This bill requires New Jersey school districts to classify student illnesses as excused absences, provided parents or guardians submit supporting documentation when the student returns. To ensure consistency, the State Commissioner of Education will work with the Commissioner of Health to create specific guidelines defining what constitutes a valid illness and what types of proof schools may request. The law applies to all school districts in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year following its enactment.
This bill allows government agencies in New Jersey to publish required legal notices in online newspapers and digital news publications. It updates existing laws to ensure these digital platforms are treated the same as traditional print newspapers for official advertising purposes. The legislation also sets rules for how much online news outlets can charge for posting these notices and defines specific requirements for where and how these publications must be identified.
This bill creates the New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood within the Department of Children and Families to improve programs that encourage fathers to participate in their children's lives. The council will consist of 23 members, including state officials, community advocates, and fathers who have completed fatherhood programs, who will work together to identify needs and promote positive family involvement. Key provisions require the council to develop a comprehensive plan for fatherhood initiatives, review existing state programs to improve coordination, and hold an annual statewide symposium to discuss these issues. Additionally, the bill establishes a Responsible Fatherhood Fund to support the council's activities and reimburse members for necessary travel expenses.
This bill requires school districts in New Jersey to officially classify student absences due to illness as excused. To qualify, parents or guardians must provide supporting documentation to the school when the student returns. Additionally, the state's Commissioner of Education will work with health officials to create specific guidelines outlining what documentation is needed. The law applies to all public school districts and takes effect at the start of the next full school year after it is passed.
This bill prevents the state from applying a six percent growth limit to school funding for the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring districts receive their full calculated aid without reduction. It directly affects school districts by mandating that the Department of Education ignore any rules that would cap increases in equalization, transportation, special education, and security aid. To fund this change, the legislation appropriates $332.6 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Department of Education. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires New Jersey to issue property tax relief benefits as credits on tax bills rather than through direct cash payments. It directly affects residents eligible for state programs like ANCHOR, Stay NJ, and the homestead property tax reimbursement. The law mandates that these credits be clearly itemized on property tax statements and ensures that cooperative housing entities pass the credit amounts directly to residents. Additionally, the bill sets specific timelines for when these credits must be applied to tax bills based on when applications are received.
This bill creates a task force to study transportation challenges faced by people with disabilities and senior citizens in New Jersey. The seven-member group includes state officials and representatives from advocacy organizations for these communities, who will meet to examine issues like accessibility barriers, technology improvements, and travel training. The task force will gather input from the public and state agencies, then submit a report with recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months before the group dissolves.
This bill prohibits New Jersey sports wagering licensees (including casinos, racetracks, and online operators) from offering "micro bets," which are wagers on the outcome of the very next play or action in a game (e.g., the next baseball pitch). It directly affects sportsbooks operating in the state and bettors who might place these rapid, high-frequency wagers. The key provision bans micro bets as a specific type of live wager during ongoing events, with penalties for violations. The bill aims to reduce problem gambling risks linked to the speed and immediacy of these bets, citing rising gambling concerns in New Jersey and nationally.
This bill requires New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to display a person's full legal name - including Roman numerals - on specific driver's licenses, permits, and identification cards. It directly affects residents whose legal names (as recorded on birth certificates) include Roman numerals (e.g., "John Smith III"). The MVC must display these names upon receiving standard documentation proving identity, age, and residence, as already required for license issuance. The policy applies to all standard licenses, REAL ID cards, and commercial driver's licenses, ensuring official documents reflect legally recognized names.
This bill creates a system for New Jersey Transit (NJT) to use camera-equipped buses to enforce parking violations that block bus lanes, bus stops, or bicycle lanes. It authorizes NJT to issue citations based on recorded images of vehicles parked illegally in these zones (e.g., stopping in a dedicated bus lane or bicycle lane), after staff review. Key provisions require cameras to be visibly marked on buses, images to be stored securely for up to six months only if evidence of a violation exists, and strict rules against using facial recognition. The policy directly affects drivers who park illegally in these areas and gives them a limited process to contest citations (e.g., if the vehicle was a school bus or emergency vehicle).
This bill creates a five-year pilot program to test fully autonomous vehicles in New Jersey, requiring companies and institutions (called "autonomous vehicle testers") to obtain approval from the Motor Vehicle Commission before operating these vehicles. Participants must register vehicles, carry at least $5 million in liability insurance, and ensure operators are licensed, sober, and capable of taking manual control at any time. A task force of safety officials, industry experts, and consumer advocates will oversee the program, address safety concerns like collisions or cyberattacks, and provide quarterly reports. Testing will occur in controlled facilities and designated public road sections, with strict safety protocols to protect the public while allowing evaluation of autonomous technology.
This bill establishes rules for on-demand micro transit programs in New Jersey, which are app- or phone-based shared rides using vehicles. It directly affects New Jersey Transit, county transit agencies, and other operators by requiring drivers to be public employees or contractors who hire existing drivers at equivalent wages/benefits (no independent contractors), and mandating that services expand into transit deserts without replacing existing routes. Key provisions include ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities, providing non-smartphone access options, and requiring monthly data reporting on costs, ridership, and wait times. The New Jersey Transit Corporation must publish this data quarterly, and violations will trigger wage law penalties.
