NJ Assembly Republicans Will Challenge State House COVID Policy

NEW JERSEY — A new COVID-19 vaccine and testing policy is putting an upcoming voting session in jeopardy, as Assembly Republicans plan to challenge the policy. According to multiple reports, there's also a chance they simply don't show up.

The new policy would bar anyone who cannot provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative PCR or rapid test within the last 72 hours, from entering the State House. Members of the legislature must follow these rules, but can show a proof of negative test from anytime within the previous seven days. The same is true for legislative employees.

But Assembly Republicans said they plan to challenge this new policy, officially announcing the decision after days of reports indicated they would do so.

In a statement posted to the NJ Assembly GOP Facebook page, they said:

"This isn’t about vaccines or testing; it’s about setting a precedent that prevents legislators from representing the people who elected them, it’s about permitting discriminatory practices in a place that should serve as the centerpiece to a transparent and open state government. If the Murphy administration and Democrats are allowed to limit our liberties here, what’s next?

N.J. Assembly Republicans prepare to challenge the policy that bans full public participation in the legislative process unless you submit to a vaccine mandate."

The policy was approved by the State Capitol Joint Management Commission in October, and would allow legislators to vote remotely. However, at least one Assembly Republican has publicly stated his belief that the measure is unconstitutional.

"We all take an oath to uphold the Constitution, and I don’t think it’s constitutionally allowed," said Assemblyman Hal Wirths, in an interview with News12.

Democratic Assembly members and Gov. Phil Murphy alike have spoken out against the move by their Republican counterparts, with the former publishing a full op-ed in the Star-Ledger.

"It is 20 seconds of time. Twenty seconds. Ten seconds in each nostril," said Murphy. "It's just ridiculous."

Still, there appears to be no back down from the other side of the aisle, even with rapid tests available at the State House.

So where does that leave the Thursday session?

At this point, it appears like some members of the Republican Assembly would be barred from entering the State House if they don't abide with the new policy.

State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick Callahan said as much during Gov. Phil Murphy's latest news briefing, stating that he didn't believe arrests would be made, but that officers do have the power to refuse entry.

"I have a hard time envisioning troopers handcuffing anyone," said Callahan, "but I do think they'd have the ability to refuse entry to those men and women. It's certainly something I would consult with the Attorney General's Office on."

With remote voting possible, Politico reports that the more moderate members of the Republican Assembly plan to participate virtually, but there has been discussion whether some will boycott the session entirely.

The NJ Assembly Republicans did not immediately respond to a request for comment.