Gov. Murphy Signs 15 Bills into Law: Child Support, Environmental Infrastructure, Energy Grid Improvements & More

TRENTON – On January 30, 2025, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law fifteen bills that attempted to strengthen consumer protections, enhance New Jersey’s infrastructure, and improve social services for vulnerable communities. Below is a detailed overview of each new measure:

1. S-684/A-2334 (Singer, Diegnan/Tully, Swain, Sampson)
Requires telecommunications, cable television, and Internet service providers to allow for service contracts to be paused or canceled following service recipient’s admission to a long-term care facility

This law ensures that individuals who enter long-term care facilities—such as nursing homes or assisted living residences—are not burdened by ongoing telecommunications bills they no longer need or use. Under the new legislation, service recipients or their representatives may request to pause or terminate existing contracts without penalty once they are admitted to a long-term care facility. This addresses a longstanding concern that elderly or disabled residents would pay for unused services due to restrictive cancellation policies.

2. S-720/A-4168 (Burgess, Vitale/Reynolds-Jackson, Atkins, Stanley)
Requires DCPP to consult with the Division of Developmental Disabilities following a finding of child abuse or neglect to create a services plan for persons with developmental disability under certain circumstances

When the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) identifies that an individual with developmental disabilities is involved in a child abuse or neglect case, this statute compels DCPP to coordinate with the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). By creating a customized services plan, the law ensures that both protective services and appropriate developmental support are provided. The goal is to maintain the individual’s well-being, address potential safety issues, and align supportive interventions for families more effectively.

3. S-2331/A-3517 (Ruiz, Vitale/Speight, McCoy, Haider)
“Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act”; establishes procedures regarding the collection of child support on behalf of children in the custody of DCPP

Known as the “Equitable Outcomes in Child Support Collection Act,” this legislation modifies how child support is collected when a child is in the custody of DCPP. The law establishes guidelines to ensure that any child support funds collected benefit the child in a way that aligns with their best interests. By clarifying collection and distribution procedures, the act aims to reduce administrative confusion, foster consistency, and facilitate better financial support for children in state care.

4. S-3179/A-2941 (Cryan/Schaer, Wimberly)
Concerns certain emergency operations plans required to be submitted to law enforcement agencies

In an effort to bolster public safety and preparedness, this legislation mandates more robust requirements for municipal and county emergency operations plans. The plans must be submitted to local law enforcement agencies for review and coordination, ensuring seamless cooperation during crises such as natural disasters, terrorism threats, or public health emergencies. By improving information sharing and interagency collaboration, the law seeks to enhance readiness and response times across New Jersey’s jurisdictions.

5. S-3308/A-4513 (Scutari, Greenstein/Speight, Karabinchak, Wimberly)
Requires electric public utilities to implement certain improvements to the interconnection process for certain grid supply solar facilities and energy storage facilities

This law directs electric utility companies to reform their interconnection procedures to better accommodate grid-scale solar and energy storage installations. Key updates include streamlined applications, clearer timelines for responding to proposed projects, and enhanced transparency in cost allocations. The legislation supports New Jersey’s ongoing push toward clean energy by reducing barriers to developing large solar arrays and battery storage systems, fostering a more resilient and sustainable electric grid.

6. S-3879/A-5123 (Timberlake/Morales, Carter, Miller)
Amends lists of projects eligible to receive loans for environmental infrastructure projects from NJ Infrastructure Bank for FY2025

Under this statute, the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) will have an updated roster of environmental projects eligible for low-interest or no-interest loans during Fiscal Year 2025. These may include water treatment facilities, stormwater management upgrades, and other programs critical to maintaining water quality and environmental health. By expanding the range of projects, communities can better address infrastructure challenges related to aging systems and climate resilience.

7. S-3880/A-5124 (Lagana/Swain, Park, Freiman)
Amends list of hazard mitigation and resilience projects approved for funding by NJ Infrastructure Bank under the FY2025 Community Hazard Assistance Mitigation Program

This companion measure modifies the hazard mitigation list eligible for funding through the NJIB, focusing on community-level projects that reduce vulnerability to natural disasters. Potential undertakings might include flood control measures, storm surge barriers, and other climate resilience efforts. By refining the scope of supported projects, the law aims to protect New Jersey’s neighborhoods against increasing environmental threats such as hurricanes and extreme rainfall events.

8. S-3881/A-5122 (Cruz-Perez, Beach/Rodriguez, Bailey, Bagolie)
Amends lists of environmental infrastructure projects approved for long-term funding by DEP under the FY2025 environmental infrastructure funding program

Similar to the prior legislation, this law directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to approve a new set of environmental infrastructure initiatives for long-term financing in Fiscal Year 2025. These projects may address wastewater treatment, drinking water safety, or ecological restoration. Long-term funding provides stability for multiyear or large-scale constructions that are vital to protecting public health and preserving natural resources.

9. S-3921/A-5090 (Sarlo/Calabrese)
Reallocates standardbred horse racing purse subsidies from Freehold Raceway to Meadowlands Racetrack under certain circumstances

Designed to support the state’s horse racing industry, this statute restructures how standardbred racing purse subsidies are allocated. When certain thresholds or conditions are met—such as meet cancellations or reductions in racing days—the law permits shifting purse subsidies from Freehold Raceway to the Meadowlands Racetrack. The change seeks to maintain competitiveness and financial viability within the state’s racing sector by funneling resources to venues with the greatest potential economic impact.

10. S-3922/A-5120 (Zwicker, Turner/Peterpaul, Verrelli, Moen)
Appropriates $18,518,738 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses

Using funds from the Corporate Business Tax (CBT) revenues, this act directs over $18 million to the New Jersey Historic Trust. Historic sites across the state, both publicly and privately owned, can obtain grants for preservation, stabilization, and restoration. The allocation also covers administrative overhead to ensure these projects meet standards for historical integrity while promoting tourism and cultural heritage.

11. S-3936/A-5119 (Singleton, Johnson/Drulis, Sampson, Murphy)
Appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for recreation and conservation purposes to DEP for State capital and park development projects

This appropriation provides $60 million from CBT revenues to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for capital improvements and park development statewide. Funds may be used for expanding trails, updating recreational facilities, and enhancing conservation efforts in state parks and wildlife management areas. By investing in New Jersey’s outdoor spaces, the legislation supports both public health and environmental stewardship.

12. SJR-76/AJR-101 (Ruiz, Turner/Lampitt, Matsikoudis, Rodriguez)
Designates the second Friday in December of each year as “PSRPs in Our Schools Day” in New Jersey to recognize the contributions of paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs)

This joint resolution celebrates the integral role played by paraprofessionals and school-related personnel (PSRPs) in education. By establishing the second Friday of December as “PSRPs in Our Schools Day,” the state recognizes support staff who often provide individualized assistance to students, including those with special needs, and ensure smooth operations in classrooms, cafeterias, and beyond. The annual observance aims to raise public awareness of their dedication and impact on student success.

13. A-4571/S-3472 (Calabrese, Lopez, Verrelli/Zwicker, Johnson)
Makes various changes to the powers and duties of the NJ Infrastructure Bank

Through this measure, the NJ Infrastructure Bank obtains new or clarified authorities to manage financial assistance programs and oversee project compliance. By refining its statutory powers, the Bank can allocate resources more efficiently, respond to emerging infrastructure needs, and incorporate modern financing methods. The legislation keeps the NJIB aligned with best practices and ensures accountability in capital investments.

14. A-4968/S-3839 (Calabrese, Carter/Diegnan, Mukherji)
Modifies list of transportation infrastructure projects eligible to receive loans from NJ Infrastructure Bank for FY2025

Similar to earlier environmental amendments, this law updates transportation projects eligible for low-interest financing or grants under the NJIB framework. By prioritizing road, bridge, and public transit expansions or upgrades, the measure supports safer, more efficient travel corridors. The changes also help local governments and counties access needed funding, potentially reducing congestion and vehicle emissions.

15. A-5121/S-3943 (Katz, Egan, Collazos-Gill/Vitale, Diegnan)
Appropriates $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to DEP for State acquisition of lands for recreation and conservation purposes, including Blue Acres projects, and Green Acres Program administrative costs

This law directs $49.5 million from constitutionally dedicated Corporate Business Tax revenues to the DEP for land acquisitions that support recreation, conservation, and Blue Acres (floodplain buyout) initiatives. Blue Acres specifically targets properties in flood-prone areas, assisting homeowners in relocating out of high-risk zones. The appropriation also funds administrative support under the Green Acres Program, which focuses on preserving open spaces for public enjoyment and environmental protection.

By signing these measures, Governor Murphy pushes a broad legislative agenda that his administration hopes will benefit public health, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and infrastructure modernization.

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