Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson released a statement about A1715, known as the “John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey” after its advancement in today’s Assembly Appropriations Committee.
“The most fundamental right in a democracy is the right to vote. It is the cornerstone of our civic process, and since the founding of our nation, we have worked to uphold and expand that right for every eligible citizen.
Continue reading “Statement by Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson”
| The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee advanced a comprehensive bill package on Monday that encourages responsible growth of technology – while protecting the rights of consumers, professionals and companies. From commerce to advertising and from elections to companionship, generative artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the way that people consume information, go about their daily business, and form relationships. The legislation passed in committee today would ensure that New Jersey has measures in place to protect New Jersey residents across a broad spectrum of industries and applications. “As generative AI becomes more commonplace, it’s more important than ever to have safeguards in place to protect New Jerseyans from being duped or deceived,” said Assemblyman Chris Tully, Chair of the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee. “The bills we advanced focus on deceptive advertising, disclosure that a user is not interacting with a human and creating common sense policies. All with the goal of protecting everyday New Jerseyans as we move further into a digital future.” The committee advanced the following bills: Bill A4732 would require artificial intelligence companion chatbots to provide clear and conspicuous notifications that users are not communicating with a human. The use of these chatbots has become increasingly prevalent and there is growing use amongst vulnerable populations, including teens and seniors. There is a growing concern about the effects of companion chatbots on users, including impacts on mental health and real-world relationships. Assembly members Marisa Sweeney, Dave Bailey, Jr. and Linda Carter sponsored the legislation. Bill A4728 would regulate deceptive use of artificial intelligence in photo advertising of certain dwellings. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the use of generative AI or photo editing software to deceptively alter listing images, with the exception of photos with staged furniture. It would also require photos used in advertising dwelling units or dwelling sites to reflect the actual, current state of the dwelling unit or dwelling site. Assemblywomen Carmen Morales and Mitchelle Drulis and Assemblyman Al Abdelaziz sponsored Bill A4728. As more people rely on generative AI for information, experts warn that elections are uniquely vulnerable to AI-driven disinformation. Bill A4729 would require disclosure to be made when generative artificial intelligence is used to operate chatbots that provide election-related information. The legislation aims to safeguard transparency for voters and individuals seeking accurate election information. Assembly members Robert Karabinchak, Ellen Park and Avi Schnall sponsored the legislation. Bill A4731 would direct professional and occupational boards to promulgate rules for licensee use of generative AI. Specifically, the bill would direct the Division of Consumer Affairs to create a model policy governing the use of generative AI by licensed professionals across New Jersey’s regulatory boards. The boards would then be able to use that model policy to create and adopt policies for their professions, putting guardrails in place to ensure that professionals use generative AI in ethical and fair ways to best benefit their clients, patients or customers. Assembly members Tennille R. McCoy, Balvir Singh and Luanne Peterpaul sponsored the bill. While a lot of people believe they are good at identifying when they are interacting with AI content or systems, studies show that the actual number who can correctly identify this is much lower. Bill A4730 would require a person or entity to notify certain consumers when communicating with generative AI to engage in trade or commerce that they are not interacting with humans. The legislation would increase transparency and help reduce the instances of deceptive business practices. Assemblymen Tully, William Sampson and William F. Moen, Jr. sponsored the legislation. |
Congressman Van Drew announced progress toward fixing the long-standing traffic design issue at Exit 20 on the Garden State Parkway.”This has been a priority for me since my time in the State Legislature, and I have been working with the New Jersey Turnpike Authority to finally get this moving,” said Congressman Van Drew. “Right now, Exit 20 is designed so you can only enter the Parkway heading south and only exit when traveling north. That simply does not make sense for the people who live and work here. The Turnpike Authority has now completed the preliminary design for improvements. The next step is for the project to move through the Authority’s budget prioritization process to be considered for funding. I will keep pushing to make sure this project moves forward so this interchange finally works the way it should for South Jersey.”
| As we commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, now is the time to ensure the places that tell our nation’s story are protected for future generations. The Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) plays a critical role in preserving our nation’s historic sites, and Congress needs to hear from you! The bipartisan FY27 HPF Dear Colleague letter is circulating in the House, requesting $250 million for the HPF. The deadline for signatures is Wednesday, March 18th at 4:00pm. A huge thank you to Rep. Mike Turner and Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández for their leadership and dedication to historic preservation. Your voice matters — please contact your Representative and urge them to support the Historic Preservation Fund today!Thank you for standing up for our shared heritage, Preservation New Jersey Sign on and Send Your Message |
Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak (D-Middlesex) issued the following statement after the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced Bill A3967. The legislation would require the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to work with neighboring states to research and recommend certain action concerning electric capacity and transmission.
“PJM Interconnection, L.L.C., the regional transmission organization responsible for managing the electric grid across 13 states and the District of Columbia, has, for far too long, worked in ways that do not benefit our state. From failing to connect new energy generation to presiding over massive spikes in capacity costs, their actions are detrimental to New Jersey residents. New Jerseyans deserve better. They deserve to know if better systems are possible, systems that work in their best interest and are not harmful to families and businesses across the state and throughout the region.
“I’m pleased that the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee advanced my bill today. My colleagues and I continue to work to bring relief to New Jersey ratepayers. Tasking BPU to work with neighboring states to explore the idea of leaving PJM is an important way that we can do that.”
Two bills sponsored by Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis aimed at protecting the privacy and safety of individuals seeking reproductive health care advanced from the Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee this week. The bills reflect New Jersey’s continued commitment to safeguarding reproductive freedom while protecting the privacy of patients and providers at a time when laws governing reproductive health care vary widely across the country.
Continue reading “Bill Protecting Reproductive Health Privacy Advances”
| “As we begin our review of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2027, I thank the Governor for partnering with the Legislature in fulfilling our promise of making New Jersey more affordable. Once again dedicating nearly half of the Appropriations Act to direct and indirect property tax relief sends a clear and decisive message to our taxpayers that Trenton is serious about supporting its residents, schools and local communities. “I appreciate and accept the Governor’s call to make tough budget decisions in the face of federal cuts and tariffs, a slowing economy, and lower corporate tax revenue. With our budget process just starting, the Assembly is prepared to do the hard work on behalf of the people of New Jersey like we did in achieving a full pension payment and full school formula funding. I have full faith in Budget Chair Pintor Marin and the Assembly Budget Committee in its forthcoming review and will look for cuts and efficiencies like we have always done and we will produce a balanced, responsible budget that reflects the values of working families in New Jersey. “I am also proud to see that for the sixth straight year, the budget proposes to fully fund our pension obligations, and that the Sherrill administration is making a record investment in K-12 aid to help maintain the best public schools in the nation. The funding for New Jersey’s property tax relief programs is also important, and I look forward to working with the Governor to strengthen those programs and make them sustainable for years to come. “I resume my call on our Congressional delegation and President Trump to reverse course on the cruel and unnecessary cuts to safety net programs like Medicaid and SNAP that will tax our budget and more importantly that of our families who will find our state’s healthcare providers and our grocery stores, bodegas and farmers struggling to pay their bills. Equally frustrating, we learned that the federal changes set to take effect in January will cost New Jersey taxpayers $100 million in new, unnecessary bureaucratic costs that should be borne by the federal government. “It is against this backdrop that the Assembly Budget Committee will start its budget review process, beginning with two public budget hearings that allow New Jersey residents to testify on the proposed spending plan. The Governor has presented her budget proposal, and now it is the duty of the Legislature to vet and finalize a fiscally responsible FY27 spending plan. As we approach the months ahead, I look forward to hearing from the public in order to reach a budget agreement that reflects our values, delivers on our promises of affordability and creates a brighter future for the families of our state.” |
“As Governor Sherrill announces her spending plan for the upcoming Fiscal Year, the Legislature is preparing to begin its most important responsibility of the year, taking a careful and comprehensive look at how our state will invest in its people and its future. In the weeks ahead, the Assembly Budget Committee will hold hearings on the budget, hearing directly from state agencies, advocates, and residents from across New Jersey to better understand where our attention must be focused, ensuring that every voice is heard.
“The work ahead will require careful review and thoughtful debate as we work to keep our promise to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly and that the needs of New Jersey residents are fully considered. As chair of the Assembly Budget Committee, I am committed to present a balanced budget, that reflects the priorities of our families.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — In Case You Missed It: Members of the Republican Study Committee (RSC) are calling for Congressional Democrats to end their political games and reopen the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Last week, more than 200 House Democrats voted against DHS funding, leaving the agency hobbled as an alleged ISIS-inspired attack struck New York City this weekend and TSA wait times surged to nearly three hours at major airports.
With national security threats mounting at home, Democrats are choosing partisan politics over the safety of the American people.
RSC Members are demanding answers from Democrats who voted to leave America’s homeland security apparatus dark during a heightened threat environment:
Continue reading “RSC Members Call for Democrats to End Political Games”Governor Sherrill presented her first budget address to the Legislature for fiscal year 2027 (FY27). New Jersey is facing a roughly $3 billion structural deficit heading into the year. The overall budget proposes a record $60.7 billion in funding.
In the address, the state dedicated funds to energy affordability through new clean energy generation, ensuring NJ Transit works for all, and committed to holding Big Tech and our grid operator, PJM, accountable.
Continue reading “Governor Sherrill’s First Budget: Recommitments to Energy Affordability, Holding Big Tech Accountable, Funding NJ Transit”