New Jersey Bills

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 1834: Authorizes creation of additional urban enterprise zones.*

S 1834 amends New Jersey's urban enterprise zone (UEZ) program to allow for the creation of additional zones. The bill updates definitions to clarify terms like "UEZ-impacted business districts" (areas negatively affected by adjacent zones) and expands the list of qualifying municipalities eligible to establish zones. This would enable more communities to create UEZs, which provide tax incentives to businesses to stimulate economic development in distressed areas. The changes would directly affect businesses operating within new zones and local governments managing these zones.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 1505: Directs MVC Chief Administrator to enter into driver's license reciprocity agreement with Republic of Ireland.

This bill directs New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission Chief Administrator to negotiate a driver's license reciprocity agreement with Ireland. It would allow New Jersey license holders to obtain an Irish license without taking driving tests (meeting agreement requirements), and Irish license holders to get a New Jersey license without tests (meeting requirements). The agreement would exempt both groups from knowledge and skills testing when applying for reciprocal licenses. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4119: Requires water purveyors to inspect and repair underground water distribution infrastructure; establishes certain liability of water purveyors.

This New Jersey bill mandates that water providers regularly inspect and repair underground pipes, valves, and fire hydrants to prevent leaks and infrastructure failures. It requires specific maintenance schedules, such as testing valves every four to eight years and inspecting underground lines every five years, with more frequent checks for older iron pipes or those in sinkhole-prone areas. The legislation also obligates companies to mark hydrants, map infrastructure locations using GPS, and keep detailed records of all maintenance for at least 12 years. Finally, the bill establishes penalties for water providers that fail to comply with these new inspection and repair requirements.

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

A 5122: Establishes Rest Stop Tourism Display Program.

This bill creates a Rest Stop Tourism Display Program within New Jersey's Division of Travel and Tourism to promote local attractions at highway rest stops. The program allows destination marketing organizations and businesses to propose temporary displays, which may include informational exhibits, free materials, and items for sale, with their duration set jointly by the division and transportation authorities. To ensure oversight, the South Jersey Transportation Authority and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority must submit a list of planned and existing displays to relevant state agencies every six months.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SCR 136: Determines that DEP rules and regulations known as " New Jersey Protecting Against Climate Change - Resilient Environment and Landscapes" are inconsistent with legislative intent.

This bill is a procedural resolution that declares the Department of Environmental Protection's proposed climate change rules inconsistent with the Legislature's intent. It directly affects the DEP by formally notifying the agency and the Governor that the proposed regulations exceed the department's constitutional authority to create new laws. The key mechanism involves transmitting this finding to the agency, which then has 30 days to amend or withdraw the rules, or face potential invalidation by the Legislature. The bill does not change any existing laws but instead initiates a constitutional review process to halt the proposed regulatory changes.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4379: Extends from October 31 to December 31 deadline to file combined application for ANCHOR, homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ property tax benefits.

This bill extends the annual deadline for New Jersey residents to apply for three property tax relief programs from October 31 to December 31. The programs affected are ANCHOR, the homestead property tax reimbursement, and Stay NJ, which help homeowners and renters manage property tax costs. The change applies to the single combined application form that residents must submit to the Division of Taxation each year. By moving the filing date, the legislation provides taxpayers with additional time to complete and submit their requests for financial assistance.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4381: Exempts election worker compensation from taxation.

This bill proposes to exempt compensation paid to election workers from state taxation in New Jersey. It directly affects individuals who work during elections and the employers who pay their wages. The key provision amends existing unemployment compensation laws to remove tax liability for these specific workers. This change aims to provide financial relief to those involved in election duties without altering other parts of the state's tax code.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

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

A 5173: "Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Driver Communication and Disability Protection Act"; revises and establishes process for designating certain disorders through MVC.

This bill, known as the "Michael Kidd-Gilchrist Driver Communication and Disability Protection Act," allows New Jersey drivers diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, communication disorders like stuttering, or Tourette Syndrome to have these conditions noted on their driver's license and vehicle registration. To qualify, individuals must provide medical documentation, and the Motor Vehicle Commission will also collect emergency contact information for them. This data is shared with law enforcement during traffic stops to assist officers in communicating effectively with drivers who have these specific disabilities. The legislation ensures that this information is used solely for communication purposes and does not require the issuance of any secondary documents.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Transportation

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

A 5171: Establishes certain water and wastewater utility shutoff protections for tenants.

This bill establishes protections for tenants in New Jersey against the disconnection of water and wastewater services when the property owner is the utility customer. It requires utility companies to provide a 30-day written notice before shutting off service and prohibits disconnection if the tenant informs the provider they are not the customer of record or lives in a multi-unit building with a single service connection. Under these rules, any unpaid bills must be collected from the property owner rather than the tenant, and the owner cannot later seek reimbursement from the tenant for those costs. The Department of Community Affairs and the Board of Public Utilities are tasked with notifying utilities of these new requirements and creating regulations to enforce them.

Topics ✓ Housing

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

A 5161: Revises certain portions of law related to criminal history record check for school employees.

This bill updates New Jersey laws to require criminal history record checks for all paid school employees and volunteers who have regular contact with students. It mandates that schools verify these records through state and federal databases before hiring or utilizing individuals in positions involving student interaction. The legislation specifies that candidates are permanently disqualified if their records show convictions for serious crimes, including violent offenses, drug-related crimes, and certain lesser felonies or crimes involving minor victims. Additionally, the bill ensures that individuals have the right to challenge the accuracy of any disqualifying information found in their criminal history checks.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4371: Establishes State Seal of Civic Engagement Pilot Program.

This bill creates a two-year pilot program in New Jersey to award a "State Seal of Civic Engagement" to high school seniors who demonstrate strong civic knowledge and community involvement. To qualify, students must complete a government course with a B- or higher, pass a state-approved civic literacy exam, and complete at least 10 hours of verified community service or civic activities. The Department of Education will select five school districts from different regions to participate, providing them with grants to cover program costs while they verify student eligibility and issue official certificates. At the end of the pilot, the Commissioner of Education will submit a report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's impact and recommending whether to expand it statewide.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SJR 147: Designates May of each year as "Mothers' Grief Awareness Month."

Senate Joint Resolution 147 designates the month of May each year as "Mothers' Grief Awareness Month" in New Jersey to honor mothers who have lost children. The bill requests that the Governor issue an annual proclamation to encourage public officials and citizens to observe the month with awareness activities and programs. This symbolic designation aims to raise visibility about the mental health challenges associated with child loss and to promote support for grieving mothers.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results