I. State Issues
a. Bills on Governor’s Desk
After a busy month in Trenton, the legislature held its final voting session until the fall. There are over 175 bills on Governor Murphy’s desk for his consideration. Please visit our recent blog posts to learn more on the bills on the Governor’s desk that the League supports, opposes and of municipal interest that the League took a neutral stance.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
b. Governor Signs Bill Establishing Broadband Access Study Commission
This week, Governor Murphy signed into law A-850, which establishes a 19-member commission that will evaluate impediments of access to broadband service within the state, with a special focus on the feasibility and proliferation of community broadband networks.
The League supported this legislation and hopes the Commission’s findings will lead to policy changes and an increase in resources allocated to help assist those currently without adequate access to fast and affordable broadband internet access.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
c. Governor Murphy Signs Legislative Package Aimed at Combating Opioid Epidemic
On Friday shortly before the start of the July 4th holiday, Governor Phil Murphy signed a legislative package to Address Opioid Epidemic. The bills fall broadly into three categories: Increase in Harm Reduction Services, Data Collection, and Resiliency for Family and Children.
Please read the League’s recent blog post for more information.
Contact: Paul Penna, Legislative Analyst, ppenna@njlm.org, 609 695-3481, x110.
d. New Law Requiring Department of Labor Create Database of Public Works Projects Payroll
Yesterday Governor Murphy signed into law A-1171 requiring the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to create and maintain a statewide database of certified payroll information for contractors and subcontractors for public works projects. Contractors and subcontractors will be required to file certified payroll information to both the public body and Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development. P.L. 2021, c. 164 will take effect on January 1, 2022 but the Commissioner may take action necessary for the implementation of the new law.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Assistant Executive Director, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
e. Governor Murphy Signs Bill Exempting Certain Housing from Zoning Regulations
In March, legislators passed S-1676/A-3326, which would allow hospitals to construct housing and provide wrap-around services for individuals who are homeless or housing insecure. While the League supports efforts aimed at providing health care and housing to those in need, we opposed provisions of the legislation, now law, which would deem such housing as a permitted use in all residential and nonresidential districts within a municipality, thereby completely exempting such housing from local zoning requirements.
The measure was conditionally vetoed by Governor Murphy, where he recommended changes that would provide clarifying language related to affordable housing credits and identifies eligibility standards to qualify for the housing. These changes were welcomed but did not address the League’s concerns dealing with zoning.
Last week, after both houses approved the recommendations in the Governor’s conditional veto, Governor Murphy signed the legislation into law. You should review P.L.2021, c.134, which was effective immediately, with your land use officials and municipal attorney for more information on its potential impact to your municipality.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.