SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a long list of new bills into law just ahead of his State of the State address Tuesday night. One of the bills solidifies marriage equality for same-sex couples in New Jersey.
Supporters say it protects against any possible changes to federal law in the future. Murphy said he’s honored to sign legislation that represents the state’s values and codifies marriage equality into state law.
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“This is about acting to ensure equal treatment and civil rights for all New Jerseyans, including same-sex couples,” outgoing Senate President Steve Sweeney, one of the sponsors of the bill, said in a statement. “Marriage equality respects the rights of loving couples who deserve to be treated equally. The courts have ruled that same-sex marriages are a fundamental right, but we want to put it into statute to protect against any backtracking by the U. S. Supreme Court. It is the right thing to do.”
It also requires marriage or civil union laws to be read with gender-neutral intent.
Another one of the bills signed by Murphy aims to provide financial relief for young people going through the criminal justice system.
The bill eliminates certain fines or fees for juveniles in the criminal justice system and prohibits some monetary penalties that could make a bad situation even worse, according to bill sponsors, including 3rd District Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro.
Murphy said eliminating these fees will help break the cycle of poverty that has disproportionately affected minorities and low-income families.
The bill also prohibits warrants being issued for juveniles or their parents for unpaid probation fees, court costs, restitution and child support.
Other bills signed into law include harsher penalties for people convicted of assaulting transit employees on buses and trains.