Gov + Legislature
Last-minute snag delays vote on New Jersey casino smoking ban
Casino workers who support a smoking ban say their health is at risk. Casino owners say a ban could doom Atlantic City's economic recovery.
New Jersey lawmakers eye expanding job-protected family leave to small businesses
Lawmakers advanced a bill to expand job-protected family leave to businesses with five or more staff, down from 30 under current state law.
Governor, in veto, recommends barring sex offenders from mental health diversion programs
Gov. Phil Murphy vetoed a bill to expand mental health diversion programs, saying sex offenders should be categorically barred.
N.J. lawmaker proposes major reforms to fight temporary license plate fraud
Sen. Teresa Ruiz has proposed tougher regulations and fines to combat fraud involving temporary license plates.
N.J. Supreme Court weighs time restrictions on sex assault and DNA cases
The New Jersey Supreme Court heard arguments about the long-delayed arrest of a man accused of a 1990 rape and murder of a woman in Wildwood.
Democrat calls Gov. Murphy ‘Grinch’ over veto of Christmas tree bonfires bill
Gov. Phil Murphy said burning Christmas trees ultimately harms vulnerable residents’ health and increases pollution.
Top Democrats split with N.J. Senate president over extending business tax surcharge
Gov. Phil Murphy and budget chair Sen. Paul Sarlo on Tuesday said they do not support extending the surcharge to fund NJ Transit, a proposal floated by Senate President Nicholas Scutari.
New Jersey lawmakers look to limit ‘high hazard’ freight trains
As freight trains grow longer, N.J. lawmakers want to limit their length and mandate other safety measures to avert accidents.
New law would let New Jersey teacher candidates skip basic skills exam
The state’s largest teachers union has long said the test is a barrier to entry for low-income New Jerseyans who want to be teachers.
Bill lifting New Jersey brewery restrictions gets conditional veto from Gov. Murphy
Gov. Phil Murphy said the bill as written "does not sufficiently enhance our antiquated liquor license laws," which he said need to be retooled for the modern era.
Bill would create fund to guarantee rent payments for some low-income renters
A proposed $10M fund would pay landlords to encourage them to rent to very low-income residents. The tenants would then pay the state back.
Environmentalists hope Democratic wins will advance their agenda in Trenton
Environmentalists say the state's 100% clean-energy goal and extending a business tax to support public transit are priorities in 2024.