Transportation
Governor Murphy Signs Bill Launching Rideshare Paratransit Pilot Program – On October 4th, Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A2607 into law (P.L.2024, c.82.), allowing taxis, limos, and rideshare companies to provide paratransit services in partnership with NJ Transit. This two-year pilot program aims to expand paratransit services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. After the pilot period, participating companies must submit reports detailing metrics, such as the number of rides provided and the number of accidents or violations which occurred, to the state government to determine whether to extend the program. Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed the legislation on September 12th, recommending language changes to safeguard existing services provided to Medicaid beneficiaries, which was approved by the Assembly and Senate in late September.
NJ Transit initially launched their Riders’ Choice Pilot Program in May 2023, partnering with rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft to offer paratransit services using Access Link’s subsidized rates. This program was introduced following concerns over delays in pick-ups and drop-offs due to Access Link’s capacity limitations.
Senate Unanimously Advances Muffler Penalty Bill – On September 30th, the Senate Transportation Committee unanimously advanced Bill S507, which prohibits the modification or purchase of louder mufflers in New Jersey. State law previously prohibited the use of modified mufflers only on highways with just a $25 fine to motorists. Under the new bill, all individuals or businesses who modify mufflers to increase their volume could face up to $500 fines and 30 days of imprisonment. Vehicle inspection facilities would be required to check for modified mufflers during vehicle inspections.
Economics
Assembly Holds Hearing on High Summer Energy Prices – On October 2nd, the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities committee held a hearing to address complaints of high electricity bills in New Jersey last summer. The Assembly gathered testimony from experts, including representatives from the state’s four primary electricity providers, who agreed that rising demand and a reduced power supply have driven up consumer electricity costs. This hearing comes amidst the state’s push towards renewables and electrification, which could potentially push energy prices higher. Electricity prices at the annual July capacity auction surged nearly ninefold compared to last year, with higher auction costs expected to add $12 to $15 to customers’ monthly bills starting in June, according to the Director of the Division of Rate Counsel Brian Lipman.
State EV Sales Tax Exemption to Begin Phase Out – Starting October 1st, consumers purchasing, renting, or leasing electric vehicles will no longer be fully exempt from state sales tax. Governor Phil Murphy signed Bill A4702 into law (P.L. 2024, c. 19) earlier this year, cutting the exemption in half. A sales tax rate of 3.3125% will be levied on all electric vehicle sales from October 1st, 2024 until June 30th, 2025, before returning to the full rate of 6.625% on July 1st, 2025. This phase-out follows a significant increase in plug-in electric vehicle registration, along with the state’s tightening budget outlook. More than 154,000 plug-in electric vehicles were registered in the state in December 2023, a major increase from the 91,727 registered vehicles in the previous year.
Housing
Senate Advances Bill Capping Rental Application Fees – On September 30th, the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee advanced Bill S3659/3276 with a 4-0 vote. The bill would limit rental property applications to $50 and prohibit landlords from charging application fees greater than the cost of a credit check. Landlords could face $1,500 for violations, with enforcement by the consumer affairs director or attorney general. The bill faced opposition from the New Jersey Builders Association and New Jersey Apartment Association, arguing landlords and building owners need the ability to recover costs from credit checks, background checks, and annual unit registration fees. The matching bill in the Assembly has yet to move forward.
Education
Senate Advances Bill to Protect Libraries and Access to Books – On October 1st, the Senate Education Committee advanced Bill A3446 along party lines with a 3-2 vote. This bill would direct local school boards to establish specific policies governing the removal of library books while not excluding books solely due to the origin, background, or views of the material. It would also exempt school librarians from civil or criminal liability when attempting to follow the bill’s provisions in “good faith.” Proponents, including the New Jersey Association of School Librarians and the New Jersey Library Association, argue that it would promote inclusivity and greater representation of marginalized groups. Opponents, like Garden State Equality, argue it allows children access to inappropriate materials without parental consent. The bill passed the Assembly in July and could be up for full Senate vote in October.