Housing
Faith-Based Affordable Housing Bill Introduced into New Jersey Assembly – On September 24th, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-15) introduced Assembly Bill A5570, which would authorize $250 million in bonds and appropriate $50 million to support the development of inclusionary and affordable housing on properties owned by religious and nonprofit institutions. The bill, titled “Yes in God’s Backyard Act,” would require municipalities to allow certain religious or nonprofit-owned properties to be converted into affordable and inclusionary housing developments. Under the legislation, developments reserving 20, 35, or 50 percent of units as income-restricted housing could be built at densities of up to 40, 60, or 80 units per acre, respectively. Properties previously used for community services, such as childcare, food pantries, or social services, would be required to retain these functions on-site after housing is constructed. The bill would establish a fund of $250 million to provide lower-cost construction financing and $50 million for technical assistance programs, including grants of up to $250,000 for pre-development costs. In recent years, some religious communities have turned to developing landholdings for affordable housing, both as an expression of their missions, and as a potential source of financial stability.
Environment
NJDEP Issues $1.07 Million Fine to Data Center for Illegally Operating 62 Generators – On September 22nd, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a $1.07 million fine to the DataOne data center for violating the New Jersey Air Pollution Control Act. According to the NJDEP, DataOne was found to be operating 62 generators in Vineland, thereby potentially exposing the area to harmful air pollutants. The NJDEP has given the company, which has partnered with Microsoft to provide AI computing, a 45-day deadline to apply for the needed permits. During the 45-day period, the company will be allowed to continue operation of the natural gas generators. Environmental advocates worry the decision from the NJDEP does not go far enough. Thermal imagery of the site in July revealed the generators in operation that were not included in the original permit. Natural gas generators emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants linked to asthma, heart disease, and premature death. Three schools and a childcare center are reportedly located within approximately one mile of the DataOne facility.
Public Administration
Two Bills Introduced to Change Mail-In Ballot Signature Guidelines and Monitoring – On September 24th, Assemblyman Sauickie (R-12) introduced Bill A5564 and Bill A5565, which would rewrite vote-by-mail ballot-curing procedures and require video surveillance of mail-in ballot drop boxes and counting of mail-in ballots. When a mail-in ballot is rejected because of a missing or discrepant signature, election officials are required to notify the voter and allow them to cure the ballot defect through the cure process. This legislation would shorten the deadline for curing ballots in general elections from 11 to four days after the election and require voters swear an oath to a certified officer. The bill would also revise the guidance used to evaluate signatures, identifying factors to include, but not limited to, significant changes in writing style, inconsistent letter printing, name misspelling, or messy ink dots. Additionally, Bill A5565 would require video surveillance and recording of mail-in ballot counting and ballot drop boxes to be made available for viewing on public websites.
SEHBC Approves 34 Percent Insurance Increase for Enrolled School Districts – The School Employees’ Health Benefits Commission (SEHBC) approved a 34 percent premium increase for school districts participating in the School Employee’s Health Benefits program (SEHBP) on September 25th. The new rates will take effect in plan year 2027. Years of ever-increasing insurance premiums for active and retired workers have led some districts to opt out of the program for private market insurance plans, reducing participation and contributing to further financial pressure on the program. Members of the commission warned that without action, the SEHBP plans would have become obsolete by January 2027, while state law has limited capacity to alter plan structures until 2028. All three New Jersey Education Association-appointed members voted against the increase. Further, the NJEA has condemned the decision, stating that the SEHBC has refused to engage in meaningful efforts to save money, leaving school districts with less money to allocate for staffing, programs, and student services. The NJEA has advocated for Bill S4438/A5285, which would establish a new benefits trust intended to increase transparency, revise benefits structures, and control cost increases.