Briefs
Lawmakers pass bill to make ‘sextortion’ a crime
Using sexual images to extort victims could soon become a crime in N.J., after the Senate passed a bill to criminalize “sextortion.”
Lawmaker wants to create a state ‘learning loss czar’
The learning loss czar would be appointed by the governor and act as a liaison between their office and the Department of Education.
N.J. honors Japanese man who fought internment camps
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a resolution marking Jan. 30 as a day of recognition for Fred Korematsu, known for fighting Japanese internment camps in the 1940s.
Enrollment in health care marketplace up ahead of Jan. 31 enrollment deadline
Enrollment in marketplace-based health care plans is up nationwide and in New Jersey as officials prepare to move hundreds of thousands off Medicaid
New loss for gunmaker in fight against state probe of its marketing practices
Another judge upheld an order for Smith & Wesson to comply with a state subpoena seeking records about the gunmaker’s marketing practices.
Senate president aims to speed up drivers’ record checks for attorneys, other professionals
Authorities would have to allow professionals like attorneys to check drivers' records online under a bill intended to speed up such checks.
Panel clears anti-boom car bill, but drops strictest provisions
The bill would create new fines for noisy drivers, but a provision that would have allowed officials to seize cars has been removed.
Police training firm seeks court review of ‘government overreach,’ stalling state probe
Street Cop Training is asking for a NJ Supreme Court review in its fight against a watchdog's subpoena for documents regarding a controversial conference in Atlantic City.
Commission declines to reinstate assemblyman to waterfront job
Commissioners voted down a request to reinstate Assemblyman William Sampson, who was fired over serial absenteeism.
Second firm to use New Jersey Wind Port for offshore wind farm
The investments in offshore wind are an effort to fill New Jersey’s energy needs with renewable sources by 2050, as called for in the state’s energy master plan.
Governor Murphy warns business leaders of recession
Gov. Phil Murphy said "an enormous amount of liquidity on the sidelines" would help lead to a short-lived recession.
Governor Murphy signs bill unfreezing severance protections
Enactment of the bill, spurred by mass layoffs following the 2018 bankruptcy of Toys R Us, was delayed when the pandemic led to widespread business closures.