220th Legislative Session Review - Q1 + Q2 - Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey

220th

LEGISLATIVE

SESSION REVIEW

FIRST & SECOND QUARTER

Unemployment Insurance Tax Relief for Small Businesses

State Budget and Affordability Issues

Introduction

The first and second quarter of 2022 proved to be a busy one as the legislature continues to look forward from the pandemic. The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is grateful to be back speaking with legislators in the halls of Trenton on behalf of our members. We welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions on how we can better serve you and your thoughts on the issues the CCSNJ has weighed in on during the first and second quarter of 2022.

Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget

On March 8, the Governor proposed a $48.9 billion budget, which included a proposed surplus of $4.2 billion. In May, the administration updated their revenue forecasts, adding more than $3 billion to the bottom line. The CCSNJ testified at the Senate and Assembly public hearings, requesting that the legislature add more assistance for the business community in addition to the $50 million allocated to the Main Street Recovery Fund. The CCSNJ also urged the legislature to include an allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds to fully or partially replenish UI funds to avoid a tax increase for employers in the final budget.

To read the Governor’s proposed FY2023 budget, click here.

To read the CCSNJ full written testimony on the Governor's proposed FY2023 State Budget, click here.

On June 30, Governor Murphy signed the FY2023 State Budget. Although the final $50.6 billion FY2023 budget is the largest in state history with no new taxes, it included minimal assistance to the state’s business community.

Businesses were not included in the signature property tax relief program known as ANCHOR. The property tax relief program replaces the previous Homestead Benefit program and will provide homeowners with a household income of under $150,000 with a $1,500 property tax benefit each year; homeowners with a household income between $150,000 and $250,000 will receive a $1,000 property tax benefit each year; and renters with incomes up to $150,000 will receive $450.

The budget also contained a $6.8 billion contribution the public worker pension fund, and a $6.3 billion surplus, which is the largest in modern state history.

CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna released the following statement on the signing of the State Budget:

"Today, Governor Murphy signed the largest budget in state history - $50.6 billion – in which a mere $50 million was allocated for New Jersey’s small businesses community. This is simply unacceptable as businesses continue to recover from the pandemic. The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) is strongly disappointed that state government did not prioritize the plight of struggling small businesses, many of which are women and minority-owned, given the strong financial position New Jersey is currently in.

While the CCSNJ was pleased to see that this budget did not include new taxes or fees, it also does not offer new, long-term revenue sources that New Jersey can rely on in the future. And, although pleased to see fiscally responsible actions such as a full pension payment, the CCSNJ remains concerned that maintaining this level of long-term growth in spending will be impossible without future tax increases that will undoubtedly fall on the backs of the state’s business community. The final FY2023 budget, combined with the Governor’s and Legislature’s lack of action to defer Unemployment Insurance (UI) tax increases on businesses, ends an incredibly disappointing budget season where New Jersey-based businesses were nothing short of ignored."

To read the budget bill click here: S-2023/A-4402 (Sarlo/Cunningham/Pintor Marin/Wimberly) - Appropriates $50,638,729,000 in State funds and $24,082,639,850 in federal funds for the State budget for fiscal year 2022-2023

To read the CCSNJ testimony on the final budget, click here.

Priorities:

Unemployment Insurance Tax Relief for Small Businesses

In October of last year, employers were faced with a $252 million increase in unemployment insurance (UI) taxes due to historic unemployment levels caused by the pandemic.

In October of last year, employers were faced with a $252 million increase in unemployment insurance (UI) taxes due to historic unemployment levels caused by the pandemic. Businesses will be burdened with an additional $1 billion in UI tax increases over the next two years unless funds are allocated to offset these increases. The CCSNJ strongly advocated for A-3683/A-2152/S-733/S-2378 (Freiman/Greenwald/Chaparro/Dancer/Madden/ Singleton/Gopal/Zwicker) which would provide tax credits to small businesses to offset an increase in State Unemployment Insurance contributions.

On June 29, the New Jersey Senate and General Assembly held their final voting sessions before the Legislature’s summer recess. The bill was removed from the Senate agenda and did not move to the Governor's desk for action.

CCSNJ President and CEO Christina Renna released the following statement expressing disappointment that the legislation was not acted upon:

"Today, state government did not act on a bill the CCSNJ has strongly advocated for, which would offset future unemployment insurance (UI) tax increases that collectively totals an approximate $1 billion tax hike on businesses over the next two years. Businesses did their part during the height of the pandemic, shutting their doors to adhere to the state’s mandated public health guidelines. As a result, employers had to lay off workers and the state faced historic unemployment levels that heavily drew down the New Jersey’s UI fund. This draw down will now lead to unfair tax increases on businesses that state government had the power to stop, but instead chose to turn a blind eye to. The continued plight of small businesses, especially those that are women and minority-owned, remains very real. It is well-known that the state is flush with cash due to federal recovery money. The CCSNJ is disappointed that Governor Murphy and others did not find use of these funds as appropriate to use to avoid a tax increase on New Jersey’s small businesses."

To read the CCSNJ’s testimony on this bill, please click here.

Teen Workers

The CCSNJ proudly supported A-4222/S-2796 (Freiman/Egan/Calabrese/Gopal) which expanded working hours for minors as well as updated process for obtaining working papers for minors. Shore businesses have found it difficult to find employees and were often unable to hire an eager and available teen workforce due to outdated restrictions and procedures for minors to participate in the labor force.

The CCSNJ proudly supported A-4222/S-2796 (Freiman/Egan/Calabrese/Gopal) which expanded working hours for minors as well as updated process for obtaining working papers for minors. Shore businesses have found it difficult to find employees and were often unable to hire an eager and available teen workforce due to outdated restrictions and procedures for minors to participate in the labor force. The bill will allow the shore businesses to be fully staffed and offer patrons the full experience of the Jersey shore.

The bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and was signed into law by the Governor on July 5, 2022.

To read the CCSNJ position on this bill, click here.

Childcare Package

The CCSNJ was proud to support a package of bills aimed at tackling the childcare issue in the state and assist working parents return to the labor force.

A-1469 (Lopez/Freiman/Pintor Marin): Allows gross income tax credit for certain childcare staff and registered family day care providers.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Women and Children Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-4176 (Park/Jaffer/Jimenez): Extends childcare subsidies to families earning up to 300 percent of federal poverty level and establishes "Child Care Tuition Assistance Program."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Women and Children Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-4177 (Mosquera/Swain/McKnight): Extends duration of law requiring certain provider subsidy payments for childcare services be based on enrollment.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Women and Children Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

To read the CCSNJ position on these bills, click here.

State Budget and Affordability Issues

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S-616 (Schepisi/Singleton): Authorizes establishment of regional economic development partnerships.

- - This bill Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on January 27, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-330 (Singleton/Scutari): Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over five years to restore municipal aid reductions; requires additional aid to be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on March 3, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee.

S-676 (Bucco/Oroho): Indexes for inflation taxable income brackets under New Jersey gross income tax.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee on February 28, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A-2233 (Greenwald / Calabrese): Eliminates one percent tax on purchasers of Class 4A commercial property transferred for consideration in excess of $1 million.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on June 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-2539 (Singleton): Requires stress testing on State's ability to provide services in various economic conditions.
- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on June 13, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A-1522/S-2914 (Moriarty/Mosquera/Jaffer/Freiman/Lampitt/Greenwald/Madden/Gopal): Establishes annual sales tax holiday for certain retail sales of computers, school computer supplies, school supplies, school art supplies, school instructional materials and sport or recreational equipment.

- - This bill passed both house on June 29, 2022 and was signed into law by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

S-2917/A-4395 (Cruz-Perez/Stack/Pintor Marin/Freiman/Reynolds-Jackson): Expands allowance for developers to carry forward unused tax credits under New Jersey Aspire Program

- - This bill passed both house on June 29, 2022 and was signed into law by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

S-2944/A-4162 (Sarlo/Ruiz/Freiman/Mosquera/Jaffer/Moriarty/Tully/Swain): Credits $5.2 billion to "New Jersey Debt Defeasance and Prevention Fund"; appropriates $2.9 billion to NJ Schools Development Authority, NJ DOT, and NJT; and establishes process for authorizing future appropriations for debt defeasance and capital projects.

- - This bill passed both house on June 29, 2022 and was signed into law by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

COVID-19 Legislation

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A-1899 (Tully/Timberlake): Provides temporary exemption under sales and use tax for winterizing certain small business operations.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee on March 14, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

S-2364/A-3708 (Sarlo/Johnson/Freiman/Mosquera/Tully): Concerns use of tents and other fixtures for outdoor dining on certain property.

- - This bill passed both house on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

Labor Mandates

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A-281 (Umba/Torrissi): Expands wage and hour law good-faith violation defense to DOLWD employee interpretations.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Labor Committee.
  - To read the CCSNJ position, click here.

S-486 (Scutari): Requires food delivery network company to maintain certain automobile insurance.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Commerce Committee on March 14, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.
  - To read the CCSNJ position on this bill, click here.

A-822 (Timberlake/Jasey/Reynolds-Jackson): Creates "New Jersey Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights Act."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Labor Committee on May 19, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

A-3715 (Moriarty/Wimberly): Limits certain provisions in restrictive covenants and limits enforceability of restrictive covenants.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Labor Committee on May 19, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.

S-2841 (Scutari/Bramnick): Raises minimum amount of liability coverage for commercial motor vehicles to $1,500,000.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Commerce Committee and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A-1474 (Lopez/Danielsen/Carter): Provides certain protections and rights for temporary laborers.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on June 29, 2022. The companion bill, S511 (Cryan), which the CCSNJ also opposed passed the Senate passed on June 29, 2022, however the bills did not pass in the same form so did not proceed to the Governor’s desk

Workforce Development Issues

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A-1311 (Greenwald/Chaparro/Moen): Establishes healthcare careers pilot program for certain institutions of higher education and proprietary schools.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Higher Education Committee on February 3, 2022 and awaits consideration from the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

S-509 (Zwicker/Cryan): Provides tax credits for hiring certain military spouses.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on February 28, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-282 (Greenstein/Singleton): The New Jersey Battlefield to Boardroom Act; provides corporation business tax credits and gross income tax credits for qualified wages of certain veterans.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on February 28, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A-1294 (Greenwald/Calabrese): Authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Assembly.
  - To read the CCSNJ position, click here.

A-3424 (Sumter): Establishes "Biannual Small Business Matchmaker Initiative" in Department of State.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

S-289 (Greenstein): Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Labor Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-525/A-280 (Ruiz/Singleton/Umba): Enhances, and allocates funds for, pre-apprenticeship programs.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 16, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.
  - To read the CCSNJ position on this bill, click here.

S-532 (Ruiz/Pou): Provides tuition fee waiver apprenticeship courses.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Labor Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-533 (Ruiz/Greenstein): Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for businesses that employ apprentices in DOL registered apprenticeships.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Labor Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-789 (Singleton/Madden): Establishes Helmets to Hardhats program in the DMVA; appropriates $400,000.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Labor Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A-583 (Spearman/Quijano): "New Jersey Works Act"; Permits businesses to create pre-employment training programs in partnership with nonprofit organizations or educational institutions; provides tax credit to businesses that provide financial assistance to pre-employment training.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Labor Committee on March 10, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.

A-1798 (DeAngelo/Benson/Tully): Establishes "New Jersey Small Business Indoor Air Quality Management Support Program."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Labor Committee on March 10, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-672 (Verrelli/McKnight/Egan): Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Resources Pilot Program in DOLWD.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Higher Education Committee on May 19, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-2285 (Freiman/Timberlake): Establishes process for formation of professional limited liability companies.

- - This bill passed the Assembly on March 24, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Commerce Committee.

SJR-22 (Pou): Designates second week of June of each year as "Kids Entrepreneurship Awareness Week."

- - This bill passed the Senate on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.

S-1807 (Singleton): Waives business formation and registration fees for establishment of businesses owned by veterans.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on March 21, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-2249 (Singleton): Revises number of qualified disabled veterans' businesses required to designate set-aside contract from three to two.

- - This bill passed the Senate on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

S-2103 (Singleton / Zwicker): Authorizes conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use developments.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-1313 (Turner): Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing qualified ex-offenders.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Commerce Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-526 (Ruiz/Singleton): Concerns NJ PLACE, allocates $300,000 for FY2020.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Labor Committee on May 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-294 (Greenstein): Provides for establishment of New Jersey Water Infrastructure Center at institute of higher education designated by DEP; appropriates $5 million.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-659 (Oroho/Greenstein): "Manufacturing in Higher Education Act"; requires various State entities to promote manufacturing career pathways for students and provides assistance to manufacturing industry.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on June 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

A-1980 (Mukherji): Establishes cybersecurity employment grant program for qualified businesses.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

A-4224/S-2830 (Mosquera/Freiman/Jasey/Greenstein/Beach): Provides project grants under "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education at county colleges; appropriates $19,993,837.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

A-4225/S-2831 (Jaffer/Conaway/Calabrese/Gopal/Greenstein): Provides project grants under "Securing Our Children's Future Fund" for career and technical education at county vocational school districts; appropriates $36,960,028.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

A-4208/S-2791 (Pintor Marin/Quijano/Speight/Ruiz/Cruz-Perez): Provides sales and use tax exemption for certain purchases made by all supermarkets and grocery stores located within urban enterprise zones.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

S-2921/A-4365 (Zwicker/Pou /Coughlin/Verrelli/Spearman): Revises various provisions of Food Desert Relief Program

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

A-4404/S-2873 (Coughlin/Smith): Establishes NJ Wind Institute for Innovation and Training.

- - A4404 was favorably released from the Assembly Budget Committee and S-2873 awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee

S-2080 (Testa/Gopal/Ruiz): Repeals $100,000 cap on sales and use tax exemption for certain capital improvements made by businesses participating in Urban Enterprise Zone program.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on June 29, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

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A-681 (Verrelli/Benson/Mukherji): Allows credit against corporation business tax and gross income tax liability for employing persons with a developmental disability.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee on February 3, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-1591 (Moen/Benson): Makes $2.5 million in federal funds available to EDA to support veteran-owned businesses in need.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on February 28, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee.

A-992 (Reynolds-Jackson/Stanley/Sumter): Authorizes State Chief Diversity Officer to conduct disparity study concerning utilization of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State procurement process.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly State and Local Government Committee on February 7, 2022 and the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee on March 7, 2022. The bill awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

S-772/A-1929 (Pou/Pennacchio/Swain/Dancer/McKnight): Directs Department of Agriculture to establish New Jersey Minority, Women, and Underserved Farmer Registry.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

A-1693 (Quijano/Giblin/Chaparro): Creates resume bank for certain persons with disabilities.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on February 28, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

A-2146 (Reynolds-Jackson/Wimberly/Sumter): Creates State business assistance program to establish contracting agency procurement goals for socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Community Development and Affairs Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.

S-2577 (Cryan/Oroho): Increases contracting agencies goals for set-aside contracts for disabled veterans' businesses from three percent to six percent; requires liquidated damages provisions.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

ACR142 (Wimberly/Reynolds-Jackson): Reconstitutes the "Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal Employment Opportunity."

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Labor Committee.

A-479 (Murphy/Moen): Allows corporation business tax and gross income tax credits to businesses employing certain persons with developmental disabilities.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Labor Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

S-1681 (Ruiz/Pou): Requires racial and gender diversity in membership to be considered for appointments to certain boards and commissions established by statute.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on June 13, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-1943 (Cruz-Perez/Ruiz): Establishes Division of Minority and Women Business Development and State Chief Disparity Officer to monitor efforts to promote participation by minority-owned and women-owned businesses in State contracting.

- - This bill passed the Senate on June 29, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.

S-1447 (Singleton): Establishes "Biannual Small Business Matchmaker Initiative" in Department of State.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on June 13, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-841 (Singleton/Beach): Establishes Department of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as principal department in Executive Branch and specifies functions, powers, and duties of department.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on June 23, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Health

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A-1747/S-329 (McKeon/Moen/Singleton/Beach): Establishes Prescription Drug Affordability Board; appropriates $1,000,000.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Health Committee on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A-1762 (McKeon / Verrelli): Requires health insurance carriers to offer clear cost share plans for individual health benefits plans.

- - This bill was heard for discussion only in the Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee on February 3, 2022 and awaits a vote to release it from committee.

A-508 (Benson): Establishes annual cost of living adjustment based on Consumer Price Index for programs providing mental health, substance use treatment, or services to persons with developmental disabilities.

- - This bill was heard for discussion only in the Assembly Human Services Committee on February 14, 2022 and awaits a vote to release it from committee.

S-313 (Vitale/Diegnan): Allows costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on March 10, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Energy & Environmental Issues

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S-787 (Singleton): Requires request for proposal to establish demonstration program to develop distributed energy resource microgrids for electric fleet and heavy-duty vehicle use.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on February 10, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-339 (Singleton): Requires electric public utility to install and operate smart meter infrastructure and technology at certain customers' premises; provides employment protections for certain electric public utility employees.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on February 10, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-429 (Smith): Provides corporation business tax and gross income tax credits for purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging stations and for commercial zero emission vehicle fleet conversions.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on March 14, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A-2065 (Coughlin/Dunn): Exempts food banks and food pantries from law prohibiting sale and distribution of plastic and paper carryout bags by certain businesses, and amends definition of "reusable carryout bag."

- - This bill was passed both houses on March 24, 2022 and was signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025.

S-2356/A-3671 (Stack/Gopal/Mukherji / Tucker / Moriarty / Timberlake): Extends prohibition on certain utility discontinuances for certain customers.

- - This bill was passed both houses on March 24, 2022 and was signed by the Governor on March 25, 2025.

S-1983 (Cruz-Perez/Beach): "Retrofitted Green Building Tax Credit Act."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-1985 (Cruz-Perez/Beach): "Green Building Tax Credit Act."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

A-2235 (McKeon/Kennedy): Prohibits use by certain retailers of shipping box greater than two times volume of product being shipped.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee.
  - To read the CCSNJ position on this bill, click here.

S-2732 (Scutari/Smith): Extends deadlines, under certain circumstances, for completion and commercial operation of certain solar electric power generation facilities.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-219 (Pennacchio/Turner): Provides that fusion energy and fusion technology companies are eligible to receive benefits under certain economic incentive programs.

- - This bill passed the Senate on June 29, 2022 and awaits consideration in the Assembly.

S-287 (Greenstein/Singleton): Provides CBT and gross income tax credits for certain deliveries of low carbon concrete and for costs of conducting environmental product declaration analyses of low carbon concrete.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on June 29, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee.

S-2735/A-4067 (Codey/Greenstein/Sampson/Conaway/Carter): Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2023.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 16, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

A-4066/S-2734 (Verrelli/Moen/Speight/Codey/Stanfield): Appropriates funds to DEP for environmental infrastructure projects for FY2023.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 16, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

Transportation

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AR-25 (Caputo/Karabinchak/Giblin): Urges President and Congress of the United States to create National Infrastructure Bank.

- - This bill passed the Assembly on March 24, 2022 and was filed with the Secretary of State.

A-1100 (Calabrese): Requires certain entities to remove abandoned lines from poles and other structures to which abandoned or out-of-service lines are attached.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on March 14, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Assembly.

A-4214/S-2770 (Jaffer/Moen/Wimberly/Benson/Zwicker/Singleton): Authorizes NJ Infrastructure Bank to expend certain sums to make loans for transportation infrastructure projects for FY2023; makes appropriation.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 16, 2022 and was signed into law by the Governor on July 5, 2022.

A-2676/S-1212 (McClellan/Testa): Revises permitting thresholds for certain types of development requiring CAFRA permit from DEP.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

S-2909/A-4374 (Diegnan/Benson/Pintor Marin/McKnight): Authorizes DOT to compensate contractors and subcontractors affected by supply chain shortages; appropriates $10 million.

- - This bill passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and was signed by the Governor on June 30, 2022.

Other

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S-757 (Sarlo/Oroho): Authorizes special occasion events at certain farms on preserved farmland, under certain conditions.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on March 24, 2022 and awaits referral in the Senate.

S-775 (Pou/Cryan): Requires person with an alcoholic beverage license to carry alcoholic beverage liability insurance under certain circumstances.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on March 24, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee.

A-2190 (Caputo/Chaparro): Extends authorization for Internet gaming law to 2033.

- - This bill was heard for discussion only in the Assembly Tourism, Gaming and the Arts Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits a vote to be released from Committee.

A-2677/S1805 (McClellan/Reynolds-Jackson/Sumter/Singleton/Testa): Requires Division of Travel and Tourism establish Black Heritage Trail; establishes NJ Black Cultural Heritage Commission.

- - This bill was passed both houses on June 29, 2022 and awaits action by the Governor.

S-523 (Ruiz/Turner): Expands liability of certain individuals associated with limited liability companies and other commercial entities, when acting as residential landlord.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee on March 7, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A-1706 (Speight): Establishes pilot program in certain municipalities to make grants available to non-profit organizations to perform outreach regarding VCCO.

- - This bill passed the Assembly on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

A-2315 (Dancer): Allows commercial farmer to be awarded reasonable costs and attorney fees for defending against bad faith complaints under "Right to Farm Act".

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on March 24 and awaits consideration by the Senate Economic Growth Committee

A-2772 (Freiman/Mukherji/Dancer): Authorizes special occasion events at certain farms on preserved farmland, under certain conditions.

- - This bill passed both houses on March 24 and awaits action by the Governor.

S-355 (Gopal/Greenstein): Makes permanent temporary enactment allowing certain alcoholic beverage retailers to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages and mixed drinks; establishes certain sale and delivery privileges for alcoholic beverage manufacturers.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee on March 21, 2022 and awaits action by the full Senate.

S-1754 (Beach): Directs Secretary of State to develop national marketing campaign promoting State's innovation economy.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on March 24, 2022 and was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-916 (Beach): Establishes trail signage program for alcohol manufacturers in New Jersey.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Committee on March 24, 2022 and awaits consideration ny the full Senate.

S-1137 (Gopal): Allows issuance of temporary permits to applicants seeking licensure as teachers from New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Commerce Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-142 (Diegnan): Modernizes business filing statutes to include entity conversion and domestication.

- - This bill passed the Senate unanimously on June 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development.

SJR73 (Oroho/Gopal): Designates first full week of June each year as "New Jersey Fishing and Boating Week."

- - This bill was favorably released by the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on May 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

A-4037 (Freiman/Mukherji/Dancer): Extends authorization of special occasion events at wineries on preserved farmland; implements reporting requirement.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

A-4038 (Dancer/Wimberly): Requires State Agriculture Development Committee to compensate owners of preserved farmland for changes in regulations that increase cost of business.

- - This bill passed the full Assembly on May 26, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

A-1544 (Moriarty/Quijano): Prohibits commercial mobile service providers from disclosing customer's global positioning system data to third parties.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee on June 2, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee.

A-2727 (Dancer): Requires CATV companies to prorate subscriber's CATV service bills, to provide notice to subscribers of certain information, and to annually file terms and conditions with BPU for review.

- - This bill was posted for a hearing in the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee on June 2, 2022 but was held.

S-2590 (Turner): Makes supplemental appropriation of $1.5 million to provide tuition assistance for students enrolled at Thomas Edison State University.

- - This bill passed the full Senate on June 16, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Higher Education Committee.

S-2762 (Ruiz/Cunningham): Establishes Center for Career Relevant Education and Talent Evaluation of New Jersey at Thomas Edison State University; appropriates $2 million.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Higher Education Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

SCR95 (Singleton): Expresses support for new School of Veterinary Medicine at Rowan University.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Higher Education Committee on June 9, 2022 and awaits consideration by the full Senate.

S-428 (Smith/Oroho): Extends Right to Farm Act protections to certain aquaculture activities.

- - This bill passed the Senate on June 29, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Assembly Agriculture and Food Security Committee.

S-2724 (Beach): Permits alternating proprietorship of certain wineries.

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Economic Growth Committee on June 13, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

S-1476 (Beach): Increases dedication of certain revenues to "New Jersey Wine Promotion Account."

- - This bill was favorably released from the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on June 13, 2022 and awaits consideration by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

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Introduction

Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget

Priorities

Unemployment Insurance Tax Relief for Small Businesses

Teen Workers

Childcare Package

State Budget and Affordability Issues

COVID-19 Legislation

Labor Mandates

Workforce Development Issues

Diversity & Inclusion Issues

Health

Energy & Environmental Issues

Transportation

Other

Introduction

Fiscal Year 2023 State Budget

Priorities:

Unemployment Insurance Tax Relief for Small Businesses

Teen Workers

Childcare Package

State Budget and Affordability Issues

COVID-19 Legislation

Labor Mandates

Workforce Development Issues

Diversity Equity & Inclusion

Health

Energy & Environmental Issues

Transportation

Other

Your Feedback is Important to Us!

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