This bill requires libraries in New Jersey municipalities or counties where 40%+ of residents live below 1.85x the federal poverty line to provide free menstrual hygiene products (tampons and sanitary napkins) in all women’s and all-gender restrooms. It also mandates that these libraries display educational pamphlets about menstrual health topics like toxic shock syndrome and proper disposal. The state, not the libraries, will cover all costs for purchasing and maintaining these products. The law applies to libraries funded partly by municipal or county taxes and aims to address period poverty by ensuring access to essential products and information.
This bill (A4228) requires the New Jersey State to reimburse school districts for the costs of transporting homeless students to school. Currently, the student's district of residence pays these transportation costs, but this bill shifts that responsibility to the state. It amends existing laws (P.L.1989, c.290 and P.L.2015, c.228) to specify that the State must reimburse districts for transportation provided to homeless students. The change directly affects all school districts in New Jersey that transport homeless students, ensuring they are financially supported for this cost.
This bill creates the Rider Advocacy Commission (with three appointed members) and the New Jersey Transit Office of Customer Advocate to directly represent NJ Transit riders' interests. The Office must analyze and report on proposed fare increases, service cuts, expansions, or major spending to NJ Transit's board, the Governor, and Legislature. It requires NJ Transit to share relevant documents with the Office for independent review before major changes. The Office collects public feedback through its website and monthly customer meetings, ensuring rider concerns directly inform transit decisions.
This bill requires New Jersey's Office of Information Technology (OIT) to create a public generative artificial intelligence program that generates text, images, or videos in response to user prompts. OIT must annually test the program for cybersecurity risks and implement safety measures. The bill also mandates OIT to partner with county governments to offer free public education courses on AI, covering how generative AI works, identifying biases, and mitigating inaccuracies - while respecting privacy and legal compliance. It appropriates $1 million for program development and $500,000 in grants to counties for course implementation. The program and courses will directly affect all New Jersey residents seeking to understand AI tools.
This bill establishes a $5 million grant program to expand dual enrollment opportunities in career and technical education (CTE) for New Jersey high school students. Public colleges and universities can apply for competitive grants to offer college-level CTE courses on their campuses or in high schools, allowing students to earn college credits while still in high school. Institutions must submit detailed applications outlining their program plans, capacity, and expected student participation, with grants prioritizing programs designed to continue beyond the initial funding period. The Secretary of Higher Education must annually report to the Governor and Legislature on program participation, impact on workforce needs, and recommendations for future funding.
This bill requires New Jersey state agencies (including the Department of Community Affairs and Board of Public Utilities) to review and potentially raise income limits for residential customers seeking utility bill assistance or energy efficiency programs within one year of the bill's effective date. It directly affects low- and moderate-income households who currently qualify for these programs by expanding eligibility if income thresholds increase. Key provisions mandate agencies to consider program alignment, state median income, cost impacts, and public input before adjusting limits, while also requiring coordination to ensure customers aren’t eligible for multiple energy efficiency programs. The bill aims to simplify access and expand support without specifying exact income levels or outcomes.
S 3470 allows New Jersey to use reverse auctions for specific health care contracts under the State Health Benefits Program, School Employees' Health Benefits Program, and Medicaid Managed Care Program, excluding pharmacy benefit management contracts. In a reverse auction, health care providers would compete by lowering their prices in real-time to secure state contracts, aiming to achieve better value for taxpayers. The bill requires the state to document and later make public the details of any negotiations related to these contracts to ensure transparency. This change modifies existing procurement rules to expand competitive bidding options for these health benefits programs.
This bill redirects 50% of existing revenue from two specific taxes on high-value real estate transactions to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund. It applies to sellers of residential, commercial, farm, or cooperative properties sold for over $1 million, as well as certain commercial property transfers involving controlling interests exceeding $1 million. Currently, these revenues go to the General Fund; this bill mandates that half be instead deposited annually into the housing trust fund to support affordable housing programs. The change would take effect July 1 following enactment.
S 3533 establishes the "Household Water Assistance Program" with $75 million in funding to help low-income New Jersey households pay for water, sewer, and stormwater utility costs. It targets households with incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, those receiving benefits like SNAP or SSI, or those facing temporary financial hardship (e.g., job loss or medical expenses). The program prevents disconnections for nonpayment and restores service for households already disconnected due to unpaid bills. Administered by the Department of Community Affairs, it directly supports vulnerable households struggling with essential water service costs.
This bill would have allowed New Jersey municipalities to create dedicated "Municipal Homelessness Trust Funds" by adding a $5 fee to existing fines (like parking tickets). It required towns to adopt a homeless housing plan - developed with community groups - to address local homelessness through permanent housing solutions, rental assistance, and prevention programs. Funds would have been used exclusively for housing initiatives within four years, with unspent money transferred to the state for community-based organizations. The bill was withdrawn in January 2026 after similar provisions were enacted in P.L. 2025, c. 348.
