Governor Murphy Signs First-in-the-Nation Legislation to Hold Gun Traffickers Criminally Liable for Resulting Deaths and Injuries
Expanding on New Jersey’s nation-leading gun safety laws, Governor Phil Murphy signed S3150, which establishes strict liability criminal penalties for gun traffickers when an illegally trafficked firearm provided by them is used in a crime that results in serious or significant bodily injury or death.
Under the first-in-the-nation legislation, also known as the “Real Accountability for Consequences of Unlawful Trafficking of Firearms Act,” a trafficked firearm used for a crime resulting in a death may be charged with a first-degree crime. Similarly, a person who commits a firearm trafficking violation resulting in serious or significant bodily injury may be charged with a second-degree crime. The bill will also allow New Jersey prosecutors to charge out-of-state traffickers, who have supplied around 80% of guns used for crimes in our state, for the harms their illegal out-of-state conduct causes in New Jersey.
The legislation is modeled on similar, longstanding laws that impose strict criminal liability on drug dealers for overdose deaths caused by their illicit products.
"Far too many New Jerseyans live with the daily fear that people in their communities who cannot legally possess guns can illegally obtain firearms and cause great harm,” said Governor Murphy. “This bill allows us to hold those who illegally traffic those guns accountable for the harm that those weapons are used to cause. With today’s new law, New Jersey will become the first state in the nation to go after illegal gun traffickers in this way. This is yet another historic step to protect our children and families from gun violence, and we will continue to support long-term solutions that will break the cycle of violence once and for all."
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Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Provide Access to Free Menstrual Products for Students in Grade Six Through Twelve
Recognizing that access to affordable menstrual products is key to the health and participation of New Jersey students, Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill (S-1221/A-1349) requiring school districts to provide menstrual products free of charge in every public school teaching students in one or more of grades six through twelve. By working to address ‘period poverty’ through convenient and free access to menstrual hygiene products in our schools, this legislation builds on the Murphy Administration’s ongoing efforts to equitably advance women’s health in New Jersey.
A study from 2021 found that nearly one in four teenagers throughout the United States struggle to afford menstrual products, especially students of color and those from low-income families. Access to menstrual hygiene products helps students focus on learning and prevents unnecessary infections that can cause chronic reproductive health challenges.
Under the new law, applicable schools will be required to provide menstrual products in at least half of all their female and gender-neutral bathrooms. Any costs incurred by a school district in supplying menstrual products to meet the needs of its students will be borne by the State.
“When students can’t access the menstrual products they need for their reproductive health, the potential stress and stigma too often distracts them from their classes or forces them to skip school entirely – leading to social and academic repercussions that no one should have to face,” said Governor Murphy. “My Administration will continue to prioritize the mental and physical health of New Jersey students by taking a holistic approach to supporting their well-being. Promoting menstrual equity in our schools is one crucial component of our ongoing efforts to ensure the success of young people throughout our state and promote equity at every level.”
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Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Protect Veterans and Their Families When Seeking Assistance With Veterans' Benefits
To help protect veterans from exploitation, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S-3292/A-3286) to establish standard requirements that must be followed if an individual is seeking compensation for providing assistance or advice to veterans and their families regarding veterans’ benefits. The requirements apply to situations in which an individual assists with the preparation or representation of any claim for benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMAVA).
The legislation establishes the circumstances under which compensation may be sought in these situations; requires terms of service and compensation to be in writing; prohibits individuals from guaranteeing any specific result when offering their services; and requires individuals to disclose any affiliations they may have with the VA, DMAVA, or other federally chartered service organizations prior to entering into an agreement with the veteran or their family. Under the bill, any violation of these terms will be considered an unlawful act under the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, which may result in monetary or other penalties.
“Our veterans put their lives on the line in service to our country and have more than earned the benefits for which they and their loved ones are eligible,” said Governor Murphy. “We must protect veterans and their families from unscrupulous individuals who would take advantage of them by overcharging for assistance with those benefits. This legislation will help ensure these bad actors either follow all applicable federal standards or face the consequences.”
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SBA Offers Rural Disaster Assistance to New Jersey Businesses and Residents Affected by the Severe Storms and Flooding
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses and residents in Warren County, New Jersey, affected by the severe storms and flooding that occurred July 14-15, 2023, announced Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA acted under the Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act to declare a disaster in response to a request received from Gov. Philip D. Murphy.
“SBA’s mission-driven team stands ready to help New Jersey businesses and residents impacted by severe storms and flooding,” said Administrator Guzman. “We’re committed to providing federal disaster loans swiftly and efficiently, with a customer-centric approach to help businesses and communities recover and rebuild.”
“As we continue to encounter increasingly dangerous storms due to climate change, it’s important that we protect and support our small businesses and residents affected by these severe weather events,” said Governor Murphy. “I am grateful to the Biden Administration for approving our FEMA Major Disaster Declaration and appreciate SBA’s assistance in providing these folks financial support as they continue to recover from the storms that hit our state earlier this summer. With the aid provided from the Disaster Declaration, Warren County will be able to build back stronger.”
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Governor Murphy Settles Central Jersey Debate
Governor Phil Murphy signed S3206 to promote Central Jersey tourism. The bill requires the Division of Travel and Tourism, within the Department of State, to re-draw the State tourism map to create a “Central Jersey” region and to incorporate it in all regional marketing campaigns, including publications and on VisitNJ.org. The “Central Jersey” region will be comprised of, at minimum, the counties of Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, and Somerset. The Division of Travel and Tourism will also be required to promote overnight stays.
“Today, we settle the decades-old debate once and for all: Central Jersey exists,” said Governor Murphy. “The region has a rich history dating back to the American Revolution, with a legacy graced by historical figures like George Washington. And today, Central Jersey is home to some of the nation’s leading public universities and host to beautiful agricultural landscapes and activities for tourists to immerse themselves in. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to share these wonders with the world.”
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