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8 N.J. Laws That Took Effect January 1

8 N.J. Laws That Took Effect January 1

NJ.com, 1-Jan-16

By Samantha Marcus

With the new year come some new laws in New Jersey.

Eight laws will take effect today, according to the state's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services. Seven were signed into law 2015 and one in 2014.

1. Prohibiting unsolicited checks: This law bans companies from sending New Jersey residents unsolicited checks that, when redeemed, obligate the recipient to pay a fee or enrolls them in any service or plan.

State Assembyman Paul Moriarty (D-Gloucester) introduced the legislation after a constituent showed him an unsolicited check for $8.25 that upon being cashed would have enrolled him or her in an $15.99 a month automotive roadside assistance program, he said in a statement.

"These so-called free money offers are at their best deceptive and, at their worst, downright dishonest," Moriarty said after the bill was signed into tlaw. "Right now, consumers are at their most vulnerable to fall for a scheme that appears to offer them instant cash but would end up costing them much more in the long-run." 

Violators may be hit with a $500 fine on their first violation and $1,000 for each additional violation.

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2. A new way to donate to veterans: This law gives New Jersey taxpayers the opportunity to donate a portion of their tax refund to the Fund for the Support of New Jersey Nonprofit Veterans Organizations. Taxpayers can indicate they'd like to make a contribution on their gross income tax return or enclose a donation. Those dollars will be distributed annually to private nonprofit organizations supporting veterans.

3. An email alert system for lowering the flag: The Secretary of State will operate an email notification system to alert people when the governor orders the U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff. 

4. New requirements for dispensing pharmaceutical drugs: This law establishes conditions for pharmacists dispensing bio-similar, or generic, drugs. Within five days of filling the prescription, he or she must alert whoever wrote the original prescription what product it was substituted for. They must also indicate there was a substitution on the prescription label.

5. New prescription drug disposal education: This law requires that pharmacies and prescribers dispensing controlled dangerous substances a notice advising patients of drug drop-off programs.

6. New application for applying for developmental disability services: This law streamlines the application process for people requesting services for individuals with developmental disabilities from the Department of Children and Families and Department of Human Services by developing a single application.

7. Revises the "Self-funded Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangement Regulation Act: The law provides incentives for employers to band together to offer health insurance through self-funded or partially self-funded Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements, or pools.

8. Creating fishing buddy licenses: This law creates a fishing buddy license to encourage more recreational fishing. It offers half-price licenses to people 16 and older who purchase their license in conjunction with someone purchasing their first New Jersey fishing license since 2010.

"This is a great incentive for New Jersey residents and visitors to enjoy recreational fishing as they share great times with friends and family," Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D- Gloucester) said in a statement when it was signed into law. "Angling also supports our state's wildlife management efforts, conservation programs, and it helps boost economic activity."