NJ State Policy Updates

Public Administration Bill Criminalizing Deepfakes Becomes Law – On April 2nd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A3540 (P.L.2025, c.40.) into law, criminalizing the creation or distribution of AI-generated media, commonly referred to as deepfakes, for unlawful purposes such as harassment or extortion. The law establishes penalties of up to five years in prison or $30,000 […]

Public Administration Both State Chambers Pass Bill Criminalizing Incitement of Public Brawls – On March 24th, both the Assembly and Senate unanimously approved Bill A4652, which would criminalize inciting a public brawl and increase penalties for disorderly conduct. Lawmakers argued the measure would help local authorities deter and respond more effectively to large, rapidly organized […]

Education Senate Committee Advances Bill Requiring Anti-Choking Devices in Schools – On March 17th, the Senate Education Committee unanimously voted to advance Bill S908, which would require all public and private schools to purchase and maintain FDA-registered portable anti-choking devices in certain areas, such as cafeterias and nurses’ offices. The state would reimburse states for […]

Education Assembly Committee Advances Bill Limiting School Cell Phone Use – On March 10th, the Assembly Education Committee unanimously advanced Bill S3695, requiring the Department of Education to develop guidelines for restricting school cell phone and social media use. School districts would then be required to adopt policies consistent with state guidelines. Supporters argued the […]

Public Administration Bill Redesigning Primary Election Ballots Becomes Law – On March 6th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A5116 (P.L.2025, c.32.) into law, requiring the use of office-block ballots and eliminating the previous county line format, which a federal judge ruled unconstitutional in March 2024. While many advocacy groups praised the end of the county […]

Public Administration Governor Murphy Reveals Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Proposal – On February 25th, Governor Phil Murphy presented his final annual budget to the Legislature, proposing a $58.1 billion fiscal year 2026 budget. The spending plan proposes maintaining full funding for pension payments and increasing allocations for K-12 school aid and property tax relief, including the […]

Public Administration Lawmakers Advance Multiple Bills to Strengthen State Firearm Restrictions – On February 20th, the Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced ten bills to tighten firearm regulations. The bills would criminalize reckless firearm discharge, possession of digital files for 3D-printing guns, and possession or sale of machine gun conversion devices. One bill would expand firearm bans […]

Environment Senate Committee Advances Bill to Cut Plastic Packaging – On February 10th, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee approved Bill S3398 in a 3 to 2 party-line vote, which would mandate producers implement plans to reduce plastic packaging by 50% over 10 years. The bill would additionally prohibit toxic chemicals in packaging and provide […]

Public Administration Signature Thresholds for Ballot Placement Increased by New Law – On February 3rd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A5117 (P.L.2025, c.20.) into law, increasing the number of signatures required for candidates to qualify for primary, general, and other election ballots by 150%. Supporters contend that the higher thresholds will prevent frivolous candidates from […]

Public Administration New Jersey Sues over Federal Funding Freeze – On January 28th, New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin and other Democratic attorneys general filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s recent freeze on trillions in federal funding, arguing the action is unconstitutional. The attorneys general also contended that the directive was so unclear that […]

Public Administration New Jersey to Launch Rape Kit Tracking System in 2025 – On January 23rd, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill S715 (P.L.2025, c.1) into law, requiring the creation of an online rape kit tracking system. The system, mandated to launch by August 1st, will allow victims, law enforcement, and healthcare providers to track kits […]

Transportation Target Zero Commission Established to End Traffic Fatalities by 2040 – On January 13th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A1476 (P.L.2024, c.109.) into law, creating the Target Zero Commission to eliminate state traffic fatalities by 2040. The 13-member panel will develop strategies to improve roadway and pedestrian safety, advise the Department of Transportation on […]