Murphy Signs Multiple Bills into Law: Education, Infrastructure, and Public Health

TRENTON, NJ – March 6, 2025 – Governor Phil Murphy has signed a series of bills into law, addressing key issues in education, transportation, healthcare, victim rights, and election reform. Among the notable legislation is a $7.65 million appropriation for career and technical education, enhanced support for disabled individuals receiving federal Railroad Retirement Act benefits, and revisions to primary election ballot design.

Key Bills Signed into Law

Education and Workforce Development

• S-3825/A-4992 – Expands career and technical education with a $7.65 million grant from the Securing Our Children’s Future Fund, supporting vocational training programs that enhance workforce readiness.

Tax and Disability Benefits

• A-1672/S-1285 – Expands eligibility for the Homestead Property Tax Reimbursement Program to include individuals receiving disability benefits under the federal Railroad Retirement Act.

Infrastructure and Transportation

• A-3904/S-2954 – Mandates geotechnical testing and environmental monitoring for transportation projects, ensuring safer and more sustainable development.
• A-4948/S-3819 – Allows Perth Amboy to reallocate unspent funds from a 2024 pedestrian bridge project to other pedestrian safety infrastructure improvements.

Public Health and Safety

• A-4091/S-2874 – Expands the scope of services provided by audiologists and hearing aid dispensers, increasing access to hearing-related healthcare.
• A-4684/S-3564 – Removes certain legal limitations on victims of sexual offenses, expanding recovery options for those seeking justice.

Government and Election Reform

• A-5116/S-4142 – Redesigns New Jersey’s primary election ballots:
  • Shifts ballot design to an “office block” format rather than grouping candidates by party-line endorsements.
  • Removes State committee members from the primary process.
  • Mandates reporting on primary elections by the Division of Elections.

Community and Nonprofit Initiatives

• A-4707/S-3516 – Authorizes the sale of surplus state property in Camden, allowing the city to repurpose the land for development.
• A-4757/S-3456 – Allows nonprofit organizations to obtain amusement game licenses, enabling charities and community groups to host fundraising events.

Awareness and Recognition

• AJR-120/SJR-110 – Establishes the first full week of May as “Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week” in New Jersey, highlighting this neurological disorder and promoting public education on treatment options.

Significance of the Newly Enacted Laws

Governor Murphy’s latest legislative actions aim to strengthen education and workforce training, expand disability support, improve infrastructure, and modernize election procedures. The changes to primary election ballots mark a significant shift in election transparency and candidate accessibility. Additionally, funding for career and technical education aligns with New Jersey’s focus on workforce development, ensuring students have access to job-ready training programs.

The newly signed bills will now move into implementation, with state agencies overseeing funding allocations, regulatory changes, and new procedural adjustments. Residents, municipalities, and organizations affected by these laws are encouraged to stay informed on how the changes may impact them.

For more details, residents can visit the New Jersey Legislature’s official website or follow updates from state agencies responsible for overseeing the new policies.

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