Governor Murphy Signs New Laws on Mental Health, Housing, and Public Recognition

New Jersey’s latest legislative actions include grants for mental health resources, housing voucher expansions, and recognition for veterans and engineers.

Today, Governor Phil Murphy signed a slate of bills into law, targeting critical issues such as mental health, affordable housing, and public service recognition. Among the highlights are measures to enhance children’s mental health care, support affordable housing initiatives, and commemorate veterans and public engineers.

In addition to approving multiple bills, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed a proposal related to farmland preservation funding.

New Laws Target Mental Health, Housing, and More

Children’s Mental Health Resources (S-3611/A-4970)

A new grant will enable the state to study and map mental health care resources for children, aiming to close gaps in accessibility. This law underscores a growing need for structured support in mental health care, especially for younger residents, and includes an appropriation to fund the initiative.

Affordable Housing Voucher Program Expansion (S-1430/A-586)

This legislation broadens the scope of funding available through New Jersey’s affordable housing voucher program, increasing access to safe, affordable housing for residents in need.

Honoring Military and Public Service

Several bills signed today celebrate the contributions of veterans and professionals:

• Bridge Memorial Designation (S-1433/A-4433): A bridge over Crosswicks Creek on Interstate 295 North will now be known as the “Benjamin Moore and the 693rd Sapper Company Memorial Highway,” honoring a distinguished military unit.
• “Purple Heart State” Declaration (SJR-103/AJR-60): New Jersey is now officially a “Purple Heart State,” recognizing the sacrifices of combat-wounded veterans.
• Wounded Warrior Appreciation Week (SJR-71/AJR-25): The first week of May is designated annually as a time to honor wounded service members.
• Professional Engineers Month (SJR-29/AJR-50): August will be celebrated as “Professional Engineers Month,” with the first Wednesday marked as “Professional Engineering Day,” recognizing the vital contributions of engineers to the state’s infrastructure and development.

Diabetes Awareness in Schools (A-4148/S-3057)

The Department of Health will create informational materials on type 1 diabetes, which the Department of Education will distribute to parents and guardians of enrolled students. This measure seeks to raise awareness and early detection of the disease.

Worker Protections and Unemployment Law Revisions (A-4043/S-3310 and A-4047/S-2949)

Legislation redirects a portion of unemployment compensation trust fund contributions to enhance administration and revises unemployment compensation laws to streamline and modernize processes.

Eligibility for County Fire Instructors (S-871/A-2286)

This measure establishes criteria for county fire instructors to enroll in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and receive retirement benefits.

Conditional Veto on Farmland Preservation (S-2788/A-4569)

Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed a bill appropriating $128.241 million for farmland preservation, requesting modifications before final approval. This move highlights the Governor’s ongoing focus on balancing agricultural development with fiscal oversight.

Today’s legislative actions also align with New Jersey’s broader priorities, such as health care access, public safety, and commemorating those who serve the state and nation. With these new measures, New Jersey continues to address pressing social and economic issues while celebrating the contributions of its residents.