This bill requires volunteer firefighters in New Jersey to receive state-funded cancer screenings at least once every three years, covering specific types of cancer including colon, lung, and prostate. The program reimburses up to $1,250 per three-year period for exams not covered by personal health insurance, with no co-pays or deductibles required. Funding comes from a dedicated state revolving fund that also receives additional revenue from a 0.1% tax on fire insurance premiums paid by out-of-state insurers. The tax revenue is split between the New Jersey Firemen's Home and the new firefighter screening fund, with the remainder returned to the State Firemen's Association.
This bill requires New Jersey's Departments of Human Services and Children and Families to each hire a full-time Director of Medical Services to oversee medical aspects of abuse and neglect investigations. The new positions, located within specific investigative units, would be filled by licensed physicians who advise on complex medical issues during investigations, provide expert testimony in legal proceedings, and review medical policies at state facilities caring for people with developmental disabilities. The legislation appropriates $480,000 from the state's General Fund to cover the salaries for these two new director positions, with $240,000 allocated to each department.
This New Jersey concurrent resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass legislation exempting military retirement pay from federal income taxation. It directly affects retired members of the Armed Forces and Reserves who currently pay federal taxes on their retirement benefits based on length of service. The resolution highlights the sacrifices made by military personnel and notes that while some states already offer tax exemptions, federal law currently taxes this income. This document is a non-binding recommendation from New Jersey lawmakers rather than a law itself, as it only expresses support for federal action.
This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create a rebate program that helps residents purchase microfiber washing machine filters, which are devices attached to washing machines to trap synthetic fibers before they enter the wastewater system. The program would provide one-time rebates of up to $100 or the cost of the filter, whichever is less, to residents who buy eligible filters and submit a completed application. The state has appropriated $2.5 million from the General Fund to support this initiative, and the DEP must report annually on the program's usage, costs, and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.
This bill increases financial aid to New Jersey municipalities that host watershed lands within the Highlands Region, directing funds from the Highlands Protection Fund and other environmental funds to offset property restrictions. It requires that at least 25% of the aid received by each municipality be used for school funding purposes. Additionally, the bill adjusts how money from realty transfer fees is allocated to the Highlands Protection Fund, ensuring ongoing support for watershed protection efforts. The legislation applies specifically to municipalities identified by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council as hosting watershed lands.
This bill increases benefit amounts and expands eligibility for New Jersey's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, directly affecting low-to-moderate income residents of the state. It raises the percentage of the federal EITC that New Jersey matches, increasing the credit rate to 45% for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The legislation also allows individuals aged 18 and older who cannot claim a qualifying child for the federal EITC due to age restrictions to still qualify for the state credit, and it permits married taxpayers who are victims of domestic abuse to file separately without meeting the usual joint filing requirement.
This bill allows New Jersey taxpayers to have their state gross income tax refunds automatically applied to any overdue local property taxes they owe. It directly affects residents who receive tax refunds, earned income tax credits, or homestead rebates while having delinquent property tax accounts. The key mechanism requires the state to withhold these refunds and send the money to municipal tax collectors to pay off the debt, with child support obligations taking priority over other debts. Local tax collectors must identify delinquent taxpayers and report them to the state, which then notifies affected residents about the withheld amounts.
This bill allocates $4.8 million in state funding to Jefferson Township Public Schools to help cover operational expenses. The money comes from the state's General Fund and is designated specifically for direct educational services and assistance within the district. By providing this supplemental appropriation, the legislation aims to address a funding shortfall that the school district has experienced. The funds take effect immediately and are intended to support the school system's day-to-day operations during the 2026 fiscal year.
This bill creates a new Office of Emergency Responder Survivor Support and Navigation within the New Jersey Department of Treasury to help families of emergency responders who die in the line of duty. The office will be staffed by individuals who have personally experienced the loss of a first responder and will assist beneficiaries with applying for government and private benefits, provide summaries of eligible benefits, and offer ongoing support during the application process. The legislation appropriates $1,000,000 annually from the General Fund to support these operations and is named in honor of three emergency responders who died in the line of duty.
This bill creates the New Jersey Skills Service Corps, a paid volunteer program for adults aged 18 and older that allows participants to earn industry-recognized credentials while working on state projects. Administered by the Office of Volunteerism in the Department of State, the program requires volunteers to commit at least 15 hours per month for up to two years in areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and community development, with priority given to residents of underserved communities. Eligible participants receive a monthly stipend determined by the program director and complete training and free certification upon finishing their service. The bill also establishes a dedicated fund to finance the program through state appropriations, federal grants, and private contributions, and includes an initial appropriation from the General Fund to launch the initiative.
