State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation

This bill requires all corn masa flour and wet corn masa products sold in New Jersey to be fortified with folic acid to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, which disproportionately affect Latino communities. Manufacturers must add specific amounts of folic acid to dry flour and wet products and clearly label these ingredients on nutrition facts panels. The law allows the state health commissioner to grant exemptions for specific products or companies if necessary. By making these changes, the legislation aims to ensure that dietary staples common in Central and South American cuisines provide essential nutritional benefits comparable to other fortified grains.

S 757 amends New Jersey's statute governing local government asset accounting to establish a specific period of usefulness for fire fighting apparatus and equipment acquired through purchase or lease. This change applies to all local governments in the state and requires them to use this standardized period for budgeting and financial reporting. The bill does not specify the exact duration but creates a uniform accounting standard for fire department vehicles and equipment, replacing the current lack of defined guidance for such assets. The amendment affects how municipalities account for these resources, impacting their long-term financial planning.

This joint resolution (AJR 93) formally celebrates and commemorates the 200th anniversary of Timbuctoo, an unincorporated African-American community in Westampton Township, New Jersey. It recognizes Timbuctoo’s historical significance as a settlement founded by formerly enslaved people in 1826, its role in the Underground Railroad, and its connection to Black heritage and resilience. The resolution directs copies to the New Jersey Black Heritage Trail Advisory Committee and local historical groups, with no new policies or funding impacts. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws or regulations but honors the community’s legacy.

This bill (A 794) allows distressed New Jersey municipalities (those with a revitalization index score of 50 or higher) to acquire vacant, abandoned, or tax-delinquent properties by either paying the owner the fair market value or using eminent domain. It replaces older, more cumbersome processes like tax foreclosure with simpler methods, while permitting municipalities to deduct unpaid taxes and liens from the payment amount. Properties are defined as "abandoned" if at least four specific conditions exist (e.g., overgrown vegetation, disconnected utilities, or boarded windows), but exclude properties under active renovation or seasonal use. The law directly affects distressed municipalities seeking to revitalize blighted properties and property owners of abandoned real estate.

This bill (S 725) allows New Jersey municipalities to acquire vacant, abandoned, or tax-delinquent properties more easily. It defines "abandoned" or "vacant" as property meeting at least four specific criteria (e.g., overgrown vegetation, disconnected utilities, or unoccupied for seasonal use), and gives municipalities two options: purchase the property at fair market value (minus unpaid taxes/liens) or use eminent domain. Property owners would receive compensation adjusted for outstanding municipal debts, and unclaimed funds would be held for one year before being treated as abandoned under state law. The bill aims to streamline property acquisition compared to existing laws like the Abandoned Properties Rehabilitation Act, directly affecting municipalities and property owners in blighted areas. It was introduced in the Senate on January 13, 2026.