New Jersey Bills

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

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

A 3735: "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds.**

The Climate Superfund Act (A 3735) holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate change damages by requiring them to pay compensatory payments into a state fund. Companies that extracted or refined fossil fuels during 1995-2026 and emitted over one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases must pay based on their proportional liability, with joint liability for companies in a "controlled group." Funds collected will be distributed to implement climate adaptation projects, such as flood protection, infrastructure upgrades, and health programs in overburdened communities. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to manage payments and fund these projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 22, 2026

S 4486: Requires, or authorizes, as appropriate, financial institutions to take certain action upon certain financial transactions made by vulnerable or senior customer.

This New Jersey bill requires financial institutions to take specific actions when they suspect financial exploitation involving senior customers or vulnerable adults. It mandates that banks and credit unions delay transactions if a qualified employee reasonably believes a vulnerable or senior customer is being exploited and must notify account holders within two business days. Additionally, the law allows these institutions to share account records with county adult protective services providers or law enforcement agencies when illegal activity is suspected. The legislation defines "senior customers" as individuals aged 60 or older and "vulnerable customers" as adults with physical or mental conditions that limit their decision-making capacity.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 22, 2026

S 4482: "Fully Funding Schools and Cutting Property Taxes Act"; repeals certain sections of law; requires additional aid to lower property taxes commensurate with residents' ability to support schools; appropriates $2.9 billion.

This New Jersey bill, titled the "Fully Funding Schools and Cutting Property Taxes Act," aims to reduce property taxes for residents by directing an additional $2.9 billion in state funding to school districts. The legislation requires school districts that receive increased state aid to lower their adjusted tax levies by an equal amount, ensuring that the financial benefit of the new funding translates directly to lower taxes for local homeowners. Furthermore, the bill mandates that districts receiving this aid must cut their budgets to match the increase, preventing the use of extra state money to raise overall spending. By establishing these conditions, the law seeks to balance the need for adequate school funding with the goal of making education more affordable for New Jersey families.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Bill results