The U.S. Supreme Court’s October 2016 Term will be most remembered for the vacancy created by the death of Justice Antonin Scalia. While the Court was shorthanded, it did reach decisions in several cases impacting local governments. This post offers a brief review of several key public law decisions: Heffernan
Gov. Chris Christie recently signed legislation into law that will require higher education institutions in New Jersey to take steps to prevent suicide. The measure, which applies to all colleges and universities, unanimously passed in both the Senate and the Assembly. The Madison Holleran Suicide Prevention Act specifically requires institutions
New Jersey citizens planning to vote for the next President will need to make sure that they are registered three weeks prior to the election. In Rutgers University Student Association v. Middlesex County Board of Elections, the Appellate Division rejected a legal challenge to the state’s 21-day pre-election registration requirement.
New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering a bill that would coordinate the threshold dollar amounts under the state’s local public contract bid, pay to play, and prevailing wage laws. The legislation aims to make it easier for small, local businesses to contract with New Jersey municipalities and counties. Under current
In a recent decision, the Tax Court of New Jersey clarified when municipalities may use the cost approach to value properties. In Palisadium Management Corp. v. Borough of Cliffside Park, the court rejected the Borough’s argument that the property’s views of the Manhattan skyline rendered it “unique.” The Facts of
New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would require developers to pay the prevailing wage for public work on properties receiving tax abatements or exemptions. The Assembly Labor Committee recently advanced Assembly Bill No. 3435, which will now go before the full Assembly. As we have previously discussed on
New Jersey lawmakers are currently considering legislation that would allow municipalities to avoid the five percent down payment required for bond ordinances. The bill (AB No. 1640) would give local cities and towns much-needed flexibility as many local budgets remain tight. The Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee recently advanced
Jersey City is a considering a municipal ordinance that would require that building-service workers, such as janitors, maids, and doormen, receive a minimum of 30 hours a week from their employers. The City Council recently voted 6-2-1 to advance the ordinance. It also has the support of Jersey City Mayor
