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*** MONDAY ADVISORY *** ASSEMBLY COMMITTEES TO MOVE TO HALT POLITICAL ACTIVITY IN SCHOOLS, REVISE MARRIAGE LICENSE LAWS & IMPROVE SEARCHES FOR MISSING CHILDREN

Combating Cyber Terrorism & Impact of Medco-Express Scripts Merger on Consumers Also to be Examined

(TRENTON) – Assembly committees on Monday will consider bills to halt political activity in local government buildings amid concerns about political activity in the Elizabeth schools, revise New Jersey’s marriage licensing laws, protect against any delays in searching for missing children and combat cyber terrorism.
An Assembly panel will also examine how the proposed merger of Medco Health Solutions and Express Scripts will impact New Jersey consumers and pharmacies and drug costs.
Hearings will begin at 10 a.m. Audio of the hearings will be streamed live at:
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp.
Highlights include:
· A bill sponsored by Majority Leader Joseph Cryan (A-4124) to prohibit political activity at any facility owned by a local government. The bill stems from concerns about political activity in the Elizabeth school district. It’s to be heard at 2 p.m. by the Assembly State Government Committee.
· Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Lou Greenwald (D-Camden) to change requirements for marriage and civil union licenses (A-4366). It’s to be heard at 10 a.m. by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
· A bill sponsored by Assemblyman Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. (D-Middlesex) requiring a parent or guardian to notify a school if a pupil will be absent, and requiring a school to notify a parent or guardian of an unexpected absence. The bill (A-416) stems from a 2003 incident when13-year-old Tennessee student Tabitha Tudor did not show up for school. The school failed to alert the Tudors. As a result, her parents did not learn that Tabitha was missing until after her father arrived home at 4:45 p.m. Due to the delay, law enforcement officials and Tabitha’s parents lost an entire day before their search could begin. Tabitha is still missing. The bill is to be heard at 1 p.m. by the Assembly Education Committee.
· The Assembly State Government Committee will meet at 2 p.m. to hear testimony on the proposed merger of Medco Health Solutions and Express Scripts and its impact on New Jersey consumers and pharmacies.
· A bill (A-4369) sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) to establish a Cyber Security Bureau within the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness. It’s to be heard at 2 p.m. by the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee, which will also hear testimony on New Jersey’s vulnerability to cyber terrorism.
· A bill to authorize marriage and civil union by proxy for those serving overseas in the Armed Forces of National Guard (A-4170). It’s sponsored by Assemblyman Herb Conaway M.D. (D-Burlington/Camden). It’s also be heard by the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
· The Assembly Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee at 10 a.m. will consider legislation (A-3507) requiring the state to fly United States and state flags at half-staff upon the death of a state resident in the Armed Forces or National Guard. It’s sponsored by Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (both D-Atlantic/Cape May/Cumberland).
· A bill sponsored by Assemblywoman Pam Lampitt (D-Camden) to require defibrillators in a public school complex (A-1036). It’s to be heard at 2 p.m. by the Assembly Education Committee.
· Legislation (A-4377) sponsored by Assemblywoman Mila Jasey to facilitate the teacher certification of veterans. It’s to be heard at 2 p.m. by the Assembly Education Committee.