Social Justice
Legislative plan to overhaul affordable housing prompts applause, warnings
Some cheered a bill to revamp N.J.'s affordable housing strategy, but others urged legislators not to rush it through the lame-duck session.
Proposal to set 14 as minimum age for juvenile delinquency sparks debate
New Jersey would set 14 as the minimum age for juvenile delinquency under a bill meant to reduce racial disparities and the harms of the criminal justice system.
Bill would protect people from state lag in processing expungements
A new bill would bar the state police from releasing criminal records without first verifying whether a judge has ordered them expunged.
N.J. lawmakers move bill forward to give some civilian review boards subpoena power
Without the ability to subpoena witnesses and evidence, the impact of citizen-led boards is limited, supporters said.
Lewd, unconstitutional police training could threaten criminal prosecutions, attorneys warn
New Jersey cops who taught or attended Street Cop's controversial training will undermine criminal cases, attorneys warn.
Watchdog finds police training firm taught cops offensive and ‘likely illegal’ tactics
Acting State Comptroller Kevin Walsh urged oversight of private police training after finding offensive, "likely illegal" lessons at 2021 forum.
Bill advances to end ban on jury service for people with criminal convictions
New Jersey bars anyone charged with an indictable offense from jury duty; that would change under a bill advanced Monday.
New Jersey Muslim leaders again demand cease-fire in Gaza
Muslim leaders denounced New Jersey's federal and state lawmakers for failing to demand a cease-fire in Gaza, as civilian fatalities rise.
Clean-energy bill prompts hours of impassioned testimony — but no decision
A bill that would codify Gov. Phil Murphy's goal of 100% clean energy by 2035 prompted a lot of support — and hours of testimony.
Staffing agencies continue fighting New Jersey’s temporary worker protections
Staffing agencies continue fighting new state law requiring temporary workers to receive pay and benefits equal to full-time counterparts.
States grapple with racist language in real estate deeds
Several states recently have passed laws banning racist language in property deeds that prohibited home sales to Black or immigrant buyers.
Cash bail policies are under fresh scrutiny
Some states, including New Jersey, have largely eliminated cash bail to reduce inequities. But other states are taking the opposite approach.