[symple_spacing size=”80″]This is a review of the laws passed by the New Jersey Legislature in 2014 and what we could be looking at in 2015.

Racetracks and casinos were able to regulate and operate sports betting per S-2460. Governor Christie signed the bill on Friday October 17th which partially repeals state prohibitions, permits, licenses and authorizations for sports betting. Of course pro sports leagues and the NCAA moved in court to block it. We are now awaiting the courts final decision.

On September 10th bill A-2280 requires all Police cars must be equipped with video cameras was signed into law. This resulted from the arrest of Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, who was the subject of a traffic stop and an arrest for alleged DWI in 2012. Of which the officer falsified.

New Jersey has joined (August 11th) with many other states in requiring employers not to ask prospective employees from requiring them to complete a job application that requires disclosure of their criminal history. And also prevents the employer from posting job advertisements indicating that persons who have been arrested or convicted of a crime will not be considered for employment. It is called the Opportunity to Compete Act, bill S-2124, is designed to give individuals who have “paid their debts to society” a fresh start with regard to opportunities for employment.

The alimony laws under bill A-845 were clarified on September 10th so that alimony should be limited to the number of years of wedlock for couples who married less than 20 years. New Jersey’s old statute was considered one of the most oppressive and inflexible in the country.

What have we to look forward to in 2015, well for one a more than likely raise in the Gas Tax for one. Senate bill S-2680 which allow you to have your car insurance card on your cell phone, Assembly bill A-3094 which would legalize possession and personal use of small amounts of marijuana for persons age 21 and over, Assembly bill A-3835 that would revise the penalty provisions for first time certain drunk driving violations. Including the use of and the time periods covering driver’s license suspensions and installation of ignition interlock devices on motor vehicle at they drive the most.

Also Assembly bill A-683 which requires mail-in ballot applications be available at polling places on Election Day for voting in future elections. And it requires poll workers to discuss application instructions with an applicant upon request. On the property tax front Senate bill S-168 would require a simple majority vote for a proposal to increase the school tax levy above tax levy growth limit set by state law.

I could go on in the same vain for many pages and further bore you. But I won’t do that and I just want to say that you the voting public must keep a lookout for what you consider bad potential legislation. And if you see any, please speak out. Making your opinion(s) heard to your legislatures does make a difference!

And in conclusion I want to wish everyone a Very Happy New Year!

That is my opinion- Jumpin Jersey Mike