Murphy Signs 120+ Bills in Final Days as Governor

Gov. Phil Murphy put the finishing touches on his eight-year tenure this week, signing more than 120 bills into law in what has become a familiar end-of-term ritual in Trenton.

The flurry of legislative activity came as Murphy prepared to hand over the governor’s mansion to his successor, capping off two terms that saw New Jersey navigate everything from the COVID-19 pandemic to major infrastructure investments along the Shore.

“This final signing represents the culmination of years of hard work between the executive and legislative branches,” Murphy said in a statement released by his office. “These bills will continue to benefit New Jersey families long after I leave office.”

The marathon signing session covered a wide range of issues affecting residents from the Highlands to Cape May Point. Among the measures were bills addressing housing affordability, environmental protections for coastal communities, and updates to the state’s business regulations.

Several of the signed bills directly impact Shore communities that have been grappling with rising sea levels and increased storm activity. One measure strengthens requirements for flood-resistant construction in vulnerable areas, while another expands funding for dune restoration projects.

For Central Jersey residents, Murphy signed legislation aimed at easing traffic congestion on major corridors like Route 9 and the Garden State Parkway. The bill allocates additional funding for road improvements and expands public transit options for commuters heading to New York City.

The governor also put his signature on measures affecting local businesses, including updated regulations for seasonal Shore establishments and expanded tax credits for companies that hire New Jersey residents. These changes follow other recent business-focused legislation that has moved through the statehouse.

Murphy’s final signing spree wasn’t without controversy. Some Republican lawmakers criticized the timing, arguing that major policy changes shouldn’t be rushed through in the final days of an administration.

“While we support many of these individual measures, the process of jamming through over 120 bills at once doesn’t serve the public interest,” said Assemblyman Brian Rumpf, who represents parts of Ocean County. “These bills deserved more deliberative consideration.”

Defenders of the process point out that end-of-term bill signings are standard practice in New Jersey. Former governors of both parties have used their final weeks to clear legislative backlogs and cement their policy legacies.

Among the more notable bills Murphy signed was a measure expanding mental health services in schools across the state. The legislation requires districts to have licensed counselors available and provides state funding to help smaller districts meet the mandate.

Another significant piece of legislation addresses the ongoing housing shortage that has particularly affected younger residents and families looking to stay in New Jersey. The bill streamlines the approval process for certain types of affordable housing developments and provides incentives for municipalities that exceed their fair share housing obligations.

Environmental advocates cheered Murphy’s signature on a bill that strengthens protections for the Pinelands and expands oversight of development projects in sensitive ecological areas. The measure also increases penalties for illegal dumping, an ongoing problem in some rural parts of Central Jersey.

For local government officials, Murphy signed legislation that provides additional flexibility in municipal budgeting and expands shared services agreements between neighboring towns. The changes are expected to help smaller Shore communities manage costs during the off-season when tourism revenue drops.

The governor also addressed criminal justice issues, signing bills that expand expungement opportunities and reform certain sentencing guidelines. These measures build on earlier criminal justice reforms that Murphy championed throughout his tenure.

Several of the signed bills focus specifically on supporting New Jersey’s aging population, including expanded home care services and protections against elder abuse. With many Shore communities having higher-than-average populations of retirees, these changes could have particular impact along the coast.

Murphy’s legislative marathon also included measures addressing emerging technology issues, such as data privacy protections and cybersecurity requirements for state contractors. These updates reflect growing concerns about digital security in an increasingly connected world.

For families with children, the governor signed legislation expanding access to childcare services and providing additional support for working parents. The measures include tax credits for childcare expenses and funding for after-school programs in underserved communities.

The final batch of signings represents the end of Murphy’s active legislative agenda, though several bills remain on his desk with just days left in his term. Traditionally, any bills not signed or vetoed by the time a governor leaves office die automatically.

Murphy’s successor will inherit a mixed legislative landscape, with some praising the outgoing governor’s progressive agenda while others argue his policies placed too heavy a burden on taxpayers and businesses.

As the Murphy era officially comes to a close, attention now turns to how these final measures will be implemented and whether the incoming administration will seek to modify or reverse any of the last-minute legislation.

For now, New Jersey residents will need time to digest the impact of this legislative flood, with many of the new laws taking effect over the coming months.