News Flash

Have Your Voices Heard: Send in Your Conference Resolutions

Sending in Conference Resolutions that suggest changes to improve municipal life helps build the foundation for the League Legislative team’s annual actions. Now is the time to submit your resolutions for this year’s Annual Conference....

Mayor Bollwage Testified Before Congressional Committee

Elizabeth Mayor Chris Bollwage, NJLM Past President, testified on Wednesday on reauthorization of the Brownfields Program on behalf of the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities, and the U.S. Conference of Mayo...

Police Training Commission Adopts Licensing Rules

Last summer, Governor Murphy signed P.L. 2022, c. 65, which establishes a police licensing program for all New Jersey law enforcement officers. This new law tasked the Police Training Commission (PTC) with adopting rules related to the licensing of police...

DLGS Issues ARP LFRF Funds Local Finance Notice

On Thursday, the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) issued Local Finance Notice 2023-16, which summarizes U.S. Treasury’s new 2023 Interim Final Rule, which expands the categories for which ARP LFRF Funds may be used. This information ...

Governor Names Jaquelyn Suárez as Acting DCA Commissioner

Governor Murphy has named Division of Local Government Services Director Jacquelyn Suárez as Acting Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Effective September, 18 Suárez will serve as Acting DCA Commissioner pendi...

New Workplace Accountability in Labor List (WALL) Now Live

The New Jersey Department of Labor Workforce Development's (NJDOL) Workplace Accountability in Labor List (WALL) is now available. 

This list includes entities found to be in violation of New Jersey's wage, benefit, and tax laws. Entities listed o...

Lunch & Learn: US EPA and NJDEP Discuss BIL & IRA Implementation

On Monday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m., the League is hosting a Lunch and Learn with US EPA Region 2 Office Administrator Lisa F. Garcia and NJDEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette to discuss applicable municipal funding opportunities through the Bipartisan...

Governor Signs Uniform Public Expression Protection Act

Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-2802/A-4393, the 'Uniform Public Expression Protection Act', to protect people from meritless lawsuits intended to intimidate them for exercising their free speech rights. Powerful entitie...

Have Your Voices Heard: Send in Your Conference Resolutions

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local governance, send in a Conference Resolution for consideration at this year’s Annual Conference. Any elected officials currently in municipal office, municipal p...

Civil Rights Division Accessibility Standards Proposed Rulemaking

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division recently published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require certain accessibility standards for state and local government services, programs, and activities offered via web or mobile apps and i...

Lunch & Learn: State Planning Commission – State Plan Update

The State Planning Commission has embarked on updating the State Development and Redevelopment Plan.   Come learn about the Plan, the process involved, and how the Commission can help make this process valuable to municipal stakeholders. After an...

NJDEP Holds Inland Flood Protection Rule Q&A Session

On Thursday, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) hosted an “Ask the Administrator Q&A Session” to answer questions from the public regarding the Inland Flood Protection rule and implementation.

On hand to answer questions were...

Municipal Fire Department Chaplain Benefits Legislation Signed

On Monday, Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed A-5275/S-3671 that allows a municipality to determine if newly appointed individuals serving as municipal fire department chaplains will hold rank and receive salary and benefits.

Under current law...

Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Starts Municipal Outreach Campaign

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury's Unclaimed Property Administration (UPA) announced an outreach campaign last week to reunite New Jersey's counties and municipalities with their property.

UPA will proactively contact th...

Reminder: Opioid Settlement Annual Reports Due September 1

Eligible subdivisions participating in the national opioid settlements are required to submit an annual report to the state Department of Human Services (DHS) by September 1.

As part of the nationwide opioid settlements, eligible New Jersey subdivisions ar...

Have Your Voices Heard: Send in Your Conference Resolutions

Sending in Conference Resolutions that suggest changes to improve municipal life helps build the foundation for the League Legislative team’s annual actions.

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local gov...

Update on Special Reemployment List & Temporary Seasonal Workers

An update on Special Reemployment List and Temporary Seasonal Workers was provided during a recent meeting with the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC) and New Jersey Association of Counties (NJAC). The League thanks NJAC for sharing this informatio...

State to Host Opioid Summit

The State of New Jersey and the Department of Human Services is hosting a virtual Opioid Summit 2023, Revitalizing Communities: Healing Together From the Opioid Crisis on September 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It is expected to include a panel on how mu...

DCA Issues Proposed Rules Regulating Third-Party Inspectors

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules amending the Uniform Construction Code (UCC) to expand the use of private on-site inspection agencies, in accordance with the law adopted last year. 

In accordance with&nbs...

NJDEP Publishes Proposed Rules for Advanced Clean Cars Program

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has issued proposed new rules and amendments to the Air Pollution Control rules, related to the state’s Advanced Clean Cars II Program. 

The primary component of this rulemaking is the ...

SHBP Plan Design Committee Meets

The State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee (PDC) met for its regularly scheduled meeting on August 23.

The PDC approved Resolution 2023-11 for New Jersey Direct High Deductible Low Resolution to ensure IRS compliance with minimum deductibles a...

U.S. Treasury Releases Interim Final Rule on ARPA Flex

Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Treasury released its long-awaited Interim Final Rule on ARPA Flex and an Overview of the Interim Final Rule. ARPA Flex was a provision passed by Congress in December 2022. 

This rule cr...

Plan Your Education Sessions

Dozens of sessions have been posted with their full CEU credits on the League Conference website. Start planning today!

For those attending the Conference with earning continuing education credits on their to-do list, planning is easier than ever this year...

Enforcement of Russia-Belarus Law Temporarily Suspended

A recent legal challenge has caused State officials to temporarily halt the enforcement of the law prohibiting government dealings with businesses associated with Russia and Belarus. 

On August 4, the United States District Court for the District ...

Governor Signs Bill Requiring Online PWCR & Payroll Certificates

Governor Murphy signed into law S-1442/A-5345, which requires public works contractor registration and payroll certification for public works projects to be completed online. P.L. 2023, c. 138 will take effect next year on August 16, 2024.  &...

DLGS Issues LFN Regarding Changes to Pay-To-Play Laws

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-14 (LFN 2023-14) identifying key changes to the state’s pay-to-play laws after the enactment of P.L. 2023, c. 30, known as the “Ele...

New Definition for Custom Fabrication Under Prevailing Wage Act

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed into S-3776, which amends the definition of “custom fabrication” under the Prevailing Wage Act. 

The definition was amended to include “other fabrication which is one or more en...

Bill Signed Establishing Boom Car Noise Violation Penalties

Serving as Acting Governor, while Governor Phil Murphy was out of state, Senate President Nicholas Scutari signed A-4686 into law. This new law sets limits on the permissible volume of sound emanating from motor vehicles. The intent is to address noise vi...

NLC Broadband Webinar Available

Recently, the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities (NLC), hosted the Overcoming Barriers to Expanding Broadband in American Communities webinar. The webinar recording and slides are now available to review.

Th...

State Health Benefits Commission Adopts 2024 Plan Year Rates

On Monday, the State Health Benefits Commission adopted the Plan Year 2024 rates, which includes a 7.4% increase for the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Local Government Employer Group effective January 1, 2024. There were no changes to the rates tha...

Early Bird Conference Registration Now Open!

Registration for the 108^th Annual League Conference is now open! Take advantage of the lowest rates of the year, saving $40 off the regular registration cost with Early Bird pricing running Aug. 1-Sept. 30.

Early Bird Registration rates are:

• Government/Nonp...

Governor Signs Election Reporting Legislation

On Thursday, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation, which requires periodic reporting of election results on the night of primary and general elections and until the final tally is complete.

A-5176/S-3594 requires vote totals to be posted by 11:59 p.m. o...

State Health Benefits Plan Design Committee Meets

Advance Your Causes with Conference Resolutions

If you have a topic to improve local government and address an issue impacting local governance, send in a Conference Resolution for consideration at this year’s Annual Conference. Any elected officials currently in municipal office, municipal professiona...

Governor Signs General Election Bills

On Thursday, despite the League’s urging to conditionally veto this measure, Governor Murphy signed A-5175/SCS-3519, which makes changes to General Election timelines. 

The League opposed this legislation for o...

State Enables Expansion of Harm Reduction Centers

This week, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) published regulatory changes in the New Jersey Register to facilitate the development of harm reduction centers (HRC) throughout the state. Harm reduction centers are an important tool...

Governor Signs Bill Assisting First-Generation Homebuyers

This week, Governor Murphy signed into law S-3780. The new law provides down payment assistance and provides tax credits to developers that commit to construct or reconstruct housing for certain low to moderate income households.

Prior to the signing of&am...

New Law Allows AG to Appoint Not-Yet-Trained Officer in Charge

Governor Murphy signed S-3943, now P.L.2023, c.94, allowing the Attorney General to appoint the Officer in Charge when superseding certain law enforcement agencies.

This law allows the Attorney General, upon superseding a law enforcement agency, to appoint...

SHBP Plan Design Committee June Meeting Report

On Wednesday, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Plan Design Committee met for its regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Items on the agenda included a High Deductible Plan Discussion, Reduced Specialty Copay resolution,&am...

NJ Supreme Court Releases Opinion Impacting Police Investigations

A ruling from the Supreme Court of New Jersey this week confirmed that investigators seeking prospective electronic communications must first obtain a wiretap order, and that a Communications Data Warrant was not sufficient.  

In the case,&nbs...

Congress Moves to Reauthorize National Flood Insurance Program

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP-RE) Act of 2023 (H.R.4349/S.2142) has been introduced in both the House and Senate with bipartisan support in both chambers. 

The National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization (NFIP Re)...

OPRA Reform Legislation Introduced

Assemblyman Danielsen has introduced four pieces of legislation to begin the conversation on OPRA reform. The bills are:

 A-5613, which makes various changes to the process for requesting access to government records; 

A-5614, which increa...

Supreme Court: No Attorneys’ Fee for Common Law Claim for Records

The Supreme Court of New Jersey has issued a decision in a matter in which the League participated in as amicus, reaffirming that prevailing litigants in common law right of access cases are not entitled to attorneys’ fees.

In Gannett Sa...

Court Decision Will Impact Municipal Collection of BPPT

This week, an Appellate Panel released their opinion in Verizon New Jersey v. Borough of Hopewell, a case which the League participated in as amicus because of its broad implications on New Jersey’s municipalities.

The Appellate Panel ma...

Governor Signs EO 332 Regarding COVID-19 Vaccines

On Monday, due to recent changes to federal requirements regarding COVID-19 vaccines, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 332 lifting the requirement for employees in health care settings who were not up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations ...

Public Service Privatization Standards Bill Out of Committee

S-1350/A-5430, which establishes procedures and standards regarding public services privatization contracts, has been released from committees. 

Legislation that would limit local government’s ability to privatize public services is adva...

General Election Legislation Update

On Monday, over the League’s objection, S-3593/A-5175 was amended and favorably reported from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee. As a reminder, this legislation passed the full Assembly on May 25...

Amendments Expand Public Works Registration to PILOTs Projects

S-1439/A-5085, which requires employers or contractors engaged in government work for a public body to register with and submit payroll records to the Department of Labor Workforce Development, was recently amended to include PILOT projects. 

S-14...

Comment Period for Police Licensing Rules Closing Soon

The comment period for rules proposed by the New Jersey Police Training Commission to implement the new statewide police licensing program ends on June 16. The League intends to submit comments and is interested in hearing feedback from our members.

Last s...

House Advances Wireless and Cable Preemption Bill

Last week, the House Energy and Commerce Committee marked up 19 bills, including H.R. 3557, the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023. This bill is of particular interest to local governments because it would codify in statute two relatively recent ac...

SCOTUS Decision Could Impact NJ Property Tax Laws

This week, SCOTUS issued a unanimous decision in Tyler v. Hennepin County, Minnesota, a case where a property owner argued that the Minnesota state law allowing Hennepin County to retain a $25,000 surplus following the auction sale of her home for unpaid ...

DLGS Issues Guidance on Russia-Belarus Certification

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-11 providing guidance on the Russia-Belarus Certification. 

We would like to highlight the following from the Notice:

• Department of Treasury has published a list (Russia...

General Election Legislation Update

Last week, over the League’s objection, A-5175 was favorably reported from the Assembly State and Local Government Committee and second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee where it was held on Thursday.

While the League supports t...

Bill Clarifying Electronic Public Meetings Clears Committee

On Thursday, the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee approved S-2603. The bill seeks to clarify the ability of a public body to hold electronic meetings, and if doing so the appropriate notice requirements.&n...

Sewerage Authorities Allowed to Distribute Meeting Recordings

Governor Murphy signed S-435/A-392, which amends P.L.1946, c.138 and P.L.1957, c.183 to authorize local authorities, including sewerage authorities, municipal utilities authorities and county utilities authorities, to distribute live recordings o...