Jersey Pride Tax Credit Act of 2026

119th Congress Introduced by Josh Gottheimer and 1 co-sponsor

The bill creates a tax credit for sellers of New Jersey–promoting products and requires port authorities to give retail space preference to such businesses.

Introduced in House

1) Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to create a targeted tax credit for taxpayers who sell products that promote New Jersey.

It also directs port authorities to give retail space preference to businesses that sell such New Jersey–promoting products.

In short, the bill seeks to incentivize commerce related to promoting New Jersey—both through a tax incentive for sellers and preferential retail opportunities at ports.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Tax Credit for Promoting New Jersey Products

Establishes a new tax credit under the Internal Revenue Code.

Eligibility and calculation details are not provided in the available summary, but the credit is specifically for taxpayers who sell products that promote New Jersey.

The credit amount, qualifying product criteria, eligible taxpayers (individuals, businesses, or both), method of claiming the credit, and duration are not specified in the summary provided. These would be defined in the bill’s text.

B. Port Authority Retail Space Preference

Requires or directs port authorities to give retail space preference to businesses that sell products promoting New Jersey.

This provision targets retail spaces at ports, likely within seaports and related facilities administered by port authorities.

Details such as the scope of “retail space,” criteria for preference, competitive bidding rules, and oversight mechanisms are not specified in the summary.

3) Affected Entities and Impacts

A. Taxpayers and Businesses

Taxpayers who sell New Jersey–promoting products could be eligible for a new Internal Revenue Code credit.

Businesses involved in manufacturing, distributing, or retailing promotional products for New Jersey may benefit from the credit and from enhanced visibility at port facilities.

B. Port Authorities and Port-Related Retailers

Port authorities would be directed to prioritize retailers selling New Jersey–promoting products when allocating retail space.

This could affect rental arrangements, space allocation, and competitive processes for retailers at port facilities.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: The bill was introduced in the House.

Action history (as of May 4, 2026):

Referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, and to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.

No specific dates for markups, votes, or enactment are provided in the available information.

The bill would proceed through standard congressional workflow (committee consideration, potential floor debate and vote, reconciliation if applicable, and passage by both chambers and presidential signature) unless altered by subsequent actions.

5) Sponsor Information

Primary sponsors and co-sponsors:

Co-sponsors: Nellie Pou, Josh Gottheimer

The sponsors indicate bipartisan or regional interest in promoting New Jersey-specific economic activity and port-related commerce.

Important Notes

The summary above captures the bill’s stated objectives and structural provisions at a high level. For a precise understanding, including eligibility criteria, credit amounts, timelines, enforcement, and any sunset provisions, the full text of HR 8655 and any committee reports would need to be consulted.

As with any tax-related bill, details such as interaction with existing credits, phaseouts, and compliance requirements could significantly affect taxpayers and retailers.

Bill