New Laws in NJ: Governor Murphy Signs, Vetoes, and Conditionally Vetoes Key Legislation

New Laws Address Youth Justice, Land Preservation, and Statewide Observances

TRENTON, N.J. – Governor Phil Murphy has signed multiple bills into law, while also issuing conditional and absolute vetoes on several others, his office announced today.

Bills Signed into Law

1. Renaming the Juvenile Justice Commission as the Youth Justice Commission

• Bill Number: S-2423/ACS for A-3678
• Sponsors: Sen. Nellie Pou, Asm. Angela McKnight / Asw. Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Asm. Benjie Wimberly, Asm. William Moen
• Purpose: The law renames the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission as the Youth Justice Commission to reflect a more rehabilitative and youth-centered approach to juvenile justice.

2. Extension of Special Appraisal Process for Green Acres and Farmland Preservation

• Bill Number: S-3466/A-4627
• Sponsors: Sen. John McKeon, Sen. Linda Greenstein / Asw. Mitchelle Collazos-Gill, Asm. John DiMaio
• Purpose: Extends the special appraisal process for properties in Green Acres and farmland preservation programs, ensuring landowners can continue to receive aid for watershed lands.

3. Establishment of Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day

• Bill Number: AJR-159/SJR-109
• Sponsors: Asw. Shavonda Sumter, Asm. Anthony Verrelli, Asm. Benjie Wimberly / Sen. Angela McKnight, Sen. Raj Mukherji
• Purpose: Designates November 14 as Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day, honoring the legacy of Ruby Bridges, who as a child helped integrate the U.S. school system in 1960.

Bills Conditionally Vetoed

Governor Murphy conditionally vetoed the following bills, meaning he has returned them to the Legislature with proposed amendments:

1. Regulation of Deepfake Technology

• Bill Number: ACS for A-3540/SS for S-2544
• Sponsors: Asm. Herb Conaway, Asm. Louis Greenwald, Asw. Ellen Park / Sen. Paul Moriarty, Sen. Kristin Corrado
• Purpose: The bill seeks to criminalize the creation and distribution of deepfake technology that is intended to deceive or defraud.
• Murphy's Concerns: The Governor’s conditional veto statement suggests that while deepfake legislation is needed, the bill may require refinements to protect free speech and define legal boundaries more clearly.

2. Restrictions on Criminal Background Information

• Bill Number: A-3881/S-2513
• Sponsors: Asw. Annette Quijano, Asw. Ellen Park / Sen. Brian Stack, Sen. Angela McKnight
• Purpose: Would prohibit the dissemination of certain criminal history background information.
• Murphy’s Concerns: The conditional veto statement indicates that while privacy protections are necessary, the bill requires adjustments to ensure law enforcement and public safety agencies retain access to necessary records.

Bill Absolutely Vetoed

Governor Murphy rejected the following bill outright, issuing an absolute veto, meaning the bill will not advance unless the Legislature overrides the veto:

1. Allowing Dental Service Corporations to Operate as Nonprofit Subsidiaries

• Bill Number: A-3667/S-1138
• Sponsors: Asm. Roy Freiman, Asw. Ellen Park / Sen. John McKeon
• Purpose: The bill would have allowed dental service corporations to operate as subsidiaries of nonprofit parent companies.
• Murphy’s Concerns: His veto statement suggests that the bill raises concerns about consumer protections and the financial impact on dental service operations.

Next Steps for the Legislature

The Legislature has the option to:

• Accept the Governor’s conditional vetoes and amend the bills accordingly.
• Override the absolute veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and Assembly.

For full copies of the Governor’s veto statements and further legislative updates, visit www.nj.gov.