News Flash

Bill Increasing Workers’ Compensation Contingency Fees Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-5659, which increases workers’ compensation contingency fees.

This bill revises the workers’ compensation law to revise the cap on contingency fees to a prevailing ...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes SHBC Claims Administrators Bill

On Monday, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3756 ScsSa that permits the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to award contracts for more claims administrators and requires claims data and trend reports to be provided to certain persons.

The p...

Bill Revising Workers’ Compensation Coverage Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-161, which revises workers’ compensation coverage for certain injuries to volunteer and professional public safety and law enforcement personnel.

This bill expands the individuals&...

Governor Murphy Vetoes Bill to Allow Community Bonfires

Governor Murphy has vetoed S-861, a bill that would have allowed municipalities to hold annual events to burn Christmas trees. 

Municipalities throughout the state have traditionally hosted community events centered on bonfires using disc...

Bill Reducing Parking Availability Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly State and Local Government Committee favorably reported A-4984/S-3605, which would reduce the number of parking spaces required under the statewide site improvement standards at residential developments by 20%, 30%, and 50%, rela...

Governor Murphy Conditionally Vetoes Brewery Bill

On Monday, November 27, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3038, which enables limited breweries to hold unlimited on-premises events, and partner with food vendors for on-site menus. His veto introduces substantial modifications to liquor license regu...

Urge Congress to Oppose Local Franchise Authority Legislation

Working with our federal partner, the National League of Cities, the League urges you to reach out to your Member of Congress and oppose H.R. 3557.  

Please read NLC’s recent blog post for more information, as well as the joint letter fr...

Police Training Commission Adopts Licensing Rules

Last summer, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2022, c. 65, which establishes a police licensing program for all New Jersey law enforcement officers. This new law tasked the Police Training Commission (PTC) with adopting rules related to the licensing of police...

Governor Signs Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-2802/A-4393, the 'Uniform Public Expression Protection Act', to protect people from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate them for exercising their free speech rights. Powerful entitie...

Civil Rights Division Accessibility Standards Proposed Rulemaking

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require certain accessibility standards for state and local government services, programs, and activities offered via web or mobile apps and i...

Have Your Voices Heard: Send in Your Conference Resolutions

Sending in Conference Resolutions that suggest changes to improve municipal life helps build the foundation for the League Legislative team’s annual actions.

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local gov...

DCA Issues Proposed Rules Regulating Third-Party Inspectors

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules amending the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to expand the use of private on-site inspection agencies, in accordance with the law adopted last year. 

In accordance with&nbs...

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Online PWCR & Payroll Certificates

Governor Murphy signed into law S-1442/A-5345, which requires public works contractor registration and payroll certification for public works projects to be completed online. P.L. 2023, c. 138 will take effect next year on August 16, 2024.  &...

Governor Murphy Signs Law Extending School Bus Service Life

On Wednesday, August 16, Governor Murphy signed A-5239/S-3734, P.L. 2023 c.144,  extending the service life of school buses to 20 years and extends the service life of Type S school buses. 

Prior to P.L. 2023 c. 144, school buses weighing...

Governor Murphy Signs Boardwalk Preservations Fund

On Tuesday, August 15, Governor Murphy signed S-3989/A-5675, now P.L.2023, c.136, establishing the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriating $100 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in shore communities ac...

New Definition for Custom Fabrication Under Prevailing Wage Act

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed into S-3776, which amends the definition of “custom fabrication” under the Prevailing Wage Act. 

The definition was amended to include “other fabrication which is one or more en...

New Law Amends Predatory Towing Prevention Act

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed into law S-3374, which concerns fees charged for certain towing and storage of motor vehicles and amends the Predatory Towing Prevention Act. 

The new law amends N.J.S.A. 56:13-16 to require towing ...

Bill Signed Establishing Boom Car Noise Violation Penalties

Serving as Acting Governor, while Governor Phil Murphy was out of state, Senate President Nicholas Scutari signed A-4686 into law. This new law sets limits on the permissible volume of sound emanating from motor vehicles. The intent is to address noise vi...

Governor Signs Election Reporting Legislation

On Thursday, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation, which requires periodic reporting of election results on the night of primary and general elections and until the final tally is complete.

A-5176/S-3594 requires vote totals to be posted by 11:59 p.m. o...

Governor Signs General Election Bills

On Thursday, despite the League’s urging to conditionally veto this measure, Governor Murphy signed A-5175/SCS-3519, which makes changes to General Election timelines. 

The League opposed this legislation for o...

State Enables Expansion of Harm Reduction Centers

This week, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) published regulatory changes in the New Jersey Register to facilitate the development of harm reduction centers (HRC) throughout the state. Harm reduction centers are an important tool...

Franklinite Designated as New Jersey’s State Mineral

Governor Murphy signed S-1727/A-3393 into law,  designating Franklinite as the State of New Jersey’s official mineral. Franklinite is not only a symbol of state pride, but significant in New Jersey’s industrial history. The Mi...

Governor Murphy Signs Anti-Theft Automotive Laws

Governor Phil Murphy signed four bills into law on Friday, July 7, which aim to impose stiffer penalties and expand criminal definitions related to motor vehicle theft. Please visit our blog post for more details.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analy...

Governor Signs Bill Establishing Urban Preservation Program

Governor Murphy has signed A-5596/S-3991 establishing the Urban Preservation Program to promote investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects dedicated to preserving affordable housing in urban areas.

The newly created Urban Preservation Fund p...

Governor Signs Bill Assisting First-Generation Homebuyers

This week, Governor Murphy signed into law S-3780. The new law provides down payment assistance and provides tax credits to developers that commit to construct or reconstruct housing for certain low to moderate income households.

Prior to the signing of&am...

Governor Signs 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy signed S-3090/A-4498, which permits police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation, into law on July 3, 2023. P.L. 2023, 92 took effect immediately. ...

New Law Allows AG to Appoint Not-Yet-Trained Officer in Charge

Governor Murphy signed S-3943, now P.L.2023, c.94, allowing the Attorney General to appoint the Officer in Charge when superseding certain law enforcement agencies.

This law allows the Attorney General, upon superseding a law enforcement agency, to appoint...

FY2024 Budget & ETR Update

The FY2024 Budget proposal includes $150 million in Municipal Relief funding in addition to Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief funding.

As we previously reported late Thursday, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriation...

Congress Moves to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP-RE) Act of 2023 (H.R.4349/S.2142) has been introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support in both chambers. 

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP Re)...

ETR Funding Doubled in FY2024 Budget

Last night, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-5669/S-2024, the $54.3 billion FY2024 New Jersey Budget Bill. It includes an additional $150 million for Energy Tax Receipts (ETR), doub...

Time is of the Essence, One Week to Restore Energy Tax Receipts

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

Bill Preempting Local Control of ROW Advancing in Congress

A bill was recently passed out of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, that would impose new restrictions on local authorities to regulate local land use and zoning issues related to the deployment of telecommunications equipment.

The Ame...

Public Service Privatization Standards Bill Out of Committee

S-1350/A-5430, which establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts, has been released from committees. 

Legislation that would limit local government’s ability to privatize public services is adva...

General Election Legislation Update

On Monday, over the League’s objection, S-3593/A-5175 was amended and favorably reported from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee. As a reminder, this legislation passed the full Assembly on May 25...

Comment Period for Police Licensing Rules Closing Soon

The comment period for rules proposed by the New Jersey Police Training Commission to implement the new statewide police licensing program ends on June 16. The League intends to submit comments and is interested in hearing feedback from our members.

Last s...

Inland Flood Protection Rules to Take Effect in July

The new Inland Flood Protection Rules update New Jersey’s existing flood hazard and stormwater regulations by replacing current precipitation estimates with modern data that attempts to account for observed and projected increases in ra...

“Give It Back” Property Tax Relief Plan

Senators O’Scanlon and Testa have introduced S-3906, the “Give It Back” property tax relief plan. The plan calls for $4.32 billion from the New Jersey Debt Defeasance & Prevention Fund to be appropriated to each municipal...

Speaker Coughlin Testifies on Stay NJ Bill Package

During the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee hearing on June 8, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin testified before the committee on the “Stay NJ Act” proposal. Assembly Speaker Coughlin highlighted the importance of recognizin...

Christmas Tree Bonfire Bill Advances

Municipalities throughout the state have hosted community events centered on bonfires using discarded Christmas trees. These events have become economic drivers for the local economy and provide a fundraising opportunity for local causes, including, most ...

Bill Limiting Review of Wireless Facilities Approved by Committee

On Monday, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee amended and favorably reported A-4376, a bill that would further weaken already sparse local oversight of the collocation of wireless equipment in the local right of way. 

The Leag...

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

Assembly Speaker Coughlin announces Stay NJ Bill Package

On May 25, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin unveiled the "Stay NJ Act" property tax relief plan, a comprehensive initiative designed to alleviate property taxes for seniors while also addressing the affordability of healthcare insurance and presc...

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsori...

SCOTUS Decision Could Impact NJ Property Tax Laws

This week, SCOTUS issued a unanimous decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota, a case where a property owner argued that the Minnesota state law allowing Hennepin County to retain a $25,000 surplus following the auction sale of her home for unpaid ...

Continue to Urge Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

On Thursday, League staff worked the Statehouse and spoke with Assembly representatives before they went into caucus, urging them to support the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. Our thanks to East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov, who joined us and sp...

Legislative Committee Considers Liquor License Reform

On Wednesday, May 24, the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee considered various liquor license reform bills and held a hearing regarding the State’s regulations on liquor licenses for bars and restaurants. The discussion...

Governor Murphy Conditionally Vetoes A-4889

Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed A-4889 this week. 

A-4889 eliminates the requirement for local government officers to disclose their property addresses, including their home address, on the Annual Financial Disclosure Statement f...

Mayors Sign Letter Urging the Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

Earlier this week, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM), the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM), and the New Jersey Urban Mayor’s Association (NJUMA) issued a letter signed by 401 mayors from across the state urging the State...

General Election Legislation Update

Last week, over the League’s objection, A-5175 was favorably reported from the Assembly State and Local Government Committee and second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it was held on Thursday.

While the League supports t...

Christmas Tree Bonfire Bill Advances

On Monday, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced S-861, legislation that would allow municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of Christmas trees.  

Municipalities throughout the state have hosted community even...

Bill Clarifying Electronic Public Meetings Clears Committee

On Thursday, the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee approved S-2603. The bill seeks to clarify the ability of a public body to hold electronic meetings, and if doing so the appropriate notice requirements.&n...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation (S-3090/A-4498) that would permit police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation. The League joined the New Jersey A...

Governor Issues Conditional Veto of Flooding Notification Bill

As part of his conditional veto of S-3110/A-4783, Governor Murphy has suggested the bill be amended to provide that a tenant whose landlord fails to provide the required notifications may terminate the lease without penalty any time afte...

Governor Murphy Signs Cybersecurity Legislation into Law

Governor Phil Murphy signed A-4836 and A-4184, cybersecurity bills into law this week.  

A-4836 requires the State Office of Emergency Management to develop a plan to address internet outages resulting from cyber-attacks...

DCA Issues LFN Explaining LIHWAP and Winter Termination Program

Signed last month, P.L. 2023, c.33, requires any municipal water and wastewater utility or authority to enter into a vendor contract with the DCA to participate in the LIHWAP. LIHWAP is a federal program being administered by the DCA that provide...

NJDEP Releases Draft MS4 Model Ordinances

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has released two draft model ordinances related to the new conditions as part of the updated MS4 Tier A permit and will be accepting informal comments until May 12.   

The firs...

Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

Governor Murphy has signed S-3333, which protects low-income households from having their water services disconnected due to unpaid bills. Water utility providers, including local authorities that have not signed up to participate in New Jerseys Low Incom...

20 and Out Legislation On Governor’s Desk

On Thursday, the full Assembly unanimously approved A-4498/S-3090, which provides police and fire a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age. The bill is now before the Governor for his consideration. 

The League joins the...

20 and Out Legislation Passed Senate, Before Assembly

Legislation (A-4998/S-3090) which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age unanimously passed the Senate earlier this week and is before the full Assembly on March 30. The League joins the New ...

DCA Updates LIHWAP Webpage to Assist Customers and Utilities

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has updated its Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) webpage to provide better assistance to customers and utilities looking for information on the program.

The updated webpage provides...

Expansion of Prevailing Wage Requirements to PILOT Projects

The Senate Budget committee was scheduled to consider a bill expanding prevailing wage requirements to PILOT projects, however, after outreach by the League and other stakeholders, sponsor Senator Gopal held S-2798 for additional review and possible amend...

Assembly Committee to Consider 20 and Out Legislation

On Monday Assembly State and Local Government Committee will be considering A-4498, which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age. The League joins the New Jersey Association of Counties in ou...

Right to Farm Protections Extended to Aquaculture Activities

This week, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-428 into law, amending the Right to Farm Act to specify that shellfish aquaculture activities are eligible for Right to Farm Act protections. 

To be eligible for Right to Farm protections a shellfish commer...

Governor Signs Legislation Permitting Alternate Deputy Registrars

This week, Governor Murphy signed A-4524/S-2709, now P.L.2023, c.22, which permits the appointment of additional alternate deputy registrars. The League supports this legislation because is especially necessary in municipalities that host hospita...

Governor Signs Bill Changing Certain Primary Election Dates

On March 9 Governor Murphy signed into law S-3595/A-5177, which changes certain primary election deadlines. The new law took effect immediately. 

 The deadlines changed include the following: 

• Submission by the Municipal Clerk to ...

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

A bill meant to increase participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was advanced through Senate committee this week. While the League initially opposed S-3333, amendments were made allowing us to now support the bill.

This ...

League Seeking Information on MS4 Permit Compliance

The League is asking our members to answer a short survey aimed at gathering information related to individual municipalities efforts to comply with the NJDEP’s new MS4 permit program requirements.   

The New Jersey Department o...

NJDEP Provides Details on MS4 Permit Compliance Grants

In February, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced it would be making available of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Additional details o...

Governor Murphy Delivers FY2024 Budget Address

On February 28, Governor Murphy delivered his 2024 Fiscal Year Budget Address. The proposed budget is $53.1 billion, includes a surplus of over $10 billion, and is 5% greater than the FY2023 budget. While the budget document is not available yet, the Budg...

NJBPU Seeking Input on LED Streetlight Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has issued a Request for Comments, seeking input from interested parties regarding the conversion of existing streetlights to LED streetlights. Specifically, seeking information related to streetlight and p...

NJDEP Hosting Meeting for Mayors on MS4 Grant Program

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be hosting an executive information session for mayors to review the recently announced grant program to assist municipalities with the new stormwater permitting requirements.&...

Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Around Liquor License Reform

On Thursday, February 23, Governor Phil Murphy held a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders to gather input and recommendations for the legislative proposal aimed at modernizing the state's liquor license laws. The roundtable was held in Cl...

NJDEP Announces Grants to Assist with New MS4 Permit Requirements

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced the availability of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Details on the grant program have not bee...

Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland Bill Signed

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation authorizing commercial farms located on preserved farmland to hold special occasion events.

The new law expands authorization of special occasion events at commercial farms and wineries on preserved farmland. The...

NJPDES Permit Fees Stakeholder Meeting

This week, League staff participated in a stakeholder meeting hosted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit fees. The meeting was to introduce the NJ...

League Seeking Information on LIHWAP Participation

The League continues to work with legislators and the administration to better understand the scope of municipal utility and local authority participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), and to develop an agreeable solution ...

State Health Benefits Increase Continues to Remain Unresolved

There continues to be no progress in efforts to mitigate the impact of the unprecedented health care contribution increase for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) participants and employers. As reported last week, employers are beginning to leave the sys...

Senate State Government Committee Favorably Reports S-3519

The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee favorably reported S-3519, which makes various changes to primary election, vacancy, municipal referendum, and mail-in ballot mailing deadlines. 

On Thursday, the ...

Bill Authorizing Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland on Track to Become Law

On Thursday, the Assembly voted to approve the recommendations of Governor Murphy’s conditional veto of S-757, after suspending their normal rules to include the bill onto the voting session board list.

The legislation looks to expand au...

Senate Committee Discusses Bill Looking to Increase Utility Participation in LIHWAP

This week, the Senate Economic Growth Committee reviewed S-3333 for discussion only. While the League agrees that additional efforts are needed to ensure the success of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), we do not agree t...

SHBP Municipalities: Please Continue to Reach Out to Governor & Your Legislators

The New Year has come and the 379 municipalities participating in the State Health Benefits system, along with their employees, and ultimately their taxpayers, will still have to fund a 22% increase in health benefits costs, unless an immediate solution i...

Senate Judiciary Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from invited guests concerning the increase in motor vehicle thefts in New Jersey over the last two years and consider a package of legislation.   Invited g...

RAISE Grant Funding and Upcoming Webinars Set

The next round of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program is now open. $1.5 billion in competitive grant funding is available for a broad range of infrastruct...

Call your Member of Congress TODAY for ARPA Flexibility

Congress' last task before the holidays is the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and as of Friday, the ARPA Flexibility provisions that the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities (NLC), has been advocating wa...

Unions and Local Government Management Submit Plan to Address Pending SHPB Increase

The League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties have been working with other interested stakeholders, including the major public sector union representative...

Third-Party Private Construction Inspection Legislation Approved by Assembly Senate to Consider Bill

On Thursday, the Assembly unanimously approved ACS A-573, with the Senate is scheduled to vote on the legislation on Monday.   The bill would expand the use of third-party private construction inspections, allowing muni...

Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 5, the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee heard testimony from New Jersey State Police Major Larry Williams, Deputy Attorney General Joseph Giordano, and Alexander Shalom, Senior Supervising Attorney and Director of Supreme Court Advocac...

Bill Providing Appropriation Cap Relief Before Senate

On Monday the Senate will be considering S-3380, which would exempt gasoline and diesel fuel costs; solid waste and recycling collection and disposal costs, as well as disposal of yard waste; cyber insurance costs; liability insurance costs; work...

Please Consider Adopting Resolution in Support of Municipal Holiday Tree Burning Events

S-861 would permit municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of holiday trees. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) would be tasked with establishing rules, regulations, and standards for the open burning of C...

Governor Signs Law Expanding Outdoor Dining Timeframe

On Wednesday, Governor Murphy signed S-2364 into law. The new law expands the time period during which certain restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries are allowed to utilize tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs, and other fixture on ...

Court Upholds Governor’s Vaccine Mandate Authority for Certain State Workers

Last week, a State appellate panel affirmed Governor Murphy’s authority under the Disaster Control Act and the Emergency Health Act to impose through Executive Order 283, a COVID-19 vaccination mandate on State corrections officers. The NJ Supre...