December 10, 2025

State Issues

Flood Mediation Package of Bills Discussed

The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee heard from academic experts on ways to alert the public when flooding is imminent. None of the legislation was considered at this hearing but will likely be in the next legislative session.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee Advances S-4787

The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced S-4787, which provides for certain energy storage projects to be considered “inherently beneficial use” under the Municipal Land Use Law.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Senate Transportation Committee Advances S-1990/A-560

The Senate Transportation Committee advanced S-1990/A-560, which requires transportation network company drivers to complete anti-human trafficking training course.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

S-2160 Advances in Senate Committees

S-2160, concerning seasonal retail consumption licenses, has been favorably reported out of both the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.  

Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

New Jersey Gas Tax Rate Will Increase 4.2 Cents on January 1

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury announced that New Jersey’s gas tax rate will increase by 4.2 cents per gallon beginning on January 1, 2026.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

DCA Podcast on Shared Services

The Department of Community Affairs has posted a podcast on Shared Services: Local Assistance Bureau.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Statewide Drought Warning Issued

The Murphy Administration issued a statewide Drought Warning, urging residents and businesses to reduce water usage. Below average precipitation and deteriorating water supply conditions apply across the state.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

NJ Launches Civilian Cyber Resilience Corps

New Jersey Launches Civilian Cyber Resilience Corps to Enhance Statewide Cybersecurity.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Federal Issues

Senator Kim’s Office Hosting Webinar on Federal Grants & CDS

Senator Andy Kim’s office is hosting a webinar, “Introduction to Federal Grants & Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS),” on Tuesday, December 16, at 12:00 p.m.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

NJ Municipalities Blog: Trenton Holiday Window Contest

This week, NJ Municipalities’ blog  shares Trenton’s promotion of local businesses and holiday spirit with a storefront decorating contest. 

Want to share your local story? Please send in your 300- to 1,000-word items and photos to Editor Amy Spiezio at aspiezio@njlm.org.  

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x123.  

National Civic League’s 2026 All-America City Award

The National Civic League is accepting applications for the 2026 All-America City Award. “America at 250: Strengthening Civic Health and Building Trust” celebrates communities bringing our founding ideals to life. Applications are due February 26.