program, and provide links to the application form and procedure on its Internet website. Under the bill, a municipality may apply to the division for designation of all or part of the municipality as a food innovation district. Two or more municipalities may jointly apply for designation of an area as a food innovation district. Within 60 calendar days of its receipt of a complete application for designation of an area as a food innovation district, the bill directs the division to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application. The bill directs the division, in consultation with the Department of Community Affairs and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to adopt guidance and standards for municipalities to promote food innovation districts as places for businesses to locate. A municipality may advertise or otherwise use the food innovation district designation in accordance with the adopted guidance or standards. The division, in conjunction with the Rutgers Agricultural Research and Extension Center, would provide resources and technical assistance to at least one food innovation district in the central region of the State and to at least one food innovation district in the southern region of the State to enhance the efficacy of the program. When measuring the efficacy of the program, the report would include, but is not limited to, the following metrics for each food innovation district: (1) the rate of change in the number of businesses; (2) the rate of change in the number of businesses developing new products or services; (3) the rate of change in the number of new partnerships with industry specific businesses, companies, or institutions; (4) the rate of change in entrepreneurship; (5) the amount of venture capital or generalized funding received from private investors; (6) the amount of access to qualified personnel and the number of job candidates with relevant skills, education, and training; and (7) the amount of local sourcing of personnel. Within six months prior to the expiration of the three-year pilot program, the division would be required to submit a report to the Governor, and to the Legislature on the effectiveness of the program, including an assessment concerning the continuation of the program. | In Committee |
| S1469 | Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems. | This bill authorizes the use of a school bus monitoring system to enforce section 1 of P.L.1942, c.192 (C.39:4-128.1), the State law governing passing a school bus. A school bus monitoring system is defined as a system meeting certain requirements set forth in the bill and having at least one camera and computer that captures and records a digital video or image of any motor vehicle operating near a school bus. Under current law, school buses are required to exhibit flashing red lights when the bus has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any person with a developmental disability or a child. Drivers of vehicles approaching or overtaking the school bus are required to stop at least 25 feet from a school bus that has activated its flashing lights. The penalty for violating this law, for a first offense, is: 1) a fine of no less than $100; 2) imprisonment for no more than 15 days or community service; or 3) both. For subsequent offenses, the penalty is: 1) a fine of no less than $250; 2) imprisonment for no less than 15 days; or 3) both. This bill provides that the penalty for violating the law, when the violation is not evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system, would be: 1) a fine of $250; 2) 15 days of community service; or 3) both, in the case of a first offense. For each subsequent offense, the penalty would be a fine of $500 and no less than 15 days of community service. Under the bill, a civil penalty of $250 would be imposed on a person who passes a school bus in violation of current law if the violation is evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system. Under these circumstances, any civil penalty imposed and collected for this violation is to be forwarded to the financial officer of the municipality in which the violation occurred and used for general municipal and school district purposes, including efforts to improve the monitoring and enforcement of this law through the utilization of a school bus monitoring system and other public education safety programs. A violation that is evidenced by the recorded images captured by a school bus monitoring system would not result in penalty points or automobile insurance eligibility points being assessed on the violator. The bill authorizes a municipality or school district operating or providing Type I or Type II school buses that transport students to contract with a private vendor to provide for the installation, operation, and maintenance of a school bus monitoring system for enforcement purposes. The bill provides that a school bus monitoring system must be capable of capturing and producing a record of any occurrence that may be considered illegal passing of a school bus, and include in that recorded image: -- if the school bus is exhibiting its flashing light; -- if a motor vehicle passes a school bus; -- the license plate, make, and model of the violating vehicle; and -- the date, time, and location of the violation. The bill requires any suspected violation captured in a recorded image produced by a school bus monitoring system to be made available to the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality in which the violation occurred. A law enforcement officer is to issue a summons within 90 days of determining that a suspected violation occurred. A summons may not be issued for a violation occurring more than 90 days from date of the violation. The bill provides that any recorded image or information produced in connection with a school bus monitoring system is not a public record under New Jersey's "Open Public Records Act," is not discoverable as a public record except upon a subpoena issued by a grand jury or a court order in a criminal matter, and is not to be offered into evidence in any civil or administrative proceeding unless directly related to illegally passing a school bus. The bill provides that recorded images or information produced in connection with a school bus monitoring system pertaining to a specific violation are not to be retained for more than 60 days after the collection of any civil penalty imposed, and are then to be purged. All recorded images and information collected but not resulting in the issuance of a summons are to be purged within 95 days of the recording. The bill provides that the owner of a motor vehicle is liable for a summons for illegally passing a school bus as evidenced by a recorded image captured by a school bus monitoring system. However, a lessor or owner of a motor vehicle is not liable for a summons if: -- the lessor demonstrates that the vehicle was used without the lessor's express or implied consent, and provides the name and address of the vehicle operator or registrant; -- the lessee was operating or in possession of the vehicle at the time of the violation and the lessor provides the name and address of the lessee; or -- the owner, lessor, or lessee demonstrates that the vehicle was stolen at the time the violation occurred and provides a copy of the police report regarding the vehicle theft. The bill permits the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to adopt rules and regulations to effectuate the purposes of the bill, including specifications and certification procedures for the school bus monitoring systems and devices that may be installed. The bill also permits the Supreme Court of New Jersey to adopt Rules of Court as appropriate or necessary to effectuate the purposes of the substitute. The bill will take effect on the first day of the seventh month next following enactment, but permits the Commissioner of Education, the Superintendent of State Police, and the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to take anticipatory administrative actions in advance of the bill's effective date. | In Committee |
| S1250 | Establishes "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requires periodic criminal background checks for certain school employees; and prohibits interference with school bus monitoring devices. | This bill would establish the "School Bus Safety and Child Protection Act," requiring criminal history record checks for certain school employees and prohibiting interference with school bus monitoring devices. The bill would make it a crime of the fourth degree to purposely alter, destroy, conceal or disable a monitoring device, including a camera or other medium used to record sound or images that is installed in a school bus. A fourth degree crime is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000 or both. The bill would also clarify that any school bus aide in the public and charter school systems, and any school that receives public funds for school buses is required to have a criminal history record check. Prospective aides and school bus drivers would also submit to a criminal history record check prior to starting employment and every four years thereafter in these schools. However, the bill provides that a person employed or under contract as a school bus driver may meet the bill's requirement to have a criminal history check every four years by certifying that the individual has undergone a criminal history record check as part of the application for renewal of a school bus driver's license. The bill also permits nonpublic schools to conduct similar criminal history record checks to those performed by public schools, charter schools, and schools that receive governmental funding for school buses. The bill would also require that the results of the criminal history record check be sent to the county superintendent of the county in which a bus driver or school bus aide would be employed. This bill would require that an employee who commits a disqualifying offense be suspended until the offense is adjudicated, and a conviction or other adverse adjudication would result in termination of the employee's service. The bill also requires each school district that has cameras which record images on school buses to appoint an employee to randomly view such recorded images during each school year. | In Committee |
| S1202 | Increases accidental death benefit for surviving spouse or surviving children of certain PERS members and retirants; provides accidental death benefit to beneficiary of certain PERS and PFRS members and retirants; redefines child. | This bill increases to 70 percent of compensation the accidental death benefit payable to the surviving spouse or surviving child or children of a deceased law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter who was a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and ineligible for membership in the Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS), and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. This bill also changes the definition of child with respect to those members. The bill permits payment of an accidental death benefit to a surviving beneficiary of a retirant of the PFRS or a retirant of the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS if the accident caused the death of the retirant. The bill also grants eligibility for the death benefit to a person determined by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance to be eligible to receive a death benefit under the federal "Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976" based upon the death of a law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter member or retirant of the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS or member or retirant of the PFRS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant . Under current law, an accidental death benefit under PERS is payable when a member dies accidentally in the actual performance of duty, or in active service in the reserve component of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard in a federal active duty status, and not as the result of his or her willful negligence. The member's widow or widower is entitled to a pension of 50 percent of the member's compensation for use by him or her and the children of the deceased member. This payment continues during his or her widowhood. If there is no surviving widow or widower, or in case the widow or widower dies or remarries, 20 percent of that compensation is payable to one surviving child, 35 percent to two surviving children in equal shares, and 50 percent to three or more surviving children in equal shares. With respect to all law enforcement officers, correction officers, or firefighters in PERS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant, this bill increases to 70 percent of the member's compensation the accidental death benefit payable to the surviving spouse of the member or retirant, and to the same amount the benefit payable to the member's or retirant's surviving child or children when there is no surviving spouse. This provision will mirror the amounts as provided in the PFRS. This bill also changes the definition of child with respect to all law enforcement officers, correction officers, and firefighters in PERS, and for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. Currently, in that retirement system, "child" is defined as a deceased member's unmarried child either (a) under the age of 18 or (b) of any age who, at the time of the member's death, is disabled because of an intellectual disability or physical incapacity, is unable to do any substantial, gainful work because of the impairment and the impairment has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, as affirmed by the medical board. For those officers and firefighters in PERS, this bill adds to this definition a member's or retirant's child who is (c) 18 years of age or older and enrolled in a secondary school, or (d) under the age of 24 and enrolled in a degree program in an institution of higher education for at least 12 credit hours in each semester, provided that the member or retirant died as a result of an accident met in the actual performance of duty at some definite time and place, and the death was not the result of the member's or retirant's willful misconduct. This definition will be the same as the definition of child in the PFRS, as amended to include retirants. Finally, the bill provides that a person determined by the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance to be eligible to receive a death benefit under the federal "Public Safety Officers' Benefits Act of 1976" (PSOB) based upon the death of a law enforcement officer, correction officer, or firefighter member or retirant in the PERS who was ineligible for membership in the PFRS is eligible to receive the accidental death benefit, and the same for an emergency medical technician, paramedic, hazardous materials emergency first responder, and fire instructor member or retirant. The bill provides the same eligibility for a person determined by the bureau to be eligible for a death benefit under the PSOB for a member or retirant in the PFRS. | In Committee |
| S339 | Requires State Board of Education to permit candidates awaiting teacher certification to submit affidavit to hiring school district affirming certification requirements have been met. | This bill requires the State Board of Education to authorize an alternative means for teaching candidates to secure employment as a teacher with a school district while awaiting the issuance of a certificate of eligibility or certificate of eligibility with advanced standing from the Department of Education. The board would be required to allow a candidate for a certificate to submit to a hiring district a signed affidavit affirming that applicable certification requirements have been met as part of the candidate's application for employment with the hiring district. A candidate who submits an affidavit pursuant to this bill would be required to provide accompanying documentation demonstrating that the candidate has applied for a certificate with the department. In the event that a candidate submits a signed affidavit in good faith and subsequently learned that the certification process is incomplete, the candidate will not be liable to reimburse the district for salary or benefits received. Within 90 days from the date an affidavit has been submitted to a hiring district, a candidate would be required to provide confirmation to the hiring district that a certificate has been issued by the department. A hiring district would be required to terminate a candidate who does not provide confirmation to the district that a certificate has been issued or has been found to have misrepresented information provided on the affidavit. | In Committee |
| S1037 | Requires Secretary of Higher Education to establish New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program to support entrepreneurs in STEM fields. | This bill requires the Secretary of Higher Education, in consultation with the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, to establish the New Jersey STEM Entrepreneur Fellowship Program in county colleges and four-year institutions of higher education to support entrepreneurs in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Under the bill, the secretary will fund and administer no less than 20 fellowships. The fellowships may be provided to individuals who have proven to the secretary that they have an idea to create, advance or develop a product in the STEM field which will have a beneficial impact on society and will result in a self-sustaining business in the future. The fellowships will be issued for three years each and will be used primarily to support the entrepreneurs in commercializing the idea and developing a well-structured business. | In Committee |
| S1265 | Establishes Gold Star Family Scholarship Program; appropriates $100,000 from General Fund to Higher Education Student Assistance Authority. | This bill establishes the Gold Star Family Scholarship Program in the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA). Under the program, a spouse, child, parent, guardian, or sibling of an individual who served in the Armed Forces of the United States or National Guard and lost his life while on active duty would be eligible to receive a scholarship to attend an institution of higher education. HESAA would be responsible for establishing eligibility criteria, and determining the amount of each scholarship award after considering the cost of attendance at the institution of higher education and other federal and State assistance for which the individual is eligible. An individual scholarship award may not exceed the average tuition charged at the four-year public institutions of higher education in the State. HESAA will award scholarships using money in the Gold Star Family Scholarship Fund created under the bill. The bill establishes an annual $2 surcharge on personalized license plates, the proceeds of which will be deposited into the fund. It also provides for a designation on the State gross income tax return that permits a taxpayer to make voluntary contributions to the fund. Last, the bill appropriates $100,000 to the fund. | In Committee |
| S1254 | Requires health benefits coverage of hearing aids for all ages. | This bill amends P.L.2008, c.126, "Grace's Law," by removing the specification that 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 NJ FamilyCare Program) provide coverage for expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid only for covered persons who are 15 years old or younger. The bill generalizes the requirement so that health insurers must provide these benefits regardless of the covered person's age. In addition, the bill supplements P.L.2007, c.103 (C.52:14-17.46.1 et seq.) to require the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to ensure that every contract purchased by the commission meets the same requirements for hearing aid coverage as "Grace's Law." The provisions of the bill will take effect 90 days after the date of enactment and will apply to all health benefits plans issued or renewed on or after that date. | In Committee |
| S1283 | Establishes Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services. | This bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services, in but not of the Department of the Treasury, to support individuals with mental illness and addiction. Under the bill, the Governor is to appoint an Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services, who is to be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office. The ombudsman is to be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity, and is to be skilled in communication, conflict resolution, and professionalism. The duties of the Ombudsman Mental Health and Addiction Services are to include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) helping individuals with mental illness and addiction find effective treatment facilities and programs, including substance use disorder recovery services, health care services, mental health services, medication-assisted drug treatment services, and other substance use disorder treatment services; (2) ensuring that individuals with mental illness and addiction, including patients and residents within mental health facilities and programs, are receiving proper care and treatment; (3) providing educational programs; confidential drug counseling; and vocational guidance and job placement for individuals with mental illness and addiction; (4) educating individuals about the harm caused by substance use disorder with respect to individuals, families, and society; and (5) creating public information programs to educate individuals with mental illness and addiction of the duties of and resources provided by the ombudsman. The bill provides that the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services is to annually issue a written report to the Commissioner of Human Services, the Governor, and the Legislature. The report is to include a summary of the services the ombudsman provided during the year, and any specific recommendations the ombudsman deems appropriate and necessary concerning the State's provision of services and support to | In Committee |
| S958 | Exempts election worker compensation from taxation. | This bill exempts election worker compensation from State taxation. The compensation would not be subject to the gross income tax, unemployment insurance (UI), temporary disability insurance (TDI), or family leave insurance (FLI) taxes and would not be eligible for UI, TDI, or FLI benefits. | In Committee |
| S896 | "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act"; requires institutions of higher education to implement mental health programs and services. | This bill the "Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act," requires institutions of higher education to implement certain mental health programs and services. Under the bill, an institution of higher education is required to implement a mental health awareness program which must include, at a minimum: (1) the development and implementation of an annual student orientation session designed to raise awareness about mental health conditions; (2) the assessment of courses and seminars available to students through their regular academic experience and the implementation of mental health curricula if opportunities for integration exist; (3) the creation and prominent display on the institution's website or mobile application of information dedicated specifically to the mental health resources available to students on campus and in the surrounding community; (4) the distribution of messages related to mental health resources that encourage help-seeking behavior through the on-line learning platform of the institution at least once per term and during periods of high stress in the academic year; and (5) the implementation of an on-line screening tool to raise awareness and establish a mechanism to link or refer students to services. The bill requires an institution of higher education to establish and implement a student peer support program. The program will utilize student peers to support students living with mental health conditions on campus. Peer support programs may be housed within resident assistance programs, counseling centers, or wellness centers on campus. A peer support program will utilize best practices for peer support including, but not limited to: (1) utilizing the tenets of the recovery model for mental health developed by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration; (2) adequate planning and preparation, including standardizing guidance and practices, identifying needs of the target population, and aligning program goals to meet those needs; (3) clearly articulating policies, specifically concerning role boundaries and confidentiality; (4) systematic screening with defined selection criteria for peer supporters including, but not limited to, communication skills, leadership ability, character, previous experience or training, and ability to serve as a positive role model; (5) identifying benefits from peer status including, but not limited to, experiential learning, social support, leadership, and improved self-confidence; (6) continuing education for peer supporters to support each other and improve peer support skills; and (7) flexibility in availability by offering services through drop-in immediate support and the ability to book appointments. The bill also requires each institution to form strategic partnerships with local mental health service providers to improve overall campus mental health wellness and augment on-campus capacity. The partnerships will include linkage agreements with off-campus mental health service providers that establish a foundation for referrals for students when a student's mental health needs cannot be met on campus due to capacity concerns or preference of the student. The partnerships will include: (1) avenues for on-campus and off-campus mental health service providers to increase visibility to students via marketing and outreach; (2) opportunities to engage the student body through student outreach initiatives including, but not limited to, mindfulness workshops or campus-wide wellness fairs; and (3) opportunities to support mental health awareness and training. Under the bill, the Secretary of Higher Education will develop a Technical Assistance Center. The center's responsibilities will include: (1) developing standardized policies for medical leave related to mental health conditions for students, which may be adopted by an institution of higher education; (2) providing tailored support to the institutions in reviewing policies related to students living with mental health conditions and their academic standing; (3) establishing initial standards for policies and procedures of the expert panel; (4) disseminating best practices concerning peer support programs, including widely-accepted selection criteria for individuals serving in a peer support role; and (5) developing Statewide standards and best practices for partnerships between local mental health agencies and institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| S1279 | Permits certain alcoholic beverage manufacturers to coordinate food service with certain third-party vendors and operate restaurant on licensed premises. | This bill permits certain breweries, wineries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies to coordinate food service with certain third-party vendors and operate a restaurant on the licensed premises. Under current law, the holder of a limited brewery license or a craft distillery license is prohibited from selling food or operating a restaurant on the licensed premises. Current law also prohibits the holder of a cidery and meadery license from operating a restaurant on the licensed premises. The provisions of this bill provide that the holder of a limited brewery license, plenary winery license, farm winery license, craft distillery license, or cidery and meadery license may operate a restaurant on the licensed premises or enter into an exclusive business arrangement or otherwise coordinate with a third-party food truck, restaurant, or similar retail food vendor to provide food directly to consumers on the licensed premises. The bill removes the prohibition on the operation of a restaurant on the licensed premises by the holder of a limited brewery license, craft distillery license, or a cidery and meadery license. | In Committee |
| S1278 | Requires certain information to be included in SHBP and SEHBP claims experience data provided to certain public employers. | This bill requires certain information to be included in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and the School Employees' Health Benefits Program (SEHBP) claims experience data to be provided to certain public employers. Under current law, the SHBP provides upon request and not more than once in a 24-month period complete claims experience data to a public employer other than the State that participates in the SHBP. This bill changes the 24-month period to not more than once per calendar year, and adds language to allow the majority representative of the employees of that public employer to request and receive the claims experience data if the public employer requested the data. Under the bill, the same requirements would apply to the SEHBP. This bill requires certain information to be included in the claims experience data for SHBP and SEHBP. The information specified in the bill includes, but is not limited to, medical claims summary report by classification; top 50 drugs or medicines that require a doctor's prescription by total number dispensed; top 50 drugs or medicines that require a doctor's prescription by total dollars paid; number and type of ongoing maintenance prescriptions by mail order and retail; prescription utilization summary; prescription executive summary report; prescription trend performance summary for each plan design; and a prescription key performance indicator report. Current law requires the SHBP to issue claims experience data only in a manner that complies with the privacy requirements of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and related regulations. The bill further specifies that no information will be released in such form as to result in the identification of an individual or in such form as to adversely affect personal privacy rights. Under the bill, the same requirements would apply to the SEHBP. | In Committee |
| S1194 | Directs Attorney General to provide annual training to public and nonpublic school students and staff on roles and responsibilities before, during, and after school emergencies. | This bill directs the Office of the Attorney General, in conjunction with the Department of Education, to provide annual training, including current best practices, to all employees and students of public and nonpublic schools on the roles and responsibilities of students and staff before, during, and after a school emergency. A school emergency will include lockdowns, bomb threat evacuations, active shooter incidents, and other identifiable threats. The training must be provided in a face-to-face format on a regional basis and must also be made available online. The bill directs the Department of Education to annually disseminate to school districts and nonpublic schools a calendar that details the dates, times, and regional locations where the training will be provided, and information on the training that may be accessed online. | In Committee |
| S2256 | Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education. | This bill would establish the four-year "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program," which would provide grants to assist school districts in enhancing STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education programs for students and increasing access to STEM education programs. Applications for grant awards under this pilot program would be submitted to the Commissioner of Education, who would allocate the awards on a competitive basis. The grant awards would be distributed so that school districts can build upon existing STEM education programs or create new education programs along three distinct areas of concentration, namely project-based learning, afterschool STEM, and out-of-school STEM. This bill also establishes within the Department of Education a fund to be known as the "STEM Scholars Grant Fund," which would be used to provide grants to school districts under the pilot program. The fund would be annually credited with money appropriated by the Legislature, any moneys received by the State from corporate donors or other private sector support, and any federal funds which may become available for STEM-related activities. No State funds would be used to support a grant under the pilot program unless there is an appropriation for the pilot program in the annual appropriations act for that fiscal year. | In Committee |
| S1276 | Requires health insurance coverage of prenatal genetic test during first trimester of pregnancy. | This bill requires health insurance coverage of a prenatal genetic test during the first trimester of pregnancy. Under the bill, health insurance carriers (including insurance companies, hospital service corporations, medical service corporations, health service corporations, health maintenance organizations authorized to issue health benefits plans in New Jersey, and any entities contracted to administer health benefits in connection with the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees' Health Benefits Program) will be required to cover a prenatal genetic test during the first trimester of a pregnancy. The methods of testing for which benefits will be provided will include, but not be limited to, a carrier screening, a nuchal translucency screening, and a chorionic villus sampling. For the purpose of this bill, "carrier screening" means a blood sample or tissue sample swabbed from inside the cheek of an individual to determine whether the individual carries a gene for certain inherited disorders. | In Committee |
| SR33 | Recognizes 75th anniversary of establishment of State of Israel. | April 25, 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. This House commends the people of Israel for their remarkable achievements in building a new state and a pluralistic democratic society in the Middle East and reaffirms the bonds of friendship and cooperation which have existed between New Jersey and Israel for seven decades. This House recommits to working with Israel in its quest for peace with its neighbors and the countries in the region. | In Committee |
| S1420 | Establishes "VETeach Pilot Program" in DOE to facilitate teacher certification of veterans. | This bill establishes the "VETeach Pilot Program" in the Department of Education. The purpose of the pilot program is to address the shortage of certified public school teachers by taking advantage of the qualified workforce represented by the State's veterans. Under the pilot program, a participating four-year public institution of higher education will enroll, in a 36-month teacher preparation program, veterans who served in the armed forces on or after September 11, 2001. The program will lead to a baccalaureate degree and completion of the requirements necessary to apply to the State Board of Examiners for a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, which will authorize the veteran to seek employment as a teacher in grades kindergarten through eight, and in certain secondary education fields. Under the bill, a four-year public institution of higher education that wishes to participate in the pilot program is to submit an application to the Commissioner of Education in a form prescribed by the commissioner. The commissioner is to select up to four institutions to participate in the pilot program. | Dead |
| S2180 | Provides supplemental appropriation of $20 million for loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. | This bill provides a supplemental appropriation totaling $20 million for a modified version of the loan redemption program and tuition reimbursement program established for certain teachers of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) established under P.L.2019, c.401. Under this bill, an individual would be eligible for loan redemption or tuition reimbursement if that person:· in the case of the loan redemption program, is graduating from a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing educator preparation program in the 2021-2022 academic year and has been initially hired by a school district as a novice teacher to teach a STEM subject or is enrolled in a certificate of eligibility educator preparation program and has been initially hired by a school district as a novice teacher to teach a STEM subject. In the case of the tuition reimbursement program, an individual is required to be graduating in the 2021-2022 academic year from a master's degree or Ph.D. program in STEM or is completing 30 credits in a coherent sequence of courses in STEM;· is eligible pursuant to State Board of Education regulations to teach a STEM subject in a New Jersey public school; and· executes a contract with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority in which the individual agrees to teach STEM classes at a public school in New Jersey for four full school years. A contract executed for the redemption of loans or the reimbursement of eligible tuition expenses would specify: the program participant's dates of required service; the total amount of student loan debt to be redeemed by the State or the total amount of reimbursement of eligible tuition expenses to be received by a program participant; and certain performance standards established by the authority for the program participant to adhere to in the participant's course of service. A contract would also stipulate that, in the event that a program participant does not complete four full school years of service or otherwise violates any other provisions of the contract relating to service requirements, the loan redemption or tuition reimbursement payment provided to the participant would be paid back to the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority as a loan. The amount of loan redemption or tuition reimbursement for a program participant would equal 25 percent of the participant's eligible student loan or tuition expenses. The loan redemption or tuition reimbursement payments, however, would not exceed $20,000 for any eligible individual. The bill stipulates that the loan redemption and tuition reimbursement payments would be issued as upfront, lump sum payments. | In Committee |
| S1591 | Requires DOE to establish comprehensive searchable website concerning educational programs and resources available to special education students. | This bill requires the Department of Education to establish and maintain a comprehensive website concerning educational programs and resources available for students classified as eligible for special education programs and services. The website's purpose is to provide current and complete information on disability resources in one easily accessible location. Under the bill, the website will include, but is not limited to, information on the following: approved in-State and out-of-State private schools for students with disabilities; other approved receiving schools that provide programs for students with disabilities, including educational services commissions, jointure commissions, regional day schools, county special services school districts, and public college operated programs for students with disabilities; special education programs operated by school districts that also serve out-of-district students; publicly or privately operated educational programs for special education students in the State that are specialized for particular disabilities; assistive technologies for students with disabilities; and support resources, including public and nonprofit organizations, that serve students with disabilities and their families. The information on the website will be electronically searchable by multiple criteria including keyword, type of disability, and geographic location of the educational program. The bill directs the department to consult with the New Jersey State Special Education Advisory Council to assist in developing and maintaining the website. The department will work with the council on a continuing basis to ensure that the website contains complete and current information. The website must be updated on at least an annual basis. | In Committee |
| S56 | Eliminates one percent tax on purchasers of Class 4A commercial property transferred for consideration in excess of $1 million. | This bill eliminates the tax on the purchaser in a non-deed transfer of a controlling interest in an entity that owns Class 4A commercial properties, equal to 1 percent of the total consideration paid, if the total consideration for the transfer is in excess of $1 million. Class 4A commercial property is any kind of income-producing real property other than property classified as vacant land, residential property or apartments, farm property, and industrial property. | In Committee |
| S1212 | Requires hospitals to inquire whether patients have substance use disorder and establish protocols for providing or referring to treatment. | This bill would require acute care hospitals to inquire whether a patient who is 18 years of age or older has a substance use disorder or is in recovery from a substance use disorder. The bill also requires each hospital to establish appropriate protocols for providing treatment or referral to treatment for patients who indicate that they have a substance use disorder or are in recovery from a substance use disorder. Such protocols would be available to the public upon request. | In Committee |
| S1216 | Revises certain requirements concerning reported cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. | This bill revises the "Adult Protective Services Act," P.L.1993, c.249 (C.52:27D-406 et seq.), to: 1) expand the mandatory reporting requirement; 2) establish penalties for failure to make a mandatory report, for interfering with an evaluation of a report, and for interfering with the provision of protective services; and 3) establish a public registry of substantiated acts of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Current law requires health care professionals, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians who have reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is the subject of abuse, neglect, or exploitation to report the information to the county adult protective services provider. For all other people, reporting is permissive. The bill revises these requirements to make reporting abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult mandatory for every person in the State. A person who has reasonable cause to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited who fails to make a report will be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. The person will additionally be liable to a civil penalty of up to $500. Current law establishes requirements for county adult protective services providers to evaluate reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, which include the ability to obtain a court order to compel compliance with an evaluation. The bill provides that anyone who willfully interferes with or prevents an evaluation from being conducted after a court has issued an order to conduct the evaluation will be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Current law provides that, if a county adult protective services provider determines that a vulnerable adult is in need of protective services, and the vulnerable adult or the vulnerable adult's guardian consents, the provider is to provide, arrange for the provision of, or make formal referrals for, appropriate protective services. The bill provides that any person who willfully interferes with the provision of those services is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. The Department of Human Services currently maintains a central registry of all reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, which includes demographic data on vulnerable adults, Statewide statistics related to abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and other information submitted by county adult protective services providers. The bill requires the department to make available on its Internet website a publicly-available registry of substantiated acts of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults, which will include, at a minimum, the name of each individual found to have abused, neglected, or exploited a vulnerable adult, along with a description of the nature of the offense and whether the individual has committed other substantiated acts of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The publicly-available registry will not include any personal or identifying information concerning the vulnerable adult. | In Committee |
| S335 | Permits purchase of service credit in PERS for period of time after termination of public employment due to COVID-19 pandemic if member returned to PERS employment within 12 months. | This bill would permit the purchase of service credit by a member of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) for time that the member was not working because the member's public employment was terminated, without personal fault, due directly to the COVID-19 pandemic. This purchase would be allowed if the member returned to service in a PERS-eligible position within 12 months from the date of discontinuance from service due to COVID-19 and returned all of the accumulated member's contributions withdrawn from the retirement system. | In Committee |
| S1195 | Requires public school student with concussion to be evaluated by physician or other licensed health care provider before return to school and return to physical activity at school. | This bill provides that a student enrolled in a school district who sustains a concussion must receive an evaluation by a physician or other licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and written clearance from one of these physicians in order to return to school. In the event that the physician provides notice that the student requires restrictions or limitations, the school district 504 team 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, in consultation with the physician who provided notice, 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, physical education, or intramural sports. The student may not participate in any physical activity until he is evaluated by a physician or other licensed health care provider trained in the evaluation and management of concussions and he receives written clearance from the physician to participate. | In Committee |
| S1223 | Requires disclosure of original purchase price for land to be sold to a county, county agriculture development board, or municipality for farmland preservation purposes. | This bill requires, when selling real property or a development easement on real property for farmland preservation purposes to a county, county agriculture development board, or municipality, the individual, corporation, limited liability company, or other legal entity selling the property or easement to disclose, prior to sale, the price that it paid for the real property. | In Committee |
| S1274 | Requires redaction and nondisclosure of home address of elected officials and candidates for elected office. | This bill prohibits the disclosure of the home address of a person seeking election to a public office, a current elected official, a former elected official, and any person seeking election to a public office. Under the bill, as amended, "elected official" means any person holding a State or local government office which, under the State Constitution or by law, is filled by the registered voters of a jurisdiction at an election, including a person appointed, selected or otherwise designated to fill a vacancy in such office, but does not mean an official of a political party. Elected official also includes any person seeking election to a public office. A amended, the bill makes the redaction requirements and process for elected officials and their immediate family members consistent with that process being implemented under current law for other covered persons and their immediate family members. | In Committee |
| S823 | Requires urgent care and retail health clinics to have defibrillator on site and employees trained to use defibrillator. | This bill requires urgent care and retail health clinics to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site and employees trained in AED use, no later than one year after the effective date of the bill. An urgent care clinic is a health care facility that offers episodic, walk-in care for the treatment of acute, but not life-threatening, health conditions. A retail health clinic is a health care facility located within a retail store, supermarket, pharmacy, or similar retail outlet that offers episodic, walk-in care for a limited set of acute conditions. Pursuant to provisions of this bill, an urgent care clinic or retail health clinic shall acquire at least one AED, as defined in N.J.S.A.2A:62A-24, and store the AED in a central location within the clinic or that is known and available to the employees of the clinic. The bills requires the clinic to ensure that the AED is tested and maintained and to provide notification to the appropriate first aid, ambulance or rescue squad or other appropriate emergency medical services provider regarding the defibrillator, the type acquired, and the AED's location. The clinic is responsible for training the clinic employees in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and the use of an AED and ensuring that there is at least one trained employee on site during the clinic's normal business hours. Lastly, the clinic should ensure that employees comply with the provisions of N.J.S.A.2A:62A-26 concerning the use of the AED. | In Committee |
| S1221 | Makes pilot program for special occasion events at wineries on preserved farmland permanent program. | This bill amends current law to make permanent the pilot program allowing special occasion events to be conducted at wineries on preserved farmland. The bill also revises the reporting requirement under the law to require on-going biennial reports to the Governor and the Legislature. | In Committee |
| S930 | Requires public schools, and nonpublic schools which receive federal funding, to provide students with information on rights afforded under Title IX, and provide contact information for Title IX coordinator. | This bill requires each public school, and each nonpublic school which receives federal funds and is subject to the requirements of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. s.1681 et seq.), to post on its website in an easily accessible location the following information:· the rights afforded to a student and the responsibilities of the school under Title IX; · the name and contact information of the Title IX coordinator for the school, including the Title IX coordinator's phone number and e-mail address; and· the procedure to file a complaint under Title IX. The bill also requires the Commissioner of Education to annually disseminate through electronic means a letter to each public school, and to each nonpublic school which receives federal funds and is subject to the requirements of Title IX, informing the school of the rights afforded to a student and the responsibilities of the school under Title IX. | In Committee |
| S260 | Requires utility service providers to notify BPU of scheduled service work; permits government agencies and utility service providers to access BPU online database of scheduled service work. | This bill requires Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to create, maintain, and update, as appropriate, an online database providing real-time information on the date and type of scheduled utility service work. The online database shall serve as an online resource for a government agency to plan utility service work, roadwork, and other related work within a public right-of-way. The online database is to be accessible by any "government agency" and "utility service provider," as those terms are defined in the bill, and is to be designed and function in a manner that maximizes communication among all government agencies and utility service providers that may be impacted by scheduled utility service work. The bill requires a utility service provider to submit to the BPU electronic notice and detailed information of scheduled utility service work at least five business days prior to the date the utility service provider performs the service work. The BPU is to maintain the information on the online database until the service work is completed, cancelled, or rescheduled. The bill provides for an exception to the prior notice requirement for service work if the work is undertaken in response to an "emergency" as that term is defined in the bill. If the work is undertaken in response to an emergency, a utility service provider is to submit to the BPU electronic notice and detailed information of the work as soon as possible after the beginning of the emergency. | In Committee |
| S907 | Provides that disability-owned businesses be included in certain businesses development programs, direct loan programs, and certification processes; requires Chief Diversity Officer compile information on awarding of State contracts to disability-owned businesses. | This bill provides that disability-owned businesses be included in certain State programs, the certification process by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services, and for monitoring by the Chief Diversity Officer of the State. The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses within the Office of Minority, Disabled Veterans, and Women Medical Cannabis Business Development The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses into the requirement that, when the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) undertakes direct loans to certain qualified businesses located in certain urban centers, the EDA include disability-owned businesses within such an undertaking if the business is unable to obtain funding from conventional sources. The bill incorporates disability-owned businesses into the certification process managed by the Division of Revenue and Enterprise Services in the Department of the Treasury. Finally, the bill incorporates disability-owned businesses within the requirement that the Chief Diversity Officer of the State monitor the State's public contracting process for the purpose of compiling information on the awarding of contracts to minority-owned, disability-owned, and women-owned business enterprises, the total value of all contracts and the percentage of the value of those contracts awarded to minority-owned, disability-owned, and women-owned business enterprises. | In Committee |
| S1451 | Establishes gross income tax credit and corporation business tax credit for student loan payments. | This bill establishes an incentive for New Jersey residents who have graduated from a community college, college or university, or graduate school to stay, or return to, New Jersey after their graduation and for employers to hire college graduates to work in this State and subsidizes their loan payments. The bill provides qualified taxpayers and businesses with a credit against the gross income tax (GIT) or the corporation business tax (CBT) for certain educational loan payments. The tax credit is allowed for any payments made by a taxpayer or on behalf of a taxpayer during the taxable or privilege period on a loan which is: (1) secured through a State student loan program, a federal student loan program, or a commercial lender and which is (2) obtained and expended exclusively for purpose of paying the tuition and fees and other expenses such as room and board and book and books and supplies, related directly to the enrollment of the qualified taxpayer at an institution of higher education. Under the bill, the GIT credit is equal to payments made by a qualified taxpayer, during that part of the taxable year they were employed in the State. The GIT credit for an individual taxpayer is equal to the lesser of: (1) the taxpayer's monthly loan payments multiplied by the number of months the taxpayer made loan payments; or (2) the benchmark loan payment multiplied by the number of months during the taxable year in which a taxpayer made loan payments. The GIT credit is refundable if an individual taxpayer earned an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The refundable GIT credit is available only to individual taxpayers and is not available to a business that makes loan payments on behalf of an employee. A gross income taxpayer who is an employer or a business subject to the CBT may receive a tax credit equal to any payments made on behalf of a qualified employee who graduated from an accredited institution of higher education and was employed in New Jersey during the tax year. The GIT credit for a taxpayer who is an employer and the CBT credit are equal to the monthly loan payment made by the employer multiplied by the number of loan payments made by a taxpayer on behalf of a qualified employee during a taxable year or privilege period. The credit is reduced to 50 percent if a qualified employee is employed on a part-time basis. The bill defines a qualified employee as a resident taxpayer who (1) obtained an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education or a graduate degree from an accredited institution of higher education who was employed in this State during the privilege period; and (2) was employed in New Jersey on a full-time or part-time basis by an employer, was a self-employed individual, or was an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, New Jersey National Guard, or the Reserve Component of the United States Armed Forces. | In Committee |
| S1273 | Allows qualified school to be called "New Jersey Farm Fresh School." | This bill provides that the Secretary of Agriculture may allow a school to use the words "New Jersey Farm Fresh School" in any promotional materials or descriptions of the school, provided that the Secretary of Agriculture has received proof that at least 20 percent of the food served by the school consists of farm products grown and produced in New Jersey. The provisions of this bill would apply to public and nonpublic schools, as well as public and nonpublic institutions of higher education. | In Committee |
| S1196 | Requires telecommunications companies to provide prorated refunds for service outages of longer than 24 hours. | This bill directs the Board of Public Utilities (board) to require telecommunications companies and companies that offer Voice over Internet Protocol and other Internet-based telephone services, on a prorated basis, to adjust a customer's bill, or provide a refund to a customer, who has experienced a service interruption for a period of more than 24 hours. The bill also directs the board to require these companies to provide the bill adjustment or refund without requiring the customer to take any action. | In Committee |
| S845 | Requires health insurers to provide coverage for hearing aids. | This bill would require 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, and plans provided by the State Health Benefits Commission and the School Employees' Health Benefits Commission to provide coverage for medically necessary expenses incurred in the purchase of a hearing aid. The coverage shall include the purchase of one analog or digital hearing aid for each ear at least every 48 months, as prescribed or recommended by a State licensed audiologist or State licensed hearing aid dispenser. The total cost sharing responsibility of the covered person for the hearing aid, including any copayments or deductibles, shall not exceed 15 percent of the cost of the hearing aid. | In Committee |
| S822 | Revises requirements for signage indicating accessible facilities for people with disabilities. | This bill would phase in the use of revised symbols and words on all signs, placards, license plates, and other devices used to identify for the general public accessible features designed or designated for the use of persons with disabilities, such as restrooms, access ramps, and parking spaces. The bill would additionally require that all such signs, placards, license plates, and other devices use the word "accessible" in place of the word "handicapped." This legislation would be part of a growing national and international movement to replace the current international symbol of access, which some advocates suggest conveys a sense of passivity and emphasizes the wheelchair over the person, with a new symbol of access that emphasizes the person in a dynamic posture suggesting mobility, action, and determination. The bill is based on legislation enacted by New York State and Connecticut adopting the phased-in use of the revised symbol of access. The revised symbol has been additionally adopted by hundreds of towns and cities, public and private organizations, governmental agencies, and individual citizens across the world. The Accessible Icon Project has taken a leading role in promoting and supporting the adoption of the revised symbol of access, an example of which can be found on the Project's website. In place of the wheelchair symbol currently used as the international symbol of access, accessibility signs, placards, license plates, and other markers would use a logo depicting a dynamic character leaning forward with a sense of movement. The bill would require this logo to be readily identifiable, simply designed with no secondary meaning, and provide for equivalent facilitation and accessibility as the wheelchair symbol currently in use. This bill would apply to signs, placards, license plates, and other markers being replaced or newly installed on or after the effective date of the bill, which would be the 60th day after the date of enactment. The bill expressly provides that it is not to be construed to require the replacement of a sign, placard, license plate, or other marker if replacement is not otherwise necessary or appropriate. Because it would only apply to signs, placards, license plates, and other devices that are newly-installed or that are being replaced, this bill will not impose any new or additional costs on the State above those it would normally incur installing new and replacement signs, placards, license plates, and other devices. | In Committee |
| S1399 | Allows canvassing of early votes and mail-in ballots before election day under certain conditions. | This bill allows county clerks to begin canvassing early votes cast during the early voting period, and county boards of elections to begin canvassing mail-in ballots, before election day under certain conditions. However, the bill excludes provisional and emergency ballots from being counted during the early canvassing process for early votes and mail-in ballots: Under current law, early votes cast during the early voting period may not be canvassed or counted until the polls close on election day. Similarly, mail-in ballots may begin to be canvassed or counted on election day. Under this bill, county clerks are permitted to begin canvassing each early vote no earlier than 24 hours after the conclusion of the early voting period. The bill also allows county boards of elections to open the inner envelopes of mail-in ballots no earlier than five days prior to election day and may begin canvassing each mail in ballot from the inner envelopes no earlier than three days prior to election day. The bill provides that the Secretary of State can establish guidelines concerning the canvassing process to ensure the security and secrecy of the votes cast. The canvassing results would remain confidential and be disclosed only in accordance current law, regulations, and guidelines concerning the disclosure of election results. The bill prohibits the disclosure of the canvassing results prior to the close of polls on the day of the election. Under current law for mail-in ballots, any person who is authorized to receive and canvass completed mail-in-ballots who knowingly discloses to the public the contents of a mail-in ballot prior to the time designated by law for the closing of the polls for each election is guilty of a crime of the third degree. This bill extends the same penalties to the disclosure of early voting results. The bill also requires the board of elections to transmit the media for the early vote canvass to the county clerk no later than the opening of the polls on election day. The bill further requires the county board of elections to transmit the media containing the canvass of mail-in results to the county clerk no later than one hour following the close of the polls. The bill also provides, to the extent capable, the scanning and tabulation system for mail-in ballots to restrict the generation of any tabulation or results report to system administrators only and prohibits administrator passwords from being shared. The bill further prohibits tabulation and results reports from being generated before 8:00 p.m. on the day of the election, and, to the extent such system is capable, requires each county board of elections to submit to the Division of Elections no later than 24 hours following the close of the polls on the day of the election a complete copy of the scanning and tabulation system's audit log. The bill provides that the results from the early canvassing process for mail-in ballots be reported as a separate columns alongside the columns for election day results and early voting results: The bill also requires that the county clerks rather than the board of elections certify the results of the votes cast for members of the county committees to the respective municipal clerks following the canvass of mail-in ballots. | In Committee |
| S1233 | "Holocaust Reparations Tax Exemption Act"; exempts value of certain payments to Holocaust survivors and their eligible descendants from transfer inheritance tax. | This bill, designated as the Holocaust Reparations Tax Exemption Act, provides an exemption from the transfer inheritance tax for an amount equal to the value of certain payments and distributions received by Holocaust survivors and their eligible descendants. The purpose of the bill is to alleviate the tax burden on the value of restitution payments and distributions received by Holocaust survivors and eligible descendants during their lifetime and passed along at death for the benefit of future generations. Under the bill, the restitution payments and distributions that are eligible for the exemption are broadly defined to include any payment or distribution that: (1) is paid to the decedent during the life of the decedent by reason of the decedent's status as an individual who was persecuted by the Nazi regime or by reason of the decedent's status as an eligible descendant of an individual persecuted by the Nazi regime, including any amount paid by a foreign country, the United States of America, or any other foreign or domestic entity, or a fund established by any country or entity, any amount paid as a result of a final resolution of a legal action, and any amount paid under a law providing for payments or restitution of property; (2) constitutes the direct or indirect return to the decedent of, or compensation or reparation paid to the decedent for, assets stolen, hidden, or otherwise lost to an individual who was persecuted by the Nazi regime before, during, or immediately after World War II by reason of the decedent's status as a persecuted individual or by reason of the decedent's status as an eligible descendant of a persecuted individual, including any proceeds of insurance under policies issued on persecuted individuals by European insurance companies immediately before and during World War II; or (3) consists of interest that is paid as part of any payment or distribution described by (1) or (2) above. Under the bill, the value of the eligible restitution payments or distributions is determined based on the value when received. The bill provides that the value of each eligible payment or distribution is determined for purposes of the exemption based upon the clear market value of the payment or distribution on the date the payment or distribution is received by the decedent. The bill defines an eligible descendant of an individual persecuted by the Nazi regime as an individual who is lineally related to a persecuted individual, by blood, affinity, or adoption, and who is not more than two generations removed in descent from the individual who was persecuted. The bill takes effect immediately and provides for the exemption to apply to transfers associated with deaths occurring on or after the 90th day next following the date of enactment. | In Committee |
| S1215 | Permits patients to indicate that they should not be prescribed opiates and certain other controlled substances in prescription monitoring program information. | This bill requires the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety to establish a process by which a patient may request that the patient's prescription monitoring information include an indication that the patient should not be prescribed opioid drugs or other controlled substances with a significant potential for abuse or addiction. The indication would not be included in the patient's prescription monitoring information except at the patient's request. The division would establish a process for removing the indication that a patient should not be prescribed opioid drugs or other controlled substances with a significant potential for abuse or addiction, at the patient's request. The division would also establish a method, for persons who indicate that they should not be prescribed opioid drugs or other controlled substances with a significant potential for abuse or addiction, to communicate this preference, in the event that the person is incapacitated or otherwise unable to communicate this preference prior to or while receiving health care services. The division would develop an education and outreach program for health care providers concerning this process. It is the sponsor's belief that permitting patients to indicate that they should not be prescribed opiates and certain other controlled substances will facilitate the recovery process, help patients maintain sobriety, help avoid the issuance of prescriptions for drugs that could jeopardize the patient's recovery, and assist health care practitioners to identify patients who are at risk of abusing or diverting prescription medications. | In Committee |
| S1986 | Establishes School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force. | This bill establishes the School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to study, evaluate, and assess the provision of State school aid pursuant to the "School Funding Reform Act of 2008" (SFRA). The task force will consist of seven members, including: the Commissioner of Education or a designee; and six public members, each of whom shall have educational experience and expertise in education and municipal finance and school budgeting. Two of the members will be appointed by the Senate President, two members will be appointed by the Speaker of the General Assembly, and the Minority Leaders of the Senate and General Assembly will each appoint one member. Under the bill, the duty of the task force is to study the effectiveness of, and provide recommendations on potentially improving, various aspects of the SFRA including, but not limited to:? the manner in which school district adequacy budgets and local shares are calculated;? the current methodology of measuring and weighting at-risk students and students with limited English proficiency and the impact on the educational outcomes of those students; ? the weights applied to students in different grade levels, as well as those applied to students enrolled in county vocational school districts; ? the current methodology used to calculate the geographic cost adjustment;? the formula's use of the census-based funding methodology for determining the amount of State aid a school district receives to educate its special education population and the effects of potentially employing different methodologies; ? the provision of extraordinary special education aid and the cost thresholds used as the bases for reimbursement of extraordinary special education costs; ? the methodologies used to calculate security categorical aid and transportation aid; and ? the impact that the reallocation of State school aid pursuant to P.L.2018, c.67, commonly referred to as "S-2," had on school districts' finances. The bill requires that the task force will issue a final report detailing its findings and recommendations to the Governor, and to the Legislature, no later than one year after the organization of the task force. The report will be posted in a prominent location on the Internet website of the Department of Education. | In Committee |
| S1282 | Prohibits motor vehicle manufacturer or dealer from requiring subscription for certain motor vehicle features. | This bill prohibits a motor vehicle dealer or manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this State from offering to a consumer a subscription service for any motor vehicle feature that (1) utilizes components and hardware already installed on the motor vehicle at the time of the vehicle's purchase or lease; and (2) would function after activation without ongoing expense to the dealer, manufacturer, or third-party service provider. The provisions of this bill do not apply to any third-party service provider that offers features such as satellite radio or in-car Wi-Fi. The bill defines "motor vehicle feature" to mean any convenience or safety function included on the motor vehicle, such as heated seats or driver assistance that typically is offered to a consumer as an upgrade at the time of purchase or lease of the motor vehicle. In addition, the bill defines "subscription service" to mean a service provided on a subscription basis in exchange for a recurring payment, including, but not limited to, a weekly, monthly, or annual payment charged to and made by a consumer. A violation of the bill's provisions is an unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, violations may result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party. The sponsor notes that car companies are increasingly seeking to charge consumers a subscription fee to access certain features on their vehicles, such as heated seats, even though the components necessary for the feature to function are already installed on the vehicle at the time of sale. When a consumer subscribes to the feature, the car company uses software to remotely activate the feature during the subscription period. Car companies assert that a subscription-based business model would provide more choice to the consumer, but the practice requires installing all of the necessary components and hardware on the vehicle before the consumer decides to subscribe to the feature, which will likely raise the purchase price for every consumer, whether they intend to subscribe to the feature or not. The sponsor asserts that during this time of rising consumer prices, it is important to guard against business practices that primarily serve to increase corporate profits. | In Committee |
| S1232 | Extends gross income tax medical expense deduction to certain cord blood banking services. | This bill extends New Jersey's gross income tax medical expense deduction to certain cord blood banking services. The purpose of the bill is to decrease the cost of cord blood banking for New Jersey gross income taxpayers and encourage the proliferation of cord blood banking service providers in New Jersey. Generally, New Jersey's medical expense deduction tracks the federal income tax deduction for determining what constitutes a qualified medical expense. There are indications from the federal Internal Revenue Service that cord blood banking service expenses, outside of the treatment of existing or imminent medical conditions, do not qualify as a deductible medical expense. This bill extends New Jersey's gross income tax deduction for medical expenses to cover cord blood banking service costs, whether undertaken as a precaution or for immediate use. More specifically, the bill makes costs paid by the taxpayer for the collection and storage of umbilical cord blood from a cord associated with the biological offspring of the taxpayer or the taxpayer's dependent a qualified medical expense. The bill requires that the collection and storage services must be performed by a qualified provider in compliance with the Department of Health's collection protocol for cord blood servicers. | In Committee |
| S1214 | Requires counties to make available voluntary medical identification cards containing relevant patient health information. | This bill establishes requirements for counties to make medical identification cards available to county residents. Residents will be permitted, but not required, to obtain, carry, and update a card as appropriate. The cards are to include any information relevant to the provision of health care and treatment to the resident that the resident identifies and chooses for inclusion. The medical identification cards are to be in a design and format as specified by the Commissioner of Health, include a photo of the cardholder, and include any information the cardholder chooses to provide. This information may include, but will not be limited to: the cardholder's blood type; current medications; medical devices and medical implants present in the cardholder's body; allergy information, including specific medication, food, plant, and insect allergies; any illnesses or other health conditions that may impact the provision of health care or treatment to the cardholder; medication restrictions, including restrictions on the administration of narcotic drugs if the cardholder is in recovery from an alcohol or substance use disorder; contact information for the cardholder's primary care provider and emergency contacts; and any other information the cardholder chooses to include. Counties will be permitted to charge a fee to provide medical identification cards, which is not to exceed the actual cost to the county of providing the card. Nothing in the bill is to be construed to require any person to obtain a medical identification card or to disclose any health or medical information in connection with a request for a new or updated medical identification card. The bill provides immunity from civil and criminal liability and administrative disciplinary action for any act or omission undertaken in good faith in connection with the issuance or update of a medical identification card, or in connection with the provision of medical care or treatment in reliance on the information included in a medical identification card. Information provided in connection with a request for a new or updated medical identification card is to be kept confidential. Any person who knowingly uses or discloses this confidential information without the consent of the cardholder will be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which is punishable by imprisonment for up to 18 months, up to a $10,000 fine, or both. Theft of a medical identification card will be a crime of the third degree, which is punishable by imprisonment for three to five years, up to a $15,000 fine, or both. | In Committee |
| S1246 | Prohibits sex offenders from holding any job, position, or type of employment that primarily consists of contact with children. | This bill is intended to protect the children and youth of this State by prohibiting moderate and high risk sex offenders from holding any job, position, or type of employment which primarily consists of contact with children. The bill defines "primarily consists of contact with children" as a job where 80 percent or more of the actual or official duties or responsibilities include contact with a child. "Sex offender" is defined as a person who has been convicted, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for committing any of a broad range of sex offenses as defined in the sex offender registration law ("Megan's Law") and whose risk of committing another sex offense is deemed moderate or high based on the guidelines promulgated by the Attorney General. Under the bill, it would be crime of the third degree for a moderate or high risk sex offender to accept any appointment, enter into any contract for, participate in, or serve in any job, position, situation, or employment of any type that primarily consists of contact with children. A crime of the third degree carries a penalty of three to five years imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. | In Committee |
| S1229 | Bars nondisclosure agreements to settle sexual assault and harassment claims against certain State officers and employees and members of Legislature; bars use of campaign funds to settle claims. | This bill prohibits a State agency in the Executive or Legislative Branch of State government from entering into a nondisclosure agreement, in which the parties agree not to disclose the terms of a settlement, with any person to settle, or as part of the settlement of, a claim that the person was a victim of sexual assault or sexual harassment by a State officer or employee or a special State officer or employee, or a member of the Legislature, either prior to the filing of a lawsuit by that person or at any time after a lawsuit is filed. The bill also prohibits the use of campaign funds to make a payment to a person in settlement of a claim that the person was the victim of sexual assault or sexual harassment by a candidate or an employee of a candidate, either prior to the filing of a lawsuit by that person or at any time after a lawsuit is filed. | In Committee |
| S1256 | Allows registered voters to submit application to vote by mail using online voter registration website maintained by Secretary of State up to seven days before election. | This bill allows registered voters to submit an application to vote by mail electronically, using the online voter registration website maintained by the Secretary of State, up to seven days before an election. Under current law, registered voters may apply to vote by mail using a paper application form up to seven days before an election, and may apply for a mail-in ballot in person up to 3:00 PM the day before election day. This bill would allow registered voters to complete a mail-in ballot application form electronically using the online voter registration website established by the Secretary of State. Under the bill, applications to vote by mail submitted online would be forwarded to the appropriate county clerk. The bill requires the electronic application to be signed by the applicant using the applicant's electronic signature in the Statewide Voter Registration System, and to state the applicant's place of voting residence and the address to which the ballot will be sent. The bill directs the Secretary of State to prepare a mail-in ballot electronic application form and authorizes the secretary to promulgate any rules and regulations deemed necessary. The bill also updates the notices required to be published ahead of each election concerning the manner of applying to vote by mail, to include the online application form authorized by the bill. | In Committee |
| S990 | The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for qualified wages of certain veterans. | This bill is entitled "The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act." The bill provides a corporation business tax credit and gross income tax credit for qualified wages of certain veterans. The two credits established by this bill provide an employer with a credit in the amount of 10 percent of the wages paid to a qualified veteran. The credits may not exceed $1,200 for each qualified veteran per tax year. The bill defines a qualified veteran as a resident of this State initially hired by the taxpayer on or after January 1, 2010 that has been honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active service, occurring on or after January 1, 1965, in any branch of the Armed Forces of the United States, and shows proof of military service by providing a copy of the DD-214 form, its equivalent, or federal activation orders showing service under Title 10, section 672 or section 12301, of the United States Code. The bill requires that for purposes of the credits' availability, the wages of a qualified veteran must be subject to the gross income tax and paid on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. To be creditable, wages must also arise from employment of a qualified veteran for at least 185 business days of the applicable tax year. To qualify for a credit, the bill imposes a series of conditions on a taxpayer as an employer. For a tax year that the credit is claimed, the bill requires that 25 percent of the taxpayer's new employees be qualified veterans. For tax years immediately subsequent to a prior credit year, the bill further requires that 50 percent of the qualified veterans hired in that prior tax year must remain employed by the taxpayer. In addition to employment criteria, the bill conditions credit qualification on other aspects of veteran employment. The bill requires a taxpayer to provide veteran support services that are accessible in the workplace. The bill further conditions credit qualification on a taxpayer's regular recruitment efforts to hire qualified veterans and their nuclear family members while providing support to outreach efforts of veteran support organizations. The bill also conditions credit qualification on compliance with the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act and the provision of privileges in excess of the rights protected by that act. In addition to providing the terms of credit qualification, the bill contains provisions aimed at preventing potential misuse of the credit. The bill prohibits taxpayers from simultaneously using the wages or employment of a qualified veteran to qualify for the credit and any other generally available employment incentive that comes in the form of a State tax credit or grant. The bill also empowers the Director of the Division of Taxation to recapture credit, plus an additional 50% penalty, if the Director determines that the employer displaced employees to replace them with qualified veterans for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the credit. The credits established by this bill are limited in duration in that they are available for tax years commencing on or after January 1, 2020 but before January 1, 2024. | In Committee |
| S1201 | Reduces alcoholic beverage tax rate on cider and low-percentage alcohol by volume liquors. | This bill reduces the alcoholic beverage tax rate on cider and low-percentage alcohol by volume (ABV) liquors so that they match the tax rate for beer. Under current law governing the excise tax on alcoholic beverages, cider is taxed at $0.15 a gallon and beer is taxed at $0.12 a gallon. This bill reduces the rate on cider to $0.12 a gallon to match the tax rate for beer. Low-percentage ABV liquors, such as canned cocktails, are currently taxed at the rate for liquor, which is $5.50 a gallon. Under the bill, liquors with lower than 9.9 percent ABV are to be taxed at $0.12 a gallon to match the tax rate for beer. | In Committee |
| S1266 | Establishes school breakfast kiosk pilot program. | This bill requires the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with the Department of Education, to develop and administer a two-year school breakfast kiosk pilot program in three school districts selected by the Commissioner of Education, in the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. The bill provides that a local or regional school district of the State may establish a school breakfast kiosk pilot program at the school. The Department of Agriculture is required to award a pilot program to one school district in each of the three regions of the State. The purpose of the school breakfast kiosk program is to increase the participation of students in school breakfast through increased accessibility to breakfast items in the school. The program will help more children start the school day with a nutritious breakfast in order to learn, grow, and develop to their full potential. Research shows that school breakfast increases attendance and decreases tardiness, improves academic performance both in class and on standardized tests, improves attentiveness, and reduces emotional and behavioral problems among students from all backgrounds. | In Committee |
| S115 | Eliminates veterans' gross income tax deduction requirement that New Jersey National Guard member serve in federal active duty status. | This bill eliminates the requirement that a New Jersey National Guard member serve in federal active duty status in order to qualify for the veterans' gross income tax deduction. A member of the New Jersey National Guard, who has been honorably discharged or otherwise been released under honorable circumstances, may claim a gross income tax deduction of $3,000 per taxable year. Under this bill, this veterans' gross income tax deduction is available regardless of whether the servicemember claiming the deduction was, at any point, called up for federal active duty status (meaning military service under the jurisdiction of the United States Secretary of Defense pursuant to 10 U.S.C. s.1209). This bill honors the service of the men and woman who enlist in the New Jersey National Guard. These servicemembers, as with all members of our armed forces, dedicate their time, make personal sacrifices, and incur costs for the benefit of the State and its residents. Accordingly, these servicemembers deserve the same honor, recognition, and tax relief already afforded under State law to veterans of other military branches. | In Committee |
| S1208 | Permits municipality to enact ordinance regulating where sex offenders may reside; restricts locations of certain child care centers and school bus stops. | This bill permits a municipality to enact an ordinance establishing areas in or around elementary or secondary schools, playgrounds, or child care centers where certain registered sex offenders may be prohibited from residing. The bill also imposes restrictions on the location of school bus stops and the siting of child care centers so that they are not situated near the residence of a high risk sex offender. It is the Legislature's intent to enhance the public safety by permitting municipalities to enact ordinances to prevent convicted sex offenders who have committed crimes against minors from residing within 500 feet of a school, playground or child care center, subject to certain statutorily-enumerated exceptions, and also by prohibiting the siting of school bus stops and child care centers near the residences of high risk sex offenders. The bill establishes specific limitations that the ordinance may impose on sex offenders establishing residences. These ordinances would be applicable to a "person subject to limitations," which the bill defines as a person over the age of 21 subject to the registration requirements set forth in Megan's Law who has been convicted of, adjudicated delinquent or found not guilty by reason of insanity for a sex offense enumerated in Megan's Law in which the victim of the offense was under 18 years of age, except for those whose risk of re-offense has been determined to be low. Under the bill's provisions, such persons would be prohibited from residing within 500 feet from the real property comprising an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center, provided that any such ordinance is not to be formulated in a manner that would prohibit these persons from residing in every residentially-zoned area within the municipality. The municipal ordinance is not to be applied to prohibit such a person from residing within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center if: (1) the person is required to serve a sentence at a jail, prison, juvenile facility or other correctional institution or facility or is involuntarily committed to a psychiatric, mental health or other facility which is located within 500 feet of the elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center; (2) the person resides and receives services at an institution, mental health or other facility licensed or permitted by the Department of Human Services which is located within 500 feet of an elementary or secondary school, playground, or child care center; (3) the parole board, after considering the person's housing options, determines that a needs-based exception for the person is required; or (4) a court that discharges the person from a psychiatric facility determines that an exception is appropriate. The bill provides that an ordinance is not to be applied to prohibit such a person from continuing to reside at a residence established by that person within the municipality prior to the enactment of the ordinance. An ordinance enacted pursuant to the bill is required to provide that the municipal engineer is required to produce a map for the purpose of depicting the location and boundaries of the areas. The original of every map is to be filed with the clerk of the municipality and be maintained as an official record of the municipality. This bill also prohibits a school board from locating a school bus stop within 250 feet of the residence of a high risk (tier three) sex offender unless the relocation of the school bus stop creates a more dangerous condition for a child. In making this determination, the school board is required to consult with the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality. The bill requires the school board to adopt a resolution stating the reason for the relocation of the school bus stop. Finally, the bill prohibits child care centers from being located within 500 feet of the residence of a tier three sex offender. | In Committee |
| S1295 | Requires State agency to redact person's handwritten signature prior to publishing documents on agency's Internet website. | This bill requires a State agency to redact a person's handwritten signature prior to publishing documents displaying the person's handwritten signature on the State agency's Internet website, pursuant to any publication requirements of the "Administrative Procedure Act." The bill requires a State agency to archive any document that displays a person's handwritten signature published on the State agency's website prior to the effective date of the bill. A State agency may republish the archived document if the State agency redacts the person's handwritten signature. Any document archived pursuant to the provisions of the bill is to be made available to the public through the open public records act. This bill takes effect six months following enactment. | Dead |
| S337 | Establishes pilot program for 24-hour urgent care for behavioral health. | This bill seeks to expand access to behavioral health care services by requiring the Department of Human Services (DHS) to establish a two-year Urgent Care Facility Behavioral Health Pilot Program. The goal of the program will be to provide behavioral health care at hospital urgent care facilities to stabilize individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in a way that reduces unnecessary emergency department and inpatient admissions. In doing so, it is the sponsor's goal to provide quality, timely behavioral health care in a setting that offers positive patient outcomes, addresses the stigma associated with behavioral health issues, reduces the burden on hospital emergency room departments, and minimizes costs. Under the bill, "behavioral health" or "behavioral health care" means procedures or services rendered by a health care or mental health care provider for the treatment of a mental illness, a mental health or emotional disorder, or a substance use disorder. Within 180 days after the effective date of the bill or, if the DHS submits State plan amendments or waivers to receive federal reimbursement under Medicaid for services provided under the bill, within 30 days of the receipt of any necessary federal approvals, the DHS is required to issue a request for proposals and select one or more Medicaid managed care organizations to participate in the pilot program. Under the bill, the two-year pilot program is to commence upon the selection of the managed care organizations. The managed care organizations selected are to demonstrate the ability to meet the requirements of the pilot program and are required to operate in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State. The selected managed care organizations are required to contract with six hospitals, with two in each of the northern, central, and southern regions of the State, to provide integrated behavioral health care within one of the hospital's urgent care facilities. In determining which hospitals to contract with, the selected managed care organizations are to prioritize hospitals that specialize in pediatric care if feasible. Under the bill, a participating urgent care facility is required to provide services 24 hours per day, seven days per week. Furthermore, to be eligible, a hospital is to demonstrate the ability to coordinate a patient's care with primary care providers, outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse providers, community health centers, and social service providers, and may not receive funding from the DHS to provide Early Intervention Support Services. Each participating urgent care facility is required to integrate behavioral health care with the facility's existing physical health services, which will, at a minimum, include: employing a behavioral health team of at least one licensed behavioral clinician and one licensed clinical social worker; partnering with one or more licensed psychiatrists to provided services, as needed, via telemedicine and telehealth; providing behavioral health awareness and intervention training to staff; and using warm hand-offs, rapid referrals, supportive contacts, and other efficient and supportive care transition methods. The pilot program is to be funded in part through the Medicaid program using a value-based payment system. The value-based payment system is to be modeled on, and be consistent with, the population-based payment methodology that is described under Category 4 of the alternative payment methodologies (APM) framework developed by the Health Care Payment Learning and Action Network. Specifically, the value-based payment system is required to provide for a quarterly advanced bundled payment to be provided to the managed care organization for the purposes of financing the total cost of behavioral health care that is provided by participating urgent care facilities. The quarterly bundled payment rate is to be established by the Commissioner of Human Services and is required to be based on the commissioner's evaluation of the following factors: (1) an assessment of claims data indicating the cost to provide behavioral health care in hospital emergency departments and inpatient settings, absent the pilot program; (2) the number of patients who are expected to be served by the pilot program; (3) the average anticipated per-patient cost of care under the pilot program; (4) the anticipated costs to participating urgent care facilities of complying with the provisions of the bill; and (5) any other factors that may affect the cost of care. Once established, the quarterly bundled payment may not be increased, regardless of whether the actual costs of care received by patients under the pilot program exceed the bundled payment rate provided. If the managed care organization, in cooperation with participating urgent care facilities, is able to reduce the per-patient costs of care for patients receiving care and services under the pilot program, the managed care organization may retain, and will not be required to repay, any remaining unexpended bundled payment funds. The managed care organization will be required to share any savings achieved with participating urgent care facilities at a rate that is proportional to the rate of per-patient cost reduction savings achieved by each such facility. If the actual per-patient costs of care for patients receiving care and services under the pilot program exceed the advanced bundled payment rate established by the commissioner, the managed care organization is to ensure that all patients continue to receive appropriate services and care from participating urgent care facilities without being subject to an increase in out-of-pocket costs. Any financial loss incurred by the managed care organization as a result of an increase in the per-patient cost of care for patients in the pilot program is to be shared by the managed care organization with participating urgent care facilities at a rate that is proportional to the rate of per-patient cost increase attributed to each facility. The bill requires the DHS, within 90 days after the two-year pilot program is terminated, to prepare and submit a written report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature. The Commissioner of Human Services will be required to apply for any State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the bill's provisions and secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. | In Committee |
| S1245 | Enhances requirements for applicant seeking to locate substance use disorder treatment center within 500 feet of school. | This bill would modify the requirements that must be met before the Commissioner of Human Services may authorize a substance use disorder treatment center to be located within 500 feet of a school. The bill would require an applicant for a certificate of approval or initial licensure to locate and operate a substance use disorder treatment center within 500 feet of a school to provide notice to the governing body of the municipality and the governing body and the county planning board of the county within which the proposed treatment center would be located, and to provide those notices prior to submitting an application for development under the "Municipal Land Use Law," P.L.1975, c.291 (C.40:55D-1 et seq.). The bill would also require an applicant to request the governing body of the municipality to adopt a resolution demonstrating support for the proposed treatment center, and require the applicant to submit, together with the certificate of approval or license application, the municipal governing body's resolution demonstrating local support for the substance use disorder treatment center at the proposed location. | In Committee |
| S1270 | Permits county improvement authorities to establish student loan refinancing loan programs. | This bill permits county improvement authorities to establish student loan refinancing programs for certain borrowers. Under the bill, a student-borrower who is a resident of the county, or a parent-borrower who is a New Jersey resident or has his primary employment in the State and who is the obligor on a student loan for a student who is a resident of the county, may apply to refinance that student loan at a lower interest rate. The county improvement authority will set the interest rate and other terms of the student loan refinancing loan, provided that the interest rates charged are sufficient to pay the principal and interest on any bonds issued by the authority to fund its program. The authority is required to provide at least two different types of repayment plans, one of which must provide, to the extent practicable, deferment or forbearance options. The bill stipulates that the authority is not permitted to refinance a student loan if the payments would result in an undue hardship on the borrower, taking into consideration the borrower's current income and expenses. The bill provides that any student loan refinancing loan may not be dischargeable in bankruptcy. The bill also provides that the authority must ensure that a borrower may contact and speak with a live representative of the authority who can access the borrower's loan information and who has knowledge of the student loan refinancing program. | In Committee |
| S1241 | Establishes one-time grant to study and recommend best practices for encouraging youth participation in government. | This bill will provide a one-time grant award in the amount of $100,000 to a four-year public institution of higher education for the purposes of studying and recommending best practices for encouraging youth interest and participation in government. Under this bill, a four-year public institution of higher education that wishes to apply for the grant is to submit an application to the Secretary of Higher Education. The application will include a grant proposal detailing the study objectives and a projected budget outlining how the institution intends to use the grant funds. The institution that receives the grant will issue a report to the Secretary of Higher Education, the Commissioner of Education, and the Legislature. The report must (1) identify best practices that exist to encourage youth participation in government, and (2) provide recommendations as to which practices are most effective in promoting and increasing youth participation in government. The Commissioner of Education will, within 60 days following receipt of the report, post the report on the Department of Education's Internet website and distribute a copy of the report to each school district in the State. | In Committee |
| S1227 | Concerns certain actions brought under "Truth-in-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act." | This bill amends the "Truth-in-Consumer Contract, Warranty and Notice Act," (TCCWNA) P.L.1981, c.454 (C.56:12-14 et seq.), by requiring aggrieved consumers to have suffered an ascertainable economic loss in order to commence a class-action lawsuit for violation of the TCCWNA. The bill further provides that a consumer who suffers an economic loss of $250 or less as a result of a violation of the TCCWNA must first request reimbursement for the loss prior to the commencement of a legal action. Pursuant to this bill, a request for reimbursement for an economic loss must be made in writing and sent via certified mail, return receipt requested, and by regular mail. The bill provides that no action shall be filed until the 35th day following the mailing of the request for reimbursement. In addition, an action brought pursuant to the TCCWNA that is first asserted by a consumer as a counterclaim shall satisfy the reimbursement request requirement if the consumer asserts in the pleading the nature of the counterclaim and the economic loss in the amount of $250 or less. A party who has been served with the counterclaim pleading, and who disputes the economic loss stated therein, may choose to tender the full amount of the claimed loss to the court or to the attorney for either party to be held in escrow pending the outcome of the case. Should that party choose to do so, attorney's fees shall not be awarded if the consumer's counterclaim prevails. A consumer whose economic loss exceeds $250 may take legal action under the TCCWNA without first requesting reimbursement. | In Committee |
| S1345 | Creates "New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force". | This bill establishes the New Jersey Anti-Semitism Task Force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. The task force will be permanent and consist of 18 persons, at least five of whom will be members of the public. The bill requires the task force to conduct research, develop recommendations to address the harms caused by anti-Semitism, and annually issue a report to the Governor and Legislature regarding the state of anti-Semitism in New Jersey. In performing this duty, the task force will: (1) Identify, compile, and synthesize the relevant corpus of evidentiary documentation relative to the history and current status of anti-Semitism at college campuses and state universities and the world, with a focus on New Jersey-specific information. The task force's documentation and examination will include, but not be limited to, facts related to: (a) The definition and ideology of anti-Semitism; (b) Misconceptions and stereotyping relative to the Jewish people; and (c) Discrimination and systemic failings relative to the fair treatment of the Jewish people; (2) Recommend appropriate ways to educate the New Jersey public of the task force's findings; and (3) Recommend appropriate remedies in consideration of the task force's findings. The task force will hold at least four public meetings each year, with at least one of those meetings being held in-person. The other meetings may be conducted virtually, via videoconferencing. Meetings via conference call will not be permitted. The task force will issue a report each year to the Governor and the Legislature and will provide its first annual report no later than 12 months following its initial meeting. | In Committee |
| S1231 | "Atlantic City Urban Enterprise Zone and Property Tax Relief Act"; creates urban enterprise zone in Atlantic City for 10 years. | This bill, designated as the "Atlantic City Urban Enterprise Zone and Property Tax Relief Act," authorizes the creation of an urban enterprise zone (zone) in the city of Atlantic City for a one-time term of 10 years. The zone authorized under this bill would be the 33rd zone created under the Urban Enterprise Zone program, which was first authorized in 1983. The additional zone authorized pursuant to this bill is required to be designated within 90 days of the date of the submittal of an application and zone development plan by the municipality. Qualifying retail businesses in the additional zone to be designated pursuant to the criteria for priority consideration set forth in the bill would be entitled to collect sales and use tax reduced to the extent of 50 percent of the sales and use tax (SUT). A business operating as a casino is not eligible for the benefits of an eligible business under the UEZ program but a business operating on casino property not owned by a casino business may be eligible if it otherwise meets the criteria for business eligibility. During the first five years, all of the SUT revenues collected are to be appropriated for use by Atlantic City and during the second final five years, 66.5 percent of the SUT revenues collected are to be appropriated for use by Atlantic City. These revenues are to be used by Atlantic City to provide local property tax relief. This bill is meant to address the negative economic conditions experienced by Atlantic City over the past several years as the city transitions from a casino gaming destination to a general-interest tourist destination. | In Committee |
| S353 | Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible. | This bill eliminates the prohibition on the provision of single-use paper carryout bags by grocery stores for groceries bagged for delivery. Under the bill, single-use paper carryout bags would be permitted to be provided or sold for a fee by grocery stores solely for delivery orders. In addition, this bill requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes obtained through the delivery of goods to deliver groceries, other food items, or for any other appropriate purpose, to the maximum extent feasible. | In Committee |
| S804 | "New Jersey Disability Savings Act." | This bill expands the "New Jersey Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Program," P.L.2015, c.185 (C.52:18A-250 et al.) to incentivize qualified individuals with disabilities and their families to save for disability-related expenses in tax-advantaged savings accounts, known as ABLE accounts. Pursuant to current federal statute, qualified individuals who have significant disabilities with onset prior to age 26 years, and who receive Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, may contribute as much as the federal gift tax limit, or $16,000 in 2022, to a qualifying ABLE account. Individuals with disabilities, or their parent or guardian, may open an ABLE account in the individual's state of residence, or in another state. As of January 2022, there are 49 ABLE plans operating nationwide. Funds deposited into an ABLE account may only be used for qualifying disability-related expenses such as transportation, housing, education, assistive technology, legal fees, and personal support services. Distributions from a New Jersey ABLE account are not subject to federal tax, provided the distributions do not exceed the individual's disability-related expenses for the year. New Jersey statute currently limits total lifetime contributions to an ABLE account to $305,000. Once the value of an ABLE account exceeds $100,000, SSI cash benefits for the ABLE account owner are suspended until the account's value falls below this threshold. However, a qualifying individual will not lose Medicaid benefits, no matter the balance in an ABLE account. Pursuant to the bill, all contributions to a qualifying New Jersey ABLE account are fully-deductible on a New Jersey State tax return, similar to qualifying contributions to the State's Section 529 educational savings program, known as the NJBEST. As amended, the bill additionally incentivizes taxpayer savings in New Jersey ABLE accounts by providing up to $750 in dollar-for-dollar matching funds for taxpayers whose gross annual income equals $150,000 or less, and who deposit funds into a newly opened ABLE account. It is important to note, however, that the savings incentives instituted under this bill are subject to the annual appropriations process. Therefore, the bill authorizes the Department of Human Services to select a methodology for allocating these incentive funds in years in which State appropriations for these incentive payments are insufficient to fulfill the provisions of the bill. | In Committee |
| S2071 | Requires five-year average of equalized property valuation be used in calculation of local share under State school funding formula. | This bill makes changes to the calculation of a school district's local share in determining the district's State school aid. Under current law, a district's local share is calculated by multiplying the district's prebudget year equalized valuation by the Statewide property value rate, divided by two, and adding this to the product of the district's income and the Statewide income rate, divided by two. This bill amends the calculation to use the district's average equalized valuation over the preceding five school years instead of the district's prebudget year equalized valuation. | In Committee |
| S2075 | Requires employers to post information concerning veterans' benefits and services. | The bill requires employers to display a poster containing information on veterans' benefits and services. Under the bill, employers with more than 50 full-time or full-time equivalent employees are required to display the poster in a conspicuous place accessible to employees in the workplace. The Department of Labor and Workforce Development shall consult with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to develop the poster. At a minimum, the poster will include: (1) contact and website information for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the department's veterans' program; (2) substance abuse and mental health treatment; (3) educational, workforce, and training resources; (4) tax benefits; (5) New Jersey State veteran drivers' licenses and non-driver identification cards; (6) eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits under State and federal law; (7) legal services; and (8) contact information for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Crisis Line. | In Committee |
| S1634 | Prohibits public officials from accepting virtual currency and non-fungible tokens as gifts. | This bill amends definitions to provide that a gift includes all forms of virtual currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Under this bill, a public official would be prohibited from accepting any form of virtual currency or NFTs as a gift. | In Committee |
| S107 | Establishes loan program and provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for establishment of new vineyards and wineries. | This bill establishes a loan program and provides tax credits to persons for the establishment of new vineyards and wineries in eligible counties. The bill defines an eligible county as a county of the third class with a population greater than 150,000 according to the latest federal decennial census, a county of the fifth class, or a county of the sixth class, and that contains at least three wineries. The bill requires the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (authority), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (department), to develop a 10-year pilot program to provide low interest loans to farmers for qualified costs associated with the installation of new vineyards in eligible counties. Qualified costs include the cost of preparing land for plant installation, purchasing vines or trees, and purchasing equipment and supplies for those purposes. It does not include the cost of tractors, pick-up-trucks, or wine-making equipment. A loan may cover up to 100 percent of the applicant's qualified costs, would bear interest of not more than five percent per year, and would be for a term of not more than 10 years. The loan would be made pursuant to a loan agreement with the authority, which would contain terms and conditions deemed appropriate by the authority. The bill permits the authority to require a person that receives a loan to submit an audited financial statement to the authority in order to ensure the continued viability of the person's farming operation, and may, either by regulation or through the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, establish terms and conditions governing the incidence of default by a person that receives a loan. The authority would be required to submit a report, annually, to the Governor and the Legislature summarizing each loan made pursuant to the bill, and detailing the effectiveness of the pilot program in increasing the acreage of commercial vineyards in eligible counties. The bill also allows eligible taxpayers to apply for a tax credit against either their corporation business tax or gross income tax liability in an amount equal to 25 percent of the qualified capital expenses incurred by taxpayers in connection with: (1) the establishment of a new vineyard or winery in an eligible county; or (2) capital improvements made to an existing vineyard or winery in an eligible county. A qualified capital expense is any expenditure made by the taxpayer for the purchase and installation of equipment or agricultural materials for use in the production of agricultural products at a vineyard or in a winery, as specified in regulations. An eligible taxpayer may apply to the department for the approval of a tax credit for a tax year beginning on or after January 1, 2023 but before January 1, 2033. To obtain a tax credit under the bill, a taxpayer is required to apply for a certification from the department that certifies: (1) that the taxpayer's expenses are qualified capital expenses and (2) the amount of the tax credit. Upon certification, the Secretary of Agriculture (secretary) would submit a copy of the application to the taxpayer and the Director of the Division of Taxation. When filing a tax return that includes a claim for a credit under the bill, a taxpayer would include a copy of the certification issued by the secretary. Credits would be valid in the privilege period or taxable year in which the certification is approved, and any unused portions could be carried forward into the next 15 privilege periods or taxable years. The secretary would be required to issue a report to the Governor, State Treasurer, and the Legislature, annually, on the effectiveness of the tax credit in increasing the acreage of commercial vineyards and the number of wineries in eligible counties. | In Committee |
| S1281 | Removes certain limitations on manufacturers regarding direct sale of zero emission light-duty trucks to consumers. | This bill allows a manufacturer ("franchisor," as defined in current law) to directly buy from or sell to consumers a zero emission light-duty truck at a maximum of four locations in New Jersey. In addition, the bill requires a manufacturer of zero emission light-duty trucks to own or operate at least one retail facility in New Jersey for the servicing of its vehicles. The manufacturer's direct sale locations are not required to also serve as a retail service facility. The bill amends current law to allow any zero emission light-duty truck manufacturer to directly or indirectly buy from and directly sell, offer to sell, or deal to a consumer a zero emission light-duty truck. This bill provides that zero emission light-duty trucks may be directly sold by manufacturers and preempts any rule or regulation that restricts sales exclusively to franchised dealerships. The bill defines "zero emission light-duty truck" to mean a truck that has a gross vehicle rating of 8,500 pounds or less and is certified as a zero emission vehicle pursuant to the California Air Resources Board zero emission vehicle standards for the applicable model year, but not an advanced technology partial zero emission light-duty truck, a partial emission light-duty truck, or a hybrid electric light-duty truck. | In Committee |
| S918 | Authorizes direct shipping by craft distilleries. | This bill authorizes craft distilleries to direct ship up to nine liters of distilled spirits per year and eliminates certain sales restrictions. The bill expressly authorizes craft distillery licensees to ship up to nine liters of distilled spirits per year to any person over 21 years of age for personal consumption and not for resale. The bill provides that a copy of the original invoice is to be available for inspection at the licensed premises of the distillery for a minimum period of three years. The bill removes existing statutory language: 1) prohibiting the direct shipment of distilled spirits within and outside the State; 2) requiring visitors take a tour in order to be allowed to consume distilled spirits on the premises; and 3) limiting the retail sale of the distilleries' products for consumption off the premises to five liters per person. This legislation is similar to a Kentucky law, referred to as "Bourbon without Borders," which authorizes the shipment of up to nine liters of distilled spirits per year. | In Committee |
| S192 | Requires public employers that offer deferred compensation retirement plans to also offer Roth contribution option. | This bill requires that any public entity within the State that offers to its employees a deferred compensation plan to also offer a Roth contribution option for the employees who participate in the plan. Roth contribution options permit employees to make after-tax contributions to the retirement account through salary deductions. These after-tax contributions, and any subsequent earnings, can be withdrawn tax-free in retirement. Under current law, there is no requirement that a Roth contribution option be made available to public employees who choose to participate in their respective deferred compensation retirement plan. Under current law, public employers may offer a deferred compensation plan to their employees. Deferred compensation plans provide an opportunity to voluntarily shelter a portion of an employee's salary from federal income taxes to save for retirement to supplement Social Security and any other retirement plan provided by public employers to their employees. | In Committee |
| S1275 | Exempts sales of reusable carryout bags from sales and use tax. | This bill provides a sales and use tax exemption for sales of reusable carryout bags. For purposes of the bill, a "reusable carryout bag" means a carryout bag that:· is made of polypropylene, PET nonwoven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other machine washable fabric;· has stitched handles; and· is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse. | In Committee |
| S1225 | Requires cable television, direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies to include certain fees and charges for service in advertised price to consumers. | This bill prohibits cable television (CATV), direct broadcast satellite, and television streaming service companies from advertising prices for television service to a consumer in this State unless the advertised price is the total billable amount that the company will charge to a consumer for the provision of television service based on the minimum equipment necessary per television set to receive and operate the television service that is being advertised. A price advertised to a consumer is to include, but not be limited to, any broadcast programming fee, administrative and service fee, any regional sports network fee, and television equipment fee per television set, including set-top box and remote rental fee, if applicable. A CATV company, direct broadcast satellite company, or television streaming service company is not required to include in its advertised price for CATV service to a consumer in this State any tax, fee, or other charge that, pursuant to federal or State law, the CATV company is required to charge to a consumer and, pursuant to federal law, may itemize on a bill; however, a CATV company, direct broadcast satellite company, or television streaming service company is to indicate with its advertised price to consumers that federal or State taxes, fees, or other charges may apply. A violation of the provisions of section 2 of the bill 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 |
| S1204 | "Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act"; doubles pension amounts for beneficiaries of certain deceased volunteer emergency service providers; provides for burial expenses and adjusts life insurance coverage for volunteer firefighters; permits fire code inspection surcharge. | This bill, designated as the "Assistance to Firefighters' Families Act," would double the survivor pension amounts that the State is required to pay to beneficiaries of volunteer firefighters, first aid workers, rescue squad workers, and emergency medical technicians who die as the result of injuries sustained while performing their duties. Additionally, this bill would require municipalities served by volunteer fire companies to pay reasonable funeral and burial expenses of an assured firefighter to the extent those costs are not covered by the New Jersey State Firemen's Association or a firemen's relief association. The bill also increases from $25,000 to $250,000 the maximum group life insurance policy coverage that a municipality may undertake or pay the premium for. Municipalities may raise funds to provide these benefits to volunteer firefighters by establishing a surcharge for each fire code inspection in the municipality. | In Committee |
| S1289 | Authorizes creation of non-lapsing fire academy trust fund by county. | This bill authorizes any county to establish a "Fire Academy Trust Fund" into which it would deposit all fees paid by individuals registering for courses at the county fire academy and from which expenditures would be disbursed exclusively for the procurement of equipment, ongoing maintenance and supplies, and associated services necessary to operate and maintain the county fire academy. By allowing counties to establish a trust fund for revenue generated from individuals paying a course registration fee at county fire academies, this bill permits these revenues to be dedicated to covering the costs of the fire academies beyond the one-year budget cycle otherwise provided for in the "Local Budget Law." Without this amendment, these funds would lapse into the county budget surplus at the end of any given budget year. | In Committee |
| S1290 | Requires that new motor vehicles be equipped with amplitude modulation radio. | This bill requires new motor vehicles sold or leased in this State to be equipped with a radio capable of receiving AM radio broadcasts. Amplitude modulation radio, commonly referred to as AM radio, has been a feature in motor vehicle radios since the 1950s. AM radio plays a critical role in informing the public about natural disasters and other crises. AM radio is capable of being transmitted over long distances, making it essential for communication during a catastrophe. According to some estimates, approximately 47 million Americans listen to AM radio to receive real-time federal and state information concerning public safety incidents. Owing to backup communications equipment and generators, AM radio is often available when other communication methods fail. However, motor vehicle manufacturers, particularly manufacturers of electric vehicles, are increasingly choosing to discontinue support for AM radio in new motor vehicles, prompting concern among emergency response professionals. The director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's emergency-warning system asserts that eliminating AM radio from motor vehicles could impact the ability of people to receive vital public-safety information while traveling. Accordingly, it is essential that this communication method remain present and functional in new motor vehicles. A violation of the provisions of the bill would be considered 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 a cease and desist order issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured. | In Committee |
| S105 | "Green Building Tax Credit Act." | This bill, entitled the "Green Building Tax Credit Act," provides tax credits toward the corporation business tax, gross income tax, and certain other specified taxes for developers and owners who design and construct buildings and owners who retrofit buildings to meet certain "green building" criteria. The bill provides that developers or owners of newly constructed and retrofitted buildings would qualify for the tax credits if the building meets the green building standards set forth in section 7 of the bill to be adopted by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), or if the building meets the criteria required for Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum status under the LEED Green Building Rating System or LEED Residential Green Building Rating System. The "Green Building Tax Credit Act" would be administered by the DCA in consultation with the DEP and the Division of Taxation in the Department of the Treasury. The bill directs the DCA, in consultation with the DEP, within one year after the date of enactment of the bill into law, to adopt standards for the "green building" criteria set forth in section 7 of the bill, and requires the standards to be reviewed and updated at least every two years from the date on which they are adopted. The tax credits provided by the bill would be available for seven years. The total of all credits which could be allocated in the first fiscal year after enactment would be no more than $20 million. In each of the subsequent six fiscal years, up to $50 million of credit allocations may be authorized per year, and any unused allocable amounts may roll over to subsequent fiscal years. An eligible taxpayer may apply no more than 20 percent of their total tax credit in any tax year. | In Committee |
| S1262 | Permits government records custodians to redact certain personal information. | This bill permits a records custodian to redact any information which discloses the mailing address, home address, whether a primary or secondary residence, phone number, email address, or any medical, financial, or personal information of a citizen. This bill would prevent potential malicious use of such personal information and would protect the privacy of an individual when an open public records act request is fulfilled. This bill codifies the decision of Burnett v. County of Bergen, by protecting information for which there is a reasonable expectation of privacy. Email addresses and phone numbers are a necessity for daily life and the collection of such information by a government agency has legitimate uses including for emergency alert systems. The ability to gain access to many email addresses and other personal information opens up the residents of New Jersey to unwanted solicitations or harassing communications and creates opportunities for attempted cybercrime. | In Committee |
| S1234 | Increases dedication of certain revenues to "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account." | This bill increases the dedication of certain revenues to the "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account" in the Department of Agriculture. Under current law, wines, vermouth, and sparkling wines are subject to a $0.875 per gallon tax pursuant to the "Alcoholic Beverage Tax Law," (R.S.54:41-1 et seq.). Of the $0.875 per gallon tax currently imposed, an amount equal to $0.47 per gallon on all sales of wines, vermouth, and sparkling wines produced by New Jersey wineries is dedicated to the "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account." The bill increases the dedication rate from $0.47 per gallon to $0.875 per gallon, which equals 100 percent of the tax imposed on these beverages. | In Committee |
| S1203 | Permits county board of elections to open inner envelopes containing mail-in ballots up to five days prior to election day. | Under current law, the county board of elections process mail-in ballots promptly after receiving each mail-in ballot by removing the inner envelope containing the ballot from the outer envelope and comparing the signature and the information contained on the flap of the inner envelope with the signature and information contained in the respective requests for mail-in ballots. During the processing of mail-in ballots, the ballots are not removed from the inner envelopes until the canvassing of the ballots on election day. Under the bill, a county board of elections may begin opening the inner envelopes and removing each mail-in ballot from the inner envelopes no earlier than five days prior to the day of the election. If a county board of elections begins opening the inner envelopes and removing the mail-in ballots from the inner envelopes prior to the day of the election, the county board is required to implement the measures necessary to ensure the security and secrecy of the mail-in ballots. A county board of elections is prohibited from canvassing the mail-in ballots until the opening of the polls for that election. The contents of the mail-in ballots must remain confidential in compliance with current law and regulations concerning disclosure of election results. This bill seeks to enable county boards of elections to process mail-in ballots more quickly and to provide election results in a timelier manner. | In Committee |
| S1247 | Requires DOT to develop common design for signs that indicate historic district or site. | This bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection, the Historic Sites Council in the Department of Environmental Protection, the New Jersey Historic Trust in the Department of Community Affairs, and the Division of Travel and Tourism in the Department of State, to develop a common design for roadway signs that indicate a historic site or historic district, which is to include, but not be limited to, an identifiable historic symbol to indicate a historic time period, event, or war that relates to the historic site or historic district. The signs are to be designed, fabricated, located, and installed in accordance with the standards and guidance of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways issued by the Federal Highway Administration. The bill further provides that whenever a State entity replaces an existing roadway sign that indicates a historic district or historic site, the new sign must conform to the common design, fabrication, and location elements required by the bill. | In Committee |
| S1267 | Allows certain breweries to operate off-premises retail salesrooms; permits breweries and wineries to operate joint salesrooms. | This bill allows the holder of a limited brewery license to operate up to 15 salesrooms apart from the brewery premises. Under current law, only wineries that produce 250,000 gallons or less per year have this privilege. Under the bill, limited breweries would be allowed to sell their products in original containers or open containers for consumption on the salesroom premises. In addition, the bill allows wineries to sell their products in open containers on the salesroom premises. Under current law, wineries that operate salesrooms are permitted to offer one and one-half ounce samples and sell their products in original containers for on-premises consumption, but are prohibited from selling wine in open containers. The bill also allows the holder of a limited brewery license and the holder of a winery license who produces 250,000 gallons or less to jointly operate a salesroom on the same premises. Current law prohibits wineries from jointly operating salesrooms with other licensees on the same premises. Under the bill, breweries would be prohibited from jointly operating salesrooms with other breweries; wineries would be prohibited from jointly operating salesrooms with other wineries. | In Committee |
| S1226 | Expands school breakfast program to all schools with five percent or more of students eligible for free or reduced price meals. | This bill requires a public school operated by a local or regional school district of the State in which five percent or more of the students enrolled in the school on or before the last school day before October 16 of the preceding school year were eligible for free or reduced price meals under the federal School Lunch Program or the federal School Breakfast Program to establish a school breakfast program in the school. Under existing State statutes, a school with five percent or more of such eligible students must have a school lunch program; however a school is only required to have a school breakfast program if it has 20 percent or more of such eligible students. The new requirements established by the bill are modeled on the State's existing breakfast program planning and implementation requirements. Specifically, the bill would provide for a school breakfast program to be implemented, by September 1, 2023, in covered schools that provide instruction in Kindergarten through sixth grades, and by September 1, 2024, in covered schools that provide instruction in other grades. An initial program plan for each school is to be submitted to the Department of Agriculture for approval. If a school district fails to submit a plan by the date specified in the bill, the school district will be required to establish a school breakfast program, in each covered school, based on a model plan provided by the department. The bill would authorize a school district to seek and obtain, from the Department of Agriculture, a one-year waiver of the bill's requirements in certain cases. The bill would additionally provide for the State to annually appropriate necessary funds, to the Department of Agriculture, to finance the State's share of costs for the school breakfast programs being established under the bill. | In Committee |
| S1264 | Provides that required instruction on sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention in grades preschool through 12 include content on Internet safety and dangers of online predators. | Current law requires each school district to incorporate age-appropriate sexual abuse and assault awareness and prevention education in grades preschool through 12 as part of the district's implementation of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education. The bill amends this requirement to provide that the required educational content will include, among other subject matter, instruction on Internet safety and the dangers of online predators. The bill also includes the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking among the entities that the Commissioner of Education must consult when providing school districts with age-appropriate sample learning activities and resources in order to effectuate this section of law. | In Committee |
| S1258 | Makes various changes to law governing winery salesrooms. | This bill makes various changes to the law governing winery salesrooms. Specifically, the bill requires applications for winery salesrooms to be processed within 90 days, permits winery licensees to vary certain fees associated with the salesrooms, and permits winery licensees to provide samples of wine and sell wine in any area of a salesroom. Under current law, the holder of a plenary winery license who does not produce more than 250,000 gallons of wine per year and the holder of farm winery license are permitted to sell the licensee's wine in 15 salesrooms apart from the winery premises. In addition, the holder of an out-of-State winery license is permitted to sell the licensee's wine in 16 salesrooms in this State, provided that the licensee does not produce more than 250,000 gallons of wine per year. This bill requires the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to approve or deny a winery salesroom application within 90 days of receipt of the application. In addition, this bill clarifies that the holder of a plenary winery license, a farm winery license, or an out-of-State winery license may vary the restocking fee paid to the owner of a retail store or restaurant where a winery salesroom is located. The restocking fee is for the maintenance and operation of the salesroom and is set at an amount agreed upon by the parties. Currently, under the Alcohol Management Plan for Retail Outlets the restocking fee may only vary based upon the volume of the bottles of wine that the licensee delivers to the salesroom. Under this bill, the fee may vary based upon the price of the wine delivered to the salesroom. Finally, the bill allows plenary winery, farm winery, and out-of-State winery licensees to provide samples of wine and sell wine in original packages in any area of a salesroom, unless otherwise prohibited by federal law. | In Committee |
| S1554 | Requires Higher Education Student Assistance Authority to develop pathway to nursing scholarship for health care workers who want to become nurses; appropriates $1 million. | This bill requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), in consultation with the New Jersey Board of Nursing, to develop a pathway to nursing scholarship program. The purpose of the scholarship program is to address the current and projected critical shortage of nurses in the State by providing an incentive for persons who currently work in the field of healthcare to enter an approved course of study in a nursing education program to ensure that sufficient numbers of trained nursing staff are available to provide quality health care services to the residents of this State. Under the bill, HESAA will award 100 scholarships in the amount of $10,000 each to qualified recipients enrolled in an approved course of study in a nursing education program in the State. To be eligible for the scholarship, an applicant must: be a resident of the State and maintain domicile in the State during participation in the program; currently work in, or have previously worked in, the healthcare industry; be enrolled in an approved course of study concerning nursing instruction at an institution of higher education or at a school of professional nursing; and submit a written statement to the authority detailing the applicant's ongoing commitment to working as a nurse upon completion of an approved course of study concerning nursing instruction at an institution of higher education or at a school of professional nursing. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to HESAA to effectuate the purposes of this act. | In Committee |
| S1269 | Establishes tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services. | This bill establishes a tuition reimbursement program for certain advanced practice nurses who provide home health care services in the State. The program established under this bill will provide reimbursement of a portion of tuition expenses incurred from attending an accredited advanced practice nurse program to advanced practice nurses who agree to provide home health care services in the State for a period of one to four years. A program participant must: be a State resident; be certified by the New Jersey Board of Nursing as an advanced practice nurse; have specialized education or training in providing home health care services; and apply for the program within one year of obtaining certification as an advanced practice nurse. Program participants will enter into a contract with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA) for a specified number of one-year periods of service, up to four years, in which the participant agrees to engage in the full-time practice of providing home health care services in the State. In return for this commitment, a portion of the participant's tuition expenses in attending an accredited advanced practice nurse program will be reimbursed. Tuition reimbursement will equal 25 percent of the participant's eligible tuition expenses for the one academic year of an advanced practice nurse program in which tuition was the lowest, in return for each full year of service under the program. The maximum total tuition reimbursement for a participant for four years of service will be 100 percent of the participant's eligible tuition expenses for the one academic year of an advanced practice nurse program in which tuition was the lowest. Under the bill, participants in the program will be required to adhere to certain terms and standards, including charging for professional services at the usual and customary rates, allowing patients who are unable to pay that charge to pay a reduced rate or receive care at no charge, and not discriminating against any patient on the basis of ability to pay. Participants will also be required to maintain their State residency and certification to practice as an advanced practice nurse, remain current with payments on any student loans, maintain satisfactory performance of services, and report to HESAA on the performance of services rendered prior to receiving tuition reimbursement. | In Committee |
| S1271 | Establishes pilot program to refer certain emergency department patients for development of coordinated behavioral health care treatment and support services plan. | This bill establishes in the Department of Human Services (DHS) a pilot program for the specialized treatment of individuals with behavioral health issues, including, but not limited to, mild-to-moderate mental health issues, emotional disturbances, and substance use disorders. Under the bill, the DHS will be required to select two hospitals in each Regional Health Hub in the State to participate in the pilot program. To the extent possible, the DHS is seek to select hospitals to participate in the pilot program that are not currently affiliated with the Early Intervention Support Services (EISS) program, as well as hospitals that are connected with or demonstrate a plan to connect with the Regional Health Hub's health information network and the New Jersey Health Information Network. Hospitals participating in the pilot program will be required to refer any patient presenting at the hospital's emergency department with a behavioral health issue, including, but not limited to, a mild-to-moderate mental health issue, emotional disturbance, or substance use disorder, which behavioral health issue does not meet the criteria for admission to inpatient care, to appropriate clinical behavioral health treatment and support services as are available in the community. Each designated Regional Health Hub will be required to provide administrative and support services to member hospitals and community-based providers participating in the pilot program to help connect patients to appropriate behavioral health treatment and support services. The Regional Health Hubs are to support hospitals and community-based providers in developing protocols that: 1) are designed to ensure that patients referred to care under the pilot program are provided timely referrals to behavioral health treatment and support services appropriate to the patient's behavioral health and related social services needs, including, but not limited to, the Early Intervention Support Services program, medication-assisted treatment, cash assistance programs, housing assistance programs, and other appropriate services as may be available; and 2) include requirements for timely follow up with patients, transportation coordination services, and assistance in scheduling appointments for primary care services and other appropriate health care services. The Commissioner of Human Services will be required to apply for such State plan amendments or waivers as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the bill and to secure federal financial participation for State Medicaid expenditures under the federal Medicaid program. Subject to the approval of any necessary State plan amendments or waivers, the State Medicaid and NJ FamilyCare programs will be required to provide coverage for behavioral health services provided under the pilot program. The DHS will be required to provide funding, as necessary, to the Regional Health Hubs to support hospitals involved in the pilot program through the funding mechanisms identified in P.L.2019, c.517 (C.30:4D-8.16 et seq.), the law establishing the Regional Health Hub program. | In Committee |
| S1249 | Establishes central registry for background checks of youth serving organization employees and volunteers. | This bill creates the "Youth Serving Organization Central Registry," or "central registry," which would serve as a clearinghouse for the collection and dissemination of information obtained as a result of conducting criminal history record background checks of prospective or current employees or volunteers of youth serving organizations. Currently, the Department of Law and Public Safety acts as a clearinghouse for initiating the collection and dissemination of information obtained as a result of conducting criminal history record background checks pursuant to P.L.1999, c.432 (C.15A:3A-1 et seq.). Under this law, a nonprofit youth serving organization may request, through the department, that the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) in the Division of State Police conduct a criminal history record background check on a prospective or current employee or volunteer of an organization. A person may be disqualified from employment or volunteer positions for certain crimes or offenses: involving danger to a person (such as injuries, assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, or robbery); against the family, children or certain persons (e.g., bigamy); involving theft; or, in certain circumstances, involving controlled dangerous substances. The bill maintains these disqualifiers and requires the Attorney General to adopt regulations concerning uniform disqualification criteria. The central registry is to be established within the department. In order to participate in the central registry, a youth serving organization is required to register with the department and pay the required registration fee. The bill amends current law to provide that the central registry is to request, through the department, that the SBI conduct a criminal history record background check on each prospective and current employee or volunteer of a participating organization. For the purpose of conducting the background check, the division would examine its own files and arrange for a similar examination by federal authorities. The division is to conduct a criminal history record background check only after receiving written consent of a prospective or current employee or volunteer. The prospective or current employee or volunteer would bear the costs associated with conducting criminal history background checks. As is the case under current law, the fee for a criminal history record background check would not exceed the actual cost of conducting that check. Additionally, each current employee or volunteer of a participating organization would have a criminal history record background check conducted at least once every two years. The central registry would retain records indicating the qualification status of each employee or volunteer. Any participating organization could check the status of an employee or a volunteer and inquire about their status by telephone or through a secure website maintained by the department. The division would be required to inform a participating organization whether the person's initial or subsequent criminal history record background check reveals a conviction of a disqualifying crime or offense. The central registry status records would then be updated to reflect the disqualifying crime or offense on the record of any prospective or current employee or volunteer. Finally, the bill revises the definition of a "youth serving organization" to mean a sports team, league, athletic association, or any other corporation, association or other organization, excluding public and nonpublic schools, which provides recreational, educational, cultural, charitable, social or other activities or services for persons under 18 years of age. An organization would not need to be nonprofit to be eligible to participate. | In Committee |
| S888 | 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 |
| S4708 | Increases flexibility, clarity, and available tools of certain municipal consolidation processes. | Increases flexibility, clarity, and available tools of certain municipal consolidation processes. | Introduced |
| S4707 | Directs DHS to establish Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program. | Directs DHS to establish Children's Partial Hospitalization Pilot Program. | Introduced |
| S4704 | Authorizes regional authority to develop and operate regional rehabilitation and reentry center. | Authorizes regional authority to develop and operate regional rehabilitation and reentry center. | Introduced |
| Bill | Bill Name | Motion | Vote Date | Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S1636 | Changes MVC voter registration procedures. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2167 | Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S317 | Revises "Athletic Training Licensure Act." | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2019 | Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S862 | Requires DOT to provide additional information in annual report on pavement condition; makes report available to public. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2051 | Requires law enforcement officer to conduct risk assessment of and provide assistance to domestic violence victims. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1403 | Requires employer or contractor engaged in work for public body to submit payroll records to DOLWD. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1320 | Requires certain information be included in certain contracts with licensed public adjusters. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S1067 | Directs DHS to conduct landscape analysis of available mental health services. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A2929 | Requires disclosure of lead drinking water hazards to tenants of residential units; prohibits landlords from obstructing replacement of lead service lines; concerns testing of certain property for lead drinking water hazards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3323 | Requires pay for extracurricular activities to be included in compensation for TPAF purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3361 | Establishes limit on rent increase for certain dwelling sites for modular or industrialized buildings or manufactured homes. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3128 | Authorizes HMFA to use certain tax credits; directs HMFA to conduct tax credit auctions to provide financial assistance for certain housing purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1948 | Requires VCCO to issue annual report to Governor and Legislature. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A1682 | Requires State Board of Education to adopt New Jersey Student Learning Standards pertaining to labor movement; requires school districts to provide instruction on labor movement. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2346 | Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $5 million. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2373 | Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3424 | Establishes certain program requirements for school counselor certification; outlines role and duties of school counselor; requires professional development for school counselors; establishes position of School Counselor Liaison in DOE. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3518 | Requires MVC to create digital driver's licenses and digital non-driver identification cards. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2783 | "Travel Insurance Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A3802 | Differentiates certain legal services from traditional insurance products. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR96 | Permanently designates August 17th as "Nonprofit Day" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2951 | Authorizes provision of monetary awards to whistleblowers who report State tax law violations committed by employers in construction industry. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S2961 | Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SJR100 | Designates July of each year as "Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month" in NJ. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4085 | Allows for natural organic reduction and controlled supervised decomposition of human remains. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3041 | Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4178 | Authorizes State Treasurer to grant temporary deed of easement in Borough of Sea Girt in Monmouth County. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3132 | Imposes certain requirements on secondhand dealers of cellular telephones and wireless communication devices. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3189 | Makes various changes to "New Jersey Angel Investor Tax Credit Act" and Technology Business Tax Certificate Transfer Program; repeals "New Jersey Ignite Act." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4331 | Establishes licensure for cosmetic retail services. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4429 | Expands prohibitions on employers concerning requirements for employees to attend or listen to communications related to political matters. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3287 | Provides gross income tax deduction for amounts paid to taxpayers for sale of certain real property interests for conservation purposes. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3309 | Establishes "Motor Vehicle Open Recall Notice and Fair Compensation Act"; revises motor vehicle franchise agreements. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4455 | Allows exemption from New Jersey gross income of certain capital gains from sale or exchange of qualified small business stock. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3418 | Authorizes certain types of permanent structures, recently constructed or erected on preserved farmland, to be used, in certain cases, for purposes of holding special occasion events thereon. | Senate Floor: Concur Governor Recommendations | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4603 | Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act". | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4712 | Establishes Office of Veteran Advocate and ombudsman for DMVA; appropriates funds. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4765 | Requires driver education and testing on responsibilities when approaching and passing pedestrians and persons operating bicycles and personal conveyances; requires driver's manual to include information on sharing roadway with motorists for certain road users. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3618 | Directs DEP and DOT to establish "Wildlife Corridor Action Plan." | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4897 | Revises law requiring certain student identification cards to contain telephone number for suicide prevention hotline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3711 | Makes annual allocation of $500,000 from Clean Communities Program Fund for public outreach concerning single-use plastics reduction program permanent. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3776 | Establishes Chronic Absenteeism Task Force. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4937 | Concerns satellite cannabis dispensaries, Cannabis Regulatory Commission membership, and post-employment restrictions on State employees. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4954 | Requires members of historic preservation commissions to complete historic preservation planning course. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4971 | Requires EDA to provide grants to certain small businesses affected by State infrastructure and construction projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A4969 | Ensures boards of elections have discretion to make initial determination of validity of cast ballots; requires Secretary of State to establish uniform guidelines for assessing validity of ballots. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3858 | Requires school bus personnel members to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires certain school buses transportating students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features; makes appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3887 | Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-and county-owned lakes and reservoirs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5049 | Removes certain limitations on receipt of retirement or death benefits under PFRS under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3910 | Makes various changes to provision of preschool aid and facilities requirements; establishes Universal Preschool Implementation Steering Committee; requires full-day kindergarten in all school districts. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3917 | Makes various changes to school funding law and Educational Adequacy Report; establishes Special Education Funding Review Task Force. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3931 | Updates requirements for licensure in occupational therapy. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3933 | Establishes School Supervisor Mentorship Pilot Program; appropriates $500,000. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3944 | Provides that certain non-profit corporation alcoholic beverage theater licensees include disregarded entities of such corporations; allows certain community theaters to sell alcoholic beverages. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5100 | Re-appropriates unexpended balance of FY2024 appropriation for Town of West New York to support recreation center; appropriates $3 million for Town of West New York - Recreation Center to restore lapsed FY2024 funding. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5130 | Requires enforcing agency to conduct inspection of construction in specified time window. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S3982 | Requires certain information be provided to parent at least two business days prior to annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) team meeting; establishes IEP Improvement Working Group in DOE. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5170 | Requires State to purchase certain unused tax credits issued under New Jersey Economic Recovery Act of 2020. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4028 | Limits amount of payment that State agency as property owner may withhold from certain contractors on State construction contracts to two percent of amount due. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5199 | Requires resident and fellow physicians employed by Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, who are eligible for coverage in SHBP, to be eligible to enroll and receive health insurance on first day of employment. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5267 | Requires BPU to procure and incentivize transmission-scale energy storage. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5264 | Requires establishment of automated platform to expedite construction code approval of applications to install residential solar energy systems. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4122 | Revises apportionment of State lottery contributions. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4135 | Provides allowance for certain redevelopment projects undertaken by institutions of higher education under New Jersey Aspire program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5309 | Permits up to three credits of continuing medical education on menopause to be used by advanced practice nurses and physicians for license renewal. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5378 | Modifies provisions of Cultural Arts Incentives Program, New Jersey Aspire Program, and Grow New Jersey Program; eliminates Community-Anchored Development Program. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5381 | Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4263 | Revises certain provisions concerning, and establishes certain education and data reporting requirements related to, involuntary commitment. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5447 | Prohibits sweepstakes model of wagering; establishes new penalties for unlawful gambling operations and practices; directs Division of Consumer Affairs and Division of Gaming Enforcement to enforce penalties. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5463 | Requires electric public utilities to submit annual report on voting to BPU. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Reconsidered Vote | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in House Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4293 | Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5563 | Establishes "Summer Termination Program" for certain utility customers. | Senate Floor: Amend | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5546 | Concerns financial powers and responsibilities of Capital City Redevelopment Corporation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4376 | Establishes Department of Veterans Affairs. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5687 | Establishes Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program to incentivize in-State manufacturing investments and job creation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| A5688 | Imposes surcharge on hotel occupancies in certain municipalities to fund fire services; provides for appropriation. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4426 | Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects in FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4467 | Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2026. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4451 | Clarifies requirements for land use plan element and housing plan element of municipal master plan. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| SCR131 | Approves FY2026 Financial Plan of NJ Infrastructure Bank. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4400 | Extends hours that minor employed by national sports association, league, or team may work under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4387 | Requires establishment of tracking system in Division of Consumer Affairs to determine compliance with continuing education requirements. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4423 | Authorizes BPU to provide site approval for small modular reactors; authorizes operators of small modular reactors to store spent nuclear fuel on-site. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4476 | Permits awarding of contracts for certain preschool education services by resolution of board of education; extends maximum length of preschool education services contracts to three years. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4472 | Eliminates five percent down payment requirement for local bond ordinances involving hazard mitigation and resilience projects. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4506 | Exempts minor league baseball players from certain State wage laws under certain circumstances. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Third Reading - Final Passage | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| S4530 | Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets. | Senate Floor: Concur in Assembly Amendments | 06/30/2025 | Yea |
| Committee | Position | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detail | New Jersey Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee | Chair | 1 |
| State | District | Chamber | Party | Status | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NJ | District 6 | Senate | Democrat | In Office | 01/03/2009 |