New Jersey Republican Takes Aim At Gov. With ‘Murphy’s Law’

CALDWELLS, NJ — Sometimes a "wrong" can make a "right," a New Jersey state legislator says.

On Thursday, Assemblyman Jay Webber introduced A-4255, which he's dubbed "Murphy's Law." It would cancel out a governor’s executive order if they violate it themselves. The bill would also give people accused of violating an executive order a legal defense to fight the charges.

It would take effect immediately. Read the full text here.

Webber is accusing Gov. Phil Murphy of breaking his own coronavirus-inspired ban on gatherings of more than 25 people to attend rallies for racial equality in Westfield and Hillside on Sunday.

• See related article: Nab Gov. Murphy For Not Distancing At Protest, Lawmaker Says

On Tuesday, the governor lifted the state’s stay-at-home order and laid out new rules for gatherings that exempted political protests. It was a move that raised an outcry on social media, with many accusing the governor of hypocrisy.

• See related article: Gov. Murphy Lifts NJ Stay-At-Home Order, Allows Bigger Gatherings

Webber, a Republican, represents the state’s 26th district, including parts of Essex, Morris and Passaic counties. He’s been a frequent critic of Murphy, a Democratic Party member.

During a Monday news conference, Murphy appeared to address the criticism from Webber and others in his political camp.

"I was also pleased to see so many people — in fact, I said to my colleagues today that I did not see even one person not wearing a mask or a face covering," Murphy said, praising the organizers of the events.

Murphy then asked everyone who protested to get tested for COVID-19.

"We cannot let what happened across New Jersey this weekend be undone by an outbreak," he said, adding that he and his wife Tammy would get tests.

• See related article: Did You Protest? Take A Coronavirus Test, NJ Mayor Says

Now, Webber is calling on Murphy to show some “fairness” and pardon anyone in the same shoes.

Col. Patrick Callahan, the acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, said on Wednesday at Murphy’s daily press briefing that 319 citations were issued for violations that have risen to an indictable level, plus an additional 3,371 citations for lesser noncompliance issues since the emergency order was issued on March 9.

Violating Murphy’s executive orders have resulted in “significant legal consequences,” Webber charged. Those cited have been charged with disorderly persons offenses, punishable by imprisonment for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000.

“Our citizens are entitled to the equal protection of law, and Murphy’s Law embeds an equal-protection principle that his triggered automatically when the gubernatorial lawmaker becomes the lawbreaker,” Webber said.

“Fundamental fairness dictates that executive orders should end for everyone when governors break their own rules for themselves,” the assemblyman added. “Murphy’s Law makes sure that a governor’s going wrong results in a right for our citizens.”

At least one social media pundit has questioned the bill, however.

"Appreciate the sentiment but sounds like political grandstanding," a commenter wrote on Twitter. "I’d rather see more serious proposals to drastically and permanently limit the governor’s power to unilaterally impose lockdowns and business closures/restrictions."

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