Education
“Freedom to Read Act” Signed into Law to Protect Libraries and Limit Book Bans – On December 9th, Governor Phil Murphy signed the “Freedom to Read Act,” a law that limits book bans in public schools and libraries. The law establishes state guidelines for selecting and challenging library books and provides library staff immunity from civil or criminal liability for “good faith actions.” It prohibits school and library boards from banning any book due to the “origin, background, or views” of the material or its creators. The law also restricts book challenges to individuals with a “vested interest.” Supporters, including educators and civil liberties advocates, praised the law as a defense against censorship. However, many conservative activists argued that the law risks exposing children to inappropriate content. The law will take effect in one year, allowing time for state officials to develop the required guidelines.
Public Administration
New Bill Proposes Harsher Penalties for Crimes Against Seniors and Disabled Individuals – A newly proposed bill which aims to establish more severe penalties for crimes targeting seniors over 62 or individuals with disabilities would create a crime of victimization charged alongside the original offense. The bill sponsors cited the need to address the growing exploitation of the elderly and other more vulnerable populations. FBI data reveals that older adults are disproportionately affected by scams and other types of fraud. Additionally, women with developmental disabilities experience assault rates as high as 83% over their lifetimes—nearly 50% more than the general population. Individuals with developmental disabilities are also at greater risk of repeated victimization.
Health
Lawmakers Advance Telehealth Opioid Treatment Pilot Program – On December 12th, the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee unanimously advanced Bill A2191, which would establish a remote methadone dosing pilot program in Camden, Atlantic City, and Paterson. The program would enable the state to select existing treatment providers from each of the three communities and then work with those providers to expand telehealth treatment options and select potential candidates for remote dosing. Supporters of the legislation, including the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, emphasized telehealth’s role in enhancing access, compliance, and outcomes for those undergoing opioid treatment, particularly for individuals with transportation or childcare barriers. New Jersey currently operates 42 outpatient opioid treatment centers and two residential programs. The state is on track for a double-digit decrease in fatal opioid overdoses in 2024 compared to 2023.
Transportation
Bill to Delay Advanced Clean Truck Rule Moves Forward in Assembly Committee – On December 12th, the Assembly Transportation and Independent Authorities Committee unanimously advanced Bill A4967, which would delay the implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck rule until 2027. The rule, which was originally set to take effect next month, would mandate truck manufacturers to increase annual electric vehicle sales as a proportion of overall sales to reduce transportation-related emissions and air pollution. Environmental advocates, such as the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, criticized the delay, expressing public health and climate change concerns. They contended that the transportation sector remains the state’s largest emissions source. Business and industry advocates, such as the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, supported the decision, citing high costs for electric trucks, inadequate charging and other infrastructure, and limited market readiness.
Port Authority Approves PATH Fare and Toll Increases – On December 12th, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey approved a new $9.4 billion budget which includes both fare and toll increases. PATH train fares will rise to $3 in January 2025, an increase of 25 cents, while tolls on Port Authority bridges and tunnels will also increase by 25 cents next month, with additional annual increases over the next 3 years. The Port Authority stated the increases will provide a reliable revenue source for new projects and continued infrastructure investments. These increases coincide with federal approval of New York’s congression pricing plan, which will similarly raise costs for commuters, charging most drivers entering Manhattan south of 60th Street $9 in addition to other existing tolls.
Economics
Legislation Advances Bill to Simplify Remote Sales Tax Collections – On December 9th, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee unanimously advanced Bill S3604, which would simplify sales tax collection by removing the transaction threshold for remote sellers. Currently, remote sellers must collect sales tax after conducting 200 or more transactions with New Jersey residents in a calendar year or when exceeding $100,000 in annual gross revenue within the state. This proposed change follows a report from the Office of the State Auditor which found that the transaction threshold may disproportionately burden small businesses. Business groups, such as the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, supported the bill as a means of streamlining the collection process and aligning New Jersey’s policy with those of other states. However, the Office of Legislative Services cautioned that the change could decrease annual sales tax revenues by an indeterminate amount, although no more than $6,625 per remote seller, due to a reduction in the number of businesses required to collect sales tax.
Cannabis
Cannabis Commission Approves Social Equity Fee Increase – On December 12th, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved raising the social equity fee on cannabis purchases to $2.50 per ounce, up from $1.24, starting January 1st, 2025. The fee supports social equity initiatives, investment in communities affected by marijuana criminalization, and youth cannabis diversion programs. Some commissioners expressed concerns over how increased fees could affect cannabis businesses. However, progressive advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey, argued for a much greater fee increase, up to the legal maximum of $30 per ounce. The fee generated around $2.6 million in fiscal year 2024, but the state has yet to allocate any of the funds to specific causes. The commission also announced that it will begin accepting applications for cannabis consumption lounges, prioritizing economically or socially disadvantaged operators first in January 2025 before extending to all operators in July 2025.