Public Administration
NJ Lawmakers Propose Tax Relief and Small Business Preservation for Local Diners – Earlier this month New Jersey lawmakers introduced bill S4954/A6283, which would extend new tax breaks to diners in the Garden State with the hopes of countering post-pandemic slowdowns and inflation. The legislation would allow qualifying diners that have been operating for at least 25 years and qualify as small businesses to apply to an annual registry of historic restaurants in the state. Acceptance into the historic preservation registry would exempt them from sales tax levies on food and beverages and would entitle these restaurants to obtain two non-refundable tax credits worth up to $25,000 each.
Environment
Gov. Murphy Declares State of Emergency Over Propane Heating and Supply Shortage – On December 11, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy declared a State of Emergency in response to a regional propane supply disruption that threatened winter heating access for thousands of New Jersey households. Murphy signed Executive Order No. 408, which allows for statewide exemption on hours-of-service regulations regarding the transportation of residential heating fuel. Under this State of Emergency, maximum driving time for operators of commercial vehicles carrying propane has been extended from 11 hours to 14 hours, with 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time required between driving time. This emergency order will remain in effect until it is determined at the propane shortage has been sufficiently mitigated. New Jerseyans impacted by heating shortages are encouraged to visit ready.nj.gov for updates and NJ211 for information on warming centers and other resources.
Housing
Bill Introduced to Allow Towns to Charge Fees to Fund Affordable Housing, Homelessness – The State Assembly Housing Committee voted unanimously to advance Bill A3360, would allow local officials to create municipal homelessness to trust funds by adding up to $5 to existing fees for building permits, licenses, and court and parking fees. Officials could then use these funds to reduce homelessness by buying, building, or renovating housing projects or by funding housing vouchers and services that help people obtain permanent housing. Homelessness rose 8% in New Jersey between January 2024 and January 2025.