Digital/Tech
AI Image Disclosure Bill Introduced to Add Labels to Online AI Generated Content – On May 14th, Assemblyman Andrew Macurdy (D-21) introduced Bill A5089, which requires makers of publicly accessible GenAI software within New Jersey to include a label on AI-generated content. Under the bill, AI-generated content must contain easily accessible information on the model used to generate the content, the date, and name of the company with ownership of the GenAI product. Each violation of the law would result in a $5,000 fine to the GenAI provider or social media platform distributing the content. Bill A5089 mirrors similar legislation passed in California that mandates the inclusion of AI transparency measures for consumer protection, amidst pushes to regulate AI and misleading online AI outputs.
Transportation
Assembly Lawmakers Introduce Bill Establishing Toll Discount Program for Veterans – On May 18th, Assemblyman Robert Auth (R-39) introduced Bill A5124 to require the New Jersey Turnpike Authority and the South Jersey Transportation Authority to establish discount programs for residents of New Jersey who have been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces. The bill would provide a 50 percent discount on tolls for motor vehicles that are owned or leased by a veteran, registered in New Jersey, and connected to an active electronic toll collection system account.
Economics
Bill Introduced to Increase Tax Rates for Incomes Exceeding $2M – On May 18th, Assemblywoman Katie Brennan (D-32) introduced Bill A5121 to create new joint and individual income tax rate brackets for taxable incomes greater than $2 million. Taxpayers earning over $2 million but under $5 million would pay $180,157 plus 12 percent of the additional income over $2 million. Taxpayers earning over $5 million and under $10 million would pay $540,157 plus 13 percent of the additional income over $5 million. Taxpayers earning over $10 million would pay $1.19 million plus 14 percent of the additional income over $10 million. The bill is estimated by proponents to capture $1.2 billion annually for the state, aiming to close the $3 billion budget deficit. If passed, the bill would take effect January 1, 2027.
Environment
Governor Mikie Sherrill Declares State of Emergency in Response to Crop Losses – On May 20th, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed Executive Order No. 18, which authorizes agencies to take emergency action to address the impact of losses experienced by the agricultural sector during extreme temperature swings in April 2026. Unseasonably hot weather reached 90 degrees in some parts of the state, triggering early fruit tree flowering, which was followed by a rapid decrease of temperatures into the 20s. The Secretary of Agriculture, Ed Wengryn, reported that many agricultural producers have experienced damage to between 30 to 100 percent of crops, potentially totaling $300 million in losses from these extreme temperature fluctuations. Agency heads are empowered to amend or waive rules that may negatively affect the ability to respond effectively to these agricultural losses. New Jersey’s farms employ over 25,000 people and contribute $1.5 billion to the state’s economy.
Education
Bill Introduced to Offer Relief to School Districts for Rising Healthcare Costs – On May 21st, Senator Carmen Amato, Jr. (R-9) introduced Bill S4318 that would appropriate no more than $50 million to alleviate school district tax levy increases resulting from hikes in health care expenditures. Districts that have experienced increases greater than 9.9 percent in the adjusted property tax levy between the 2024-2025 school year and the 2026-2027 school year may qualify to be apportioned funds to offset rising health care costs. Financial relief from the bill would be distributed based on the district’s proportion of the total increase in health care costs across all school districts in the State. Republican legislators have cited the need for relief as property taxes continue to rise as high as 33 percent in some districts and health care costs spike, increasing by up to 35 percent in some cases.