Too Big For One City. Too Big For One Weekend. The Festival Only New Jersey Could Host: North To Shore June 2023

Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy took the stage at NJPAC’s Prudential Hall this morning alongside NJPAC President and CEO John Schreiber, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, Asbury Park Mayor John Moor, and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small to announce the North to Shore Festival, an extraordinary three-city celebration of arts and technology kicking off on June 7.

This inaugural, month-long festival will showcase the talent, diversity and creativity this great state has to offer. Hosted by three incredible and unique cities, Atlantic City (June 7–11), Asbury Park (June 14–18) and Newark (June 21–25), the North to Shore Festival will bring together 50+ venues for an unprecedented celebration of Jersey-wide excellence, aligned with Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy’s vision for a festival worthy of the Garden State’s legacy in the arts and innovation.

“We are thrilled to announce North to Shore — New Jersey’s first multi-city festival celebrating the very best of music, comedy, film, and technology,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “This superstar event, held over three weekends in June, will attract folks from all over, creating another great reason for tourists to visit the Garden State as well as opportunities for local businesses in three of our iconic cities to shine. These festivals will generate economic activity and have a significant impact on our region and we look forward to shining a light on the diversity, creativity, and energy that makes New Jersey unique this summer.”

“Beyond our global superstar headliners, North to Shore will also showcase the headliners of tomorrow. From producers to artists, filmmakers to comedians, this month-long celebration will also serve as an opportunity to elevate dozens of local performers and talent,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy. “We look forward to sharing New Jersey’s exceptional culture with the rest of the country and enjoying a festival that will undoubtedly be like no other.”

Photos are available here. Videos are available here and here. Press conference clips available here.

AG Platkin Issues Statewide Directive Requiring Longer Retention of DNA and Other Evidence from Medical Exams in Sexual Assault Cases

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a statewide law enforcement directive to ensure that sexual assault survivors have access to the medical, investigative, and supportive services they need and deserve, and that evidence collected in sexual assault cases is preserved and processed in a victim-centered and efficient manner.

Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2023-1 requires longer retention of evidence, including DNA evidence, from sexual assault medical examinations not processed by a lab at the survivor’s request, extending the current required retention period from five years to 20 years. The Directive also establishes statewide procedures and guidelines for tracking, storing, and determining how and when such evidence is submitted for testing, and limits circumstances in which law enforcement can decline to submit evidence for testing in cases where a survivor has consented to it. The Directive specifically prohibits law enforcement officers and prosecutors from declining to submit evidence for testing strictly because they believe the sexual act was consensual, they have no suspects, or the survivor filed a complaint against a current or former spouse or partner.

“This directive builds on our Administration’s commitment to supporting survivors of sexual assault. The services enforced in this measure are essential in the safety and well-being of survivors, while also supporting law enforcement’s efforts in identifying perpetrators,” said Governor Murphy. “There is no room in our state for violence in any form, and we will continue to collaborate with Attorney General Platkin to further these values.”

“We recognize that sexual assault is one of the most traumatic events an individual may experience and it is imperative that we preserve survivors’ right to pursue justice at a time when they feel ready,” said Attorney General Platkin. “The standards and procedures established in this Directive ensure that if or when that time comes – whether it’s immediately after an assault or years down the road – their cases will be vigorously investigated by law enforcement and their opportunity to hold perpetrators accountable will not be foreclosed because evidence is no longer viable or has been destroyed.”

Governor Murphy Signs Legislation Enhancing Cybersecurity Protections

Continuing the Administration’s efforts to keep New Jersey cyber safe, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S297/A493) March 13 requiring State agencies and government contractors to report cybersecurity incidents to the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness within 72 hours of an incident.

“As we continue to face an evolving threat landscape, we must also adapt the mechanisms in place that safeguard our state,” said Governor Murphy. “This legislation will bolster New Jersey’s security by expediting cybersecurity incident reporting and increase our resilience through effective communication. We remain committed to equipping our state with the best practices and the strongest defense possible in order to keep our communities safe.”

“Cyber threats are constantly evolving and, on the rise, not only in New Jersey but throughout the nation and the world,” Director Doran said. “This new cyber incident reporting law will help connect the dots, allowing for effective collective incident response among all stakeholders. I would like to thank Governor Murphy and the bill’s sponsors for making this legislation a priority.” 

EPA Announces $3 Million For New Jersey to Plan Innovative Climate Projects Across the State

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it will award $3 million for New Jersey to plan innovative strategies to cut climate pollution and build clean energy economies across the state. Earlier this month, EPA announced the availability of the funds, which represent the first funding going to states, local governments, Tribes, and territories from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) program created by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Later this year, EPA will launch a competition for $4.6 billion in funding to implement projects and initiatives included in the plans. New Jersey will be eligible to receive that implementation funding also because it has opted in to receive the planning grant.

“I want to congratulate the State of New Jersey for being among the first states to sign on to this substantial opportunity. New Jersey is a national climate leader and model for other states searching for ways to make the most out of the once-in-a-generation Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law resources,” said EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia. “It is so important that states and local governments across the country take advantage of this planning funding, because behind it comes an even more substantial investment to do the work and governments that don’t opt in now can’t take advantage of that implementation funding later this year.”

“New Jersey thanks its congressional delegation and the EPA for once again prioritizing and supporting innovative climate action,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “Now more than ever, it’s clear that we must confront the urgency of the worsening climate crisis by leveraging every resource and tool at our disposal. Made possible by President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act, these funds will provide support for updates to our foundational climate plans and allow us to further prioritize and implement our accelerated clean energy goals and ongoing efforts to build resilient communities across the state.”