This New Jersey bill allows landowners of preserved farms to build and operate biomass, solar, or wind energy facilities without needing prior approval from the State Agricultural Development Committee (SADC). The legislation permits these projects on both preserved and non-preserved parts of the farm, provided they do not significantly interfere with agricultural production and are owned or eventually owned by the landowner. Key restrictions limit the energy generation capacity to the farm's previous year's demand plus 10 percent or one percent of the total farm area, and require that any energy sold be done through net metering. While the bill removes the need for initial SADC approval for the entire project, it still mandates a review process specifically for facilities located on the preserved portion of the farm to ensure compliance with agricultural and environmental standards.
This bill directs the New Jersey Legislature to annually allocate $9.6 million from the State General Fund to the Trust Fund for the Support of Public Broadcasting starting in fiscal year 2026. The funding is intended to support the operations of New Jersey Public Broadcasting, which has managed public television and radio services since 2011. The appropriation replaces potential interest earnings that would have accrued if earlier asset sale proceeds had been deposited in the trust fund as originally planned. This change ensures ongoing financial support for public broadcasting without altering existing operational structures or responsibilities.
This New Jersey bill prohibits the use of glyphosate herbicide on all state and county-owned properties. It allows for limited exceptions, such as when there is no risk of human exposure and no other practical alternatives exist, or when the herbicide is needed to maintain critical infrastructure, ensure public safety, manage habitats, control invasive species, or support specific research. To enforce this rule, the Department of Environmental Protection must create regulations outlining permitted uses and maintain a public online record of any glyphosate applications that occur under these exceptions.
This bill directs New Jersey's Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to update the financial need requirements that determine how much clients must pay for certain vocational rehabilitation services. Specifically, it mandates an initial review within one year and requires annual adjustments to income and asset thresholds for services related to postsecondary education, credential attainment, and career training. The commissioner must also submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing these standards and any proposed changes. These updates aim to ensure that the cost-sharing rules for eligible individuals with disabilities remain current without altering existing eligibility criteria or affecting other services.
This bill creates a new Second Chance Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development to help people who have been released from prison find jobs. The program will work directly with labor unions to identify job openings and create plans for hiring formerly incarcerated individuals. By partnering with these organizations, the initiative aims to provide stable career paths and reduce the likelihood of re-offending. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires law enforcement to seize ammunition and specific firearm components when issuing domestic violence restraining orders or following certain firearm-related convictions. The legislation directly impacts individuals subject to these legal orders by mandating the removal of their remaining ammunition and parts to prevent future access to weapons. Key provisions define terms like "firearm" and "destructive device" while establishing the legal framework for confiscating these items during court proceedings. The bill aims to enhance public safety by ensuring that ammunition and critical parts are taken away whenever a person is legally restricted from owning a firearm.
This bill mandates that New Jersey's state health insurance programs, including SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare, must cover education services for patients with kidney disease who need dialysis or a transplant. The legislation requires the Department of Health to create specific guidelines for these services, which involve verbal counseling on managing related health conditions, preventing complications, and understanding treatment options like different types of dialysis or transplantation. Under the plan, patients would receive this information before their appointments to help them actively participate in choosing their treatment path. The coverage for the NJ FamilyCare program is specifically noted as dependent on receiving approval from the federal government.
This bill requires stores authorized to accept SNAP benefits in New Jersey to install security features on their payment terminals to prevent card skimming, a fraud method that steals data from payment cards. Starting in January 2027, the state Department of Human Services will have the power to inspect these retailers to ensure they are following the new safety rules. If a store violates the law, it faces fines ranging from $1,000 for a first offense up to $5,000 for each subsequent violation, and a retailer could be banned from the SNAP program after four or more infractions.
This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Agriculture to allow milk dealer license applications to be submitted electronically through its website. Currently, applicants must print a form, fill it out, and mail it in, but this change would let them submit their applications online. The law would take effect two years after it is passed. It directly affects businesses that want to sell milk and simplifies the application process for both dealers and the state agency.
This New Jersey bill requires the probation division to notify victims or the nearest relatives of homicide victims when a defendant's probation or suspended sentence is modified to shorten its duration or when the defendant is discharged. The law applies specifically to individuals convicted of homicide and ensures they receive updates regarding changes that affect the length of their supervision or the end of their sentence. By mandating these notifications, the legislation aims to keep affected parties informed about significant developments in the case without altering the existing rules for other types of crimes. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill sets new minimum requirements for anyone appointed as New Jersey's Attorney General. To qualify, a candidate must be at least 30 years old, a U.S. citizen for 20 years, and a resident of the state for seven years immediately before appointment. Additionally, the individual must have been a licensed attorney in New Jersey for 10 years, with at least seven of those years spent actively working as a lawyer, judge, or law professor in the state. These rules apply to all future appointments made by the Governor with Senate approval.
This New Jersey bill requires school districts receiving specific preschool grants to partner with licensed child care providers and Head Start programs to offer free preschool services. The law limits the number of preschool classrooms a district can operate in a single building to two, with any additional spots provided through these community partnerships. Districts must use a competitive bidding process to select partners and must meet high-quality standards set by the Department of Education. The bill also directs the state to provide technical assistance and funding to help these providers meet quality requirements, with priority given to those in underserved areas.
