Gov + Legislature
Lawmakers send bill overhauling public records law to Gov. Murphy’s desk
Critics have said the bill would gut the state's public records law and make it harder to expose public corruption.
Lawmakers prepare final votes for bill overhauling public records law
Local officials have backed some of the proposed changes for years, saying the law has been hijacked by commercial operators.
Assembly panel moves public records bill in near-unanimous vote despite ‘grave concern’
Critics have assailed the bill as an assault on transparency. Officials say a change is needed to cut costs for local government.
Lawmakers grill Rutgers president on Gaza solidarity encampments
Rutgers President Jonathan Holloway said it's a precarious time on college campuses since protests have erupted over the war in Gaza.
Despite outcry, Senate lawmakers advance bill overhauling New Jersey’s public records law
Critics say the bill would make our public records law all but useless by ending a key enforcement mechanism.
Lawmakers eye fines for businesses that coerce workers over immigration status
No worker should be afraid of reporting their employer for violating labor laws out of fear of being prosecuted for their immigration status, bill sponsor Sen. Teresa Ruiz said.
Plan would shift control of appellate judge appointments to governor and Senate
A draft of the bill says the change would "give the people of New Jersey" through their elected officials a voice in selecting appellate judges.
N.J. health officials advise adding genomic sequencing to newborn disease screening
N.J. health officials aim to add genomic sequencing, which allows scientists to document someone’s whole DNA, to mandatory newborn blood testing.
Hearing planned for amended bill that would restrict access to public records
A controversial bill to overhaul New Jersey's Open Public Records Act will get a hearing Thursday. Critics call it a "corruption-codifying" bill.
Lawmakers’ push to protect workers from excessive heat criticized by business groups
At least 436 people died from heat exposure between 2011 and 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
After scrutiny, Legislature looks to loosen compensation rules for some top county officials
The bill’s sponsor said Union County officials asked for the change after a state comptroller’s report criticized them for shielding pay changes from public view.
Bill would require pay information in job postings
The bill is part of a broader trend toward pay transparency that supporters say is key to closing wage gaps between men and women.