NJ Appeals Court Rules NJSPCA Subject to OPRA

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NJSPCA) must comply with the state’s Open Public Records Act, according to the Appellate Division. The decision in Wronko v. New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals highlights that quasi-public organizations often have obligations under OPRA.

Cannabis Legalization Requires NJ Municipalities to Make Important Choice

With New Jersey poised to legalize recreational cannabis, local municipalities have some tough decisions to make. Many are already crafting regulations to either allow or prohibit cannabis dispensaries and other businesses. Proposed NJ Cannabis Bill Allows Local Ordinances Sen. Nicholas Scutari recently reintroduced legislation that would legalize recreational use of small

DLGS Local Finance Notice Regarding New Certification Requirement for Municipal Budgets

New Jersey municipalities and counties have new compliance obligations in the New Year. The Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) recently issued Local Finance Notice 2017-27, which addresses a new law requiring local government units to certify compliance with certain federal hiring requirements when submitting approved annual budgets. Pursuant to P.L.

Understanding the Limits of “Overly Broad” OPRA Denials

A recent Appellate Division decision provides a useful discussion of how to determine when a request under the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) is “overly broad.” As highlighted in Wronko v. Township of Jackson, et al., not all blanket requests may be denied under OPRA. Facts of the Case Plaintiff

U.S. House Passes Bill Reauthorizing EPA’s Brownfields Program

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the Brownfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017 (H.R. 3017). The legislation reauthorizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Brownfields Program. Basics of EPA’s Brownfield Program There are currently more than 450,000 brownfield sites in the United States. The term “brownfield

Oral Arguments Held in NJ Cases Involving Constitutionality of Church Grants

The Supreme Court of New Jersey recently held oral arguments in two cases regarding whether the New Jersey Constitution bans government agencies from giving grants to local churches. The cases are Freedom from Religion Foundation v. Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders and American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey v.