NJ Gov. Murphy Vetoes 12 Bills, Signs Law Protecting Sex Victims

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation to help protect sex-abuse victims while also vetoing 12 bills on Monday.

Murphy signed legislation (S477) extending the statute of limitations in civil actions for sexual abuse claims. The signing comes just days after a law firm released the names of more than 100 people who allegedly committed sexual abuse while serving in the Catholic church's clergy.

Read more: Another 100 NJ Priests, Clergy Accused Of Sex Abuse In New Disclosure

The law also creates a two-year window for parties to bring lawsuits based on sexual abuse that would be time-barred even with the new statute of limitations, and expands the categories of potential defendants in civil actions.

“Survivors of sexual abuse deserve opportunities to seek redress against their abusers,” said Murphy. “This legislation allows survivors who have faced tremendous trauma the ability to pursue justice through the court system. I thank the bill’s sponsors for their commitment to tackling this issue, as well as the advocates for their activism and engagement.”

Murphy also signed a bill that outlines regulations governing the use of low speed electric scooters and e-bikes.

The bill calls for motorized scooters and e-bikes capable of traveling 20 miles per hour or slower to be regulated much the same as ordinary bicycles, allowing their operation on streets, highways, and bicycle paths in the state.

Bills that Murphy conditionally vetoed include legislation that was supposed to promote donor-disclosure in public office positions.

Murphy returned the bill to the Legislature with recommendations to strengthen disclosure requirements, eliminate loopholes and expand the scope of the state’s pay-to-play laws.

“Strengthening disclosure requirements will help bring greater transparency to the work of government and enhance public trust in the political process,” said Murphy. “Sadly, S1500, as currently written, falls short of that goal."

Murphy also conditionally vetoed the following bills:

• A809 (Andrzejczak, Houghtaling, Taliaferro, Mazzeo, Space/Van Drew, Cruz-Perez) – Revises law concerning alternate members for farmers on State Agriculture Development Committee. Copy of Statement on A809
• A5000 (Mosquera, Reynolds-Jackson, Wimberly/Singleton, Oroho, Addiego) – Requires DCA to produce and maintain database and interactive map concerning residential properties under foreclosure; increases certain recording fees as funding mechanism. Copy of Statement on A5000
• S362 (Rice/Sumter, Jasey, Reynolds-Jackson) – Provides that deed restrictions on affordable housing units are not extinguished by foreclosure proceedings. Copy of Statement on S362
• S1758 (Weinberg, Ruiz/Murphy, Benson, Zwicker) – Codifies donated leave program for State employees in career, senior executive, and unclassified service. Copy of Statement on S1758
• S1967 (Sweeney, Madden/Jasey, Taliaferro, Benson) – Concerns certain workers' compensation supplemental benefits. Copy of Statement on S1967
• S2475 (Sweeney, Pou/Coughlin, McKeon, DeCroce, Murphy) – Prohibits application of fiduciary standard to insurance producers; specifies qualifications of persons providing affidavit of merit in lawsuits against insurance producers. Copy of Statement on S2475
• S3240 (Singer, Scutari/Armato, Mukherji, Murphy, Kean, Calabrese, Thomson) – “Charlie's Law;" requires pharmacy practice sites and hospice programs to furnish patients with information and products to safely dispose of unused prescription drugs and medications. Copy of Statement on S3240
• S3369 (Scutari/Munoz, Webber, Holley) – Prohibits all locally elected officials from receiving retroactive salary increases. Copy of Statement on S3369
• S3375 (Ruiz, Greenstein/Carter, Chaparro, Vainieri Huttle) – Establishes maternal health care pilot program to evaluate shared decision-making tool developed by DOH and used by hospitals providing maternity services, and by birthing centers. Copy of Statement on S3375
• S3465 (Pou, Kean/Bramnick, Jimenez, Carter) – Revises requirements for examination and license to practice mortuary science. Copy of Statement on S3465

Murphy absolute vetoed the following bill:

• S1246 (Rice, Cunningham/Sumter, Murphy, Downey) – Requires NJTA to implement certain roadside maintenance safety policies. Copy of Statement on S1246