This bill prohibits transportation network companies, such as ride-sharing apps, from charging the standard $0.50 surcharge on trips designated as paratransit service. It directly affects riders who use these apps for specialized transportation needs, including those with disabilities, seniors, and Medicaid beneficiaries, by exempting their prearranged rides from the fee. The legislation also clarifies that companies are not personally liable for these specific paratransit rides. By removing this financial barrier, the bill ensures that essential accessible transportation remains affordable for eligible users.
This bill updates regulations for health care facilities in New Jersey, specifically targeting substance use disorder treatment centers and general hospitals. It increases daily fines for operating these facilities without a valid license or after a license has been revoked, adjusting the amounts to $12,500 and $25,000 respectively. The legislation also grants the state commissioner expanded powers to conduct inspections, require financial and quality reports, and appoint monitors for hospitals facing financial distress. Additionally, the bill allows third-floor occupancy in private long-term care facilities for owners, their families, and licensed staff.
This bill creates a three-year pilot program in Essex, Mercer, and Camden counties to enhance school safety and student mental health support. The initiative provides $15 million in funding to deliver clinical mental health services, such as counseling and crisis intervention, alongside security upgrades like active shooter training and protective equipment. Implementation requires collaboration between the Department of Education and other state agencies, with district selection based on reported violence and bullying data. At the end of the pilot period, the Commissioner of Education must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
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 updates New Jersey state law to officially recognize "Jewish American Heritage Month" instead of "Jewish Heritage Month." The change moves the observance from April to May to align with the federal designation established by President George W. Bush. By amending an existing statute, the measure ensures the state's recognition matches the national timeline and title.
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 requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a publicly accessible online dashboard tracking real-time flood risks across the state. The dashboard must display rainfall, river levels, sewer capacity, flood damage reports, drainage complaints, and historical flood data from municipalities. Municipalities and counties must report this data to the DEP, with the dashboard updated weekly during active storm warnings. The DEP must annually review the system to standardize reporting, reduce administrative burdens on local governments, and improve data sharing capabilities.
