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NewJerseyNewsRoom.com
September 28, 2011
Tom Hester Sr.

“Sexting” for most children under age 18 will no longer be a crime in seven months but an issue that will be addressed through education, under a law signed by Acting Gov. Kim Guadagno.

The law (S-2700), would limit admission to the educational program to cases where the juvenile has not been previously convicted of sexually-related crimes; was not aware that his or her actions could constitute a crime and did not have the intent; the offense is related to a condition or situation that would be conducive to change through participation in the educational program, and the benefits to society in admitting the juvenile to the educational program outweigh the harm done to society by abandoning criminal prosecution.

The state attorney general, in consultation with the state courts, will develop the educational program. The program will include information regarding the legal consequences of “sexting”, the non-legal consequences, the long term impacts of engaging in the activity, and the possible connection between bullying and cyber-bullying and juveniles sharing sexually suggestive or explicit materials.

The law will take effect the first day of the seventh month following enactment.

Cliffview Pilot
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Jerry DeMarco

With a stroke of his pen, Gov. Christie today banned healthcare providers from billing rape victims for forensic evidence collection -- what is commonly known as a "rape kit" -- signing into law a measure sponsored by a group of Assemblywomen that ends the inhumane practice.

The costs of evidence collection and medical attention associated with sexual assault are required to be reimbursed to providers by the federal government.

However, medical facilities frequently have sent victims an invoice as a result of administrative error or in an attempt to collect payment from the victim's insurance provider.

Not anymore.

The new law guarantees that providers seek reimbursement directly from the designated government agency.

“This is simply the right thing to do,” said Assemblywomen Annette Quijano (D-Union). “Sexual assault victims have already suffered enough.”

Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt (D-Camden) said the law “will give common-sense support to victims when they need it the most."

The 10-year-old statewide Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner program provides for forensic sexual assault examinations to sexual assault victims -- conducted by physicians or certified forensic sexual assault nurse examiners – by each county.

The program’s intent is to ensure the needs of sexual assault victims are met in a compassionate manner and that forensic evidence is collected and handled appropriately so that it can be used in prosecutions.

NJToday.Net
August 17, 2011
Staff

TRENTON – Assembly Democrats Connie Wagner, Peter J. Barnes and Pamela Lampitt on Tuesday touted new legislation to encourage New Jersey’s best and brightest college graduates to stay in New Jersey to start their careers.

The bill (A-4095) would create a “Retaining Our Best and Brightest Loan Redemption Program” to provide incentives to encourage academically successful graduates of New Jersey colleges and universities to remain in the state, and academically successful New Jersey residents attending out of state colleges and universities to return to the state after graduation.

The purpose of the program is to increase New Jersey’s economic competitiveness in the 21st century by increasing the percentage of educated individuals within the state’s workforce, making New Jersey a more attractive place for existing and potential new businesses.

“New Jersey is only as strong as the people who keep its engine running,” said Wagner (D-Bergen). “These students have excelled at school, and through this program, would be incentivized to do the same as employees for the many businesses operating in the state.”

“In an increasingly competitive market, companies are looking to bring on board the best candidates for the job,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “This program works to keep a viable talent pool here in New Jersey that will help these businesses, and in turn the state’s economy, thrive.”

Assemblywoman Joins Borough to Commend Local Boy
Collingswood Patch
By Deena DiBacco
June 7, 2011

New Jersey's Sixth Legislative District Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt joined borough commissioners at their Monday, June 6 meeting to honor a local boy's courageous act.

On behalf of the Sixth District representatives—comprising Lampitt, Assemblyman Lou Greenwald and State Senator James Beach—Lampitt presented young Collingswood resident Tim Rogers with a Joint Legislative Resolution.

"The (New Jersey) Senate and General Assembly are pleased to honor and salute (Tim Rogers," said Lampitt. "(A young resident who) displayed uncommon courage and heroism during an emergency."

Tim, said commissioners, was recently outside playing with a friend—Jaelen Richardson, who was invited but not present Monday—when the boys heard a woman yelling for help.

Mayor James Maley said upon locating its source, the two boys found an elderly woman on the ground. The woman, said Maley, had fallen down an exterior set of stairs and could not get back up.

The boys immediately dialed 911, Maley said, allowing emergency crews to respond quickly and help the woman to safety.

Their bravery attracted attention from Lampitt, who presented Tim with a Joint Legislative Resolution plaque Monday night.

"Your parents, I'm sure, are extremely proud," said Lampitt, handing Tim the plaque. "What you did was selfless."

Tim was also presented with a medal and award, on behalf of Collingswood Borough, by Commissioner Joan Leonard during Monday's meeting.

Through Lampitt, Cherry Hill Re-enters Payout Fray
Philadelphia Inquirer
Cynthia Burton
May 31, 2011

Well before Gov. Christie and the Legislature put a bull's-eye on millions of dollars in banked sick-time pay for municipal and school workers, Cherry Hill leaders were taking care of it.

In 1987, the township negotiated contracts to end the practice. Previously, unionized workers could cash out unused sick, vacation, personal, and compensatory days when they retired. Sometimes, the payouts hit six figures.

Five years ago, Cherry Hill ended the practice for nonunion employees.

The township still has about $600,000 in payments to make over the next few years before it is finished.

That's down from last year.

In 2010, the township paid a retiring police chief $107,000 and cashed out several other employees, with most of the money going to long-serving police and their supervisors.

"For this sick-time liability, we will be in much better shape in a few years from now when we're done with it," said Dan Keashen, an aide to Mayor Bernie Platt.

Cherry Hill, though, is an anomaly.

The state Department of Community Affairs estimates that 427 of New Jersey's 566 municipalities are on the hook for $825 million in such payments.

Add schools, and the figure could double, according to the administration.