New Jersey's S 1221, the "Protecting Against Forever Chemicals Act," bans intentionally added PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, nicknamed "forever chemicals") in certain consumer products. Beginning two years after the law takes effect, it prohibits selling cosmetics containing PFAS (except for unavoidable trace impurities) and requires cookware manufacturers to inform consumers if PFAS is present. The law directly affects cosmetic brands, cookware producers, and retailers selling these items within the state. It also mandates state-funded research and educational programs about PFAS exposure risks. The bill aims to reduce human exposure to these chemicals, which accumulate in the environment and have been linked to health issues like cancer and developmental problems.
S 1787 requires New Jersey's Attorney General to review and update the statewide use-of-force policy every even-numbered year (or sooner if needed), ensuring it prioritizes de-escalation, limits force to what's necessary and proportional, and treats deadly force as a last resort. It mandates public reporting of all law enforcement use-of-force incidents through a publicly accessible online database and establishes specific protocols for handling barricaded persons - especially those in mental health crises - requiring crisis intervention training for officers. The bill also requires the Police Training Commission to include barricaded-person response training in all officer basic courses. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.243.
This bill (S 190) establishes safety requirements for railroads transporting hazardous materials in New Jersey. It directly affects railroad companies operating "dangerous hazardous trains" - defined as trains carrying large volumes of petroleum (200,000+ gallons) or hazardous substances (20,000+ gallons), including specific chemicals like anhydrous ammonia or flammable liquids. Key provisions require a minimum of two crew members on these trains (with limited exceptions for maintenance or tourist operations), and prohibit trains exceeding 8,500 feet in length on main or branch rail lines. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.300, meaning these safety rules are now law.
This bill requires construction contractors to pay fees under the State Uniform Construction Code using electronic methods, such as credit cards or online transfers, when entering into contracts. It also mandates that local governments (like cities and counties) establish a system for accepting these electronic payments by passing a resolution. The bill applies specifically to fees required by the State Uniform Construction Code Act. Local units must set up the payment system for construction code fees but cannot use credit cards for overdue payments or liens.
S 749 is a procedural bill that would have amended the list of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding under New Jersey's FY2026 environmental infrastructure program. It detailed how funds from multiple state revolving funds (like the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund) would be allocated to support clean water and drinking water projects, aligning with federal requirements under the Clean Water Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because it was superseded by an already-enacted bill (P.L.2025, c.182), meaning it did not become law. It directly affected the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) by modifying funding mechanisms for environmental infrastructure projects.
This bill (S 2780) appropriates $45 million from New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for disaster recovery construction projects. The Commission must repay the full $45 million to the state Treasury regardless of whether it receives federal funding for these projects, as required by a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because the funding was already approved under another bill (P.L.2025, c.318). It does not change existing laws but provides supplemental funding for specific park infrastructure recovery work.
This bill (S 181) allows juveniles aged 14 or older charged with certain offenses to request, with court approval, to be tried as adults in criminal court instead of juvenile court. It requires a hearing to ensure juveniles understand the differences in sentencing and consequences before making this choice. If approved, the case proceeds under adult sentencing rules, but with a presumption that any custodial sentence is served in a juvenile facility until age 21, with limited exceptions for safety or age 21+. The bill also permits a later transfer back to juvenile court with consent if it serves the juvenile's best interests or public safety. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved as part of P.L.2025, c.368.
SJR 41 is a symbolic resolution designating March 9 each year as "U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day" in New Jersey. It honors Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained, including Robert A. Levinson (abducted March 9, 2007, and the longest-held U.S. hostage at 18 years), and commemorates events like the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. The resolution requests the Governor to annually display the "Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag" at the State Capitol and encourage local governments to do the same on March 9 and other designated dates (e.g., August 19 for James Foley, October 7 for Hamas-related hostages). This is a non-binding recognition measure with no new policy or funding changes.
This New Jersey bill (S 3002) strengthens oversight of residential facilities serving people with developmental disabilities. It creates a "Residential Facility Quality of Care Improvement Fund" within the Department of Human Services (DHS) to support quality improvements, while establishing new penalties for providers who violate safety and staffing rules. Key provisions include increased fines (up to $25,000 per incident) for administrative neglect causing injury, failure to conduct background checks, or not reporting abuse/neglect, and requiring timely internal investigations. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was incorporated into enacted law (P.L.2025, c.280).
S 3004 establishes the "Disability Mortality and Abuse Prevention Advisory Committee" within New Jersey's Department of Human Services to address cases involving adults (18+) with intellectual or developmental disabilities who have experienced abuse, neglect, exploitation, or died. The committee, composed of 13 diverse members including medical professionals, family members, providers, and advocates, will review select cases over two years to evaluate government system responses, identify prevention gaps, and recommend improvements to reporting and accountability processes. It will analyze factors contributing to incidents, assess investigative standards, and submit confidential findings to the Departments of Human Services and Children and Families. The bill was introduced in 2026 but withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.282.
This bill requires all plastic construction materials (over 50% plastic by cost) used in State-funded projects by government entities (state, county, or municipal) to contain at least 10% postconsumer recycled content for two years after enactment, increasing to 15% thereafter. It exempts projects if compliant materials would raise costs by 25% or aren’t available in needed quantities. The bill applies to materials like pipes, panels, or insulation incorporated into construction projects. Note: This bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was approved in P.L.2025, c.308.
S 2185 establishes the New Jersey Innovation Authority, a new state agency within the Department of the Treasury focused on modernizing government technology. The Authority will be governed by a 13-member board (including four state officials and nine public members appointed by the Governor with tech expertise) and will develop digital solutions to improve public services. It can hire staff without civil service restrictions and must undergo a 10-day Governor review period before implementing decisions. This bill directly affects state agencies seeking to streamline services and benefits the public through more efficient digital government interactions.
