Assembly Session [Source] Translate

The meeting began with technical difficulties regarding access for some members, which were being addressed with Verizon. Once resolved, the House was called to order, and a roll call confirmed a quorum with 78 members present. The reading of the minutes was waived. Assemblymember O'Reilly raised a point of order, claiming the meeting was out of order due to non-compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act, arguing that the bills discussed did not meet the necessary criteria for virtual meetings during an emergency. The Speaker denied this point, asserting that the meeting was properly called and advertised. An appeal against the ruling was made, emphasizing the importance of following the law and the need for in-person meetings. The Speaker noted the ongoing state of emergency and called for a roll call vote to sustain the ruling, which passed with a majority in favor. Several bills were discussed and voted on: 1. **Assembly Bill 2078**: Establishes a registry of out-of-state contractors for public works contracts. Passed with 72 votes in favor and 6 against. 2. **Assembly Bill 3955**: Requires a study of vacant commercial space for small businesses. Passed with 74 votes in favor and 5 against. 3. **Assembly Bill 798**: Requires state entities to offer optional electronic notices to businesses. Passed with 79 votes in favor and none against. 4. **Assembly Bill 1323**: Requires education boards to adopt policies on the use of surveillance systems with AI capabilities. Passed with 78 votes in favor and 1 against. The meeting included a message from the Senate regarding the passage of two bills, followed by a motion to substitute and a vote on Senate Joint Resolution 84, designating March 10, 2026, as South Plainfield Day in New Jersey, which passed unanimously. Senate Joint Resolution 84 was passed with 78 votes in favor, 2 against, and no abstentions. Assemblywoman Pinter-Marin moved to substitute Senate Bill 32-19 for Senate Bill 40-73, which was approved by a voice vote. Assembly Bill 3219 was discussed, extending the transmittal date deadline for the fiscal year 2027 budget message from February 22 to March 10, 2026. The bill, moved by Assemblywoman Pinter-Marin, passed with 67 votes in favor, 11 against, and no abstentions. Assembly Bill 4070 was introduced and referred to the Assembly for Public Safety and Preparedness Committee, reported from committee for second reading. Speaker Pro Tem Chiano moved to return the bill to second reading for amendments, which was approved by a voice vote. The amendments were distributed, and after waiving the reading, they were moved and passed. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments for participation and reminders for road safety.