New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4326: Prohibits insurers from using credit history when evaluating homeowners insurance policies.

This bill prohibits insurance companies in New Jersey from using a homeowner's credit history to set premiums, deny coverage, or determine policy terms. Specifically, it bars insurers from raising rates, canceling policies, or offering different discounts based on an applicant's credit score or payment plans. The law applies to all homeowners and prospective policyholders, ensuring that financial creditworthiness cannot influence their insurance costs. If passed, the measure would take effect 90 days after enactment, removing credit-based insurance scores from the evaluation process for home insurance.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4315: Establishes School Ventilation and Energy Efficiency Grant Program in DOE; appropriates $500 million.

This bill creates a $500 million grant program within the Department of Education to help school districts improve air quality and energy efficiency in their buildings. The funds are specifically designated for repairing, maintaining, or upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, with a requirement that new systems meet specific ventilation and filtration standards. Priority for these grants is given to districts serving underserved communities where at least half of the students qualify for free or reduced-price school meals. Each district must secure its own local funding before receiving state money, and the grants will cover up to 75 percent of eligible project costs.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4330: Prohibits reductions in State school aid for certain school districts in 2026-2027 school year.

This bill prevents the state from cutting school funding for specific districts during the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring they receive the same amount of aid as in the previous year. It applies to districts that are projected to lose money, are currently spending below a legal adequacy standard, cannot raise local taxes enough to cover their share, and spend less than 85% of the statewide average per student. By guaranteeing these funds, the legislation aims to stabilize budgets for schools that face financial constraints and lower per-pupil spending levels.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4319: "Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act"; prohibits rate of recovery of costs associated with smart grid projects.

This bill, known as the "Stop Misappropriating Ratepayer Tariffs for Excessive Resources Act," prevents electric utilities in New Jersey from passing the costs of smart grid projects onto their customers. Specifically, it bans utilities from including capital and operating expenses for these smart grid systems in the rates charged to ratepayers, such as the societal benefits charge. The law applies to all public utilities that transmit and distribute electricity within the state and takes effect immediately upon enactment. By removing this cost recovery mechanism, the bill ensures that ratepayers will not pay for the deployment of smart grid technology through their utility bills.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4316: Requires businesses receiving financial assistance from EDA be prohibited from any gender gap payment practice to their employees.

This bill requires businesses in New Jersey that receive financial aid from the Economic Development Authority to stop paying employees of different genders different rates for similar work. To comply, these companies must follow new rules and submit written proof to the Authority verifying they do not discriminate based on sex in their pay or benefits. The law specifically defines gender discrimination as paying one gender less than the other for jobs requiring similar skill, effort, and responsibility. It applies to various business types, including corporations, partnerships, and non-profits, that accept loans, grants, or tax incentives from the state agency.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4313: Concerns deployment of military or other federal forces at polling places in the State.

This New Jersey bill prohibits military officers and federal employees from deploying armed forces at polling places or using their official authority to interfere with elections, unless such actions are necessary to repel an armed enemy. It makes it a third-degree crime for armed forces personnel to set voter qualifications, intimidate voters, compel election officers to accept invalid votes, or impose election rules that differ from state laws. The legislation also extends these protections to federal and state employees who use their positions to influence elections, while explicitly allowing law enforcement to remain near polling sites as currently permitted. Additionally, the bill empowers election officers and the Attorney General to file lawsuits to stop violations and ensures that anyone harmed by these actions can seek legal relief and recover legal fees.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

SR 102: Urges Congress to pass "Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025."

This New Jersey Senate Resolution urges the United States Congress to pass the "Improving Menopause Care for Veterans Act of 2025," which would directly affect women veterans experiencing perimenopause or menopause. The proposed federal legislation would require the Comptroller General to study and report on the medical services the Department of Veterans Affairs provides to veterans dealing with menopause symptoms and would mandate that the VA Secretary improve access to and the quality of such care. Because menopause symptoms can be worsened by military service-related health issues, the resolution highlights the need for tailored services to help women veterans manage conditions like hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. As a Senate Resolution, this document serves as a formal recommendation rather than a law itself, aiming to encourage federal action to support the health needs of approximately 630,000 women veterans in their 40s and 50s.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4329: Requires health insurance coverage for sepsis-related claims.

This New Jersey bill requires all health insurance plans, including hospital, medical, and individual policies, to cover sepsis-related treatments if a doctor deems them medically necessary. The law ensures that coverage for sepsis is provided with the same benefits as any other condition and applies to contracts and policies issued or renewed on or after the effective date. By mandating this coverage across various insurance types, the bill aims to guarantee financial support for individuals facing this serious medical condition without discrimination.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4324: Establishes "Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act."

This bill, known as the Academic Freedom in Higher Education Protection Act, aims to shield colleges and universities in New Jersey from interference by state government officials in their internal operations. It directly affects public and private higher education institutions, their faculty, and their governing boards by legally guaranteeing their autonomy over key decisions such as hiring, curriculum design, student admissions, and research topics. The law explicitly prohibits the Executive Branch, including the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, from interfering with these academic choices, while allowing faculty to teach, research, and publish without external disruption. To enforce these protections, the bill establishes a legal pathway for complaints to be filed in Superior Court, which can issue immediate injunctions if there is a demonstrated likelihood of harm and a strong case for the institution's rights.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

SJR 144: Designates February 22 of each year as "Peter Still Day" in New Jersey.

This bill designates February 22 as 'Peter Still Day' in New Jersey to honor Peter Still, a formerly enslaved man who lived in Burlington County. The resolution requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance of the day through events and activities. It does not change laws or allocate funding, but instead serves as a commemorative measure to recognize Still's life and contributions to the abolitionist movement.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4325: Allows certain appointing authorities in Civil Service to hire from or promote within top five eligible candidates for law enforcement officer titles.

This bill allows police departments in New Jersey to hire or promote law enforcement officers by selecting from the top five eligible candidates, rather than the current limit of three. It amends state civil service rules to specifically apply this expanded selection pool to law enforcement officer titles while leaving other government positions under the existing "rule of three." The change gives hiring authorities more flexibility to choose from a wider group of qualified applicants for police roles without altering the standard process for other civil service jobs.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate May 21, 2026

S 4318: Appropriates funds to support increases in tax levy resulting from health care costs in certain school districts.

This bill allocates up to $50 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to help school districts cover tax increases caused by rising health care costs. To qualify, a district must have seen its adjusted tax levy rise by more than 9.9 percent between the 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 school years. The specific amount each eligible district receives is calculated based on its proportional share of the statewide increase in health care expenses. This measure aims to offset the financial burden on taxpayers resulting from a significant allowable adjustment to property taxes for health care purposes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Bill results