New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4248: Establishes grant program in DCA for installation of suicide deterrents on certain infrastructure; appropriates $10 million.

This bill creates a $10 million grant program within the Department of Community Affairs to fund the installation of suicide deterrents on high-risk structures like bridges and parking garages. To receive funding, eligible entities must submit applications detailing the specific deterrents they plan to install, such as nets or barriers, and provide data on past suicide attempts at the site. The program prioritizes projects in areas with high suicide rates and requires recipients to use grant money for evidence-based solutions or secondary prevention methods like surveillance and emergency phones if primary deterrents are not feasible. Additionally, the bill mandates a study within one year to identify effective deterrent types and their costs, with the results published online.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5081: Prohibits water companies from assessing more than one charge per fire hydrant to fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies for use of fire hydrants.

This bill prevents water companies in New Jersey from charging fire departments, fire districts, or volunteer fire companies more than one fee per fire hydrant on their periodic bills. By amending existing state law, it restricts the Board of Public Utilities from approving tariffs that include multiple charges for hydrant usage, ensuring these emergency services pay only a single rate for each hydrant. The measure takes effect immediately but includes a 60-day delay before it becomes fully operative.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5094: Exempts sale of land to nonprofit organizations for preservation for recreation and conservation purposes from realty transfer fee.

This bill exempts the sale of land to nonprofit organizations from New Jersey's realty transfer fee when the land is purchased for permanent preservation for recreation and conservation purposes. The exemption applies specifically to transactions conducted under the "Preserve New Jersey Act," allowing these groups to acquire property without paying the standard transfer charge. By removing this financial barrier, the legislation aims to support land conservation efforts while maintaining the fee for other property transfers. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4237: Establishes "Kidney Disease Study Commission."

This bill creates the Kidney Disease Study Commission within New Jersey's Department of Health to investigate kidney disease disparities affecting minority and underserved populations. The nine-member commission will include state officials and six public appointees tasked with researching the causes of higher disease rates and lower transplant success in these communities, while also examining treatment patterns under Medicaid and private insurance. To carry out its work, the commission will hold public hearings, utilize state resources, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing its findings and recommendations for future action.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4278: Establishes zero suicide initiative within DOH.

This bill creates a statewide "Zero Suicide" initiative within New Jersey's Department of Health to help healthcare facilities and behavioral health providers prevent suicide through evidence-based practices. The program will offer voluntary training, technical assistance, and certification for organizations that adopt specific safety protocols, such as risk screening and continuity of care plans. To support these efforts, the legislation allows for grants to certified providers and establishes a framework for enhanced Medicaid reimbursement incentives. Ultimately, the act aims to integrate suicide prevention into routine clinical care while recognizing and rewarding facilities that successfully implement these standards.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5080: Concerns parking spaces restricted for persons with disabilities located near youth athletic fields.

This bill requires municipalities and school districts in New Jersey to place parking spaces reserved for people with disabilities near youth sports fields in locations where drivers and front seat passengers can see the games. The rule applies specifically when these entities build, expand, resurface, or repaint existing parking areas adjacent to athletic fields. By mandating that these spots face the field, the legislation ensures that individuals with disabilities can watch youth sports activities from their vehicles.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4275: Grants certain emergency privileges to vehicles transporting human organs and associated medical personnel for time-sensitive procedures.

This bill grants emergency privileges to vehicles transporting human organs and medical personnel involved in time-sensitive procedures. It amends New Jersey's traffic laws to explicitly include these specialized transport vehicles within the category of authorized emergency vehicles. The changes allow these vehicles to operate with the same rights and exemptions as fire departments, police, and ambulances during emergency calls.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5082: Requires certain water companies to provide representative of fire department, fire district, or volunteer fire company access to fire hydrants for water flow rate testing purposes.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4273: Requires DEP to modify certain timelines and requirements for certain approvals associated with development of affordable housing projects.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to speed up and simplify approval processes for affordable housing projects. It mandates specific deadlines for reviewing applications, such as a 180-day limit for water quality plans that triggers automatic approval if missed, and requires certain reviews to happen simultaneously rather than sequentially. The legislation also establishes presumptions that sites designated for affordable housing comply with water quality rules and ensures that previously approved permits remain valid even if new regulations are later adopted.

Topics ✗ Environment ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5054: Requires State school aid reductions in any school year to be applied in following school year.

This bill modifies how New Jersey applies reductions to state school aid, requiring that any cuts made in one school year be postponed and applied to the district's funding in the next school year instead. It directly affects school districts that face budget reductions by ensuring they receive their full allocated aid amount for the current year, with the shortfall deducted later. The law defines "state school aid" to include specific categories like equalization and special education funding, and it overrides previous rules that might have allowed immediate reductions. By deferring these financial adjustments, the measure aims to provide districts with more predictable funding while maintaining the total amount of aid reduced over a two-year period.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4247: Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to investigate allegations of excessive or discriminatory rent setting on affordable housing.

This bill requires New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs to investigate complaints alleging that affordable housing rents are set excessively or discriminatorily. It defines excessive rent as charges that exceed legal limits, increase by more than 10 percent without justification, or conflict with approved rent schedules, and allows tenants or housing officials to report such issues. Upon receiving a complaint, the Division must investigate within 30 days and issue a determination within 90 days, while owners found guilty face escalating civil penalties and must provide restitution to affected tenants. The legislation also prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who file complaints and mandates the Division to submit an annual report on enforcement actions to state leaders.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 14, 2026

A 5078: Requires certain customer identification to be presented to electric power or gas supplier if customer switches services.

This bill mandates that residential customers in New Jersey provide specific identification when switching between electric or gas suppliers. To complete a switch, individuals must present a government-issued photo ID or a non-photo ID paired with a secondary document such as a utility bill or bank statement. The legislation also requires suppliers to confirm that this identification was provided and prohibits them from asking for account numbers if valid ID is shown. Additionally, customers must sign a written or electronic authorization to finalize any change in their energy provider.

Bill results