Continuing Education Unit (CEU) Tracking System

Session Certificates are accessible online until May 1, 2023. Access your certificates here.

System Procedures for 107th Annual NJLM Conference

Printing Instructions: 

1. Login to the CEU Tracking System.
2. Enter your Registrant ID or your last name and z...

Thank You For Attenting the 105th Annual Conference

Dear Elected and Appointed Officials:We would like to take a moment to thank you for attending the League’s 105^th Annual Conference, presented virtually in 2020. When the ball dropped last New Year’s Eve, little did we know what lay ahead in 2020, and now...

FY2024 Budget Hearing Schedule Announced

Registration for the public hearings on the proposed State Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 held by the Senate and Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committees has opened and will be held on the following dates: 

Assembly Budget and Appropriations Com...

DLGS Issues Guidance on CY2023/SFY2024 State Aid Certification

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2023-05 regarding the availability of State Aid Certifications. The CY2023/SFY 2024 Aid Certificate for each municipality is available on the Division’s Municipal Aid webp...

Governor Murphy Delivers FY2024 Budget Address

On February 28, Governor Murphy delivered his 2024 Fiscal Year Budget Address. The proposed budget is $53.1 billion, includes a surplus of over $10 billion, and is 5% greater than the FY2023 budget. While the budget document is not available yet, the Budg...

NJ Carpenters Union Presents Free Seminar

The New Jersey Carpenters Union will be hosting a free seminar on “Best Practices for Purchasing, Administering and Closing Out Publicly Funded construction Projects on March 30 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Atlantic City Convention Center...

SHBC Plan Design Committee Meeting Summary

On Wednesday, the State Health Benefits Commission Plan Design Committee met for its February meeting. During the Director’s report, it was noted that 27 entities have left the State Health Benefits Plans since it enacted a nearly 23% rate incre...

Appropriation Cap Workbook Available

The Division of Local Government Services has updated the Levy Cap workbook to include the appropriation cap exemptions granted at the February 8 Local Finance Board meeting. 

As we reported last week, the Local Finance Board unanimously approved ...

Local Finance Board Approves 2023 Appropriations Cap Exceptions

During Wednesday’s Local Finance Board Meeting, they unanimously approved exceptions to the appropriation cap. Under N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.3d, the Local Finance Board has the authority to grant additional exceptions under extraordinary circumstances...

NJPDES Permit Fees Stakeholder Meeting

This week, League staff participated in a stakeholder meeting hosted by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) regarding the New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit fees. The meeting was to introduce the NJ...

Division Issues Guidance on CY 2023 Budget Matters

The statutory deadlines for budget introduction and adoption have been revised. Municipal budgets must be introduced by March 31, instead of February 10, and adopted by April 28, instead of March 20. The Mayor/Council Faulkner Act budget transmission to g...

Local Finance Board Approves CY 2023 Budget Deadline Extensions

During the December 14 Local Finance Board Meeting, the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) proposed revised schedule for 2023 Introduction and Adoption of Municipal Budget Deadlines. The motion carried and the revised 2023 Calendar Year municipa...

Energy Tax Receipt Funding Update

The FY 2023 Budget legislation was favorably released from both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee along a party-line vote in both committees on the evening of June 27. The Budget legislation includes an alloc...

FY2023 Budget Update

With the FY2023 budget deadline of June 30 fast approaching, Governor Murphy and the State Legislature continue to consider how to use the $6.9 in surplus revenue. Governor Murphy and majority leadership continue to follow their affordability agenda for N...

FY 2023 Budget Hearings Continue

Budget hearings continued this week with the Senate Budget and Appropriations meeting on Thursday, April 21. A number of individuals testified including some who reaffirmed the League's requests to restore funding to Op...

Office of Legislative Services and Department of Treasury Give Testimony on FY2023 Budget

On Monday, April 4, the legislative hearings on Governor Murphy’s proposed $48.9 billion FY2023 budget began. The Assembly Budget committee heard testimony from the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and the New Jersey Department of...

NJ Supreme Court Sends DRE Issue Back to Special Master

The fate of DREs as expert witnesses to help identify and prosecute suspected DUI and DWI cases remains unknown after the New Jersey Supreme Court changes standards for their acceptance in court, and remands issue back to special master. 

Last wee...

NJ Attorney General Updates Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy

This week, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a revised Law Enforcement Drug Testing Policy. The revised Policy includes necessary updates to account for legalized cannabis consumption and sales. Of relevance is the inclusion of a reaso...

NJ CRC Proposes New and Amended Personal Use Cannabis Rules

On Monday, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ CRC) published proposed new rules and amendments of previously adopted rules. Amendments to the previously adopted rules include clarification of certain application processes and other...

Cannabis Use by Off-Duty Law Enforcement

Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin sent a memo to law enforcement chief executives regarding compliance with P.L. 2021, c. 16, the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act. In the memo, Acting Attorney Gener...

Governor Appoints Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate

This week, Governor Murphy announced the appointment of Mark Dinglasan as Director of the Office of the Food Security Advocate, a position created last year through a comprehensive legislative package aimed at combatting food insecurity. The Office of Foo...

State Launches Healthy Community Planning Website

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced the launch of the Healthy Community Planning New Jersey (HCPNJ) website, which provides municipal-level reports to help local ...

USDA Authorizes COVID Vaccine for Children

On June 17, the United States Food and Drug Administration (USDA) authorized both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children 6 years of age or under. Children who are five years of age receiving the Pfizer vaccine will be given three doses at one-tenth ...

Rural Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook

The White House released a new resource to help identify and apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook. The League has created a spreadsheet to help communities navig...

Executive Order Clarifies Vaccine Requirements

On April 13, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 294 clarifying that vaccination requirements for covered workers at health care and high-risk congregate settings under Executive Order No. 283 include only one booster dose of the COVID-19 vacc...

Scam Targeting ARPA SLFRF NEUs

We want to share correspondence from the U.S. Treasury that was sent to the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities, regarding a SAM.gov registration scam targeting Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) as classified by the federal government.&...

Week of February 1: Covid-19 Update

This week Governor Phil Murphy issued an Executive Order expanding indoor dining and limiting the 10 p.m. curfew on closings of restaurants. The Governor announced that Johnson and Johnson has submitted an application for emergency use authorization from ...

Right to Farm Protections Extended to Aquaculture Activities

This week, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-428 into law, amending the Right to Farm Act to specify that shellfish aquaculture activities are eligible for Right to Farm Act protections. 

To be eligible for Right to Farm protections a shellfish commer...

League Seeking Information on MS4 Permit Compliance

The League is asking our members to answer a short survey aimed at gathering information related to individual municipalities efforts to comply with the NJDEP’s new MS4 permit program requirements.   

The New Jersey Department o...

NJDEP Announces Grants to Assist with New MS4 Permit Requirements

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) has announced the availability of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Details on the grant program have not bee...

Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland Bill Signed

Governor Phil Murphy has signed legislation authorizing commercial farms located on preserved farmland to hold special occasion events.

The new law expands authorization of special occasion events at commercial farms and wineries on preserved farmland. The...

League Seeking Information on LIHWAP Participation

The League continues to work with legislators and the administration to better understand the scope of municipal utility and local authority participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), and to develop an agreeable solution ...

USDA Community Facilities Application Processing Webinar

USDA’s Rural Development is hosting a webinar on March 30 at 10 a.m. for Community Facilities Program funding. This program helps build essential services within your community or for your non-profit! This live webinar allows y...

President Biden Proposes FY24 Budget

During a speech in Philadelphia, President Joe Biden unveiled the proposed $6.8 trillion Federal Fiscal Year 2024 budget spending blueprint which includes a 7% increase in nondefense discretionary spending, a 3% boost in national security funding, and red...

U.S. Senators Announces CDS Request Process

U.S. Senator Menendez’s office announced that the application process for FY2024 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) Requests is now available. The application deadline is close of business on Friday, March 17. This form can accommodate mult...

Treasury Contact Center Reopens in Advance of ARP P&E Deadline

The U.S. Department of Treasury announced that the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) contact centers will reopen on February 21. This is helpful because municipalities will have to file their annual American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local F...

Safe Streets for All Grant Program “Call to Action"

This week, the USDOT announced $800 million in grant awards for 510 local road safety projects through the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, a record amount of funding to improve roads and address traffic fatalities.&nb...

USDOE Announces Funding for EECBG Program

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The U.S. Departmen...

White House Releases Inflation Reduction Act Clean Energy Guidebook

Last week, the White House released the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Guidebook of Clean Energy provisions in the law. This guidebook provides an overview of the clean energy, climate mitigation and resilience, agriculture, and conservation-relat...

Federal Budget Update

On Thursday, the Senate, by a vote of 68-29 passed the FY2023 federal budget. As of this writing on Friday morning, the House is expected to pass the budget bill. The $1.7 trillion document funds all governmental departments through September 202...

RAISE Grant Funding and Upcoming Webinars Set

The next round of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program is now open. $1.5 billion in competitive grant funding is available for a broad range of infrastruct...

Call your Member of Congress TODAY for ARPA Flexibility

Congress' last task before the holidays is the FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations bill, and as of Friday, the ARPA Flexibility provisions that the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities (NLC), has been advocating wa...

Federal Budget Update

This week, the House and Senate passed a Continuing Resolution to fund the federal government through next Friday, December 23, and sent it to President Joe Biden for his signature. This allows them time to complete the federal budget next week. Had the f...

Rep. Sherrill Introduces Auto Theft Prevention Act

U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) has introduced the bipartisan Auto Theft Prevention Act with U.S. Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02), which would dedicate funding to local law enforcement agencies for resources to combat auto thefts under the U.S. Departmen...

ARP Project & Expenditure Reporting to DLGS

If you are among the municipalities that have yet to file your American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Project and Expenditure Report that was due on April 30, please be advised that the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) has ...

President Signs CHIPS and Science Act

On Tuesday, August 9, President Joe Biden signed H.R. 4346, the CHIPS and Science Act, into law. In addition to authorizing funding for research and innovation programs, the law appropriates a total of $54.2 billion to support domestic semiconduc...

Inflation Reduction Act Activity

This past weekend, the U.S. Senate utilized the chamber’s reconciliation rules to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, along a party-line vote of 51-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote. On Wednesday...

U.S. Treasury Releases ARPA SLFRF Affordable Housing Guidance

The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently announced How-to Guidance on increasing the ability of state, local, and tribal governments to use American Rescue Plan (ARP) State and Local Recovery Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) payments to boost the...

Ground Broken on Portal North Bridge

Earlier this week, Governor Murphy, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, and other officials broke ground on the Portal North Bridge, a critical link in the congested territory between New Jersey and New York. Replacement of the 111-year-old b...

Second Tranche of ARP SLRF Expected

According to statute, the second tranche payment for local governments in areas defined as Metropolitan Cities by U.S. Treasury will be made available no earlier than 12 months after the first tranche. The second tranche payment for localities will occur ...

U.S. Treasury Issues Guidance for Federal Requirements for Single Audits

U.S. Treasury Issues Guidance for Federal Requirements for Single Audits

 U.S. Treasury released the 2022 Compliance Supplement – 2 CFR Part 200 Appendix XI. Among the changes that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issue...

ARP & BIL Presentation

This past Wednesday, May 11, at the New Jersey Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, League Senior Legislative Analyst Paul Penna participated in a panel: American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Program Funds: Leveraging Federal, ...

NTIA Announces Municipal Broadband Funding Opportunity

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) featuring Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure, which is direct competitive funding. Municipalities are among the e...

SCOTUS Issues Decision of Municipal Interest

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has released its decision in City of Austin, Texas v. Reagan National Advertising of Austin, LLC, Et al. This case examined the City of Austin’s sign ordinance, which regulates “off-premises” signs ...

Rural Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook

The White House released a new resource to help identify and apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook. The League has created a spreadsheet to help communities navig...

Scam Targeting ARPA SLFRF NEUs

We want to share correspondence from the U.S. Treasury that was sent to the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities, regarding a SAM.gov registration scam targeting Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) as classified by the federal govern...

EECBG Grant Application Webinars

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG) Program will be hosting webinars about vouchers option, and the DOE technical assistance available to support eligible entities. All eligible entities are encourag...

NJDEP Provides Details on MS4 Permit Compliance Grants

In February, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) announced it would be making available of $19 million in grants to help municipalities with the transition to new municipal stormwater permitting requirements. Additional details o...

NJ Historic Trust Program Grant Opportunities

The New Jersey Historic Trust (NJHT) announced Project Grants to support a variety of programs and activities related to New Jersey history. The goal of the grant program is to engage diverse audiences in the active exploration, enjoyment, interpretation,...

NJDEP Hosting Meeting for Mayors on MS4 Grant Program

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) will be hosting an executive information session for mayors to review the recently announced grant program to assist municipalities with the new stormwater permitting requirements.&...

US Department of Justice Funding Opportunities Available

The Bureau of Justice Assistance in the U.S. Department of Justice announced two funding opportunities for which municipalities are eligible to apply. Each has multiple deadlines at both grants.gov and Justgrants.gov.

Swift, Certain, and Fair (SCF) Supervi...

Grant Funding Announced for New Jersey Statewide Wellness Campaign

The National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is allocating grant funding to 10 communities across the state for 2023. The NFC has announced $300,000 of funding to support municipalities to join the growing NFC fitness campaign; the mission is to build healthy infr...

Featured Grants - March 2023

Prepare for FY 2024 EPA Brownfield Grants

New Jersey Institute of Technology recently hosted an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) brownfield grant webinar in preparation for the FY2024 Multipurpose, Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund (RLF), and Cleanup (MARC) application process.&nb...

New Jersey American Water Annual Environmental Grant Program

?Applications are now being accepted for green project funding through New Jersey American Water’s Fifteenth Annual Environmental Grant Program. The program offers grants of $1,000 to $10,000 for qualifying innovative, community-based environmen...

Featured Grants - February 2023

USDOE Announces Webinar for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program is designed to assist states, local governments, and Tribes in implementing strategies to reduce energy use, reduce fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. The U.S. Departmen...

Featured Grants - January 2023

NJ Receives Federal “Internet for All” Grant from BIL

This week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that New Jersey received its first “Internet for All” grants for deploying high-speed internet networks and developing digital skills t...

LEAP Grants Now Available

The Division of Local Government Services and the Shared Services Czars recently announced that LEAP Challenge Grants and LEAP County Coordinator Fellowship Grants are due no later than March 15, 2023.  LEAP Challenge Grants all...

Featured Grants - December 2022

Featured Grants - November 2022

Featured Grants - October 2022

Featured Grants - September 2022

Featured Grants - August 2022

Featured Grants - July 2022

Featured Grants - June 2022

Available Federal Grants

Available Federal Grants

Below are announcements and application instructions for various competitive federal grants that are available to municipalities that we have not previously shared. We encourage you to review these programs with your Municipal Mana...

Featured Grants - May 2022

Featured Grants - April 2022

Benefits of Age-Friendly Community Practices Lunch & Learn Held

On March 21 the League hosted a League’s Lunch and Learn to discover the benefits of Age-Friendly Community Practices with representatives from the Department of Human Services, including Janet Sharma, Age-Friendly Englewood, Member of the New J...

PDC Discusses Local Government Employer Group Mid-Year Analysis

At the March 22 Plan Design Committee (PDC), AON, the actuary for the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC), provided answers to questions PDC members had for the mid-year performance overview of the plan. There was no new information provided from the ...

20 and Out Legislation Passed Senate, Before Assembly

Legislation (A-4998/S-3090) which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age unanimously passed the Senate earlier this week and is before the full Assembly on March 30. The League joins the New ...

Expansion of Prevailing Wage Requirements to PILOT Projects

The Senate Budget committee was scheduled to consider a bill expanding prevailing wage requirements to PILOT projects, however, after outreach by the League and other stakeholders, sponsor Senator Gopal held S-2798 for additional review and possible amend...

Assembly Committee to Consider 20 and Out Legislation

On Monday Assembly State and Local Government Committee will be considering A-4498, which provides police and fire personnel a retirement allowance after 20 years of service, regardless of age. The League joins the New Jersey Association of Counties in ou...

Governor Signs Legislation Permitting Alternate Deputy Registrars

This week, Governor Murphy signed A-4524/S-2709, now P.L.2023, c.22, which permits the appointment of additional alternate deputy registrars. The League supports this legislation because is especially necessary in municipalities that host hospita...

NJ Local Government Week is Quickly Approaching!

Celebrate Your Municipality and Showcase Its Beauty!

Let residents know about your municipal facilities, highlight the services that their local government provides to them on a daily basis, introduce them to your employees, and showcase the beauty of your...

Governor Signs Bill Changing Certain Primary Election Dates

On March 9 Governor Murphy signed into law S-3595/A-5177, which changes certain primary election deadlines. The new law took effect immediately. 

 The deadlines changed include the following: 

• Submission by the Municipal Clerk to ...

State Health Benefits Commission Meeting Update

During the March meeting of the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) this week, the members heard a mid-year overview from AON, including information on the State Employee Group, the Local Government Employer Group, and&n...

Reminder: SLFRF Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report Due April 30

As a reminder, the annual ARPA State and Local Fiscal Recovery Plan (SLFRF) Project and Expenditure (P&E) Report is due on April 30. The portal will open on April 1. 

Working with the National League of Cities (NLC), the League’s fed...

NJBPU Seeking Input on LED Streetlight Program

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU) has issued a Request for Comments, seeking input from interested parties regarding the conversion of existing streetlights to LED streetlights. Specifically, seeking information related to streetlight and p...

Governor to Deliver New Jersey 2024 Budget Address on February 28

Governor Phil Murphy will deliver the Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Address on February 28, which follows the State of the State Address in January. The Governor has previously spoken of building the "Next New Jersey," which aims to create an economic...

Division Issues Guidance on Cap Relief & Opioid Settlement

The Division of Local Government Services issued Local Finance Notice 2023-04 announcing one-time exemptions to the appropriation cap for certain items for the Calendar Year 2023/State Fiscal Year 2024 budget and guidance on usage and reporting Opioid Set...

State Health Benefits Increase Remains Unresolved

Unfortunately, as we reported last week, the talks regarding relief for raising healthcare premium costs remain unresolved. This comes among news that Newark, Camden, and Trenton have all left the State Health Benefits system, or are in the process of doi...

Bill Authorizing Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland on Track to Become Law

On Thursday, the Assembly voted to approve the recommendations of Governor Murphy’s conditional veto of S-757, after suspending their normal rules to include the bill onto the voting session board list.

The legislation looks to expand au...

Senate Committee Discusses Bill Looking to Increase Utility Participation in LIHWAP

This week, the Senate Economic Growth Committee reviewed S-3333 for discussion only. While the League agrees that additional efforts are needed to ensure the success of the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP), we do not agree t...

NJDEP Announces Reimbursements for Radon Test Kits

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) is offering Radon Awareness Program (RAP) grants to all municipalities, on a first come basis to be distributed to residents. Please see the Radon Action Partnership Packet, t...

Pass a Resolution to Become a RevolutionNJ Community

2026 is the 250th anniversary of the United States! This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity that allows New Jerseyans to create a lasting legacy. RevolutionNJ is the formal state initiative for the commemoration of the 250th and a partnership between t...

Guidance Issued on Marriage and Civil Union License Reimbursement

If you recall, P.L. 2022, c. 23 prohibited municipalities from charging the fee for marriage and civil union licenses from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. The state has just released the Marriage License Reimbursement Program procedures for municipalities...

Governor Delivered State of State Address

On Tuesday, Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2023 State of the State address. In his speech, Governor Murphy announced plans to overhaul New Jersey’s antiquated liquor laws, something that has been a longtime League priority; the extension of ...

Key Liquor License Reform Takeaways from State of the State

In Governor Murphy’s State of the State address, he revisited the topic of Liquor License reform, which he discussed during his speech of the League Conference in November. The Governor’s proposed plan includes phasing out the populati...

Governor Murphy Delivers State of the State Address

Today, Governor Phil Murphy delivered his 2023 State of the State address. This marks the first time in three years that the speech was given in person as the last two addresses were virtual because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

In his speech, Gov...

SHBP Municipalities: Please Continue to Reach Out to Governor & Your Legislators

The New Year has come and the 379 municipalities participating in the State Health Benefits system, along with their employees, and ultimately their taxpayers, will still have to fund a 22% increase in health benefits costs, unless an immediate solution i...

Governor Signs Bill Allowing Use of Third-Party Private Construction Inspectors

On Thursday, Governor Murphy signed A-573, which makes several changes to the Uniform Construction Code Act (UCC). The bill codifies the three-day construction inspection turnaround and allows for developers to contract with private on-site inspe...

FY2023 Federal Omnibus Budget Passed

In the final week of December, the House and Senate passed, and President Biden signed a $1.7 trillion FY2023 federal budget through September 30, 2023. For provisions of state and local interest, please read the League’s two blog posts, the fir...

Department of Treasury Releases Russia-Belarus List

P.L. 2022, c. 3, which prohibits government dealings with businesses associated with Belarus and Russia, requires the New Jersey Department of Treasury to develop a list of companies it determines engage in prohibited activities associated with Russia or ...

State Health Benefits Update

State Health Benefits Update

The League continues to work pro-actively and collaboratively with our partners at the NJ Conference of Mayors and NJ Association of Counties to identify a workable plan and means toward a resolution by the Governor and the le...

Governor Signs School Security Legislation

Governor Signs School Security Legislation 

On December 1 Governor Murphy signed into law S-2426, which requires public schools and nonpublic schools to submit critical incident mapping data for all schools and school grounds to local law enforcem...

Revised Model Procurement Forms

Revised Model Procurement Forms

Recently, the Division of Local Government Services updated two model procurement forms – the Ownership Disclosure Form and the Federal Non-Debarment Certification. The Ownership Disclosure Form was updat...

State Health Benefits Commission Meets – No New Action on SHBP 2023 Increase

Earlier this week, the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) met to consider regular business and appeal requests. During the meeting, SHBC Committee member Dudley Burge asked for an update on and solutions to the 22% cost increase in local government h...

DLGS Announces Municipal Budget Appropriations for Fire Districts

On October 19 the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) released Local Finance Notice 2022-19 (LFN). The notice reports that municipalities may appropriate funds for use by their volunteer fire companies or boards of fire commissioners in ...

OSC Municipal Sick and Vacation Leave Corrective Action

If you were one of the municipalities that had their sick and vacation time policy reviewed by the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) earlier this year and asked to make corrective action by September, we ask you to share your response with the League ...

Assembly Advances Legislation to Allow Police to be Present at Certain Polling Places

On Thursday, the Assembly favorably reported S-2912 which permits police officers to be present at senior residential centers or schools that are used as polling places. The legislation also requires school districts to establish election day sec...

MS4 Tier A Permit Renewal Comment Period Closed, Advocacy Efforts Continue

The comment period for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Draft Tier A Permit renewal closed on September 20. The League in partnership with the New Jersey Conference of Mayors submitted comments focusing on...

SHBP Rate Increase Adopted

Last week, the State Health Benefits Commission adopted the rate increase as proposed in the AON Rate Renewal Report Local Government Employee/Retiree Group and State Employee/Retiree Group. Municipalities in the State Health Benefits Plan will s...

Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order Increasing Offshore Wind Goal by 2040

Yesterday, Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 307, increasing New Jersey’s offshore wind goal by nearly 50% to 11,000 megawatts (MW) by 2040. The Executive Order, which increases the state’s current goal of 7,500 ...

Bill Authorizing Special Occasion Events on Preserved Farmland is Conditionally Vetoed

On Thursday, Governor Murphy issued a conditional veto of S-757. The legislation sought to expand authorization of special occasion events at commercial farms and wineries on preserved farmland. The League opposed S-757 as passed by the legislatu...

Duct Cleaning Subject to Prevailing Wage Law

On September 22 Governor Murphy signed into law S-1027/A2208, which makes duct cleaning as public work subject to the prevailing wage law. P.L. 2022, c. 113 took effect immediately.  Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Dire...

Legislation Will Add Local Representation to State Health Benefits Commission

Senators Ruiz and Sarlo have introduced legislation that would expand the State Health Benefits Commission from five members to nine members and add local representation to Commission. S-3033 would add two local government management members, a m...

Blog Post: Available Federal Grants

Please read the League’s recent blog post for newly announced and application instructions for various competitive federal grants that are available to municipalities.  Contact: Paul Penna, Senior Legislative Analyst, ...

Financial Data Transparency Act of 2022: A Costly Unfunded Mandate for Municipalities

As Congress prepares to pass the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), municipalities should be aware of a provision that may have a negative impact on their operations through the imposition of a new unfunded mandate. Senators Mark Warner (D-...

ABC Special Ruling on Delivery of Alcoholic Beverages

The Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) announced a special ruling that would allow for third-party delivery services of alcoholic beverages to customers. Please see our blog post for an in-depth review of the special ruling. &a...

State Health Benefits Program Plan Design Committee Meets

Yesterday, the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) Plan Design Committee met, and the members were given an Overview of the Rate Setting Environment by AON, a risk management firm assisting the SHBP. AON’s overview offered a number of reasons f...

Governor Signs Law Requiring Municipalities to Create Business Insurance Registry

Last Friday, Governor Murphy signed into law S-1368 requiring all business owners and owners of multifamily rental units to maintain certain levels of liability insurance. In addition, the new law requires that all business owners and owners of m...

Governor Signs Law Requiring Municipalities to Create Business Insurance Registry

Friday afternoon, Governor Murphy signed into law S-1368 requiring all business owners and owners of multifamily rental units to maintain certain levels of liability insurance. In addition, the new law requires that all business owners and owners...

Proposed Increase to State Health Benefits Rates Update

Earlier this week we advised you that the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) was scheduled to meet Monday, July 25, via conference call for its Annual Rate Renewal meeting. The SHBC has removed the rate hike proposal from the July 25 agenda for consi...

Governor Murphy Signs Police Licensing Program Into Law

On Thursday, July 21, Governor Murphy signed into law S2742/A4194, establishing a statewide police licensing program and appropriating $6 million to establish the program. Governor Murphy highlighted that with this new law New Jersey would join t...

New Lead-Based Paint Inspections Requirements Now Law – Resources and Training Available

As a reminder, the new lead-based paint inspection requirements, pursuant to P.L.2021, c.182, take effect today, July 22, 2022. The law, signed by Governor Murphy last year, imposes an obligation on municipalities to perform or hire a certified l...

NJEDA Expanding Electric Vehicle Voucher Program

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced a $45 million expansion of the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP), doubling the amount of funding dedicated to the program. NJ ZIP provides vouchers to businesses an...

DLGS Issues State Aid Payment Schedule

The Division of Local Government Services has issued Local Finance Notice 2022-14, CY 2022/FY 2023 State Aid payment schedule. Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief (CMPTRA), Energy Tax Receipts (ERT), and the Municipal Relief Fund aid ACH d...

Energy Tax Receipt Funding Update

The FY 2023 Budget legislation was favorably released from both the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee and the Assembly Budget Committee along a party-line vote in both committees on the evening of June 27. The Budget legislation includes an alloc...

FY2023 Budget Update

With the FY2023 budget deadline of June 30 fast approaching, Governor Murphy and the State Legislature continue to consider how to use the $6.9 in surplus revenue. Governor Murphy and majority leadership continue to follow their affordability agenda for N...

Assembly Committee Advances Firefighter Cancer Screening Mandate

On Thursday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-4127, which mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for firefighters who are not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). This provides for the approxim...

NJLM Lunch and Learn: Lead-Paint Guidance Materials Available

NJLM’s Lunch and Learn series continued on June 3 with a briefing featuring Kia King, Director of Policy & External Affairs for the Department of Community Affairs, and Marie Daniels, Program Specialist 2, Regulatory Program, Code Developmen...

Second Tranche of ARP SLRF Expected

According to statute, the second tranche payment for local governments in areas defined as Metropolitan Cities by U.S. Treasury will be made available no earlier than 12 months after the first tranche. The second tranche payment for localities will occur ...

NJDEP Issues Compliance Advisory on MS4 Permits

On June 1 the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) issued a Compliance Advisory noting that MS4 Permit Compliance Submissions are past due. DEP’s Division of Water Enforcement is conducting compliance evaluation inspections ...

Acting Governor Scutari Signs Pedicab Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Legislation

The weekend of June 4 while Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver were out of the state on personal business, acting Governor Scutari signed P.L 2022, c.16 allowing for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in pedicabs under the following circum...

Action Needed to Advance ETR Fund Restoration

A-3804/S-330, which would restore distributions to municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Municipal Distribution Program (ETR) over two years and require additional funding to be subtracted from the municipal property tax levy, is the fi...

988 Suicide & Crisi Lifeline

988 Suicide & Crisi Lifeline

On July 16, 2022, 9-8-8 will become the nationwide 3-digit dialing code for crisis and suicide prevention, replacing the 1-800 number currently used by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. When dialed, 9-8-8 connects t...

Update on Legislation Undermining Local Planning and Zoning

Update on Legislation Undermining Local Planning and Zoning

The League is continuing to monitor and advocate against A-1294/S-2103. This legislation would authorize the conversion of certain office parks and retail centers to mixed-use development...

Law Increases Municipal Contributions Allowed for Volunteer First Aid Squads

On Monday, May 9, Governor Murphy signed into law legislation that increases the contribution limits by counties and municipalities to volunteer first aid, ambulances, and rescue squads. P.L. 2022, c. 12 increases the maximum amount that municipa...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes Political Bribery Bill

On Monday, May 9, Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation aimed at addressing a perceived judicial misinterpretation of the law concerning political bribery. A-2472 was introduced after federal and state trial courts both interprete...

Assembly Oversight Committee Held Hearing on Liquor License Reform

On Monday, May 9, the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee heard testimony from key stakeholders of the New Jersey alcoholic beverage industry on the current state of the industry and discussed ways to improve the manufacturing, dis...

ARP & BIL Presentation

This past Wednesday, May 11, at the New Jersey Conference of Mayors Annual Meeting in Atlantic City, League Senior Legislative Analyst Paul Penna participated in a panel: American Rescue Plan and Infrastructure Program Funds: Leveraging Federal, ...

NTIA Announces Municipal Broadband Funding Opportunity

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) featuring Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure, which is direct competitive funding. Municipalities are among the e...

Cannabis Use by Off-Duty Law Enforcement

Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin sent a memo to law enforcement chief executives regarding compliance with P.L. 2021, c. 16, the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act. In the memo, Acting Attorney Gener...

FY 2023 Budget Hearings Continue

Budget hearings continued this week with the Senate Budget and Appropriations meeting on Thursday, April 21. A number of individuals testified including some who reaffirmed the League's requests to restore fund...

DEP Announces Two New Grant Opportunities

As earth week kicked off, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection launched a $10 million public lakes grant program to help improve water quality, and a $15 million investment through Blue and Green Carbon Grants to help enhance New...

SCOTUS Issues Decision of Municipal Interest

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) has released its decision in City of Austin, Texas v. Reagan National Advertising of Austin, LLC, Et al. This case examined the City of Austin’s sign ordinance, which regulates “...

Rural Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook

The White House released a new resource to help identify and apply for funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Rural Playbook. The League has created a spreadsheet to help communities navig...

Departments of Education, Agriculture Give Budget Testimony

On April 14, both the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) gave testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee. DOE Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian's testimony high...

New Law Permits Existing Police and Fire Chiefs to Serve Longer

On April 12, Governor Murphy signed into law A-2158, which took effect immediately. P.L. 2022, c. 9 permits an existing police chief or fire chief who attains the age of 65 within the next two years to continue serving as chief until the end of t...

Executive Order Clarifies Vaccine Requirements

On April 13, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 294 clarifying that vaccination requirements for covered workers at health care and high-risk congregate settings under Executive Order No. 283 include only one booster dose of the COVID-19 vacc...

Scam Targeting ARPA SLFRF NEUs

We want to share correspondence from the U.S. Treasury that was sent to the League’s federal partner, the National League of Cities, regarding a SAM.gov registration scam targeting Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) as classified by the federal government.&...

May 4: Single-Use Plastic Ban Takes Effect

Starting on Wednesday, May 4, New Jersey will implement P.L 2020, C.117, which bans single-use plastic bags, straws, and polystyrene foam foodservice products. The law states that New Jersey businesses are banned from providing or selling single-use plast...

Office of Legislative Services and Department of Treasury Give Testimony on FY2023 Budget

On Monday, April 4, the legislative hearings on Governor Murphy’s proposed $48.9 billion FY2023 budget began. The Assembly Budget committee heard testimony from the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and the New Jersey Department of Treasury....

Thank You For Attenting the 105th Annual Conference

Dear Elected and Appointed Officials:We would like to take a moment to thank you for attending the League’s 105^th Annual Conference, presented virtually in 2020. When the ball dropped last New Year’s Eve, little did we know what lay ahead in 2020, and now...

July 2019 Interest Arbitration Update

In June, mediators appointed by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) issued three interest arbitration awards. The first interest arbitration awards to be issued since the expiration of the 2% cap. Each of these awards arose out of an impasse...

DCA Updates LIHWAP Webpage to Assist Customers and Utilities

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) has updated its Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) webpage to provide better assistance to customers and utilities looking for information on the program.

The updated webpage provides...

July 2019 Interest Arbitration Update

In June, mediators appointed by the Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) issued three interest arbitration awards. The first interest arbitration awards to be issued since the expiration of the 2% cap. Each of these awards arose out of an impasse...

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Increase LIHWAP Participation

A bill meant to increase participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) was advanced through Senate committee this week. While the League initially opposed S-3333, amendments were made allowing us to now support the bill.

This ...

Governor Murphy Holds Roundtable Around Liquor License Reform

On Thursday, February 23, Governor Phil Murphy held a roundtable discussion with key stakeholders to gather input and recommendations for the legislative proposal aimed at modernizing the state's liquor license laws. The roundtable was held in Cl...

Senate State Government Committee Favorably Reports S-3519

The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee favorably reported S-3519, which makes various changes to primary election, vacancy, municipal referendum, and mail-in ballot mailing deadlines. 

On Thursday, the ...

Senate Judiciary Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 19, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony from invited guests concerning the increase in motor vehicle thefts in New Jersey over the last two years and consider a package of legislation.   Invited g...

Third-Party Private Construction Inspection Legislation Approved by Assembly Senate to Consider Bill

On Thursday, the Assembly unanimously approved ACS A-573, with the Senate is scheduled to vote on the legislation on Monday.   The bill would expand the use of third-party private construction inspections, allowing muni...

Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee Hears Testimony on Car Theft Prevention

On December 5, the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee heard testimony from New Jersey State Police Major Larry Williams, Deputy Attorney General Joseph Giordano, and Alexander Shalom, Senior Supervising Attorney and Director of Supreme Court Advocac...

Bill Providing Appropriation Cap Relief Before Senate

On Monday the Senate will be considering S-3380, which would exempt gasoline and diesel fuel costs; solid waste and recycling collection and disposal costs, as well as disposal of yard waste; cyber insurance costs; liability insurance costs; work...

Please Consider Adopting Resolution in Support of Municipal Holiday Tree Burning Events

S-861 would permit municipalities to conduct an annual event for the open burning of holiday trees. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) would be tasked with establishing rules, regulations, and standards for the open burning of C...

Governor Supports Legislation to Combat Auto Theft

On Monday, along with Senate President Nick Scutari and Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Governor Murphy announced his support for proposed legislation to combat auto theft in New Jersey. Among the proposals highlighted:

• Establishing a persistent auto thef...

County and Municipal Airport Financial Law Changes

On August 5, Governor Murphy signed into law legislation that authorizes a county that acquires, establishes, and operates an airport to maintain, operate, and manage the airport as a public utility. In addition, the new law clarifies that counties and mu...

Governor Signs Law Expanding Outdoor Dining Timeframe

On Wednesday, Governor Murphy signed S-2364 into law. The new law expands the time period during which certain restaurants, bars, distilleries, and breweries are allowed to utilize tents, canopies, umbrellas, tables, chairs, and other fixture on ...

Assembly Committee Advances Firefighter Cancer Screening Mandate

On Thursday, the Assembly Appropriations Committee favorably reported A-4127, which mandates access to periodic cancer screening examinations for firefighters who are not enrolled in the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). This provides for the approxim...

Acting Governor Scutari Signs Pedicab Alcoholic Beverage Consumption Legislation

The weekend of June 4 while Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Oliver were out of the state on personal business, acting Governor Scutari signed P.L 2022, c.16 allowing for the consumption of alcoholic beverages in pedicabs under the following circum...

Action Needed to Advance ETR Fund Restoration

A-3804/S-330, which would restore distributions to municipalities from the Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Municipal Distribution Program (ETR) over two years and require additional funding to be subtracted from the municipal property tax levy, is the fi...

Energy Tax Receipts Tax Relief Fund Restoration Update

Energy Tax Receipts Tax Relief Fund Restoration Update

 Earlier this week, the League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Conference of Mayors sent a joint letter to Assemblyman Verrelli, Chair of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee...

Law Increases Municipal Contributions Allowed for Volunteer First Aid Squads

On Monday, May 9, Governor Murphy signed into law legislation that increases the contribution limits by counties and municipalities to volunteer first aid, ambulances, and rescue squads. P.L. 2022, c. 12 increases the maximum amount that municipa...

Governor Conditionally Vetoes Political Bribery Bill

On Monday, May 9, Governor Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed legislation aimed at addressing a perceived judicial misinterpretation of the law concerning political bribery. A-2472 was introduced after federal and state trial courts both interprete...

Assembly Oversight Committee Held Hearing on Liquor License Reform

On Monday, May 9, the Assembly Oversight, Reform, and Federal Relations Committee heard testimony from key stakeholders of the New Jersey alcoholic beverage industry on the current state of the industry and discussed ways to improve the manufacturing, dis...

Cannabis Use by Off-Duty Law Enforcement

Acting Attorney General Matt Platkin sent a memo to law enforcement chief executives regarding compliance with P.L. 2021, c. 16, the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act. In the memo, Acting Attorney Gener...

Office of Legislative Services and Department of Treasury Give Testimony on FY2023 Budget

On Monday, April 4, the legislative hearings on Governor Murphy’s proposed $48.9 billion FY2023 budget began. The Assembly Budget committee heard testimony from the New Jersey Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and the New Jersey Department of Treasury....

Court Upholds Governor’s Vaccine Mandate Authority for Certain State Workers

Last week, a State appellate panel affirmed Governor Murphy’s authority under the Disaster Control Act and the Emergency Health Act to impose through Executive Order 283, a COVID-19 vaccination mandate on State corrections officers. The NJ Supre...

League Hosts USDA Rural Development Webinar

On Thursday, the League hosted a Lunch and Learn with Jane Asselta, USDA Rural Development New Jersey State Director who discussed available funding and loans for municipalities.

Among the programs highlighted where grants and/or loans that are available f...

Directives Issued Regarding Municipal Court Bench Warrants

Directives Issued Regarding Municipal Court Bench Warrants

 On Wednesday, May 25, New Jersey’s Acting Attorney General, Matthew Platkin, issued Law Enforcement Directive NO. 2022-6. The Directive instructs law enforcement agenci...

Civil Service Commission Issues Final Administrative Action in Telework Matter

The Civil Service Commission approved CSC Docket No. 2022-2243, establishing a pilot program to provide for a Model Telework Program for the State’s Executive Branch employees for a period of one year to commence on July 1, 2022.

The Civil Service Commission has approved CSC Docket No. 2022-2243, establishing a pilot program to provide for a Model Telework Program for the State’s Executive Branch employees for a period of one year to commence on July 1, 2022. Each departm...

Correct Version of the State Flag

The League would like to encourage municipalities to purchase the correct version of the State flag. The underskirts of the goddesses are silver as set forth by the NJ legislature in 1928. Non-approved versions show the underskirts incorrectly in blue.

The League would like to encourage municipalities to purchase the correct version of the State flag.On behalf of the New Jersey State Treasury Printing Service, we are distributing this information so that municipalities will be aware of the correct and a...

Local Government Employer Group Mid-Year Experience Analysis

At the March 8, State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) meeting, AON, the actuary for the SHBC provided the commission members a mid-year performance overview of the plan. For more information, please read the League’s recent blog post.

Contact: ...

State Health Benefits Increase Continues to Remain Unresolved

There continues to be no progress in efforts to mitigate the impact of the unprecedented health care contribution increase for State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) participants and employers. As reported last week, employers are beginning to leave the sys...

State Extends Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance

New Jersey extended its health benefits contract with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield for another year, media outlets report. This occurred after state officials alleged the health insurer failed to meet the terms of the deal.   ...

SHBP Update: No Relief In New Year

Earlier today the Joint Budget Oversight Committee (JBOC) met to consider items including the transfer of Federal Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds. The transfers, which were already outlined in the State budget, included:

• $300 million for various ca...

SHBP Municipalities: Reach Out to Governor & Your Legislators

In less than two weeks, the 379 municipalities participating in the State Health Benefits system, along with their employees, and ultimately their taxpayers, will have to fund a 22% increase in health benefits costs. It is imperative that the Governor and...

Unions and Local Government Management Submit Plan to Address Pending SHPB Increase

The League of Municipalities, the New Jersey Conference of Mayors, the New Jersey Urban Mayors Association, and New Jersey Association of Counties have been working with other interested stakeholders, including the major public sector union representative...

State Health Benefits Commission Meets – No New Action on SHBP 2023 Increase

Earlier this week, the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC) met to consider regular business and appeal requests. During the meeting, SHBC Committee member Dudley Burge asked for an update on and solutions to the 22% cost increase in local government h...

SHBP Plan Design Committee Meets & Labor Launches Campaign

On Oct. 26, the State Health Benefits Plan (SHBP) Plan Design Committee (PDC) held its regularly scheduled meeting. Agenda items included a review of 2023 Dental CDT codes and the bi-annual Optum Rx formulary review.   ...

State Health Benefits Commission Approves 2023 Rate Increase

Today, during the Annual Rate Renewal meeting of the State Health Benefits Commission (SHBC), the trustees voted to approve a nearly 23% local government health insurance rate increase and a 21% increase in state employee health insurance rates. The three...