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In renaming things, N.J. policymakers hope words will move minds
Government continually renames things to be more sensitive and precise, but experts say new words can reframe problems and sway opinions.
New study urges cheaper communications for incarcerated people
New Jersey prisons charge lower rates for phone calls than most other states, a study found. There's still room for improvement, authors noted.
Casino smoking ban among measures that remain in limbo at end of 2022
A bill that would ban smoking inside casinos is one of numerous measures that didn't make it to law in 2022.
Transparency advocates lose case over prosecutor group’s records
A judge ruled the County Prosecutors Association of New Jersey doesn't have to release records to the ACLU-NJ, a blow for transparency fans.
South Jersey’s ‘Chicken Lady’ aims to bring chickens to backyards, one town at a time
Many N.J. municipalities ban backyard chickens, but a South Jersey chicken fan has helped about 30 towns pass ordinances to allow them.
New law expands child welfare oversight, caps caseloads
A new law expands oversight of N.J.’s child welfare system and caps caseloads for social workers handling child abuse and neglect cases.
Bills aim to reduce food waste through labeling and composting
Lawmakers touted two bills to reduce food waste as environmentally friendly because rotting food creates greenhouse gases that fuel climate change
Bills to toughen penalties against car thieves advance, despite objections
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced eight bills largely aimed at expanding penalties for car theft, despite social justice reformers' concerns.
Assembly passes ‘privacy’ bill, dozens of others, in last session of 2022
Assembly legislators passed dozens of bills in their last session of 2022, including one exempting elected officials' addresses from public disclosure.
Lawmakers advance bill to ban invasive plants, revive statewide invasive species council
Legislators agreed Thursday with environmentalists that a long-dead commission to fight invasive species in N.J. should be reestablished.
State to survey residents on internet use to ensure access, affordability
With the pandemic driving everyone online, the state has launched a survey to assess internet speed and usage statewide and identify gaps.
Assembly panel advances bills to shield public officials’ addresses
N.J. lawmakers unanimously advanced several bills Monday that would keep the property addresses of public office holders and seekers private.