December 3, 2025

State Issues

S-4281 Advances

Legislation (S-4281) that would permit partnerships and joint ventures to bid on certain public works and prevailing wage contracts was amended and released by the Senate State Government Committee. The legislation now awaits consideration by the full Senate.

Bill Challenging Privatization of Contracts Advances

The Senate Labor Committee amended and released S-1518, which establishes onerous requirements for privatizing public services that results in the loss of employment for regular employees. Please contact your Senator and urge them to vote “no” on the bill.

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

Governor Murphy Announces Release of Energy Master Plan

Governor Murphy has announced the release of the Energy Master Plan concerning future energy policy in New Jersey.

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

Governor Murphy Announces Health Benefits Proposal

During his remarks at the Delegates Luncheon at the 110^th League Annual Conference, Governor Murphy announced his proposal to address the “death spiral” of the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) for Local Government.

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

Governor-Elect Launches Public Input Survey

Governor-elect Sherrill’s Gubernatorial Transition team has launched a public input survey as an opportunity for New Jersey residents, local governments, and business owners to provide feedback and recommendations on priorities for state government.

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

Update DCA Mayors’ List and GovConnect Authorized Users

The Department of Community Affairs is requiring municipalities to update the 2026 Mayors’ List and GovConnect authorized users.

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

Federal Issues

Potential Federal Preemption of AI Could Impact States and Municipalities

The National League of Cities, the League’s federal partner, is warning of several possible preemptive actions by Congress and the Federal Communications Commission around AI regulation that may potentially impact municipalities.

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

Also of Interest

Government Records Council Annual OPRA Seminar

The Government Records Council will host its annual OPRA seminar on Thursday, December 11, 2025, via Microsoft Teams. The seminar is free, but you must pre-register by December 5.

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

NJ Municipalities December Issue–Closing the Gap: Government & School Security Preparedness

The NJ Municipalities blog focuses this week on the December UpFront Feature about community security. In today’s world, government and school leaders can no longer afford to view security and emergency preparedness as optional or reactionary measures. The frequency and sophistication of threats, ranging from targeted violence in schools and government facilities to risks facing cannabis cultivation and dispensary operations, demand a proactive, integrated response.

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

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

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