News Flash

Bill Advancing Requiring the Use of Cooperative Purchasing Systems

A-5687/S-4074, which requires boards of education, municipalities, counties, and certain other local contracting units to determine and utilize cost-saving practices when procuring goods and services, has passed the Assembly State and Local Government Com...

Bill Increasing Workers’ Compensation Contingency Fees Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-5659, which increases workers’ compensation contingency fees.

This bill revises the workers’ compensation law to revise the cap on contingency fees to a prevailing ...

MWC Healthy Town Designation Is Now Open

The New Jersey Mayors Wellness Campaign Healthy Town Designation is now open. Applications are due by January 19, 2024, at 5 p.m. A Healthy Town webinar, which requires advance registration, will be held December 5 at 10 a.m. The webinar...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes SHBC Claims Administrators Bill

On Monday, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3756 ScsSa that permits the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) to award contracts for more claims administrators and requires claims data and trend reports to be provided to certain persons.

The p...

Bill Revising Workers’ Compensation Coverage Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably reported A-161, which revises workers’ compensation coverage for certain injuries to volunteer and professional public safety and law enforcement personnel.

This bill expands the individuals&...

Bill Reducing Parking Availability Advances

On Thursday, the Assembly State and Local Government Committee favorably reported A-4984/S-3605, which would reduce the number of parking spaces required under the statewide site improvement standards at residential developments by 20%, 30%, and 50%, rela...

Free Municipal Complete Streets Technical Assistance Available

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority’s (NJTPA) Complete Streets Technical Assistance Program provides free technical assistance to municipalities to advance a Complete Streets initiative in their communities. 

Eligible appl...

Governor Murphy Conditionally Vetoes Brewery Bill

On Monday, November 27, Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed S-3038, which enables limited breweries to hold unlimited on-premises events, and partner with food vendors for on-site menus. His veto introduces substantial modifications to liquor license regu...

CEU Certificates are Delayed - But Coming Soon

Due to a technical issue, the tracking system for the 108th Annual League Conference will not be available on November 27 as previously published.

We are working to get this resolved as soon as possible, and anticipate t...

CSSR Announces Relaunch of Brownfield Development Area Program

Contaminated Site Remediation and Redevelopment (CSSR) has announced the relaunching of the Brownfield Development Area (BDA) Program. 

Under the BDA approach, the CSSR’s Office of Brownfield & Community Revitalization works with sel...

NJDEP Releases Model Tree Removal/Replacement Ordinance

Last year the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) revised the Tier A Municipal Stormwater General Permit. They also took steps to reclassify all municipalities into the Tier A category. The revised permit requires municipalities to a...

Green Acres Grant Funding Opportunity Now Open for Municipalities

The Green Acres Program has announced the opening of its 2024 funding round for municipalities, counties, and nonprofits. Applications are now being accepted for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, Jake’s Law (inclusive pla...

DLGS Issues CY 2024 Municipal Budget Cap Information

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notices 2023-19 to address issues related to the CY 2024 municipal budget and the 1977 and 2010 cap laws.  

The Division has advised that the appropriations cap COLA for CY ...

Reminder to Complete the NJ Clean Energy Programs Survey

The Rutgers Center for Green Building (RCGB) is conducting an online survey for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to better understand how the New Jersey Clean Energy program can better meet the needs of municipalities. The goal is to gain ...

Urge Congress to Oppose Local Franchise Authority Legislation

Working with our federal partner, the National League of Cities, the League urges you to reach out to your Member of Congress and oppose H.R. 3557.  

Please read NLC’s recent blog post for more information, as well as the joint letter fr...

NJDOL Enhances Portal for Fair Wage Transparency & Compliance

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) recently added a New Jersey Certified Payroll Database, to its New Jersey Wage Hub. This data based allows for certified payroll records submitted by public work contractors to be availa...

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...

Reminder to Complete the NJ Clean Energy Programs Survey

The Rutgers Center for Green Building (RCGB) is conducting an online survey for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to better understand how the New Jersey Clean Energy program can better meet the needs of municipalities. The goal is to gain ...

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...

Register for Mental Health First Aid Classes

The Mayor Wellness Campaign is hosting two virtual training courses for Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), one for Adult Mental Health First Aid Training and the other Youth Mental Health First Aid Training. 

As part of its Mental Health Initiative, ...

SHBC Holds September Meeting

On Wednesday, the State Health Benefits Commission held its regularly scheduled bi-monthly meeting. The majority of the agenda items were discussed in closed and executive session. The commission members moved to delegate purchasing authority to ...

NJ Clean Energy Programs Survey

The Rutgers Center for Green Building (RCGB) is conducting an online survey for the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) to better understand how the New Jersey Clean Energy program can better meet the needs of municipalities. The goal is to gain ...

Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement & Recycled Materials Bill Signed

Acting Governor Tahesha Way signed into law A-4797/S-3255, which concerns the percentage of reclaimed asphalt pavement and recycled materials that can be used for certain road projects. P.L. 2023, c.160 takes effect in March 2024.  

The new law re...

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...

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...

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...

NJ Treasury Reimburses Municipalities for Marriage Licenses

On August 29, the Department of Treasury initiated the disbursement of funds to municipalities participating in the Marriage License Reimbursement Program (MLR). This program compensates municipalities $3 for each marriage license application rec...

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...

State Offering Free ARP SLFRF Compliance Consulting

The Governor’s Disaster Recovery Office (GDRO) is offering municipalities free American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) compliance consulting. The GRDO is utilizing four separate consulting firms to offer ARP SLFR...

FY 2024 Vibrant Places Program by NJTPA

NJTPA is now accepting applications for Vibrant Places Program, which provides technical support for local development initiatives. Applications are due by September 30. 

The North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) is requesting pro...

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...

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 ...

New Rules and Amendments Proposed for NJ Historic Trust Grants

The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has published proposed rules and amendments related to the Garden State Historic Preservation Trust Fund Grants.

The New Jersey Historic Trust is authorized to implement funding for Open Space, Farmland, and Histor...

NJBPU Proposes Rule Amendments Applicable to Municipalities

On August 21, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) published proposed rule amendments governing all utilities, including municipal water and wastewater utilities. These changes include:  

1. The extension of the Winter Termination Program to ...

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.  &...

DEP Calls for Projects to Replace Diesel Vehicles

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has announced a follow up $13 million funding opportunity for local governments to replace their medium and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with electric vehicles using funds from the Regional Greenho...

Governor Murphy Signs Boardwalk Preservations Fund

On Tuesday, August 15, Governor Murphy signed S-3989/A-5675, now P.L.2023, c.136, establishing the Boardwalk Preservation Fund and appropriating $100 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in shore communities ac...

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...

New Law Amends Predatory Towing Prevention Act

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed into law S-3374, which concerns fees charged for certain towing and storage of motor vehicles and amends the Predatory Towing Prevention Act. 

The new law amends N.J.S.A. 56:13-16 to require towing ...

State Launches Stop Overdoses Website

The Department of Human Services (DHS) announced the launch of StopOverdoses.nj.gov to assist residents in finding pharmacies offering free naloxone anonymously.  Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an ...

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...

Registration Now Open: Tips and Highlights

Registration for the 108^th Annual League Conference is open! To make the online process as possible, be prepared to expedite the process with the following steps.

1. Have your payment method ready. If you are registering with a purchase order you mus...

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...

Lunch & Learn: NJDEP – Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan

Earlier this week the League held a Lunch and Learn with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on its Extreme Heat Resilience Action Plan. A recording of the program is now available on the League’s website.

NJDEP&rsqu...

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 Issues Notice on Local Regulation of Beekeeping Activities

The League has become aware of a statement issued by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) to municipal officials regarding restraints on municipal regulation of apiary and beekeeping activities.  

The statement, dated July 14, 2023, exp...

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...

NJDEP Announces Green Acres Funding

The NJ Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Green Acres Program has announced its 2024 funding round for land acquisition, park development, stewardship, implementing Jake’s Law (Inclusive Playgrounds), and Urban Parks proj...

Governor Signs Advanced Clean Cars Proposal

Governor Phil Murphy announced New Jersey has signed the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) proposal. The goal of the ACCII is to have zero-emission vehicles make up 100% of new light-duty vehicle sales by 2035. While the proposal does not impose obligations ...

$200 Million Allocation for State Health Benefits Cut from FY2024 Budget

Governor Murphy's plan to dedicate $200 million from federal pandemic relief funds to offset the over 20% rising health insurance premium rise did not secure a place in the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget. This plan was initially laid out in Governor Murphy's FY ...

MWC & NJLM Launches Mental Health Grant Opportunity

The New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute's Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC), in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities has announced a funding opportunity for communities working to address local mental health needs. The...

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...

FY2024 Budget & ETR Update

The FY2024 Budget proposal includes $150 million in Municipal Relief funding in addition to Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief funding.

As we previously reported late Thursday, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriation...

Boardwalk Preservation Fund

The Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee released on Tuesday S-3989/A-5675 which establishes the "Boardwalk Preservation Fund." The Boardwalk Preservation grant is part of the Governor’s budget p...

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...

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)...

ETR Funding Doubled in FY2024 Budget

Last night, both the Assembly Budget Committee and the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-5669/S-2024, the $54.3 billion FY2024 New Jersey Budget Bill. It includes an additional $150 million for Energy Tax Receipts (ETR), doub...

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...

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...

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...

Spotted Lanternfly Grant Program for Counties and Municipalities

The NJ Department of Agriculture has announced the availability of grant money to assist counties and municipalities slow the spread and reduce spotted lanternfly populations across the state. 

Nearly $5 million has been made available for the gra...

NJCCIC Updated Ransomware Guide Notice

On May 23, The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) released an updated version of the #StopRansomware Guide, jointly published by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Federal Bureau of Investig...

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...

Legislative Committee Considers Liquor License Reform

On Wednesday, May 24, the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee considered various liquor license reform bills and held a hearing regarding the State’s regulations on liquor licenses for bars and restaurants. The discussion...

Governor Murphy Conditionally Vetoes A-4889

Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed A-4889 this week. 

A-4889 eliminates the requirement for local government officers to disclose their property addresses, including their home address, on the Annual Financial Disclosure Statement f...

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...