Governor signs hemp legislation, online sales restricted
Gov. Mikie Sherrill this week signed S3945/A4791, a bill that revises restrictions on the sale of hemp products and intoxicating hemp beverages through November 2026.
The law tightens limits on online sales of certain hemp-derived products and delays stricter enforcement until November. Sponsors include Senate President Nicholas Scutari and Assembly members Robert Karabinchak, Linda Carter, and Cody Miller. The legislation follows concerns from regulators and lawmakers over intoxicating hemp beverages existing in a gray area between cannabis and alcohol oversight.
(Governor’s Office; ROI‑NJ)
Archives watchdog: military records release was human error
In Washington, an inspector general investigation has concluded that the release of Gov. Sherrill’s largely unredacted military records during last year’s gubernatorial race was not politically motivated, but the result of human error.
According to the National Archives and Records Administration’s watchdog, a technician failed to follow established protocols when responding to a Freedom of Information Act request. The report found no evidence of coordination or political intent behind the disclosure, which included sensitive personal information.
(CBS News)
World Cup brings tax debate to the Meadowlands
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to New Jersey, Democratic lawmakers are advancing a proposal to temporarily raise taxes in areas expected to see the biggest tourism spikes, including around MetLife Stadium.
The plan would raise the sales tax to 9.625% in the Meadowlands district during the tournament and add temporary surcharges on hotels, transportation, and some sports betting activity. Supporters say the revenue would help cover security and infrastructure costs tied to hosting the global event.
Republicans argue the plan would violate Gov. Sherrill’s campaign pledge not to raise the sales tax, warning that residents and local businesses could feel the impact alongside tourists.
(NJ.com; POLITICO)
Early polling shows strong approval for Sherrill
Gov. Sherrill is beginning her first budget season with solid political footing. A new Fairleigh Dickinson University poll finds nearly six in 10 New Jersey voters approve of her job performance roughly two months into her term.
The poll shows overwhelming support among Democrats and majority approval among independents, giving the new governor significant leverage as she begins negotiations over taxes and spending. The survey was conducted March 20–28 and is the first independent statewide measure of her tenure.
(NJ.com; New Jersey Monitor)
Newark school deal draws scrutiny over donor ties
In Newark, Mayor Ras Baraka says he played no role in a potential $500 million deal to secure a new elementary school, after reporting revealed the developer tied to the proposal is one of his political donors.
The project involves developer Scott Fields, who contributed to Baraka’s gubernatorial campaign. At a recent school board meeting, district officials declined to identify the developer, listing only a limited liability corporation. NJ Spotlight News later identified Fields through public records.
Critics have questioned both the cost and the lack of competitive bidding for the project, which would lease — rather than purchase — the building over decades.
(NJ Spotlight News)
McIver asks appeals court to toss federal charges
Rep. LaMonica McIver has asked the U.S. 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals to dismiss federal assault charges stemming from a 2025 scuffle outside Newark’s Delaney Hall migrant detention facility.
In a new filing, McIver argues her actions during a congressional oversight visit were protected by legislative immunity and that the prosecution violates separation-of-powers principles. She also contends the case is politically motivated. McIver has pleaded not guilty.
(New Jersey Monitor)
That’s tonight’s Last Call: delayed hemp enforcement, a World Cup tax fight, strong early polling , and no shortage of legal drama. As always in New Jersey, everything is temporary except the controversy.
