New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S4331

Introduced
5/12/25  

Caption

Prohibits local government from naming its property after foreign terrorist organization.

Impact

The implications of S4331 may significantly affect various local government entities' ability to name or recognize properties. The legislation requires local governments to take prompt action to dismantle any displays, signs, or names associated with foreign terrorist organizations and replace them with neutral alternatives. The State Division of Local Government Services, in collaboration with the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, is tasked with compiling and updating a list of foreign terrorist organizations to guide compliance.

Summary

Bill S4331 introduces legislation that prohibits local government entities in New Jersey from naming property after organizations designated as foreign terrorist organizations by the federal government. This policy aims to standardize the naming practices of municipalities, counties, and school districts, ensuring that public spaces, such as roads, parks, and buildings, do not carry names associated with entities deemed hostile or threatening to national security. The bill outlines specific guidelines and time frames for compliance, mandating that any existing property names associated with foreign terrorist organizations be altered within specified periods following the bill's enactment.

Contention

There may be points of contention surrounding the enforcement of this bill. Local governments may express concerns about the financial implications of renaming properties and dismantling associated displays. The bill includes provisions that require the state to reimburse local governments for complying with these requirements, though the process for obtaining this reimbursement could also be a bureaucratic hurdle. Furthermore, the bill's enforcement mechanism, which allows for deductions from state aid for non-compliance, may lead to pushback from local government authorities who feel this could lead to financially punitive measures.

Companion Bills

NJ A5738

Same As Prohibits local government from naming its property after foreign terrorist organization.

Previously Filed As

NJ A1634

Prohibits local government from naming its property after foreign terrorist organization.

NJ SB0256

Foreign agent registration, foreign terrorist organizations, and foreign adversaries.

NJ HCR14

Urging the federal government to declare foreign drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

NJ A1623

Prohibits flags of designated terrorist organizations from being displayed or flown on State property.

NJ S1149

Prohibits mandatory vaccination against COVID-19 as condition of attending public K-12 schools.

NJ S438

Establishes minimum Medicaid reimbursement rate for structured day program services provided to beneficiary eligible for brain injury services.

NJ S321

Prohibits government entities from procuring and using technology products and services from companies owned by, controlled by, or domiciled in certain foreign countries.

NJ HCR029

States findings of the Legislature and recognizes the Muslim Brotherhood and the Council on American-Islamic Relations as foreign terrorist organizations that are overtly hostile to the people and institutions of the State of Idaho.

NJ H1473

Pub. Rec./Terrorist Organizations

NJ S1053

Authorizes proportional property tax exemption for honorably discharged veterans having a service-connected disability and proclaims that the State shall reimburse municipalities for cost of exemptions.

Similar Bills

VA HB2207

Higher educational institutions, public; material aid or support to terrorist activities, etc.

VA SB1284

Higher educational institutions, public; material aid or support to terrorist activities, etc.

FL S1632

Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles

WV HB2757

Relating to the Anti-Terrorism Act

WV SB812

Establishing, defining, and creating criminal penalties for terrorist acts and groups

FL H1471

Systems of Law and Terrorist Organizations

WV HB4787

The Anti-Terrorism Act

US HB1327

Syria Terrorism Threat Assessment Act