NJ State Policy Updates

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, […]

Public Administration State Moves Forward with Digital Driver’s License – On June 30th, the Assembly voted 75-3 to approve Bill A3518, which would allow the Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue digital driver’s licenses and ID cards. The bill also states that showing a digital ID on a phone does not constitute consent to search […]

Public Administration Lawmakers Approve $58.8 Billion Spending Plan for Fiscal Year 2026 – On June 30th, the Assembly voted 52-27 to approve Bill A5800, which appropriates $58.8 billion for the state’s fiscal year 2026 budget, set to begin July 1st. The Senate companion bill was approved by a 26-13 vote, with Governor Phil Murphy signing the plan […]

Economics Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates to Drop for Businesses Starting July – Beginning July 1, unemployment insurance tax rates will decrease from a range of 0.6%-6.4% to 0.5%-5.8%. The change is expected to save businesses across the state about $300 million annually. The reduction reflects the state’s economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic […]

Public Administration Response Measures to Electricity Price Surge Under Review – On June 2nd, the Senate voted 25-12 along party lines to approve Bill SJR154, which would require the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to investigate PJM Interconnection’s price-setting auction that resulted in a nearly tenfold price increase compared to the previous year’s auction. Supporting […]