5 New NJ Laws That Could Impact You In 2023

NEW JERSEY — Several new state laws took effect on New Year's Day, while others will do so in the coming months.

Some of these measures, such as the increases in auto-insurance rates, may impact millions. Here's what will take effect in New Jersey this year.

Pricier Auto Insurance

A controversial state law raising insurance costs for more than 1 million drivers went into effect on New Year's Day. Impacted drivers can expect to pay about $125 more per vehicle each year, according to New Jersey Advance Media.

The policy, which Murphy signed into law in August, hikes the minimum amount of liability coverage from $15,000 to $25,000 for 2023, before another increase to $35,000 in 2026.

The state's Department of Banking and Insurance estimated that the law would impact 1.1 million to 1.2 million drivers in 2023.

Went into effect Jan. 1.

Gun-Free Zones

A new state law prohibits firearm possession in "sensitive" locations, even for those with a permit to carry a handgun. Portions of the measure took effect Dec. 22, when Gov. Phil Murphy signed it into law.

Some of the restrictions were set to take effect in the coming months. However, the entire law hangs in the balance because of a federal lawsuit from the National Rifle Association, claiming the restrictions violate the Second Amendment.

As it stands, the law prohibits the possession of firearms in certain locations, including high-density facilities (arenas, restaurants, public-transit hubs), places with vulnerable populations (schools, health care facilities) and areas with functions related to government or First Amendment activity (polling places, government buildings, protests).

Portions of the law went into effect Dec. 22. The rest of the regulations were set to go into effect in the coming months, but a court battle looms over the law.

Privacy At Polling Places

The law updates election procedures in an effort to increase voter privacy. Beginning this year, New Jersey's ballot locations must have privacy sleeves to prevent poll workers and anyone nearby from viewing a completed printed ballot.

Under the regulations, each booth must contain privacy sleeves or folders in which the voter may insert their completed ballot.

Went into effect Jan. 1.

Gun Registration

Murphy signed several firearm-related laws July 5 — weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned laws that allow government agencies to issue concealed-carry permits only if someone demonstrates a "justifiable need." One of the laws will require New Jerseyans to register firearms acquired out-of-state.

Goes into effect Feb. 1.

Longer Hours For Teens

The state expanded the number of summer hours teens could work in 2021. A new law will make those expansions permanent.

Under the measure, 16- and 17-year-olds to work a maximum of 50 hours per week — up from 40 hours — and up to 10 hours per day in the summer. The legislation also expands working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds to mirror federal laws, which permit up to 40 hours of work in the summer months, as well as increase the amount of time a minor under 18 can work before a required break from five to six hours.

Parental consent for a minor to work is also eliminated under the law, but parents can still opt their children out for extended summer working hours.

Goes into effect June 1.