New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2884: "Stop Sepsis Act"; Requires hospitals to establish sepsis recognition and treatment protocols, train staff, and establish quality measures.*

This bill requires all licensed general and special hospitals in New Jersey to create and implement evidence-based protocols for early sepsis recognition and treatment. The protocols must cover screening, treatment guidelines (with separate adult and pediatric components), infection source identification, antibiotic timing, and exclusion criteria for inappropriate cases. Hospitals must submit protocols to the Department of Health within 120 days of enactment, train staff regularly, and annually report data to track adherence and mortality rates for quality improvement. The law focuses on standardizing care for a life-threatening condition that can cause organ damage or death if untreated.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2980: Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure.

This bill (S 2980) requires nursing home owners to submit detailed financial and ownership information before transferring ownership or delegating management to third parties. It mandates disclosure of 100% ownership structures, organizational charts, and third-party service providers paying over $200,000 annually, along with resolution of outstanding Medicaid debts. The Department of Health must publicly post applications (with privacy redactions) and allow a 30-day public comment period. These changes aim to increase transparency for prospective buyers and the public while ensuring new owners meet financial and operational standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 1197: Bans unauthorized restaurant reservation arrangement by third-party reservation service.

S 1197 prohibits third-party reservation platforms (like apps or websites) from listing, advertising, or selling restaurant reservations without a written agreement with the restaurant. It directly affects restaurants and third-party services by requiring explicit contracts for reservation distribution. The bill imposes daily civil penalties of up to $500 per violation and allows restaurants or customers to sue for damages, attorney fees, or court-ordered stops to ongoing violations. This mirrors Illinois' similar law and takes effect three months after enactment.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 301: Classifies 7 Hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I drug.

This bill adds 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a psychoactive compound found in Kratom, to New Jersey's Schedule I list of controlled substances. It directly affects anyone possessing, manufacturing, distributing, or using 7-OH in the state. Under the law, 7-OH would be classified as a substance with "high potential for abuse" and "no accepted medical use," making it illegal for non-medical purposes. Possession of 1 ounce or more would be a second-degree crime, while smaller amounts would be a third-degree crime under New Jersey's drug laws.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✗ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 2924: "Liberty State Park Protection Act"; establishes requirements concerning DEP actions related to Liberty State Park.*

This bill establishes the Liberty State Park Advisory Committee to review proposed changes to Liberty State Park and prohibits the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from commercializing or transferring property rights in two specific protected areas: a 215-acre interior natural/recreation zone and a 21.5-acre Caven Point Peninsula wildlife habitat. It directly affects the DEP, future concessionaires, and the public by ensuring no privatization or development occurs in these designated zones without committee review. The law requires the DEP to consult the committee before approving any concessions or property transfers within the park, reinforcing the park’s status as a free public space. The bill aims to protect the park’s 1,200-acre natural and cultural resource, visited by over six million people annually.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 1796: Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.

S 1796 requires New Jersey health insurance plans to cover prostate cancer screening without cost-sharing (like deductibles or copays) for men aged 40-75 with specific risk factors, including family history of prostate cancer. The bill mandates that group health insurance policies (for groups over 49 people) cover annual screenings - such as digital rectal exams and PSA tests - as well as follow-up tests like imaging or lab work. This applies to all health service, hospital service, and medical service corporation contracts in New Jersey. The law affects insurance carriers by expanding existing coverage requirements and directly benefits men in the specified age group with risk factors.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 16, 2026

S 1815: Establishes solar energy grant program in BPU to provide grants to public schools for solar energy projects; appropriates $15 million.

This bill creates a $15 million solar energy grant program administered by New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to help public schools and eligible educational institutions install solar projects. It provides grants covering up to 50% of eligible project costs (including panels, installation, and permits) with no requirement for schools to contribute matching funds. Schools must report on energy savings and project use, and if a facility with a funded solar system is sold within 20 years, the new owner must reimburse the BPU a reduced percentage of the grant amount based on how long the original owner held the property. The program aims to lower schools' energy costs, boost system resiliency, and support the state's climate goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3906: Provides any party in case who is limited English proficient and utilizes court translating services option to have social worker translator to help party navigate court system.

This bill allows parties in New Jersey court cases who have limited English proficiency and use court translation services to receive help from a licensed social worker who speaks their language. The social worker would assist in translating information and helping the party navigate the court system. The Commissioner of Human Services must create a list of qualified social workers, and the Administrative Director of the Courts will establish a registry and guidelines for their use. This change takes effect seven months after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3943: Requires electric public utilities to obtain written consent and provide written disclosure prior to installing smart meters.

This bill requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to get written permission from customers before installing smart meters. It also mandates that utilities provide a written disclosure explaining what data the meter will collect, how it will be used, and whether it could be shared with third parties. The law defines smart meters as devices that track electricity usage in detail, such as on an hourly basis, and can remotely control power to a home. This measure aims to ensure customers are informed about privacy implications before their meters are upgraded.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3903: Establishes "Planning for an Aging Population Task Force."

This bill establishes a temporary task force in New Jersey to study the needs of the state's growing aging population and develop a plan to ensure seniors have continued access to necessary services. The task force will consist of 23 members, including government officials, healthcare leaders, and public representatives appointed by the Governor, who will meet across the state to gather data and hear from community stakeholders. Its duties include analyzing demographic trends, cataloging existing resources for seniors, and evaluating the state's capacity to provide healthcare and support services to an aging population. The task force will operate without compensation but may receive travel reimbursements and can access state funds and grants to support its work.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 3928: Establishes tax credit for portion of qualifying educational expenditures made by taxpayer on behalf of child.

This New Jersey bill creates a state tax credit for parents who pay for certain educational expenses for their dependent children. The credit allows taxpayers to receive 25% of qualifying educational expenditures, up to a maximum of $500 per child, which can be applied against their New Jersey gross income tax. Qualifying expenses include tuition at nonpublic schools, required school supplies, instructional materials, extracurricular activity fees, and transportation costs paid directly to the school, while explicitly excluding tutoring, standardized test fees, and everyday clothing. The measure applies to taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and is intended to provide financial relief to families utilizing private education options.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SCR 114: Proposes constitutional amendment to allow lower property tax rate on improvements than on land.

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to New Jersey that would allow municipalities to charge a lower property tax rate on buildings and other improvements compared to land. The change would enable local governments to set different tax rates for taxable land versus taxable improvements, with the Legislature determining which municipalities can participate and under what conditions. Participating communities could gradually phase in the new rates over several years and would retain the option to return to a single-rate system if needed. The amendment requires voter approval at a general election and would be implemented through new state laws that give municipalities flexibility in designing their local tax structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Bill results