Gov. Chris Christie recently signed a bill into law that will make direct deposit mandatory for many state and municipal employees. Under P.L. 2013, c.28, direct deposit will be required for all State employee compensation on and after July 1, 2014. New Jersey’s direct deposit law also allows county, county
The New Jersey Supreme Court recently upheld an arbitration award in a dispute between a municipality and local labor union. In doing so, it highlighted that courts should give great deference to arbitration awards in New Jersey public-sector labor disputes so long as they are reasonably debatable. The Facts of
A recent decision by the Appellate Division clarifies the authority of a New Jersey mayor to authorize a layoff plan for municipal employees without first obtaining the consent of the township council. In Hillside Firemen’s Mutual Benevolent Ass’n v. Menza, the court held that a municipality operating under the mayor-council
Beach replenishment efforts are needed up and down the New Jersey shoreline in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. In an effort to help municipalities gain easements for these projects, proposed legislation aims to limit condemnation awards to the owners of oceanfront homes. The bill, S-2618/A-3896, would amend the “Eminent Domain
Many homeowners faced with damage from Superstorm Sandy may have another obstacle to rebuilding – the Municipal Land Use Law. In a recent decision, the Appellate Division held that a home in Seaside Park lost its ‘grandfathered’ non-conforming use and structure status when it was gutted for repairs. The Facts
New Jersey municipalities could soon have new rules for redevelopment projects. The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee recently amended and approved a bill that would alter the state’s “Local Redevelopment and Housing Law.” The bill, S-2447, incorporates two New Jersey court decisions. The first is Gallenthin v. Paulsboro, 191
Legislation that would overrule a recent court ruling regarding the liability of New Jersey municipalities when it comes to their emergency response operations is advancing through both the state Senate and Assembly. As we have previously discussed on this New Jersey Government & Law Blog, the New Jersey Supreme Court
A recent decision by the Appellate Division clarifies the New Jersey Open Public Records Act (OPRA) exception for proprietary commercial or financial information. The case also addresses what types of materials fall within the meaning of “underwriting rules” under N.J.S.A. 17:29A-46.2(b), which states that “underwriting rules” filed by insurers “shall
