Cannabis
Legislature Passes Hemp Regulation Extension Through November 2026 – On March 23rd, both chambers of the NJ Legislature passed Bill S3945, which temporarily revises restrictions on the sale of hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages through November 2026. The bill was introduced on March 12th and extends restrictions on synthetic or high THC hemp-derived products. It would prohibit online sales and vending machine distribution of certain hemp beverages, while allowing temporary flexibility for licensed producers to handle sales under specific conditions through the extension date.
Economics
Bill Expanding Energy Financing Access for Small Businesses Advances – On March 23rd, the New Jersey Assembly introduced Bill A4805, sponsored by Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D-31), and referred it to the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee, where it is currently under consideration. The legislation would expand access to financing through the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) by allowing small businesses to qualify for loans for costs of energy audit and making energy efficiency or conservation improvements.
Environment
Legislation Advances to Exempt Community Gardens from Certain Organic Waste Permits – On March 23rd, the New Jersey General Assembly voted unanimously (71–0) to approve Bill A1872 after it was reported out of the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee with amendments on February 19th. The bill would exempt community gardens that operate on-site composting or other organic waste management systems from certain Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) permits, provided they meet specific limits on waste volume and use the compost primarily on-site. A “community garden” is defined in the bill as any publicly or privately owned piece of land maintained and cultivated as a garden by members of the surrounding community.
Housing
Senate Passes Bill Proposing Tenancy Protections for Seniors and Residents with Disabilities – On March 23rd, the New Jersey Senate advanced Bill S413, sponsored by Senators Brian Stack (D-33) and Raj Mukherji (D-32), referring it to the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee. The bill would extend the protected tenancy period for certain senior citizens and tenants with disabilities, increasing the period to the lifetime of those tenants rather than the current 40-year limit. The legislation was pre-filed for the 2026-2027 session and has been updated to include required technical revisions.
Public Administration
Governor Sherrill Signs Three Immigration Bills into Law – On March 25th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed three immigration-related bills into law during a Newark ceremony, codifying the 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive to limit state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Bill A4071 (P.L.2026, c.5.) blocks state and local police from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in raids or providing them with resources such as office space, databases, and property. Along the same lines, Bill A4070 (P.L.2026, c.4.) restricts law enforcement from sharing a person’s immigration status without a warrant, while Bill S3114/3216 (P.L.2026, c.3.) prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks when interacting with the public.
Three Bills Advance to Expand Voting Access – On March 23rd, the Senate State Government Committee unanimously approved three voting access bills to address Election Day convenience. Bill S585, the “Voter Convenience Act,” would require municipalities to allow residents to vote at any polling place within their town on Election Day rather than being assigned to specific locations. Likewise, Bill S593 would require county clerks to send mail-in ballot applications to registered voters when they turn 18, with the state reimbursing counties for the cost. A third bill, S3815, co-sponsored by Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-22), would appropriate $100,000 to implement a public awareness campaign about federal rule changes for the U.S. Postal Service postmark and its effect on mail-in ballots.
Assembly Passes Voter Empowerment Act – The New Jersey Assembly passed Bill A1715, the “John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey” on March 23rd. Sponsored by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15) with backing from more than thirty co-sponsors, the legislation would create an independent Division of Voting Rights within the State Treasury with oversight powers over election administration in municipalities with a history of voting rights violations. The measure remains stalled in the Senate, as it was during the prior legislative session.