This bill would create a tax credit program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to receive a 75% credit against their state income tax for donations to approved scholarship organizations. It directly affects nonpublic school students who meet income criteria (household income ≤2.6x the federal reduced-price lunch threshold) attending schools complying with anti-discrimination and anti-bullying laws. The key mechanism requires scholarship organizations to spend 95% of donations on student aid, limit administrative costs to 5%, and adhere to strict eligibility rules. The program would have been capped at $37.5 million annually (adjusted for inflation), but the bill was withdrawn from consideration on June 13, 2024, and never became law.
The New Jersey Student Support Act creates a tax credit program allowing New Jersey taxpayers to claim 75% of their contributions (minimum $100) to approved student support organizations that award scholarships. These scholarships are for New Jersey students from low-income families (household income not exceeding 2.6 times the federal reduced-price lunch guidelines) attending participating nonpublic schools that meet specific eligibility criteria. The program limits total annual tax credits to $37.5 million and requires scholarship organizations to spend no more than 5% of contributions on administration. The bill also establishes a separate $37.5 million annual grant program for public school districts with high poverty rates to fund student support services like tutoring and counseling.
This bill provides $105,886,559 in supplemental state school aid to 140 New Jersey school districts facing proposed reductions in their total state aid for the 2024-2025 school year. It ensures these districts receive additional funds equal to the difference between their 2023-2024 and proposed 2024-2025 state aid amounts, covering categories like equalization aid, special education funding, and transportation support. To receive the aid, districts must submit a written plan to the Commissioner of Education detailing how they will fund operations in future years without this supplemental aid. The funds, drawn from the Property Tax Relief Fund, are distributed directly to eligible districts as specified in the bill's detailed table.
This bill (A3883) prohibits pet shops from selling cats, dogs, or rabbits, requiring them instead to collaborate with animal shelters and rescue organizations to showcase animals available for adoption. It bans animal shelters, pounds, and rescue organizations from accepting payment from breeders or brokers for animals. The bill requires all animals available for adoption to undergo a veterinary examination and receive a health certificate, with re-examinations required if animals aren't adopted within 14 days. This replaces the previous "Pet Purchase Protection Act" with these new requirements for animal adoption and sales.
This bill modifies New Jersey's tax foreclosure process for properties that were the homeowner's primary residence. Currently, if a homeowner fails to pay taxes and a tax lien holder forecloses after two years, the homeowner loses the property and all equity. Under this bill, the court would order an online auction of the property instead of granting full ownership to the tax lien holder. Proceeds from the auction would first cover the tax lien holder's costs (including unpaid taxes, interest, and legal fees), then municipal liens, with any remaining funds returned to the homeowner to secure new housing. This change ensures homeowners retain funds after foreclosure to avoid homelessness, while still compensating the tax lien holder and municipality.
New Jersey's S 2352, the "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey," establishes state-level protections to prevent voting discrimination against racial, color, and language-minority groups (referred to as "protected classes"). The bill prohibits counties and local governments from implementing election policies that disproportionately burden these voters or dilute their political influence, requiring such policies to be narrowly tailored to a compelling justification. It defines key terms like "racially polarized voting" and sets specific evidence standards for proving violations, such as prioritizing historical election data over partisan explanations. The law directly affects all New Jersey counties, cities, school districts, and other political subdivisions responsible for election administration.
This bill would expand privileges for craft alcoholic beverage manufacturers (including those with limited brewery, cidery, meadery, and craft distillery licenses) by allowing them to hold up to 25 off-premises special events annually, unlimited on-premises special events and private parties, and serve alcohol tableside with certified staff. It removes the current requirement that these manufacturers must offer tours to serve alcohol on-premises, and increases the annual production limit for restricted brewery licenses from 10,000 to 300,000 barrels. The bill also permits these manufacturers to offer limited food items, coordinate with food vendors (with restrictions), and show televised events without special permits. Additionally, it allows for outdoor consumption with approved tap systems and provides flexibility for promotional discounts.
The "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey" establishes a state-level voting rights law to protect racial, color, and language-minority groups' voting rights. It requires election policies to be narrowly tailored to compelling justifications and prohibits methods that impair protected class members' ability to elect their preferred candidates. The bill creates a preclearance process for political subdivisions with prior voting rights violations before implementing election policies, mandates language assistance for language-minority groups meeting census thresholds, and provides remedies including alternative election processes and redistricting changes.
New Jersey's Bill A3703 prohibits the intentional outdoor release of balloons or floating devices (like sky lanterns) for events or celebrations, except for scientific use by government agencies or recovered hot air balloons. Retailers must display clear warning signs about the ban and potential fines at point of sale, with non-compliance risking a $500 civil penalty per offense. Violators face penalties similar to littering, including fines of $100-$500 and possible community service. The law replaces local balloon-release bans and takes effect 90 days after enactment. It directly affects event organizers, retailers, and the public, aiming to reduce environmental harm to wildlife from balloon debris.
This bill requires New Jersey home insurance companies to include coverage for water damage caused by groundwater seepage, leaking/burst water or sewer pipes, or flooding in all policies for one-to-four-family homes. It defines key terms like "groundwater seepage" (water entering through foundation flaws) and "water damage" (physical damage from direct water contact). Insurers must offer this coverage in standard policies, though they may adjust terms if homeowners fail to address risk factors like un-repaired pipes. The law takes effect 90 days after enactment and applies to policies delivered, issued, or renewed on or after that date.
This bill requires health insurance carriers (like companies offering health plans) to pass savings from negotiated drug prices directly to consumers. Specifically, it mandates that any compensation paid by drug manufacturers to pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) for reduced drug prices must be passed to the carrier, which then must use these funds to either lower policyholders' premiums or reduce their out-of-pocket costs at the pharmacy. Carriers must also annually report to the state commissioner on how they implemented this requirement. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but was withdrawn from consideration on February 27, 2024.
New Jersey's S 2789 allows 16- and 17-year-olds who are U.S. citizens and live in a school district to vote only in local school board elections, if their district adopts the bill. It requires either voter approval via a petition (signed by 15% of past presidential election voters) or a local school board resolution to implement. The bill also mandates the state to create voter registration processes, acceptable ID forms (like school transcripts or state IDs), and special ballots for this age group. Crucially, it explicitly limits voting to school board elections only - no other state or federal elections. The bill takes effect January 1 after enactment.
