Education “Freedom to Read Act” Signed into Law to Protect Libraries and Limit Book Bans - On December 9th, Governor Phil Murphy signed the “Freedom to Read Act,” a law that limits book bans in public schools and libraries. The law establishes state guidelines for selecting and challenging library books and provides library staff immunity from civil [...]
Public Administration Draft of the First State Development and Redevelopment Plan in 23 years is Released - On December 4th, the State Planning Commission released a draft of the New Jersey State Development and Redevelopment Plan, which would guide statewide infrastructure policy and land-use planning. If approved, it would be the first update to the State [...]
Public Administration State Hiring and Spending Freezes to Address Budget Deficit - Earlier in October and again last week, Governor Phil Murphy issued notices to all state departments, calling for a pause on discretionary pay raises, limits on new hiring, and spending cuts to address New Jersey’s structural budget deficit. These measures come after years of [...]
Transportation New York Congestion Pricing Program Launched Despite Pushback from New Jersey - New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the revival of the congestion pricing program, set to begin in January, which will charge drivers $9 to enter Manhattan during peak hours. Environmental and transit advocates praised the plan for its potential to reduce traffic and [...]
Economy Governor Murphy Signs Law Improving Job Listing Transparency - On November 18th, Governor Murphy signed Bill S2310 into law, mandating most New Jersey employers disclose pay range and benefits in job postings and relay promotional opportunities to current employees. Any transparency violations are subject up to a $600 fine, depending on if it is a [...]
Public Administration New Jersey Lawmakers Hear Public Testimony at Second Hearing on Ballot Design - On November 7th, state lawmakers held their second hearing on redesigning New Jersey ballots where they accepted public testimony for the first time. Witnesses, including experts from New Jersey Policy Perspective, Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and [...]
Public Administration Lawmakers Hold First Hearing on Ballot Design After County Clerks Called for Uniform Design and Voter Education - On October 29th, the 12-member Assembly select committee on ballot design held its first hearing in a series focused on redesigning primary ballots. County clerks testified that current voting machines could accommodate new ballot designs [...]
Public Administration New Jersey Early Voting Period Begins - Starting October 26th through November 3rd, New Jersey voters will be able to vote early in-person for the upcoming presidential election. Polls will be open from 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 10 AM to 6 PM on Sundays. Voters can also [...]
Public Administration New State Law Enforces Tougher Penalties for Home Invasions - On October 18th, Governor Murphy signed Bill S3006/3204, establishing stricter penalties for home invasions and burglaries. The law specifically creates two new categories for home invasion offenses, imposing harsher sentences and fines for using deadly weapons during break-ins. This legislation comes in response [...]
Housing Senate Committee Advances Bill Codifying Framework to 'Stay NJ' Property Tax Relief Program Amid Financial Concerns - On October 7th, the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee voted unanimously to advance Bill S3693, which would codify recommendations from the Stay NJ Task Force’s report this May on the Stay NJ property tax relief program. Governor [...]
