None of us expected the challenges we would face in 2020 and the drastic changes it would bring to our lives. We have been forced to adjust to life during a global pandemic, and the Senate Democrats' commitment to the people of New Jersey proved strong throughout this tumultuous year.
2020 saw the Senate pass numerous bills that will have a major impact on the lives of our citizens. We approved legislation creating the regulatory infrastructure needed for the forthcoming legalization of cannabis and paired it with a strong decriminalization bill providing automatic expungement for marijuana-related offenses that would no longer be a crime. We responded to the call for social justice with police reforms and a repeal of mandatory minimum sentences. We passed an eight-bill package to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault, a series of bills to improve conditions in New Jersey’s Covid-19 ravaged long-term care facilities, and legislation to spur economic recovery and get the jobless back to work.
Our members proved that #PolicyProgress is not just a catchphrase, but a commitment to bettering the lives of New Jerseyans for generations to come.
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Following overwhelming voter approval of a constitutional amendment legalizing adult-use recreational marijuana, the Senate approved and landmark legislation sponsored by Senator Nicholas Scutari and Senate President Steve Sweeney that will create the organizational and regulatory system needed to oversee the operations of the cannabis industry in New Jersey. |
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“This will usher in a new era for social justice by doing away with the failed policy that criminalized the use of marijuana. The legalization of adult-use cannabis will also launch a new industry that will create jobs and economic activity that will generate funds to aid the communities hurt the most by the ‘War on Drugs.’ New Jersey will now be a leader in legalizing a once stigmatized drug.”
- Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), who has fought for legalization for close to a decade.
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“This is a historic reform that will have a real-life impact on social justice, law enforcement and the state’s economy. It will launch a new cannabis industry with the potential to create jobs and economic activity at a time when it is desperately needed. We will now be able to move forward to correct social and legal injustices that have had a discriminatory impact on communities of color at the same time that marijuana is regulated and made legal for adults.”
- Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland)
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The Senate built on its record of national leadership in criminal justice issues by passing a series of reforms, including putting an end to mandatory minimum sentences.
The new reforms repealed mandatory minimum sentences for a wide range of non-violent crimes, including drug offenses, that have disproportionately affected communities of color, both Black and Hispanic.
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“Meaningful sentencing reform is long overdue. If we are ever going to reverse the harmful effects of mass incarceration we must move away from doling out lengthy sentences for minor offenses and this legislation is the first step towards realizing that goal. By removing mandatory minimums on non-violent offenses we can return the discretionary power back to our judges and allow them to issue sentences based on what is truly in the best interest of the individual and our society.”
– Senator Sandra Cunningham (D-Hudson)
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Senators Sandra B. Cunningham and Nellie Pou (D-Passaic), longtime stalwarts in the fight for criminal justice reform, penned an op-ed to emphasize the need to abolish mandatory minimum sentencing laws and their plan to see this done in New Jersey.
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Senate Advances Police Reform Package |
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In response to national protests calling for an end to racial discrimination and police brutality, the Senate approved a package of to create more equitable policing and reduce racial bias in law enforcement. The legislative package can be viewed here. |
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"For far too long we have seen the spark of action after a police killing die down before meaningful change occurs, but not anymore. There is still much work to be done but I am confident we will get this legislation, and more, across the finish line this session. The stakes are too high to wait any longer and the sustained protests around the country have made it clear that the time for change is now.”
– Senator Shirley Turner (D-Mercer/Hunterdon)
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"New Jersey is not only one of the most densely populated states in the country, we are also one of the most diverse. Forty-five percent of our residents are people of color and this collection of cultures is one of our state’s greatest strengths and attributes. We must continue to strengthen the cultural diversity and implicit bias training and education provided to our law enforcement officers to ensure they can best serve our diverse communities."
- Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), Chair of the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.
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Weinberg Legislation Would Protect Rights of Survivors of Sexual Assault, Harassment |
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The Senate unanimously approved eight bills sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and co-sponsored by eight other women senators to protect the rights of survivors of sexual assault, improve law enforcement and judicial case management and training, and codify harassment and discrimination policies throughout state government. |
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“These bills aim to remedy the pitfalls in our criminal justice system and workplaces that allow violence and misogyny to continue. These bills would empower survivors to become informed and pursue their rights. They require anti-harassment training for county prosecutors and require each police department to have a designated sexual violence liaison officer. |
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“The Attorney General would be required to report annually on sexual assault complaints and how many make it to trial,” she said. “And finally, this package aims to provide recourse to state employees who encounter workplace harassment and discrimination."
- Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen)
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The full press release including bill descriptions and comments from the other senators can be viewed here.
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Ban on Single-Use Plastics |
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Continuing New Jersey's commitment to improving its environmental health, legislation sponsored by Senators Bob Smith and Linda Greenstein to help combat widespread plastic pollution by prohibiting businesses from using single-use plastic bags, and other disposable containers was signed into law.
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“Environmental activists and supporters of this bill have been waiting years for this moment. Plastic pollution has caused untold damage to the environment and to our public health. Taking action to fight plastic pollution now is key to moving towards a plastic-free future.”
- Senator Bob Smith (D-Middlesex/Somerset), Chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
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“If you go to the shore, you see plastic buried in the sand and floating in the ocean. There are an estimated 150 million metric tons of plastics currently in our oceans and about eight million metric tons are added each year. We have heard from countless activists and residents around the state, and they have made it clear that they are sick of plastics polluting our ecosystem."
- Senator Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex/Mercer), vice-chair of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.
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Long-Term Care Facilities |
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In light of the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on our long-term care community and the subsequent investigation by Manatt Health, the Senate passed a series of bills to improve conditions, preparation and outcomes in New Jersey’s nursing homes, veterans homes and other long-term care facilities.
Several bills incorporate recommendations for improving conditions and response at long-term care facilities outlined in Manatt Health’s report on long-term care in New Jersey.
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"COVID-19 has taken an immense toll on our long-term care community. This legislation is a combination of Manatt Health’s recommendations and the committee’s extensive discussions with stakeholders and concerned residents. This community is comprised of some of our state’s most vulnerable residents – we can and must do better for them than we did at the onset of this pandemic.”
- Senator Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex), Chair of the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.
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Nine-Month Budget Addresses Critical Needs |
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“This is a COVID budget that we have to do to contend with the crisis conditions created by the pandemic’s impact on the state’s economy and public finances. I look at it with a two-year perspective, aware of the fact the economic consequences are likely to extend beyond this fiscal year. It is a spending plan that will help address problems created directly or indirectly by the coronavirus shutdown and allow us to be prepared for a potential second wave. This crisis should be taken as a tipping point that will spur action on cost-cutting reforms.”
- Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen/Passaic), Chair of the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee.
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New Jobs for New Jersey Act |
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In response to the massive layoffs resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Senate Labor Committee approved legislation sponsored by Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez and Senate President Steve Sweeney that would provide incentives for small businesses to hire unemployed workers. |
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“New Jersey has seen record levels of unemployment during the coronavirus pandemic, with 1.8 million unemployment claims having been filed since mid-March. This tax credit will target those businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the service and entertainment industries. Our hope is that through this program, we can assist businesses so that they can remain open without laying off as many employees.”
- Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D-Camden/Gloucester)
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VIDEO REWIND:
Senate President Sweeney Speaks on New Jersey's Move Towards Clean Energy
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Use the New Jersey COVID-19 Dashboard for the latest information. |
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And if you have any questions or COVID-19 concerns, please call the State's 24-hour hotline:
1-800-222-1222
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Connect with the New Jersey Senate Democrats: |
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