News & Releases

TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti to impose harsh penalties for those who unlawfully possess assault weapons and machine guns, was approved by the Senate Law Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee today.

“We have done a lot to reduce many types of crime in our State, but crimes committed with guns are still rising and tougher laws are needed to control the gun problem,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic, and Chairman of the panel. “This is another necessary part of the ‘Strategy for Safe Streets and Neighborhoods’ package that we began working on last session. In order to truly make our streets safe we need to continue to enact initiatives that prevent crime by increasing enforcement, focusing on prevention and providing re-entry opportunities for ex-convicts.”

TRENTON – Senator Dana L. Redd, D-Camden and Gloucester, has released the following statement regarding the Senate’s recent passage of S-786, which would provide paid family leave benefits for workers caring for sick family members and newborn or newly adopted children. The final vote was 22-16, and Senator Redd voted in favor of the bill.

“This bill is good for families. There are few things in life that you can never do in excess, and spending time with an ill family member is one of them. This legislation would give a husband a few more weeks to spend with his wife who is dying of cancer. It would allow new parents a few more weeks of uninterrupted bonding time with their newly adopted child.

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator John H. Adler to allow municipalities to share courtroom facilities and support staff but maintain separate judges was unanimously approved by the Senate today.

“New Jersey has more government than we can afford,” said Senator Adler, D-Cherry Hill. “We need to do more to encourage municipalities to share costs whenever possible, but many local officials have been reluctant to give up local control over services. This bill would clear a major obstacle for towns seeking to share court services without giving up their locally-appointed judges.”