S 803 creates a program for New Jersey to acquire development easements on privately-owned woodlands, permanently restricting future development to protect land for farming, forestry, and conservation. Woodlands must be at least 20 acres, used for agriculture or forestry production, and managed under approved stewardship plans to qualify. The program will use existing farmland preservation funds and coordinate with federal agencies to access additional support, such as the federal Forest Legacy Program. Landowners who sell these easements retain ownership but lose development rights, with restrictions recorded to last indefinitely.
This bill (S 2649) would have allowed municipalities, counties, school districts, and fire districts in New Jersey to use project labor agreements (PLAs) for public works projects costing less than $5 million. Currently, PLAs could only be required for projects meeting or exceeding this $5 million threshold under existing law (P.L.2002, c.44). The bill amended the law to permit local entities to voluntarily adopt PLAs for smaller projects, expanding their flexibility in labor negotiations. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as the policy change was already enacted through another bill (P.L.2025, c.327).
SJR 11 designates the Saturday before Thanksgiving as "National Adoption Day" and the month of November as "National Adoption Month" in New Jersey. This symbolic resolution, which was withdrawn after approval as P.L.2025, JR-16, requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing these dates. It aims to raise public awareness about adoption services and the foster care system, celebrating finalized adoptions without creating new policies or funding. The designation does not directly affect individuals but encourages community recognition of adoption success stories.
This bill provides financial allowances (like tax credits) for redevelopment projects by colleges/universities or financially struggling hospitals under New Jersey's Aspire program. It allows these institutions to claim incentives during a defined eligibility period (up to 10 years, or 5 years for certain projects). The bill amends existing law to clarify key terms like "distressed hospital" (hospitals facing financial hardship) and "commercial project" to determine eligibility. Note: The bill was withdrawn after being approved as part of P.L.2025, c.313, meaning it is now law.
This bill requires New Jersey county colleges to partner with county social services boards to help low-income students access essential support programs like food assistance (SNAP), childcare subsidies, and cash aid (TANF). It mandates colleges and social services agencies to collaborate on streamlining application processes, providing direct student assistance, and identifying gaps in meeting basic needs. The bill also directs colleges and workforce boards to form partnerships connecting unemployed residents with career-focused college programs. These provisions aim to increase enrollment in social services and improve access to educational pathways for low-income students.
This bill (S 1367) requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) to develop a mobile application providing veterans and their families with accessible guidance on state and federal benefits and resources. It directly affects veterans, military families, and service members in New Jersey by creating a centralized tool to navigate programs like healthcare, housing, education, and transition support. The key mechanism is mandating the DMVA to create and maintain this app, building on existing requirements to provide public information about veterans' programs. The bill was withdrawn after being enacted as P.L.2025, c.292, meaning the mobile app requirement is now law.
This New Jersey bill (S 1282) requires the Attorney General to maintain and periodically update guidelines for investigating bias incidents - such as crimes motivated by race, religion, or sexual orientation. It directly affects county/municipal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the Attorney General’s office by mandating: (1) reporting all confirmed/suspected bias incidents via the state crime reporting system within 24 hours, (2) immediate notification to the AG and prosecutors for serious incidents (e.g., homicide or hate group involvement), (3) procedures for investigations and victim referrals to the Civil Rights Division, and (4) required training for officers on bias incident detection and reporting. The bill aims to standardize and improve how such incidents are documented, investigated, and supported. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on 2026-01-13 after being incorporated into P.L.2025, c.342.)
This bill (S 453) prohibits landlords or their agents from charging residential rental application fees exceeding $50 for most properties, directly affecting landlords who collect such fees. Violations carry a $1,500 penalty per offense, with $250 of each penalty returned to the tenant. It exempts single-family and two-family homes from the fee cap and requires the Division of Consumer Affairs to create an online reporting system for violations. The bill was withdrawn after being enacted as P.L.2025, c.405, meaning it is now law.
This bill (S 1200) would have required public water suppliers to immediately notify municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and colleges when drinking water violations occur that trigger federal Tier 2 Public Notices. The notification would detail specific contaminants, test results, locations, and suggested remedies. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but was withdrawn the same day because it was already enacted as part of P.L.2025, c.341. It does not currently require action, as the requirement is already in effect through prior legislation.
This bill provides $1.5 million in supplemental funding from the state General Fund to support two specific programs run by the Camden Coalition of Healthcare Providers. $1 million is allocated to the Department of Health for the "Pledge to Connect Program," which helps connect hospital emergency department patients with behavioral health needs to community-based outpatient care. An additional $500,000 goes to the Department of Community Affairs for the "Housing First Program," which provides permanent housing and support services to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness in Camden. The funding aims to continue these established programs that reduce emergency room visits and address homelessness.
This bill requires New Jersey State Police to create a recovery leave policy for troopers who provide proof of pregnancy. The policy must guarantee at least eight weeks of paid leave after childbirth with full benefits, not counting as sick leave or reducing sick leave balances, and must exempt troopers from residency restrictions or integrity checks during this period. The Superintendent must post clear information about the policy, including required forms, FAQs, and contact details, on the State Police intranet. Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, as it was already covered under P.L.2025, c.259.
This bill defines "electric motorized bicycle" as a two-wheeled vehicle with operable pedals, an electric motor over 750 watts, and a speed capability exceeding 28 mph. It would have regulated these vehicles under New Jersey's transportation laws by establishing clear technical specifications. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026, but was withdrawn the same day because the regulations were already enacted in prior legislation (P.L.2025, c.285). It directly affected owners and operators of electric bicycles meeting the defined specifications. The bill's content was procedural, as it merely codified existing regulatory language rather than creating new requirements.
