New Jersey Bills

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.

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4397: Establishes New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood and Responsible Fatherhood Fund.

This bill creates the New Jersey Council on Responsible Fatherhood within the Department of Children and Families to improve programs that encourage fathers to participate in their children's lives. The council will consist of 23 members, including state officials, community advocates, and fathers who have completed fatherhood programs, who will work together to identify needs and promote positive family involvement. Key provisions require the council to develop a comprehensive plan for fatherhood initiatives, review existing state programs to improve coordination, and hold an annual statewide symposium to discuss these issues. Additionally, the bill establishes a Responsible Fatherhood Fund to support the council's activities and reimburse members for necessary travel expenses.

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

A 5183: Requires school districts to permit students excused absences for student illness.

This bill requires school districts in New Jersey to officially classify student absences due to illness as excused. To qualify, parents or guardians must provide supporting documentation to the school when the student returns. Additionally, the state's Commissioner of Education will work with health officials to create specific guidelines outlining what documentation is needed. The law applies to all public school districts and takes effect at the start of the next full school year after it is passed.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

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

A 5178: Prohibits application of State aid growth limit to State school aid provided in 2026-2027 school year; appropriates $332.6 million.

This bill prevents the state from applying a six percent growth limit to school funding for the 2026-2027 school year, ensuring districts receive their full calculated aid without reduction. It directly affects school districts by mandating that the Department of Education ignore any rules that would cap increases in equalization, transportation, special education, and security aid. To fund this change, the legislation appropriates $332.6 million from the Property Tax Relief Fund to the Department of Education. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Bill results