Month: August 2017

OPMA

NJ Supreme Court Leaves Door Open for DJA Involving OPRA Requests

In a recent decision, the Supreme Court of New Jersey opened the door for records custodians to go on the offensive in response to requests under the state’s Open Public Records Act (OPRA). In In the Matter of the New Jersey Firemen’s Association Obligation to Provide Relief Applications Under the

NJ Appeals Court Clarifies When Fund in Court Exception Applies

In Grabowsky v. Twp. of Montclair, the Appellate Division clarified when the fund in court exception applies, which alters the general rule that litigants bear their own litigation costs regardless of who prevails. The court held that because no litigation fund was ever created and taxpayers would ultimately bear the expense

New Jersey Supreme Court to Address “Time of Application Rule”

The Supreme Court of New Jersey recently agreed to consider Dunbar Homes, Inc. v. The Zoning Board of Adjustment of the Township of Franklin. The case involves when a submission to the planning board should be considered an “application for development” that triggers the “time of application rule.” Time of

Gov. Christie Vetoes Airbnb Bill to Tax Short-Term Rentals

Gov. Chris Christie recently vetoed legislation that would have made rentals via Airbnb and similar online marketplaces subject to the same state and local occupancy taxes as hotel and motel rooms.  According to the Governor, he would not support imposing additional taxes on “already overly taxed New Jersey property owners.”

Governor Christie Signs Law Protecting Transgender Students

On July 21, 2017, Governor Christie signed Senate Bill 3067, which establishes new protections for transgender students and requires the Commissioner of Education to develop guidelines for school districts. The legislation is intended to ensure that transgender students are protected from discrimination and have a safe learning environment. “All of our

Gov. Christie Approves Library Bond Funding Bill

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie recently approved the “New Jersey Library Construction Bond Act.” The bi-partisan legislation authorizes the issuance of $125 million in State general obligation bonds to provide grants for the construction, expansion, and equipping of New Jersey’s public libraries. For the library funding to become a reality,