NJ State Policy Updates

Public Administration Second Gubernatorial Debate to be Held on Wednesday, October 8th Hosted by the Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy – On Wednesday, October 8th from 7:00-8:00pm gubernatorial candidates Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill will hold their second debate at the New Brunswick Performance Arts Center, which will be hosted by the Edward J. […]

Health NJ State Health Benefits Program Committee Approves State-Worker Health-Benefit Cuts – On September 24th, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) design committee approved changes that raise copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums for active state workers, in particular for out-of-network care and prescriptions. These changes were enacted to meet budget-mandated savings and reduce the state’s […]

Environment Acting Gov. Tahesha Way Signs Law Strengthening Lead Disclosure and Testing Requirements – On September 19, Acting Governor Tahesa Way signed A2929/S1034 into law, which requires landlords to report the known or potential presence of lead in drinking water to their tenants. The bill also requires public water systems to conduct a lead water test […]

Public Administration Gov. Murphy Signs New Law Establishing Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Military Affairs – On September 11th, Governor Phil Murphy signed a law creating a standalone, cabinet-level New Jersey Department of Veterans Affairs. Previously, veterans’ services, including housing, health care, and benefits, were handled under a combined department, Military & Veterans Affairs, which […]

Education and Public Administration Gov. Murphy Signs Bills Strengthening Worker Protections and Labor Education in Public Schools – On September 3rd, Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills into law intended to strengthen workers’ rights and education within New Jersey. The first bill, A1682/S1054, adds new requirements to the state’s Student Learning Standards for Social Studies […]

Environment Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Boost Renewable Energy Generation and Capacity – On August 22nd, Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills aimed at expanding renewable energy generation in the state. Bill S4530 directs the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to register an additional 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity, while Bill A5267 establishes a $1 […]

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, […]

Health New Law Expands Access to Disability Benefits for 9/11 First Responders – On July 23rd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A5381 (P.L.2025, c.117) into law, removing the filing deadline for accidental disability allowances for 9/11 first responders. Supporting lawmakers say the change eliminates barriers to compensation for those with long-term health complications linked to […]

Health State and Labor Unions Offer Competing Plans to Cut Public Worker Health Costs – On July 31st, state and union officials unveiled competing proposals to reduce costs in the State Health Benefits Program by $200 million annually. The state plan primarily focuses on shifting more expenses to workers through higher deductibles, greater out-of-pocket maximums, […]

Housing State Begins Sending Out Senior Freeze Property Tax Relief – On July 21st, the state government announced it has begun distributing Senior Freeze property tax reimbursements, expected to save the average new recipient $211 and repeat recipients $1,348, to over 125,000 eligible senior and disabled homeowners. The deadline to apply for this and other […]

Transportation New Law Requires Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in Driver’s Education – On July 17th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A4765 (P.L.2025, c.103.) into law, mandating that state driver’s education programs include instruction on safely sharing the road with pedestrians and cyclists. Supporters, including families affected by vehicle crashes, argued that the law raises awareness […]

Education Bills Expanding Free Preschool and Kindergarten Become Law – On July 9th, Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills into law to expand access to free preschool and full-day kindergarten in the state. Bill S3910 (P.L.2025, c.100.) requires all school districts to offer full-day kindergarten by 2030. It also codifies the state’s preschool funding formula, […]