Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4161: Increase allowable amount of farmland preservation grants to nonprofit organizations.

This bill increases the maximum state funding for farmland preservation projects led by nonprofit organizations in New Jersey from 50 percent to 80 percent of acquisition costs. Sponsored by Senator John J. Burzicelli, the legislation amends existing laws to align the financial support given to nonprofits with the higher rate already available to local government units. The funds, drawn from the Garden State Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, can be used to purchase development easements or fee simple titles on farmland, with the latter requiring agricultural deed restrictions upon resale or lease. By removing the lower funding cap for nonprofits, the bill aims to expand the scope of farmland preservation initiatives managed by these organizations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases state funding for farmland preservation grants, strengthening fiscal support for essential agricultural programs.95% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5165: "End Data Center Tax Credits Act"; reduces tax credits available for Next New Jersey Program.*

This bill, titled the "End Data Center Tax Credits Act," sets a combined nine-year spending cap of $11.5 billion for various state tax credit programs, including those for economic recovery, arts, and manufacturing. It specifically reduces the amount of credits available under the Next New Jersey Program and directs $200 million of those credits to a housing agency through competitive auctions. Additionally, the legislation authorizes the Board of Public Utilities to issue tax credits for energy storage projects and creates a temporary income tax credit for certain residential electricity customers.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill caps spending and reduces tax credits, limiting state budget flexibility and defunding programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill directs $200M from tax credits to a housing agency via competitive auctions, funding housing initiatives.75% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill reduces tax credits for data centers and energy storage, limiting funding for critical tech infrastructure.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Income Tax Tax Credits

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5164: Modifies additional fee and taxes imposed on certain real property transfers valued over $1 million; expands imposition of fees and taxes to real property classified Industrial Property and certain Apartments.

This bill introduces a new fee on the transfer of real property in New Jersey when the sale price exceeds $1 million. It expands the types of properties subject to this fee to include industrial properties and apartments, while maintaining exemptions for tax-exempt organizations and certain corporate mergers. The fee amount varies based on the sale price, ranging from 1% to 2.5%, and is collected by county recording officers to be deposited into the state's General Fund. Additionally, the legislation provides a specific exemption for apartment buildings where at least 10% of the units are designated as affordable housing.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill imposes new fees on real property transfers, increasing tax burdens on transactions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 8, 2026

S 4220: Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2027.

This bill authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank to lend up to $3.85 billion to local governments and public water utilities for environmental infrastructure projects in fiscal year 2027. The legislation allows the bank to use funds from various existing trust accounts to finance the construction of facilities related to drinking water and wastewater treatment. Additionally, the bill outlines how the bank can increase its available loan amounts by including interest earned, fees, and other financial adjustments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $3.85B in loans for environmental infrastructure, directly increasing funding for public water and wastewater services.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes $3.85B in loans for environmental infrastructure, specifically drinking water and wastewater treatment facilities, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4262: Requires funds received by NJ from lawsuits in which AG participated be held in escrow by certain financial institutions.

This bill requires New Jersey to deposit at least 50% of funds recovered by the state from lawsuits involving the Attorney General into specific financial institutions. These institutions must be licensed in New Jersey, hold at least $1 billion in total deposits, and maintain a significant portion of their assets within the state. The Department of Banking and Insurance will create a list of approved banks, and those already authorized to hold attorney trust accounts will be automatically considered eligible.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates depositing recovered lawsuit funds into state-licensed institutions, strengthening state fiscal management and ensuring funds remain within the state's financial system.75% confidence

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4989: Makes supplemental appropriation of $1 million to DVA for suicide prevention training for personnel at State-run veterans' facilities.

This bill allocates $1 million from the state's General Fund to the Department of Veterans Affairs for suicide prevention training. The money will be used specifically to train staff at state-run Veterans' Haven facilities, which provide transitional housing for veterans. By funding this training, the legislation aims to equip facility personnel with the skills needed to better support residents and address suicide risks. The funding is designated under the annual appropriations act for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $1 million from the General Fund to fund suicide prevention training for veterans, directly increasing funding for a public service.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill allocates $1M to fund suicide prevention training for veterans' facility staff, directly strengthening mental health services and patient safety.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allocates $1M to fund suicide prevention training for veterans' facility staff, directly strengthening veteran support services.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Mental Health Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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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 & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill protects school funding by deferring cuts, ensuring districts receive full aid in the current year and promoting fiscal stability.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prevents immediate funding cuts to schools by deferring them, ensuring districts receive full allocated aid and protecting school budgets.85% confidence

Sub-Topics School Funding Special Education

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in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 7, 2026

A 4985: Requires that lease agreements for school buildings in excess of 15 years be approved by voters of school district or board of school estimate as appropriate.

This bill requires that lease agreements for school buildings lasting more than 15 years be approved directly by voters or the board of school estimate, depending on the district type. Under the new rules, districts must present a specific question to the public that details the lease term, annual payment amounts, and the projected impact on the school district's tax levy. The bill also mandates that the ballot question include a clear statement informing voters that the school district will not own the building at the end of the lease term. Additionally, the legislation updates existing state laws regarding how school boards can lease, purchase, or acquire buildings and equipment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enhances fiscal responsibility by requiring voter approval for long-term leases, preventing hidden tax burdens and ensuring transparent budget management.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill protects school district financial stability by requiring voter approval for long-term leases, preventing hidden costs that could strain educational budgets.85% confidence

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

A 5067: Requires feasibility study to examine establishment of regional medical examiner office facility in Southern New Jersey and collaborative development of new medical examiner education initiatives; appropriates $40,000.

This bill directs the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner to conduct a feasibility study on creating a new regional facility in Southern New Jersey and expanding local medical examiner training programs. The study will assess the need for a combined morgue and administrative center, evaluate costs for advanced equipment like CT scanners, and explore partnerships with area universities to develop new forensic science courses and fellowship programs. To fund this initial research, the legislation appropriates $40,000 from the state's General Fund to hire an entity to perform the analysis. Once completed, the findings and recommendations will be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $40,000 to fund a feasibility study for a new medical examiner facility and education initiatives, directly advancing public safety services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill funds a feasibility study for a new medical examiner facility and education initiatives, enhancing forensic infrastructure and professional training.70% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget

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in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4330: Prohibits reductions in State school aid for certain school districts in 2026-2027 school year.

This bill prevents the state from cutting school funding for specific districts during the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring they receive the same amount of aid as in the previous year. It applies to districts that are projected to lose money, are currently spending below a legal adequacy standard, cannot raise local taxes enough to cover their share, and spend less than 85% of the statewide average per student. By guaranteeing these funds, the legislation aims to stabilize budgets for schools that face financial constraints and lower per-pupil spending levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill prevents cuts to school funding, ensuring financial stability for specific districts and protecting essential educational resources.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prevents cuts to school funding for specific districts, ensuring financial stability and protecting educational resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget School Funding

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