The Swamp - Shore News Network

Ruiz, O’Scanlon Bill to Prohibit Sale of Delta-8 THC Products

June 14, 2023

The Senate Law & Public Safety Committee advanced legislation sponsored by Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon to prohibit the production and sale of products containing delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Singer Bill Supporting Affordable Nonpublic School Transportation Advances

June 13, 2023

Sen. Robert Singer’s bill that would help more nonpublic school students receive reliable busing services was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

O’Scanlon Bill to Help Crime Victims Clears Budget & Appropriations Committee

June 13, 2023

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon’s bill that unifies services for crime victims within the newly created Division of Violence Intervention and Victim Assistance (VIVA) in the Department of Law and Public Safety was approved by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Polistina Bill Authorizing Online Gambling Through 2033 Advances

June 13, 2023

Sen. Vince Polistina’s bill that supports and extends casinos’ use of online gambling was advanced by the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.

Corrado Measure that Would Cut Government Red Tape for Surviving Spouses Clears Committee

June 13, 2023

The Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado that allows the surviving spouse of a decedent to use their motor vehicle until the registration expires.

Committee Advances Pennacchio/Durr Bill Securing Access to Public Lakes for Recreational Fisherman

June 13, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Ed Durr that would preserve access to any state-owned lake that is open to boats was approved in committee.

Bramnick Measure Extending Tuition Benefits to Military Members Clears Committee

June 13, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Bramnick that would allow military members and their dependents to qualify for resident tuition rates at county colleges was advanced today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Bucco Bill to Establish “Richard Rescorla Day” in NJ Advances

June 13, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Tony Bucco that would designate May 27 of each year as Richard Rescorla Day was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Singer Bill Promotes Innovation Through Expanded Grant Opportunities

June 13, 2023

Sen. Robert Singer’s bill that would expand certain grant opportunities for individuals employed at state colleges and universities was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.

Bucco & Corrado Bill Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health Advances

June 13, 2023

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Sen. Kristin Corrado’s bill that would designate September 22nd of each year as Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Bucco Bill Providing Tax Relief for Veterans Advances

June 13, 2023

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that would provide necessary income tax relief for Veterans was approved by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Stanfield Bill Revising Farmland Appraisal Process Advances

June 9, 2023

Sen. Jean Stanfield’s bill that would help preserve more farmland in New Jersey was approved by the Senate Economic Growth Committee.

Bucco: If Democrats’ Green Energy Plan Is Such a Great Idea, Why Delay a Vote Until After the Election?

June 7, 2023

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco asked why Democrats would delay a vote on legislation requiring New Jersey to transition to 100% clean energy by 2035 until after November’s legislative elections if it’s such a great idea.

Bramnick Drafting “Fair Fight” Legislation

June 6, 2023

Sen. Jon Bramnick is drafting ‘fair fight’ legislation to deter and more forcefully punish gang assaults by multiple people against an individual.

Senate Republicans Propose FY 2024 Budget Plan with $6 Billion of New Tax Relief, More Debt Reduction, Spending Moderation & Greater Transparency

June 6, 2023

The Republican members of the Senate Budget & Appropriations Committee proposed more than $6 billion of new tax relief, $1 billion for debt reduction, and greater transparency and fairness in State spending in a detailed plan to amend Gov. Murphy’s proposed FY 2024 State Budget.

Durr: Attributing the Deaths of Whales Disoriented by Wind Survey Work to Ship Strikes Is Disingenuous

June 6, 2023

Sen. Ed Durr issued the following response after the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) determined that the deaths of two humpback whales were caused by vessel strikes off the coast of New York and New Jersey.

Bucco Bill to Bolster Employment Opportunities in the Healthcare Industry Advances

June 6, 2023

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco’s bill that would bolster employment in New Jersey’s healthcare industry was approved by the Senate Labor Committee.

Testa & Durr: Despite Democrat Fearmongering, Nobody Is Looking to Ban Books

June 3, 2023

Sen. Michael Testa and Sen. Ed Durr said that despite fearmongering from Gov. Phil Murphy and Trenton Democrats, nobody is looking to ban books of any kind.

Testa Renews Call for Criminal Justice Reforms to Help Towns Maintain Law & Order

June 3, 2023

Sen. Michael Testa is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to approve criminal justice reform bills that would help towns to reverse a trend of lawlessness by drunk and rowdy teenagers.

Bucco Bill Giving Municipalities More Options to Purchase Firefighting Equipment Advances

June 3, 2023

Sen. Anthony Bucco’s bill that enables municipalities to extend the time to permanently finance the purchase of new firefighting apparatus was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Connors, Rumpf & Gove Introduce Bill to Create Fund for Volunteer Fire Companies

June 2, 2023

Sen. Christopher Connors, Asm. Brian Rumpf, and Asw. DiAnne Gove have introduced legislation to support the financial needs of volunteer fire companies.

Schepisi Introduces Bill to Honor Victims of Fentanyl Poisoning and Raise Awareness

June 2, 2023

Sen. Holly Schepisi introduced a joint resolution, SJR-128, to designate July 14th of each year as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Day.

Singer Bill Honoring WWII Veteran Advances

June 2, 2023

Sen. Robert Singer’s bill that would designate a portion of State Highway Route 71 in honor of World War II veteran John Tarantino was advanced by the Senate Transportation Committee.

Committee Advances Holzapfel Bill Cracking Down on Noisy, Illegal Mufflers and Exhaust Systems

June 2, 2023

The Senate Transportation Committee approved legislation today sponsored by Sen. Jim Holzapfel that would increase penalties for modifying car exhaust systems to make them excessively noisy.

Oroho Bill Protecting Homebuyers from Pitfalls of ‘House Flipping’ Advances

June 2, 2023

Sen. Steve Oroho’s bill that would increase protections for homebuyers when purchasing recently renovated properties was approved by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Stanfield Bill Expanding Small-Dollar Property Tax Refunds Advances

June 2, 2023

Sen. Jean Stanfield’s bill that would increase the dollar amount limit for property tax refunds and certain cancellations made by authorized municipal employees was advanced by the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee.

Bucco & O’Scanlon: Let’s Help New Jersey to Stay Safe this Summer

June 1, 2023

Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and Sen. Declan O’Scanlon said it’s time to undo some mistakes that were made with juvenile criminal justice reforms to help New Jersey stay safe this summer.

Durr Blasts Democrat Bill that Would Punish Schools for Respecting Parental Rights

June 1, 2023

Sen. Ed Durr blasted a new Democrat-sponsored bill that would impose financial penalties on school districts that remove [censored]ographic books from school libraries at the request of concerned parents.

District 10 Lawmakers to Introduce Bill Prohibiting State Agencies from Fining One Another

May 26, 2023

In response to the DEP issuing a fine against the Division of Fish & Wildlife, District 10 lawmakers will introduce legislation that will prohibit state agencies from imposing civil penalties on other state agencies or bureaus.

Durr Sponsors $4.32 Billion of “Give It Back” Property Tax Relief for Towns & Counties

May 26, 2023

Sen. Ed Durr is sponsoring legislation that would provide $4.32 billion of ‘Give It Back’ property tax relief to every town and county in New Jersey, including more than $100 million to the 3rd Legislative District.

Senate Advances Corrado Bill that Would Address Teacher Shortage

May 24, 2023

School districts in New Jersey may soon be able to hire recently retired teachers to fill gaps in staffing thanks to legislation sponsored by Sen. Kristin Corrado and approved by the New Jersey Senate.

9th District Delegation: Trenton Doesn’t Get that the Cost of Living is too High for Residents

May 24, 2023

As the FY2024 State Budget hearings wind to a close, District 9 lawmakers are calling on the Murphy Administration and their legislative colleagues to make tax relief and corresponding government spending cuts priorities.

Senate Republicans Announce $4.32 Billion of “Give It Back” Property Tax Relief for Towns & Counties

May 24, 2023

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon and Sen. Michael Testa announced a plan to provide $4.32 billion of ‘Give It Back’ property tax relief to New Jersey’s towns and counties.

Pennacchio & Bucco Vote “NO” on Bill that Would Pack More High-Density Housing into Towns

May 23, 2023

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Anthony M. Bucco voted against legislation today that they warned would lead to higher-density housing developments in many New Jersey towns.

Senate Clears Oroho Bill Bolstering Protections of our Financial System

May 23, 2023

Sen. Steve Oroho’s legislation that would increase financial safeguards for state domiciled insurance companies was passed by the New Jersey Senate.

Senate Approves Stanfield Bill that Would Update Funding for Environmental Infrastructure Projects

May 23, 2023

The NJ Senate advanced bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Jean Stanfield that would approve the updated Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Plan of the NJIB.

Senate Clears Senator Bramnick’s Bill to Teach Students How to Cope With Grief

May 23, 2023

Sen. Jon Bramnick’s legislation that instructs school districts to teach students how to cope with grief and loss was passed by the New Jersey Senate.

Bramnick Bill Permitting Stalking Victims to Obtain Restraining Order Against Strangers Heads to Governor’s Desk

May 23, 2023

The New Jersey Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill sponsored by Sen. Jon Bramnick that permits stalking victims to obtain restraining orders against strangers.

O’Scanlon: “I Have a Solution to the Congestion Pricing Debacle”

May 20, 2023

Sen. Declan O’Scanlon urged lawmakers to pass the Automated Enforcement Inoculation Act to protect New Jersey drivers from predatory fines for out-of-state traffic violations.

Monday Preview: Senate to Consider Two Important Laws Proposed by Bramnick

May 20, 2023

The New Jersey Senate will consider two important laws proposed by Sen. Jon Bramnick during its session on Monday.

Holzapfel: Lock up the Criminals not the Merchandise

May 19, 2023

Sen. Jim Holzapfel is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to approve his bill that would impose strict penalties for engaging in gang shoplifting.

Committee Clears Bramnick Bill that Would Stop Trespassers from Harming Animals at Zoos

May 19, 2023

Legislation sponsored by Sen. Jon Bramnick that would establish penalties and liability for causing harm to wild animals was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Bucco Chides Trenton Democrats for Unbalanced Hearing on Whale & Dolphin Deaths

May 19, 2023

Sen. Tony Bucco criticized Trenton Democrats’ hearing on marine mammal deaths today as a one-sided conversation devoid of critical perspectives.

Bucco Bill Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Advances

May 19, 2023

Sen. Bucco’s bill that supports victims of domestic violence by allowing plaintiffs to obtain police evidence to support their case was approved by the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

Pennacchio & Durr Express Support for Hanover School District Policy to Keep Parents Informed

May 19, 2023

Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Sen. Ed Durr expressed support for a policy adopted by the Hanover Township Board of Education that requires staff to notify parents when they become aware of anything that may impact a student’s well-being.

Polistina Bill Expanding PFRS and SPRS Beneficiaries Advances

May 19, 2023

Sen. Polistina’s bill that expands the eligibility of surviving children to receive pension benefits from deceased members of the SPRS and the PFRS was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.

GOP leaders warn Gopal’s power grab will eliminate competition not corruption

May 18, 2023

Sen. Oroho and Asm. DiMaio warned that legislation sponsored by Sen. Vin Gopal to ban county constitutional officers from serving as county party leaders will deal a blow to the electoral process, not prevent conflicts of interest.

Bramnick’s Gang Shoplifting Bill Needed More Than Ever

May 18, 2023

In response to the theft that occurred at the Dior store in Short Hills, Sen. Jon Bramnick is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to pass his bill that would make gang shoplifting a crime.

Oroho & Testa Slam NYC Congestion Pricing as “Tax Hike on New Jerseyans”

May 17, 2023

Senators Steven Oroho and Michael Testa criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul and the Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration for moving forward with Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan.

REVISED: Bucco and “WITH Grace Initiative” to Host Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day on June 20

May 17, 2023

Sen. Anthony Bucco and WITH Grace Initiative will host Childhood Cancer Advocacy Day to help advocate for the youngest cancer survivors, raise awareness for childhood cancer, and discuss ways to fund pediatric cancer research.