Month: January 2017

Gov. Christie Sign E-Waste Bill

Gov. Christie Sign E-Waste Bill

Gov. Chris Christie recently signed legislation amending the Electronic Waste Management Act into law. The E-waste bill shifts the burden of recycling electronic devices from local governments to device manufacturers. The Electronic Waste Management Act previously mandated that each manufacturer provide for the collection, transportation, and recycling of its “return

Chevron Takes Center Stage in Third Circuit’s FMLA Decision

Proposed Federal Bill Aims to Eliminate Chevron Deference

Congress is currently considering legislation that would dramatically alter administrative law by eliminating so-called “Chevron deference.” The House of Representatives passed the Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2016 last year, and it is currently pending before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Chevron Deference Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in

Federal Judge Rules Camden Municipal Court Violated ADA

Last month, a federal court ruled that Camden Municipal Court and the City of Camden violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by failing to provide a court interpreter for a deaf litigant. The decision in Perez v. Camden Municipal Court highlights that public entities must be mindful of their

UEZs Sunset in Five NJ Municipalities

UEZs Sunset in Five NJ Municipalities After No Action by Christie

Urban enterprise zones have expired in five New Jersey municipalities. While the Legislature approved a compromise bill extending the UEZs for another two years, Gov. Chris Christie has yet to act on it. The proposed bill (A-4189/S-2670), which has been approved by the Senate and Assembly, would have prevented UEZ

Federal Judge Rules NJ Township Discriminated Against Mosque Plan

A federal judge recently ruled that the Bernards Township Planning Board wrongfully denied the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge’s (ISBR) plan to build a mosque. The court specifically found that the Planning Board discriminatorily applied the township’s parking ordinance by requiring the proposed mosque to have more parking spots than

Third Circuit Rules University Immune from Suit as “Arm of the State”

Third Circuit Rules University Immune from Suit as “Arm of the State”

Resolving a split in the federal courts in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that state universities are entitled to Sovereign Immunity protections in discrimination law suits.  The decision in Maliandi v. Montclair State University found that Montclair State University (MSU) is entitled to

DLGS Local Finance Notice Regarding New Certification Requirement for Municipal Budgets

Legislation Authorizing Electronic Public Notices Advances

Publishing public notices in local newspapers is both costly and time consuming for New Jersey municipalities.  In response, lawmakers are currently considering the “Electronic Publication of Legal Notices Act.” Under the proposed legislation (S-2855 and A-4429), government agencies would be authorized to publish legal notices on official government notice websites