December 22, 2023

State Issues

Bill Overhauling Affordable Housing Moving Through Legislature

A bill overhauling the state’s Fair Housing Act and affordable housing policy is moving through the legislature. Already through an Assembly committee, with the Senate closely behind, the bill is on pace to be voted on before the end of lame duck.

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

Division Issues Guidance on CY 2024 Budget

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-22 providing updates on the 2024 calendar year budget process for counties and municipalities.

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

Lame Duck Activity

Bill Requiring Structural Integrity Inspection Heads to Governor

Legislation that would require certain buildings and plans to be inspected and reviewed by a structural inspector has passed in both houses and is now before Governor Murphy for his consideration.

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

Amendments to Certified Tax Collector Requirements Sent to Governor

The Assembly unanimously passed A-3786/S-762, which makes changes to the requirements for certification of tax collectors. The League supports this commonsense measure. The bill now awaits consideration by Governor Murphy.

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

Rental Assistance Data Bill Headed to Governor

On Thursday, December 21, the Assembly approved A-4757, which expands the scope of the Department of Community Affairs to conduct surveys and repost data related to homelessness for the Rental Assistance Navigation program.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Bill Extending Useful Life of Certain Vehicles Advances

The Assembly unanimously passed A-5567, which extends the useful life of certain vehicles under the Local Bond Law. The League supports this commonsense measure.

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

Bill to Help Fill Board of Health Positions Sent to Governor

The Assembly unanimously passed A-117/S-652, which permits the governing bodies of municipalities with Populations of 30,000 or less to serve as the local board of health. The bill, which the League supports, now awaits consideration by Governor Murphy.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Legislation Creating Home Improvement & Elevation Board Passes

A-2138/S-1380, which creates a professional board to regulate home improvement and home elevation contractors and requires licensure for each type of contractor passed both the Assembly and Senate on Thursday. The League supports this legislation.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Assembly Approves School Bus Monitoring Systems Bill

The Assembly approved A-545, which allows municipalities and school districts to contract for the installation and operation of video school bus monitoring systems.

Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.

Governor's Action

Fire Safety Legislation Signed

Governor Murphy signed into law the “Fire Life Safety Damper & Smoker Control System Inspection Verification Act” on December 21. P.L. 2023, c. 186 took effect immediately, but its provisions remain inoperative for one year.

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

SHBP Claims & 3^rd Party Administrator

Governor Murphy signed legislation that permits the SHBP and SEHBP to award contracts for more claims administrators for each program plan and provide claims data and trend reports to participating employers. The new law took effect on December 21.

Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.

Also of Interest

Show Off Your City Contest Deadline Feb. 9

The Annual Show Off Your City Contest is accepting entries through February 9. Municipalities are invited to send in photos of their tourist attractions, downtown areas, economic development initiatives, parks, city halls, community groups and new projects.

Entries will be posted on the League’s Facebook page, website, and some will be featured in the April issue of NJ Municipalities, and possibly other issues. The winner will also receive a free League publication of their choice!

Photos can be submitted via the form on the league website, email to aspiezio@njlm.org, or mailed on a flash drive to 222 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. For full details, visit the Show Off Your City Contest webpage.