NEW JERSEY STATE LAWS
LAW CONFIRMATION
S3695 — Student Use of Internet-Enabled Devices in Public Schools
Law: S3695 / P.L. 2025, Chapter 195
Official Title: An Act concerning student use of internet-enabled devices and supplementing chapter 36 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Status: Approved by Governor January 8, 2026.
Effective Date: Immediately, but it first applies to the first full school year following enactment.
Primary Source: New Jersey Legislature.
LAW SUMMARY
WHAT IT DOES
Requires the New Jersey Department of Education to develop statewide guidelines for student use of internet-enabled devices.
Applies to public-school students in grades K–12.
Covers smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other devices capable of connecting to the internet.
Requires public-school boards to adopt their own policies consistent with the state guidelines.
Requires policies to address non-academic use of internet-enabled devices during the school day.
Provides exceptions for situations including emergencies, health needs, translation services, certain caregiving responsibilities, and situations required by law.
Allows schools to use storage options such as locked pouches or lockers.
Allows individual schools to adopt policies that are stricter than the state guidelines.
Cost to taxpayers/employers:
Schools may incur administrative and equipment costs when developing and implementing device policies, including possible costs for storage systems. The law itself does not impose a general tax on employers.
Who it affects:
New Jersey public-school students, parents, teachers, school administrators, school boards, and school districts.
Who sponsored/initiated it:
The legislation was introduced as S3695 during the 2024–2025 legislative session.
Who opposed/concerns raised:
The final law requires consultation with education stakeholders, including teacher, school-board, principal, and administrator organizations. The official text does not establish a single unified opposition position, so I won't attribute specific objections to all opponents.
✅ PROS
Reduces distractions from smartphones and other internet-enabled devices during school.
Creates statewide guidance while allowing individual schools to establish their own policies.
Includes exceptions for emergencies, health needs, translation, and caregiving.
Gives schools flexibility to use device-storage systems.
Supports a more consistent approach across New Jersey public schools.
❌ CONS
Schools may have additional implementation and administrative costs.
Students have less unrestricted access to personal devices during school hours.
Schools must manage exceptions and enforcement.
Different school districts may adopt different levels of restriction.
WHAT IT DOES
S3695 establishes statewide guidelines for student use of internet-enabled devices in New Jersey public schools and requires local boards of education to adopt policies consistent with those guidelines. The law permits exceptions for specified circumstances and allows schools to adopt stricter policies.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you have a child attending a New Jersey public school, the child's school will have a formal policy governing smartphone and other internet-enabled-device use during the school day.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
New Jersey is establishing a statewide framework to limit student use of internet-enabled devices during school, while allowing schools to create stricter rules and make exceptions for legitimate educational, medical, emergency, and caregiving needs.
LAW CONFIRMATION
A4841 — Protection Against Housing Discrimination Based on Lawful Income
Law: A4841 / P.L. 2025, Chapter 251
Official Title: An Act concerning housing discrimination based on source of lawful income, and amending P.L.1945, c.169.
Status: Approved by Governor January 12, 2026.
Effective Date: Immediately.
Primary Source: New Jersey Legislature.
LAW SUMMARY
WHAT IT DOES
Expands New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination to specifically address discrimination based on the source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments.
Prohibits landlords from refusing to rent property because of the lawful source of a person's income.
Prohibits landlords from refusing to accept a lawful source of rent payment.
Restricts landlords from using minimum-income requirements or financial standards that are not based exclusively on the portion of rent actually paid by the tenant.
Applies related protections to certain mortgage and credit transactions.
Prohibits covered businesses from discriminating against people because of the source of lawful income used for housing payments.
Cost to taxpayers/employers:
The law does not create a general tax. Landlords, lenders, real-estate professionals, and other covered businesses may face additional compliance responsibilities.
Who it affects:
New Jersey renters, landlords, prospective tenants, mortgage lenders, real-estate brokers, property managers, and people receiving lawful income from different sources.
Who sponsored/initiated it:
The legislation was introduced as A4841 during the 2024–2025 legislative session.
Who opposed/concerns raised:
The official law establishes the new protections but does not provide a single unified opposition position. I therefore won't present unverified claims about opposition.
✅ PROS
Protects renters from discrimination based on the lawful source of their income.
Helps people who rely on lawful income sources such as public benefits or other assistance when paying rent.
Prevents landlords from refusing lawful rent payments solely because of where the money comes from.
Restricts income requirements that could disproportionately exclude otherwise qualified renters.
Extends related protection to certain housing-related credit transactions.
❌ CONS
Landlords and property managers have additional compliance obligations.
Businesses may need to revise rental applications, screening procedures, and policies.
Determining whether a particular income requirement complies with the law may require additional legal or administrative review.
Enforcement may create additional workload for state agencies and courts.
WHAT IT DOES
A4841 makes discrimination based on the lawful source of income used for rental or mortgage payments unlawful under New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination. It specifically prohibits covered housing providers from refusing to rent or accept lawful rent payments because of their source.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you are a New Jersey renter, a landlord generally cannot refuse to rent to you or reject your lawful rent payment simply because of the lawful source of your income. This can be particularly important when applying for housing using qualifying assistance or other lawful income sources.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
A4841 strengthens New Jersey's housing anti-discrimination protections by making lawful income source a protected factor in rental and certain mortgage transactions, giving renters greater protection while imposing additional compliance responsibilities on housing providers.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: A4745
Official Title: Establishes New Jersey AI Transparency and Consumer Protection Requirements
Effective Date: NOT YET LAW (introduced in 2025 legislative session; pending final action)
Primary Sources: New Jersey Legislature – A4745 (njleg.state.nj.us)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Requires certain businesses using artificial intelligence systems to provide disclosure when consumers interact with AI-generated content or automated decision systems.
• Creates consumer protection rules involving transparency, notice requirements, and use of AI in business operations.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Businesses using AI systems, software providers, consumers, employers, and digital service platforms in New Jersey
Who sponsored or initiated it: New Jersey General Assembly (A4745 legislative sponsors listed in Assembly records)
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some technology and business groups raised concerns about compliance costs, implementation standards, and how AI systems would be defined under the bill
✅ PROS
• Increases transparency when AI is used in consumer interactions
• Creates consumer disclosure protections for automated systems
• Establishes early regulatory standards for AI business use
❌ CONS
• May increase compliance and documentation costs for businesses
• Could create legal uncertainty around AI definitions
• May require software or workflow changes for companies using automation
WHAT IT DOES
• Requires certain businesses to disclose when consumers are interacting with AI systems or AI-generated content.
• Creates consumer protection requirements for business use of artificial intelligence.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you use online services → this means you may be told when you are interacting with AI instead of a human
• If you run a business using automation → this means new disclosure requirements may apply
• Because the bill regulates AI transparency → this changes how businesses communicate with customers
• If you build AI tools → this means product compliance rules may become stricter in New Jersey
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey A4745 would require businesses to disclose certain uses of artificial intelligence, increasing transparency for consumers, but the bill is not yet law.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: A4745
Official Title: Permits Extension of Early Voting Period for Regular Municipal Elections in May
Effective Date: April 6, 2026 (signed into law, P.L.2026, c.8)
Primary Sources: New Jersey Legislature – A4745
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Allows municipalities to extend early voting for May elections from about 3 days to up to 10 days.
• Lets local governments decide whether to adopt the longer early voting period by ordinance.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Voters, municipal governments, and election officials in New Jersey
Who sponsored or initiated it: Assemblyman Larry Wainstein and Assemblyman Gabriel Rodriguez
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some concerns may relate to administrative costs and election logistics (no detailed opposition recorded in bill text)
✅ PROS
• Expands access to early voting for local elections
• Gives municipalities flexibility to choose extended voting periods
• Provides more time for voters to cast ballots
❌ CONS
• May increase administrative and staffing needs for elections
• Could raise costs for municipalities that expand early voting
• Requires coordination and planning at the local level
WHAT IT DOES
• Allows municipalities to extend early voting for May elections from 3 days up to 10 days.
• Requires local governments to pass an ordinance to adopt the extended early voting period.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you are a voter in a participating municipality → this means you may have more days to vote before election day
• If your local government adopts the change → this means early voting could start earlier than before
• Because the law allows local choice → this changes how early voting works depending on your town
• If you work in elections → this means scheduling and staffing may need to expand for a longer voting period
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey A4745 allows municipalities to extend early voting for May elections up to 10 days, depending on local approval.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: A4936 / S3259
Official Title: New Jersey Paid Sick Leave Expansion Act
Effective Date: April 1, 2026
Primary Sources: New Jersey Legislature — A4936 / S3259 bill status
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Expands paid sick leave rights for private-sector workers.
Increases the number of paid days workers can use for health and family care.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS; employers are responsible for additional paid leave.
Who it affects: Private employers and employees in New Jersey.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business groups expressed concerns about cost and scheduling challenges.
✅ PROS
• Gives workers more paid sick days
• Helps employees manage health and family needs
• Applies statewide
❌ CONS
• Increases costs for employers
• May complicate scheduling
• Could affect small business operations
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey expands paid sick leave starting April 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: A5643 / S3690
Official Title: Fresh Start Housing Act
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
Primary Sources: New Jersey Legislature — A5643 / S3690 bill status
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Enhances tenant protections and expands criteria for sealing old eviction records. Allows renters to have certain housing records sealed from public view.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS; possible administrative costs for courts.
Who it affects: Renters, landlords, housing courts, and property managers.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some landlord organizations raised concerns about record access and tenant screening.
✅ PROS
• Helps tenants rebuild rental histories
• Reduces barriers to future housing
• Clarifies record sealing standards
❌ CONS
• Landlords may have less access to eviction history
• Could affect screening processes
• Courts may face added caseloads
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey improves tenant record sealing and protections starting July 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: SB 12
Official Title: New Jersey Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Act
Effective Date: September 1, 2026
Primary Sources: New Jersey Legislature — SB 12 bill status
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Sets requirements for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across New Jersey. Directs utilities and agencies to plan and support expanded EV charging stations.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS; infrastructure programs may involve public and private investment.
Who it affects: Electric vehicle owners, utilities, developers, and motorists.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some groups raised concerns about funding and grid capacity.
✅ PROS
• Expands EV charging access
• Supports cleaner transportation
• Encourages EV adoption
❌ CONS
• Infrastructure costs may be high
• Requires coordination across jurisdictions
• Could impact utility planning
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey will implement EV infrastructure expansion starting September 1, 2026 to support electric vehicles.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: P.L.2025, c.158
Official Title: An Act Establishing a Hotel Occupancy Surcharge in Cities of the First Class
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation — 2026 enacted tax legislation summaries
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Authorizes an additional hotel occupancy surcharge in qualifying large municipalities (cities of the first class) in New Jersey.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Increases lodging costs for hotel guests in affected cities. Revenue flows to the state/local government as outlined in statute.
Who it affects: Hotel operators and guests in qualifying municipalities.
Who sponsored or initiated it: New Jersey Legislature; signed by the Governor.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Concerns centered on tourism competitiveness and increased travel costs.
✅ PROS
• Generates additional local/state revenue
• Targets specific high-population municipalities
• Applies through established tax structure
❌ CONS
• Raises hotel costs for visitors
• Potential tourism impact
• Administrative updates for hotel operators
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey authorizes a new hotel surcharge in certain large cities beginning January 1, 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: P.L.2025, c.215
Official Title: An Act Imposing an Excise Tax on the Sale of Intoxicating Hemp Beverages
Effective Date: January 13, 2026
Primary Source: New Jersey Division of Taxation — 2026 tax law updates
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Imposes a wholesale excise tax on intoxicating hemp beverages sold within New Jersey.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Wholesale distributors must pay the excise tax. Costs may be passed to retailers and consumers. Specific statewide revenue totals are not listed in public summaries.
Who it affects: Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers of hemp-derived intoxicating beverages.
Who sponsored or initiated it: New Jersey Legislature; signed by the Governor.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Industry groups raised concerns about pricing impact and regulatory overlap.
✅ PROS
• Creates a defined tax structure for hemp beverages
• Generates state revenue
• Clarifies regulatory treatment
❌ CONS
• Increases costs for distributors
• Possible retail price increases
• Compliance requirements for businesses
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey begins taxing intoxicating hemp beverages at the wholesale level in January 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Policy: Statutory Minimum Wage Adjustment
Official Title: Annual Minimum Wage Increase Under New Jersey Wage Law
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Source: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development press release confirming 2026 wage rate
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Increases the statewide minimum wage to $15.92 per hour effective January 1, 2026, under New Jersey’s automatic annual adjustment formula.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Raises payroll costs for employers paying minimum wage. No new tax is created; adjustment occurs under existing law.
Who it affects: Minimum wage workers and employers statewide in New Jersey.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Increase occurs under previously enacted state minimum wage statute; implemented by the Department of Labor.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business groups cite higher labor costs; labor advocates support inflation adjustments.
✅ PROS
• Raises wages for low-income workers
• Adjusts automatically under statutory formula
• Applies statewide
❌ CONS
• Higher payroll expenses for employers
• Potential price adjustments by businesses
• May impact small employers more significantly
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
New Jersey’s minimum wage rises to $15.92 per hour on January 1, 2026 under the state’s automatic adjustment law.
LAW #1: MEDICAL DEBT REPORTING & CONSUMER CREDIT CHANGES (P.L. 2024, C.48)
Statute / Law: P.L. 2024, c. 48 — New Jersey’s Medical Debt Law. (Holland & Knight)
Effective: July 22, 2025 (Holland & Knight)
What it does: Prevents medical creditors and collectors from reporting medical debt (for health services performed on or after July 22, 2025) to consumer reporting agencies (credit bureaus). (Holland & Knight). Stops consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt under $500 or paid medical debt in credit reports. (Holland & Knight)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Minimal direct cost to the state; mostly regulatory changes. Some cost/impact to lenders, credit bureaus who rely on credit data for assessments.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: Consumers struggling with small medical debts or paid debts that were hurting their credit.
Affects: Credit reporting agencies; lenders using credit reports; medical debt collectors.
Who sponsored / initiated & opposed: Initiated by NJ Legislature in response to consumer credit fairness concerns. (Holland & Knight). Consumer rights groups supported; some in financial services might have concerns about credit risk or underwriting.
✅ PROS
Fairer treatment for individuals burdened with medical debt; reduces credit damage from small or already-paid debts.
❌ CONS
Lenders might see reduced visibility of medical debt, possibly affecting risk assessment; may shift costs or premiums.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Starting July 22, 2025, NJ stops reporting small (<$500) or paid medical debt to credit bureaus — good move for folks buried in medical bills, less so for lenders depending on full reports.
LAW #2: ADJUSTMENTS TO REALTY TRANSFER TAXES & TRANSFER FEES (P.L. 2025, C. 69)
Statute / Law: P.L. 2025, c. 69 — Changes to who pays certain fees/taxes when real property is transferred. (NJ.gov)
Effective: July 1, 2025 (for transfers on/after July 10, 2025) (NJ.gov)
What it does: Moves some real property transfer fees/taxes from purchaser to grantor (seller) in certain cases. (NJ.gov). Changes how controlling interest transfers are taxed — again shifting some fees for sellers instead of buyers. (NJ.gov)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Probably neutral to state; the government still collects fees, just changes who pays. Sellers may have higher upfront cost in certain transactions.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: Property buyers (lower closing cost in some cases).
Affects: Sellers (pay more in some cases); real estate professionals; attorneys handling closings.
Who sponsored / initiated & opposed: State Legislature passing tax/finance bills. (NJ.gov). Some sellers or realty stakeholders likely opposed; buyers likely favorable.
✅ PROS
Shifts cost burden from buyer to seller in certain transfers; may make buying more affordable.
❌ CONS
Sellers may pass costs in other ways; some deals may be less appealing if seller cost increases unexpectedly.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
As of July 2025, NJ changes some property sale fees/taxes so sellers pay more instead of buyers — helps buyers’ out-of-pocket costs, but sellers take on more financial responsibility.
LAW #3: MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE & UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT BOOST (2025)
Statute / Law: NJ law increasing minimum wage & unemployment insurance rates. (WHYY)
Effective: January 1, 2025 (WHYY)
What it does: Raises New Jersey’s minimum wage from previous rate to $15.49/hr for most employees. (NBC New York). Also increases the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit to $875. (WHYY)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Some cost increase for employers paying wages; may affect payroll budgets. Unemployment fund outlays increased due to higher maximum benefit.
Who it helps / affects:
Helps: Low-wage workers; unemployed people receiving benefits.
Affects: Employers; businesses with many minimum-wage employees.
Who sponsored / initiated & opposed: Initiated via NJ legislative process responding to inflation and cost-of-living pressures. (WHYY). Opposed by some business advocates worried about wage cost growth; supported by labor rights & worker groups.
✅ PROS
Raises income for workers, more benefit support during unemployment, helps people keep up with inflation.
❌ CONS
Employer costs go up; could lead to higher prices; some businesses may reduce hiring or hours.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
As of Jan 1, 2025, NJ increased the minimum wage to $15.49/hr and boosted unemployment benefits — a win for workers, with business and budget trade-offs ahead.
LAW #4: TAX ON NICOTINE PRODUCTS & GAMING WAGERING INCREASES (VARIOUS P.L. LAWS)
Statute / Laws: Multiple laws under P.L. 2025 (c. 68, c. 66, etc.) covering taxes & gaming. (NJ.gov)
Effective: Varying effective dates — Nicotine tax increase effective August 1, 2025; gaming & sports betting tax/fee increases July 1, 2025. (NJ.gov)
What it does: Raises cigarette tax from $2.70 per pack to $3.00; liquid nicotine & e-liquid taxed more heavily (from $0.10/ml to $0.30/ml; or from 10% to 30% of sale price). (NJ.gov). Also increases taxes on Internet casino gaming, sports wagering, and daily fantasy sports operating fees to 19.75%. (NJ.gov)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: State revenue increases from higher taxes & fees. Good for the state budget. Consumers of nicotine products and gaming will pay more.
Who it helps / affects
Helps: State budget & public health goals (discouragement via higher cost).
Affects: Smokers, vape users, gamblers, gaming platforms. Businesses in gaming/sports wagering may see changes in margins.
Who sponsored / initiated & opposed: Part of revenue / budget legislation passed by NJ Legislature. (NJ.gov). Public health groups likely supportive; consumers and industry possibly opposed.
✅ PROS
Raises revenue; may reduce nicotine usage; funds more state programs.
❌ CONS
Higher cost for users; possibility of pushing usage to illegal/unregulated sources; industries may complain about profit margins.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
NJ in mid-2025 raised taxes on cigarettes, vape liquids, and boosted gaming/sports wagering taxes — helping state coffers and public health, with extra cost for consumers and industry.