Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order 127 Extending Certain Rulemaking Deadlines

On April 14, Governor Murphy signed Executive Order #127 to extend certain deadlines associated with NJ’s rulemaking procedures. The EO postpones deadlines to act on rule proposals, petitions for rulemaking and the expiration of currently existing rules until 90 days after public health emergency has ended. This extension will allow state agencies additional time to extend expiring rules (rules expire after seven years) and to adopt rules that have been proposed, or will be proposed during the State of Emergency. Under normal circumstances state agencies have one year from the date of a rule proposal to adopt rules, and 18 months from the date of proposal to adopt rules when substantial changes are made. Click here to read the full EO.

Governor Murphy Takes Action on Legislation

This week, both houses of the Legislature held virtual voting sessions to pass several bills related to the state’s response to the COVID-19 health crisis. Click here to view all of the bills that Governor Murphy signed into law. Laws of greatest interest to NJBA:

• P.L.2020, c.19 – Changes the tax deadline from April 15th to July 15th and lengthens the current fiscal year from July 1st to the end of September. S2338/A3918 (Sarlo/Pintor Marin)
• P.L.2020, c.25 – Permits professional and occupational licensing boards to expeditiously reactivate licensure during state of emergency for any individual who held, in good standing, a corresponding license, certificate of registration or certification. A3901/S2334 (Chiaravalloti/Pou)

DOL Guidance for Independent Contractors Filing for Unemployment Benefits

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has just issued new guidance to assist NJ’s self-employed, independent contractors, gig workers, and platform workers to learn about, and apply for, economic assistance. These workers, who are not eligible for traditional Unemployment Insurance, may now qualify for assistance through two federal programs: Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and possibly the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). Click here to read more information, and click here for instructions on submitting the application.

NJBA Webinar: COVID Issues in the Building Industry

Join NJBA on Wednesday, April 22nd from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm for a robust webinar exploring the multitude of issues that builders and business owners face due to the COVID-19 health emergency. This in-depth three hour seminar will feature experts covering a broad range of topics including updates on Legislative and Executive action in Trenton and Washington D.C.: construction as an essential service, worker safety, inspections, permit extensions, tax deferrals, planning and zoning board procedures, evictions, employment, mortgage forbearance, lending, title recording, electronic signatures, bankruptcy, insurance, information technology, business assistance programs, and more!

This event is FREE and offered to NJBA members only!

Register

Pre-registration is required. All registered participants will receive an email prior to the seminar with an access code. Please do not share this information with other individuals as it may lock you out of the seminar. All participants must register separately using the link above.

*Continuing education credits are pending.

NAHB Urges Members to ‘Stand Down’ for Coronavirus Safety

NAHB is urging members, and all residential construction companies, to halt work for at least 10 minutes on Thursday, April 16, for a COVID-19 Job Site Safety Stand Down to educate workers on what they should do to keep themselves safe from coronavirus and to help “flatten the curve” for everyone. As part of the safety stand down, members are being asked to pause all work to relay coronavirus safety precautions, such as maintaining a distance of no less than six feet with others at all times, cleaning and sanitizing frequently used tools, equipment, and frequently touched surfaces on a regular basis and ensuring the proper sanitation of common surfaces and equipment. Click here to read more.

Wells Fargo Builder Business Update Teleconference

Join Kelly Zuccarelli and Mark Vitner for an informational call to discuss the current builder business environment due to the COVID-19 situation including an economic update and timely information about new construction home financing.

Time: 11:40 am ET – 12:40 pm ETDate: Friday, April 17thTeleconference info: 855-440-1520 Conference ID 6670138