New Jersey Bills

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Oct 28, 2024

AR 111: Recognizes loneliness as public health crisis.

This Assembly Resolution (AR 111) formally recognizes loneliness as a public health crisis in New Jersey, citing evidence that chronic loneliness increases risks for heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and premature death by over 60%. It does not create new programs or allocate funding but directs the resolution to the Commissioner of Health for awareness. The resolution highlights that loneliness affects over one in five adults and one in three young adults, contributing to mental health challenges. It serves as a symbolic acknowledgment to encourage community-focused solutions around social connection.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Oct 28, 2024

AR 165: Urges President and Congress of United States to enact federal legislation providing proportional property tax relief for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected permanent disability.

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 165) urges the U.S. federal government to create legislation providing proportional property tax relief for veterans with service-connected permanent disabilities. It proposes that veterans receive tax relief based on their U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs disability rating (e.g., 30% disability would yield 30% tax relief), limited to their primary residence and veterans earning under $200,000 annually. The resolution highlights that New Jersey currently offers full property tax exemptions for veterans with 100% service-connected disabilities, but this federal standard would extend similar proportional benefits to veterans nationwide. It does not create new state law but calls for federal action to ensure consistent support for veterans across all states.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

passed · New Jersey · Senate Oct 28, 2024

SR 98: Commemorates 45th anniversary of enactment of Taiwan Relations Act and 35th anniversary of New Jersey-Taiwan sister state relationship.

This Senate Resolution (SR 98) commemorates two milestones: the 45th anniversary of the U.S. Taiwan Relations Act (enacted April 10, 1979) and the 35th anniversary of New Jersey’s sister-state relationship with Taiwan. It formally recognizes the longstanding economic and diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Taiwan, including $127.5 billion in bilateral trade in 2023, and highlights New Jersey’s $723 million in exports to Taiwan and 200 Taiwanese companies investing in the state. The resolution directs the Senate to send copies to the American Institute in Taiwan and Taiwan’s New York representative office, expressing support for continued economic and educational collaboration. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws or alter policy.

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Oct 28, 2024

AR 95: Urges Congress to amend tax code to permanently exclude all forms of discharged student loans from federal income tax.*

This New Jersey Assembly Resolution (AR 95) urges Congress to permanently change federal tax law so that all forgiven student loans become tax-free. Currently, borrowers who have student debt discharged through programs like Public Service Loan Forgiveness or death/disability (but only until 2026) do not owe income tax on the forgiven amount, but other forms of forgiveness - such as after 20 or 25 years in Income-Driven Repayment Plans - still require borrowers to pay federal income tax on the discharged debt. The resolution requests Congress make all student loan discharge tax-free permanently, directly affecting borrowers who receive loan forgiveness but face unexpected tax bills. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change law but formally requests federal action.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly Oct 24, 2024

A 2818: Prohibits and imposes criminal penalty on disclosure of certain intentionally deceptive audio or visual media within 90 days of election.*

This bill prohibits distributing intentionally deceptive audio or visual media (such as deepfakes) within 90 days of an election if the intent is to deceive voters about a candidate or election. It criminalizes such distribution as a disorderly person offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both. The prohibition does not apply if the media includes a clear, visible disclosure (e.g., "This advertisement contains manipulated images or sound") that remains readable throughout video or audible at the start of audio. Registered voters and candidates can seek court injunctions or sue for damages in violation cases. News organizations publishing such media for newsworthy purposes with the required disclosure are exempt from the law.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology