State Issues

Local Finance Notice 2025-18 Revises CY2026 Budget Deadline 

Local Finance Notice 2025-18 was adopted at the December 10 Local Finance Meeting and published on December 12. 

Read more: Local Finance Notice 2025-18 Revises CY2026 Budget Deadline 

Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

LFN 2025-17 Issued on New Jersey Land Bank Law 

DLGS has issued LFN 2025-17 regarding the New Jersey Land Bank Law. 

Read more: LFN 2025-17 New Jersey Land Bank Law 

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Energy Transmission Bill to Allow Wires on Preserved Farmland Passes Committee 

On Thursday, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee favorably reported S-4690, which bypasses local authority and authorizes certain energy projects involving the installation of transmission and distribution wires that cross preserved farmland.   

Read more: Energy Transmission Bill to Allow Wires on Preserved Farmland Passes Committee 

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

Senate Judiciary Committee Advances S-3470 on Cyber-Harrassment

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced S-3470, which upgrades cyber-harassment of a public servant or family member of a public servant to a third-degree crime and establishes Office of Cyber-Harassment Support. 

Read more: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances S-3470 

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Bill S-4396 on Public Defenders Advances in the Senate 

Bill S-4396 was heard before the Senate Judiciary on December 15. The bill concerns municipal public defenders and repeals N.J.S.A. 2B:24-17.   

Read more: Bill S-4396 Advances in the Senate 

Contact: Sadayah Q. DuRant-Brown, Legislative Counsel, sdurantbrown@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.

Treasury Announces New Online Portal for Farmland Assessment  

The New Jersey Department of the Treasury announced details of its new online application portal for modernizing farmland assessment. 

Read more: Treasury Announces New Online Portal for Farmland Assessment  

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Legislation Creates Regulations Surrounding Hemp-Derived Products  

On Monday, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee favorably reported Senate Committee substitute for S-4509, which creates a regulatory scheme in line with federal law on sale of certain hemp-derived cannabinoid products. 

Read more: Legislation Creates Regulations Surrounding Hemp-Derived Products  

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

Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee Advances A-5982 

The Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced A-5982, which concerns local taxation of business personal property of local exchange telephone companies. 

Read more: Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee Advances A-5982 

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Online Public Notices  

Starting on January 1, 2026, public entities must publish, twice a month, where legal notices may be viewed by the public.     

Read more: Online Public Notices  

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee Advances A-6235 

The Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee advanced A-6235, which regulates motorized bicycles. 

Read more: Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee Advances A-6235 

Contact: Erin Knoedler, Legislative Analyst, eknoedler@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Local Recreation Improvement Grant Now Available  

The Division of Local Government Services announced the FY 2026 Local Recreation Improvement Grant (LRIG) program to fund improvements and repairs of public recreational facilities. 

Read more: Local Recreation Improvement Grant Now Available  

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

Federal Issues

Brownfield Multipurpose Grant Program Now Open 

The Brownfield Multipurpose Grant program is now open. Municipalities can apply for up to $1 million for brownfield sites contaminated by hazardous substances or petroleum. 

Read more: Brownfield Multipurpose Grant Program Now Open 

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

Also of Interest

NJM Blog: NJ Music History Focus of Free Webinar

This week’s NJ Municipalities magazine blog shares an invitation to learn about New Jersey’s rich musical history in a free webinar. Join the New Jersey Historical Commission’s African American History program and panelists for “Follow Me: Preserving New Jersey’s Black Music History and Heritage” on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. This virtual event is free, however, registration is required.

Want to share your local story? Please send in your 300- to 1,000-word items and photos to Editor Amy Spiezio at aspiezio@njlm.org.

Contact: Amy Spiezio, Editor, aspiezio@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x123.