On Monday, the New Jersey State Legislature convened in Trenton to discuss and vote on several bills. Here’s a recap of the legislative action that took place:
1. Marijuana Decriminalization Bill
The Assembly Judiciary Committee approved a marijuana decriminalization bill that would reduce penalties for possession of up to two ounces of marijuana to a $50 fine. The bill also includes provisions for expungement of past convictions for marijuana possession. The bill now moves to the full Assembly for a vote.
2. Police Reform Bills
The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee approved several police reform bills, including one that would require police officers to wear body cameras and another that would create a statewide database of police use-of-force incidents. The bills also include measures to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement. The bills now move to the full Senate for a vote.
3. COVID-19 Relief Bill
The Assembly Appropriations Committee approved a COVID-19 relief bill that includes $15 million in aid for small businesses and $5 million for rental assistance. The bill also includes measures to expand access to unemployment benefits and provide funding for food banks. The bill now moves to the full Assembly for a vote.
4. Voting Rights Bill
The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism, and Historic Preservation Committee approved a voting rights bill that would expand access to early voting and allow for online voter registration. The bill also includes provisions for automatic voter registration and same-day voter registration. The bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote.
5. Environmental Justice Bill
The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee approved an environmental justice bill that would require state agencies to consider the impact of their actions on low-income communities and communities of color. The bill also includes measures to increase public participation in environmental decision-making. The bill now moves to the full Assembly for a vote.
Overall, Monday’s legislative action in Trenton focused on issues related to social justice, COVID-19 relief, and environmental protection. These bills have the potential to make a significant impact on the lives of New Jersey residents, and it will be interesting to see how they progress through the legislative process in the coming weeks.
