Environment
Acting Gov. Tahesha Way Signs Law Strengthening Lead Disclosure and Testing Requirements – On September 19, Acting Governor Tahesa Way signed A2929/S1034 into law, which requires landlords to report the known or potential presence of lead in drinking water to their tenants. The bill also requires public water systems to conduct a lead water test at the request of tenants at no charge, and deters landlords from obstructing the replacement of lead pipes in residential units. The bill also requires the state Department of Health, Department of Community Affairs, and Department of Environmental Protection to draft and publicly notify consumers regarding the health risks associated with lead in drinking water and ways to minimize exposure. This law builds upon existing legislation signed by Gov. Murphy in 2021, which required public community water systems to replace all lead service lines in their distribution systems by 2031.
Education
Concern for Immigration Raids Reportedly Impacting NJ Students’ Well-Being – NJ Spotlight News published an article on September 22 discussing concerns that some students in New Jersey are staying home instead of attending school due to ongoing concerns and fears of immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). More than 40% of New Jersey students live with an immigrant, and over 10% of K-12 students have a parent who is an undocumented immigrant. In the Morris School District, the district’s multilingual learner population fell from 23% to 18% this year.
Public Administration
New Jersey Gubernatorial Candidates Hold First Debate – On September 22, Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-11) and former Rep. Jack Ciattarelli (R-NJ) spoke at the first gubernatorial debate ahead of the 2025 election on November 4. Hosted by the New Jersey Globe, On New Jersey, and Rider University, the candidates were questioned on a variety of issues, including cost of living and transportation, from a panel and preselected members of the audience. The second gubernatorial debate will be held on October 8 at 7pm at Rutgers University. The voter registration deadline is October 14, and early voting begins on October 25.