Public Administration
Polls are Open for General Election Day – The 2026 midterm elections are underway across the country, and polls will be open in New Jersey from 6:00am-8:00pm. Information on voting, polling locations, and election results for the Garden State can be found in the New Jersey Voter Information Portal.
NJ Joins Lawsuit Alleging Dollar General Engaged in Deceptive Pricing – On October 27th, Attorney General Davenport announced that New Jersey joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and 20 other states in a lawsuit filed against Dollar General Corporation alleging that the company harmed low-income and rural communities by engaging in deceptive pricing practices. The complaint alleges that Dollar General willfully overcharged customers by mislabeling products, advertisements, and price tags. Between January 2023 and March 2026, Dollar General received 29,265 customer complaints regarding deceptive pricing. Dollar General operates over 21,000 stores nationwide and nearly 200 stores in New Jersey, and approximately 60% of the sales the company makes come from lower-income and rural households earning $35,000 or less.
Governor Sherrill Signs Legislation Allowing Campaigns to Use Funds for Security – On October 27th, Governor Sherrill signed Bill S3386/A5258 into law as P.L.2026, c.99 which allows campaign funds to be used to pay for security expenses for a candidate, an incumbent, staff, or members of their immediate family who reside in the same household. Security measures for which campaigns may now use funds to pay for security devices such as locks, alarm systems, security cameras, gates, lighting, fencing, cybersecurity, and professional security personnel. Using funds to purchase ammunition or pay family members or their companies is prohibited. The legislation was introduced in February 2026 following increased political violence across the country.
NJ to Receive $8.9 Million from General Motors in Multistate Data Settlement – On October 29th, Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced that New Jersey will enter an agreement between a coalition of 36 attorney generals and General Motors, Inc. (GM) to settle allegations that GM illegally sold private consumer data to third parties. The lawsuit claimed third party insurance brokers obtained private data from drivers who enrolled in GM’s Smart Driver program, which tracked driving habits. Additionally, the suit alleged that GM sold data on driver behaviors such as whether they wore a seat belt, exceeded the speed limit, turned too fast, or braked suddenly. Investigations revealed that insurance brokers then used this data to adjust rates and increase customer premiums. As a result of the settlement, GM agreed to pay $220 million in the nationwide settlement, $8.9 million of which will be paid to New Jersey, and will also implement training requirements at dealerships to protect consumer data.
Environment
Nonprofits May Apply for Green Acres Funding to Repair Property on State-Owned Land – On October 27th, Governor Sherrill signed Bill S4495/A5321 into law as a supplement to P.L.1999, c.152 (C.13:8C-1 et seq.). The legislation eliminates the 50 percent matching grant requirement for nonprofits seeking funds to complete rehabilitations of properties on state-owned land. Nonprofits are eligible to receive funding from the “Preserve New Jersey Green Acres Fund” to cover up to 100 percent of the cost of capital repair or improvement projects. Proponents of the legislation say the expansion of funding will support nonprofit partners in maintaining clean parks, protecting natural resources, and stewarding New Jersey’s open lands. Applications for the next round of New Jersey Green Acres Program funding awards are anticipated to open in January 2027.