Initiative authorizes impoundment of motor vehicles used in unlawful activity

(TRENTON) – The Senate today approved legislation by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) giving police authority to remove the instruments that make it easier for people to carry out certain crimes. The measure allows officers to impound a vehicle if an illegal weapon has been found, or one that has been used during an illegal drug transaction, or for prostitution.

“If you use your car to commit a crime you should pay the price, it’s as simple as that,” Senator Norcross stated. “Illegal weapons, drugs, and prostitution continue to plague our residents and threaten the safety of our communities. It has to stop.”

Every day in New Jersey, people transport illegal weapons or use their vehicle to arrive at locations with the intention to engage in illegal activity. Police estimate that anywhere from 80 to 90 percent of the drug trade in the state’s cities is driven by suburban customers.

Recent reports of the state’s growing heroin epidemic show that increasingly young addicts are driving into areas like Paterson, Camden and Newark to fuel their habits. At the same time, dealers venture more and more frequently into the suburbs to access burgeoning markets.

“If police were allowed to impound their vehicles as well, these criminals would certainly think twice before coming back,” said Senator Norcross.

Assembly Committee advances Social Media Education measure

(TRENTON) –The Assembly Education Committee advanced legislation by Assemblyman Angel Fuentes (D-Camden/Gloucester) to include social media as core curriculum content for students in grades 6 through 8. Bill A3292 would require all public school districts to teach social media related essentials to students.

“Kids should never be held back later in life because of their social media use today,” said Assemblyman Fuentes. “Even adults need to be reminded from time to time about what is and isn’t appropriate online.”

Students would learn the purpose and acceptable usage of the varying social media sites, as well as behavior that ensures cyber safety, ethics, and security on social media. The curriculum should also include the potentially negative consequences of social media, such as bullying or irresponsible usage of social media platforms.

Citing multiple instances of inappropriate behavior on social media in our state alone, Assemblyman Fuentes highlighted the need for curriculum that addresses not only the dangers of social media use, but also the possible benefits of using social media effectively. A Kaplan survey of college admissions officers discovered that 80% check social media pages when determining enrollment.

Initiative authorizes impoundment of motor vehicles used in unlawful activity

(TRENTON) – The Senate Budget Committee today approved legislation by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) giving police authority to remove the instruments that make it easier for people to carry out certain crimes. The measure allows officers to impound a vehicle if an illegal weapon has been found, or if it has been used during an illegal drug transaction, or for prostitution.

“If you use your car to commit a crime you should pay the price, it’s as simple as that,” Senator Norcross stated. “Illegal weapons, drugs, and prostitution continue to plague our residents and threaten the safety of our communities. It has to stop.”

Every day in New Jersey, people drive with illegal weapons in their possession or use their vehicle to arrive at locations with the intention to engage in illegal activity.