This bill establishes clear standards for courts to determine if a rent increase is "unconscionable" (extremely unfair), directly affecting landlords and tenants in New Jersey. Courts must consider factors like the rent amount, landlord expenses, comparable local rents (including HUD data), tenant bargaining power, and property condition, with landlords bearing the burden of proof. It also excludes certain eviction court records from public access - specifically dismissed cases and cases where possession was granted over seven years ago - while exempting rent-controlled properties or regulated housing programs. The law codifies existing court practices to provide consistent, objective criteria for rent disputes.
This bill (A 947) requires New Jersey's Department of Health to create a public awareness campaign and develop policies for recognizing and treating perinatal anxiety - a condition affecting approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women. It mandates that healthcare providers screen all pregnant and postpartum patients for perinatal anxiety during prenatal visits (at least once per trimester), before discharge after birth, and at early postnatal check-ups, using the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS) or an approved alternative. Providers must also give patients and their families clear information about symptoms, coping strategies, and treatment resources. The bill directly affects pregnant and postpartum women, their healthcare providers, and birthing facilities across New Jersey.
This bill (A 3986) requires towing companies in New Jersey to accept electronic authorization from vehicle owners or operators to release towed vehicles to designated third parties. It directly affects towing companies registered with the Division of Consumer Affairs and third parties like insurance companies or collision repair shops. The key provision mandates that towing companies must accept written authorization sent electronically instead of requiring in-person pickup. The bill also requires the Director of Consumer Affairs to issue guidelines ensuring lawful property transfers. This update to the 2007 Predatory Towing Prevention Act simplifies vehicle release when owners don't need to be present.
This bill grants patients with developmental disabilities in New Jersey hospitals the right to have a designated family member, guardian, direct support professional (DSP), or other caregiver accompany them throughout their entire hospital stay. Hospitals must provide an opportunity to make this designation at admission and document it in the medical record, with changes allowed upon 1-hour notice. The right does not apply during active surgery if the caregiver's presence would endanger the patient. It directly affects patients with developmental disabilities, their designated caregivers, and New Jersey hospitals. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Health (DOH) to survey all antenatal and prenatal care clinics across the state - including those that have closed or reduced services in the past two years - to evaluate maternity care access and quality. The survey will collect data on clinic availability, service gaps (particularly for low- and moderate-income pregnant women), and demographic information about patients, while excluding personal health details. The DOH must analyze the data to identify disparities in care based on income or location and develop strategies to improve access and quality. Within 18 months, the DOH will publish findings online and submit a report to the legislature with recommendations for policy action.
This bill designates the historic "John Bull" steam locomotive as New Jersey's official state steam locomotive. The "John Bull" was shipped from England to Bordentown, New Jersey, in 1831, assembled by Isaac Dripps, and used in early railway demonstrations to showcase steam transport to the state legislature. It is now preserved at the Smithsonian Institution and recognized as the first locomotive set aside as a historic relic in the U.S. The designation is purely symbolic, honoring the locomotive's historical role in New Jersey's transportation development without creating new laws or affecting any regulations.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to prioritize funding for two types of projects: (1) land acquisition for recreation and conservation, and (2) environmental infrastructure projects that include or enable flood mitigation. It directly affects local governments, nonprofits, and communities seeking DEP grants under the Green Acres program, which uses constitutionally dedicated funds. Key provisions mandate that DEP establish criteria prioritizing projects that protect floodplains, reduce flood risk, conserve natural resources, and support recreational access. The bill amends existing laws to ensure these factors are explicitly considered when ranking eligible projects for funding.
This bill exempts community gardens using on-site composting systems from certain environmental permits required under New Jersey's Solid Waste Management Act, Recycling Act, Air Pollution Control Act, and Water Pollution Control Act. It applies to gardens that accept no more than 200 gallons of source-separated food waste weekly (with larger properties allowed 200 gallons per 5,000 square feet) and use all generated compost exclusively on-site or distribute it per DEP rules for Class C recyclables. The exemption covers permits related to waste management, air, and water pollution, directly benefiting community gardens by reducing regulatory burden for small-scale composting.
This New Jersey bill (A 3929) prohibits businesses from using facial recognition or biometric surveillance systems on customers at their physical locations, except when providing clear notice (like a visible sign) and using the system for a lawful purpose. Businesses must explain decisions to deny access or remove customers based on biometric data, and cannot sell or profit from collected biometric information. Violations carry fines up to $20,000 per offense, with a 30-day window to correct first violations without penalty. The law directly affects businesses operating physical premises and their customers in New Jersey.
AJR 109 designates April each year as "Donate Life Month" in New Jersey to raise awareness about organ and tissue donation. The resolution requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging New Jersey residents to register as donors and participate in related activities. It directly affects all New Jersey residents by promoting donor registration at motor vehicle agencies or online through the National Donate Life Registry. The bill does not create new laws or funding but aims to support existing donation efforts, noting that one donor can save eight lives and enhance over 75 others through tissue donation.
This bill prohibits telecommunications, utility, and cable companies from charging customers' credit cards or bank accounts before the regular billing due date that would apply if the customer paid by cash, check, or money order. It directly affects customers who use automatic payment methods (credit card or direct debit) for their service bills. Companies may only charge early if the customer provides written consent or requests it via phone or another method approved by the Board of Public Utilities. The Board of Public Utilities will enforce these rules, ensuring customers have clear control over payment timing. The bill prevents unexpected early charges without explicit customer agreement.
This bill creates a new criminal offense for creating, sharing, or possessing digital content depicting the sexual exploitation or abuse of children - including computer-generated or manipulated images that appear to show minors. It specifically targets items where a child (under 18) is identifiable by face, likeness, or distinguishing features, or where a person is manipulated to look like a minor ("purported child"). The law prohibits distributing such content via the internet or file-sharing programs, and makes possessing it with intent to share a crime. It directly affects individuals who produce, distribute, or share these materials online, regardless of whether the child is real or digitally altered.
