7 New NJ Laws That Take Effect In 2025

NEW JERSEY — There are a number of new laws that will take effect in the Garden State in 2025, addressing things such as medical debt, teaching requirements, and protecting consumer data.

Patch took a look at seven laws that may impact your life in the new year. Not all of them kick in on Jan. 1, so here is a look at what these laws entail, and when they will go into effect.

Expanding rights of sexual assault survivors - Jan. 1

This bipartisan measure is an update to the state's "Sexual Assault Victim's Bill of Rights," which has been in place since 2019, and requires law enforcement agencies to provide more information to sexual assault victims.

It gives victims the right to be notified of certain developments in criminal cases, including if the DNA profile of an assailant is obtained during evidence processing, and if sexual assault evidence is submitted to a forensic lab.

Teacher certification - Jan. 1

This law will eliminate the state requirement for certain teachers to complete a test of their basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills (the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators) before getting certified.

Bill sponsors and some education groups said this simplifies the pathway to teacher certification, addressing the shortage of educators in New Jersey classrooms. Teachers may still be required to complete specialized assessments in their fields.

Data Protection Act - Jan. 15

This act requires internet website owners and online providers to notify consumers about the collection and distribution of their personal data, and give them the right to opt out of both.

Website operators are also prohibited from retaliating against any users who opt out of the sale of their information, and the law requires consent before processing the personal data of children between the ages of 13 and 16.

Postpartum health care planning - May 18

Health care providers will be required to create an after-birth care plan with pregnant women and new mothers, to give them guidance about issues that can arise after delivery and to help them keep track of any follow-up appointments.

The health care plan will also include information on recognizing signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, recommended testing or procedures, and breastfeeding support services.

Pay transparency - June 1

Under this law, companies are required to disclose wage and benefit information when they post jobs and transfer opportunities, and also make "reasonable efforts" to publicize promotion opportunities both inside and outside the company before making a decision.

The law applies to all employers with more than 10 workers, and carries a monetary fine for companies that don't provide applicants information about the potential pay.

Medical debt relief - July 1

New protections will kick in as part of the "Louisa Carman Medical Debt Relief Act," capping interest on medical debt at 3 percent annually and banning collectors from taking money out of low-income workers' wages.

Also beginning in July, all notices sent to patients about their medical debt and billing must include information on these new consumer protections.

"Freedom to Read Act" - Dec. 9

This measure establishes requirements for school boards and library boards to adopt policies outlining how to remove books from school libraries, if someone challenges the books or other materials. It also reaffirms legal protection for librarians from criminal and civil lawsuits that parents or community members might bring forward.