The basics:
- Executive Order No. 7 halts new rules and regulations for 90 days
- Unpublished rules at OAL will be withdrawn
- Agencies must flag critical regulations by Feb. 2
- Business groups praise the regulatory pause
On Jan. 23, Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed her seventh executive order since her swearing in last week. The latest implements a 90-day pause on the proposal and adoption of new rules as well as regulations in the state.
“I am committed to putting New Jersey residents first and ensuring our state government truly works for the people it serves,” said Sherrill. “This means breaking down red tape, eliminating bureaucracy, and saving New Jerseyans’ time and money.”
Key details of Executive Order No. 7 include:
- No agency will propose or adopt any rule for 90 days, subject to exceptions
- Withdraws any rules filed with the Office of Administrative Law but not published in the New Jersey Register
- Agencies with pending rules will notify the governor by Feb. 2, 2026, of any proposal where non-adoption would adversely impact public health, security or obstruct essential operations
- The governor will decide whether to exempt those proposals before the end of the pause
Sherrill added, “Following today’s executive order we will review proposed regulations in the pipeline and deliver lasting, positive change for communities across the state.”
What they’re saying
“The Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey (CCSNJ) applauds Governor Sherrill for issuing Executive Order No. 7 …” said Christina Renna, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey. “This step provides needed certainty for employers and allows time for a thoughtful review of proposed regulations before they move forward.”
“NJBIA very much supports Gov. Sherrill’s signing of this EO today,” said New Jersey Business & Industry Association President and CEO Michele Siekerka. “Obviously, the business community has been very concerned about pending regulations left over from the Murphy administration which we feel will do great damage to the economy – most notably the proposed Department of Labor’s independent contractor rules, data privacy rules under the Attorney General’s office, and several others.”
Siekerka described the pause as “simply good governance.”
“With this change in leadership, it’s important to take account of what is pending and what is proposed to ensure it aligns with the Sherrill administration‘s priorities,” said Siekerka. “As I often say, a good process yields a fair result. NJBIA thanks Gov. Sherrill for this timeout and we look forward to continuing conversations about proposed regulations, both current and future.”
More praise
The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce also expressed its support for the executive order.
“By temporarily pausing the adoption of pending administrative rules and regulations for 90 days, this Executive Order gives the new Administration the opportunity to ensure that regulatory actions reflect the state’s priorities, especially tackling high costs, strengthening our workforce, and fostering an environment where businesses can grow and create jobs,” Thomas Bracken, president and CEO, Michael Egenton, executive vice president, government relations, and Amirah Hussain, director, government relations, said in joint a statement on behalf of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
“This pause establishes a transparent process for agencies to identify rules and regulations that are critical and should proceed. At a time when affordability and economic competitiveness are top concerns for families and employers across our state, this measured approach to regulatory review will help ensure that government works more efficiently, is accountable to the people of New Jersey, and supports sustainable growth for years to come.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 9:12 a.m. Jan. 26, 2026, to include a statement from the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
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