New Jersey adopts new laws for 2018
Posted: Updated:Some new laws will go into effect in the Garden State now that 2018 is here.
The state’s sales tax will now go down to just under 6.6 percent. The lowering of the tax was part of the agreement when Gov. Chris Christie passed the gas tax bill. New Jersey Policy Perspective estimates that households that make between $49,000 and $79,000 a year will see a savings of about $86 with the decrease.
New Jersey’s hourly minimum wage has now increased 16 cents to $8.60-an-hour. Minimum wage has been increasing incrementally in New Jersey over the years.
But Seton Hall professor Matt Hale says that a larger increase may be coming in the future. Gov.-elect Phil Murphy says that he wants to see a $15-an-hour minimum wage in New Jersey.
“Ours is a little increase, but I think there’s going to be a lot of pressure and a lot of push to make that big jump in 2018,” he says.
New Jersey also formally legalized paid-entry fantasy sports. This could be a preview to legalized sports betting in New Jersey if the Supreme Court rules in the state’s favor this spring.
“The Christie administration has made a play to try to increase sports betting as a revenue source, so the changes in fantasy laws are tied to that as well,” Hale says.
New Jersey state identification cards will now identify “Gold Star” families. Family members can use the IDs to get free or reduced admissions to state beaches, parks and museums. Gold Star families are families who have had a family member killed in service in the military.
Starting in February, New Jersey driver’s licenses and ID cards will expire every four years on the user’s birthday instead of at the end of the month. This was done to try to alleviate long wait times at Motor Vehicle Commission offices.
New Jersey could see legalized recreational marijuana this year as well. Murphy pledged to legalize cannabis in New Jersey as part of his campaign.
Murphy will take office Jan. 16.
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Officials seek owner of dogs found abandoned near NJ highway
Officials seek owner of dogs found abandoned near NJ highway
The search is on for the person or persons responsible for abandoning pit bull puppies along Route 1 in Middlesex County.
The search is on for the person or persons responsible for abandoning pit bull puppies along Route 1 in Middlesex County.
News
Forecast: Temps dip overnight; rain possible Friday afternoon
Forecast: Temps dip overnight; rain possible Friday afternoon
Thursday’s overnight hours should see cloudy skies with temperatures dipping into the 40s.
Thursday’s overnight hours should see cloudy skies with temperatures dipping into the 40s.
Exotic and dangerous tick found in 2 New Jersey counties
Exotic and dangerous tick found in 2 New Jersey counties
State officials say that an exotic and potentially dangerous species of tick has been found in two counties.
State officials say that an exotic and potentially dangerous species of tick has been found in two counties.
3 Things to Know – April 26, 2018
3 Things to Know – April 26, 2018
3 Things to Know with News 12’s Kurt Siegelin.
3 Things to Know with News 12’s Kurt Siegelin.
Newark launches ‘virtual patrol' program to help deter crime
Newark launches ‘virtual patrol' program to help deter crime
The city of Newark has launched a high-tech way for residents to monitor their neighborhoods and anonymously report any suspicious activity to police.
The city of Newark has launched a high-tech way for residents to monitor their neighborhoods and anonymously report any suspicious activity to police.
4 Newark students to participate in prestigious ‘Speed Debating’ tournament
4 Newark students to participate in prestigious ‘Speed Debating’ tournament
Four high school students from Newark will be completing in a prestigious high school debating tournament in Kentucky this weekend.
Four high school students from Newark will be completing in a prestigious high school debating tournament in Kentucky this weekend.
New video shows ex-Port Authority official inside Tenafly police HQ
New video shows ex-Port Authority official inside Tenafly police HQ
News 12 New Jersey has obtained new video of former Port Authority Commissioner Caren Turner inside Tenafly Police Headquarters after she berated officers during a traffic stop.
News 12 New Jersey has obtained new video of former Port Authority Commissioner Caren Turner inside Tenafly Police Headquarters after she berated officers during a traffic stop.
Mother of organ donor urges others to sign up
Mother of organ donor urges others to sign up
A New Jersey mother who lost her son is urging others to become organ and tissue donors.
A New Jersey mother who lost her son is urging others to become organ and tissue donors.
KIYC: JCP&L turns off power to family with chronically ill mother
KIYC: JCP&L turns off power to family with chronically ill mother
Three weeks after a Kane In Your Corner investigation into alleged abuse of power, JCP&L has still not explained whose huge bill it forced a Toms River family to pay.
Three weeks after a Kane In Your Corner investigation into alleged abuse of power, JCP&L has still not explained whose huge bill it forced a Toms River family to pay.
Study: Number of diagnosed autism cases on the rise in NJ
Study: Number of diagnosed autism cases on the rise in NJ
A new study has found that the number of children diagnosed with autism in New Jersey is rapidly climbing.
A new study has found that the number of children diagnosed with autism in New Jersey is rapidly climbing.
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Global Premiere for 'Avengers: Infinity War'
Global Premiere for 'Avengers: Infinity War'
The Los Angeles Global Premiere for Marvel Studios? "Avengers: Infinity War" on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
The Los Angeles Global Premiere for Marvel Studios? "Avengers: Infinity War" on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
The Los Angeles Global Premiere for Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" was on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
The Los Angeles Global Premiere for Marvel Studios' "Avengers: Infinity War" was on April 23, 2018 in Hollywood, California.
President Trump hosts 1st state dinner
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U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron for the state dinner during visit to the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron for the state dinner during visit to the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron and French first lady Brigitte Macron for the state dinner during visit to the White House.
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome baby boy
Duke and Duchess of Cambridge welcome baby boy
It's the third child for Kate and Prince William, and he's fifth in line to the British throne.
It's the third child for Kate and Prince William, and he's fifth in line to the British throne.
Guide: National park sites in the tristate area
Guide: National park sites in the tristate area
A guide to the national park sites and trails on Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York City and the Hudson Valley.
A guide to the national park sites and trails on Long Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York City and the Hudson Valley.
Guide: Thrilling roller coasters in the tri-state area
Guide: Thrilling roller coasters in the tri-state area
Looking for some excitement this summer? Check out some of these thrilling and extreme roller coasters, all located in the tri-state area.
Looking for some excitement this summer? Check out some of these thrilling and extreme roller coasters, all located in the tri-state area.
2018 Summer Stadium Tours
2018 Summer Stadium Tours
Here are the artists who will be performing at tri-state stadiums this summer.
Here are the artists who will be performing at tri-state stadiums this summer.
Guide: Amusement Parks
Guide: Amusement Parks
The tri-state area has a handful of amusement parks that you may want to check out this summer.
The tri-state area has a handful of amusement parks that you may want to check out this summer.
Musical acts coming this summer to the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City
Musical acts coming this summer to the Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City
The Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City has announced that it will be opening its doors to the public on June 28 at the site of the old Trump Taj Mahal. Throughout the summer and early fall, the Hard Rock will live up to its name with a lineup of some of music's biggest stars.
The Hard Rock Casino in Atlantic City has announced that it will be opening its doors to the public on June 28 at the site of the old Trump Taj Mahal. Throughout the summer and early fall, the Hard Rock will live up to its name with a lineup of some of music's biggest stars.
Guide: New Jersey Public Golf Courses
Guide: New Jersey Public Golf Courses
As the weather warms up, it's time to get your golf bag out and tee off once again! New Jersey offers a variety of public courses to practice your game at. Check out the list below for the links in your area.
As the weather warms up, it's time to get your golf bag out and tee off once again! New Jersey offers a variety of public courses to practice your game at. Check out the list below for the links in your area.
2018 Prudential Center Concert Lineup
2018 Prudential Center Concert Lineup
A variety of artists will be performing at the Prudential Center in Newark for the rest of 2018 and beyond.
A variety of artists will be performing at the Prudential Center in Newark for the rest of 2018 and beyond.