Bateman Measure Providing Loans for Clean Water Infrastructure Advances
More than 180 clean water projects would receive low-interest funding in legislation sponsored by Senator Kip Bateman. The Senate Environment and Energy Committee today approved the bill (S4202).
Sen. Bateman’s legislation authorizes $1.5 billion in low-interest loans for more than 180 clean water projects. (Pixabay)
The measure authorizes the New Jersey Infrastructure Bank (NJIB) to expend more than $1.5 billion for loans for projects on the Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2020 Clean Water Project Eligibility List and the Storm Sandy and State Fiscal Year 2020 Drinking Water Project Eligibility List.
Corrado Bill Accrediting Fire Academy Classes Advances
Senator Kristin Corrado’s legislation to help firefighters use their academy training to earn college credits advanced in the Senate Higher Education Committee.
Sen. Kristin Corrado’s legislation to help firefighters use their academy training to earn college credits advanced. (Pixabay)
“Firefighters-in-training gain valuable experience throughout their fire academy classes that hold the same weight as college courses,” said Corrado (R-40). “Accrediting fire service training opens the door to career advancement, creating a clear path to a fire science bachelor’s degree. This will allow professional firefighters to better understand how to address hazards, properly manage emergencies, appropriately coordinate fire responses, and increase their knowledge of building construction. Ensuring four-year state colleges will award these credits is a common-sense move to help firefighters climb the career ladder and better protect New Jersey residents, property, and the community at large.”
O’Scanlon: Recreational Marijuana Legalization Should Be Decided by Voters
Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) today released the following statement regarding his position on a lame duck vote on marijuana legalization:
Sen. Declan O’Scanlon said the Legislature should abandon efforts to move legalization legislation during the lame duck session and commit to sending the question to voters. (Pixabay)
“It’s time to end the mixed message being sent to the public, the industry, law enforcement, and both opponents and supporters of marijuana legalization. We should abandon efforts to move legalization legislation during the lame duck session and firmly commit to sending the question to voters. To be clear, I will be a firm vote against any form of legalization legislation until and unless voters have voted in favor of legalization.
“My reasoning for taking this position is several fold. First, I believe a commitment was essentially made this past spring, following the debate and failed vote at the time, that this issue would be put to the voters.
Pennacchio Applauds Advancement of Greenwood Lake Funding
Senator Joe Pennacchio commended the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approving legislation that will preserve and protect Greenwood Lake.
Sen. Joe Pennacchio commended the Assembly Appropriations Committee for approving legislation that will preserve and protect Greenwood Lake. (GoogleMaps)
“Following the very trying summer for Greenwood Lake residents and businesses, the advancement of this State funding is a sign of hope,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “While the algae bloom had a devastating effect on the local economy, the approval of this legislation is the heartening step that recognizes that the State of New Jersey must prioritize funding to safeguard one of Passaic County’s most popular and scenic waterways, rather than let the expense fall on the backs of the local residents and business owners.”
Panel Clears Bucco Bill Absolving Businesses from Costly Fines for Minor Mistakes
Small businesses in New Jersey would be spared costly fines for innocuous paperwork filing errors under legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco and advanced today by the Senate Commerce Committee.
Sen. Bucco’s legislation would suspend fines for paperwork filing violations by small businesses. (©iStock)
Bucco’s bill (S2347) provides forgiveness of penalties for first-time filing violations by small companies, including administrative or civil fines from State agencies or regulatory authorities.
“Red tape and cumbersome regulation make it difficult to run a business in New Jersey,” said Bucco (R-25). “If a business makes an honest mistake with paperwork, there’s no need to drop a heavy fine on them. The State shouldn’t burden them for petty oversights.”
Oroho Bill Establishing Special License Plates for Veterans Cleared by Committee
Honorably discharged veterans will be eligible for special license plates under a bill sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho and approved today by the Senate Transportation Committee.
Sen. Oroho sponsors a bill authorizing special license plates for honorably discharged veterans.
The bipartisan measure (S730) authorizes plates identifying the registrant as a veteran and including the insignia of the appropriate branch of the military.
Singer Bill Urging Federal CBD Daily Dose Guidelines Passes Committee
Senator Bob Singer’s legislation urging the federal government to establish a safe daily level of CBD consumption advanced in the Senate Health Committee.
Sen. Bob Singer’s legislation urging the federal government to establish a safe daily level of CBD consumption advanced. (SenateNJ.com)
“Cannabinol is being touted as a wonder supplement that can help alleviate insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety, and even seizures,” said Singer (R-30). “That being said, how much CBD oil is too much? I urge the President and U.S. Congress to create clear guidelines for the safety and well-being of residents in New Jersey and across the country.”
Bucco Bill Helping Widows with Name Change Advances
Senator Anthony M. Bucco’s bill to make it easier for widows to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license cleared the Senate Transportation Committee today.
Sen. Bucco’s bill would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof to change back to their maiden name on their driver’s license.
The legislation (S3421) would allow spouses to provide the Motor Vehicle Commission with a marriage certificate and death certificate as proof for the name change.
“After the loss of a spouse, grieving widows shouldn’t have to go to court just to change the name on their driver’s license,” said Bucco (R-25). “They have enough to worry about dealing with paperwork, legalities and financial issues associated with their loved one’s estate. This is a common sense correction to what is an unnecessarily complex process.”
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe Blast Effort by Democrats to Let Convicted Criminals Vote
Senator Jim Holzapfel, Assemblyman Greg McGuckin, and Assemblyman Dave Wolfe (all R-Ocean) blasted a Democratic legislative proposal that would allow convicted criminals who are on parole or probation to vote in elections.
Holzapfel, McGuckin & Wolfe blasted a Democratic legislative proposal that would allow convicted criminals who are on parole or probation to vote in elections, saying it eventually will lead to prisoners voting in jail. (SenateNJ.com)
“By removing one of the important penalties associated with criminal convictions, Democrats would eliminate a significant deterrent to committing crime that could negatively impact public safety,” said Holzapfel, a former Ocean County Prosecutor. “People who have shown criminal disregard for our laws should not have a role in electing the people who write them.”
Thompson Bill Lifting Anonymity of Residential Landlords Advances
Says Shell Companies Often Unreachable When Problems Arise
Legislation sponsored by Senator Sam Thompson that would lift the veil of anonymity from limited liability companies owning residential property passed the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee today.
Sen. Thompson’s bill to require LLCs recording deeds for residential properties to identify all individual owners was approved by committee. (©iStock)
The bill (S241) would require LLCs to disclose the names and business addresses of all members, managers and authorized agents of the company when recording deeds for homes with as many as four dwelling units.
“Shell corporations are coming into neighborhoods. If there are any problems, people can’t find anybody to talk to get issues resolved,” said Thompson (R-12). “It’s frustrating when neighbors don’t know who to turn to for help. Making the names of responsible parties available eliminates the obstacle.”
