This bill (A1481) requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish standardized testing methods and reporting requirements for microplastics in drinking water by public water systems within one year. It mandates a two-year study by the DEP and Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to evaluate microplastics removal technologies, including costs, effectiveness, and stakeholder input from scientists, industry, and the public. The study must result in a strategic plan and public report within three months of completion, recommending how to promote these technologies. The bill directly affects public water systems, which must test and disclose microplastic levels, and aims to inform future policy through evidence-based recommendations.
This bill (S 1607) would require New Jersey Transit (NJT) to create an on-demand transit service in specific areas, including transit deserts (areas with limited public transit access), within 10 miles of existing transit stations, and within first-class counties or cities. The service would use motor vehicles seating at least 10 people (including the driver) and prioritize electric or plug-in hybrid vehicles when feasible. NJT would offer discounted fares for existing transit pass holders, seniors/disabled riders, and households at or below twice the federal poverty level, funded using available federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The bill was introduced in January 2024 but withdrawn from consideration and is not currently active legislation.
New Jersey would join the Counseling Compact, allowing licensed professional counselors from other member states to provide services to New Jersey residents without needing a separate New Jersey license. The bill enables counselors to practice across state lines under the rules of the client's location (e.g., a counselor licensed in Pennsylvania could serve a New Jersey client via telehealth), while preserving each state's authority to regulate practice and protect public safety. Key provisions include mutual recognition of licenses, sharing of disciplinary information between states, and support for telehealth services. This directly affects licensed counselors seeking to practice across state lines and clients in New Jersey who gain easier access to out-of-state counseling services.
This bill requires New Jersey's Economic Development Authority to issue a request for proposals (RFP) seeking applicants to develop a demonstration program for electric vehicle (EV) charging depots. The program would establish depots serviced by distributed energy resource charging centers (on-site energy systems with storage) at six diverse locations across the state, including at least one per electric utility territory. Applicants must demonstrate how these depots provide cost savings, resilience, and high-capacity charging during peak demand compared to traditional grid upgrades. The RFP will outline requirements for depot design, location, and coordination with utilities, with the Authority overseeing the approved demonstration projects.
The bill extends accommodations for businesses participating in New Jersey's economic development programs that were implemented during the COVID-19 emergency. For the 2024 tax period and beyond, businesses can elect to waive the requirement that full-time employees spend at least 60% of their time at the business facility, provided they demonstrate employees spend at least 80% of work time in New Jersey and meet other conditions. Businesses making this election must pay 5% of their tax credit to the authority for small business support. These accommodations apply to programs including the Business Employment Incentive Program and Emerge Program. The change addresses ongoing pandemic impacts on business operations while maintaining program requirements.
This bill (S 1419) establishes new structural inspection requirements for specific residential buildings in New Jersey. It applies to condominium and cooperative buildings with concrete, masonry, steel, or hybrid structural systems (excluding single-family homes, certain rental buildings, and frame constructions). Key provisions require initial inspections before occupancy for new buildings and mandatory 15-year inspections afterward to verify structural integrity, with costs borne by building owners. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 9, 2024, but was withdrawn the same day.
This bill establishes the "Interagency Council on Homelessness" within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to replace the existing "Homelessness Prevention Task Force." The 24-member council - including government officials, service providers, advocacy representatives, and at least two people with lived experience of homelessness - will advise the Office of Homelessness Prevention, coordinate state/local homelessness services, identify funding sources, and develop permanent housing solutions. It requires the council to submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature with recommendations. The bill also mandates transferring the previous task force's records and personnel to the new council. (Note: The bill was withdrawn on January 9, 2024.)
This bill requires New Jersey's state and county hazard mitigation plans (used to qualify for federal disaster aid) to include climate change impacts. Any new or revised plan must analyze climate-related threats to infrastructure (like roads and utilities), assess risks to vulnerable communities, and detail prevention strategies based on current science. It directly affects state and county emergency management offices responsible for creating these plans. The law also mandates that other related plans (like floodplain or recovery plans) align with the updated hazard mitigation strategies.
S 1420 establishes New Jersey's "VETeach Pilot Program" to help veterans become public school teachers. The program targets veterans who served after September 11, 2001, by enrolling them in a 36-month teacher preparation track at up to four selected public universities. Upon completion, participants earn a teaching certification (with advanced standing) allowing them to teach in grades K-8 and certain secondary subjects. The pilot requires participating universities to design the program, with the Department of Education reporting on outcomes like veteran enrollment and hiring rates after four years.
This bill would require all security companies in New Jersey, including nonprofit organizations providing security services, to obtain a license from the Superintendent of State Police. It establishes specific qualifications for owners or operators, requiring either five years of law enforcement experience (with no current law enforcement employment) or five years of supervisory experience at a licensed security company. The bill mandates background checks for owners/operators, requires security companies to maintain employee statements, and requires reporting of employee terminations within 48 hours. Violations of these requirements could be punishable as a fourth-degree crime. The bill aims to strengthen oversight of security companies through licensing and verification requirements.
This bill requires all existing lawn sprinkler systems (installed before September 8, 2000) on residential properties sold after the law takes effect to include an operational rain sensor that automatically stops irrigation during rainfall. It mandates retrofitting within 12 months for commercial/industrial properties and within 24 months for common-interest communities (like HOAs or condos). Property sales cannot close without documentation proving sensor installation, and sellers/owners face up to $500 fines for non-compliance. The law applies to all residential sales but excludes common-interest communities from the sale documentation requirement.
This bill allows health care providers managing "medical homes" for public employees and their dependents to apply credits against their contract costs with public employers. The credit amount cannot exceed payments the provider receives from the employer's health benefits program for covered services. It also permits providers to refer patients to other contracted providers within their network. The "medical home" must offer on-site primary care, care coordination via health tech, and chronic disease management at no cost to employees/dependents. The bill applies retroactively to July 1, 2022.
