August 2026 New Jersey GRAC Update
NJ CONGRESSMAN DONALD NORCROSS (CD-1) LEADS ON SWIM SAFETY
U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (NJ-01) has emerged as a strong advocate for swim safety and the pool and spa industry, advancing several initiatives aimed at preventing drownings and expanding access to water-safety education. Norcross co-led the reintroduction of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety (VGB) Reauthorization Act, which would reauthorize the law’s core protections and continue the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Pool Safely education program. His leadership on VGB reauthorization is particularly significant for the industry, as the legislation supports both critical pool safety requirements and continued public education around safe swimming.
Norcross has also supported efforts to make swim instruction more accessible by becoming a cosponsor of the SWIM Act of 2025, which would allow qualified water competency and water-safety lesson expenses to be treated as medical expenses for federal tax purposes. Most recently, Norcross partnered with Rep. Don Bacon to introduce a bipartisan resolution establishing “National Learn to Swim Week,” beginning each fourth Sunday of June. The resolution encourages schools, youth organizations, and government entities to promote swimming lessons and water-safety education. Together, these efforts demonstrate Norcross’ commitment to a comprehensive approach to drowning prevention by combining safe pool design and equipment, public education, and greater access to swim instruction.
NEW JERSEY SENATE AND ASSEMBLY ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEES HOLD ANNUAL JOINT SUMMER HEARING
The New Jersey Senate and Assembly Environment Committees held their annual joint summer hearing on August 14, 2026. The topic of discussion was the need for investment in storm resilient infrastructure in the State. The committees heard from several stakeholders regarding the need for the state to fund storm resilient infrastructure and other steps that can be taken to ensure the resiliency from storm damage. The meeting took place in the Lavalette (Ocean County) Municipal Building.
Speakers for the meeting included: Lt. Sean Talty (NJ State Police), Assistant Bureau Chief, Recovery Bureau, Office of Emergency Management; Rich Henning, President and CEO of New Jersey Utilities Association; Dr. Clinton Andrews, Distinguished Professor, Associate Dean for Research, and Director of the Center for Urban Policy Research at the Edward
Bloustein School of Public Policy, Rutgers University; Dr. Johnny Quispe, Associate Director of Cities Programs, The Nature Conservancy; Tommy Polzin, Director of Adaptation, The Nature Conservancy; Amy Chester, Director of Rebuild by Design; Peggy Gallos, Executive Director of the Association of Environmental Authorities New Jersey; Brian Brach, President of the Association of Environmental Authorities New Jersey; Brian Valentino, Vice President of the Association of Environmental Authorities; Eric Richard, Legislative Affairs, AFL-CIO; Michael Egenton, Executive Vice President, Government Relations, New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce; Sean Elwell, President of the League of Municipalities and Mayor of Elsinboro; Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director of the League of Municipalities; and Jesse Young, Director of Governmental Relations, School Boards Association.
The committee discussed funding solutions for resiliency projects which will include a five-billion-dollar bond act and a continued push to pass S2338/A3735 - "Polluters Pay to Make New Jersey More Affordable Act"; imposes cost recovery payments on certain fossil fuel companies for funds needed for climate change adaptation; establishes program in DEP to collect and oversee distribution of funds. These bills (S2338.A3735) did not make it to a floor vote in June, due to intense opposition from building trades unions; business groups; and oil interests. Both bills will be carried over to the fall for potential action.
After the hearing Senate Environment Committee Chairman held a luncheon, at his shore house, for invited guest and SSA President Dennis Hart and SSA Vice President Ed Waters, were in attendance.
NJ LEGISLATURE SUMMER BREAK
The New Jersey Senate and Assembly are currently on summer break and will return in the fall. While the schedule has not been released yet, SSA staff are anticipating they will return in September. We should see a schedule soon for September, October, and early November 2026. The legislature typically breaks for much of November and returns around Thanksgiving for the final session of the year.