4 NJ Laws In September Take Effect Now: Here's What They Do

NEW JERSEY – If you need to call 911, do it to save a life. Or because it's an emergency. Don't do it to intimidate anybody.

And if you do see an emergency vehicle out there, move the heck over.

Four new laws went into effect on Monday and Tuesday, all of which are expected to have a big impact on your driving, your safety and even your town's financial health amid the coronavirus impact (see list below).

One of the laws was signed into law on Tuesday: Murphy put his stamp of approval on legislation that removes immigration status as a requirement in the professional licensure process.

Murphy said New Jersey needs additional expertise in various industries, such as health care, that are connected to the coronavirus crisis.

"For all of us, this is smart and good," he said.

Here are the laws taking effect:

"Slow Down or More Over, It’s the Law Act"

A law signed by Murphy that imposes motor vehicle penalty points for certain violations of the state's “move over law” took effect on Tuesday. The new law is designated as the “Slow Down or Move Over, It’s the Law Act.”

Under New Jersey’s “Move Over” law, drivers are required to reduce their speed and change lanes when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway maintenance, emergency service or sanitation vehicle that is displaying flashing, blinking or alternating emergency lights.

Violators are subject to a fine of between $100 and $500.

The new law (A-3890) requires two motor vehicle penalty points to be assessed when a driver violates the "Move Over Law." The accumulation of motor vehicle penalty points may result in additional penalties, including the imposition of surcharges and a license suspension.

“New Jersey’s law enforcement officers are the finest in the nation and we will take every step necessary to ensure their safety both in the line of duty and off-duty,” said Murphy. “I am proud to sign legislation that will support the officers who dedicate every day to us.”

“Each and every day our law enforcement officers risk their personal safety and well-being to serve our communities. We owe it to our officers to protect them not only from the dangers they face on the job, but also from the effects of daily trauma," said Attorney General Gurbir Grewal.

False, racially motivated 911 calls

Murphy signed legislation, which took effect Monday, that includes false incrimination and filing a false police report as a form of bias intimidation.

The new law also establishes the crime of a false 911 call with purpose of intimidating or harassing based on race or other protected class.

“Using the threat of a 911 call or police report as an intimidation tactic against people of color is an unacceptable, abhorrent form of discrimination,” said Murphy. “This irresponsible misuse of our 9-1-1 system places victims in a potentially dangerous situation, and can erode trust between Black and Brown New Jerseyans and law enforcement. Individuals who choose to weaponize this form of intimidation should held be accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Recovering lost revenue because of coronavirus crisis

Murphy signed legislation (A3791), which also took effect on Monday, authorizing municipalities and counties to borrow funds to cover revenue shortfalls and expenditures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing bonds and notes.

The final legislation included improvements recommended by Governor Murphy in his prior conditional veto issued on July 30th.

By amending local borrowing laws, the final legislation allows counties and towns to issue 5-year special emergency notes for a broad swath of COVID-19 related costs. The final legislation also expands the mechanism to permit adoption of a "special emergency" to address certified COVID-19 related deficits in operations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis has left no corner of our state untouched,” said Murphy. “In the absence of much-needed federal assistance, this legislation will provide an important tool to New Jersey’s municipalities and counties, allowing them to have access to the funds needed to continue serving residents.”

Expanding access to professional licenses

Murphy signed legislation on Tuesday that removes immigration status as a requirement in the licensure process.

Under the law, S2455, lawful presence in the United States would not be required to obtain a professional or occupational license if an applicant meets all the other requirements for licensure.

“In the midst of the pandemic, our state extended emergency licenses to qualified men and women that call New Jersey home but have not been able to work due to their immigration status,” said state Sen. Nellie Pou, D-Passaic/Bergen. “These frontline workers stepped up when our state needed them the most, and they should be able to take their exam and be licensed professionals, regardless of their immigration status, even after we defeat the virus.”

New Jersey becomes the 15th state in the nation to remove this barrier, joining states like New York, California, South Dakota, Florida and West Virginia.