Gibbons Law Alert

Gibbons Law Alert

Category: State Government

Gibbons SFY 2026 Report: New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance Presents Its FY 2026 Budget Proposal

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Posted in State Budget

On April 28, 2025

This is the latest installment in a series of posts that offers a detailed look into the budget proposals for the major departments that constitute the state government. On April 9, 2025, New Jersey Department of Banking & Insurance (NJDOBI) Commissioner Justin Zimmerman appeared before the General Assembly Budget Committee (ABU) to present the department’s proposed FY 2026 budget, which totals $65.3 million. This total is a decrease of $10 million or 13.3 percent from the FY 2025 adjusted appropriation. Backdrop of Federal Workforce Cuts and Funding Cuts On April 17, 2025, the Trump administration attempted to cut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) workforce by approximately 90 percent, leaving only around 200 employees. The CFPB was formed in 2010 in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis and is tasked with protecting consumers in the financial sector by preventing abusive and deceptive practices. While the proposed shrinkage of the CFPB workforce was temporarily blocked by a federal judge, this move is the most recent action by the Trump administration signaling a shift toward deregulation and a reduced mission for the CFPB, leaving enforcement and supervision of financial entities to the states. Similarly, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) announced this week that more than 1,200 employees would be cut as part of the Trump...

Gibbons SFY 2026 Report: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Presents Its FY 2026 Budget Proposal

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Posted in State Budget

On April 22, 2025

This is the latest installment in a series of posts that offers a detailed look into the budget proposals for the major departments that constitute the state government. On April 9, 2025, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner Shawn LaTourette appeared before the General Assembly Budget Committee (“ABU”) to present the NJDEP’s proposed FY 2026 budget, which totals $485.2 million. This total represents a decrease of $305.4 million or 38.6 percent from the FY 2025 adjusted appropriation. Backdrop of Federal Funding Cuts and Major Policy Changes Since President Trump began his second term in January 2025, his administration has implemented significant policy shifts impacting environmental efforts across the United States. On his first day back in office, President Trump issued an Executive Order withdrawing the United States from the Paris Agreement under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This move marked the second time the United States has withdrawn from the accord during Trump’s leadership. That same month, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) removed all “climate change” references from its website and President Trump issued an Executive Order terminating “to the maximum extent allowed by law, all … ‘environmental justice’ offices and positions.” Additionally, President Trump issued an Executive Order indefinitely withdrawing all areas of the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) from any...

Gibbons SFY 2026 Report: New Jersey Department of Health Presents Its FY 2026 Budget Proposal

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Posted in State Budget

On April 10, 2025

This is the first in a series of posts that offers a detailed look into the budget proposals for the major departments that constitute the state government. On April 3, 2025, and April 7, 2025, New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Commissioner Dr. Kaitlan Baston appeared before the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the General Assembly Budget Committee, respectively, to testify and take questions on the NJDOH’s $1.4 billion proposed FY 2026 State budget. Backdrop of Federal Funding Cuts Last week, the Trump administration sought to cut over $11 billion in public health grants allocated to U.S. states during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the Trump administration’s efforts have been temporarily halted by a federal judge, the grant funding at risk is used by states to track, prevent, and control infectious diseases, including measles and bird flu. Commissioner Baston testified that nearly $300 million was cut from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which was earmarked, in part, for local public health department funding. The Commissioner also highlighted that the funding supported direct care and disease and addiction prevention efforts. Investments in New Jersey’s Hospital and Health Care System The NJDOH’s Health Systems Branch oversees and ensures appropriate care in more than 2,000 regulated facilities statewide, including hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities....

Governor Murphy Proposes FY 2026 Budget Focused on Fiscal Responsibility and Planning for New Jersey’s Future

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Posted in State Budget

On February 26, 2025

Governor Phil Murphy presented his State FY 2026 Budget to a joint session of the Legislature on Tuesday, February 25. This year’s address marks the final budget of Murphy’s eight years in office. The proposed budget totals $58.05 billion, which is $70 million less than the FY 2025 adjusted budget appropriation. The FY 2026 budget includes a $6.3 billion surplus and a structural deficit of $1.2 billion. The Governor’s budget address was centered around themes of fiscal responsibility and planning for future economic security and opportunities for all New Jerseyans. Governor Murphy reaffirmed his administration’s intentions to work in concert with the Trump administration. He noted, however, that there is a distinct possibility that New Jersey may need to adopt a “break the glass” strategy if New Jersey faces the harsh reality of losing billions of federal dollars for state programs. Affordability and Property Tax Relief Governor Murphy addressed rising costs and inflation in his address. The proposed budget aims to improve affordability by addressing property taxes and increasing access to housing. The budget includes $28.5 billion in direct and indirect property tax relief, including nearly $4.3 billion in direct property tax relief through programs such as the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program and the Senior Freeze...

“We’re from Jersey, Baby!” Governor Murphy Delivers the 2025 State of the State Address

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Posted in State Government

On January 15, 2025

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Phil Murphy delivered his seventh State of the State address at a joint session of the New Jersey Legislature. This address re-invoked the “stronger and fairer” New Jersey theme that marked Governor Murphy’s first term, imbued with the subtext of innovation. During the address, the Governor looked back at some of the events that have occurred while he has been in office, including a global pandemic, record high inflation, and the outbreak of two international conflicts. He also highlighted the State’s accomplishments as the “medicine chest to the world,” its growing entertainment and film industry, and its winning bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. In all, Governor Murphy presented a broad scope of issues his administration seeks to work on during his final year in office. Those priorities include affordability and economic opportunity; childcare and education; healthcare and reproductive rights; transportation and infrastructure; the environment; the protection of fundamental rights; and criminal justice reform. Affordability and Economic Opportunity The Governor acknowledged the rising cost of living and efforts to make New Jersey more affordable. He highlighted programs such as ANCHOR (geared toward property tax relief) and RetireReady NJ (a publicly run retirement savings program), as well as a higher minimum wage rate that has nearly doubled since he took...

Two Major Updates for New Jersey Alcoholic Beverage License Holders on Outdoor Dining Rules and New Mandatory Signage for Businesses

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Posted in State Government

On November 26, 2024

Just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday, New Jersey has taken action on two items that impact the operations of alcoholic beverage licensees. The first action codifies the COVID-era outdoor dining and beverage service rules in statute, while the second requires certain alcoholic beverage licensees to post signs that bring awareness to the risks of human trafficking. Renewal of Outdoor Dining and Beverage Service Permits Governor Murphy signed S3608/A4866 into law on November 25, 2024, making permanent the COVID-era outdoor dining permissions for restaurants and certain alcoholic beverage retailers and manufacturers. Under the new law, the holder of a temporary expansion permit issued by the New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (the “Division”) may have its temporary permit converted to an annual permit, which is renewable with the approval of local officials. Owners and operators of these businesses are permitted to use certain outdoor spaces as an extension of their business premises for the purpose of conducting sales of food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages if licensed. This includes the continued use of fixtures such as covered and uncovered patios and decks, tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, and chairs for outdoor dining. The enactment of S3608/A-4866 brings to a close four years of temporary outdoor dining rules. Governor Murphy originally signed legislation to expand outdoor dining...

Governor Murphy Proposes FY 2025 Budget Centered on Opportunity, Affordability, and Shared Responsibility in New Jersey

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Posted in State Budget / State Government

On February 28, 2024

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Murphy presented his State FY 2025 Budget to a joint session of the Legislature in Trenton, New Jersey. The proposed budget totals $55.9 billion, keeping total spending growth below 1 percent from the FY 2024 adjusted appropriations ($55.43 billion). It includes a $6 billion surplus. The proposal does not include any new taxes but does include a new 2.5 percent corporate transit fee that will apply to many of the large businesses operating in New Jersey and other smaller revenue raisers (discussed below). The Governor’s budget address was centered around themes of opportunity and affordability. The budget proposal stressed that opportunity is available to all who call New Jersey home and those who may be newcomers to the State. Affordability/Property Tax Relief Governor Murphy addressed rising costs, supply chain snarls, and inflation in his address. The proposed budget aims to improve affordability in the State by addressing property taxes and increasing access to housing. The budget proposal includes $3.5 billion dollars directed toward property tax relief through programs such as the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program, which provides property tax rebates to both homeowners and tenants, and the Senior Freeze Program, which provides property tax relief to seniors and differently abled New Jerseyans. The...

A Look Ahead: The 221st Legislature and State of the State Address

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Posted in State Government / State Legislation

On January 10, 2024

On Tuesday, the 221st Legislature commenced in Trenton. The Senate welcomed 10 new Senators to the chamber, namely: Sen. Carmen Amato, Jr. (LD9); Sen. John Burzichelli (LD3); Sen. Owen Henry (LD12); Sen. John McKeon (LD27); Sen. Angela McKnight (LD31); Sen. Paul Moriarty (LD4); Sen. Raj Mukherji (LD32); Sen. Parker Space (LD24); Sen. Britnee Timberlake (LD34); and Sen. Latham Tiver (LD8). Senators McKeon, McKnight, Moriarty, Mukherji, Space, and Timberlake each moved over to the Senate after serving in the General Assembly during the last session. Sen. Nick Scutari, of Union County, was elected to continue as Senate President, and Sen. M. Teresa Ruiz, of Essex County, will continue as the Senate Majority Leader. Sen. Shirley Turner, of Mercer County, has been named President Pro Tempore, a position she previously held twice, and Sen. Anthony Bucco, of Morris County, will continue as the Senate Minority Leader.

Governor Murphy Presents His Fiscal Year 2023 Budget

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Posted in State Government

On March 9, 2022

Governor Murphy presented his Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Budget to a joint session of the State Legislature in a live address for the first time since February 2020. The proposed budget totals $48.9 billion – a $2.5 billion increase over the FY 2022 budget – and includes a $4.2 billion surplus, which is nearly double the surplus included in last year’s budget. The proposal does not include any new taxes or fees. In fact, the Governor’s spending plan includes a one-year fee holiday to waive fees typically assessed for driver’s license renewals, marriage licenses, state park entry, and license fee applications or renewals for roughly 130,000 professionals across the health care spectrum. The Governor themed his budget address around one word: Affordability. This became a key issue in the 2021 gubernatorial and legislative election, and is something both the Governor and legislative leaders identified as their priority for the current legislative session. The budget proposal looks to improve affordability in the State by addressing property taxes and access to housing. It appropriates $900 million for the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) Property Tax Relief Program, which proposes to provide property tax rebates to both homeowners and tenants. Additionally, the Governor’s budget allocates $300 million to the Affordable Housing Protection Fund to...

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Prevent State Resources from Supporting the Russian Government

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Posted in State Government

On March 3, 2022

Governor Murphy signed Executive Order 291 (“EO 291”) on March 2, 2022, which requires all state agencies to review their authority to suspend or revoke licenses, permits, registrations, and certifications of businesses that invest directly in companies owned or controlled by the governments of Russia, Belarus, or their instrumentalities, and businesses that invest directly in such companies. EO 291 also directs all relevant State agencies to undertake a review of the State’s ability to boycott or halt the import or purchase of products or services provided from Russia or Belarus. EO 291 is broad-reaching in its scope and includes: Boycotting or halting the import or purchase of any products or services provided from the Russian Federation or Belarus, including, but not limited to, food products, energy products, clothing products, jewelry, and liquor or other alcoholic beverages made in the Russian Federation or Belarus. Reviewing all relevant State contracts to determine if any are with companies owned or controlled by the governments of Russia, Belarus, or their instrumentalities, or businesses that invest directly in such companies, directly or as subcontractors. Requiring the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance to issue bulletins or directives to regulated entities requiring them to fully comply with United States sanctions on the Russian Federation and Belarus, as well as with...

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