New Jersey Weekly: Jan. 30, 2026

TOP NEWS

American Civil Liberties Union of N.J. is urging lawmakers and Gov. Mikie Sherrill to pass two bills, the Privacy Protection Act and Strengthening Trust Act, that would expand protections for the state’s 2.25 million immigrant population. Phil Murphy decided to not sign, or pocket-vetoed, the two bills before leaving office on Jan. 20. The Privacy Protection Act will protect personal data shared with schools, hospitals and libraries, and the Strengthening Trust Act codifies a 2018 directive that limits state law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. The bills will have to be reintroduced and passed by simple majority in both the General Assembly and Senate before the governor can sign them.

Advocates renewed their push for immigrant protections after President Donald Trump signed executive orders on Jan. 20, 2025 to ramp up deportations. The Jersey Bee has immigration resources at jerseybee.org/community/immigrants. Resources are available in English and Spanish.
NJ Spotlight News

In-person early voting for the 11th congressional district special primary election is Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. The district includes parts of Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties. A list of early voting centers is available online. Voters interested in voting by mail must apply for a mail-in ballot by Jan. 29. The special primary election is on Feb. 5.Add to 📅.
New Jersey Division of Elections

New Jersey residents ages 16+ can apply to be an election poll worker within their county. People living in Morris, Essex, and Passaic counties can apply to work during the 11th congressional district special primary election. In-person early voting is from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. Primary election day is Feb. 5. Interested applicants should contact their county board of elections for applications.
New Jersey Division of Elections

Workers at companies with 15 employees will receive family leave benefits under a state law signed earlier this month by then-Gov. Phil Murphy. The law previously applied to companies with at least 30 employees. It allows workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and earn up to 85% of their weekly pay, with a limit of $1,119 in 2026. Eligible employees must have worked with their employer for at least three months and worked at least 250 hours within that period. The law also entitles workers to their previous position or one with equivalent pay, benefits, and seniority upon returning from family leave.
New Jersey Monitor

“Empowered Teen Wellness Day” planned with Rutgers 4-H Youth Development on Feb. 21 at Rutgers-New Brunswick. It is open to youth in grades 8-12 and recent high school graduates. Attendees will learn about stress management skills, identify their strengths, and connect with their peers. It is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lunch provided. Registration is available online and required by Feb. 1. Admission is $10 for 4-H members and $15 for non-members.Add to 📅.
New Jersey 4-H – Rutgers University