MORRIS COUNTY — The Land Conservancy of New Jersey announced it has dedicated its West Brook Preserve in West Milford for Board Chair Nancy Conger.

The Land Conservancy President David Epstein explained that “Preserving this remarkable property was a struggle that we were losing until Nancy got involved to lead the effort. She is our hero and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor.”

The 198-acre Nancy Conger West Brook Preserve was established in 2017 to preserve the headwaters of the West Brook, a major source of clean water for the Wanaque Reservoir where 2 million New Jersey residents get their drinking water.

The Land Conservancy is about to embark upon a major restoration project for a portion of the brook that was diverted into a ditch. The plan involves plugging the ditch and removing a small dam and five culverts to restore water back into the original stream bed and re-flood the wetlands.

The plan will provide more water for the reservoir during dry times of year, reduce erosion, remove invasive plant species, and rehabilitate the habitat of the imperiled eastern brook trout. “I have been delighted to help The Land Conservancy permanently preserve the West Brook,” Nancy said. “Working with this amazing organization has been a thrill as they have continued to preserve the lands that I love.” Nancy began her career on Wall Street as a stockbroker and went on to found the investment firm Red Hook Management with her husband Bill and serve as its President. Nancy served as Board Chair for Wheaton College and recently received an honorary doctorate for her philanthropic work supporting Ursinus College in Pennsylvania. Nancy has been a Land Conservancy supporter for more than two decades. She was elected to the Board of Trustees in 2013, served as Chair of the Governance Committee, and is currently the Chair of the Board.

“Nancy’s passion for The Land Conservancy and its critical work has inspired me and so many of our Trustees and supporters to do more to help preserve New Jersey’s special places,” said Board Vice Chair Andy Dietz. “It is a great honor for me to work with her.”

MORRIS COUNTY — Small businesses can escape costly fines for first-time filing mistakes under legislation that passed the Assembly today. Sponsored by Assemblymen Ron Dancer and Anthony Bucco, the bill (A1677) suspends fines for inconsequential paperwork procedure violations.

“The state has an unfriendly business environment, and small employers are struggling every day to survive,” said Dancer (R-Ocean). “There’s no need to clobber them with fines for technical errors that don’t harm anyone. New Jersey should focus on growing the economy, not punishing job creators for honest mistakes.”

Fines will not be suspended if the violation harms the general public; interferes with the detection of criminal activity; impacts the collection of a tax, debt or revenue; or if it is not corrected within six months.

“The cost of doing business in New Jersey is high enough,” said Bucco (R-Morris). “The last thing small businesses need is to be burdened with penalties for petty errors. Eliminating another burdensome regulation is always a positive step.”

Small businesses employ more than 1.7 million people in New Jersey.

MORRIS COUNTY — Legislation advanced Monday by the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee clarifies a 2017 law that has been used to justify new homeowner association fees on some property owners.

Assemblyman Hal Wirths sponsors the bill (A5043) addressing misinterpretations of the law by some community associations to assess new fees on owners. Sen. Steve Oroho sponsors a version of the bill (S3661) that passed the Senate last week.

“This bill protects people from surprise assessments and compulsory fees,” said Wirths (R-Sussex). “You can’t change the rules in the middle of the game.”

Under the measure, property owners in an association which did not have authority to compel payment of assessments prior to July 13, 2017 are not bound by fees.

The so-called Radburn law strengthened voting rights in common communities, and established election participation protections for residents of planned real estate developments. After it went into effect in 2017, advisors to lake associations reasoned they now had the right to require all owners in developments to pay yearly assessments.

Planned real estate developments, through master deeds, oblige owners to pay for maintenance and support of common areas. By clarifying the original intent of Chapter 106, any disagreements about paying of dues would be settled as they have been previously.

“Steve, Hal and I believe it is regrettable that some homeowners and lake associations are being led to believe that A5043 is somehow taking something away from their associations because one cannot take away something that was never given,” stated Assemblyman Parker Space, a supporter of the measure.

MORRIS COUNTY — As a steady stream of people picked up free Narcan at Rite Aid Pharmacy in Morristown on Tuesday, staff of the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One vehicle were ready to train them on administering the life-reviving antidote that reverses an opioid overdose.

Navigating Hope, a Morris County-run outreach vehicle like Hope One that brings social services guidance and referrals directly to individuals, worked alongside the Hope One staff to answer any questions posed by passersby and patrons leaving Rite Aid with their free Naloxone, which is known by the brand name Narcan.

As of 2:00 p.m. on June 18, Rite Aid had distributed 105 of 150 doses of Narcan it received from the New Jersey Department of Human Services as part of a campaign to slow the tide of opioid overdose deaths and bring attention to the health crisis. Of dozens of participating pharmacies across the state, three pharmacies in Morris County took part in the giveaway, including Rite Aid in Morristown, Walgreens in Dover and Walmart in Flanders.

And, as of 2:00 p.m., Certified Peer Recovery Specialist Kelly LaBar, who works aboard Hope One, had trained 14 people on how to correctly administer the nasal spray Narcan to temporarily reverse an overdose.

Many of the people who collected a dose under the no-questions-asked program already are familiar with Narcan because of their jobs as law enforcement officers, paramedics or substance use counselors. But they wanted a dose on hand in case they encounter a person in the throes of an overdose.

Audrey Ma, a mother of three who works in a school district, said she is aware of the dangers of opioid addiction and in particular wants her oldest child to learn about the opioid and heroin crisis.

“You never know when anyone might have an issue. This is reality and like the Girl Scout motto: Be prepared,” Mrs. Ma said after she was trained on Narcan use.

“It’s a fine program. I got some in case a client comes in and needs it,” said Substance Use Counselor Charles R. Berman.

Morris County Sheriff James M. Gannon and Bureau of Law Enforcement Undersheriff Mark Spitzer stopped by the Hope One tent and met Rite Aid Pharmacist Susan Novembre, who was overseeing the Narcan distribution Tuesday morning. Ms. Novembre said the cost for a dose of Narcan for an uninsured person is about $150.

“The statewide free distribution of Naloxone is a tremendous, proactive measure that recognizes the dire toll that opioid addiction is taking on individuals and families,” Sheriff Gannon said.

Hope One, launched on April 3, 2017, brings Narcan training and kits, substance use and mental health services, directly into communities. As of June 17, 2019, Hope One had made contact with 7,299 people, trained 1,770 people in the use of Narcan, arranged for substance use treatment services for 133 people, and mental health treatment services for 98 people.

Navigating Hope, a collaboration between the Morris County Office of Temporary Service and the non-profit Family Promise of Morris County, began its journey around Morris County about one month ago. Its staff helps connect people who are homeless, in need of Food Stamps, Medicaid, General Assistance, Veterans Services or other social programs with the services they need.

On Tuesday, Navigating Hope staff handed out literature about services and assisted for several hours a homeless man living in Morristown.

For more information on the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One program click here.

MORRIS COUNTY — Comprehensive legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Pennacchio (R-Essex, Morris, Passaic) and Senator Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex) to strengthen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws has passed the New Jersey Senate. The bill is named in honor of Mallory Grossman, a twelve-year-old Rockaway resident who committed suicide in 2017 after being bullied.

“Incidents of bullying should not be solely handled by the schools – the problem is much larger than that,” said Pennacchio. “Parents must be engaged in the process as well. This legislation standardizes the reporting process while increasing transparency and accountability at every level. There is no doubt that Mallory’s Law will go a long way to combating bullying in every school in New Jersey.”

“Suicide is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14, a figure partially attributable to cyberbullying,” said Diegnan. “Although New Jersey’s ‘Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights’ is considered to be one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the country, students have continued to be victimized, especially on social media, to the point of suicide. Hopefully, this bill will equip schools with the tools to combat this epidemic.”

Senator Pennacchio’s bipartisan legislation, S-3433, would standardize and toughen New Jersey’s anti-bullying laws. It aims to incorporate a broad approach to prevent and respond to bullying in New Jersey schools by increasing the repercussions and ensuring school officials take preventative actions before tragedy strikes.

“‘Mallory’s Law’ requires school and county officials to address bullying situations before an incident escalates into an irreversible tragedy,” added Pennacchio. “Increasing transparency and accountability, while standardizing this process, will help us put an end to this crisis.”

Mallory Grossman’s parents have turned their grief into action, by starting “Mallory’s Army,” a national movement to save other children from the devastating effects of bullying. On December 18, 2017 Senator Pennacchio and his colleagues in the State Senate honored Mallory’s Army for their efforts.

The bipartisan legislation named in tribute to Mallory was introduced in February 2019.

Although New Jersey’s “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights” is considered to be one of the toughest anti-bullying laws in the nation, students have continued to be victimized to the point of suicide.

Pennacchio’s legislation would reinforce and intensify the state’s “Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights.” The bill was signed into law after cyber harassment led to the tragic suicide of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi in 2010.

Many experts have noted that the growing trend of cyber harassment through cell phones, computers, and interactive video games leaves children today with little escape from bullying, even when in their own homes. Oftentimes, parents don’t realize it’s happening right in front of them.

“We have to do more to protect our kids when bullies can harass them at any time of the day via apps like Snapchat and Instagram, or even when they’re playing video games like Fortnite,” Pennacchio added. “’Mallory’s Law’ will ensure the bully, parents, and the school are made well aware of any incidents, and that proper disciplinary actions are taken before we lose more young lives.”

“Mallory’s Law” would ensure that parents are more involved when their child is accused of bullying. The bill would also direct New Jersey school districts to provide means for parents to complete an online form to report any occurrences of bullying.

The legislation would also require that each school district’s anti-bullying policy must include specific penalties for bullying. Any proven act of bullying would lead to the incident being added to the student’s permanent record.

Under the bill, bullies found culpable of harassment more than three times must attend anti-bullying training with their parents. Law enforcement will also be notified to see if the New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice has been violated.

A civil liability may be imposed on the parent of a bully who demonstrates blatant disregard of supervising their child, if their child has been judged to be delinquent of harassment or cyber harassment.

Victims of bullying are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

“Mallory’s family and I worked closely together to create this legislation,” Senator Pennacchio commented. “The State of New Jersey must take every appropriate action to reduce bullying by increasing the strength and transparency of the reporting process. I urge the Governor to sign this legislation into law as soon as possible.”

NEW JERSEY — Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to enhance safety for rideshare passengers by requiring additional identification for drivers. The bill’s passage and signing follows the tragic death of Samantha “Sami” Josephson, a Robbinsville resident and student at the University of South Carolina, who mistakenly entered a car she thought was her rideshare.

“Every day, thousands of rideshare passengers entrust drivers to get them to and from home, school, and work safely and without delay,” said Governor Murphy. “Just one unscrupulous mind seeking to take advantage of those passengers is one too many, and it is our responsibility to keep riders safe. Today, I am proud to stand beside the Josephson family and legislative sponsors to enhance protections for New Jersey’s rideshare passengers, and ensure that Samantha Josephson’s tragic death is not in vain.”

“This is a bitter-sweet day for the Josephsons. We want to thank the Assembly and Senate for unanimously passing Sami’s Law,” said Marci, Seymour, and Sydney Josephson. “We appreciate Governor Murphy accommodating us by signing the bill in Robbinsville, Samantha’s hometown. We are proud that New Jersey has taken the lead in making rideshare safer for everyone. We also want to thank our family, friends, and community for supporting us through this tough time.”

The legislation signed requires rideshare companies to issue additional identification materials to drivers to help passengers correctly identify their vehicle. First, rideshare companies must issue two identifying markers to each driver to be displayed on the front windshield and rear window. Second, rideshare companies must create and provide every driver with two copies of a two-dimensional barcode or other machine-readable code that passengers can scan to confirm the identity of the vehicle. Third, rideshare companies shall produce and issue two credential placards to be displayed on the driver and passenger side rear windows that include the driver’s name, photo, and license plate number. Drivers who fail to comply with these provisions are subject to a fine of $250, and rideshare companies that fail to comply with these provisions can have their permit to operate in New Jersey suspended or revoked.

The new requirements take effect nine months following the date of enactment.

We stand with the Josephsons through their unimaginable grief over the loss of Samantha in this tragedy,” said Motor Vehicle Commission Chair and Chief Administrator B. Sue Fulton. “The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission will do everything in our power to make this law as effective as it can be so that no other such terrible tragedy can happen in the future.”

A similar piece of legislation, also named “Sami’s Law,” was recently introduced at the federal level cosponsored by Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker in the U.S. Senate, and led by Representative Chris Smith in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“As rideshare services grow in popularity, we have a responsibility to address gaps in public safety, and Sami’s Law aims to do just that,” said U.S. Senator Bob Menendez. “No family should have to go through the kind of horrific tragedy experienced by the Josephson family.

It’s essential that we take necessary steps to ensure the safety of rideshare passengers. Making it easier for riders to identify their vehicles will make it tougher for nefarious actors to pose as a driver. It’s important that we’re working toward solutions that safeguard rideshare users so that no family bears the same pain as the Josephson family,” said U.S Senator Booker.

“Seymour and Marci Josephson are remarkable, courageous people who have channeled their deep, abiding love for their daughter, Sami, into a national campaign to protect others from predators and murderers who can still pose as fake rideshare drivers with the intent to do harm,” said Rep. Chris Smith who represents Robbinsville where the Josephsons live and has authored a federal Sami’s Law. “Today we see their enormous impact here at home, as New Jersey is the first state to pass legislation that mirrors the federal version of Sami’s Law.

We are grateful to Seymour and Marci and know that with their leadership and tenacity, we will see enactment of a federal Sami’s Law so that ride-share customers are equally protected in all 50 states.”

Sponsors of the state legislation include Senators Patrick Diegnan, Linda Greenstein, and Thomas Kean, and Assembly Members Daniel Benson, Wayne DeAngelo, Valerie Vainieri Huttle, and Paul Moriarty.

“I have the utmost gratitude to the Josephson family for their strength and courage in promoting this legislation,” said Senator Diegnan. “It’s tragic that we had to lose a young adult with a promising career in order to address the issue of rider safety. Hopefully this law will educate users and prevent future tragedies.”

“Sami Josephson’s story is a tragedy that could have happened to anyone utilizing popular ridesharing services. It devastated our community and we must do what we can to promote public safety and honor her life,” said Senator Greenstein. “By placing a greater emphasis on visual safeguards, riders will be able to identify key items to confirm they are entering a credentialed ride sharing vehicle.”

“In the wake of tragedy, we have seen our local community come together to support the Josephson family and affect meaningful change. No parent should have to experience the loss of a child, especially due to a lack of common-sense safety measures for rideshare services. With the passage of this legislation, New Jersey leads the nation with stricter regulations for these widely utilized services such as Uber and Lyft,” said Assemblyman Benson.

“What Seymour and Marci Josephson and their family have endured with the loss of their daughter Sami is a hardship that no family should face,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo. “No one should ever be concerned for the safety of themselves or their loved ones when using these services. Through this new law, we make sure that as these services continue to develop, we are constantly working together to make sure customers are served safely and responsibly.”

“The bottom line is rideshare services must be safe for both the rider and the driver,” said Assemblywoman Vainieri Huttle. “New Jersey should focus on improving identification tools used by customers to recognize their driver and the vehicle. We have to do more to protect New Jersey residents; this cannot happen here. This new law takes us one step closer to achieving that goal.”