Public Administration
Both State Chambers Pass Bill Criminalizing Incitement of Public Brawls – On March 24th, both the Assembly and Senate unanimously approved Bill A4652, which would criminalize inciting a public brawl and increase penalties for disorderly conduct. Lawmakers argued the measure would help local authorities deter and respond more effectively to large, rapidly organized gatherings, such as “pop-up parties” coordinated on social media. Local police and officials called for the measure, citing the growing frequency and disruption of such events. The bill now heads to Governor Murphy’s desk for signature.
Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Establish Stand-Alone Department of Veterans Affairs – On March 24th, lawmakers introduced Bill S4376, which would establish a state Department of Veterans Affairs. This new department would assume sole responsibility for veterans’ services, separating it from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Supporting lawmakers and advocates, including NJ Veterans of Foreign Wars, argued that the measure would enhance focus on veterans’ services and be similar to the approach used in approximately three dozen other states. This proposal follows state and federal investigations that uncovered substandard care at state-run veterans’ homes.
Lawmakers Approve Bill Mandating Utility Usage Alerts – On March 24th, the Senate voted 25-13 to approve Bill S3620, which would require electric and gas utilities to notify customers midway through billing cycles about energy use or cost increases. Utilities would be required to send text or email alerts to customers on the 10th, 20th, or other designated days of each billing cycle if a customer’s average daily energy usage exceeds the prior cycle or the same month in the previous year. The measure passed the Assembly by a 60-16 vote in February 2025 and now awaits Governor Murphy’s signature.
President Trump Signs Executive Order Targeting Mail-in Ballots – On March 25th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against states that, among other provisions, count absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day, regardless of postmark date. The order also threatens to withhold funding to election officials in states that fail to comply. Under current New Jersey state law, officials must count mail ballots for six days after polls close if they are postmarked by Election Day, and ballots without a postmark must be counted within 48 hours of the polls closing. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin condemned the order, arguing the measure would disenfranchise voters and violate the state’s right to control election administration. It’s unsure whether the order will stand up to legal scrutiny.