Governor Phil Murphy (D) vetoed five bills from Nov. 20-26. Ballotpedia did not identify any responses from the bill sponsors as of Nov. 30. The five bills are below:
-
NJ A5179: Would have defined a smoke control system and differentiated between dedicated and non-dedicated smoke control systems, and required routine maintenance and periodic testing of smoke dampers, fire dampers, and smoke control systems in certain buildings by qualified personnel.
- Murphy said, “I do support creating a system for certifying contractors involved in the installation, testing, and maintenance of fire dampers, smoke dampers, combination fire and smoke dampers, and smoke control systems. My recommended amendments preserve the core component of this bill, while facilitating DFS’s 3 authority to promulgate rules and regulations in this subject area within its current fire protection contractor certification regime. … As mentioned, the fire protection goals embodied by this bill are admirable, and I once again would like to thank the bill’s sponsors for promoting the regular testing and maintenance of fire and smoke dampers and smoke protection systems. I am confident that my recommended amendments will enable DFS to continue to effectively address these issues through the regulatory process and lead to the development of a credentialed, experienced, and well-trained workforce.”
- The New Jersey General Assembly voted 74-0 to approve the bill on March 30. The New Jersey Senate voted 36-0 to approve the bill on June 26. Assembly Members Anthony Verrelli (D) and Carol Murphy (D) introduced the legislation on Feb. 13, 2023.
-
NJ A5225: Would have provided coverage for community-based palliative care benefits under the Medicaid program, including specialized medical care and emotional and spiritual support for beneficiaries with serious advanced illnesses, relief of symptoms, pain, and stress of serious illness, improvement of quality of life for both the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s family, and appropriate care for any age and for any stage of serious illness, along with curative treatment.
- Murphy said, “My only concern with this bill is that it takes effect immediately, presupposing that DHS would be able to offer the benefit in a very short time frame. Adding any new form of coverage to Medicaid takes a substantial commitment of time and resources, including investigating and designing the benefit, building out the information technology infrastructure, and, critically, securing the federal approvals and financial participation necessary to reduce State costs. And with respect to this circumstance in particular, studies have revealed racial disparities in who receives quality end-of-life care and shown that New Jersey has room to improve when it comes to transitions between the hospital, rehabilitation centers and other facilities, and home for individuals with serious illnesses. Accordingly, to design a comprehensive, equitable system of coverage, DHS will need to carefully study the current palliative care landscape and engage thoughtfully with our communities. For that reason, I am recommending that Assembly Bill No. 5225 (Second Reprint) be amended to provide DHS with two years to conduct the work necessary to design a quality benefit, and — to optimize reach while protecting State financial resources — make clear that coverage would be contingent on receiving all necessary federal approvals. With these amendments, I am confident that the State will develop the best possible coverage for our Medicaid recipients.”
- The New Jersey General Assembly voted 78-0 to approve the bill on June 30. The New Jersey Senate voted 36-0 to approve the bill on June 30. Assembly Members Angela Mcknight (D), Shanique Speight (D), and Carol Murphy (D) introduced the legislation on Feb. 23, 2023.
