Cannabis
Gov. Sherrill Signs New Law Revising Restrictions for Hemp Products and Beverages – On March 30th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Bill S3945 into law, which revises restrictions on the sale of hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages through November 2026. The law (P.L.2026, c.7.) allows licensed hemp producers to possess or transport intermediate hemp-derived products with a THC concentration exceeding 0.3% until May 31st, 2026, provided these products are undergoing processing and are not intended for direct consumer use. Additionally, the legislation allows intoxicating hemp drinks to be sold by ABC (Alcoholic Beverage Control) and CRC (Cannabis Regulatory Commission) licensees until November 13th, 2026. After that date, ABC licensees must stop selling them, and CRC licensees must handle them as adult-use cannabis.
Economics
Bill Introduced to Prohibit Credit Card Surcharges – On March 23rd, Bill A4807 was introduced by Assemblyman Jerry Walker (D-31) and would prohibit businesses from charging customers extra fees for using credit cards. The legislation would also establish requirements for merchants to clearly disclose any minimum purchase amounts for credit card use and any discounts offered for paying with cash. Current law allows a seller to impose a surcharge that is no greater than the actual cost they incur to process the payment, but the measure seeks to eliminate those additional costs for consumers. The bill, a carryover from last session (A4923/S3697), has been referred to the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee for consideration.
Education
New Jersey Assembly Advances Bill to Expand Anti-Vaping Education – On March 23rd, the New Jersey General Assembly passed legislation requiring the state to develop guidelines to strengthen anti-vaping education in schools and colleges. Bill A2195 directs the Department of Health, in coordination with education agencies, to create and distribute resources to help schools implement awareness campaigns about the risks of vaping. These guidelines would include age-appropriate strategies, research-based materials, and tools to address rising e-cigarette use among youth. The measure is intended to assist school districts, colleges, and universities with standardized approaches to prevention and student outreach.
Environment
Lawmakers Push “Polluters Pay” Bill Ahead of Budget Negotiations – On March 30th, three state senators with the New Jersey Senate Budget Committee called for the passage of the “Climate Superfund Act” (Bill S2338) before the adoption of Governor Sherrill’s state budget. The legislation would require major fossil fuel companies to help cover the costs of climate-related damages, with proponents estimating it could generate about $2.5 billion annually. Funds would be directed toward infrastructure and climate resiliency projects over the coming decades, shifting financial responsibility away from taxpayers. Supporters argue the measure would address both rising climate costs and affordability concerns, as extreme weather events continue to impact the state. However, business groups have raised concerns that the measure could increase consumer costs and face potential legal challenges.
Health
New Jersey Expands Independence for Advanced Practice Nurses – On March 30th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed Bill S2996/A4052 into law (P.L.2026, c.6.), eliminating certain practice restrictions for advanced practice nurses (APNs) in New Jersey. The measure makes permanent the ability of qualified APNs to practice independently, including providing primary and behavioral health care without a collaborating physician, as well as prescribing medication. The law applies to APNs with at least 5,000 hours of clinical practice, but it does not include those who offer elective cosmetic and wellness services. Governor Sherrill stated that the law is intended to address healthcare workforce shortages and expand access to care across the state.
Housing
Assembly Approves Bill to Expand Housing Supply – On March 23rd, the General Assembly passed Bill A3877, which would create state funding incentives for municipalities that update master plans and development regulations to support new housing development. The legislation, sponsored by Assemblymembers Craig J. Coughlin (D-19), Shanique Speight (D-29), and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-15), encourages local governments to allow for higher-density and more diverse housing options, including accessory dwelling units and transit-oriented development. The bill is a carryover from the last legislative session (A4913/S4364).