This bill (A 1529) prohibits the sale, distribution, import, export, or propagation of specific invasive plant species in New Jersey without a permit from the Department of Agriculture. It directly affects nurseries, gardeners, landscapers, and importers who handle the listed species, including common invasive plants like Japanese barberry, English ivy, and purple loosestrife. Key provisions establish a phased ban: propagation becomes restricted 13 months after the law takes effect, and sales/distribution restrictions begin 49 months later, with permits required for exceptions. The bill also creates the NJ Invasive Species Council to advise on species listings and includes exemptions for certain cultivars like NCMS1 silvergrass, which must still carry educational labels. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.290, meaning it has become law under a different bill number.
This bill clarifies New Jersey's child custody procedures by requiring courts to prioritize a child's expressed preferences (when age-appropriate) and consider recommendations from the child's licensed mental health professional when making custody decisions. It also imposes strict conditions before courts can order "reunification therapy" (family therapy to reconnect estranged parents and children), requiring scientific evidence of its safety and effectiveness, plus the child's willingness to participate. The bill affects courts, parents, and children in contested custody cases by mandating specific record-keeping for custody arrangements not agreed upon by parents and adding weight to the child's voice. It does not change existing custody factors but refines how courts must weigh certain considerations.
This bill (A-2397) requires all New Jersey public colleges and universities to create campus food waste reduction programs. It mandates redirecting unused food from dining halls, events, and facilities to local food security programs (like pantries and shelters) while meeting food safety standards. Institutions must annually report their contributions to food security programs to the Governor and Legislature, with reports posted online. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.309, meaning it is now law.
This bill requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use-of-force policy every even-numbered year, ensuring it prioritizes de-escalation, limits force to necessary and proportional measures (with deadly force as a last resort), and includes officer duties like intervention and reporting. It mandates three public hearings across the state to gather community input and requires all law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the State Police to receive the revised policy. The bill also establishes a public online reporting system for use-of-force incidents, compiling data under open records laws for public access. Additionally, it sets detailed guidelines for handling barricaded individuals - emphasizing mental health crisis protocols and de-escalation - and mandates training for law enforcement on these procedures.
This bill amends New Jersey's law banning PFAS in firefighting foam to extend use for specific facilities. Fixed foam system owners (for class B fires) may continue using PFAS foam until four years after the original law's effective date, and oil refineries may use it for large tank fire suppression until eight years after that date. Both extensions require annual reporting on foam use, containment measures to prevent environmental release, and detailed transition plans to PFAS-free alternatives. Refineries can apply for up to two-year waivers beyond the eight-year period if they prove no commercially available PFAS-free alternatives exist for their specific fire suppression needs.
Bill A 451 establishes a three-year pilot program to strengthen collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational schools in New Jersey. The pilot, implemented in three areas, requires joint development of workforce training programs with industry credentials, coordinated marketing, and integrated funding planning to better serve job seekers. Community colleges and vocational schools are designated as the primary providers for workforce training and adult literacy programs under this initiative. The State Employment and Training Commission must annually report on outcomes like employment rates and credential attainment, and develop a plan for statewide expansion. The program is funded through state and federal resources and expires after three years.
This bill eliminates a $15 fee for special license plates designated for firefighters and first aid/rescue squad members in New Jersey. Currently, these emergency service members pay an additional $15 fee on top of standard vehicle registration costs to obtain the plates. The bill would allow eligible volunteer, part-time, and paid members of fire departments or first aid/rescue squads to receive these plates at no extra cost (only standard registration fees would apply). It requires annual renewal with proof of continued membership and was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.354.
This bill allocates $45 million from the Transportation Trust Fund to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for disaster recovery construction projects. It requires the Commission to repay any federal reimbursements received for these projects to the state treasury. The funding is supplemental to the 2026 budget and mandates a memorandum of understanding between the Environmental Protection Commissioner, the Park Commission, and other relevant agencies for oversight.
New Jersey's bill A 1391 would enter the state into the Interstate Physician Assistant Licensure Compact, allowing physician assistants (PAs) licensed in participating states to practice in New Jersey without obtaining a separate license. Under the compact, PAs with an unrestricted license in good standing from another participating state would receive a "Compact Privilege" to provide medical services in New Jersey while adhering to New Jersey's laws during patient encounters. The compact requires participating states to share license and disciplinary information through a centralized data system and includes a provision to ease licensing for military families by allowing them to use their home state license. This change would directly affect PAs seeking cross-state practice, particularly those near state borders or in military communities, and aims to improve access to medical services in underserved areas.
This bill extends the Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act by five years, directly affecting municipalities designated as "in need of stabilization and recovery" under the existing law. It modifies the timeline for recovery plans, changing the maximum period from 109 months to 169 months after a municipality is designated. The key mechanism requires these municipalities to create and implement 14-year recovery plans focused on balancing budgets, repaying debts (including pension obligations), and ensuring timely tax payments to counties and school districts. The extension provides additional time for financially distressed municipalities to achieve fiscal stability through structured planning. (Note: The bill was withdrawn as it was already enacted as P.L.2025, c.324.)
New Jersey's A 1399 (now law as P.L.2025, c.255) creates a new criminal offense for possessing digital instructions that enable illegal firearm manufacturing. The law specifically targets digital files, guides, or plans that could be used to make firearms or components without authorization. It directly affects individuals who access or share such digital materials, making it a crime separate from actually manufacturing firearms. This provision adds to New Jersey's existing firearm laws by addressing the digital means of circumventing manufacturing restrictions. The law became effective upon enactment and does not change penalties for actual illegal firearm production.
Bill A 2338 required public transportation employees, motorbus operators, hotel/motel staff, healthcare facility workers, and judicial personnel to complete one-time training on recognizing human trafficking signs and responding appropriately. The training, mandated as a condition for license renewals or employment, must include specific content about victim signals observed in public spaces and be reviewed biennially. It applied directly to licensed entities like hotels, healthcare facilities, and transit operators, with enforcement handled by the Department of Community Affairs and Department of Health. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as P.L.2025, c.343.
