Jonathan Lugo, Esq.

November 27, 2024

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed S-1517 into law on July 24, 2023, to amend the current statutory law, known as the “Victim’s Assistance and Survivor Protection Act” or VASPA. The new law expands the protections for victims seeking a restraining order. Under previous state law, a court could only issue protective orders if there was a criminal conviction or if the victim and the accused had a prior dating relationship or a familial tie, such as sharing a child. Governor Murphy stated, “After hearing the horrifying stories of victims, like Michele Albano’s daughter- who inspired this bill- our Administration recognized the need to expand access to protective orders to more than just victims of domestic and sexual violence.”  

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November 26, 2024

On November 18, 2024, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) announced a proposed set of changes to rules related to “disparate impact discrimination.” The proposed legislation, 56 N.J.R. 2218 (a), attempts to resolve potential issues in housing related to disparate discrimination involving protected classes by the DCR.

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October 30, 2024

A major decision was handed down by The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on October 24, 2024, regarding the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). We previously posted on the CTA and the impact the law could have on community associations. In the case, Community Associations Institute, et al. v. Janet Yellen, Secretary of the United States Department of the Treasury et al, the Court has decided to deny the Plaintiffs motion for a preliminary injunction that could have prevented the CTA from being enforced temporarily.

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October 29, 2024

On March 13, 2024, the Supreme Court of New Jersey reversed the dismissal of a couple’s counterclaim against their condominium association for discrimination.   The association had taken legal action against the couple for violating its rules after they adopted a 63-pound dog as an emotional support animal.   

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October 23, 2024

A new law from New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, which officially took effect on September 12, 2024, involves the enactment of a new set of responsibilities for owners and operators of specific public community water systems in relation to protecting the public from potential disease outbreaks.

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August 13, 2024

On July 31, 2024, New Jersey’s Appellate Division affirmed a lower court ruling by determining that age-related ownership restrictions in senior communities are unlawful in the State.

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