NJ Gov. Phil Murphy Signs 'Snooki Amendment,' 11 Bills Into Law

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed 11 bills into law that includes legislation that some critics are calling the "Snooki Amendment." He also signed a bill which will allow for the issuance of amended birth certificates for people who have undergone a change in gender

After conditionally vetoing the bill a month ago, Murphy this week signed Senate Bill No. 122, otherwise known as "the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act," which would provide tax credits to companies that produce films and digital media content in New Jersey.

Lawmakers agreed with Murphy's call for "extending eligibility for certain reality TV shows that invest in New Jersey's economy and promote tourism to the Garden State."

Some lawmakers joked that Murphy wants tax credits to help set up something akin to a "Jersey Shore" cast member reunion – most infamously led by Nicole Elizabeth "Snooki" LaValle (née Polizzi) – in the land where they became famous nearly a decade ago.

"Governor Murphy's 'Snooki amendment' to provide tax credits to reality television takes a bad bill and makes it worse," said Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-Morris. "There are a whole host of needs from school aid to property tax relief that deserve $425 million before we consider giving it to Snooki."

Murphy said the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act will encourage production companies to locate in New Jersey, spurring economic growth and industry development.

“The film and digital media industry is poised to become a dynamic part of New Jersey’s economy, one that will create good-paying union jobs and countless residual benefits to the economy,” Murphy said. “By signing this legislation, we are allowing these companies to take advantage of New Jersey’s unique culture, location, and geography. I look forward to seeing the many projects that will come out of our great state thanks to the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act.”

The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senator Paul Sarlo and in the Assembly by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, and Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald.

“We have been fighting for these credits for eight years,” said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. “I am grateful that Governor Murphy saw the value in them. The film industry has deep roots in New Jersey. Fort Lee is where the movie industry began. These credits will ensure that New Jersey remains a player in this constantly evolving industry.”

In addition to the creation of financial incentives for film and digital media companies, the bill also incentivizes companies to make significant efforts to hire diverse cast and crews. The Economic Development Authority will verify that production companies have made good-faith efforts toward that goal before receiving additional incentives.

Also this week, Murphy signed three bills that will provide protections to New Jersey’s LGBTQ community.

They are:

• Senate Bill No. 478, which will allow for the issuance of amended birth certificates for people who have undergone a change in gender
• Senate Bill No. 493, which will allow gender identity to be reflected on death certificates
• Senate Bill No. 705, which will establish a Transgender Equality Task force.

Murphy, who signed the bill on Tuesday, said it is "an important day for New Jersey as we continue to strive toward equality for all of our residents, regardless of sex or gender expression."

“Allowing vital records to match gender identity is an important step forward that will allow transgender individuals to control the disclosure of their transgender status. And by creating a Transgender Equality Task Force, New Jersey can ensure that all residents receive the protections they deserve. New Jersey will continue to stand with our LGBTQ residents in the continued pursuit of similar rights nationwide,” he said.

"I am immensely proud of Governor Murphy for not only standing with our community, but also seeing that equality reaches everyone in New Jersey. Transgender people have long stood in solidarity with LGB people and here at Garden State Equality we make sure nobody is left behind,”said Christian Fuscarino, Executive Director of Garden State Equality.

S478 is designated as the Babs Siperstein Law, recognizing transgender advocate Babs Siperstein for her tireless advocacy efforts related to protecting transgender individuals and expanding rights for LGBTQ New Jerseyans.

Murphy also has signed Senate Bill No. 5 after the Legislature concurred with recommendations made by the governor to the bill. The bill will transfer the management of the Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) to a newly constituted Board of Trustees of PFRS. The bill will allow for members to oversee their own investments, while also stabilizing the value of the pension fund.

“It is critical that those who have paid into the pension system are comfortable that they will be able to retire with dignity,” said Murphy. “Labor is the backbone of many New Jersey families. The state must move forward with stable, reliable pension payments and this bill is a good first step toward making sure that our retiring police officers and firefighters feel secure as they move toward retirement, while also protecting the financial interests of taxpayers.”

The PFRS legislation will require an actuary to certify the long-term viability of the pension fund, a critical safeguard to ensure stability. Additionally, the treasurer would continue to the set the rate of return for the PFRS fund, but the board would set its own internal targets.

Murphy also signed the following bills into law::

• S1968/A3619 (Pou/Wimberly, Mukherji, Sumter) - Extends document submission deadline for certain residential and mixed use parking projects under Economic Redevelopment and Growth Grant program; increases maximum credit amounts awarded for certain residential and mixed use parking projects. The law will take effect immediately.
• S2747/A4201 (Gopal, Sarlo/Pintor Marin) - Amends and supplements various appropriations and language provisions in Fiscal Year 2018 annual State appropriations act.
• S-396/A-3840 (Pennacchio, Corrado/Armato, Mazzeo, Freiman) - Forbids members of the State Investment Council from voting on transactions concerning investment with which a member has certain financial or familial conflicts and requires removal for violations thereof
• S-879wGR/A-3116 (Sweeney/Burzichelli, Taliaferro, Murphy) - Amends definition of “existing major hazardous waste facility” in “Major Hazardous Waste Facilities Siting Act”
• S-976wGR/A-1709 (Vitale, Bateman/Vainieri Huttle, Mukherji) - “Revised State Medical Examiner Act”; establishes Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner in DOH
• S-1207/A-3086 (Sweeney, Oroho/Greenwald) - Requires State to pay full cost of health care benefits coverage in retirement for SPRS members who retire at mandatory retirement age of 55 with more than 20 but less than 25 years of service

Gov. Murphy photo