NJ State Policy Updates

Cannabis Legislature Passes Hemp Regulation Extension Through November 2026 – On March 23rd, both chambers of the NJ Legislature passed Bill S3945, which temporarily revises restrictions on the sale of hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages through November 2026. The bill was introduced on March 12th and extends restrictions on synthetic or high THC hemp-derived […]

Economics Senate Panel Advances Bill Banning Grocery Surveillance Pricing – On March 16th, the Senate Commerce Committee approved Bill S3612/S3717, the “Fair Price Protection Act,” sponsored by Senators Joseph P. Cryan (D-20) and Joseph A. Lagana (D-38), which would bar grocery stores and third-party delivery from using algorithms to adjust the prices paid by individual […]

Public Administration Governor Sherrill Proposes Record $60.7 Billion Spending in First Budget Address – On March 10th, Governor Sherrill delivered her first budget address to the Legislature, proposing a $60.7 billion spending plan for fiscal year 2027 that aims to cut the structural deficit from $3 billion to $1.7 billion. Concurrently, the budget introduces $3.3 […]

Education Senate Committee Advances High School Financial Literacy Course Requirement – On March 2nd, the Senate Education Committee unanimously approved Bill S3462, legislation sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal (D-11) and Angela McKnight (D-31) that would require New Jersey high school students to complete a one-semester standalone course in financial literacy as a condition of graduation. […]

Economics Assemblyman Announces Bill to Ban “Surveillance Pricing” – On February 24th, Assemblyman Chigozie Onyema (D-Newark) announced Bill A4523, the “Fair Price Protection Act,” which would prohibit grocery retailers from using surveillance technology and personal data to charge individualized prices to New Jersey consumers. Under the proposal, electronic surveillance technology includes sensors, cameras, device tracking, […]

Education Bill Introduced to Require Assistive Services for College Students with Disabilities – On February 19th, Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-29) introduced Bill A4354. The legislation would require New Jersey’s public colleges and universities to provide specific assistive services to students with disabilities for the purpose of recording course material, including note-taking software, provided that it […]

Health Senate Committee Advances Bill to Restore $45 Million in Harm Reduction Funds – On February 9th, the Senate Health Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Vitale (D-19) that would restore $45 million to New Jersey’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund. This legislation calls for the state to pay certain hospitals from the general […]

Housing Bills Advance to Support First-Time Homebuyers and Limit Investor Purchases – On February 5th, Bill S1756, the “First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account Program,” was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The legislation would establish savings accounts for first-time homebuyers and provide state income tax benefits on contributions and earnings in accounts used […]

Economics New Bill Proposes Tax Credits to Boost Apprenticeships and Internships – On January 28th, Senator Troy Singleton introduced Bill S3214, which establishes the “New Jersey Earn and Learn Program” to incentivize employers to hire individuals into structured apprenticeships and paid internships. The bill offers businesses a base tax credit of $3,000 per enrollee, with […]

Economics New Jersey Sees Slight Boost in Jobs, Tax Revenue at Fiscal Year Midpoint – New Jersey reported a modest increase in job gains (+9,000 in December) and tax revenues (+4.8% year-to-year) as the fiscal year reached its midpoint, leaving state tax collections slightly ahead of projections. New Jersey has experienced uneven job reports in […]

Public Administration Governor Phil Murphy Delivers Final State of the State Address – On January 13th, Governor Murphy delivered his final State of the State address to a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature, marking the close of his two-term administration. Murphy highlighted accomplishments in areas including economic recovery, public education, infrastructure, and health […]

Public Administration Gov.-elect Sherrill Announces New Heads of NJ TRANSIT, Treasury, Department of Children and Families, and More – In the weeks since being elected the next governor of New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill has announced a slate of new department heads to various state agencies including: retaining Jacquelyn A. Suárez as Commissioner for the Department […]