Gov. Chris Christie Signs 4 Bills Into Law

Gov. Chris Christie has recently signed four bills into law, including new legislation intended to save New Jersey's historic tourism landmark: Atlantic City.

The new Atlantic City laws are designed to help Atlantic City compensate for a decline in property assessments, giving the city 150 days to draft a five-year fiscal plan that includes a balanced budget in 2017 to avoid a takeover.

Christie, in a news release, said the new laws "will ultimately accomplish my mission to reform Atlantic City’s overblown municipal government."

He also said the laws will "protect local and state taxpayers from being perpetually abused by the special political interests who admit to owning this city’s elected officials."

"This legislation means no more business as usual," he said. "It embraces my demand that Atlantic City immediately account for every dollar it receives and spends, and triggers a series of strict conditions and rigorous requirements the city must meet immediately.”

The laws and their sponsors include: S-1711/A-2569Sweeney, O’Toole, Sarlo/Prieto, McKeon, Mazzeo, Caputo) - The Atlantic City “Municipal Stabilization and Recovery Act," and S-1715/A-2570 (Sweeney, Whelan/Prieto, Mazzeo, Caputo).

Christie also announced signing the following legislation:

S-977/A-2447 (Lesniak, Sarlo/Eustace, Holley, Gusciora) – Prohibits possession, transport, import, export, processing, sale or shipment of parts and products of certain animal species threatened with extinction

S-978/A-2510 (Lesniak, Sarlo/Eustace, Holley, Gusciora) – Prohibits possession and transport of parts and products of certain animals at PANYNJ airports and port facilities