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New Laws in New Jersey: Gov. Murphy Signs 6 Legislative Measures
Comprehensive Bills Addressing Health, Education, and Mobility Mark Significant Changes in NJ
Morristown, New Jersey - November 27, 2023 - In a significant legislative session, Governor Phil Murphy enacted a series of bills promising to reshape various aspects of life in New Jersey. These laws, ranging from health care reforms to education and transportation, mark a new direction for the state's policy and governance.
Among the notable bills signed is S-146/A-3328, championed by Senators Diegnan and Corrado and Assembly members Haider, Benson, and Park. This law mandates transportation research to incorporate the needs of individuals with disabilities, a move celebrated by advocacy groups for its potential to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
In education, S-1553/A-4525, introduced by Senators Beach and Ruiz, along with Assembly members Lampitt, Jaffer, and Jasey, was signed into law. This groundbreaking bill permits the State Board of Education to authorize alternative teaching certificates, aiming to address the teacher shortage and diversify the teaching workforce in New Jersey.
Healthcare received a boost with the signing of S-2369/A-4017 by Senators Singer and Madden, and Assembly members Benson, McKnight, and Reynolds-Jackson. This law establishes a minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for special care nursing facilities catering to traumatic brain injury patients. It also introduces enhanced reimbursement rates under certain conditions, providing much-needed support to this sector.
The Department of Banking and Insurance (DOBI) is tasked with a new study on the impact of changes to the health insurance markets, thanks to SCS for S-2824/ACS for A-4294. Authored by Senators Vitale and Pou and Assembly members McKeon, McKnight, and Stanley, this study aims to understand better and possibly improve individual and small group health insurance markets.
In an interesting twist, S-3782/A-5398, introduced by Senator Lagana and Assembly member Kennedy, now allows the sale of malt alcoholic beverages in cans or bottles marked for deposit from another state. This law could potentially impact cross-state commerce and consumer choice.
The state's focus on innovation is evident in S-3976/A-4934, sponsored by Senators Greenstein and Cruz-Perez and Assembly members Benson, Moen, and Wimberly. This bill establishes a Mobility and Transportation Innovation Pilot Program within the Department of Transportation, with an appropriation of $2 million. This program aims to explore new ideas and technologies in transportation, reflecting New Jersey's commitment to staying at the forefront of mobility solutions.
However, not all proposed legislation received the governor's approval. Several bills were conditionally vetoed, including those related to mental health, motor fuel pricing, remote net metering, and the Electric School Bus Program. The conditional vetoes indicate the need for revisions or additional considerations before these bills become law.
In a definitive move, Governor Murphy absolutely vetoed S-861/A-5460, which would have allowed municipalities to conduct annual events for the open burning of Christmas trees. This veto underscores the administration's stance on environmental and public health concerns associated with such practices.
The Rundown: Passed
S-146/A-3328 (Diegnan, Corrado/Haider, Benson, Park) - Requires certain transportation research to consider the needs of individuals with physical, sensory, intellectual, and developmental disabilities
S-1553/A-4525 (Beach, Ruiz/Lampitt, Jaffer, Jasey) – Permits State Board of Education to authorize alternative teaching certificate
S-2369/A-4017 (Singer, Madden/Benson, McKnight, Reynolds-Jackson) – Establishes minimum NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for traumatic brain injury special care nursing facilities; establishes enhanced NJ FamilyCare reimbursement rate for nursing facilities under certain circumstances; makes an appropriation
SCS for S-2824/ACS for A-4294 (Vitale, Pou/McKeon, McKnight, Stanley) - Requires DOBI to conduct study on impact of certain changes to individual and small group health insurance markets
S-3782/A-5398 (Lagana/Kennedy) - Allows sale of malt alcoholic beverages in cans or bottles marked for deposit of another state
S-3976/A-4934 (Greenstein, Cruz-Perez/Benson, Moen, Wimberly) - Establishes Mobility and Transportation Innovation Pilot Program in DOT; appropriates $2 million.
Vetoed: Conditional and Absolute
SCS for S-524/ACS for A-1700 (Ruiz, Cunningham/Quijano, Mukherji, Atkins) - CONDITIONAL - Creates Mental Health Diversion Program to divert eligible persons away from criminal justice system and into appropriate case management and mental health services
S-2818/A-4394 (Turner/Kennedy) - CONDITIONAL - Establishes "Working Group to Study Pricing of Motor Fuels by Retail Dealers”
SCS for S-2848/A-4328 (Smith, Greenstein/DeAngelo, Karabinchak) - CONDITIONAL - Revises criteria for remote net metering program established by BPU
SCS for S-3038/ACS for A-4630 (Gopal, Greenstein/Calabrese, Mukherji, Moriarty) - CONDITIONAL - Establishes sales and events privileges for certain alcoholic beverage manufacturers
S-3044/A-4716 (Diegnan, Greenstein/Stanley, Benson, Mukherji) - CONDITIONAL - Makes supplemental appropriation of $15 million to DEP for implementation of Electric School Bus Program
S-3153/A-4548 (Codey/Kennedy, Haider, Stanley) - CONDITIONAL - Authorizes schools to receive certain food waste from other schools, and provides exemption to such receiving schools from certain DEP permits, under certain conditions
S-3480/A-5137 (Vitale, Pou/McKeon, Park, Murphy) - CONDITIONAL - “The Small Business Health Insurance Affordability Act”; revises certain requirements for individual and small employer health benefits plans
SCS for S-3756/ACS for A5363 (Scutari, Sarlo/Schaer, Wimberly) - CONDITIONAL - Permits SHBP and SEHBP to award contracts for more claims administrators for each program plan; requires claims data and trend reports to be provided to certain persons
S-3839/A-4061 (Greenstein, Steinhardt/Mukherji, Wirths, Space) - CONDITIONAL - Requires Commissioner of Corrections to institute 10-minute shift overlap in State correctional facilities; appropriates $13 million
S-4011/A-5650 (Ruiz/Coughlin, Pintor Marin, Wimberly) - CONDITIONAL - Modifies New Jersey Community-Anchored Development Program
Governor Murphy absolute vetoed the following bill:
S-861/A-5460 (Zwicker, Steinhardt, Doherty/Freiman) - ABSOLUTE - Allows municipalities to conduct annual event for open burning of Christmas trees
