March 19, 2025

State Issues

Public Hearings on State FY26 Budget Announced

The Legislative Public Hearings for the FY26 Budget have been announced. A total of four public hearings will be held before the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee.

Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.

Committee Advances Land Preemption Legislation

Please reach out to your State Senator and urge them to vote NO to an amended, but still significantly problematic, version of S-1408, which authorizes the conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments.

Contact: Mike Cerra, Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x120.

Bill Advances Requiring Project Financing Disclosure  

On Monday, March 17, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee favorably reported S-3481, which requires construction permit applicants to disclose the financing for their construction projects.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

SCU Advances Construction Inspection Time Window Legislation

On Monday, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee favorably reported out of committee S-4128/A-5130 which requires an inspection to be conducted within a 2.5-hour time hour window.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

S-2974 Advances from Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

S-2974, which reduces required parking spaces for residential developments was favorably reported from Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

S-4157 Advances from Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee

If signed into law, S-4157 would require the DCA to enable certain construction subcode applicants to electronically submit materials for permit application review and limit requirements for physical seals on documents at worksites.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

SHBC March Meeting and Mid-Year Report Presentation

On Wednesday, March 12, the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) held its regularly scheduled March meeting and was presented with the Mid-Year Report

Contacts: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112, and Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Department of Health Adopted Regulations Concerning Summer Camps

The New Jersey Department of Health adopted regulations concerning summer camps to be implemented in 2025.

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, x116.

Federal Issues

Congress Passes Full Year Budget Extension

Last week, Congress passed, and President Trump signed a full year continuing resolution to fund the budget through September 30, 2025.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110

Rep. Norcross Announces FY26 Community Funding Project

Congressman Norcross announced that the application process for FY26 Community Project Funding is now open.

Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110

Grant: Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program

The Build America Bureau issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Rural and Tribal Assistance Pilot Program, which would allow firms to assist with advanced transportation. 

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

Also of Interest

Film Ready NJ Workshop

On March 26, the New Jersey Motion Picture & Television Commission (NJMPTVC) and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) are hosting the Film Ready NJ Workshop at the Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Lunch & Learn with Local Finance Board Set for March 24

On Monday, March 24, the League will host a Lunch & Learn event with the Local Finance Board regarding Financial Disclosure Statement processes and Q&A for your roster of local government officials.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

Louis Bay 2nd Future Municipal Leadership Scholarship Competition Reminder

The deadline to submit the Louis Bay 2^nd Future Municipal Leaders Scholarship Competition essays is quickly approaching. Please review your promotional kit and the suggested deadlines carefully, as all applications must be submitted to the League no later than April 1 to ensure timely processing.

We look forward to hearing from your municipality and raising interest in future municipal leaders.

Contact: Ciara Bradley, Research Associate, cbradley@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x128.

NJLM and NJ Community Solutions Present Municipal Management Program

The New Jersey League of Municipalities has partnered with NJ Community Solutions to present the Municipal Management Program to teach individuals about the practical side of managing municipalities in New Jersey.

The Management Program is a series of three-hour practical educational sessions. Each session will be held in-person in small class sizes to provide opportunities to learn, discuss and question key aspects of managing a New Jersey municipality. Starting on March 25, the second series will cover a broad range of issues regarding Department and Workforce Management. Included will be Negotiating Contracts, Health Insurance and Retirement Benefits, Arbitration, and Disciplinary Action.

CEUs: Many CEUs are available for Finance Officers, Municipal Clerks, Municipal Attorneys, Purchasing Agents, Tax Collectors, Public Works, and HR Professionals(SHRM)

For more information on the Management Workshop Series including dates, CEUs, and registration fees please visit the Management Series webpage.

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