New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5187: Clarifies MVC voter registration prompts for certain persons.

This bill amends New Jersey law to prohibit the Motor Vehicle Commission from asking non-citizens if they wish to register to vote. It allows the state to automatically register voters who provide proof of citizenship when applying for a REAL ID license or identification card, while giving these individuals the option to decline. The law ensures that the Motor Vehicle Commission cannot request citizenship documents solely for voter registration purposes and does not change the existing requirements for who can vote.

Topics ✓ Immigration

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5180: Establishes Small Business Resiliency Project Loan Program in EDA for certain small businesses implementing certain resiliency projects.

This bill creates a new loan program through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to help small businesses with fewer than 50 employees fund projects that make them more resilient to climate-related hazards like flooding and extreme heat. Eligible businesses can apply for low-interest loans with flexible repayment terms to improve infrastructure such as water systems, electrical grids, and broadband, or to upgrade facilities against environmental risks. To qualify, a business must be registered in New Jersey, plan to stay in the state, and submit an application detailing how the loan funds will be used. The program prioritizes businesses located in municipalities that have already assessed climate risks in their land-use plans, and recipients must provide annual financial reports until the loan is fully repaid.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5184: Requires boards of education to adopt policy on use of artificial intelligence; requires DOE to establish model policy.

This New Jersey bill mandates that all public school districts create and maintain policies governing the responsible use of artificial intelligence within their schools. To assist in this effort, the state Department of Education must develop a model policy that districts can reference, which will be updated as needed based on consultations with technology and education experts. Each district's policy must address equity issues, such as access for students with disabilities or limited technology, and include a process for community members to submit questions or concerns. Furthermore, these policies must be reviewed annually and posted prominently on each district's website to ensure transparency and ongoing oversight.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4396: Modifies certain provisions of law concerning speech-language specialists.

This bill updates New Jersey laws regarding speech-language services in schools by modernizing job titles and refining how students with communication impairments are evaluated. It requires that a speech-language specialist be included in the basic child study team when assessing preschool children with disabilities or communication issues, and it mandates that these specialists consult with the team during classification decisions. Additionally, the legislation restricts school districts from contracting with private agencies for speech-language services, allowing such contracts only to fill temporary staffing vacancies when the district cannot hire enough internal staff.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5179: Prohibits payment of subminimum wage due to age, disability, injury, or status as apprentice, learner, or student through special license issued by DOLWD.

This bill prohibits employers in New Jersey from paying subminimum wages to workers based on age, disability, injury, or status as an apprentice, learner, or student. It directly affects individuals who previously could be hired under special licenses issued by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to work for less than the state minimum wage. The key mechanism is the removal of the legal authority for the Wage and Hour Division to issue these special permits, ensuring all covered workers receive at least the standard minimum wage. Additionally, the bill amends existing tax credit provisions related to sheltered workshops by removing references to special licenses that authorize below-minimum pay.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4394: Establishes Veteran's Treatment Court Program.

This bill establishes a new Veterans Treatment Court Program in New Jersey to provide specialized judicial supervision and clinical care for veterans with serious charges who do not qualify for existing diversion programs. The program is designed to address crimes linked to untreated trauma, such as PTSD or substance use disorders, by creating a second track that operates alongside the current prosecutor-led diversion system. Eligible participants will be assigned to a specialized court docket in three regions, where they must complete structured treatment plans involving mental health professionals and an interdisciplinary team. While the bill expands access to support for justice-involved veterans, it explicitly excludes individuals charged with severe violent crimes like murder or aggravated sexual assault from participation.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4392: Establishes New Jersey Commission on Stalking Prevention and Response; makes appropriation of $93,500.

This bill creates the New Jersey Commission on Stalking Prevention and Response to address gaps in how the state handles stalking cases. The commission will consist of 25 members, including elected officials, law enforcement leaders, advocates, and survivors, who will meet to evaluate current systems and suggest improvements. To support this work, the bill allocates $93,500 in funding for the commission's operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4335: Prohibits surcharge on transportation network company riders for certain paratransit service.

This bill prohibits transportation network companies, such as ride-sharing apps, from charging the standard $0.50 surcharge on trips designated as paratransit service. It directly affects riders who use these apps for specialized transportation needs, including those with disabilities, seniors, and Medicaid beneficiaries, by exempting their prearranged rides from the fee. The legislation also clarifies that companies are not personally liable for these specific paratransit rides. By removing this financial barrier, the bill ensures that essential accessible transportation remains affordable for eligible users.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4395: Revises regulation of certain health care facilities.

This bill updates regulations for health care facilities in New Jersey, specifically targeting substance use disorder treatment centers and general hospitals. It increases daily fines for operating these facilities without a valid license or after a license has been revoked, adjusting the amounts to $12,500 and $25,000 respectively. The legislation also grants the state commissioner expanded powers to conduct inspections, require financial and quality reports, and appoint monitors for hospitals facing financial distress. Additionally, the bill allows third-floor occupancy in private long-term care facilities for owners, their families, and licensed staff.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4385: Requires school districts to permit students excused absences for student illness.

This bill requires New Jersey school districts to classify student illnesses as excused absences, provided parents or guardians submit supporting documentation when the student returns. To ensure consistency, the State Commissioner of Education will work with the Commissioner of Health to create specific guidelines defining what constitutes a valid illness and what types of proof schools may request. The law applies to all school districts in the state and takes effect at the start of the first full school year following its enactment.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SJR 150: Changes "Jewish Heritage Month" observed in April of each year to "Jewish American Heritage Month" to be observed in May of each year.

This bill updates New Jersey state law to officially recognize "Jewish American Heritage Month" instead of "Jewish Heritage Month." The change moves the observance from April to May to align with the federal designation established by President George W. Bush. By amending an existing statute, the measure ensures the state's recognition matches the national timeline and title.

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 1, 2026

A 5182: Allows public bodies to provide required notices to newspapers distributed online and establishes related publication requirements; establishes rates that newspapers and online news publications may charge for each notice posted online.

This bill allows government agencies in New Jersey to publish required legal notices in online newspapers and digital news publications. It updates existing laws to ensure these digital platforms are treated the same as traditional print newspapers for official advertising purposes. The legislation also sets rules for how much online news outlets can charge for posting these notices and defines specific requirements for where and how these publications must be identified.

Bill results