Bills in the 2026–2027 Session, General Assembly.
Michael Venezia
Sponsored
Passed the General Assembly2
Increases penalties for certain prohibited sales of tobacco and vapor products.
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.
Out of committee3
Requires data center owners and operators to submit semi-annual water and energy usage reports to BPU.
Creates Joint Blue Ribbon Task Force on Impacts of Climate Change on Property Insurance.
Requires health care claims experience data to be shared with local governments.
In committee47
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.
Require 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.
Provides that only registered design professionals or employees with certified fire escape contractors are authorized to install, service, repair, inspect, and maintain fire escapes.
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 DOH to use Basic Screening Survey to assess oral health in children.
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.
Replaces certain fixed interest rate award in eminent domain cases with interest rate based on just compensation awards.
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 physically 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.
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.
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.
Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.
Requires cancellation option for any subscription service and establishes certain standards pertaining to use of negative option features.
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.
Requires fees for certain firearms permit applications be deposited into General Fund rather than VCCO account.
Eliminates 16 hour per 24-hour period coverage limit on private duty nursing services for certain Medicaid enrollees who are 21 years of age or older.
Requires school districts to provide access to preschool and submit plan for preschool implementation.
Imposes temporary surcharges on certain transactions to support preparations for hosting of special events.
Establishes Cardiac Emergency Response in Schools Grant Program in DOE, appropriates $600,000.
Concerns investigative genetic genealogy; appropriates $500,000.
Establishes "Oral Health Equity Act."
Allows county clerk or municipal clerk to rotate candidate names on primary election ballots under certain circumstances.
Allows liquor stores to sell low dose THC beverages.
Permits certain local public employers to contract for Medicare Advantage benefits outside SHBP.
Carried from the Senate
Became law1
Requires data center owners and operators to submit semi-annual water and energy usage reports to BPU.
Passed the Senate1
Creates Joint Blue Ribbon Task Force on Impacts of Climate Change on Property Insurance.
Co-sponsored
Became law · 4
Requires electric public utilities to develop and apply special rules for certain data centers to protect non-data center customers from increased costs.**
Establishes "John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey." **
Establishes certain State funding preferences for municipalities that enhance opportunities to develop housing.
Establishes "Fair Price Protection Act."*
Passed both houses · 1
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.
Passed the General Assembly · 29
Permits 30-calendar day extension to cure period for certain businesses to address and resolve certain violations.
Requires State entities to offer optional service for businesses to receive certain notices electronically.
Requires DOH to establish public awareness campaign and develop policies and procedures to promote recognition and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.*
Requires unrestricted Medicaid coverage for ovulation enhancing drugs and medical services related to administering such drugs for certain beneficiaries experiencing infertility.
Requires AG to review Statewide policy regarding investigation of human trafficking.
Creates "Patient and Provider Protection Act."*
Prohibits health insurance carriers from denying coverage of nonopioid prescription drugs in favor of opioid prescription drugs.
Requires certain providers to perform intimate partner violence screenings and all health care professionals to take certain actions to prevent perpetrators of intimate partner violence from obtaining copies of victim's medical record.
Requires Division of Children's System of Care to make changes to certain polices regarding the provision of family support and respite care services for certain eligible individuals.
Establishes registry of out-of-state contractors who are awarded public works contracts in this State.
Requires Commission on Human Trafficking to post public awareness signage in additional establishments.
Requires certain providers of substance or alcohol use disorder treatment, services, or supports to be assessed for conflicts of interest prior to receiving State funds, licensure, or certification.
Requires issuance of one free copy of birth certificate to military veteran.
Requires continuation of health benefits dependent coverage for certain children with disabilities who are 26 years of age or older.
Requires emergency departments to provide certain information to parents of children experiencing mental health crisis.
Prohibits social media platforms from promoting certain practices or features of eating disorders to child users.
Requires Division of Child Protection and Permanency to develop suicide screening and crisis response training for caseworkers.
Requires health benefits coverage of continuous glucose monitoring system for treatment of glycogen storage disease.
Requires restaurant to disclose mandatory gratuity to patrons.
Requires Division of Consumer Affairs to create open data portal and provide certain datasets online.
Requires study of vacant commercial space for small businesses.
Requires DEP to conduct study of short and long term effects of water use by large-scale data centers.
Requires sports wagering licensees to adopt and publish rules governing wagering account limitations and to notify patrons when accounts are limited.
Provides for background checks and other requirements for certain agencies providing temporary home for persons in crisis.*
Designates accounting as STEM subject for various educational and other programs.
"Safe Commercial Routes Act - Commercial Driver Human Trafficking Awareness Training"; requires applicants for commercial driver licenses and drivers renewing commercial driver licenses to complete human trafficking awareness training.
Establishes Hope Card Program to provide victims of domestic violence with restraining order quick reference wallet card; makes appropriation.
"Jack Reid Law: Protect All Students Act"; prohibits harassment or bullying of nonpublic school students and requires nonpublic schools to adopt anti-harassment and bullying policy.
Requires parties in arbitration hearings to be represented by attorneys in certain circumstances.
Out of committee · 29
Requires DHS to establish system to ensure distribution of funds for certain support services for General Assistance beneficiaries ceases upon beneficiary's exit from support service.
Revises licensure requirements for residential substance use disorders treatment facilities or programs.
Expands requirements for health insurance carriers concerning prostate cancer screening. *
Clarifies choice of independent contractor status for certain licensed or regulated professionals.
Requires new flooring for schools, community centers, and child care centers to be certified mercury-free.
Appropriates $3 million annually to Freedom Schools in New Jersey using funds collected under Social Equity Excise Fee.
Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.
Establishes and allocates funds for program to provide mental health services to veterans; appropriates $2 million.
"Stop Sepsis Act"; requires hospitals to establish sepsis recognition and treatment protocols, train staff, and establish quality measures.*
Secures protections for patients and providers accessing and providing reproductive health care services; establishes right of residents to reproductive health care activity that is restricted in other states.*
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.
Requires MVC to utilize legal name including roman numerals on certain documents issued by MVC.
Establishes oversight and qualifications of peer recovery specialists.
Eliminates statute of limitations for human trafficking and criminal sexual contact prosecutions and eliminates statute of limitations for civil cases arising from human trafficking.*
Requires nursing education on inflammatory breast cancer.
"Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds.**
Requires health insurance and Medicaid coverage for the treatment of stuttering.
Authorizes use of school bus monitoring systems; establishes certain enforcement procedures and penalties for certain violations captured by school bus monitoring systems.
Requires emergency medical technicians and firefighters to receive training concerning electric vehicle fires.
Increases solar development goals of SREC-II program and extends certain target dates of program to 2035.
Prohibits sports wagering licensee from offering incentive-based wagering to anyone utilizing responsible gaming mechanisms.
Extends certain pay parity regarding telemedicine and telehealth.*
Requires public schools to develop policy for administration of nasal seizure rescue medication and use of manual vagus nerve stimulators for students with seizure disorder on emergent basis.
Requires employer to provide certain accommodations to employee who is breastfeeding or expressing milk.*
Requires artificial intelligence companion operators to provide notifications that users are not communicating with human.
Prohibits advertising generative artificial intelligence as able to practice regulated profession or occupation.
Expands criminal and civil penalties for human trafficking, and expands human trafficking training requirements for law enforcement.*
Allows clinical laboratory and laboratory services providers with opportunity to participate as preferred or contracting provider and allows clinical laboratory services to receive reimbursement.*
Increases amount of child tax credit in taxable years 2026, 2027, and 2028.
In committee · 143
Requires DOH to establish guidelines for placement of bleeding control kits in State buildings; requires schools to acquire bleeding control kits.
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.
Requires notice be provided upon changes to voter registration; prohibits changes in party affiliation from being processed after statutory deadline.
Requires portable anti-choking devices be placed in schools.
Establishing veterans' affordable housing preference; authorizing bonus fair share credit for veterans' affordable housing.
Requires defibrillators in certain multiple dwellings; establishes Affordable Housing Defibrillator Fund.
Provides gross income tax credit for certain expenses paid or incurred for care and support of qualifying senior family member; designated as Caregiver's Assistance Act.
Prohibits operation of drone over school under certain circumstances.
Prohibits advertising artificial intelligence system as licensed mental health professional.
Establishes pilot program in DOE to provide assistive technology to elementary and middle school students with dyslexia and related conditions.
"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.
Prohibits sale of tobacco products and electronic smoking devices at pharmacies and certain businesses with on-site pharmacies.
Includes Sikhs as protected class in bias intimidation law; appropriates $100,000.
Requires health insurers to provide coverage for testing for suspected dyslexia.
Establishes Red Tape Review Task Force.
Requires State Police to inform local law enforcement if certain prohibited persons attempt to purchase firearm or ammunition.
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.
Establishes New Jersey School Counts County College Scholarship Program.
Eliminates fee for special plates for firefighters and members of first aid or rescue squads.
Establishes "Student Mental Health Task Force."
Directs DOE to establish advertising campaign to attract candidates to teaching and education support professions; appropriates $1 million.
Expands Tuition Aid Grant program to include workforce training programs.
Requires institutions of higher education and certain proprietary institutions to notify Higher Education Student Assistance Authority of approved federal borrower defense loan discharge.
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.
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.
Concerns use of force by law enforcement officers under certain circumstances and requires certain reporting of use of force incidents.
Establishes protections for immigrants interacting with government agencies; designates "New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act."
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.
Increases from 18 to 21 age at which person is eligible to receive firearms purchaser identification.
Allows follow up calls from operators of NJ Suicide Hopeline to minors at risk of committing suicide.
Establishes Veterans State Government Fellowship program.
Establishes "New Jersey Reparations Task Force."
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.
Permits voter registration up to 14 days before election.
Reinstates automatic COLA for retirement benefits of members of the State-administered retirement systems.
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.
Establishes central registry for sickle cell trait diagnoses; provides for informational outreach and genetic counseling.
Creates Health Care Cost Containment and Price Transparency Commission, Office of Healthcare Affordability and Transparency, and hospital price transparency regulations.
Prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing mask or disguise while interacting with public.
Provides workers' compensation benefits for certain public safety workers who developed illness or injury as result of responding to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.
Establishes "New Jersey Out-of-School Time Advisory Commission" to review before-school, after-school, and summer programs.
Requires teachers to biennially complete two hours of professional development related to cultural competence.
Establishes occupational heat stress standard and "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" in DOLWD.
Requires training of cosmetologists-hairstylists, beauticians, barbers, and hair braiders to include working on textured hair.
Establishes "Occupational Heat-Related Illness and Injury Prevention Program" and occupational heat stress standard in DOLWD.
Prohibits investment by State of pension and annuity funds in companies engaging in government contracts or business operations infringing on data privacy of individuals for purpose of determining immigration status.
Requires school bus drivers to retake certain knowledge and skills tests.
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 MVC to conduct unscheduled surprise inspections of certain school buses.
Provides supplemental transportation aid to certain districts participating in interdistrict public school choice program.
Prohibits law enforcement agencies from hiring officer applicants removed from office by former agency for police misconduct.
Increases transparency and accountability for NJT and independence of NJT board members; establishes Office of Customer Advocate; requires greater detail for capital program.
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.
Directs Attorney General to establish program for anonymous reporting of potential threats to school safety.
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.
Broadens eligibility of NJ STARS Program by permitting later entry into 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.
Requires NJ FamilyCare to reimburse inpatient providers for long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs at outpatient reimbursement rate.
Clarifies procedures in certain contested child custody cases.
Requires Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners to maintain minutes of meetings; provides Governor veto over minutes.
Requires DOE to partner with nonprofit organization to establish central registry of individuals and organizations interested in providing supplemental tutoring support to students.
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.
Establishes three-year Integrated Domestic Violence Court pilot program in Camden, Essex, Hudson, and Middlesex counties.
Requires Commissioner of Department of Veterans Affairs to develop mobile application to provide guidance on available resources to veterans and their families.
Requires each public institution of higher education to develop food waste reduction program on campus.
Mandates certain child care centers to retain audio-visual recordings for 180 days and requires review of such recordings before recordings can be deleted.
Allows certain public high school student-athletes to substitute study hall for physical education during their athletic seasons.
Provides free telecommunication services for incarcerated persons at State, county, and private adult and juvenile correctional facilities.
Requires NJT to provide Wi-Fi service on passenger trains.
Requires certain health care facilities to offer lactation counseling and consultations to persons who have given birth.
Regulates use of automated employment decision tools in employment decisions to minimize discrimination in employment.
Establishes School Funding Formula Evaluation Task Force.
Establishes New Jersey Tuition Reimbursement Program for Special Education Teachers.
Requires health insurers, SHBP, and SEHBP to cover mammograms for women over 35 and women under 35 under certain circumstances.
Establishes New Jersey Student Teacher Scholarship Program.
Requires EDA to include social media development services in services offered through Small Business E-commerce Support Program.
Requires health insurance coverage for certain neurological diseases.
"Homeless Bill of Rights."
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 DOE to establish comprehensive searchable website concerning educational programs and resources available to special education students.
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 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.
Expands scope of practice of pediatricians and advanced practice nurses with respect to pediatric behavioral and developmental health care.
Requires correctional police officers to wear body worn cameras and security camera systems to be installed in State correctional facilities.
Provides expungement process for certain defendants who are victims of abuse if conviction is substantially related to abuse.
"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.
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 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.
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.
Requires certain public schools that receive State aid to begin regular instruction for high school students no earlier than 8:30 A.M.
Requires construction of sidewalks along certain routes within certain radius of public schools.
Establishes Climate Change Mitigation and Resilience Financing Program in NJ Infrastructure Bank; imposes per-kilowatt hour charge on electric energy consumption to finance climate change mitigation and resilience projects.
Directs BPU to establish rebate program for purchase of electric bicycles.
Requires water supply system testing and compliance with secondary drinking water regulations.
The "Healthy and Affordable Construction for Tomorrow Act."
Requires DEP to adopt rules and regulations establishing alternative provisions by which vehicle manufacturers may comply with Low Emission Vehicle program.
Prohibits immigration enforcement on certain public lands; appropriates funds.
"Child Care Loan Fund Act"; requires EDA to establish no cost loan program for certain child care provider capital expenses; appropriates $10 million.
Imposes 50 percent tax on gross receipts from operation of private carceral facilities in State; establishes "Immigrant Protection Fund."
Authorizes State, county, and municipal law enforcement officers to access certain crime scenes and evidence.
Requires school bus personnel members to call 911 emergency line in potential life-threatening emergencies; requires certain school buses transportating students with disabilities to be equipped with certain safety features; makes appropriation.
Establishes "Fair Price Protection Act."
Establishes New Jersey Dominican-American Commission.
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.
Creates "Youth Detention Task Force."
Prohibits use and sale of algorithmic devices that set sale price of goods or services.
Requires prescription drug coverage for serious mental illness without prior authorization or utilization management, including step therapy.
Establishes men's health commission in DOH.
Establishes the "Safe Sanitary Subsidized Rental Housing Bill of Rights."
Revises reporting requirements for nursing homes concerning financial disclosures and ownership structure.
Clarifies that amateur sports official is independent contractor for purposes of State employment laws.
Establishes "Responsibility in Firearms Sales Act"; requires licensing of firearms manufacturers.
Establishes "New Jersey Home Safety Act" concerning firearm storage and safety; appropriates $500,000.
Provides gross income tax credit to taxpayers for qualified youth sports expenses paid or incurred on behalf of dependents.
Requires food service businesses to provide written notice of major food allergens in each menu item.
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.
Mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for volunteer firefighters.
Prohibits use of lead ammunition in hunting.
The "Safeguarding Livable Units through Municipal Landlord Oversight and Regulation by DCA" or "SLUMLORD Act"; strengthens habitability protections for residential tenants; appropriates $5 million.
Requires combined groups to be determined on world-wide basis under corporation business tax.
Increases gross income tax rates for taxpayers with taxable income exceeding $2,000,000.
"Public School Employees' Health Benefits Trust Act."
Makes various changes to SHBP governance and administration.
Establishes "Commission on People with Disabilities."
Regulates use of artificial intelligence in certain mortgage lending decision tools to minimize discrimination in lending.
Expands services provided to homeless youth by street outreach, basic center shelter, and transitional living programs.
Removes licensing restrictions for expansion of certain inpatient behavioral health units and establishes minimum reimbursement rate for inpatient behavioral health care services.
Expands Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit Program including eligible neighborhoods and annual tax credit limit.
"Buy Now Pay Later Act"; regulates buy now pay later lenders.