Policy News Feature

Courtenay Mercer, PP, AICP
Executive Director, Downtown New Jersey

July 22, 2020

Downtown New Jersey acts as an advocate for downtown commercial districts in New Jersey, tracking legislative, regulatory, and policy issues that can affect the success of the state’s downtowns and then informing and educating members on these issues. Since our last Policy Watch, there has been movement on a few bills impacting downtowns:

  • There has been a significant amount of COVID-related legislative activity since our last Policy Watch. Below is a list of the legislation that has passed. For more information about these bills or pending legislation, check out the “COVID-Related Legislation” section below. To stay up to date more regularly and for other COVID-19 information, check out DNJ’s COVID-19 Resource Page.
    • P.L.2020, c.60. (A4175/S2697): “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” authorizes issuance of State bonds totaling $5 billion and authorizes borrowing from federal government.
    • P.L.2020, c.53 (S2346/A3919): Extends certain permits during COVID-19 emergency.
    • P.L. 2020, c.42 (S2437/A3978): Limits service fees charged to restaurants by third-party food takeout and delivery applications during COVID-19 state of emergency.
    • P.L. 2020, c.35 (A4157/S2387): Extends time period for filing and processing certain property tax appeals in 2020.
    • P.L.2020, c.33 (A3966/S2413): Concerns delivery and sale of alcoholic beverages during declared state of emergency; requires ABC director to notify licensees of certain tax exemptions during emergency.
    • P.L.2020, c.19., S2338/A3918: “COVID-19 Fiscal Mitigation Act”
    • P.L.2020, c.17, (S2304/A3900): Concerns family leave and disability benefits during epidemic-related emergencies.
    • P.L.2020, c.16 (A3865/S2291): Limits return of items purchased from retail food stores under certain circumstances.
    • P.L.2020, c.9 (A3848/S2301): Concerns time off from work in connection with infectious disease.
    • P.L.2020, c.8 (A3845/S2284): Authorizes EDA to make grants during periods of emergency declared by Governor and for duration of economic disruptions due to emergency; allows EDA to grant certain business documentation submission deadline extensions.
  • A committee hearing occurred on July 22, 2020 for the Historic Property Reinvestment Act (S412), which provides tax credits for costs of rehabilitating historic properties. Downtown New Jersey submitted testimony in writing.
  • A Senate bill (S73) establishing requirements for the sale of home baked goods was reported out of committee and was subsequently amended on the Senate floor on July 29, 2020. The bill awaits further action.

Below is all the legislation we have been watching that could impact downtowns:

COVID-Related Legislation

The below is up to date as of July 22, 2020. To keep up with COVID-related legislation more regularly, check out DNJ’s COVID-19 Resource Page.

P.L.2020, c.60. (A4175/S2697): “New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Bond Act,” authorizes issuance of State bonds totaling $5 billion and authorizes borrowing from federal government.
The legislation authorizes the issuance of $9.9 billion in State general obligation bonds with a 35-year maturity to be used for the purpose of responding to the fiscal exigencies caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic. The bill also authorizes the Governor to apply for and receive federal stimulus loans for the benefit of local government units. The bill passed in both the Senate and Assembly, and was approved by Governor Murphy on July 16, 2020.

Related News: With $9.9B State Borrowing Bill Now Law, Business Groups Urge Spending Restraint (NJBIA- July 17, 2020)

P.L.2020, c.53 (S2346/A3919): Extends certain permits during COVID-19 emergency.
The legislation extends existing permit approvals six months after the end of the declared COVID-19 public health emergency. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on July 1, 2020.

P.L. 2020, c.42 (S2437/A3978): Limits service fees charged to restaurants by third-party food takeout and delivery applications during COVID-19 state of emergency.
During a state of emergency, third-party take-out and delivery websites/apps are prohibited from charging a fee greater than 25% of the order where delivery is being provided by the third-party, or greater than 10% where delivery is being provided by restaurant staff. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on June 26, 2020.

P.L. 2020, c.35 (A4157/S2387): Extends time period for filing and processing certain property tax appeals in 2020.
The legislation extends the deadline to file an FY20 tax appeal to July 1, 2020, and extends the deadline for decision to September 30, 2021. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on May 28, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.33 (A3966/S2413): Concerns delivery and sale of alcoholic beverages during declared state of emergency; requires ABC director to notify licensees of certain tax exemptions during emergency.
The legislation allows establishments with consumption liquor licenses the ability to sell and deliver alcoholic beverages. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on May 15, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.19., S2338/A3918: “COVID-19 Fiscal Mitigation Act”
The legislation extends filing and payment deadline for gross income tax or corporation business tax return taxpayers to July 15, 2020. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on April 14, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.17, (S2304/A3900): Concerns family leave and disability benefits during epidemic-related emergencies.
The legislation makes a COVID-19 illnesses (or suspected illness) eligible for earned sick leave and disability insurance, as well as the care of a family member with COVID-19 illnesses (or suspected illness) an eligible reason for family leave protections. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on March 25, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.8 (A3845/S2284): Authorizes EDA to make grants during periods of emergency declared by Governor and for duration of economic disruptions due to emergency; allows EDA to grant certain business documentation submission deadline extensions.
This legislation authorizes the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) to provide grants during periods of emergency declared by the Governor for the planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, improving, equipping, and furnishing of a project, including, but not limited to, grants for working capital and meeting payroll requirements. The bill also extends the uses of the economic growth account in the Economic Recovery Fund to small and medium-size businesses and not-for-profit corporations. Finally, the bill extends the deadline for Grow NJ projects. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on March 20, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.9 (A3848/S2301): Concerns time off from work in connection with infectious disease.
The legislation prohibits an employer, during the COVID-19 State of Emergency declared by the Governor in Executive Order 103, from terminating or refusing to reinstate an employee if the employee requests or takes time off from work based on the recommendation from a medical professional because the employee has, or is likely to have, an infectious disease. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on March 20, 2020.

P.L.2020, c.16 (A3865/S2291): Limits return of items purchased from retail food stores under certain circumstances.
The legislation prohibits retail food stores to accept returns of any groceries  purchased during the state of emergency declared in response to COVID-19 and for 30 days following. The legislation passed both houses and was approved by Governor Murphy on March 20, 2020.

LATEST MOVEMENT IN JULY

Liability Protection Bills Introduced (NJBIA – July 10, 2020)

  • S2634/A4440: Establishes general immunity for entities against actions relating to Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic or related viral strain in subsequent years.
    The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee on June 29, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Judiciary Committee on July 23, 2020.
  • S2628/A4377: Establishes general immunity for businesses against actions relating to Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic or related viral strain in subsequent years.
    The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee on June 29, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Judiciary Committee on July 2, 2020.

Related News: Reopening and COVID-19 Liability (NJBIA – June 30, 2020)

LATEST MOVEMENT IN JUNE

S2485/A4228: Authorizes municipality to prohibit eviction as a remedy of nonpayment of rent due during time surrounding COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation authorizes municipalities to prohibit eviction as remedy for nonpayment of residential or commercial rent through the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The bill passed the Senate with an amendment excluding commercial tenants on June 29, 2020. A companion bill was reported out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on June 25, 2020.

A4190/S2522: Permits certain entertainment and retail activity during current public health emergency and state of emergency.
The legislation would allow a municipality to designate one or more days per week, from Thursday through Sunday, during which any municipal street, road or sidewalk, or county street, road, or sidewalk, that traverses a business district of the municipality shall be closed to vehicular traffic and shall be accessible by pedestrians only. It also directs the ABC to issue a special ruling to allow for the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages in outdoor places in a manner that adheres to current social distancing practices. The bill passed in the Senate on June 15, 2020 and was reported out of the Assembly State and Local Government Committee on June 18, 2020.

S2542/A4418: Allows municipality to suspend certain zoning requirements during COVID-19 emergency.
The legislation allow a municipality, by resolution, to suspend or temporarily modify specific provisions of a zoning ordinance, or grant temporary relief from the terms and conditions of a prior land approval, in order to facilitate the ability of a business to resume operation during the COVID-19 emergency. The bill passed in the Senate on June 15, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the State and Local Government Committee on July 20, 2020.

A4189/S2502: Establishes immunity for businesses against damage claims for COVID-19 exposure; excludes reckless or intentional conduct.
The bill was introduced in the Assembly on June 1, 2020 and referred to the Judiciary Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Judiciary Committee on June 4, 2020.

S2493/A4195: Allows commercial property owner to claim tax credit against CBT or GIT for providing commercial tenant rent forgiveness during COVID-19 emergency.
The legislation allows commercial property owners who grant their tenants rent forgiveness because of the COVID-19 pandemic, to claim a tax credit against the taxpayer’s Corporation Business Tax or Gross Income Tax liability. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 28, 2020 and referred to the Budget and Appropriations Committee. A similar bill was introduced in the Assembly on June 1, 2020 and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee.

LATEST MOVEMENT IN MAY

A3971/S2475: Authorizes the issuance of “coronavirus relief bonds” by municipalities and counties.
This legislation would allow counties and municipalities to borrow moneys (through the issuance of bonds and notes) to cover the revenue shortfalls and additional costs that are directly attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation passed in the Assembly on May 14, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on May 11, 2020 and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

S2347/A4030: Establishes Employment and Business-Related Tax Deferral Assistance Program in NJEDA.
The legislation establishes a program in the NJEDA that would enable businesses to apply for a deferral of employment and business-related taxes collected by the State. The legislation passed in the Senate on April 13, 2020. The bill was reported out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee on May 11, 2020.

S2348/A3960: Allows tax credits to certain taxpayers that retain employees during COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation provides a 20% match of the employment tax credit authorized under the federal CARES Act. The legislation passed the Senate on April 13, 2020. The bill was introduced in the Assembly on May 1, 2020 and was referred to the Budget Committee.

LATEST MOVEMENT IN APRIL OR EARLIER

S2341: Authorizes Governor to restrict rent increases on certain commercial tenants during emergency circumstances.
The legislation enables the Governor to prohibit a commercial rent increase greater than twice the rate of inflation as indicated by increases in the consumer price index for the immediately preceding nine-month period. The bill passed the Senate on April 13, 2020 and was referred to the Assembly Housing Committee.

A3902: Permits extension of certain deadlines applicable to local government units under emergency circumstances.
The legislation would give a municipality to extend the grace period for quarterly property tax payments and other municipal charges. (We presume this would extend the grace period for SID assessments as well.) The bill passed in the Assembly on April 9, 2020, and was referred to the Senate without committee assignment.

S2354/A3920: Prohibits cancellation or nonrenewal of insurance for a period of at least 60 days.
The legislation prohibits the cancellation of any insurance policy for at least 60 days from March 1, 2020. The bill passed in the Senate on April 13, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly on April 9, 2020. 

S2339: Concerns certain benefits and leave provided to workers.
The legislation increases unemployment benefit maximum amount, and reduces the minimum earnings for eligibility. The bill was introduced in the Senate on April 9, 2020. A companion bill has not been introduced in the Assembly.

A3844: Concerns business interruption insurance during coronavirus disease 2019 state of emergency.
The resolution indemnifies the insured of businesses with less than 100 eligible full-time employees for any loss of business or business interruption for the duration of  a declared State of Emergency. The insurer may apply to the Commissioner of Banking and Insurance for relief and reimbursement of such claims. The Emergency Resolution was introduced and passed by the Assembly on March 16, 2020. So far, it has not moved further in the legislative process.

S2363/A3921: Authorizes Governor to permit emergency rent suspension for certain small business tenants during COVID-19 pandemic.
The legislation authorizes the Governor to issue executive order allowing rent suspension of up to 3 months for distressed small business tenants. The rent would be repaid over 6 to 9 months, commencing the 2nd month after the end of the emergency declaration. The bill passed both houses on April 13, 2020. Governor Murphy issued an absolute veto of this legislation on May 28, 2020.

A3846/S2293: Creates “Temporary Lost Wage Unemployment Program;” allows persons to claim for lost wages due to coronavirus disease 2019, and employers to pay wages to workers ordered under quarantine by licensed healthcare practitioner; appropriates $20,000,000.
The legislation provides provide, to the extent funds are available, monetary relief to individuals for actual lost wages in an amount that is equivalent to the individual’s average weekly rate of compensation from the past calendar year, if the individuals do not have fully paid leave and to employers who pay wages to workers who are ordered under quarantine by a licensed healthcare practitioner as a result of coronavirus disease 2019. There will also be moneys, not to exceed $10,000,000, to pay the lost wages of individuals due to (1) the individual’s absence from work due to the need to care for a family member; (2) the individual’s absence from work due to the illness of the individual; (3) the individual’s absence from work due to school or childcare facility being closed; and (4) for such other purposes as determined by the commissioner. The bill passed both houses on March 19, 2020. Governor Murphy issued an absolute veto of this legislation on May 4, 2020.

Other Legislation Impacting Downtowns

(Listed in order of most recent action. Highlighted text represents adopted laws.)

S73: Establishes requirements for sale of home baked goods.
The legislation establishes requirements for the sale of home baked goods at the baker’s home, a consumer’s home, a farmer’s market, a farm stand, or a county, municipal, or nonprofit fair, festival, or event; the bill prohibits selling or offering for sale home baked goods over the Internet, wholesale, or to a commercial retailer for resale. The bill was reported out of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee with amendments, and subsequently further amended on the Senate floor on July 29, 2020. The bill awaits further action. An Assembly companion bill has not been introduced.

S976 & A3665: Establishes “Art in Storefronts” initiative within the Main Street New Jersey program.
The legislation establishes a program within the Department of Community Affairs that offers “Main Street New Jersey” municipalities technical assistance and information to help the municipality facilitate arrangements between artists and property owners for the temporary placement of original artwork in downtown vacant storefront windows. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on January 30, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly on March 16, 2020 and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee. 

A503 & S283: Concerns baked goods sold at farm markets.
The legislation allows producers to sell their freshly-baked products at farm markets in wrapped or covered containers without being weighed. The bill was introduced to the Assembly and Senate on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Agriculture Committee and Economic Growth Committee, respectively.

A1345 & S1997: Establishes Main Street Economic Growth Program to encourage business development in small, highly developed municipalities.
The legislation provides loans, loan guarantees, tax credits, and technical assistance to area businesses located within a Main Street area in a municipality with a population of under 11,000 persons and over 70 percent developed. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee on January 14, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on March 5, 2020. 

S1157 & A3064: Establishes Emerging Technology Urban Grant Program in EDA
This legislation establishes the Emerging Technology Urban Grant Program to award grants to qualifying emerging technology businesses to encourage the businesses to locate in one of three urban technology zones to acquire cloud computing services that will facilitate the businesses to grow and create full-time employment. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on February 3, 2020. It was reported out of committee on February 24, 2020 and referred to the Budget and Appropriations Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to Commerce and Economic Development Committee on February 20, 2020.

 S1649: Establishes Main Street Assistance Program to encourage business development in small municipalities
The legislation authorizes corporate business tax and gross income tax credits, as well as loans and technical assistance to businesses in Main Street areas within small municipalities, which are defined as having a population under 20,000 and is over 75 percent developed. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on February 13, 2020. 

A1287 & S1479: “Food Desert Elimination Act”; provides incentives to supermarkets and grocery stores that locate in “food deserts.”
The legislation provides a state tax credit equal to property taxes for the first supermarket or grocery to open in a designated food desert. The bill was introduced in the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Assembly Human Services Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee on February 13, 2020. 

A996 & S1476: Creates “Economic Gardening Program” in Department of State to provide customized services to certain businesses.
The legislation directs the Business Action Center to establish a program to provide personalized counseling or management consulting assistance to existing small businesses that qualify as “second-stage growth businesses.” The bill was introduced in the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on February 13, 2020.

S412 & A3561: “Historic Property Reinvestment Act”; provides credits against certain taxes for certain costs of rehabilitating historic properties. The legislation authorizes an income tax credit for a portion of the rehabilitation costs of qualified historic owner-occupied residential and commercial properties. DNJ made statements in support of a historic preservation tax credit in its January 5, 2018 Memo to the Murphy Transition Team. A prior version of this bill was passed out of the Legislature with bipartisan support but vetoed by then Governor Christie. The Governor’s office has proposed an alternative historic tax credit program as part of a broader economic tax incentive package to replace expiring Economic Development Authority programs. Legislation reflecting the administration’s proposal has not yet been introduced in the legislature. This bill was reported out of the the State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee on July 22, 2020. Downtown New Jersey submitted testimony to the committee in writing in support of the bill. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Community Development and Affairs Committee on February 25, 2020. A1571 & S1956: Imposes prevailing wage for public work on properties receiving tax abatements or exemptions. The legislation imposes a prevailing wage on any project receiving tax incentives. DNJ made statements on a prior version of this bill in a December 8, 2017 article, and its January 5, 2018 Memo to the Murphy Transition Team. The bill was introduced to the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Labor Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Labor Committee on February 25, 2020. S984 & A3332: Requires municipalities to share certain payments received in lieu of property taxes with school districts; informs counties and school districts of application for property tax exemption. The legislation requires that a municipality remit a portion of its annual service charge revenue to its school district(s) in an amount calculated by multiplying the number of schoolchildren in the approved project by the average budgetary cost per pupil in the district. See DNJ statements on this bill in a January 5, 2018 Memo to the Murphy Transition Team and May 17, 2019 Article. The bill was introduced in the Senate on January 30, 2020 and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee. It was reported out of committee on February 13, 2020 and referred to the Budget and Appropriations Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Community Development and Affairs Committee on February 25, 2020. A3387 & S1639: “New Jersey Transit Villages Act.” The legislation encourages municipalities to promote intensive mixed-use development within close proximity to mass transit by amending the MLUL (NJAC 40:55D-et al) to allow for the creation of a transit village plan, and prioritizing existing funding to and creating a grant program for projects within designated transit village zones. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee on February 13, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee on February 25, 2020.S1509 & A3119: Allows corporation business tax credits as incentives for redevelopment of distressed shopping centers. The legislation establishes a program to certify taxpayers that make retail investments to redevelop partially or completely vacant shopping centers in New Jersey as eligible to receive a corporation business tax credit of up to $15,000, but not exceeding the amount of 50 percent of corporation business tax owed by the taxpayer. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Economic Growth Committee on February 13, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee on February 24, 2020. A2822: Requires cost-benefit analyses and local government financial impact findings for approval of long term property tax exemption. The legislation requires a cost-benefit analysis of the project’s impact on the finances of the affected local government for any project seeking a long term tax exemption. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the State and Local Government Committee on February 20, 2020. A1862: Limits amount of real property that may be exempt from property taxation under “Long Term Tax Exemption Law.” The legislation precludes a municipality from issuing additional tax exemptions once it meets a 5% threshold (as defined by the law). The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Housing Committee on January 14, 2020.

A250 & S2051: Establishes fire safety standards and protocols for certain light frame residential construction; requires placards identifying primary structural systems of buildings.
The legislation establishes a number of fire safety standards for light frame construction of new multiple dwellings, hotels, and 18 rooming and boarding houses with more than two dwelling or sleeping units. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Housing Committee on January 14, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on March 16, 2020 and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee. 

A1653/S2142: Encourages development of zero-emission vehicle fueling and charging infrastructure in redevelopment projects.
The legislation adds definitions of electric vehicle charging stations (EVCS), authorizes EVCS to be included in redevelopment plans and projects, and allows municipalities to use redevelopment funding streams to build public EVCS. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to Commerce and Economic Development Committee on January 14, 2020, then reported out on on January 27, 2020. Floor amendments were passed on February 24, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on March 16, 2020 and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

S1149 & A2877: Requires registration of certain vacant and abandoned properties with municipalities and provides enforcement tools related to maintenance of these properties.
The legislation requires the responsible party for a vacant and abandoned property to register the property with the municipality in which the property is located and would provide enforcement tools related to the maintenance of these properties. The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 3, 2020 and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Assembly on February 20, 2020 and referred to the Community Development and Affairs Committee. 

A2726: Permits municipalities to require registration of vacant and abandoned properties and use registration fee proceeds to maintain these properties.
The legislation clarifies the authority of municipalities to require registration of vacant and abandoned properties. It further allows municipalities to impose escalating fees on said property, the proceeds of which may be used to maintain the same. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Housing and Community Development Committee on February 13, 2020. 

A1125 &S2108: Provides for transfer and sale of inactive liquor licenses for use in qualifying smart growth municipalities.
The legislation repeals sections P.L.2007, c.351 (C.33:1-24.1 and 33:1-24.2) which permits special permits for the service of alcoholic beverages in smart growth development projects; and allows for the purchase of inactive plenary retail consumption licenses private interests. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee on January 14, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on March 16, 2020 and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee.

A1128 & S2109: Permits municipalities to hold certain inactive liquor licenses reserved for smart growth developments for an additional five years.
The legislation allows a municipality that acquired an inactive plenary retail consumption license that remains inactive on the bill’s effective date to maintain that license in an inactive status for up to five additional years. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee with Amendments on January 14, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate on March 16, 2020 and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee. 

A2274 & S1592: Permits sale of certain alcoholic beverages and related products at seasonal farm markets.
The legislation authorizes the Director of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue a daily or annual permit to the holder of a limited brewery license, restricted brewery license, craft distillery license, plenary winery license, farm winery license, or cidery and meadery license to sell the licensee’s products at a seasonal farm market for consumption off the premises. The bill was reintroduced in the Assembly and referred to the Agriculture Committee on January 27, 2020. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Environment and Energy Committee on February 13, 2020. 

A725 & S1712: Allows municipality to issue permits to sell alcoholic beverages in residential redevelopment areas.
This legislation allows for the issuance of permits to sell alcoholic beverages within the redevelopment district of certain municipalities that have adopted a Smart Growth Redevelopment Plan. The bill was introduced to the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee. A companion bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee on February 13, 2020. 

S1315: Permits municipalities to issue retail liquor licenses for use in certain historic taverns.
The legislation authorizes municipalities to issue permits to sell alcoholic beverages for on-premise consumption in abandoned historic taverns. The bill was introduced in the Senate and referred to the Community and Urban Affairs Committee on February 10, 2020. 

A1700: Creates new permits to allow certain restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages and allows for issuance of additional alcoholic beverage licenses; provides tax credit under corporate business tax and gross income tax for loss in value to certain alcoholic beverage licenses.
The legislation creates new permits to allow certain restaurants to sell alcoholic beverages and allows for issuance of additional alcoholic beverage licenses. It also provides tax credits under corporate business tax and gross income tax for loss in value to certain alcoholic beverage licenses. The bill was introduced to the Assembly on January 14, 2020, and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee. 

A1955 & S615: Allows certain qualifying projects to sell alcoholic beverages.
The legislation authorizes municipalities to issue two special permits for alcohol consumption to historic buildings in qualifying redevelopment project areas. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee on January 14, 2020. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate and referred to the Law and Public Safety Committee on January 14, 2020. 

A1218: Revises law governing theater liquor licenses.
The legislation clarifies expands the authority of a municipality to issue plenary retail consumption license to a nonprofit corporation that regularly conducts musical or theatrical performances or concerts for which admission is charged. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee on January 14, 2020.  

A2408: Provides medical cannabis dispensaries permitted use status in certain zoning districts.
This bill would provide that a medical cannabis dispensary is a permitted use in a commercial or business district of a municipality, and in any other zoning district within which a pharmacy, a drugstore, or a retail business is a permitted or conditional use. A medical cannabis dispensary is defined here as an organization that has been issued a permit by the State to, among other things, purchase medical cannabis and sell it to qualifying patients. The bill was reintroduced to the Assembly on February 3, 2020 and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee. 

A1661: Decouples State tax provisions from federal prohibition on cannabis business expense deductions.
This bill decouples the corporation business tax from the federal income tax provision that prohibits deductions and credits for cannabis businesses. The bill also decouples corporation income under the gross income tax from the federal provision. The bill was reintroduced to the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee. 

A2254 & S65: Provides medical cannabis is not subject to State sales tax.
This bill provides that medical cannabis dispensed to a registered qualifying patient from a medical cannabis dispensary or clinical registrant will not be subject to any tax imposed under the “Sales and Use Tax Act.” The bill was reintroduced to the Assembly on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Health Committee. A companion bill was also introduced in the Senate on January 14, 2020 and referred to the Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. 

A353: Changes State assistance to Urban Enterprise zones over seven years by increasing reduced sales tax in enterprise zones and dedicating increase to zone municipalities.
The legislation changes the proportional split and length of availability of reduced sales tax associated with an urban enterprise zone. The bill was introduced in the Assembly and referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee on January 14, 2020. 

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