Ten (10) New Laws in New Jersey That You Should Know For 2022
Hundreds of bills are signed by Governor Murphy every year. Here are 10 “Must Know” new laws set to take effect, or set to be extended, in 2022.
1.UTILITY SHUTOFF GRACE PERIOD EXTENSION
Extended from Dec. 31, 2021 to March 15, 2022
During the early stages of the global COVID-19 pandemic Governor Murphy instituted a moratorium on utility shutoffs for those that were unable to pay their gas, water, and electric bills. Since its inception, it has been extended several times. On June 14, 2021, Gov. Murphy announced that the end of the grace period for utility service shutoff would end December 31, 2021.
However, the new law S4081, established under Executive Order No. 246, further extends the utility grace period from December 31, 2021 to March 15, 2022. This law further requires utility companies to offer a 12-month, interest-free payment plan to existing customer before imposing liens or disconnecting service. This grace period may be extended again, should the pandemic continue or another public health emergency appear.
2. INCREASED INCOME ELIGIBILITY FOR THE DISABLED AND ELDERLY
Took Effect - Jan. 1
This law (A5520), which took effect at the start of the new year, increases the income eligibility limits previously established in the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program. Income limits for individuals was increased to $38,769 (was $28,769 in 2021), while limits for combined married couples was increased to $45,270 (was $35,270 in 2021).
Additionally, income eligibility limits under the Senior Gold Prescription Discount (SGPD) program increased to $48,769 for individuals and $55,270 for married couples.
3. PROHIBITION ON LANDLORDS FROM CONSIDERING CRIMINAL HISTORY IN HOUSING APPLICATIONS
Took Effect - Jan. 1
Worried a past criminal conviction may hurt your chances of obtaining a lease for a rental property? Well worry no more, as S250 prohibits landlords from requiring an applicant to complete any housing application that inquiries into the criminal history of the prospective tenants.
4. INCREASE IN MINIMUM WAGE
Took Effect - Jan. 1
Gov. Murphy previously signed a bill in 2019 which incrementally and gradually raises the minimum wage state-wide in New Jersey. When the bill was signed in 2019, state minimum wage was $8.85/hour. It has increased gradually since then, with the minimum wage set for $13.00/hour for most employers and $11.90/hour for seasonal employees or employees at small businesses of five or less.
Minimum wage will continue to increase yearly in New Jersey, with the ultimate goal of $15.00/hour set to begin in 2024.
5. MORE ROOM FOR BICYCLISTS AND PEDESTRIANS
Takes Effect - March 1
Set to begin on March 1, 2022, A5570 requires drivers to move over one lane when passing pedestrians and people on bicycles or scooters. Drivers will now be required to allow four feet of space between their vehicle and the person being passed. If ample space between the vehicle and person does not exist, drivers are instead required to slow to 25 miles per hour before passing.
Drivers in violation of the new law will face fines of $100 and no points or $500 and two motor vehicle points if the violation causes bodily injury.
6. BANS ON ANIMAL TESTING
Takes Effect - March 1
As many animal-lovers in New Jersey already know, testing on animals for products is outlawed in this state when a valid and alternative method of testing exists. The upcoming law, S1726, expands on existing legislation by prohibiting the sale of items tested on animals out of state. Stores will be required to remove cosmetic products from their shelves if they do not conform with the new law.
Various exceptions exist; if an ingredient is widely-used and irreplaceable, if there is no accepted alternate way to test the product, or if testing is required by a state or federal regulator. However, if a person or store is found to have violated S1726, expect fines of up to $1,000 per sale.
7. STRICTER HAZING RULES
Takes Effect - March 1
“Timothy J. Piazza’s Law,” a new law under S84, increases the penalties for those found guilty of hazing at all New Jersey schools, including public and private universities. Named after the Readington native who died from falling down the stairs at a Penn State fraternity in 2017, S84 does the following:
- Upgrades 4th Degree hazing to 3rd Degree if: results in death or serious bodily injury
- Upgrades Disorderly persons to 4th degree hazing if: results in bodily injury
- Defines Hazing as: causing, coercing or forcing someone to consume alcohol or drugs
8. BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS
Takes Effect - May 4
If you haven’t already noticed the lack of plastic straws available at your local convenient store, the new law C117 will further ban businesses from handing out single-use plastic bags, polystyrene food containers, and even paper bags. This ban will apply to restaurants, convenience stores, food trucks, and grocery stores that are 2,500 square feet or larger. It is the strictest single-use plastics ban in the nation.
Various exemptions exist, in the form of plastic bags used for produce, bags that hold fish or insects from pet stores, newspaper bags, and more. Violators will receive a warning on their first offense, a $1,000 fine on a second offense, and a $5,000 fine for each subsequent offense. The money gained from violations directly funds the Clean Communities Program Fund, which pays for trash pick-up grants across New Jersey.
9. MOBILE HAIRSTYLING
Takes Effect - Nov. 1
It should come as no surprise that many residents across the state have struggled in obtaining professional haircuts or styling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fortunately, this problem will soon be corrected, in the form of mobile hair salon and barbershop facilities.
The law, S2996, allows individuals holding licenses with the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling to operate mobile salons. The barbershops on wheels must conform with strict requirements related to size, sanitation and cleaning, and must provide a restroom.
10. FINANCIAL LITERACY
Takes Effect - TBD
The Department of Community Affairs is set to partner with municipalities and local non-profits across the state to facilitate financial literacy programs and personal finance training sessions. The law, formerly under bill A3062, will take effect at an undetermined time during the upcoming year and will include the following programs:
- Opening or Transitioning to a Safe Bank Account
- Establishing Good Credit
- Managing Debt
- Increasing Savings
These new laws set to take effect throughout 2022 are not an exhaustive list and may continue to grow during the upcoming year. Here at Weir Attorneys, we have extensive experience in understanding and synthesizing current legislation. For questions or concerns as to how any of the new laws will affect you, please call or email our office, (609) 594-4000/weirlaw@weirattorneys.com, and one of our experienced trial attorneys will assist.