Economics
Governor Sherrill Signs Law to Lift Nuclear Moratorium and Expand Energy Supply – On April 8th, Governor Sherrill signed legislation S3870/A4528 (P.L.2026, c.9.) into law, removing a key regulatory barrier that imposed a de facto moratorium on new nuclear power for decades and thereby blocked any new nuclear power development in New Jersey. The law eliminates a requirement in the Coastal Area Facility Review Act (CAFRA) tied to radioactive waste disposal that is outdated. This legislation addressed the issue by allowing the Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner to approve permits based on safe Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)-compliant waste storage, recognizing methods with an established safety record in the United States. The administration also announced the creation of a Nuclear Task Force with the mission to ensure that the state is ready to capture the benefits of new nuclear power, while maintaining the highest standards of public safety and transparency.
Lawmakers Propose Simplified Tax Filing System to Boost Access to Benefits – New Jersey senators introduced legislation last month aimed at making it easier for residents to file their state taxes while also connecting them to public benefits. Bill S3808, sponsored by Sens. Teresa Ruiz (D-29) and Angela McKnight (D-31), would create a simplified, state-run tax filing option (the “ReadyReturn” program) that could automatically connect low-income residents to social service programs like food assistance and health coverage. According to the bill, New Jersey residents would benefit from a program that harnesses the state’s existing tax filing process to facilitate low-income residents in accessing essential safety net benefits.
Education
Bill Would Require Colleges to Report Graduate Employment and Earnings Data – On March 23rd, legislation aiming to increase the availability of student consumer information passed the New Jersey Senate unanimously. Sponsored by Senator Shirley K. Turner (D-15), Bill S229 would require New Jersey institutions of higher education to collect and publicly report employment outcomes for recent graduates. The legislation mandates higher education institutions to provide information on the employment outcomes and earnings data available through the New Jersey Statewide Data System for the graduates of the three most recent academic years for which data is available. This information would be added to existing consumer reports that already disclose information such as costs and graduation rates, helping students and families better evaluate return on investment. The legislation has been referred to the Assembly Higher Education Committee for further consideration.
Health
Bill Would Expand NJ FamilyCare coverage for “Food Prescriptions” for Certain Enrollees – On March 23rd, lawmakers introduced Bill A4799, which would establish a three-year pilot program to cover food “prescriptions” for healthy foods when written by a licensed health care provider for a NJ FamilyCare enrollee who has been diagnosed with a diet-related medical condition. Under the bill, sponsored by Assemblymembers Kenyatta Stewart and Al Abdelaziz (both D-35), the pilot program would be designed to reduce overall Medicaid expenditures through improved management of diet-related conditions. The bill additionally amends the “Healthy Small Food Retailer Act” to allow retail pharmacies to participate in the program to sell healthy foods in rural and urban low-income and moderate-income areas, and allow NJ FamilyCare enrollees to fill food prescriptions, written by licensed health care providers, at small food retailers and retail pharmacies.
Public Administration
Governor Sherrill Signs Law Expanding Early Voting Period for May Municipal Elections – On April 6th, Governor Sherrill signed A4745/S420 (P.L.2026, c.8.) bill into law, allowing the extension of the early voting period for regular municipal elections in May. The law increases the early voting window from three days to up to seven days. Municipalities can opt into the expanded schedule to provide residents with more opportunities to cast their ballots. According to the Governor’s press release, this extension is intended to give voters additional opportunities to vote early in non-partisan municipal elections and bring the early voting period for these elections into closer alignment with the period for state and federal elections.
Lawmakers Defend Spending in Proposed Budget Cuts in Governor’s Plan – During budget hearings on April 6th, members of the Assembly Budget Committee New Jersey requested for funding restored for legislative priorities that the Gov. Sherrill’s excised from her proposed state budget. The governor’s budget plan would eliminate roughly $700 million in funding added by legislators in the previous year, seeking to shrink Jersey’s structural deficit. Lawmakers argue that these funds support essential local programs, community services, and projects benefiting vulnerable populations. These spending items are routinely added by lawmakers to the annual state budget through budget resolutions. In May, officials will deliver another update on revenue that includes a fuller picture of taxes paid in 2025.