Governor Murphy Signs Legislation to Establish Commission to Study Effects of Social Media Usage on Youth

With concerns growing over the impact of social media on young people, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to establish a commission to study the effects of social media usage both in and out of school on adolescents. The work of this commission will build on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the mental health needs of New Jersey youth.

“Social media use is undoubtedly a significant part of many young people’s lives these days, which is why it is so critical to determine the full scope of its impact on students,” said Governor Murphy. “By establishing this commission, we will better understand how social media use – both in and out of school – is affecting the physical and mental health, safety, and academic performance of students to help mitigate any negative repercussions and protect the well-being of New Jersey’s youth.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Expanding Access to Temporary Protective Orders

In a continued effort to support victims of domestic violence, Governor Phil Murphy signed S-1517, authorizing the issuance of protective orders for certain victimized persons in situations for which domestic violence statutes do not apply due to lack of familial or dating relationship between the victim and offending actor. Specifically, the bill provides greater protections to individuals who have been victimized through abusive behavior, regardless of their current or prior relationship status to the alleged actor, by expanding the eligible acts for which a protective order may be obtained. 

The bill also amends the “Sexual Assault Survivor Protection Act of 2015” (SASPA) to be known as the “Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act” protecting all victims of abusive behavior, and expands the list of prohibited acts that qualify a victim to receive a protective order from an abuser to include stalking and cyber-harassment.

“After hearing the horrifying stories of victims, like Michele Albano’s daughter – who inspired this bill – our Administration recognized the need to expand access to protective orders to more than just victims of domestic and sexual violence,” said Governor Murphy. “Far too many individuals fall victim to different kinds of abuse and are unable to escape it because of their lack of ability to attain a protective order against their abusers. Today, we hope to give these victims some relief and assurance that we are with them and we support them.”

“No one should ever have to live in fear of another person,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “For too long, New Jersey didn’t give stalking victims the means to seek protection from strangers who meant them harm. By signing this bill into law, Governor Murphy has moved our state in the right direction, expanding the legal protections available to New Jerseyans and underscoring our commitment to keep our residents safe.”

Governor Murphy Signs Bill to Increase Transparency in Election Results Reporting

Governor Phil Murphy signed A-5176, which aims to improve voter confidence in the reporting of election results by requiring periodic reporting of vote tallies beginning on the night of primary and general elections until all eligible ballots have been counted and the election is certified. The required report details will include the number and types of ballots that have been received and, to the extent possible, the number and types of ballots that have been counted and that remain to be counted. Reporting shall commence by 11:59 p.m. on the day of each primary and general election and shall be updated by 9 p.m. every day thereafter until the certification of the election. This information is particularly useful in close races where late-counted mail-in or provisional ballots could determine the outcome of an election.

“In the past few years, we have witnessed attacks on our democracy across the country, resulting in the spread of disinformation and misinformation surrounding our elections,” said Governor Murphy. “In an effort to make election results more transparent in our state, today I gladly signed A-5176 requiring the periodic reporting of election results. Here in New Jersey, our voters can be certain that we are working hard to make sure our elections are conducted in a way that bolsters public confidence in our democracy.”

Premier League, EA Sports, U.S. Soccer Foundation, and Governor Murphy Unveil New Soccer Mini-pitch as Part of Ongoing Commitment to Community Soccer

A new mini-pitch co-funded by the Premier League and its lead partner EA SPORTS was opened this week at Washington Elementary School in Kearny, New Jersey. Named the Kearny Futures Field, the project was made possible in conjunction with the U.S. Soccer Foundation, Governor Phil Murphy, and Kearny School District.

The customized hard court surface, which was designed by local artist Demit Omphroy, was officially unveiled as the Premier League Summer Series pre-season tournament reaches New Jersey, with Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United facing each other at the Red Bull Arena on Friday night.

“When it comes to soccer, there are few places more special than Kearny, New Jersey – the birthplace of American soccer,” said Governor Murphy. “Soccer builds community, breaks down barriers, and forges relationships across cultural and geographic bounds. I am grateful to our partners -- the Premier League, EA Sports, the U.S. Soccer Foundation, the Kearny School District – for their help in building this mini-pitch and creating a lasting legacy for our communities to enjoy.”