Governor Signs Bill Establishing Urban Preservation Program

Governor Murphy has signed A-5596/S-3991 establishing the Urban Preservation Program to promote investments in rehabilitation and reconstruction projects dedicated to preserving affordable housing in urban areas.

The newly created Urban Preservation Fund p...

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...

Explore the Exhibit Hall, Early Bird Registration

The Exhibit Hall is 95% sold out. Start making your plans to visit your current and potential business partners for the latest products and services.

Exhibitors at the Annual League Conference are companies that provide products and services used by New Je...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Setting the Scene: Code of Conduct

As we prepare for the August 1 opening of registration for the 2023 League Conference, we’d like to take a moment to assure all attendees of our commitment to the Code of Conduct at all League events. 

The League’s Code of Conduct outlines our exp...

Getting to Know the League Conference

Each year, thousands of local government officials come to the League Conference in Atlantic City to learn, connect, and work together to plan the future of municipalities around the state. Among that number are many newly elected, appointed, and hired lo...

AMANJ News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of AMANJ. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional emai...

Workers’ Compensation Contingency Bill Held in Assembly

On Thursday, the full Assembly was scheduled to vote on A-5659, which increases Workers’ Compensation contingency fees, but was removed from the agenda prior to the voting session.

As we reported last week, the Assembly Labor Committee favorably ...

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 ...

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&...

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 ...

DLGS Issues LFN 2023-18 with Guidance on Fire District Budgets & Elections

The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-18 (LFN 2023-18) outlining the Calendar Year (CY) 2024 fire district budget process. Fire districts are mandated to submit their CY 2024 budgets through the Financial Au...

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...

Governor Murphy Signs Law Extending School Bus Service Life

On Wednesday, August 16, Governor Murphy signed A-5239/S-3734, P.L. 2023 c.144,  extending the service life of school buses to 20 years and extends the service life of Type S school buses. 

Prior to P.L. 2023 c. 144, school buses weighing...

$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 ...

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...

Governor and Legislature Stay NJ Agreement Reached

Governor Murphy, Assembly Speaker Coughlin, and Senate President Scutari have jointly announced the Stay NJ agreement a property tax relief plan aimed at aiding New Jersey's senior residents. The Stay NJ plan provides a 50% property tax credit fo...

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...

Speaker Coughlin Testifies on Stay NJ Bill Package

During the Assembly Aging and Senior Services Committee hearing on June 8, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin testified before the committee on the “Stay NJ Act” proposal. Assembly Speaker Coughlin highlighted the importance of recognizin...

Assembly Speaker Coughlin announces Stay NJ Bill Package

On May 25, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin unveiled the "Stay NJ Act" property tax relief plan, a comprehensive initiative designed to alleviate property taxes for seniors while also addressing the affordability of healthcare insurance and presc...

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsori...

Congress Passes Fiscal Responsibility Act

On Wednesday night the House passed H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 by a margin of 314-117 and on Thursday the Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 63-36 after a series of amendments were not agreed to. President is expected to imme...

DCA Budget Breakdown

The proposed FY 2024 budget allocates $1.152 billion to the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), reflecting a reduction of 19.6% or $280 million from the adjusted appropriation of $1.432 billion in FY 2023. T...

DCA Issues LFN Explaining LIHWAP and Winter Termination Program

Signed last month, P.L. 2023, c.33, requires any municipal water and wastewater utility or authority to enter into a vendor contract with the DCA to participate in the LIHWAP. LIHWAP is a federal program being administered by the DCA that provide...

DLGS Issues Guidance on CY2023/SFY2024 State Aid Certification

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-05 regarding the availability of State Aid Certifications. The CY2023/SFY 2024 Aid Certificate for each municipality is available on the Division’s Municipal Aid webp...

Governor Murphy Delivers FY2024 Budget Address

On February 28, Governor Murphy delivered his 2024 Fiscal Year Budget Address. The proposed budget is $53.1 billion, includes a surplus of over $10 billion, and is 5% greater than the FY2023 budget. While the budget document is not available yet, the Budg...

SHBC Plan Design Committee Meeting Summary

On Wednesday, the State Health Benefits Commission Plan Design Committee met for its February meeting. During the Director’s report, it was noted that 27 entities have left the State Health Benefits Plans since it enacted a nearly 23% rate incre...

Appropriation Cap Workbook Available

The Division of Local Government Services has updated the Levy Cap workbook to include the appropriation cap exemptions granted at the February 8 Local Finance Board meeting. 

As we reported last week, the Local Finance Board unanimously approved ...

NJPDES Permit Fees Stakeholder Meeting

This week, League staff participated in a stakeholder meeting hosted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit fees. The meeting was to introduce the NJ...

Division Issues Guidance on CY 2023 Budget Matters

The statutory deadlines for budget introduction and adoption have been revised. Municipal budgets must be introduced by March 31, instead of February 10, and adopted by April 28, instead of March 20. The Mayor/Council Faulkner Act budget transmission to g...

NJBOA News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJBOA. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional emai...

NJ Supreme Court Sends DRE Issue Back to Special Master

The fate of DREs as expert witnesses to help identify and prosecute suspected DUI and DWI cases remains unknown after the New Jersey Supreme Court changes standards for their acceptance in court, and remands issue back to special master. 

Last wee...

NJ Attorney General Updates Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy

This week, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a revised Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy. The revised Policy includes necessary updates to account for legalized cannabis consumption and sales. Of relevance is the inclusion of a reaso...

Community Recreation Society of NJ News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of Community Recreation Society of NJ. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

NJMEIA News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJMEIA. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional ema...

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 ...

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

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...

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...

New Law Requires Sellers and Landlords Provide Notice of Flooding

Governor Phil Murphy has signed S-3110/A-4783, now P.L.2023, c.93, which requires sellers of property and landlords to make certain notifications regarding flooding. Under the law, sellers of real property and landlords must disclose knowledge of...

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 ...

100% Participation by Municipalities in Latest Opioid Settlement

The nationwide settlement with pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart, and drug makers Teva Pharmaceuticals and Allergan, is in addition to the settlements reached with drug distributors in 2021 –&nbs...

Week of February 1: Covid-19 Update

This week Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order expanding indoor dining and limiting the 10 p.m. curfew on closings of restaurants. The Governor announced that Johnson and Johnson has submitted an application for emergency use authorization from ...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Inland Flood Protection Rules to Take Effect in July

The new Inland Flood Protection Rules update New Jersey’s existing flood hazard and stormwater regulations by replacing current precipitation estimates with modern data that attempts to account for observed and projected increases in ra...

Christmas Tree Bonfire Bill Advances

Municipalities throughout the state have hosted community events centered on bonfires using discarded Christmas trees. These events have become economic drivers for the local economy and provide a fundraising opportunity for local causes, including, most ...

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...

Christmas Tree Bonfire Bill Advances

On Monday, the Senate Environment and Energy Committee advanced S-861, legislation that would allow municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of Christmas trees.  

Municipalities throughout the state have hosted community even...

Governor Issues Conditional Veto of Flooding Notification Bill

As part of his conditional veto of S-3110/A-4783, Governor Murphy has suggested the bill be amended to provide that a tenant whose landlord fails to provide the required notifications may terminate the lease without penalty any time afte...

NJDEP Releases Draft MS4 Model Ordinances

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has released two draft model ordinances related to the new conditions as part of the updated MS4 Tier A permit and will be accepting informal comments until May 12.   

The firs...

Right to Farm Protections Extended to Aquaculture Activities

This week, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-428 into law, amending the Right to Farm Act to specify that shellfish aquaculture activities are eligible for Right to Farm Act protections. 

To be eligible for Right to Farm protections a shellfish commer...

League Seeking Information on MS4 Permit Compliance

The League is asking our members to answer a short survey aimed at gathering information related to individual municipalities efforts to comply with the NJDEP’s new MS4 permit program requirements.   

The New Jersey Department o...

NJDEP Announces Grants to Assist with New MS4 Permit Requirements

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced the availability of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Details on the grant program have not bee...

Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland Bill Signed

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation authorizing commercial farms located on preserved farmland to hold special occasion events.

The new law expands authorization of special occasion events at commercial farms and wineries on preserved farmland. The...

League Seeking Information on LIHWAP Participation

The League continues to work with legislators and the administration to better understand the scope of municipal utility and local authority participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), and to develop an agreeable solution ...

Deadline to Obligate ARP SLFRF Funds Nears One-Year Countdown

The American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program provided funds to every municipality in the country to mitigate the damage caused by the pandemic. New Jersey received $10.2 billion including $1.74 billion split among all mun...

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...

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...

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 ...

FEMA Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guidebook Blog Post

Published last year, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) “Local Elected and Appointed Officials Guide: Roles and Resources in Emergency Management” is an important resource for municipal officials. For more information, plea...

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...

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...

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...

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)...

Senator Menendez's Federal Automotive Task Force

Addressing Catalytic Converter Thefts: Senator Menendez's Forthcoming Federal Task Force

In response to the growing incidence of Catalytic Converter thefts across the country, Senator Bob Mendez has introduced a bill titled the Federal Catalytic C...

Bill Preempting Local Control of ROW Advancing in Congress

A bill was recently passed out of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, that would impose new restrictions on local authorities to regulate local land use and zoning issues related to the deployment of telecommunications equipment.

The Ame...

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...

U.S. Senate Passed a Clean Version of S.870, the Fire Grants & Safety

After attempting to attach an amendment that would claw back unobligated American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the U.S. Senate passed a , the Fire Grants and Safety Act, without any amendments on Thursday. There is not yet a House co...

Treasury Contact Center Reopens in Advance of ARP P&E Deadline

The U.S. Department of Treasury announced that the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) contact centers will reopen on February 21. This is helpful because municipalities will have to file their annual American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local F...

USDOE Announces Funding for EECBG Program

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The U.S. Departmen...

White House Releases Inflation Reduction Act Clean Energy Guidebook

Last week, the White House released the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Guidebook of Clean Energy provisions in the law. This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-relat...

Federal Budget Update

On Thursday, the Senate, by a vote of 68-29 passed the FY2023 federal budget. As of this writing on Friday morning, the House is expected to pass the budget bill. The $1.7 trillion document funds all governmental departments through September 202...

RAISE Grant Funding and Upcoming Webinars Set

The next round of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program is now open. $1.5 billion in competitive grant funding is available for a broad range of infrastruct...

Call your Member of Congress TODAY for ARPA Flexibility

Congress' last task before the holidays is the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and as of Friday, the ARPA Flexibility provisions that the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities (NLC), has been advocating wa...

Federal Budget Update

This week, the House and Senate passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through next Friday, December 23, and sent it to President Joe Biden for his signature. This allows them time to complete the federal budget next week. Had the f...

Rep. Sherrill Introduces Auto Theft Prevention Act

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) has introduced the bipartisan Auto Theft Prevention Act with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), which would dedicate funding to local law enforcement agencies for resources to combat auto thefts under the U.S. Departmen...

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...

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...

Creative Aging Initiative Grant Opportunity

The New Jersey State Council on the Arts (Arts Council) is providing funds through The Creative Aging Initiative Grant (CAI) in the amount of $10,000 for eligible arts organizations, libraries, veterans homes, and senior and community centers to cover cos...

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...

USDA Forest Service Urban & Community Forestry 2023 Challenge Cost Share Grant Program

This program works in partnership with State and local forestry agencies, educational institutes, and different kinds of organizations to restore, sustain, and manage more than 140 million acres of urban and community forest lands for the benefit of commu...

Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants

Community Wildfire Protection Plan Grants (CWPP’S)

The Department of Environmental Protection (Department) posted a NOFA on Community Firewise Grants funded through the USDA Forest Service. The funding provides municipalities and communities a cost-share incentive to implement wildfire hazard mitigation p...

Featured Grants - June 2023

State Funding for Municipal Use

• Municipal Aid Available for Transportation Projects (Deadline: 7/1/23)
• NJDEP | Coastal Management Program | Community-Based Art Grant Program – (Deadline: 6/30/23)
• Spotted Lanternfly Treatment Funding (Deadline: 9/1/23)
• Afforda...

FUNDING FOR SPOTTED LANTERNFLY TREATMENT AVAILABLE TO ALL NEW JERSEY COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture (Department) has announced that grant funds are available to counties and municipalities to battle the spotted lanternfly (SLF). Interested counties and municipalities may apply to receive funds from the Department...

LGAP PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is announcing the launch of the Lead Grant Assistance Program (LGAP) to help municipalities across the state conduct inspections for lead-based paint hazards in residential housing built prior to 1978. ...

Stormwater Assistance Grant

On March 3, the Department of Environmental Protection (Department), Division of Watershed Protection and Restoration, announced a Stormwater Assistance Grant that will be ongoing until the end of this year.  The funding will help New Jersey&...

Funding Opportunity: USEDA Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (USEDA) issued a FY2023 Federal Funding Opportunity Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity (FY23 PWEAA NOFO). 

Please see recent blog post for more on this funding...

NJDEP Provides Details on MS4 Permit Compliance Grants

In February, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced it would be making available of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Additional details o...

NJDEP Hosting Meeting for Mayors on MS4 Grant Program

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be hosting an executive information session for mayors to review the recently announced grant program to assist municipalities with the new stormwater permitting requirements.&...

Grant Funding Announced for New Jersey Statewide Wellness Campaign

The National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is allocating grant funding to 10 communities across the state for 2023. The NFC has announced $300,000 of funding to support municipalities to join the growing NFC fitness campaign; the mission is to build healthy infr...

Featured Grants - March 2023

Prepare for FY 2024 EPA Brownfield Grants

New Jersey Institute of Technology recently hosted an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield grant webinar in preparation for the FY2024 Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), and Cleanup (MARC) application process.&nb...

Featured Grants - February 2023

Featured Grants - January 2023

NJ Receives Federal “Internet for All” Grant from BIL

This week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that New Jersey received its first “Internet for All” grants for deploying high-speed internet networks and developing digital skills t...

LEAP Grants Now Available

The Division of Local Government Services and the Shared Services Czars recently announced that LEAP Challenge Grants and LEAP County Coordinator Fellowship Grants are due no later than March 15, 2023.  LEAP Challenge Grants all...

Bill Requiring the Use of Cooperative Purchasing Systems Update

Last week, we reported that 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, was scheduled for consider...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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, ...

Governor Murphy Names Secretary of State Way as Lt. Governor

Earlier today, Governor Murphy announced Secretary of State Tahesha L. Way is the next Lt. Governor of New Jersey.  

Lt. Governor Way was sworn in as Secretary of State on February 26, 2018. As Secretary of State, Lt. Governor Way serves as the St...

Passing of BPU President Fiordaliso

Board of Public Utilities (BPU) President Joseph L. Fiordaliso passed away suddenly on September 7. President Fiordaliso was a BPU Commissioner since 2005. As a former Mayor of Livingston, President Fiordaliso understood firsthand the issues that faced mu...

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...

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...

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 ...

League Mourns Passing of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver

New Jersey’s Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Y. Oliver, died today. The first Black woman to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and in State Executive Leadership, she is remembered by many for her work in Trenton and around the state.

Her famil...

Governor Signs 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy signed S-3090/A-4498, which permits police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation, into law on July 3, 2023. P.L. 2023, 92 took effect immediately. ...

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...

Time is of the Essence, One Week to Restore Energy Tax Receipts

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

Two Weeks to Restore Energy Tax Receipts

We are two weeks away from the deadline for the State to adopt their FY 2024 budget. Now is the time to act to get full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts included in the state budget. 

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jers...

“Give It Back” Property Tax Relief Plan

Senators O’Scanlon and Testa have introduced S-3906, the “Give It Back” property tax relief plan. The plan calls for $4.32 billion from the New Jersey Debt Defeasance & Prevention Fund to be appropriated to each municipal...

Ask Your Legislator to Join Energy Tax Receipt Budget Resolutions

The League, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, and New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, continue to call for the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. As a result of our collective outreach, Senator Greenstein and Assemblyman DeAngelo are sponsoring ...

Plan Design Committee Holds Regular May Meeting

The State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee met on Wednesday for the regularly scheduled meeting and discussed the following items:

• Potential increase in the contribution amount for High Deductible Health Plans to comply with recent guidance fr...

Continue to Urge Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

On Thursday, League staff worked the Statehouse and spoke with Assembly representatives before they went into caucus, urging them to support the full restoration of Energy Tax Receipts. Our thanks to East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov, who joined us and sp...

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...

Mayors Sign Letter Urging the Full Funding of Energy Tax Receipts

Earlier this week, the New Jersey State League of Municipalities (NJLM), the New Jersey Conference of Mayors (NJCM), and the New Jersey Urban Mayor’s Association (NJUMA) issued a letter signed by 401 mayors from across the state urging the State...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes 20 and Out Legislation

Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation (S-3090/A-4498) that would permit police and fire employees to retire after 20 years of service, regardless of age, with a retirement benefit of 50% of final compensation. The League joined the New Jersey A...

Governor Signs Deferred Compensation Plans Investments Bill

On May 8, Governor Murphy signed into law S-2423/A-3746, which permits local government deferred compensation plans to invest in collective investment trusts. The League supported this legislation that adds collective investments to the types of investmen...

NLC Urges Congress to Pass Rail Safety Legislation

Earlier this week, the National League of Cities (NLC), the League’s federal partner, hosted a webinar with Senate Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell (WA), and Senators Sherrod Brown (OH) and J.D. Vance (OH) who, in light of the train derailment and chemical s...

Congress Attempts to Claw Back Unobligated ARP SLFRF Funds

On Wednesday, by a vote of 47-49, the U.S. Senate failed to amend S.870, the Fire Grants and Safety Act. The amendments offered by Sen. Scott (FL) would redirect unobligated American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to fund ...

Governor Signs EO Changing State Hiring Criteria

On Monday, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 327 to review current practices with the goal of expanding state job opportunities for New Jerseyans without college degrees. 

The Order directs the Civil Service Commission to identify job classif...

Deadline Approaching to Participate in Latest Opioid Settlement

Municipalities that choose to participate in the latest settlement with Teva, Allergan, Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS must submit their signed participation forms by April 18. New Jersey is set to receive up to $508.1 million from the latest settlements, wi...

Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

Governor Murphy has signed S-3333, which protects low-income households from having their water services disconnected due to unpaid bills. Water utility providers, including local authorities that have not signed up to participate in New Jerseys Low Incom...

FY 2024 Budget Departmental Hearings Begin

Thomas Koeing, Legislative Budget and Finance Officer for the State’s Office of Legislative Services (OLS), provided a budget overview and revenue forecast. Mr. Koeing revealed that the combined state revenues for Fiscal Year 2023 and Fiscal Yea...

Deadline Approaching to Participate in Latest Opioid Settlement

Municipalities that choose to participate in the latest settlement with Teva, Allergan, Walgreens, Walmart, and CVS must submit their signed participation forms by April 18. New Jersey is set to receive up to $508.1 million from the latest settlements, wi...

20 and Out Legislation On Governor’s Desk

On Thursday, the full Assembly unanimously approved A-4498/S-3090, which provides police and fire a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age. The bill is now before the Governor for his consideration. 

The League joins the...

20 and Out Legislation Passed Senate, Before Assembly

Legislation (A-4998/S-3090) which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age unanimously passed the Senate earlier this week and is before the full Assembly on March 30. The League joins the New ...

Expansion of Prevailing Wage Requirements to PILOT Projects

The Senate Budget committee was scheduled to consider a bill expanding prevailing wage requirements to PILOT projects, however, after outreach by the League and other stakeholders, sponsor Senator Gopal held S-2798 for additional review and possible amend...

Assembly Committee to Consider 20 and Out Legislation

On Monday Assembly State and Local Government Committee will be considering A-4498, which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age. The League joins the New Jersey Association of Counties in ou...

Governor Signs Legislation Permitting Alternate Deputy Registrars

This week, Governor Murphy signed A-4524/S-2709, now P.L.2023, c.22, which permits the appointment of additional alternate deputy registrars. The League supports this legislation because is especially necessary in municipalities that host hospita...

Governor Signs Bill Changing Certain Primary Election Dates

On March 9 Governor Murphy signed into law S-3595/A-5177, which changes certain primary election deadlines. The new law took effect immediately. 

 The deadlines changed include the following: 

• Submission by the Municipal Clerk to ...

Reminder: SLFRF Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report Due April 30

As a reminder, the annual ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Plan (SLFRF) Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report is due on April 30. The portal will open on April 1. 

Working with the National League of Cities (NLC), the League’s fed...

NJBPU Seeking Input on LED Streetlight Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has issued a Request for Comments, seeking input from interested parties regarding the conversion of existing streetlights to LED streetlights. Specifically, seeking information related to streetlight and p...

Division Issues Guidance on Cap Relief & Opioid Settlement

The Division of Local Government Services issued Local Finance Notice 2023-04 announcing one-time exemptions to the appropriation cap for certain items for the Calendar Year 2023/State Fiscal Year 2024 budget and guidance on usage and reporting Opioid Set...

State Health Benefits Increase Remains Unresolved

Unfortunately, as we reported last week, the talks regarding relief for raising healthcare premium costs remain unresolved. This comes among news that Newark, Camden, and Trenton have all left the State Health Benefits system, or are in the process of doi...

Bill Authorizing Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland on Track to Become Law

On Thursday, the Assembly voted to approve the recommendations of Governor Murphy’s conditional veto of S-757, after suspending their normal rules to include the bill onto the voting session board list.

The legislation looks to expand au...

Senate Committee Discusses Bill Looking to Increase Utility Participation in LIHWAP

This week, the Senate Economic Growth Committee reviewed S-3333 for discussion only. While the League agrees that additional efforts are needed to ensure the success of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), we do not agree t...

NJDEP Announces Reimbursements for Radon Test Kits

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering Radon Awareness Program (RAP) grants to all municipalities, on a first come basis to be distributed to residents. Please see the Radon Action Partnership Packet, t...

Pass a Resolution to Become a RevolutionNJ Community

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States! This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows New Jerseyans to create a lasting legacy. RevolutionNJ is the formal state initiative for the commemoration of the 250th and a partnership between t...

Governor Delivered State of State Address

On Tuesday, Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2023 State of the State address. In his speech, Governor Murphy announced plans to overhaul New Jersey’s antiquated liquor laws, something that has been a longtime League priority; the extension of ...

Key Liquor License Reform Takeaways from State of the State

In Governor Murphy’s State of the State address, he revisited the topic of Liquor License reform, which he discussed during his speech of the League Conference in November. The Governor’s proposed plan includes phasing out the populati...

Governor Murphy Delivers State of the State Address

Today, Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2023 State of the State address. This marks the first time in three years that the speech was given in person as the last two addresses were virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

In his speech, Gov...

SHBP Municipalities: Please Continue to Reach Out to Governor & Your Legislators

The New Year has come and the 379 municipalities participating in the State Health Benefits system, along with their employees, and ultimately their taxpayers, will still have to fund a 22% increase in health benefits costs, unless an immediate solution i...

Governor Signs Bill Allowing Use of Third-Party Private Construction Inspectors

On Thursday, Governor Murphy signed A-573, which makes several changes to the Uniform Construction Code Act (UCC). The bill codifies the three-day construction inspection turnaround and allows for developers to contract with private on-site inspe...

FY2023 Federal Omnibus Budget Passed

In the final week of December, the House and Senate passed, and President Biden signed a $1.7 trillion FY2023 federal budget through September 30, 2023. For provisions of state and local interest, please read the League’s two blog posts, the fir...

Department of Treasury Releases Russia-Belarus List

P.L. 2022, c. 3, which prohibits government dealings with businesses associated with Belarus and Russia, requires the New Jersey Department of Treasury to develop a list of companies it determines engage in prohibited activities associated with Russia or ...

New Law Permits Existing Police and Fire Chiefs to Serve Longer

On April 12, Governor Murphy signed into law A-2158, which took effect immediately. P.L. 2022, c. 9 permits an existing police chief or fire chief who attains the age of 65 within the next two years to continue serving as chief until the end of t...

Thank You For Attenting the 105th Annual Conference

Dear Elected and Appointed Officials:We would like to take a moment to thank you for attending the League’s 105^th Annual Conference, presented virtually in 2020. When the ball dropped last New Year’s Eve, little did we know what lay ahead in 2020, and now...

July 2019 Interest Arbitration Update

In June, mediators appointed by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) issued three interest arbitration awards. The first interest arbitration awards to be issued since the expiration of the 2% cap. Each of these awards arose out of an impasse...

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 Law Requires DEP Post Water Purveyor Information Online

This new law took effect on May 8, and the DEP has 30 days from this date to post the required reports.  

Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137. 

DCA Updates LIHWAP Webpage to Assist Customers and Utilities

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has updated its Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) webpage to provide better assistance to customers and utilities looking for information on the program.

The updated webpage provides...

JAG News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of JAG. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional email ...

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...

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...

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...

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...

July 2019 Interest Arbitration Update

In June, mediators appointed by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) issued three interest arbitration awards. The first interest arbitration awards to be issued since the expiration of the 2% cap. Each of these awards arose out of an impasse...

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...

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 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...

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...

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...

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...

Assembly Advances Bill that Could Mean Increased Utility Costs

The Assembly has passed A-4791, which would establish a “Resiliency and Environmental System Investment Charge Program.” The program would allow water and wastewater utilities to recover, outside of their rates, the cost of in...

Bill Addressing Assault at Youth Sports Advances

On Thursday, December 7, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced  A-4471, which would increase penalties for assault and harassment against sports officials and participants at school or community sponsored youth sports events.  

While th...

Stay NJ Taskforce Announced

Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac and Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp have been appointed to the Stay New Jersey Task Force, which was established to implement the Stay New Jersey Property Tax Relief Program.

On Monday, December 4, Governor Murphy, Senate Presid...

Court Rules NJ Tax Sale Foreclosure Violates Constitution

This week, a NJ appellate panel issued a published decision that will have a sweeping impact on New Jersey’s Tax Sale Law and will undoubtedly result in legislative action. 

In 257-261 20th Avenue Realty, LLC v. Alessandro Roberto the co...

Governor Murphy Vetoes Bill to Allow Community Bonfires

Governor Murphy has vetoed S-861, a bill that would have allowed municipalities to hold annual events to burn Christmas trees. 

Municipalities throughout the state have traditionally hosted community events centered on bonfires using disc...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

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...

Franklinite Designated as New Jersey’s State Mineral

Governor Murphy signed S-1727/A-3393 into law,  designating Franklinite as the State of New Jersey’s official mineral. Franklinite is not only a symbol of state pride, but significant in New Jersey’s industrial history. The Mi...

Governor Murphy Signs Anti-Theft Automotive Laws

Governor Phil Murphy signed four bills into law on Friday, July 7, which aim to impose stiffer penalties and expand criminal definitions related to motor vehicle theft. Please visit our blog post for more details.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analy...

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...

Bill Limiting Review of Wireless Facilities Approved by Committee

On Monday, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee amended and favorably reported A-4376, a bill that would further weaken already sparse local oversight of the collocation of wireless equipment in the local right of way. 

The Leag...

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...

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...

Governor Murphy Signs Cybersecurity Legislation into Law

Governor Phil Murphy signed A-4836 and A-4184, cybersecurity bills into law this week.  

A-4836 requires the State Office of Emergency Management to develop a plan to address internet outages resulting from cyber-attacks...

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

A bill meant to increase participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was advanced through Senate committee this week. While the League initially opposed S-3333, amendments were made allowing us to now support the bill.

This ...

Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Around Liquor License Reform

On Thursday, February 23, Governor Phil Murphy held a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders to gather input and recommendations for the legislative proposal aimed at modernizing the state's liquor license laws. The roundtable was held in Cl...

Senate State Government Committee Favorably Reports S-3519

The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee favorably reported S-3519, which makes various changes to primary election, vacancy, municipal referendum, and mail-in ballot mailing deadlines. 

On Thursday, the ...

Senate Judiciary Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from invited guests concerning the increase in motor vehicle thefts in New Jersey over the last two years and consider a package of legislation.   Invited g...

Third-Party Private Construction Inspection Legislation Approved by Assembly Senate to Consider Bill

On Thursday, the Assembly unanimously approved ACS A-573, with the Senate is scheduled to vote on the legislation on Monday.   The bill would expand the use of third-party private construction inspections, allowing muni...

Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 5, the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee heard testimony from New Jersey State Police Major Larry Williams, Deputy Attorney General Joseph Giordano, and Alexander Shalom, Senior Supervising Attorney and Director of Supreme Court Advocac...

Bill Providing Appropriation Cap Relief Before Senate

On Monday the Senate will be considering S-3380, which would exempt gasoline and diesel fuel costs; solid waste and recycling collection and disposal costs, as well as disposal of yard waste; cyber insurance costs; liability insurance costs; work...

Please Consider Adopting Resolution in Support of Municipal Holiday Tree Burning Events

S-861 would permit municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of holiday trees. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) would be tasked with establishing rules, regulations, and standards for the open burning of C...

Governor Signs Law Expanding Outdoor Dining Timeframe

On Wednesday, Governor Murphy signed S-2364 into law. The new law expands the time period during which certain restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries are allowed to utilize tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs, and other fixture on ...

Court Upholds Governor’s Vaccine Mandate Authority for Certain State Workers

Last week, a State appellate panel affirmed Governor Murphy’s authority under the Disaster Control Act and the Emergency Health Act to impose through Executive Order 283, a COVID-19 vaccination mandate on State corrections officers. The NJ Supre...

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...

League Hosts USDA Rural Development Webinar

On Thursday, the League hosted a Lunch and Learn with Jane Asselta, USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director who discussed available funding and loans for municipalities.

Among the programs highlighted where grants and/or loans that are available f...

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...

Municipal Welfare Association of NJ News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of Municipal Welfare Association of NJ. 

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In additio...

NJ State Fire Prevention and Protection Association News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJ State Fire Prevention and Protection Association.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In a...

NJ State Plumbing Inspectors Association News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJ State Plumbing Inspectors Association.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to ...

Correct Version of the State Flag

The League would like to encourage municipalities to purchase the correct version of the State flag. The underskirts of the goddesses are silver as set forth by the NJ legislature in 1928. Non-approved versions show the underskirts incorrectly in blue.

The League would like to encourage municipalities to purchase the correct version of the State flag.On behalf of the New Jersey State Treasury Printing Service, we are distributing this information so that municipalities will be aware of the correct and a...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

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...

State Health Benefits Increase Continues to Remain Unresolved

There continues to be no progress in efforts to mitigate the impact of the unprecedented health care contribution increase for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) participants and employers. As reported last week, employers are beginning to leave the sys...

State Extends Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

New Jersey extended its health benefits contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for another year, media outlets report. This occurred after state officials alleged the health insurer failed to meet the terms of the deal.   ...

SHBP Update: No Relief In New Year

Earlier today the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) met to consider items including the transfer of Federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds. The transfers, which were already outlined in the State budget, included:

• $300 million for various ca...

SHBP Municipalities: Reach Out to Governor & Your Legislators

In less than two weeks, the 379 municipalities participating in the State Health Benefits system, along with their employees, and ultimately their taxpayers, will have to fund a 22% increase in health benefits costs. It is imperative that the Governor and...

Unions and Local Government Management Submit Plan to Address Pending SHPB Increase

The League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties have been working with other interested stakeholders, including the major public sector union representative...

NJPO News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJPO.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional email newslette...

Acting Governor Way Signs Pair of Bills to Support Small Business

Acting Governor Tehesha Way signed two bills this week aimed at helping support small businesses. The first bill, A-3424/S-1447 establishes an Annual Business Matchmaking Event to connect small businesses with federal, state, and local government...

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...

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 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...

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...

NJSMPA News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of NJSMPA.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional email newslet...

GPANJ News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of GPANJ.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional email newslett...

RANJ News Flash

Welcome! This News Flash has been created for members of RANJ.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities offers several methods for you to receive news, announcements, legislative alerts, and event notices. In addition to our more traditional email newslette...

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 ...

Governor Establishes State Artificial Intelligence Task Force

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order 346, establishing an Artificial Intelligence Task Force charged with studying emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The Task Force will be responsible for analyzing the potential impacts of AI on s...

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...

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...