This New Jersey bill prohibits payment card networks from charging interchange fees on sales tax and gratuity amounts included in credit and debit card transactions. The law requires merchants to send tax and tip data separately during the payment process so that fees are only applied to the actual purchase price. If a merchant fails to separate these amounts initially, they can submit the data within 180 days to receive a refund for any fees incorrectly charged on the tax or gratuity. Violations of this rule could result in a $1,000 penalty per transaction and an order to refund the affected fees to the merchant.
This bill would increase the maximum state funding for farmland preservation grants given to nonprofit organizations from 50 percent to 80 percent. Currently, while local governments can receive up to 80 percent of the cost for acquiring farmland easements or full ownership, nonprofits are limited to a lower share. The legislation aligns the funding rate for nonprofits with that of local governments to help them purchase development easements or acquire land titles for agricultural use. Under the new provisions, the State Agriculture Development Committee would approve the terms of easements held by these organizations, and any future proceeds from the land would be reinvested into farmland preservation efforts.
This bill mandates an automatic recount for any election where the margin of victory is 0.5 percent or less of the total votes cast. For elections with larger margins, it allows candidates or groups of ten voters to request a recount within three days of the results being certified if they suspect counting errors. The legislation also requires applicants for these manual recounts to post a financial deposit to cover potential costs, which is returned only if the recount changes the election outcome. Additionally, the state would be responsible for paying all expenses related to conducting these automatic recounts.
This bill requires developers of new residential construction in New Jersey to install pre-existing conduits, known as raceways, that are large enough to support at least two broadband internet providers. These conduits must be four inches wide and installed during normal utility work to ensure future internet cables can be added without digging up lawns or driveways. The law also allows developers to lease or buy access to existing conduits, provided no single company gets exclusive control that blocks other providers from entering the market. Finally, the state's Commissioner of Community Affairs must create specific rules to ensure these installations meet safety and size standards for multiple internet connections.
This bill allows homeowners in New Jersey whose primary residences are located in Governor-declared disaster areas to pause their mortgage payments for 180 days. To qualify, borrowers must request forbearance from their lender, who is required to approve the request within 15 business days without charging any penalties, fees, or interest during this period. The bill also permits borrowers to extend the pause for another 180 days and mandates that missed payments be repaid later through loan extensions, modifications, or a final lump-sum payment at the end of the loan term.
This bill designates May of each year as "Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month" throughout New Jersey to promote public education on these conditions. It does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic designation to encourage awareness, prevention, and support for individuals affected by asthma and allergies. The resolution allows the Governor to issue an annual proclamation calling on residents and officials to participate in relevant activities during the month.
This resolution asks the New Jersey Attorney General and Department of Education to regularly update two school safety documents that have not been significantly revised since 2007. The specific guidance includes the "School Safety and Security Manual" for schools and "Law Enforcement Directive No. 2007-1" for police agencies, both of which cover topics like lockdowns, evacuations, and emergency response. By urging these agencies to review the materials, the bill aims to ensure that school staff and law enforcement have access to the most current best practices for maintaining safety. The measure is non-binding and serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law that creates new penalties or mandates.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment that would clarify how the New Jersey Legislature must fund and maintain public schools for children aged five to 18. The change requires the state to pass laws defining the components of a thorough and efficient school system and to establish how funding is allocated between the state and local districts. However, the amendment explicitly states that it does not set any minimum or maximum funding amounts, leaving the specific level of financial support entirely to the Legislature's discretion. If approved by voters, this text would permanently update the state constitution to describe the legislative process for public school support without mandating specific dollar figures.
This New Jersey concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress and President to pass federal legislation, specifically H.R.225, that would strengthen protections for individuals transporting firearms across state lines. The proposed law would amend the Firearm Owners' Protection Act of 1986 to clarify that transporting a firearm includes temporary stops such as overnight lodging, medical emergencies, or fuel stops while traveling. The bill directly affects law-abiding gun owners who currently risk criminal charges in states with strict gun laws if their travel plans are disrupted by events like missed flights. By broadening the legal definition of transport, the legislation aims to prevent the imprisonment of citizens who store their unloaded firearms in locked containers during interstate travel.
This bill expands legal protections for individuals who report sexual assault, harassment, or discrimination by extending anti-SLAPP laws to cover these specific complaints. It allows courts to pause or "stay" related lawsuits and limit discovery requests when a person makes a good-faith report about such incidents, helping to prevent retaliatory legal actions. The changes apply to private individuals and entities but exclude cases involving government officials or businesses selling goods and services. By amending existing statutes, the legislation aims to ensure that victims can report abuse without fear of being silenced through costly legal battles.
Assembly Bill 5146 requires the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to deploy mobile service units in every congressional district to provide vehicle and licensing services, with a focus on areas lacking public transportation or having limited appointment availability. The bill mandates that the commission collect and publish quarterly data on service performance, including wait times and the number of services provided, while also requiring annual reports to the Governor and Legislature. Additionally, the legislation establishes mandatory customer service training for all employees and introduces new feedback mechanisms, such as QR codes, to assess satisfaction and handle complaints. Finally, the bill directs the State Auditor to conduct a performance audit within 18 months to evaluate the effectiveness and costs of these mobile units.
This joint resolution commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The bill asks the Governor to issue a proclamation honoring the victims, first responders, and the resilience of the American people. It also directs that copies of the resolution be sent to federal leaders and members of Congress from New Jersey. The measure serves as a formal state recognition of the event and does not create new laws or change existing policies.
