Health
New Jersey Establishes Public Health Institute – On April 22nd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S3562 (P.L.2025, c.46.) into law, authorizing the Department of Health to designate a nonprofit Public Health Institute. This institute will coordinate public health initiatives among government agencies and providers, provide administrative and financial support to public, private, and community-based partners, and develop programs that promote public health equity and workforce development, among other functions. Supporting lawmakers claimed the measure will streamline coordination among health providers, expand services, and improve public health outcomes.
Bill Requiring Insurance Coverage for Biomarker Testing Becomes Law – On April 23rd, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed Bill A4163 (P.L.2025, c.49.) into law, mandating state-regulated health insurance providers to cover biomarker testing for the diagnosis, treatment, management, or monitoring of relevant diseases or conditions. This test offers insights into health status or the potential risk of developing diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and multiple sclerosis. Lawmakers, health officials, and organizations, such as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, praised the measure as a critical step toward more affordable, accessible, and effective care.
Public Administration
Governor Murphy Signs Law Requiring Early Utility Usage Notifications – On April 22nd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S3620 (P.L.2025, c.47.) into law, requiring New Jersey gas and electric utilities to notify customers of their energy usage and costs during each billing cycle. Utilities must send text or email alerts on the 10th and 20th days of the billing period. Utilities are also required to allow customers to sign up for additional notifications when their average daily usage exceeds the average during the prior month or the same period in the previous year. The law aims to help residents manage their energy consumption and avoid unexpected expenses. This measure follows ongoing legislative hearings on rising energy costs after the February 2025 electricity auction, with consumer bills anticipated to increase by up to $25 per month this summer.