Bills in the 2024–2025 Session, General Assembly.
Michael Venezia
Sponsored
Became law3
Establishes "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to strengthen alignment and collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts; makes appropriation.*
Modifies tax rate on certain nicotine products.
Amends Fiscal Year 2026 annual appropriations act to reassign distribution of certain State aid related to Ivy Hill Park from City of Newark to County of Essex.*
Vetoed1
Requires cancellation option for any subscription service and establishes certain standards pertaining to use of negative option features.
Passed the General Assembly4
Revises penalties for certain prohibited sales of tobacco and vapor products and smoking in indoor places.*
Requires DOH to use Basic Screening Survey to access oral health in children.
Replaces certain fixed interest rate award in eminent domain cases with interest rate based on just compensation awards.
Requires fees for certain firearms permit applications be deposited into General Fund rather than VCCO account.
Out of committee4
Expands scope of public works subject to prevailing wage requirements; concerns prevailing wage law requirements for public institutions of higher education.*
Provides that only registered design professionals or employees with certified fire escape contractors are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes.*
Prohibits SHBP, SEHBP, and Medicaid from denying coverage for maintenance medications for chronic conditions for covered persons solely because of change in health benefits plan or pharmacy benefits manager.
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
In committee31
Establishes task force to examine and make recommendations regarding professional development requirements for public school teachers and school leaders.
Requires Department of Education to annually report use of federal COVID-19 relief funds.
"Medical Debt Homestead Protection Act."
Directs State Board of Education to authorize general science endorsement to instructional certificate.
Requires use of helmets when operating or riding upon electric bicycle or electric scooter.
Requires Cannabis Regulatory Commission to monitor prices and to establish price cap on prices, under certain conditions, regarding medical cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, dispensaries, and clinical registrants.
Establishes student-athlete mental health specialists in school districts and public institutions of higher education; creates student-athlete mental health registry; makes appropriation.
Authorizes provision of monetary awards to whistleblowers who report State tax law violations committed by employers in construction industry.
Establishes civil action for abuse, neglect, exploitation or bullying of minor or adult with disability; provides that bullying of vulnerable adult may constitute grounds for investigation by adult protective services and report to law enforcement.
Requires landlords to disclose existence of lead service lines and lead water supply plumbing to tenants.
Enhances access to certain foreclosure counseling services.
Requires vehicle identification number be stamped on catalytic converters of motor vehicles.
Requires public schools that offer student psychological services to offer remote sessions.
Allows students to use portion of opportunity grant awards under Educational Opportunity Fund program during summer session.
Establishes "New Jersey Paid Prenatal Personal Leave Act."
Establishes the "New Jersey Health Care and Privacy Protection Act"; bars disclosure of certain geolocation data.
Strengthens State's assault weapons ban.
Establishes United Network for Inclusive Teaching and Youth Grant Program; makes appropriation.
Requires $1 million annual appropriation to certain educational services commissions for school facilities projects and school security improvements.
Requires school districts to maintain supply of nasal rescue medication and oxygen for seizure emergencies; provides for training of designees to administer nasal rescue medication and oxygen when school nurse is not physical present.
Prohibits leaving loaded firearm within easy access of minor under age of 18; requires law enforcement officers who observe unsecured firearms to conduct follow-up.
Requires local recreation departments, youth serving organizations, and youth camps to have defibrillators for youth athletic events.
Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.
Requires institutions of higher education to have automatic external defibrillator on premises and maintain supply of naloxone hydrochloride.
Requires public institution of higher education to provide alternative scholarship to student-athlete who loses athletic scholarship due to injury.
Requires physicians and certain hospital employees to complete training on communication with and treatment of persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Reduces copayments and coinsurance for asthma inhalers covered by certain health benefits plans.
Makes certain changes related to application and licensing for sale of cannabis, Cannabis Regulatory Commission activity, municipal ordinances, and alternative treatment centers.
"Ease of Doing Government Business Act;" requires State and local government entities to simplify procedures and expedite government transactions.
Establishes Emergency Services part of PERS; provides enhanced benefits for emergency services employees.
Requires SHBP and SEHBP commissions to use funds from 2025 False Claims Act settlement with Horizon to lower public employee health care contribution costs.
Carried from the Senate
Became law1
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
Co-sponsored
Became law · 13
Requires water supplier to notify affected municipalities, school districts, charter schools, nonpublic schools, and institutions of higher education of violations of drinking water quality standards.*
Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.*
Criminalizes failure to return erroneous person-to-person electronic payments following proper notification.
Allows follow-up communication by operators of mental health and suicide crisis resources centers or 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to minors at risk of death by suicide.*
Concerns use of force by law enforcement officers under certain circumstances and requires certain reporting of use of force incidents.*
Eliminates fee for special plates for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads.
Increases annual assessment on net written premiums of HMOs from five percent to six percent.
Requires Director of Division of Local Government Services in DCA to establish grant program to enhance local government efficiency; appropriates $1.5 million.
Provides medical documentation requirement for certain members of PERS, PFRS, and SPRS to receive accidental disability retirement allowance for participation in 9/11 World Trade Center rescue, recovery, or cleanup operations; removes filing deadline.*
Updates certain notification requirements in "Energy Bill Watch" program.
Provides supplemental appropriation of $4 million for Hinchliffe Stadium Partners to support stadium, entertainment, and tourism infrastructure at Paterson Great Falls National Park.
"Safe Communities Act"; requires AG to develop certain model policies.
Establishes pilot program to support hospitals that maintain certain services when relocating; appropriates $3 million.
Vetoed · 1
Codifies AG Directive, "Strengthening Trust Between Law Enforcement and Immigrant Communities."
Passed the General Assembly · 11
Requires DOH to establish public awareness campaign and develop policies and procedures to promote recognition and treatment of perinatal anxiety.
Requires 60 day notice concerning tuition rate changes by licensed child care centers.
Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.**
Requires certain health care facilities to offer lactation counseling and consultations to persons who have given birth.
Provides for rehabilitative release for certain incarcerated persons.
Requires health benefits coverage of continuous glucose monitoring system for treatment of glycogen storage disease.
Requires transfer of certain participants of DCRP to PERS.*
Requires State Police to inform local law enforcement if certain prohibited persons attempt to purchase firearm or ammunition.
Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility.
Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations.
Requires restaurant to disclose mandatory gratuity to patrons.*
Out of committee · 57
Exempts disabled veterans and Purple Heart recipients from payment of municipal parking meter fees when vehicle bears veteran's or recipient's special license plate or placard issued by MVC.
Provides tuition fee waiver for certain apprenticeship courses.*
Permits court to order counseling for children in households with domestic violence in appropriate cases; establishes presumption of award of custody to domestic violence victim in appropriate cases.
Provides for expanded use of affordable housing voucher program funding.*
Requires public institution of higher education to provide academic credit for certain examinations.
Requires public and certain nonpublic schools to comply with breakfast and lunch standards adopted by USDA.**
Requires MVC to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of certain school buses.
Directs BPU to establish rebate program for purchase of electric bicycles.*
"Right to Mental Health for Individuals who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing Act"; establishes certain requirements concerning provision of mental health services to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.*
Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.
Directs Attorney General to establish program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety.
Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening and requires coverage be provided without cost sharing.
Broadens eligibility of NJ STARS Program by permitting later entry into program.
Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Requires Commissioner of Department of Veterans Affairs to develop mobile application to provide guidance on available resources to veterans and their families.*
Provides employment protections for paid first responders diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder under certain conditions.
Requires boards of education to ensure that all staff are trained in care of students with epilepsy and seizure disorders every five years.*
Creates Code Red alert pilot program to shelter at-risk individuals during certain hot weather and air quality events; appropriates $2.5 million.**
Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program.
Upgrades certain penalties for assaulting law enforcement officer and requires offender to be tested for communicable diseases in certain instances.
Establishes "New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission" to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs.
Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.**
Concerns implementation of fire sprinkler system requirements in newly constructed townhouses.
Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD.
Regulates use of automated employment decision tools in employment decisions to minimize discrimination in employment.*
Allows certain public high school student-athletes to substitute study hall for physical education during their athletic seasons.
Requires training of cosmetologists-hairstylists, beauticians, barbers, and hair braiders to include working on textured hair.
Establishes requirements concerning provision of postpartum care, pregnancy loss, and stillbirth information and development of personalized postpartum care plans.*
Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.
Establishes working hours for certain minors employed as professional athletes.*
Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey"; appropriates $5 million.**
"Invasive Species Management Act"; prohibits sale, distribution, import, export, and propagation of certain invasive species; establishes NJ Invasive Species Council.*
Prohibits cooperative from receiving public works contract when cooperative-approved vendor fails to pay prevailing wage; concerns cooperative purchasing agreements with other states; and permits contracting units to award certain indefinite contracts.*
Establishes New Jersey-Haiti Commission.
Requires MVC to utilize legal name including roman numerals on certain documents issued by MVC.
"Climate Superfund Act"; imposes liability on certain fossil fuel companies for certain damages caused by climate change and establishes program in DEP to collect and distribute compensatory payments.
Requires electric and gas public utilities to establish "Energy Bill Watch" program and include certain information in bills and notices to customers.
Allows seasonal retail consumption alcoholic beverage license holder to exchange license for full-year consumption license.
Concerns grade options at public institutions of higher education for service member and dependents unable to complete course due to military obligation.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.*
Requires financial institutions to allow mortgagors to make biweekly and semi-monthly payments and payments to mortgage principal.*
Establishes "Anthony's Legacy Act"; provides special consideration for certain grandparents applying for visitation rights.
Establishes "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" and occupational heat stress standard in DOLWD.
Modifies procedures for determination and payment of fair market value in distressed municipalities; concerns real property that is abandoned, vacant, or subject to unpaid taxes.*
Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations.*
Requires each public institution of higher education to develop food waste reduction program on campus.
Requires NJ FamilyCare to reimburse inpatient providers for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs at outpatient reimbursement rate.
Requires EDA to include social media development services in services offered through Small Business E-commerce Support Program.
Establishes three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties.
Requires owner or operator of data center to submit water and energy usage report to BPU.
Clarifies procedures in certain contested child custody cases.
Requires BPU to revise community solar program targets.
Limits certain requirements for certification of career and technical education teachers.
Establishes requirements for on-demand micro transit programs operating in NJ.
Provides expungement process for certain defendants who are victims of abuse if conviction is substantially related to abuse.
Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.
Requires payment of prevailing wage for certain data center construction.
In committee · 124
Provides excused absence for public school student who participates in musical performance at military funeral, including playing "Taps."
Requires DHS to create English and Spanish-language Internet websites to promote enrollment in affordable health care plans.
"New Jersey Disability Savings Act."
Requires portable anti-choking devices be placed in schools.
Establishing veterans' affordable housing preference; authorizing bonus fair share credit for veterans' affordable housing.
Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.
"The Smarter Lunchroom Act;" promotes healthy food choices in school cafeterias.
Establishes "Commission on People with Disabilities."
Establishes the New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.
Establishes Employment Application Registry database in Division of State Police.
Requires candidate for teacher certification to complete course or training on anti-racism in education.
"Mental Health Access Act;" increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain evidence-based behavioral health services.
Requires school districts to permit students five excused absences for mental or behavioral health reasons.
Requires DOE to establish comprehensive searchable website concerning educational programs and resources available to special education students.
Requires EDA to establish program providing grants to certain entertainment businesses; appropriates not less than $5 million.
Requires drunk driver to pay restitution on behalf of child if parent or guardian is killed by that driver.
Authorizes State employees to take administrative leave days in observance of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha; requires school districts to permit students excused absences for observance of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
Requires school district or nonpublic school to provide appropriate counseling services to student-athlete who makes complaint against coach or sports official.
Establishes "New Jersey Reparations Task Force."
Expands municipal court conditional dismissal program to include defendants charged with certain drug offenses; requires defendant's participation in various programs and services; allows dismissal of charges after one-year probationary period.
Requires certain corporations to appoint women to board of directors.
Establishes the "Safe Schools and Communities Violence Prevention and Response Plan Act of 2023"; appropriates $10 million.
Requires landlord to attach certificate of inspection or occupancy to residential lease.
Establishes "Police Body Camera Implementation Task Force" to study and make recommendations concerning use of body cameras by law enforcement agencies in this State.
Provides that firearms purchaser identification card is valid for four years; requires training prior to issuance of firearms cards and handgun purchase permits; revises procedures for passing of firearms to heir or legatee.
Establishes "Community Response Initiative to Strengthen Emergency Systems" pilot program in DOH; appropriates $2,000,000.
Permits voter registration up to 14 days before election.
Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems.
Establishes the four-year "New Jersey Early Innovation Inspiration School Grant Pilot Program" in DOE to fund non-traditional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics programs for students in grades K through 8.
Requires State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct study of utilization of disabled veteran-owned businesses in State procurement process.
Requires minimum of one school bus aide for every 15 special needs students on school bus.
Establishes MOM Project oral health three-year pilot program in DOH; appropriates $4,150,000.
Protects financial institutions and insurers doing business with cannabis industry from being penalized by State regulators.
Establishes "John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New Jersey."
Requires voting machines to be recertified annually and after software modifications.
Increases from 18 to 21 age at which person is eligible to receive firearms purchaser identification.
Establishes Statewide program to provide treatment services for children exposed to domestic violence.
Requires NJT to adopt plan to evacuate passengers when rail passenger vehicle becomes immobilized in tunnel.
Requires NJT to provide Wi-Fi service on passenger trains.
Replaces references to "alien" and "illegal alien" in statutes with "foreign national" and "undocumented foreign national," respectively; prohibits use of those terms by executive branch agencies.
Requires school bus drivers to retake certain knowledge and skills tests.
Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.
Requires construction of sidewalks along certain routes within certain radius of public schools.
Provides veterans with up to 60 credits tuition-free at county college serving county of residence.
Establishes two-year pilot program requiring certain law enforcement agencies to coordinate with local school districts to identify and assist at-risk youths.
Requires school districts to take certain actions in circumstances when school meal bill is in arrears; prohibits shaming students with school meal bills in arrears; prohibits certain district actions in collecting unpaid school meal fees.
Establishes Council of Women in Higher Education in Department of State to study and promote women's issues within institutions of higher education.
Permits public high school students to opt out of physical education and sports programs during Ramadan.
Requires school districts to provide information on process of obtaining US citizenship.
Establishes "NJpass Program" to provide discounted fares to eligible organizations; establishes "GO NJ Transit Card Program" to develop transit cards that can be used to purchase any NJT service.
Permits person with special needs to voluntarily make notation on driver's license and identification card.
Increases certain firearms permit fees.
Imposes gross receipts tax on firearms and firearms ammunition.
Requires health insurance coverage of prenatal genetic test during first trimester of pregnancy.
Prohibits retail dealers of firearms from being located near certain businesses and facilities.
Establishes "New Jersey STEM Scholars Grant Pilot Program" in Department of Education.
Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to conduct study and issue report on impact of artificial intelligence on growth of State's economy.
Establishes New Jersey Center for Study and Prevention of Suicide at Rutgers School of Public Health; appropriates $500,000.
Requires establishment of residential rental habitability database and provides certain penalties and causes of action concerning residential leases.
Establishes central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses; provides for informational outreach and genetic counseling.
Requires school districts to include instruction on racial discrimination and social justice as part of implementation of New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Social Studies for middle school students.
Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring officer applicants removed from office by former agency for police misconduct.
Requires air conditioning in State correctional facilities.
Requires registration of data brokers and prohibits brokering of certain health records.
Requires certain information to increase public awareness and use of voting by mail; requires certain mail-in ballots received by county board within 48 hours be considered valid; requires certain mail-in ballots to be retained.
Creates first degree crime of home invasion, makes crime subject to No Early Release Act, and upgrades burglary of residence to second degree crime under certain circumstances.
Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.
Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.
"Mental Health Access Act;" increases Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain evidence-based behavioral health services.
"New Jersey Safe Storage of Firearms Act"; establishes certain requirements and penalties regarding firearm storage; repeals law governing minor's access to firearm; requires AG to establish public awareness campaign regarding firearm storage; appropriates $500,000.
Requires police training for interactions with persons who may have behavioral health issues.
Authorizes pharmacists to dispense HIV prophylaxis without individual prescription under certain circumstances; mandates prescription benefits coverage.
Requires employer to provide certain accommodations to employee who is breast feeding.
Provides tuition benefits at public institutions of higher education to New Jersey residents who are members of reserve component of Armed Forces of United States.
Revises calculation of maximum allowable annual increase to county tax levy.
Establishes New Jersey Community Learning Program in DOE to provide comprehensive after school programs in certain communities; dedicates portion of State cannabis revenue to support program.
Legalizes growing or possessing up to six marijuana plants for personal recreational use, and up to 10 plants for personal medical use, by persons aged 21 or older.
Establishes three-year pilot program in DOE to provide certain students with information and assistance regarding federal financial aid application.
Establishes "Fallen Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Commission;" appropriates $2.5 million.
Increases transparency and accountability for NJT and independence of NJT board members; establishes Office of Customer Advocate; requires greater detail for capital program.
Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program.
Provides free telecommunication services for incarcerated persons at State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities.
Prohibits sale of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices at certain pharmacies and certain businesses with on site pharmacies.
Establishes School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force.
Directs DOE to establish advertising campaign to attract candidates to teaching and education support professions; appropriates $1 million.
Prohibits operation of drone over school under certain circumstances.
Establishes Office of Clean Energy Equity in BPU; directs establishment of certain clean energy, energy efficiency, and energy storage programs for overburdened communities; makes change to community solar program.
Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations.
The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act."
Requires emergency departments to provide certain information to parents of children experiencing a mental health crisis.
Expands scope of practice of pediatricians and advanced practice nurses with respect to pediatric behavioral and developmental health care.
Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.
Requires DHS to establish Haitian Migrant Assistance Program.
Directs Secretary of Higher Education to establish Legislative Youth Council and select institution of higher education in this State as host; makes changes to council's structure to provide flexibility in activities and operations.
Allows court to consider previous care when granting letters of guardianship for incapacitated person.
Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000.
Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing legally protected health care activities; establishes right of residents to legally protected health care services, which are restricted in other states.
Requires defibrillators in certain multiple dwellings; establishes Affordable Housing Defibrillator Fund.
Requires DOH to establish guidelines for placement of bleeding control kits in State buildings; requires schools to acquire bleeding control kits.
Mandates certain child care centers to retain audio-visual recordings for 180 days and requires review of such recordings before recordings can be deleted.
Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act."
Establishes New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers.
Requires school bus personnel members working with students with disabilities to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires school buses transporting students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features.
Provides TPAF members and certain retirees same benefits provided to members enrolled in retirement system before July 1, 2007.
Requires health insurance coverage for certain neurological diseases.
Requires Office of Homelessness Prevention to contract with county agencies or nonprofits to issue certain identification and birth certificates to individuals experiencing homelessness; appropriates $2 million.
Requires firearm retailers to provide disclosure of customer's responsibility to report stolen or lost firearms; advises customers it is unlawful to purchase firearms with intent to sell to disqualified persons.
Provides police training course credit to prior military law enforcement officer seeking employment as law enforcement officer in NJ.
Exempts oral healthcare products from sales and use tax.
Modifies school district property tax cap law; appropriates $67.9 million to provide additional State school aid to school districts experiencing reductions in 2025-2026 school year.
Requires public utilities to provide certain information on customer bills.
Prohibits electric and gas public utility residential rate increases during certain times of year; requires advance notice of certain rate increases.
Directs BPU to establish public information campaign concerning public utility meter inspection and calibration.
Prohibits electric and gas public utility rate increases except in extraordinary circumstances.
Reduces threshold cost, from $5 million to $3 million, of public works projects which may include project labor agreements.
Requires Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners to maintain minutes of meetings; provides Governor veto over minutes.
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for testing for suspected dyslexia.
Establishes Red Tape Review Task Force.
Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program.
Appropriates $3 million annually to Freedom Schools in New Jersey using funds collected under Social Equity Excise Fee.
Requires notice be provided upon changes to voter registration; prohibits changes in party affiliation from being processed after statutory deadline.
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.
Makes supplemental appropriation of $1.2 million for Community College Opportunity Grant.
"Lactation Consultants Licensing Act."