NJLRA in the News

New Jersey Not a 'Judicial Hellhole'

By Kelly Waldron | NJ 101.5

New Jersey's civil courts are no longer among the nation's most unfair, but a new report from the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) says additional reforms are needed to prevent the state from becoming a "judicial hellhole."

"A judicial hellhole is a place where ATRA finds consistently bad judges and judging on civil litigation that would make businesses consider whether or not to remain in that particular venue," said Marcus Rayner, executive director of the

New Jersey Lawsuit Reform Alliance (NJLRA). "We've been a hellhole for many years, but this year New York

and Philadelphia 'outshined' us."

Atlantic County, however, remains on ATRA's watch list.

"That's because there are more pharmaceutical lawsuits filed in Atlantic County right now than anywhere else in the country," said Rayner. "Because we're home to a large number of pharmaceutical companies which create tens of thousands of jobs in New Jersey, it's something we are very concerned about and something we watch very carefully."

O'Toole: End 'filibustering' of high court picks

By Bill Mooney | Politicker NJ

A Republican member of the Senate Judiciary Committee wants to put an end to Democrats' stonewalling of the governor's state Supreme Court nominees.

Sen. Kevin O'Toole, (R-40), Wayne, introduced a resolution that would end the "filibustering" that has kept two nominees in limbo.

The Senate did advance the nomination of Camden County Judge Faustino

Fernandez-Vina, who was sworn in and is now serving on the high court.

But two people nominated over a year ago have languished without a committee hearing: David Bauman and Robert Hanna.

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Legislative Update

Opportunity to Compete Act / "Ban the Box" A-3837

NJLRA Opposes

Status: Assembly Appropriations

The Assembly Labor Committee advanced legislation on 12/16 which would prohibit employers from asking about a job applicant's criminal history until after the candidate has received a conditional offer of employment. Only then could the employer conduct a background check or ask whether the person had ever been arrested or convicted of a crime. If the applicant does have a criminal record, A-3837 restricts what types of crime can warrant rescinding that job offer.

NJLRA is concerned that this legislation will expose businesses to liability. It has been second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Its companion bill, S-2586, has been referred to the Senate Labor Committee.

Economic Opportunity Act II S-3030

NJLRA Supports

Status: Withdrawn from Consideration

The Economic Opportunity Act II of 2013 included a provision to cap appeal bonds at $50 million, which has been sought by the business community for years. It advanced through the Senate Economic Growth Committee and was second referenced to the Senate Budget Committee before being withdrawn from consideration.

"Good Samaritan Act" A-3694

NJLRA Supports

Status: Passed by the Assembly, 12/19/13

Hundreds of licensed architects and engineers headed to parts of Alabama following their devastating tornadoes in 2011, contributing thousands of hours in pro-bono inspections.

What made Alabama's hospitality possible is a Good Samaritan Law which protects such volunteers from frivolous litigation. A-3694 would allow New Jersey to welcome the same volunteerism during future natural disasters

See: One year after Sandy, a bill to welcome Good Samaritans in New Jersey