I. State Issues
a. CRC Approves ATCs to Begin Recreational Cannabis Sales
At a special meeting on April 11, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) approved seven medical marijuana dispensaries, known as alternative treatment centers (ATC), to begin selling adult use recreational cannabis. The Commission also approved another 34 conditional license applications for cultivators and manufacturers, adding to the 68 approved at their March 24 meeting. The ATCs must meet additional requirements and pass operational inspections before they begin recreational sales, but the CRC's step means recreational cannabis sales could begin in the next few weeks.
Reports indicate that Senate President Nicholas Scutari still plans on forming a special legislative committee to review the delays with starting legal cannabis sales. It is still unknown at this time when this committee would meet or who the members would be.
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x137.
b. Department of Education and Department of Agriculture Give Testimony on FY 2023 Budget
On April 14, both the New Jersey Department of Education (DOE) and the New Jersey Department of Agriculture (NJDA) gave testimony before the Assembly Budget Committee. DOE Acting Commissioner Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillian's testimony highlighted that the Governor’s proposed budget would invest $19 billion dollars into New Jersey education. Acting Commissioner Allen-McMillian expressed that New Jersey is on the correct path when it comes to recovering from COVID-19 pandemic and the Department has undertaken a multi-pronged strategy to bolster the teacher workforce. The strategy includes implementing a five-year Limited Certificate of Eligibility and Limited Certificate of Eligibility with Advance Standing pilot program; a partnership with Rowan University for the Men of Color Hope Achievers program; and the launching of a new online certification system.
Department of Agriculture Secretary Douglas Fisher’s testimony highlighted the Department’s goals, promoting New Jersey’s agriculture industry, ensuring healthy plants and animals for the state's agriculture, preserving farmland and helping farmers conserve natural resources, and supporting food access and security. Secretary Fisher noted that the NJDA continues to combat climate change with a focus on farm resiliency. He also noted the fight against the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly, as well as prevention of the introduction in New Jersey of the highly pathogenic Avian Influenza, which has wreaked havoc in the poultry industry in nearly two dozen other states.
Secretary Fisher also highlighted that the Department would like to continue to strive to provide New Jersey students with healthy meals and to continue support for community feeding operations which Governor Murphy’s proposed FY 2023 budget includes.
We will continue to provide weekly updates as the departmental hearings continue. Next week the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee will host another public hearing on Governor Murphy’s proposed FY 2023 budget.
Contact: Andrew LaFevre, Legislative Analyst, alafevre@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x116.
c. New Law Permits Existing Police and Fire Chiefs to Serve Longer
On April 12, Governor Murphy signed into law A-2158, which took effect immediately. P.L. 2022, c. 9 permits an existing police chief or fire chief who attains the age of 65 within the next two years to continue serving as chief until the end of the calendar year in which they reach the age of 67. This is provided the governing body approves, in writing, the retention and continued service of the chief after the age of 65.
Within 30 days after the two-year eligibility window (2024), the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature on the effect of this new provision, including the number of members who took advantage of the new law and impacts the extended service had on the retirement system.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
d. Governor Issues Executive Order Clarifying COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
On April 13, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order 294 clarifying that vaccination requirements for covered workers at health care and high-risk congregate settings under Executive Order No. 283 include only one booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A second booster dose is not required.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
e. Month of April is Now Military Child Appreciation Month in New Jersey
On April 12, Governor Murphy signed into law AJR-109/SJR-74, annually designating the month of April as “Military Child Appreciation Month” and the last full week of April as “Military Child Appreciation Week” in New Jersey. The U.S. Department of Defense designated the “Month of the Military Child” in 1986 to increase public awareness of issues faced by children whose parents serve in the Armed Forces.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
f. Reminder: 2022 Financial Disclosure Statements Due April 30
As a reminder, 2022 Financial Disclosure Statements must be filed with the Division of Local Government Service on or before April 30. In their guidance, Local Finance Notice 2022-06, the Division noted that the Local Finance Board anticipates that at its June 8 meeting, it will fine any person who has not filed the 2022 Financial Disclosure Statement to be in violation of the filing requirement.
Contact: Lori Buckelew, Deputy Executive Director & Director of Government Affairs, lbuckelew@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x112.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
