Credit: (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
File photo: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka renewed his pursuit of civilian oversight for police Thursday, urging the Legislature to post and pass a languishing bill that would create and fund civilian complaint review boards throughout the state. The measure was proposed last year after the state Supreme Court severely limited his city’s review board by revoking its subpoena power.
Fearing the proposed legislation is dying on the vine, Baraka said it must be passed immediately, before the Legislature starts its summer recess. He said he suspects its chances during a lame-duck session will only become worse. His concerns appear to be warranted.
Gov. signs legislation and Executive Order ending public health emergency in New Jersey
With all COVID-19 capacity restrictions on businesses and gathering limits having been lifted due to the continued improvement of New Jersey’s public health metrics, Gov. Phil Murphy today (June 4) signed legislation enabling the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency that has been in place since March 9, 2020.
Immediately following the signing of the legislation, Murphy signed Executive Order No. 244, ending the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Under the legislation, the majority of executive orders issued pursuant to the public health emergency will expire 30 days from today, according to a press release from the Governor’s office.