State Issues

Assembly Passes Affordable Housing Overhaul Bill 

On Monday, the Assembly passed A-4, legislation overhauling the State’s affordable housing policy. The vote comes after amendments made during committee hearings last week that addressed many of the League’s issues, though additional concerns remain.  

Read more: Assembly Passes Affordable Housing Overhaul Bill 

Contacts: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137 or Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120. 

Local Finance Board Approves 2024 Appropriations Cap Exceptions 

At its February meeting, the Local Finance Board unanimously approved exceptions to the appropriations cap, granting relief for the 2024 budget year, which included a dramatic rise in insurance costs for many municipalities.

Read more: Local Finance Board Approves 2024 Appropriations Cap Exceptions 

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Bills Preempting Municipal Land Use Controls Over ADUs Advances

On Thursday, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee favorably reported legislation out of committee that would preempt local zoning and land use controls regarding the siting of accessory dwellings units (ADUs).

Read more: Bills Preempting Municipal Land Use Controls Over ADUs Advances

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

NJDEP Extends Polystyrene Foam Food Service Product Exemption

The NJDEP has extended the polystyrene foam food service product exemption until May 4, 2025. ?

Read more: NJDEP Extends Polystyrene Foam Food Service Product Exemption

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

State Announces Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation

On Thursday, the Governor announced the allocation of $95 million from New Jersey’s Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund to support critical programs tackling the opioid crisis.

Read more: State Announces Opioid Settlement Funds Allocation

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

REMINDER: Opioid Settlement Reports Due March 1

As a reminder, if you are one of the municipalities participating in the national opioid settlement, the deadline to report any or no activity is March 1, 2024.   

Read more: REMINDER: Opioid Settlement Reports Due March 1

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Federal Issues

SALT Procedural Vote Fails in House

In a procedural vote, the House failed to advance H.R. 7160, which would increase the cap on the federal deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) from $10,000 to $20,000 for married couples filing jointly.   

Read more: SALT Procedural Vote Fails in House

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

Celebrate NJ Local Government Week, April 7-13

Join municipalities across the Garden State April 7-13, 2024, by planning Local Government Week events. Let residents know about municipal facilities and careers, public works equipment, and fire, police, or utility vehicles. Roll out city hall open houses, host a coffee with the mayor, or provide a tour to students through council chambers.

Municipalities are encouraged to use social media to celebrate and promote their events using the hashtag #NJLocalGovt and to share event reminders, updates, and interesting facts via Twitter and Facebook. For more information & downloadable logos, visit www.njlm.org/njlocalgovt