New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4994: Modifies definition of "aquaculture" throughout State law to include construction of facilities and appurtenant structures.

This bill amends New Jersey state law to clarify that the term "aquaculture" includes the construction of facilities and related structures needed to support the industry. By updating definitions in two existing statutes, the legislation ensures that infrastructure projects for raising aquatic organisms are formally recognized as part of aquaculture activities. The changes directly affect aquaculturists, developers, and regulatory agencies by aligning legal definitions with the physical realities of building and maintaining aquaculture operations.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4974: Provides 10-year sales and use tax exemption for sales of materials, supplies, and services for certain energy infrastructure projects.

This bill proposes a ten-year exemption from sales and use taxes for materials, supplies, and services used exclusively in specific energy infrastructure projects in New Jersey. The exemption directly benefits contractors, subcontractors, and repairmen working on new energy generation facilities or major improvements to existing ones, including the construction of new energy storage systems. By removing the tax burden on these purchases, the legislation aims to lower costs for building or upgrading power generation and storage capabilities. The tax relief would apply starting the year after the bill is enacted and would remain in effect for a decade.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5015: Makes various changes to regulation of health care service firms.

This bill expands the definition of Health Care Service Firms in New Jersey to include any agency that refers individuals to provide companion, health care, or personal care services in the homes of people with disabilities or those aged 60 and older. Under the new rules, these firms must register with the Division of Consumer Affairs and obtain accreditation from a recognized body within 12 months of registration. Additionally, the legislation requires larger firms to submit annual financial statements and periodic audits or third-party reports based on their revenue and Medicaid funding levels. These changes aim to increase oversight and transparency for a broader range of organizations serving elderly and disabled residents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4939: Establishes Recovery Housing Assistance Program in DCA; appropriates $5 million.

This bill creates the Recovery Housing Assistance Program in New Jersey to assist individuals recovering from substance use disorders with stable, temporary housing and related support services. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs in collaboration with the Department of Human Services, the program provides up to 12 months of transitional housing, substance use support, workforce development, and help securing permanent housing, with priority given to those recently discharged from inpatient treatment or involved in the criminal justice system. The legislation establishes a dedicated fund and appropriates $5 million from the General Finance to cover operational costs, rental assistance, and other program expenses. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Community Affairs adopt necessary rules and submit annual reports on program performance to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

AJR 180: Designates first Friday of May of each year as "NJ's Unplug Day."

This bill designates the first Friday of May each year as "NJ's Unplug Day" to encourage residents to reduce their use of electronic devices. The resolution asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation inviting public officials, organizations, and citizens to participate by limiting screen time and engaging in alternative activities like reading or spending time with family. While the bill does not impose legal restrictions, it aims to raise awareness about the benefits of disconnecting from phones, computers, and other digital media for mental health and social well-being.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4904: Requires county and municipal clerks to publish unofficial list of all persons who filed nominating petitions for primary election within five hours of deadline to file nominating petitions.

This bill requires county and municipal clerks in New Jersey to post an unofficial list of candidates who have submitted nominating petitions for primary elections. The clerks must publish this list on their official websites within five hours after the petition filing deadline expires. This change directly affects election officials and voters, ensuring that information about who is running is available shortly after the filing period closes. The law does not change the rules for who can run or how votes are counted, but it adds a specific timeline for making candidate names public online.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4888: Establishes provisions for use of applicant and student criminal history at institution of higher education and degree-granting proprietary institution.

This New Jersey bill restricts colleges and private degree-granting schools from asking about criminal history on standard admission applications, except for specific serious offenses like homicide, sexual assault, and child exploitation. While applicants cannot be asked about most crimes upfront, schools are allowed to check criminal records after accepting a student and can deny admission only for the listed serious offenses. The law also requires schools to consider factors like the time passed since the crime and evidence of rehabilitation when making decisions, and it explicitly excludes expunged records from consideration.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4992: Requires franchise agreement for sale of all-terrain vehicles and certain watercraft.

This bill expands New Jersey's existing Motor Vehicle Franchise Act to require formal franchise agreements for the retail sale of all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, and recreational boats. Currently, independent dealers often sell these items through simple sales agreements, but the new law mandates that retailers must operate under a structured franchise arrangement with the manufacturer or distributor. The legislation defines specific terms for these vehicles and watercraft to ensure clarity in how the franchise rules apply to them. Once enacted, the Motor Vehicle Commission will be responsible for creating the necessary rules and regulations to implement these changes.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

AJR 179: Designates April 11 of each year as "World Parkinson's Day" in NJ.

This bill designates April 11 of each year as "World Parkinson's Day" in New Jersey to raise awareness about Parkinson's Disease. The resolution requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging communities and organizations to observe the day, potentially by lighting landmarks in blue. It directly affects residents, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and advocacy groups by formally recognizing the impact of the disease and promoting public engagement. The measure does not allocate funding or change laws but serves as a symbolic gesture to honor those living with the condition and support ongoing research efforts.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4983: Provides county vocational school districts with authority to choose name in manner that more accurately reflects mission.

This bill allows county vocational school districts in New Jersey to choose their own names to better reflect their modern educational missions. It grants the local board of education the authority to rename these districts, overriding previous legal restrictions that limited their naming options. The legislation ensures that any official reference to these schools will recognize them by their new chosen names, regardless of past designations like "institutes of technology" or "trade schools." By updating the legal framework, the bill aims to align the official titles of these institutions with the diverse career and technical programs they currently offer.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4893: Establishes the "Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act."

This bill establishes the "Safe and Sanitary Rental Housing Act" to strengthen landlord accountability and improve living conditions for tenants in New Jersey. It requires landlords to register with local authorities or the state housing department within 30 days, providing detailed contact information for maintenance staff and emergency responders. Additionally, the law prevents courts from evicting tenants unless the landlord has been properly registered for at least 90 days and mandates that rental subsidies be withheld until housing violations are fixed. These measures aim to ensure that rental properties meet minimum safety and sanitation standards while making it easier for tenants to reach responsible parties during emergencies.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 5005: Prohibits undocumented student from receiving Tuition Aid Grant and Summer Tuition Aid Grant.

This bill prohibits undocumented students in New Jersey from receiving the State Tuition Aid Grant and Summer Tuition Aid Grant. While it maintains eligibility for other financial aid programs permitted by federal law, it specifically bars access to these two state-funded grants for students without lawful immigration status. The legislation requires the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority and the Secretary of Higher Education to update application procedures to verify citizenship or eligible noncitizen status before awarding these specific grants.

Topics ✗ Education ✗ Immigration

Bill results