Governor Phil Murphy

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This Week In New Jersey: August 9, 2019

08/9/2019

Acting Governor Oliver Signs Gun Violence Intervention Bills

Acting Governor Sheila Oliver signed a package of gun violence intervention bills that underscore New Jersey’s commitment to combating gun violence. The bills, which are part of Gun Safety Package 2.0, follow a series of comprehensive gun safety laws signed by Governor Phil Murphy in July 2019. The three bills signed today establish community-based non-violence and gun violence prevention programs. Recent domestic terrorist attacks in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio underscore the need for comprehensive, holistic approaches to gun safety in our communities.

“Every day gun violence is tearing our communities apart, especially in underserved communities of color. Governor Murphy and I are determined to stop the violence through intervention programming,” said Acting Governor Sheila Oliver, who serves as Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. “The bills I am signing today will help cut gun violence off at the source through comprehensive hospital-based violence intervention programs (HBIV) that will educate, care for, and protect New Jersey residents to help save lives.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Strengthening New Jersey's Innovation Economy

Governor Phil Murphy signed S2297 and A5111 into law, establishing the New Jersey Blockchain Initiative Task Force and creating the Innovation District Designation Program. Governor Murphy announced the signings while participating in a panel discussion at the Propelify Innovation Summit at Nokia Bell Labs in Murray Hill.
“Growing New Jersey’s innovation economy will take more than just new and smart government policy. It will also require new and smart infrastructure that enables businesses and governments to work with greater speed and efficiency, as well as a collaborative way of thinking that includes government, higher education, and the private sector,” said Governor Murphy. “These two important bills go a long way toward accomplishing those goals.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Easing Taxation on Shore Rentals

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (A-4814) amending the transient accommodations law enacted last summer to provide relief for many shore renters by narrowing the scope of rentals that are subject to taxation.
The administration conducted a thorough legal and technical review to ensure that the legislation, as written, was not only feasible to implement, but more closely mirrors the original intent, which was to create parity throughout the rental industry by extending the existing tax on hotels and motels to certain short-term rentals, such as those done through online marketplaces.
“Our shore economy adds tremendous vitality and dynamism to New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “Access to affordable rental properties for visitors and income on rentals for homeowners are the backbone of that economy. Our public policies must be well-calibrated to allow this economy to thrive and grow.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Enhancing Animal Protections

Governor Phil Murphy signed two bills into law, prohibiting the leasing of dogs and cats, and establishing the ownership, possession, purchasing, selling, or manufacturing of animal fighting paraphernalia as a crime of the third degree.

“As the owner of three pets and a strong proponent of animal protections, I am proud to sign legislation that bans the predatory practice of leasing dogs and cats and codifying the possession and trade of animal fighting equipment as a third-degree crime,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “I thank the advocates and legislators that have fought for so long against these cruel and inhumane practices.”

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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Easing Taxation on Shore Rentals

Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation that will require all New Jersey public schools to include mental health instruction in K through 12 health curriculums. The bill (S2861) aims to enhance student understanding, attitudes, and behaviors related to mental health to promote well-being. Governor Murphy also took action on legislation (S3160) that will require the Department of Education to establish a four-year pilot program testing later school start times for high school students.

“We are striving to do all that we can to improve health and wellness for our students,” said Governor Murphy. “By ensuring that children in grades K through 12 learn about mental health, we can promote a healthier future for New Jersey. Research also shows that academic progress may be negatively impacted by starting school too early. By testing the viability of changing start times, we are exploring ways to improve learning outcomes for New Jersey students.”

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