New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 300: Prohibits businesses from charging convenience fees on cash transactions.

This bill prohibits most retail businesses in New Jersey from charging extra fees when customers pay with cash. It requires businesses to accept cash without adding "convenience fees" to the total price, directly affecting in-person retail transactions like grocery stores or clothing shops. Key exemptions include airports (with minimum cash-accepting vendors), municipal parking facilities, mobile-only payment parking, car rentals (if accepting cashier's checks), and large sports venues. The law aims to make cash payments equal in cost to other payment methods, with penalties for violations including civil fines up to $5,000.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2629: Requires health insurance carriers to reimburse health care providers for vaccines at rate no less than CDC cost per dose rate.

This bill requires health insurance companies and other health carriers in New Jersey to reimburse healthcare providers for vaccines at a rate no lower than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cost per dose rate listed on the CDC's official price list. It directly affects health insurance carriers (including companies and health plans) and healthcare providers who administer vaccines. The key provision sets a minimum reimbursement rate based on the CDC's actual per-dose cost effective on the date the vaccine was provided. This ensures providers are paid at least the CDC's contracted price, preventing underpayment for vaccine administration.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2662: Requires midwives and physicians to provide pregnant women information on birthing options prior to delivery.

This bill requires midwives and physicians who provide obstetric care to give pregnant patients written, evidence-based information about all available birthing options (including hospital births, home births, scheduled procedures, and associated health risks) before labor begins. The information must be provided in English and at least seven common non-English languages spoken by limited-English-proficiency patients in New Jersey, based on census data. Providers must also offer annual language-appropriate education on these options during pregnancy. The law applies directly to pregnant patients receiving care from certified midwives or physicians in New Jersey, aiming to improve informed decision-making.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 303: Requires DEP to provide time period during which mobile sport fishing permits may be purchased only by NJ residents.

S 303 requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to sell mobile sport fishing permits - used for operating vehicles on beaches for fishing - in a 14-day initial window exclusively for New Jersey residents. This applies to all permit types (annual, 3-day, weekday, and daily) and directly affects anyone seeking these permits, excluding non-residents during that period. The DEP may create rules to verify residency, such as acceptable ID, under the Administrative Procedure Act. The law takes effect six months after enactment.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 680: Requires energy usage plan for proposed artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities; requires all electricity for artificial intelligence data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities to be derived from new clean energy sources.

S 680 requires new artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and cryptocurrency mining facilities in New Jersey to use electricity exclusively from new renewable energy sources or newly constructed nuclear power. Applicants must submit an energy usage plan to the Board of Public Utilities detailing how they will minimize energy use for cooling, optimize water sourcing, and improve building efficiency. The bill aims to prevent these facilities from increasing strain on the state's power grid and raising electricity costs for ratepayers. All electricity must be derived from new clean sources as measured hourly, with no net decrease in verifiable clean energy on the grid.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 840: "Student-Parent Protection Act"; ensures equal rights and opportunities for parenting students enrolled in institutions of higher education.

This bill, the "Student-Parent Protection Act," protects parenting students in New Jersey higher education institutions. It prohibits schools from requiring students to withdraw, take leave, or limit studies solely due to parenting, pregnancy, or pregnancy-related issues. Schools must provide reasonable accommodations (like makeup work, flexible scheduling, or excused absences for medical needs) and create written anti-discrimination policies that are posted online and distributed at orientations. The law defines "parenting students" as those enrolled in higher education who are parents or legal guardians of children under 18.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 445: Requires DHS and DOH, respectively, to provide information to SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients regarding card skimming, cloning, and similar fraudulent activities and to replace stolen benefits; makes appropriation.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Human Services (DHS) and Department of Health (DOH) to provide SNAP, WFNJ, and WIC recipients with clear information about card skimming, cloning, and fraud prevention. It mandates that DHS and DOH distribute written materials at enrollment/recertification points, post digital/paper resources online and at offices, and establish processes to replace benefits stolen through these fraud methods using federal or state funds. The bill also directs both departments to coordinate with card vendors to implement security measures like chip technology and transaction alerts. Recipients must report fraud to DHS/DOH or law enforcement, with annual reports tracking fraud incidents and benefit replacements.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 3217: Establishes Statewide Skills Academy Network; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a Statewide Skills Academy Network to connect county colleges, vocational schools, and union training programs across New Jersey. It appropriates $1 million to the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education to support the network’s work in improving collaboration, identifying workforce training gaps, and developing accessible short-term programs in high-demand fields. The network will focus on sharing best practices, expanding geographic access to training, and creating an integrated credentialing system to help workers gain job-ready skills. Regional skills academies selected through a competitive process will use grant funds to develop training sites offering evening and weekend classes. The bill directly affects educational institutions, workforce training providers, and workers seeking credentials in growing industries.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2180: Requires registration of postsecondary education debt creditors; establishes protections for borrowers.

New Jersey's S 2180 requires private lenders offering non-federal postsecondary education loans (like private student loans) to register annually with the state Banking Commissioner and report detailed data about their borrowers. It mandates that these lenders disclose information such as outstanding debt amounts, default rates, interest rates, and borrower demographics for loans issued to New Jersey residents. The law excludes banks, credit unions, and federal student loans from these requirements. This bill creates transparency for borrowers and regulators by making lender practices more visible, though it does not directly change loan terms or provide new borrower protections.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 666: Requires paint producers to implement or participate in paint stewardship program.

This bill, the "Architectural Paint Stewardship Act," requires paint producers (manufacturers selling interior or exterior paint in 5-gallon containers or smaller) to create or join a statewide program for managing leftover paint after consumer use. The program must establish convenient collection sites (ensuring 90% of residents have access within 15 miles), prioritize reuse and recycling over disposal, and cover costs for collection, transportation, and processing. It shifts responsibility for paint waste management from local governments and taxpayers to paint producers, aiming to reduce disposal costs and environmental impact. The law applies specifically to architectural paint, excluding industrial or specialty coatings.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 162: Requires DOH to operate mobile cancer screening program; appropriates $100,000.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to launch a mobile cancer screening program within 180 days of its effective date. The program will use staffed mobile vehicles deployed across the state's northern, central, and southern regions, each operated by at least one qualified healthcare professional who determines screening methods based on their expertise and available equipment. The bill appropriates $100,000 from the state General Fund to fund this initiative and mandates a report to the Governor and Legislature within two years, summarizing results and suggesting future legislative action. The program directly affects New Jersey residents, particularly those in underserved areas who may gain easier access to cancer screenings.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 1788: Establishes fee refund program for individuals and businesses applying for permits, licenses, or certifications in New Jersey.*

S 1788 creates a refund program for businesses that pay application fees for state permits, licenses, or certifications when processing exceeds set time limits. State agencies must submit detailed catalogs of their permit types, fees, and current processing times to the Governor, who then sets recommended processing deadlines. If an agency fails to process a complete application within the recommended time, it must refund the fee (to the extent allowed by law), without affecting the application's outcome. This bill directly affects businesses applying for state permits and the agencies that issue them, aiming to reduce delays in administrative processes.

Bill results