New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4130: Allows sale of ice cream and other frozen desserts infused with certain alcoholic beverages.

This New Jersey bill allows the sale of ice cream and other frozen desserts that contain up to five percent alcohol by volume without requiring a liquor license. The legislation permits manufacturers to infuse these products with distilled spirits, wine, beer, cider, or mead, provided the alcohol content remains at or below the five percent limit. To ensure safety and compliance, the bill mandates that such products be sold in sealed packages with specific warning labels regarding age restrictions, pregnancy risks, and impaired driving. Additionally, selling these alcoholic frozen desserts to anyone under the legal drinking age is classified as a disorderly persons offense.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4188: Requires SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare to cover kidney disease education services; Requires DOH to develop policies and procedures regarding kidney disease education services.

This bill mandates that New Jersey's state health insurance programs, including SHBP, SEHBP, and NJ FamilyCare, cover specific education services for individuals with kidney disease who need dialysis or a transplant. Under the legislation, the Department of Health must first create detailed rules outlining how these services should be delivered, which will include verbal counseling on managing other health conditions, preventing complications, and understanding different treatment options. The covered education must be provided by a healthcare professional before a patient's appointment and must ensure the patient has the opportunity to actively participate in choosing their treatment path.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4114: Authorizes physician assistants in behavioral health care to provide procedures and services without supervision.

This bill allows physician assistants working in behavioral health care to provide procedures and services without the direct supervision of a physician. It directly affects licensed physician assistants in New Jersey who treat patients for mental illness, emotional disorders, or substance use issues. The key change removes the requirement for a supervising physician when these professionals deliver care in settings like hospitals, clinics, or veterans' homes. Additionally, the law mandates that physician assistants maintain medical malpractice insurance or a letter of credit and clearly identify themselves to patients during treatment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4214: Codifies finding that greenhouse gas emissions contribute to climate change and endanger public health, safety, welfare, and environment; amends "Air Pollution Control Act (1954)" to define greenhouse gases as air pollutants subject to regulation.

This bill classifies greenhouse gases as air pollutants under New Jersey's existing Air Pollution Control Act, allowing the state to regulate their emissions. It formally recognizes scientific evidence that these gases contribute to climate change and pose risks to public health, safety, and the environment. By amending state law, the measure directs the Department of Environmental Protection to create specific emission standards for stationary sources like power plants and industrial facilities. The legislation also mandates rules to support broader state goals, such as establishing low-carbon fuel standards and increasing the sales of zero-emission vehicles.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4115: "Compassionate Spousal Visits for Veterans Act"; establishes transportation grant program for spouses of veterans; appropriates $500,000.

The "Compassionate Spousal Visits for Veterans Act" creates a transportation grant program in New Jersey to help spouses of veterans visit them at long-term care facilities or VA medical centers. This initiative allows eligible spouses to receive reimbursement for travel costs on public transit, county vehicles, or private rides when they cannot drive themselves and lack other funding options. The Department of Veterans Affairs will manage the program, which includes setting up rules for reimbursement, ensuring liability insurance for transport vehicles, and notifying the public about the new benefits. To fund these efforts, the bill appropriates $500,000 from the state's General Fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4173: Establishes certain requirements concerning unconscionable rent increases for residential rental properties.

This bill establishes a legal framework for courts in New Jersey to evaluate whether rent increases on residential properties are unconscionable. It requires judges to consider multiple factors, such as the landlord's expenses, local market rates, the property's condition, and the relative bargaining power of the tenant and landlord. The legislation places the burden of proof on landlords to demonstrate that a rent increase is fair and not excessive. Additionally, if a court finds a violation, tenants may receive lease reformation, treble damages for overpayments, and a $2,000 civil penalty. The rules do not apply to properties already covered by local rent control ordinances or affordable housing programs.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4150: Allows students to use certain grant awards during summer session.

This bill allows students in New Jersey to use a portion of their tuition aid grants or opportunity grants to pay for summer courses that help them meet graduation requirements or earn major credits. To use these funds, students must notify their financial aid authorities before the academic year begins, which reduces the amount of grant money they receive during the regular semester. The legislation also requires annual reporting on how many students use these grants for summer classes and their subsequent graduation rates within normal timeframes. Finally, the bill clarifies that using grant funds for summer sessions does not count toward the total number of years a student is eligible to receive financial aid.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4198: Establishes Health Equity Access and Leadership Fund; appropriates $25 million from General Fund, and allocates portion of Health Care Subsidy Fund revenues, to fund.

This bill creates a new Health Equity Access and Leadership Fund within New Jersey's existing Health Care Subsidy Fund to support community health initiatives. The fund will be financed by an initial $25 million appropriation from the state's General Fund and by allocating at least 0.1 percent of annual revenues from the Health Care Subsidy Fund. Money in the fund will be distributed through a competitive grant process to community-based organizations and service providers that offer essential health care services. The Commissioner of Health is tasked with administering the fund and establishing rules to ensure its integrity.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4189: Requires NJ FamilyCare coverage for healthy food prescriptions for certain enrollees.

This bill requires NJ FamilyCare to cover prescriptions for healthy foods for certain enrollees, aiming to improve nutrition access for people with diet-related health conditions. It defines a "food prescription" as a healthcare provider's written order for specific foods to treat conditions like obesity or diabetes. The legislation also establishes a fund and program to support small food retailers and pharmacies in low and moderate-income areas to stock and sell fresh produce and other healthy items at affordable prices. By integrating healthy food prescriptions into the state's Medicaid program, the bill seeks to help residents in underserved communities gain better access to nutritious options.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4146: Requires certain employers to provide certain employees with notifications concerning federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

This bill requires employers in New Jersey who qualify for the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to inform new employees about the program during their initial benefits explanation. The notification must cover eligibility criteria, such as working at least 30 hours per week, holding federal Direct Loans, being on an income-driven repayment plan, and making 120 qualifying payments. The law applies immediately to any qualifying employer hiring new staff and aims to ensure workers are aware of potential loan forgiveness opportunities from the start of their employment.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SR 98: Condemns President Trump's threats of genocide and war crimes against Iran.

This Senate resolution from New Jersey formally condemns President Trump's public threats of genocide and war crimes against Iran. The bill specifically targets statements made on social media that called for bombing civilian infrastructure and destroying a civilization, labeling them as violations of international law. While it does not change any laws or policies, it directs copies of the resolution to federal officials and Congress to register the state's official disapproval of these remarks.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

SR 96: Recognizes NJ-Taiwan sister-state relationship and anniversary of Taiwan Relations Act; reiterates support for closer partnership between US, NJ, and Taiwan.

This Senate Resolution commemorates the 37th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between New Jersey and Taiwan and the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. The bill formally acknowledges the shared democratic values between the two regions and reaffirms support for strengthening economic, educational, and scientific partnerships among the United States, New Jersey, and Taiwan. It highlights existing collaborations such as trade agreements, driver license reciprocity, and the establishment of the New Jersey Asia-Pacific Center in Taipei. As a symbolic measure, the resolution directs copies to relevant state and diplomatic officials to recognize these milestones and ongoing ties.

Bill results