New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 2163: Creates disorderly persons offense for persons who conceal or attempt to conceal their identity while committing another crime or offense.

S 2163 creates a new disorderly persons offense (a misdemeanor-level charge) for individuals who wear masks or disguises with the intent to instill fear, hinder prosecution, or avoid arrest while committing another crime in New Jersey. It specifically exempts those wearing masks for medical, religious, or expressive purposes. The law requires that the person must already face charges for the underlying crime (e.g., theft or assault) and was wearing the mask during that offense. Violators face penalties of up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and this charge cannot be merged with the original crime for sentencing.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1059: Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses paying a salary differential to National Guard members or reservists on active duty.

This bill creates tax credits for New Jersey businesses that pay a salary differential to employees serving in the National Guard or reserve forces during active duty. Specifically, businesses can claim a credit equal to the amount they pay to make up the difference between an employee's regular salary and their military pay during active duty. The credit applies to both corporation business tax and gross income tax, but cannot exceed 50% of the business's tax liability for that period. It directly affects New Jersey employers with qualifying National Guard or reserve members who receive military orders for active duty.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1280: Makes various revisions to juvenile justice law.

This bill revises New Jersey's juvenile justice laws to prevent juveniles from being placed in adult jails solely due to turning 18. It requires courts to hold hearings for youth aged 18-20 (or older) who are on probation, parole, or face delinquency charges, determining placement based on safety risks, maturity, and facility capacity - not age alone. The law also sets population limits for juvenile detention facilities and gives the Youth Justice Commission authority to restrict admissions if facilities exceed capacity or violate safety standards. These changes directly affect juveniles transitioning from youth to adult systems, county detention facilities, and court decision-making processes.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 2641: Permits farm brewery licensees to sell products to consumers for consumption on licensed premises.

S 2641 amends New Jersey's brewery licensing law to explicitly permit farm breweries (operating under a limited brewery license) to sell beer for on-premises consumption at their facilities. Previously, these breweries could only sell for off-site consumption (up to 15.5 gallons per person) and offer samples, but this bill adds on-site drinking as a new option. The amendment does not change existing rules for off-site sales or sampling (which remain limited to 15.5 gallons per person and 4-ounce samples, respectively). This directly affects farm breweries by expanding their sales capabilities and benefits customers who wish to drink at brewery locations.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1903: Establishes NJ Military Family Relief Fund; provides for designation on State gross income tax return to permit taxpayers to make voluntary contributions to military family relief fund.

S 1903 establishes the New Jersey Military Family Relief Fund, a permanent fund in the State Treasury funded by voluntary taxpayer contributions designated on state income tax returns. The fund provides grants of up to $2,500 to cover essential expenses like food, housing, and medical costs for New Jersey residents who are active-duty military members (including reserves), National Guard members, veterans (with honorable discharge), or surviving spouses of eligible service members. To qualify, applicants must be NJ residents for at least 12 consecutive months, demonstrate financial hardship, and cannot receive more than one grant within a 12-month period. The Adjutant General of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the program, determining eligibility and issuing grants from available funds.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1276: Establishes Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together Program.

S 1276 establishes New Jersey's ARRIVE Together Program within the Department of Law and Public Safety. The bill requires law enforcement agencies (including state police, county departments, and municipal forces) to contract with mental health providers to respond to mental health or substance use crises instead of police-only interventions, offering 24/7 services. It mandates confidentiality for all personal information collected during these responses, prohibiting public disclosure except with consent or for legal requirements. The program also creates coordinator roles for law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors to implement the guidelines, making a 2022 pilot program permanent. This directly affects individuals in mental health crises and law enforcement agencies participating in the program.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 2055: Authorizes Division of Gaming Enforcement to participate in national self-exclusion list for gaming activities, and to create necessary forms for participation.

This bill allows New Jersey's Division of Gaming Enforcement to join a national self-exclusion program, enabling gamblers to voluntarily exclude themselves from casinos across multiple states using a single form. It requires the division to create rules and forms for this participation, ensuring individuals can select which states they want excluded from and must give explicit consent before sharing their information. The bill protects casinos from liability if they follow self-exclusion protocols and keeps the list confidential from public view. It directly affects individuals seeking to restrict their access to gambling venues in multiple jurisdictions.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 1289: Requires AOC, in conjunction with State Parole Board, to conduct comprehensive study on Megan's Law.

This bill requires New Jersey's Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) and State Parole Board to conduct a comprehensive study on Megan's Law implementation. The study will examine sex offender registration procedures, tier designation systems, community notification processes, and the effectiveness of the public Internet registry. It specifically reviews how county prosecutors and courts determine risk levels and notification requirements for all registered sex offenders since Megan's Law began. The AOC and Parole Board must submit findings and recommendations within 12 months, including whether a central agency should manage the law and standardize procedures. The bill replaces a previous study mandate that was never completed.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 200: Permits waiver of juvenile regardless of age under certain circumstances; makes juveniles eligible for waiver for terrorism and human trafficking.

New Jersey's S 200 would allow juveniles (under 18) to be tried as adults for terrorism and human trafficking offenses, regardless of their age. Currently, juveniles must be at least 15 to face adult prosecution for most serious crimes; this bill removes that age requirement specifically for terrorism and human trafficking. The court must still determine probable cause that the juvenile committed the offense (as an adult would) and that the circumstances and severity warrant the waiver. This change applies only to these two offenses and does not alter the waiver process for other crimes.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 2353: Establishes State stockpile of medicine and medical supplies; makes appropriation.

This bill establishes a statewide stockpile of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies to be managed by New Jersey's Department of Health in collaboration with the State Office of Emergency Management. It requires the creation of guidelines for procuring, managing, and distributing these supplies during public health emergencies, outbreaks, or natural disasters, with priority given to rural and medically underserved areas. The stockpile will include a "virtually sequestered buffer" managed by private vendors to prevent expiration and ensure availability. The bill appropriates state funds from the General Fund to implement this program, which would take effect 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 11, 2026

S 2566: Eliminates statute of limitations for prosecution of human trafficking crimes.

This bill eliminates the statute of limitations for prosecuting human trafficking crimes in New Jersey. It amends state law (N.J.S.2C:1-6) to allow prosecutors to bring charges for human trafficking offenses at any time, removing the current 5-year deadline. The change directly affects victims of human trafficking and prosecutors, ensuring cases can be pursued regardless of how much time has passed since the crime occurred. This policy change specifically targets human trafficking crimes listed under N.J.S.2C:11-3 and N.J.S.2C:11-4, aligning them with other crimes like murder that already have no time limits for prosecution.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 8, 2026

A 5226: Requires employees who do not select or waive coverage to be enrolled in lowest cost SHBP or SEHBP health plan.

This bill requires state and school employees in New Jersey who do not actively choose or waive health insurance to be automatically enrolled in the plan with the lowest overall costs. An Evaluation Committee, working with the State Health Benefits Commission and School Employees' Health Benefits Commission, will determine which plan offers the lowest combined costs for both members and the government before each plan year begins. If no single plan minimizes costs for both parties simultaneously, employees will be enrolled in the option that is cheapest for the government. The legislation also allows these commissions to adjust the selected plan at any time during the year if cost conditions change.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results