New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5313: Requires safety inspection for certain motor vehicles.

This bill requires most motor vehicles registered in New Jersey to undergo annual safety inspections, with specific exemptions for motorcycles, historic cars, collector vehicles, and heavy trucks over 8,500 pounds. The inspection process will verify that vehicles have essential safety equipment like working lights, seatbelts, and tires, as well as valid credentials including driver's licenses and insurance. The state commission will establish rules to designate which vehicles qualify as collector cars based on factors such as age and mileage, and it may allow vehicles inspected and passed in other states to be recognized as compliant. Additionally, the law gives the commission authority to exclude certain vehicle categories from inspection if there is a valid reason, provided this does not prevent the state from meeting federal environmental standards.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

AJR 189: Designates calendar week that includes September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" in NJ.

This bill designates the week containing September 10th of each year as "Suicide Prevention Week" throughout New Jersey. The primary mechanism is a formal resolution that requests the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and residents to observe the week with awareness activities and programs. By establishing this official observance, the legislation aims to raise community awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding suicide without creating new funding or operational requirements.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5319: Eliminates fee on electronic transfer of funds into incarcerated persons' accounts; makes appropriation.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the Youth Justice Commission to stop charging fees when families send money electronically to incarcerated individuals and youth. It mandates that all correctional facilities, including private ones, allow deposits through online platforms, mobile apps, or phone calls without transaction costs. To fund this change, the legislation authorizes the state to provide necessary money from the General Fund to both agencies. The rules must apply uniformly across all facilities in the state, and the law will take effect thirteen months after being passed.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5309: Establishes compensatory time lost to investigation of unsubstantiated child abuse, neglect, or other issue in child custody cases.

This bill requires New Jersey courts to grant parents additional parenting time if they lose access to their children due to investigations into unsubstantiated child abuse or neglect allegations. When a parent applies for this remedy, the court must order the same amount and type of visitation that was missed, provided it is in the child's best interest. The lost time must be scheduled within two years of the denial, and the affected parent gets to choose the specific dates, while the law also protects government agencies from civil lawsuits regarding these investigations.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5337: Makes various changes to SHBP governance and administration.

This bill restructures the governance of New Jersey's State Health Benefits Program by creating a new State Health Benefits Commission with 13 members. The commission will include existing state officials, representatives from local and higher education employers, and members appointed by various public employee unions, including specific seats for police and firefighters. A key provision is the addition of a non-voting expert member selected by the other commissioners to provide independent advice on health care plan design. The bill also establishes a new committee to assist with plan design and outlines how members will be appointed, serve terms, and manage conflicts of interest. Ultimately, the legislation aims to broaden representation and oversight in how the state manages health benefits for its employees.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 5053: Permits retired municipal code officials to return to part-time employment after bona fide severance period without reenrollment in PERS.*

This bill allows retired municipal code officials in New Jersey to return to part-time work without losing their retirement benefits or needing to rejoin the pension system. Specifically, it permits these officials to resume employment as long as they wait at least 90 days after retiring, have reached the required service retirement age, and work no more than 20 hours per week. The legislation creates an exception to the usual rules that would otherwise cancel retirement allowances and require pension re-enrollment upon returning to work. This change directly affects retired code officials who wish to take on limited part-time roles while maintaining their existing pension status.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 1821: Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs.

This bill prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage for nonopioid pain medications in favor of opioids or requiring patients to try opioids first. It requires insurers to treat FDA-approved nonopioid drugs equally to opioids in formularies, meaning coverage restrictions, prior authorization, and cost-sharing tiers must be no more restrictive for nonopioid drugs. The law applies to state health benefit plans, school employee health programs, and Medicaid for acute pain treatment. It takes effect January 1, 2026, directly affecting insurers and patients covered by these plans.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 1207: Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility.

This bill would require New Jersey Medicaid to cover ovulation-enhancing drugs and related medical services without restrictions for beneficiaries experiencing infertility. It directly affects low-income New Jersey residents enrolled in Medicaid who seek infertility treatment. The key provision amends Medicaid law to explicitly include these services as a standard benefit, removing prior authorization requirements. This change would expand current coverage to ensure these treatments are accessible as routine care for eligible individuals.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 3762: Establishes "New Jersey Private Contractor Registration Act;" appropriates $1.5 million.*

This bill requires private contractors performing construction work in New Jersey (excluding public projects or home improvements) to register with the Department of Labor. To register, contractors must submit business details, proof of required licenses, worker's compensation insurance, and disclose compliance with state and federal labor laws (like wage laws and safety regulations). Contractors must also disclose past labor law violations or criminal offenses related to their work. Exemptions apply to contractors already registered under New Jersey’s public works registration system.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 4275: Establishes Statewide dashboard to compile data for certain permits.*

This bill creates a statewide online tracking system for state-issued permits, licenses, certifications, and form applications. The Office of Information Technology must develop a centralized system that assigns unique tracking numbers, allows real-time status updates by state departments, and stores specific details like application dates, processing departments, and expected completion times. State agencies (including departments, commissions, and boards) must determine which permits/licenses to include based on annual volume and processing time, then input data into the system. The system becomes the official state record, replacing fragmented tracking methods and improving transparency for agencies managing these applications.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 4295: Establishes Council for Community Recovery and Family Success.*

This bill establishes a new 25-member Council for Community Recovery and Family Success within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs (though operating independently). The council, funded with $4.0 million, will develop a coordinated approach to prevent family crises by focusing on early intervention, family support, and child well-being - shifting from current crisis-response services. It includes state agency leaders, community advocates, and residents from underserved areas, with members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker. The council will create a work plan and budget to advance preventive services aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 23, 2026

A 2207: The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

This bill authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to residents in New Jersey nursing homes, expanding their current scope of practice. It directly affects nursing homes struggling with staffing shortages and certified medication aides who would now be permitted to perform this role in nursing home settings (currently allowed in 38 states and other care facilities like assisted living residences). The key mechanism is amending existing law to explicitly include nursing homes under the certification framework for medication aides, addressing legislative findings that staffing challenges are severe in nursing homes post-pandemic. This change aims to alleviate staffing pressures by allowing medication aides to support resident care needs within existing certification standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results