Legislators and government officials talked bills and major developments in the law at the NJSBA Annual Meeting and Convention panel “Inside Trenton: New Laws, New Updates, What Does it Mean to You?”
William J. Maer, of Public Strategies Impact, led the discussion on issues impacting the practice of law that ranged from the role the bar association plays in the legislative process, judicial appointments, nicotine, transportation and manufacturing, the role of the Judiciary in society and collegiality among elected officials.
Here is some of what they said.
Sen. John F. McKeon
“The bar association serves incredible function… in helping to shape the laws that are passed.”
Assemblywoman Luanne M. Peterpaul:
“We need to begin to deal with those issues (around mental health awareness and education) and take away the stigma of mental health… It’s about getting the message across that we are all different, but we all need to respect each other.”
Sen. Jon M. Bramnick:
“Respect for our judicial system, respect of our laws. That needs to be paramount if we are not going to have chaos in our society.”
Assemblywoman Victoria A. Flynn:
“I do believe as lawyers and lawyers as leaders. We do set a good example in terms of how we get together regardless of our votes and regardless of our parties.”
Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr.:
“Smoking is a huge issue, still. Though we are making progress on that front we are being flooded by illegal nicotine products… and making them available to the public. We are going to need to step up our enforcement.”
Sen. Michael L. Testa, Jr., a former NJSBA trustee:
“Transportation is a very real issue in South Jersey… And I am really trying to bring manufacturing to South Jersey.”
Parimal Garg, Esq., Chief Counsel, New Jersey Office of the Governor:
“It has been a very busy legislative session… Heading into the final year and a half (of his tenure) the Governor doesn’t want to leave problems that have been hanging out there for the next governor to solve.”