Economics
Governor Sherril Signs Law Banning Restaurant Reservation Scalping – On May 7th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed legislation (A3318/SCS for S1193 and 1197) banning the practice of “restaurant reservation scalping,” a policy aimed at protecting both consumers and small businesses ahead of major tourism events such as the FIFA World Cup. The law (P.L.2026, c.12.) prohibits third-party websites and apps from listing, advertising, or selling restaurant reservations without a formal agreement from the restaurant and allows civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. The bill passed both legislative chambers with broad bipartisan support in March before being sent to the Governor for final approval. Legislators supporting the bill argued it will ensure restaurants retain control over bookings and prevent price gouging in the hospitality sector.
Environment
Governor Sherril Signs Mercury-Free Flooring Requirement for Schools and Child Care Centers Into Law – On May 7th, Governor Sherrill signed bill S1370/A1514 into law (P.L.2026, c.11.), legislation sponsored by Senators Joseph Lagana (D-38) and Raj Mukherji (D-32) and Assemblymembers Clinton Calabrese (D-36), Sterley Stanley (D-18), and Joe Danielsen (D-17). The bill requires new flooring installed in schools, community centers, and childcare centers to be certified mercury-free before construction permits can be issued. Under the legislation, if existing flooring may contain mercury, building owners must test air quality and take mitigation steps, up to and including full removal. Having moved through the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee, the bill then passed both chambers on March 23rd, with the Assembly approving it unanimously.
Bill Introduced to Establish Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment – On May 7th, Assemblywoman Maureen Rowan (D-2) introduced Bill A4902, known as the “Clean Oceanfronts, Amusements, Safety, and Tourism Act,” which would appropriate $2.5 million to prepare the state’s coastal regions ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The funds will support a public awareness campaign targeting beach and boardwalk communities in Atlantic, Cape May, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, covering beach safety, environmental protection, and tourism promotion.
Health
Lawmakers Advance Bill to Standardize Hospital Sepsis Protocols – On April 28th, lawmakers advanced legislation (S2884) that would require all New Jersey acute care hospitals to adopt standardized protocols for the early detection, screening, and treatment of sepsis, which is a rapidly progressing condition that can lead from minor infection to organ failure or fatal outcome. Sponsored by Joe Vitale (D-19) and Raj Mukherji (D-32), uniform procedures and staff training are required to improve early identification and accelerate treatment response times across hospital systems. Concurrently, certain healthcare stakeholders have expressed support for the goals of the legislation and also raised concerns about reporting obligations that could lead to misinterpretation by the public.
Public Administration
Governor Sherrill Signs Camden Funding Reallocation Bill into Law – On May 7th, Governor Mikie Sherrill signed S1107/A2408 into law (P.L.2026, c.10.) as part of a legislative package focused on community investment and consumer protections. The bill, sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-5) and Assemblyman William Moen (D-5), reallocates a previously approved $500,000 appropriation for City of Camden capital projects to Parkside Business & Community in Partnership, a nonprofit organization focused on neighborhood revitalization, housing and community development. The measure was first referred to the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee and Assembly Housing Committee before advancing through both chambers, passing the Assembly on March 23rd.
Bill Introduced to Increase Transparency in New Jersey’s Pardon Process – On May 4th, Senator Vin Gopal (D-11) introduced Bill S4216, legislation intended to strengthen transparency requirements surrounding New Jersey’s clemency and pardon system. The bill would require individuals who are compensated to influence pardon, commutation, or reprieve requests to register as governmental affairs agents, expanding disclosure requirements for those seeking to lobby the governor or executive staff on clemency matters. The proposal is part of a broader package of clemency-related reforms introduced by Senator Gopal, including measures requiring notification of victims and registration of individuals seeking pardons on behalf of others.