New Jersey Bills | MyRepTracker

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 8, 2026

A 2401: Establishes measures to improve safety of scrap metal businesses.*

This bill requires all scrap metal businesses in New Jersey to implement specific safety measures. Businesses must conduct quarterly record audits to ensure prohibited items aren't present and take fire safety steps, including hiring trained fire suppression personnel and installing remotely operable fire suppression systems. The fire system requirement has a 5-year phase-in period, with full compliance due within 60 months of enactment. The law directly affects all scrap metal businesses operating in the state, focusing on preventing fires and ensuring proper recordkeeping.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 7, 2026

A 5188: "Advanced Grid Technologies Act"; requires State oversight of supplemental projects and establishes expedited review for projects utilizing advanced transmission technologies.*

This bill, known as the Advanced Grid Technologies Act, requires electric public utilities in New Jersey to obtain a certificate from the Board of Public Utilities before building supplemental transmission projects. It establishes a new oversight process for these projects, which are currently less regulated than other regional grid upgrades, and mandates that the state consider advanced technologies like high-performance conductors and smart grid software. The legislation also creates an expedited review timeline for projects that utilize these modern tools to improve grid efficiency and reliability. By bringing these specific construction plans under state supervision, the bill aims to ensure that utility investments align with consumer interests and public needs.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 7, 2026

A 2757: Requires transmission owners to join regional transmission organizations approved by Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.*

This bill (A 2757) requires electric transmission owners in New Jersey - such as utility companies - to join approved regional transmission entities (like independent system operators) and transfer control of their transmission facilities to these entities. It directly affects electric utilities operating transmission infrastructure within the state, mandating they comply with specific entity requirements. Key provisions include ensuring transmission entities are independent of power generators, minimizing duplicate fees ("rate pancaking"), improving grid reliability, and promoting competitive electricity markets. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 7, 2026

A 796: Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs.**

New Jersey's A796 requires electric utilities to create special rate structures for large data centers (defined as facilities with at least 100 megawatts of monthly demand) to prevent these centers from raising costs for regular residential and business customers. Utilities must file these rate plans with the Board of Public Utilities within 180 days, ensuring non-data-center customers are protected from cost increases caused by data centers' high energy use while also encouraging energy efficiency through incentives like heat-capture technology. The Board of Public Utilities will review and approve these plans, and utilities must apply them to qualifying data centers one year after the law takes effect. The bill also mandates financial safeguards, such as requiring new data centers to commit to using at least 85% of their requested service for 10 years, to further shield ratepayers from unexpected cost spikes.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 6, 2026

SR 72: Recognizes open water lifeguards as first responders and emergency services providers.

This Senate Resolution (SR 72) formally recognizes open water lifeguards in New Jersey as first responders and emergency services providers due to their critical lifesaving work, training, and risk to life while performing duties like responding to emergencies, treating victims, and protecting property. It does not create new laws or benefits but acknowledges their role through a symbolic resolution, citing their cross-training in emergency response and alignment with duties defined for first responders. The resolution, sponsored by Senator Vin Gopal, will be shared with NJ Lifeguard and the American Lifeguard Association. It follows similar recognition in other countries where lifeguards receive first-responder program access.

signed · New Jersey · Senate Jul 2, 2026

S 4406: Clarifies sentencing under certain circumstances.

This bill allows New Jersey courts to reduce sentences for first- or second-degree crimes when mitigating factors outweigh aggravating ones and justice requires it. Under the new rule, a judge could sentence a defendant to a term appropriate for a crime one degree lower than the one they were convicted of. Additionally, if a reduced or noncustodial sentence is given, there is a ten-day waiting period before the sentence becomes final, allowing the prosecution time to appeal. The legislation restores language previously removed by a 2025 law and applies retroactively to that earlier date.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

signed · New Jersey · General Assembly Jul 2, 2026

A 1715: Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." **

This bill, titled the "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey," is a commemorative resolution naming a state initiative after civil rights leader John Lewis. It appropriates $2.5 million but does not establish new voting procedures or protections. The bill primarily includes recognition language affirming New Jersey’s commitment to voting rights for protected classes and defines terms like "covered entity" for future reference, though no specific implementation mechanisms are detailed. As it is pending technical review and lacks concrete policy changes, it functions as a symbolic gesture rather than a substantive legislative action.

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

A 5349: Clarifies investigatory powers and duties of SCI.

This bill clarifies the investigatory powers and duties of New Jersey's State Commission of Investigation, which is responsible for overseeing public officials and government agencies. It reaffirms the commission's role as the state's primary independent oversight body and requires other investigative entities, such as the Office of the State Comptroller, to collaborate with it when appropriate. The legislation also updates the commission's structure by specifying that its four members must include attorneys and ensuring that no more than two members belong to the same political party. Additionally, the bill sets salary limits for commissioners and outlines procedures for filling vacancies to maintain the commission's operational continuity.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4609: Clarifies investigatory powers and duties of SCI.

This bill clarifies the investigatory powers and duties of the State Commission of Investigation, which is New Jersey's independent agency responsible for overseeing public officials and government programs. It reaffirms the commission's role as the primary oversight body and mandates collaboration with other state, county, and local investigative entities when appropriate. The legislation also outlines the commission's specific powers to investigate misconduct, waste, fraud, and organized crime while defining the appointment process and term limits for its four-member leadership.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

introduced · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

ACR 152: Recognizes centennial of Township of Wyckoff.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that formally recognizes the 100th anniversary of the Township of Wyckoff in New Jersey. It acknowledges the area's history, from its original Lenape inhabitants to its incorporation as a distinct municipality in 1926. The resolution directs that copies of the document be sent to the mayor and clerk of Wyckoff to mark the occasion. This measure is purely commemorative and does not change any laws or policies.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 30, 2026

S 4408: Creates voluntary pilot program to allow certain facilities flexibility in their psychiatric bed status.

This bill establishes a voluntary pilot program allowing licensed psychiatric facilities in New Jersey to temporarily convert certain adult acute psychiatric beds into closed acute psychiatric beds. Under this plan, facilities can make these changes without needing approval from the Department of Health or altering their official license. Participating facilities must submit quarterly reports detailing patient types, usage duration, and conversion numbers, which will be made public online. The program is set to run for 24 months, after which the state health commissioner will evaluate its success and recommend whether to extend or make it permanent.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

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

A 5222: Extends certain provisions relating to involuntary commitment.

This bill extends temporary rules allowing New Jersey medical facilities to hold individuals involuntarily for up to 72 hours without a court order, provided the person was referred by a screening service. It requires hospitals to initiate formal commitment court proceedings within 24 hours of admission and mandates that any extension of the hold beyond the initial 72-hour window must be approved by a judge or consented to by the patient. To obtain an extension, facilities must demonstrate they have exhausted efforts to transfer the patient to another appropriate facility and provide evidence from two psychiatrists indicating the individual poses a danger to themselves or others. The legislation also ensures that legal counsel is appointed to represent the patient during these emergency applications and that courts review the documentation before granting additional time.

Topics ✓ Healthcare