The Official Website of Governor Phil Murphy

Week in NJ - September 1st, 2023

09/1/2023

Governor Murphy Signs Bill Expanding New Jersey’s Safe Haven Infant Protection Act

Governor Phil Murphy today signed legislation to expand New Jersey’s Safe Haven Infant Protection Act to clarify that people who give birth in licensed general hospitals may safely surrender their infant under the act. This action comes during Safe Haven Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about the safe and legal options available to parents who wish to give up a baby they are unable or unwilling to care for.

The Safe Haven Infant Protection Act currently permits parents to safely and anonymously surrender an unharmed infant that is no more than 30 days old to employees of one of the following sites without facing any legal repercussions:

police stations;
hospital emergency departments;
24/7 fire stations;
ambulance, first aid, or rescue squads providing services 24/7.

Going forward, this bill clarifies that parents will now also be able to leave their baby at a licensed general hospital after giving birth there, if the parent(s) indicates that they do not plan to return for their infant.

“Whatever the reason may be, some people simply aren’t ready to be parents when their baby is born. In New Jersey, we offer a legal, judgement-free way for individuals to surrender their baby to professionals who will ensure the infant receives the care they need,” said Governor Murphy. “Expanding this critical law will make it easier for residents to safely give their baby up after childbirth by making entire hospitals safe surrender sites.”

Secretary of Higher Education Bridges Appoints Henry Amoroso as State Monitor at New Jersey City University to Benefit Students and Safeguard the Public Interest

New Jersey Secretary of Higher Education Brian K. Bridges, Ph.D., with the support of Governor Phil Murphy, announced the appointment of Henry J. Amoroso as the State Monitor at New Jersey City University (NJCU). The appointment follows public reports of an ongoing financial crisis at NJCU, which led to a subsequent investigation by the Office of the State Comptroller that revealed significant underlying issues with the university’s operations and financial management. Upon appointment, Amoroso will focus on steering the institution toward restored financial stability.

“New Jersey is proud of the many options our state offers individuals seeking an affordable, high-quality postsecondary education and must work to ensure these institutions can continue to provide the first-rate education students deserve,” said Governor Murphy. “The appointment of Henry Amoroso, a highly respected turnaround specialist, will help us safeguard our promise to New Jersey students and protect the public interest by promoting financial stability and accountability at New Jersey City University. Our students, their families, and the people of New Jersey deserve nothing less.”

“We have a responsibility to protect the significant higher education investments made by students, their families, and the State,” said Secretary Bridges. “With the appointment of Mr. Amoroso, NJCU unquestionably gains a seasoned expert whose acumen and values will help realize positive transformation and future solvency for the university. Equally, by taking this first step under the new statutory authority vested in my office, we become better fiscal stewards of the investment made in our institutions by thousands of students seeking access to an affordable, high-quality postsecondary education.”

Acting Governor Scutari Signs Firefighters Chaplain Bill Into Law

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari signed A-5275/S-3671, providing municipal governing bodies more flexibility in appointing chaplains to their fire departments.

Under current law, the governing body of any municipality, by ordinance, may provide for the appointment of one or more ordained members of the clergy as chaplains to the paid or part-paid fire department and force of the municipality, with the rank of battalion chief and their salaries fixed by the governing body. The bill provides that, for any municipal fire department and force chaplain initially appointed after enactment, the municipality may specify in the ordinance appointing the chaplain whether the chaplain will have a rank and salary. The bill also codifies job protections for any chaplain employed prior to the bill’s enactment; they cannot be dismissed, nor can their salary be diminished, except for specified causes.

“Chaplains provide an invaluable service for local fire departments and the communities they serve,” said Acting Governor Scutari. “They support the men and women who put their lives on the line when protecting the safety of the residents. This law enables local government to appoint fire chaplains that meet their needs without undue expense.”

September is National Preparedness Month: NJOEM and NJDEP Remind the Public to Be Prepared for More Weather Emergencies Due to Climate Change

To recognize the start of National Preparedness Month and the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season, State Police Superintendent and Director of Emergency Management Patrick J. Callahan and Commissioner of Environmental Protection Shawn M. LaTourette urged the public to practice responsible planning for before, during and after hurricanes and other extreme weather events that have become more frequent as a result of climate change.

“In an era where severe weather and climate change converge, hurricane preparedness isn't just a choice, it's our responsibility. Together, we must adapt, mitigate, and stand resilient to the changing tides, and ensure our future remains as resilient as our determination,” said Colonel Patrick J. Callahan. “Through proactive readiness, continued collaboration with our emergency management and technical partners, and a deeper understanding of severe weather, we can continue protecting lives, safeguarding our communities, and securing our future.”

“While the focus is on hurricanes during this time of the year, other intense weather events from tornadoes to wildfires to inland flash flooding and landslides have become more common as a result of climate change and we urge everyone to be diligent throughout the year by being as prepared as possible for these disasters,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “DEP climate scientists provide valuable insight into weather trends and help ensure the public can best keep themselves and their loved ones safe in light of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather.”

NJOHSP, DOT and Turnpike Authority Launch ‘See Something, Say Something’ Highway Messaging Campaign

The New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, announced the launch of its “See Something, Say Something” public safety campaign in addition to Variable Message Signs around the state to remind drivers along the state’s major interstates to remain vigilant and report potential threats and suspicious activity related to terrorism or other criminal activity.

The campaign will run from September through mid-February and include nearly 200 Variable Message Signs promoting NJOHSP’s suspicious activity reporting number across the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate Highways, including I-78, I-195 and I-280, as well as Route 440.

“The goal of the campaign over the next few months is to remind residents and visitors, who may be traversing New Jersey’s highways for vacation, holiday shopping and other festivities, of the importance of being aware of their surroundings and of reporting suspicious activity,” said NJOHSP Director Laurie Doran. “The public is one of our first and best lines of defense in the fight against terrorism. Our ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative bolsters the State’s security efforts and plays a key role in helping to identify threats and to prevent attacks.”