Sherrill signs law expanding transit options for seniors, disabled
The governor signed seven measures covering energy contracts, occupational licensing, property disclosures, and the creation of a Revolutionary War license plate.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed seven bills into law Thursday, including measures to create a Revolutionary War-themed license plate, expand transportation options for seniors and people with disabilities, and change requirements for occupational therapists.
One of the new laws authorizes the Motor Vehicle Commission to create a “250th Anniversary Revolutionary War” license plate featuring an emblem and wording commemorating the war. The plates will cost an additional $50 initially and $10 annually for renewals.
Another measure expands the state’s Senior Citizen and Disabled Resident Transportation Assistance Program to allow counties to receive funding for on-demand microtransit services. Under the law, those services can use technology to provide shared transportation, allowing riders to select pickup and drop-off locations by phone or mobile app.
Sherrill also signed legislation entering New Jersey into the Athletic Trainer Compact, an interstate agreement intended to make it easier for eligible athletic trainers to practice across state lines.
Another new law updates the state’s licensing requirements for occupational therapists.
Under another new law, sellers of real estate will be required to disclose whether a dam is located on a property before a buyer enters into a purchase contract.
Sherrill also signed the “Affordable Power Purchase Agreements Extension Act,” which allows public entities and school districts to extend renewable energy and conservation contracts up to 30 years, up from the prior 15-year limit, while capping price renewal increases
The final measure, a ceremonial bill, designates Nov. 7 of each year as “Shwachman Diamond Syndrome Awareness Day” in New Jersey. Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the bone marrow, pancreas, and skeleton. The resolution calls on the governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the day to raise awareness about the disorder.
Krystal Knapp is the founder, executive director, and publisher of The Jersey Vindicator and the founder of Planet Princeton. She has more than two decades of experience reporting in New Jersey, including 10 years at The Trenton Times, where she was the newsroom’s public records and computer-assisted reporting expert. Her work has been recognized by the New Jersey Press Association and the Center for Cooperative Media. You can reach her at Krystal AT jerseyvindicator.org.