New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed S3957 (Sarlo)/A5151 (Atkins) into law on New Year’s Eve, heading off any confusion regarding official designated newspapers for public notices following The Star-Ledger’s announcement that it will cease its print publication. The bill permits public bodies to use the online version of their official designated newspaper until March 31, 2025, while the Legislature contemplates a permanent solution.
“The rapid changes in the news industry threaten to make the existing public notification system ineffective,” said Senate President Nicholas Scutari. “We need to modernize the law so that the public continues to be fully informed of the actions of government entities with a process that maintains transparency and accessibility.”
Legislators have pledged a long-term solution that would incorporate advertisements through newspapers and government entities. The New Jersey League of Municipalities has advocated for a statutory change for a long-term solution. Recently, the League joined the New Jersey School Boards Association and New Jersey Association of Counties to advocate for legislation that would provide local governments with three options to publish these notices – in a clear and transparent manner on a local government’s official website; in a database created and maintained by the state of New Jersey; or on a website or digital publication maintained by the traditional press or an online publication.
The New Jersey State Bar Association is monitoring the issue and reviewing legislative alternatives.
Primary Election Moved to Following Week Due to Religious Observance
Murphy signed A5152 (Schaer)/S3965 (Scutari), which reschedules the June 2025 primary election date to June 10 from June 3 and provides for the adjustment of certain election-related deadlines. The move came following an onslaught of requests by Jewish leaders who pointed out that June 3 conflicted with Shavuot.
“As legislators, it is our responsibility to ensure every eligible voter can participate in our democracy without undue barriers,” said Sen. Robert Singer. “By rescheduling New Jersey’s June primary to occur June 10, we are accommodating voters observing Shavuot and honoring the rich diversity of our State. With the Governor’s signature, this change ensures that voters are not forced to choose between exercising their right to vote and their deeply held religious beliefs.”
For those who observe the holiday, Shavuot imposes restrictions on writing, driving, traveling and using electronics from sundown June 1 to 9:14 p.m. on June 3. As a result, Jewish voters who observe Shavuot would not be able to fully participate in New Jersey’s primary election. The new law does not just move election day, but also moves other deadlines, including the filing of nominating petitions.