What are chapter laws?

Chapter laws refer specifically to new laws that are enacted during a legislative session. In the legislative process, when a proposed bill is passed by both chambers of the legislature and signed by the governor, it is assigned a chapter number. This number signifies that the bill has become law and is now part of the legal framework of the state.

This distinguishes chapter laws from other forms of legislation or local regulations, like local ordinances or revisions of existing laws, as chapter laws are specifically new enactments that add to the body of law in New Jersey. Furthermore, international treaties, while they may influence state laws, do not constitute chapter laws as they are not laws enacted by the New Jersey legislature. Understanding chapter laws is crucial for public works managers, as these laws can directly impact policies and procedures in public works management.