Bramnick Bill Permitting Stalking Victims to Obtain Restraining Order Against Strangers Heads to Governor’s Desk
The New Jersey Senate gave final legislative approval to a bill sponsored by Senator Jon Bramnick that permits stalking victims to obtain restraining orders against strangers. The legislation now heads to the governor’s desk.

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. (©iStock)
Current state law does not permit victims of stalking and other forms of abuse to obtain a restraining order when the defendant is a stranger. In most cases, a victim must prove that they have a prior or existing spousal, household, or dating relationship with the offender, unless the defendant was already convicted of stalking.
O’Scanlon: “I Have a Solution to the Congestion Pricing Debacle”
Urges Lawmakers to Pass The Automated Enforcement Inoculation Act
Senator 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.

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. (SenateNJ.com)
“New Jersey drivers are under siege from out-of-state politicians who want drive up costs for travelers for the purpose of making a quick buck,” said O’Scanlon (R-13). “Through bipartisan efforts we fought and defeated camera enforced violations in New Jersey because we recognized that it was nothing more than government-sanctioned-theft. While half of all states have rejected these corrupt schemes, New York has decided to implement them and is doubling down with absurd congestion price taxes. By passing this legislation, Republicans and Democrats can stand together and deter at least one of the many invasive and unjust taxes that New York State is trying to impose on New Jersey families.”
Monday Preview: Senate to Consider Two Important Laws Proposed by Bramnick
The New Jersey Senate will consider two important laws proposed by Senator Jon Bramnick (R-21) during its session on Monday.

The New Jersey Senate will consider two important laws proposed by Sen. Jon Bramnick during its session on Monday. (SenateNJ.com)
The first bill, S-3330, requires public school districts to add instruction on grief for students in grades eight through twelve as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
“Grief is one of the hardest emotions to understand and manage as an adolescent,” said Bramnick. “Although grief and loss are difficult for any person to go through, we have the tools to teach kids healthy ways to cope and teachers who are eager to provide their support. This legislation ensures that our high school students learn how to effectively manage the physical, emotional, and behavioral impacts of grief.”
Holzapfel: Lock up the Criminals not the Merchandise
Senator Jim Holzapfel is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to approve his bill that would impose strict penalties for engaging in gang shoplifting.

Sen. Jim Holzapfel is calling on the New Jersey Legislature to approve his bill that would impose strict penalties for engaging in gang shoplifting. (Flickr)
“What’s it going to take to get Trenton Democrats to stop being soft on crime? Earlier this week, a gang of shoplifters cleaned out a Dior store in Short Hills, and just yesterday, Target announced that it lost over a billion dollars in merchandise because of flash mobs of shoplifters,” said Holzapfel (R-10). “Not only do these crimes have an immediate impact on item inventory, but they can also erode investor trust and slowly destroy a company’s stock valuation. Now is the time for the Legislature to approve my bill so that we can put a stop to this reckless behavior.”
Committee Clears Bramnick Bill that Would Stop Trespassers from Harming Animals at Zoos
Legislation sponsored by Senator Jon Bramnick that would establish penalties and liability for causing harm to wild animals was approved today by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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. (Pixabay)
“How many times have we heard about a person jumping a barrier at a zoo to get closer to a wild animal, particularly a tiger or a bear? This type of behavior often results in the person being killed or injured by the animal or law enforcement having to kill the animal,” said Bramnick (R-21). “These people are trespassers, they have no right whatsoever to be in a restricted area with these wild animals, and should face legal and financial consequences for their reckless actions.”
Bucco Chides Trenton Democrats for Unbalanced Hearing on Whale & Dolphin Deaths
Senator Anthony M. Bucco criticized Trenton Democrats’ hearing on marine mammal deaths today as a one-sided conversation devoid of critical perspectives.

Sen. Tony Bucco criticized Trenton Democrats’ hearing on marine mammal deaths today as a one-sided conversation devoid of critical perspectives. (Pixabay)
“After listening to the panel of witnesses today, it was obvious that Democrats stacked the deck in favor of protecting wind farms over whales,” said Bucco (R-25). “There was not a single voice that was critical of any aspect of offshore wind development or its impact on marine mammals. It’s unfortunate that the opposing viewpoints were not even considered. What could have been an open, healthy debate turned into a one-sided conversation.”
Bucco Bill Supporting Victims of Domestic Violence Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Anthony M. Bucco 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.

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. (Flickr)
“In cases of domestic violence, access to certain records provide crucial evidence that can corroborate a plaintiff’s claim,” said Bucco (R-25). “By allowing victims of domestic violence to obtain police records related to their case we are supporting their right to achieve safety and security from their abuser. This legislation would increase the likelihood that the perpetrators of these disgusting actions will be held accountable.”
Pennacchio & Durr Express Support for Hanover School District Policy to Keep Parents Informed
Senators Oppose Effort by Attorney General Platkin to Block Policy that Respects Parental Rights
Senator Joe Pennacchio and Senator 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. They said an effort by Attorney General Platkin to stop the policy from being implemented is misguided.

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. (Pixabay)
“Attorney General Platkin is trying to make this an LGBTQ issue, but that is not what the policy is about,” said Pennacchio (R-26). “Hanover should be applauded for making a real effort to ensure that parents are informed of anything that could impact the mental or physical well-being of their children. I stand 100% with the Board of Education and with parents who know best how to care for their kids.”
Polistina Bill Expanding PFRS and SPRS Beneficiaries Advances
Legislation sponsored by Senator Vince Polistina that expands the eligibility of surviving children to receive pension benefits from deceased members of the State Police Retirement System and the Police and Fireman’s Retirement System was approved by the State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Senate Committee.

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. (Pixabay)
“We have an obligation to support the families of first responders who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Polistina (R-2). “By expanding the definition of child under the PFRS and SPRS and removing certain barriers, more children under the age of 24 will qualify as beneficiaries to access pension benefits. This legislation is a small but important way to honor the service of first responders in New Jersey.”
GOP Leaders Warn Gopal’s Power Grab Will Eliminate Competition Not Corruption
Senate and Assembly minority leaders Steve Oroho and John DiMaio warned Wednesday 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.

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. (SenateNJ.com)
“This bill represents naked political partisanship,” said Oroho (R-Sussex). “The people of the State of New Jersey need leaders who will focus on addressing ever-increasing property taxes, declining school aid, and higher energy costs. Legislators should not be playing partisan political games and making unconstitutional power grabs.”