Eye On Trenton

10/12/2023

The Assembly Health Committee will consider legislation to ban the sale and distribution of water beads, a water-absorbing polymer that has led to fatal consequences when accidentally ingested by young children.

Assembly bill A5366 seeks to ban the sale of water beads in NJ, which are dangerous if ingested

10/12/2023

Minors in NJ will need to obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before using social media, under a proposal being heard by the Assembly Health Committee this week.

Minors in NJ who want to use social media will need to obtain parental consent under a proposed bill

09/12/2023

With the 2023 Election behind us, there's going to be a flurry of legislative activity in New Jersey between now and the reorganization in January. Both the Senate and Assembly will be considering a multitude of bills and resolutions in the weeks ahead, and I'll be doing write-ups on some of the highlights/bills to watch. First up: a resolution honoring Frank Sinatra.

Legendary singer, actor and entertainer Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken on December 12, 1915, and went on to become one of the most famous New Jersey natives in the world. Assembly Joint Resolution #

01/12/2023

***UPDATE: On 11/30, S179 was moved to "For Discussion Only", along with two other pet-related bills (one relating to Pet Groomer licensing, and another that would ban the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits at pet stores). "For Discussion Only" means that the committee will talk about these bills, but won't vote on whether or not to release them yet. It could be that the sponsor intends to make some amendments. It's still worth submitting comments to the Committee if you support S179, and if you have any suggestions on how to make it better, feel free to say that, too.***

see original blog post for details

S179 establishes funding for TNR programs and would help animal rescue organizations humanely control the stray cat population

29/11/2023

S179, which establishes a Compassion for Community Cats fund for TNR programs, is being considered in Trenton next Monday. Here's how you can express your support:

S179 establishes funding for TNR programs and would help animal rescue organizations humanely control the stray cat population

24/10/2023

No need to wait until Nov 7th to cast your ballot in New Jersey--early in-person voting starts this weekend!

Attention New Jersey residents: Election Day 2023 is still two weeks away, but there's no need to wait to cast your vote. Early In-Person Voting starts this Saturday, Oct. 28th and runs through Sunday…

18/04/2023

Governor Murphy is being called out for spending over half a million dollars on furnishings for his Statehouse office. The itemized list includes a rug that cost over $110,000, and an expenditure of $1,737 for two throw pillows. This is outrageous.

“This is New Jersey, for Christ’s sake. This is the second-oldest in-use Statehouse in America. And you want this thing to reek of pride. We said, ‘Let’s do all of this in a first-class way,'" Murphy said.

16/03/2023

In light of the tragic death of a 14-year-old Adriana Kuch from Bayville NJ, several bills aimed at addressing the negative impacts of smartphones and social media are being heard in Trenton over the next few days.

NJ seeks to address the issue of bullying on social media and the harm it causes to teens and children through a series of bills

10/03/2023

UPDATE: I’m told the bill is undergoing key revisions that will clarify its intentions, in a way that would not allow entry on private property without permission. I’m going to review the proposals and provide an update on Friday. 

Original post:
Are there any circumstances where you would be okay with someone accessing your property without getting your permission first? There's a bill making its way through the legislature that would allow it for the purposes of "deer management"--including controlled hunting. I agree with Senator Durr's characterization that the bill represents "a slippery slope" that could erode your rights as a homeowner. Details on the blog.

I was listening to the Senate Environment & Energy Committee today when I first learned about S2967, sponsored by Senator Andrew Zwicker. (The Assembly version, A5236, is sponsored by Assemblyman…

24/02/2023

Social Media Addiction has become a serious issue, especially for children and young teens--is this a matter of parental responsibility, or should the government step in? Two bills recently introduced in New Jersey would enact harsh penalties on social media companies that use features deemed "addictive." Additional details on the blog:

The negative effects that social media addiction and excessive time spent online has on children and teens has been a topic of conversation for years. Cyber-bulling, low-self esteem…

16/02/2023

UPDATE: All 3 bills we posted about (the ban on declawing, the Pet Insurance Act, and the bill that would require veterinarians to post their fees for standard & emergency care, were all released from Committee today. See the blog for details.

3 bills impacting pet owners in NJ were released from their committees today, but not without some drama

11/02/2023

Listen up, Pet Owners in NJ: there are three important bills up for a hearing next week that you'll want to know about. Full details and instructions on how to express your thoughts to the Committee Members are posted now:

These three bills seek to protect pets and their owners: a ban on declawing, transparency over vet fees, and regulating pet insurance.

10/02/2023

Lots of interesting bills up for Committee consideration next week, including one that takes aim at Multi-Level Marketing companies.

We’ve all been there—happily scrolling through social media when suddenly, someone you’re not particularly close with slides into your DMs with a “Hey Hun, I’ve been thinking about you, girl!”…

27/06/2022

There's an excellent editorial in today's Jersey Journal, explaining the potential pitfalls of fast-tracked legislation that will affect development at Liberty State Park.

As written, the bill could pave the way for doing the opposite of what it pretends to champion.

25/06/2022

It's been awhile since I've posted an update, and for good reason: National & International news over the past few months has eclipsed the routine Budget activities in Trenton. We've seen ongoing atrocities in the Ukraine, a racially-motivated mass shooting at a supermarket in Buffalo, the horrific school schooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, the hearings on the Jan 6th Capitol attack, and recent decisions by the Supreme Court (affecting justifiable need requirements for concealed firearm carry and overturning Roe v. Wade) that have sparked protests. Nevertheless, NJ State Legislators have been working to move bills through Committee and are gearing up for the usual end-of-June marathon Voting Sessions where they pass the Annual Budget. There are dozens of bills up for a vote next week, and I'll be posting a round-up over the weekend.

24/03/2022

Today in Trenton: the last set of Voting Sessions before Budget season begins. Here are few noteworthy bills we'll be watching: https://eyeontrenton.com/uncategorized/bills-to-watch-for-march-24th-voting-session/

It’s the last set of Voting Sessions before Budget Season begins. Here are a few noteworthy bills up for a vote today.

21/03/2022

Here are we are, 2 years later, and the NJ Legislature is gearing up for its last Voting Session before the Budget Hearings begin. There are a number of interesting bills--some of which are being fast-tracked through the filing & release process in just 4 days--which will be up for a vote this Thursday, March 24th. Topics include closing loopholes on bribery of political candidates, raising pay for Election workers, and revisions to the ban on Plastic & Paper Carry-out Bags. Be sure to Like AND Follow this Page so you won't miss our upcoming post with more info on the Bills We'll Be Watching.

Assemblyman Chris Tully gets an assist from "Captain America"

08/03/2022

Governor Murphy is about to go Live with his annual Budget Address. Streaming on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NM2gRkPLl4

This is the Official video channel of the New Jersey Governor's Office.