The General Assembly today approved legislation that would criminalize unscrupulous behavior in reproductive care by establishing the crime of fertility fraud. Bill A3735, sponsored by Assemblywomen Carol Murphy, Ellen Park and Lisa Swain, seeks to address a significant gap in reproductive healthcare law.

“Many families across the state have discovered, years after the fact, that their reproductive healthcare was tainted by unconscionable deceit,” said Assemblywoman Murphy (D-Burlington). “New Jersey must have strong legal protections in place to hold those responsible accountable.”

A3735 would make it illegal for healthcare practitioners to knowingly use their own reproductive material or other unauthorized reproductive material to impregnate an individual without that person’s informed, written consent during assisted reproduction procedures.

“The violation of a patient’s trust is reprehensible, especially during such an intimate and life-changing procedure,” said Assemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “This bill is a matter of common sense. A3735 ensures patients undergoing assisted reproduction can trust their healthcare providers and that their consent is respected throughout the process.”

The bill would classify fertility fraud as a third-degree crime, punishable by three to five years of imprisonment, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. Additionally, offenders would face having their healthcare license permanently revoked.

“The actions outlined in this bill are serious and absolutely rise to the level of criminal behavior,” said Assemblywoman Swain (D-Bergen). “By establishing fertility fraud as a crime, this legislation closes a dangerous gap in the law and affirms that consent and accountability are fundamental to reproductive healthcare.”

The General Assembly passed legislation today to strengthen New Jersey’s aquaculture industry by expanding the promotion of locally grown seafood through the Jersey Fresh program. Bill A3034, sponsored by Assemblymen Clinton Calabrese, Roy Freiman, and William Spearman, would direct the Department of Agriculture to advertise and promote New Jersey aquaculture products under the State’s widely recognized Jersey Fresh branding initiative. The legislation cleared the New Jersey Senate last week and now heads to the Governor’s desk for consideration.

“Aquaculture is an increasingly important part of New Jersey’s agricultural economy, and the farmers behind it deserve the same visibility and marketing support as other Jersey Fresh producers,” said Assemblyman Calabrese (D-Bergen, Passaic). “This bill helps connect consumers with high-quality, locally grown seafood while also supporting businesses and job creation along our coast and inland waterways.”

By incorporating aquaculture into Jersey Fresh promotions, the legislation aims to boost consumer awareness, increase demand for New Jersey seafood, and support sustainable food production across the state.

“New Jersey has a strong agricultural identity, and that includes our aquaculture producers,” said Assemblyman Freiman (D-Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset). “Expanding Jersey Fresh to include aquaculture ensures our marketing efforts reflect the full range of products grown and raised right here in our state.”

The bill recognizes aquaculture as a key component of New Jersey’s food system, helping producers compete in regional markets while giving consumers more opportunities to buy local.

“Our Jersey Fresh program is trusted by consumers, and this legislation puts that trusted label to work for aquaculture businesses,” said Assemblyman Spearman (D-Camden, Gloucester). “Promoting local seafood supports economic growth, sustainability, and food security for communities across New Jersey.”

Nowadays, it is rare to see a teenager without a smart phone or tablet, taking selfies with friends and sharing moments online. However, these same devices have increasingly become barriers to education, distracting students from their learning.

Today, a bill that would help school boards develop policies for the use of internet-enabled devices in school received final legislative approval. Bill A4882 sponsors—Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, Assemblyman Cody Miller and Assemblywoman Carmen Morales—are all educators who have firsthand experience with the negative impact these devices can have in the classroom.

“The goal of this bill is to ensure that students are fully engaged in learning while they are in the classroom,” said Assemblywoman Bagolie (D-Essex, Passaic). “While internet-enabled devices such as smart phones and tablets can be useful tools, the rise of social media has unfortunately caused significant harm to our learning environments. Our bill is a response to what parents, teachers, and principals have consistently told us—they need our support. This legislation is intended to ensure that we are doing our part to help educators and our students succeed.”

Under bill A4882, the Commissioner of Education would develop age appropriate and grade differentiated guidelines to help local boards of education develop their own policies governing public school students’ use of internet-enabled devices, including smart phones, during the school day. The policies would provide some flexibility in certain cases where administrators determine the use of the device supports instruction, health or well-being.

“This legislation is designed to create a more focused learning environment and reduce distractions,” said Assemblyman Miller (D-Atlantic, Camden and Gloucester). “These policies are not about punishment, but about helping students build healthier habits and giving them the best possible chance to succeed in the classroom.”

“Children and teenagers depend on us, the adults, to make the decisions on their behalf, even when those decisions may not be popular,” said Assemblywoman Morales (D-Essex). “Educators have recognized the risks of unlimited access to internet-enabled devices, which can allow students to disengage at times when their focus and effort are most needed. By providing school boards with guidance on how to address this issue, we can better support students who truly deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

Leaving a domestic violence situation can be both difficult and dangerous. Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee advanced several bills aimed at easing domestic violence victims’ path to safety. The legislation would address the unjust penalties and sentencing imposed for crimes committed under duress, reinforce domestic violence restraining orders, and expand training of coercive control for judges and law enforcement officers. The bills advanced following moving testimony from women who lived through abuse and prevailed, but who still contend with the lasting aftermath. 

Continue reading “Domestic Violence Victims Would Receive More Protections Under Bills Advanced In Committee “ →

 Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli’s bill to prohibit the use of non-compete clauses, with certain exceptions, and no-poach agreements cleared the Assembly Labor Committee today. Bill A5708 seeks to strengthen workers’ rights and encourage fair competition in the labor market.

“Workers deserve the ability to pursue new opportunities without being shackled by outdated and restrictive agreements,” said Assemblyman Verrelli (D-Hunterdon, Mercer), Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee. “By prohibiting non-compete clauses and no-poach agreements, we are standing up for workers’ rights, promoting a healthier labor market, and creating a level playing field for businesses across our state.”

Under the bill, no employer – whether public, private, or nonprofit – would be allowed to require, demand, or accept a non-compete agreement for any employee or other individual who provides services for, or on behalf of, the employer. Additionally, every contract restraining an individual from engaging in lawful professions, trades, or businesses after employment termination would to that extent be void.

The bill would include exceptions to ensure that legitimate business interests, such as trade secrets, are protected without restricting worker mobility. Similarly, non-compete agreements established during the sale of a business entity, its operating assets, or ownership interests are allowed. Existing non-compete agreements with senior executives would also remain valid if they meet specific requirements.

The bill would also explicitly ban no-poach agreements where employers agree not to hire each other’s employees or former employees.

A5708 would note that there must be no retaliation against workers who exercise their rights under this bill.

Assemblyman Verrelli, who has been a proud union member for 35 years, noted that legislation stems from a landmark finding from the Federal Trade Commission that non-compete clauses trap workers and hold back the economy.