New Jersey's S 1852 provides tax credits to small businesses (fewer than 25 employees and under $1 million annual revenue) and farm employers to offset increased labor costs from the state's minimum wage hike enacted in 2019. The bill allows a credit equal to the difference between the new minimum wage and the previous rate, multiplied by hours worked, for both corporate business tax and gross income tax. Credits are capped at $12,500 per employee and can be carried forward for up to 10 years. This directly affects small business owners and farm employers paying hourly wages who face higher payroll expenses due to the 2019 minimum wage increase.
This bill (S 2513) would limit how much a local government can increase a property's tax assessment after a successful appeal. It caps any post-appeal assessment increase at the district-wide average increase in property values, preventing disproportionate hikes for properties that won tax appeals. Property owners who successfully challenge assessments and local taxing districts (municipalities) would be directly affected. If a district exceeds this limit without justification, it must pay the property owner's legal fees and costs. The limit applies until the next full reassessment of all properties in the district.
This bill excludes reenlistment and voluntary extension bonuses for U.S. Armed Forces members from New Jersey's gross income tax. It amends the state tax code to specifically remove these bonuses from taxable income, applying to all active-duty and reserve service members, including New Jersey National Guard members on State active duty. The policy directly affects military personnel who receive such bonuses as part of their service compensation. This change provides tax relief by reducing the taxable income of these service members for New Jersey tax purposes.
S 2389 increases annual funding for New Jersey's Commission on Cancer Research from $1 million to $4 million by redirecting tobacco tax revenues into a dedicated Cancer Research Fund. This replaces the previous lapsing fund that had been diverted to the General Fund, ensuring the $4 million is permanently available for cancer research. The new non-lapsing fund, managed by the State Treasurer, will exclusively provide grants for research projects approved by the Commission, with interest earned also funding the cause. This change guarantees stable, long-term support for the Commission's work on cancer prevention, treatment, and research in New Jersey.
This bill (S 2780) appropriates $45 million from New Jersey's Transportation Trust Fund to the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for disaster recovery construction projects. The Commission must repay the full $45 million to the state Treasury regardless of whether it receives federal funding for these projects, as required by a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill was withdrawn on January 13, 2026, because the funding was already approved under another bill (P.L.2025, c.318). It does not change existing laws but provides supplemental funding for specific park infrastructure recovery work.
This bill, S 954, proposes to reduce New Jersey's individual income tax rates by approximately 10% over three years through phased adjustments to the state's tax brackets. It directly affects New Jersey residents who pay state income tax, particularly those in higher income brackets where the largest rate reductions apply. Key mechanisms include lowering tax rates across all income levels - such as reducing the top rate from 8.97% to 8.67% for incomes over $500,000 - spread across multiple tax years starting in 2026. The bill aims to provide gradual tax relief, though the exact percentage reduction varies by income tier rather than applying uniformly. (Note: This is a proposed bill introduced in 2026; it has not yet been enacted.)
S 2965 imposes a $100-per-seat or $400-per-flight tax (whichever is greater) on non-essential helicopter and seaplane flights departing from or arriving at New Jersey airports, heliports, or helistops. It excludes flights for emergency medical services, construction support, research, or nonprofit organizations (like hospitals or news agencies). Operators must collect the tax, provide electronic receipts within 48 hours detailing the flight, and pay it quarterly to the state. All revenue from this tax will fund New Jersey Transit (NJT) operating expenses.
This bill provides tax incentives for historic diners and restaurants in New Jersey that meet specific criteria. To qualify, an establishment must have operated continuously for at least 25 years (including pandemic-related closures), qualify as a small business, comply with health/safety rules, and (for restaurants) be family-owned. The bill creates an annual registry managed by the Division of Travel and Tourism, granting approved operators a 12-month sales tax exemption on prepared food/beverages sold for on-site consumption and corporation business/gross income tax credits. These benefits directly support qualifying historic eateries by reducing their tax burden.
This bill reinstates an annual sales tax exemption for specific school and recreational items purchased by individuals for non-business use. It exempts computers under $3,000, school computer supplies under $1,000, school supplies (like notebooks and art materials), school instructional materials (textbooks, workbooks), and sport/recreation equipment (gloves, skates, etc.) during a defined 10-day period each year. The exemption period runs from 12:01 a.m. on the ninth day before the first Monday in September through 11:59 p.m. on that Monday. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment and applies to sales during exemption periods starting at least 30 days after enactment.
This bill (S 2735) exempts sales of fuel cell devices and systems from New Jersey's sales and use tax. It applies to devices that generate electricity from fuel without combustion (e.g., for heating, cooling, or power) and covers related tangible property. The exemption also extends to fuels like natural gas, propane, and hydrogen used in these systems. This directly benefits businesses and consumers purchasing fuel cell technology for energy use.
