New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3970: Requires benefits under certain State property tax relief programs to be provided as credits and requires tabulation of credits and deductions be included on property tax bills.

This bill requires that benefits from New Jersey's Anchor, homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ property tax relief programs be applied as credits directly on property tax bills rather than as separate payments. It affects homeowners and residents of cooperatives, mutual housing corporations, and continuing care retirement communities who qualify for these state tax relief programs. The legislation mandates that property tax bills clearly display all credits and deductions, and it updates payment schedules to ensure credits are distributed quarterly or on a rolling monthly basis depending on when applications are submitted. Housing entities receiving credits on behalf of residents must pass these amounts as credits against charges for the resident's share of property taxes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4741: Restricts use of certain artificial intelligence generated communications in election campaigns.

This bill restricts the use of artificial intelligence-generated communications in New Jersey election campaigns by political committees and other groups. It prohibits AI-created political messages from being published within 90 days before an election, requires clear labeling when AI is used in any campaign communication, and bans deceptive AI media that falsely portrays an opposing candidate in a fraudulent or defamatory manner. Violations of these rules would be classified as a fourth-degree crime, punishable by up to 18 months in prison or a fine of up to $10,000. The Election Law Enforcement Commission is authorized to create implementing regulations for the law.

Topics ✗ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4017: Requires DOH to purchase xylazine test strips to be distributed to entities that provide authorized harm reduction services; makes appropriation.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create a program that buys and distributes xylazine test strips to organizations authorized to provide harm reduction services. The Department will manage bulk purchases, distribute the strips upon request from these organizations, and maintain a website to inform the public about xylazine and where to access the test strips. The program will be funded through available federal funds and state appropriations from the General Fund. This legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4782: Clarifies crime of unlawful access concerning certain password protected communications in electronic storage.

This bill amends New Jersey's wiretapping statute to clarify criminal liability for unauthorized access to password-protected electronic communications, such as email accounts. It establishes that accessing a communication protected by a password without knowing and inputting that password, or without consent from at least one party, constitutes a crime. The bill creates two tiers of offenses: a fourth-degree crime for unauthorized access, and a third-degree crime if the access was motivated by commercial advantage, gain, or malicious destruction. This change removes any implied consent defense for individuals who access communications left unprotected because a user failed to log out properly.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SJR 131: Designating fourth Wednesday in May of each year as "Crisis Professionals Day."

This bill designates the fourth Wednesday in May each year as "Crisis Professionals Day" in New Jersey to honor the work of crisis professionals who support individuals experiencing mental health or behavioral health emergencies. The resolution requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day and encouraging public officials and citizens to observe it with appropriate activities and programs. This measure does not create new funding, change existing laws, or alter the duties of crisis professionals; it serves solely as a symbolic recognition of their role in providing behavioral health services and supporting vulnerable New Jersey residents.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SJR 132: Designates third full week in April of each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in New Jersey.

This bill designates the third full week in April each year as "Infertility Awareness Week" in New Jersey. It directly affects couples, healthcare providers, and public officials by establishing an official state-recognized period to raise awareness about infertility. The key provision requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs. The resolution aims to reduce stigma and increase empathy toward those facing fertility challenges, though it does not create new laws or funding.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4015: Requires DHS to establish quality-based reimbursement system for registered family child care providers participating in Grow NJ Kids.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Human Services to create a quality-based reimbursement system for family child care providers participating in the Grow NJ Kids program. Under the proposed changes, providers who achieve higher quality ratings through the Grow NJ Kids quality rating system would receive increased state subsidies, matching the percentage increases given to center-based child care providers with the same ratings. The legislation aims to incentivize family child care homes to improve their services by offering financial rewards tied to measurable quality metrics. This policy applies specifically to registered family child care providers who currently participate in the state's subsidized child care assistance program.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4747: Expands category of nonresident children who school district may enroll without payment of tuition.

This bill expands the category of nonresident children that New Jersey school districts may enroll without requiring tuition payments. The legislation amends existing state laws to clarify which out-of-state students qualify for free enrollment in local public schools. By modifying the legal definitions and enrollment criteria, the bill allows districts to admit more nonresident students at no cost to the families. The changes directly affect school district administrators, enrollment officers, and families of nonresident children seeking education in New Jersey.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 3997: Amends statute that criminalizes display of symbols, objects, or graffiti exposing another to threats of violence to specifically include noose, burning cross, or other symbol of hate.

This bill amends New Jersey hate crime laws to explicitly include nooses, burning crosses, and other symbols of hate as criminal threats of violence. It directly affects individuals who place such symbols on private property, expanding the existing statute that already criminalizes graffiti and objects intended to threaten bodily harm. The legislation clarifies that displaying these specific hate symbols constitutes a third-degree crime when placed on private property and a fourth-degree crime when damaging religious, educational, residential, or assembly spaces. In addition to potential jail time or fines, convicted individuals may be required to pay restitution or perform community service to remove the graffiti. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4027: Clarifies DHS authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities; requires background checks and other protections for residents of residential substance abuse facilities.

This bill clarifies the New Jersey Department of Human Services' authority to regulate sober living homes and halfway houses as residential substance abuse aftercare facilities. It requires background checks and other safety protections for residents of these facilities to ensure safer living environments for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. The legislation also mandates that the department maintain and publish a public list of all regulated facilities and notify law enforcement agencies of their locations and capacities. By updating existing state laws, the bill aims to standardize oversight and improve accountability for residential treatment facilities across the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4008: Requires certain school districts to partner with union apprenticeship programs for development of career exploration program.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts with high schools to partner with local labor union apprenticeship programs to create career exploration programs for 11th and 12th grade students. The partnerships must develop informational materials and a minimum 25-hour program that includes orientation sessions on career pathways and practical trade skills training. Each district must ensure at least 2% of its graduating class completes the program and submit annual reports to the state education commissioner. Funding for implementation may come from state aid, grants, workforce development funds, or private sponsorships, with the education commissioner requesting necessary budget allocations annually.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 19, 2026

A 4786: Authorizes MVC to enter into contract with private vendor for marketing and sale of certain license plates.

This bill allows New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission to hire a private company to handle the marketing and sale of certain special license plates, such as personalized, courtesy, and auctioned plates. Under the new rules, the state could sign a five-year contract with a vendor selected through competitive bidding, with options to renew for up to two additional terms. The private vendor would be responsible for covering some of the commission's implementation costs upfront, and fees for these plates would be set to ensure the state recovers all related expenses. Any money collected from these plates beyond the required costs would go into the state's General Fund, while the state retains ownership of all approved plate designs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results