Economics
Governor Murphy Signs Bill Creating $500 Million Manufacturing Tax Credit Program – On August 13th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A5687 into law, establishing the “Next New Jersey Manufacturing Program,” a $500 million initiative designed to strengthen manufacturing in the state. The program will provide tax credits to eligible businesses in advanced manufacturing, defense, life sciences, nonretail food and beverage, and clean energy. For its first two years, $100 million will be specifically reserved for clean energy industries, with any unused funds redirected to broader manufacturing. Lawmakers and business groups, such as the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, praised the measure as a targeted, nonpartisan investment in workforce development and industry competitiveness.
Utility Regulators Approve Residential Utility Bill Credits as Energy Prices Rise – On August 13th, the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) unanimously voted to approve a $100 utility bill credit for all residential electricity customers to help offset rising energy costs. Fifty dollars will be applied to residents’ bills in September and another $50 in October. This move comes as wholesale electricity prices have surged by over 20% since June and is part of the Murphy Administration’s broader cost relief plan announced in June 2025.
Bills to Increase Oversight over PJM Grid Operator Become Law – On August 15th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A5463 (P.L.2025, c.129.) into law, which requires all electric public utilities to submit annual voting reports to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU). Utilities would be required to disclose voting records at PJM meetings, as well as a description of the meeting’s purpose and events. Governor Murphy also signed Bill SJR154 (P.L.2025, JR-11.) into law, directing the BPU to investigate PJM’s pricing model and urge the implementation of certain reforms and energy projects. Supporting lawmakers argued the measures will strengthen oversight, improve accountability, and enhance public transparency. These measures come as electricity demand and prices continue to rise in the state.
Health
Bills Banning Deceptive Marketing for Substance Use Treatment Providers Become Law – On August 11th, Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed Bill A3974 (P.L.2025, c.122.) into law, barring deceptive marketing practices in the substance use treatment industry. The law specifically mandates providers disclose accurate information about their services, locations, names, branding, and contact details in all marketing materials, and prohibits providers from making misleading claims about insurance network status or affiliations with other providers. Way also signed Bill A3973 into law, which increases criminal penalties for unlawful patient referrals. Supporting lawmakers and officials said the measures further protect those seeking substance use treatment and increase treatment effectiveness.
Federal Judge Strikes Down Religious Exemptions to Contraceptive Coverage – On August 13th, a federal judge struck down Trump-era rules that allowed employers to opt out of providing contraceptive coverage under the Affordable Care Act on religious or moral grounds. New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which first sued in 2017, argued that the regulations would raise costs for publicly funded programs. Attorney General Matt Platkin praised the decision, while the Little Sisters of the Poor, who intervened in the case, vowed to appeal. The case previously reached the U.S. Supreme Court in 2020, which upheld the administration’s authority but sent the matter back to the lower court for review.