Here Are Several New NJ Laws That Can Change Your Life

NEW JERSEY – New laws are taking effect in New Jersey in June that will affect millions of Garden State workers and families – particularly with how the police interact with the public.

They're either born out of the coronavirus pandemic and the need to protect the economy and mental and educational health of the New Jersey population. Or they tackle social justice following a year when millions took to the streets to march for racial justice.

It can be difficult to keep track of the new laws that will affect you, so Patch has gathered a handful of the legislation likely to impact residents the most in the Garden State in June.

Body cameras

Tuesday marked the first day of a statewide body-worn camera mandate for all uniformed patrol officers, a crucial step on the path toward cultivating trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve, Gov. Phil Murphy said.

Murphy, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver on Tuesday joined federal, state, and local officials at the Camden County Police Department to commemorate the occasion.

“We are witnessing a new chapter in policing in New Jersey with the reforms we are implementing in partnership with law enforcement and community leaders. And, with the body cameras we are funding, we will literally have an objective witness to how police carry out their duties,” said Murphy.

“These powerful devices have been embraced by community members and advocates calling for transparency and by police officers, who see them as a critical tool to protect and assist law enforcement with their difficult jobs. On this important day, we’re also happy to announce funding for all 487 agencies that applied for body-worn camera grants.”

Murphy signed the legislation (S1163 and A4312) requiring that, by June 1, 2021, every uniformed patrol officer in New Jersey wear a body camera while on duty. Previously, fewer than half of the law enforcement agencies in the state had BWCs, he said.

In 2016, the Camden County Police Department implemented the use of BWCs for every officer working in the community. Murphy believes that the increased use of BWCs is crucial to building trust between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.

Outside research also shows BWCs are effective, Murphy said: A 2012 study found that use-of-force by officers wearing cameras fell by 59 percent and complaints against officers decreased 87 percent compared to the prior year when officers were not wearing cameras.

Last week, on May 25, Attorney General Grewal issued Directive 2021-5 and an accompanying body-worn camera policy setting foundational standards for the proper use of BWCs by all law enforcement agencies in New Jersey.

Mental health

A new law, sponsored by state Sen. Kristin Corrado, has taken effect that permits expedited certifications for soon-to-be mental health professionals during a state of emergency.

“I am pleased that the governor signed this into law. The emotional and psychological stress of the pandemic has significantly affected the lives of New Jersey residents,” said Corrado, R-40. “This new law will ensure that we have the appropriate number of mental health professionals to serve our local communities, particularly those on the front lines, during times of crisis.”

Under the legislation, A-4246/S-3175, a professional licensing board—with the approval of the attorney general—may grant a temporary license or certification on an expedited basis to a recent graduate with a master’s degree or higher that is intended to lead to a career in a mental health profession.

The graduate does not need to be licensed or certified to practice the mental health profession at the time the temporary license or certification is issued.

When the state of emergency or public health emergency concludes, people who were granted temporary licenses or certifications may apply for full versions at the appropriate licensing board.

“Our health care professionals in particular are under considerable stress every day as they lead the fight against this pandemic,” added Corrado. “By issuing temporary licenses to individuals who will soon be mental health professionals, we can make sure that the psychological needs of all New Jerseyans are addressed in a timely manner.”

Utility bills

To help the people of New Jersey access the financial relief they need, a new law has taken effect requiring utility companies to notify customers of any available forgiveness or repayment programs.

Sponsored by Assembly Democrats Gary Schaer, Lisa Swain and Christopher Tully, the law (formerly bill A-4671) requires public and local utility companies to notify their residential customers about bill payment assistance available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In March 2020, major utility companies agreed to the governor’s several-month moratorium on utility shutoffs in New Jersey. The moratorium was later extended through June 30, 2021.

“This pandemic has upended the lives of struggling families across New Jersey, leaving them unable to pay for life-sustaining services,” said Assemblyman Schaer, D-Bergen, Passaic. “The current moratorium guarantees that every resident of our state has uninterrupted access to these services, and this law will provide families a path forward as we work towards a complete economic recovery.”

The law mandates that utility companies must include information in the notification regarding any moratorium in effect as well as available deferred bill payment agreement, bill payment assistance and arrearage forgiveness programs. The notification must be sent out on a regular basis until 18 months after the current state of emergency concludes, and the information will need to be published on the company’s website.

Substitute teachers

In an effort to address substitute teacher shortages, legislation sponsored by Sens. M. Teresa Ruiz and James Beach has taken effect to expand the pool of substitute teachers

“Substitute teaching provides valuable experience to college students of all majors, offering an opportunity to serve their communities, learn more about our education system and earn money,” said Senator Ruiz, D-Essex, chair of the Education Committee. “This new law will expand eligibility to more higher education students in the state, ensuring we have the staffing we need in our classrooms and increasing job opportunities for those working towards a degree.”

“As we work on bolstering our summer learning programs and prepare for the upcoming school year, it is crucial we have a strong teaching workforce at the ready for when instructors need to take time off,” said Senator Beach, D-Burlington/Camden. “Luckily, we have a strong pool of college students eager to step in and provide support to the communities they live and learn in. This legislation will expand the pool of eligible students, helping to ensure all of our classrooms have the teachers they need to resume full in-person instruction.”

The law, S-2832, allows students enrolled in institutions of higher education, who have completed 30 credits towards their degree, to serve as substitute teachers. It also increases the coverage provided by substitute teachers by extending the amount of time those individuals may teach in the same classroom during public health emergencies from 20 days to 40 days.