Brown Legislation Helping Families in Recovery Now Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Chris Brown that will give families recovering from addiction a second chance by making them eligible to work in casinos is now law.
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Brown that will give families recovering from addiction a second chance by making them eligible to work in casinos is now law. (SenateNJ.com)
“Having attended interventions for those close to me fighting with substance abuse, I know first hand how addiction attacks families throughout Atlantic County no matter their race, age, or where they live. To help our families win their battles against substance abuse, so we don’t lose an entire generation of young people to addiction, we have to assure them recovery won’t be easy, but it will be worth it by providing real hope for their future with a second chance to live productive lives by opening doors to get jobs in our casino industry,” Brown said.
Oroho, Singleton Bill to Prohibit Persons from Contracting with the State if Barred from Federal Contracts Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and Senator Troy Singleton, which would prohibit a person from contracting with the state for public work if they are barred from receiving a federal contract, was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Steve Oroho and Troy Singleton, which would prohibit a person from contracting with the state for public work if they are barred from receiving a federal contract, was signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
“If a person is banned from contracting with the federal government due to fraudulent activity, then they shouldn’t be allowed to profit with public dollars from New Jersey taxpayers,” said Senator Steven Oroho (R- Sussex, Warren, Morris). “Closing this loophole will prevent bad actors from being able to take advantage, saving New Jersey time, money, and headaches. I am pleased to see that this commonsense taxpayer protection is now law.”
“Simply put, if someone is barred from receiving federal contracts because of fraud, embezzlement or tax evasion, they should be barred from contracting with the State of New Jersey as well,” said Senator Singleton (D-Burlington). “By implementing this new law, we are holding ourselves to higher standards when considering contractors for public work projects.”
The new law, S-2469, will provide that a person or any affiliate of a person barred from contracting with a federal government agency will also be barred from contracting for any public work in New Jersey. If a person has been suspended, as opposed to being barred, from receiving federal contracts they may still have the opportunity to receive public work contracts from the state.
Under the law, prior to the awarding of a contract, a person that seeks to contract for public work will be required to provide written certification that neither the person nor the person’s affiliates is barred from contracting with the federal government. Contracting agencies will be prohibited from contracting with a person who does not provide such written certification.
The Assembly version of the law, A-3745, is sponsored by Assemblymen Parker Space and Hal Wirths (both R-Sussex, Warren, Morris).
NOW LAW: Corrado/Rooney/DePhillips Resolution Designates January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month
Honors Life of Wyckoff Teen Benjamin Landel
Legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado, Assemblyman Kevin Rooney, and Assemblyman Christopher DePhillips that raises awareness of NUT carcinoma, an aggressive cancer usually diagnosed in young victims, has been signed into law.
A resolution sponsored by Corrado, Rooney, and DePhillips to designate January as NUT Carcinoma Awareness Month has been signed into law. (SenateNJ.com)
The resolution is dedicated in memory of Benjamin Landel, a Ramapo High School soccer and track star who succumbed after a nine-month battle with this cancer.
“Benjamin was a courageous young man from my district, and the way he lived before and after his diagnosis was an inspiration to many,” said Corrado (R-40). “Even as he fought this rare, aggressive cancer, he inspired other patients with his selflessness and outgoing personality. Through this law, his spirit will continue to support young people dealing with pediatric cancer and their families.”
NOW LAW: Kean Bill Will Protect Students Struggling to Repay NJ CLASS College Loans
Senator Tom Kean’s legislation to help students who are having trouble repaying their NJCLASS loans was signed into law.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to help students who are having trouble repaying their NJCLASS loans was signed into law. (Flickr)
“The NJ CLASS loan program was designed to aid students who need financial assistance beyond what the federal loan program has provided,” said Kean (R-21). “Students who are having trouble repaying these loans shouldn’t be punished with overly-aggressive collection practices, especially if they are making efforts to get their loans back in good standing.”
Bateman Bill Helping Clear the Air of Greenhouse Gases is Now Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation banning the sale or installation of equipment containing greenhouse gases was signed by the governor.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s bill prohibiting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone and transitioning the State to less harmful alternatives was signed into law. (©iStock)
The new law (A5583/S3919) transitions the State to less harmful alternatives by prohibiting hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other gases that threaten the ozone.
Corrado’s Sexual Harassment Policy Bill Becomes Law
Senator Kristin Corrado’s bill requiring the first update of the Legislature’s sexual harassment policy in more than a decade was signed by the governor.
The governor has signed Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation requiring the Legislature to adopt a comprehensive policy prohibiting sexual harassment by members, officers, and employees. (SenateNJ.com)
“I want to send a loud and clear message that sexual harassment will not be tolerated,” said Corrado (R-40). “News reports, and testimony we have heard in Trenton indicate sexual misconduct is more prevalent than we could have imagined. That has to end. The Legislature will lead by example with a no-nonsense policy that clearly provides protections from harassment and assault.”
Bucco Bill Helping Veterans Pursue Insurance Jobs Signed by Governor
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s measure assisting veterans seeking careers in the insurance industry has been signed into law.
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s legislation waiving the initial insurance producer-licensing fee for veterans who have passed the license exam has been signed into law. (Flickr)
The bill, A1924/S2930 waives the initial insurance producer-licensing fee for veterans who have passed the license exam.
Bateman/Corrado Bills Funding Public-Supported Preservation Projects Signed
Voter-approved and constitutionally dedicated money will help preserve open space
Senator Kip Bateman and Senator Kristin Corrado sponsor a series of bills, signed into law by the governor this week, appropriating almost $215 million in constitutionally dedicated funds for farm and land preservation, and clean water and Blue Acres projects.
The governor signed a package of bills sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman and Senator Kristin Corrado appropriating constitutionally dedicated funds for farm and land preservation, and clean water and Blue Acres projects. (Garden State Preservation Trust)
“New Jerseyans have long supported open space and farmland preservation,” said Bateman (R-16). “In the most densely populated state in the nation, the public understands the need to protect undeveloped parcels and expanses of green fields. They have made their voices known at the polls where they have overwhelmingly favored the responsible acquisition of lands to sustain our State identity as the Garden State.”
Signed Into Law: Kean Bill Supporting Jersey-Based Artists
Senator Tom Kean’s legislation to empower municipalities to reshape their downtowns, commercial districts and neighborhoods into vital, cultural incubators for Jersey-based artists has been signed into law.
Sen. Tom Kean’s legislation to empower Jersey-based artists to grow and create has been signed into law. (Wikimedia)
His law, S-521, establishes a special designation that municipalities can use to promote artists living and working in New Jersey and across the United States.
“Look across New Jersey, and you will see concrete examples of how the arts play an integral role in our ongoing efforts to build vibrant communities,” said Kean, a longtime supporter of the arts. “Jersey-based artists support local jobs and foster statewide economic growth. This new law empowers these job creators to stay in New Jersey.”
Bateman Bill to Revitalize Recycling Market Is Now Law
Senator Kip Bateman’s legislation to establish a council to make recommendations for the future of recycling in the state has been signed into law.
Sen. Kip Bateman’s legislation to establish a council to make recommendations for the future of recycling in the state has been signed into law. (©iStock)
“There have been significant changes in the global recycling market, and the impact is being felt throughout our counties and towns,” said Bateman (R-16). “Local governments are struggling to maintain recycling without the outside revenue. The public has embraced recycling so effectively that supply now exceeds demand. The imbalance results in warehouses overflowing with paper, cans, bottles and plastic, and the excess ends up going to the landfill.”
