The end of a legislative session means lame duck season, and that means bills will be posted and passed with a fury. This year all 120 seats are up for election and with the political tides ebbing and flowing and almost a third of the current legislators already announcing they will not be returning next session, the focus will be placed on what can be passed now with the current Legislature. For the New Jersey State Bar Association that means ensuring its priorities move out of the Legislature and onto the Governor’s desk.
There are two bills that the NJSBA is looking at. S524 (Ruiz)/A1700 (Quijano) would introduce Mental Health Diversion Courts to the court system. This landmark legislation would change the way courts deal with individuals who are charged with certain non-violent crimes and diagnosed with a mental health disorder that is related to the crime is treated. The Association advocated vigorously for this legislation to address recidivism and mental health. It passed both houses but has been sitting on the governor’s desk awaiting his signature.
In addition to mental health courts, the NJSBA is eagerly awaiting the posting of S2991(Singleton)/A2351 (Mukherji), the elective spousal share bill. Drafted by NJSBA members, the bill would permit courts to effectuate equitable distribution when a complaint for divorce or dissolution of a civil union has been filed and either party has died prior to the final judgment. It was passed in the Assembly and the Senate Judiciary Committee with additional amendments. It awaits a full vote in the Senate and a confirming vote in the Assembly on the amended bill before going to the governor for his signature.
In addition to these two bills, the NJSBA remains committed to addressing the judicial vacancy crisis. It has urged the Senate to convene prior to its scheduled time on Nov. 27. In lieu of an early session day, the Association remains committed to working with the Senate, governor and Judiciary to move judges through the confirmation process and onto the bench.
The Assembly is scheduled to convene on Nov. 20 and the Senate is scheduled to convene on Nov. 27. The NJSBA continues to monitor these and other priorities in the Legislature.
This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.