New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5121: Increases gross income tax rates for taxpayers with taxable income exceeding $2,000,000.

This bill proposes to increase the gross income tax rate for individuals in New Jersey whose taxable income exceeds $2,000,000. It directly affects high-income earners by amending the state tax code to apply a higher percentage to income above this specific threshold. The legislation would modify the existing tax tables to ensure that only the portion of income surpassing $2 million is taxed at the new, elevated rate. This change aims to generate additional revenue from the wealthiest taxpayers while leaving tax rates for lower and middle-income earners unchanged.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5123: Requires principals and teachers of public schools to conduct two sentence oral recitation from Declaration of Independence before opening of school each day in grades three through 12; appropriates $10,000.

This New Jersey bill requires public school principals and teachers to lead a daily two-sentence oral recitation of the Declaration of Independence for students in grades three through twelve. The recitation must occur before each school day begins, immediately after the Pledge of Allegiance, and includes the famous passage about equality and unalienable rights. The legislation also mandates that schools develop age-appropriate curricula explaining the historical context of these words and provides $10,000 in funding to distribute official notices to educators. The act includes exemptions for students with conscientious objections and children of foreign diplomatic representatives.

Topics ✗ Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5102: Authorizes Secretary of Agriculture to declare agricultural emergency; requires Department of Agriculture to conduct study on funding sources available to farmers during agricultural emergency.

This bill authorizes New Jersey's Secretary of Agriculture to declare an agricultural emergency for up to six months if factors like severe weather or global supply chain disruptions threaten the state's farms. When such an emergency is declared, the Department of Agriculture must immediately post a notice on its website explaining the situation and providing farmers with specific resources and funding options to protect their crops and livestock. Additionally, the bill requires the department to conduct a study within six months to identify and report on all available state, federal, and private funding sources that could help farmers during these crises.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5124: Requires NJTA and SJTA to provide toll discount to veterans.

This bill requires the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to offer a 50 percent toll discount to eligible veterans using electronic toll collection systems. To qualify, a veteran must own or lease a New Jersey-registered vehicle linked to an active toll account and provide proof of honorable or general honorable discharge from the military or National Guard. The authorities must approve applications based on standard military separation documents or official veteran identification cards, and the discount applies to all tolls collected at any time.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Transportation ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5120: Clarifies protections and remedies under New Jersey Civil Rights Act; establishes certain aggravating factors regarding award of punitive damages.

This bill amends New Jersey's Civil Rights Act to strengthen protections against constitutional violations by private individuals and government officials. It clarifies that victims can sue for damages and relief regardless of whether the violator is acting under color of law, while also allowing the Attorney General to bring civil actions on behalf of injured parties. The legislation ensures that any damages awarded in these cases are distributed to the victims and includes provisions for jury trials in Superior Court. Additionally, the bill establishes specific aggravating factors that courts may consider when deciding whether to award punitive damages.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5118: Extends foreclosure protections for certain homeowners impacted by remnants of Hurricane Ida.

This bill extends foreclosure protections for homeowners in New Jersey who were affected by the remnants of Hurricane Ida. It allows eligible homeowners to apply for a forbearance, which pauses mortgage payments, by submitting an application to the Department of Community Affairs. To qualify, applicants must prove they are storm-impacted homeowners with a mortgage on their primary residence and provide specific documentation. If approved, the forbearance period lasts for two years, giving borrowers time to recover financially without facing immediate foreclosure actions.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

A 5115: Requires children's meals and beverages served in certain settings to meet nutritional standards.

This New Jersey bill requires chain restaurants to limit the calories, sodium, sugar, and fat in children's meals while mandating the inclusion of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. It applies specifically to establishments with 20 or more locations and sets strict nutritional caps, such as a maximum of 550 calories per serving and zero grams of trans fat. Additionally, the law mandates that restaurants display the nutritional information for these meals on their menus or signage unless the data is already available on their website. The legislation also restricts the default beverage served with children's meals to healthier options like milk or water.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 3884: Requires expedited risk assessment and community notification for certain registered sex offenders who move to this State from another jurisdiction.*

This bill establishes faster notification procedures for sex offenders moving to New Jersey from other states. It requires individuals already registered as sex offenders in another jurisdiction to register in New Jersey if they enroll in state educational institutions or work in the state for more than 14 consecutive days or over 30 days in a calendar year. The legislation defines specific sex offenses that trigger registration requirements and sets a 120-day deadline for new registrants to complete the process. Failure to register as required would result in a third-degree criminal charge.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

passed · New Jersey · General Assembly May 18, 2026

AR 130: Recognizes NJ-Taiwan sister-state relationship and anniversary of Taiwan Relations Act; reiterates support for closer partnership between US, NJ, and Taiwan.

This Assembly Resolution commemorates the 37th anniversary of the sister-state relationship between New Jersey and Taiwan and the 47th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act. It reiterates support for strengthening economic, educational, and scientific partnerships among the United States, New Jersey, and Taiwan. The resolution does not create new laws or policies but serves as a formal statement recognizing existing diplomatic and economic ties. It directs copies to state and local officials and representatives of Taiwan's economic and cultural office in New York.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 3977: Allows rounding for cash transactions.

This bill allows businesses in New Jersey to round cash transaction amounts to simplify payments after the penny's production ended in 2025. It applies only to cash payments, not cards or other non-cash methods, and sets specific rules for rounding prices ending in cents like $.01, $.02, $.03, or $.04 to the nearest nickel or dime. Businesses that choose to use this rounding system must follow the outlined rules, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 for violations. The law takes effect 30 days after being signed into legislation.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4109: Prohibits controller of commercial Internet website or online service from selling sensitive personal data.

This bill prohibits controllers of commercial websites and online services in New Jersey from selling sensitive personal data, such as financial information, health records, and biometric data. It applies to all individuals and legal entities regardless of the size of their consumer base and requires explicit consent before processing sensitive information. The law also mandates that companies implement strong data security practices and provides consumers with a clear mechanism to revoke consent within 15 days. Additionally, it requires data protection assessments for activities that pose a heightened risk of harm, including targeted advertising and data sales.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 18, 2026

S 4061: Allows value of SREC-IIs to be included in cost-benefit calculations under energy savings improvement programs.

This bill allows school districts in New Jersey to count the value of SREC-IIs (Solar Renewable Energy Credits) as part of the financial calculations when deciding whether energy-saving projects are cost-effective. It directly affects school boards and energy service companies that implement energy conservation programs in public schools. The key change permits these renewable energy credits to be included in cost-benefit analyses, potentially making it easier for districts to justify and fund energy efficiency improvements. The bill does not alter existing requirements for public bidding, prevailing wages, or contractor qualifications under current energy savings improvement programs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill results