Official Site of The State of New Jersey
This Week in NJ - November 14th, 2025
Governor Murphy Surpasses 200 Total Grants of Clemency With Fourth Round of Clemency Actions
Governor Phil Murphy announced his fourth round of clemency actions under his Administration’s historic initiative granting life-changing opportunities to individuals involved in the justice system. In this latest round, Governor Murphy exercised his executive authority, granting 19 commutations and 29 pardons, bringing the cumulative total to 217 grants of clemency over the past 16 months. This milestone advances New Jersey’s reputation as The State for Second Chances, built under Governor Murphy’s leadership.
“As Governor, one of the greatest responsibilities I hold is the ability to extend second chances to individuals who have made a commitment to rehabilitating their lives,” said Governor Murphy. “With this fourth round of clemency actions, we uphold one of our nation’s oldest and most fundamental principles: justice for all. I owe deep gratitude to the members of our Clemency Advisory Board who have been working around-the-clock to thoroughly screen and review each applicants case, ensuring they meet the criteria of Executive Order No. 362. Together, we are creating opportunities for those who have made mistakes in the past to heal, and ultimately, contribute to our shared future.”
“Our state continues to lead with courage and compassion – ensuring that justice includes not just accountability, but also the chance to rebuild and contribute to society,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “I am proud of this historic effort that our administration has advanced, changing the lives of over 200 families.”
“With this fourth round of clemency, Governor Murphy once again demonstrates that mercy is not weakness—it is moral strength in action,” said Bishop Joshua Rodriguez, Chair of the New Jersey Clemency Advisory Board. “By extending close to fifty pardons and commutations, the Governor reaffirms that redemption is a cornerstone of true justice. Each restored life represents renewed hope for families, neighborhoods, and the future of our state. New Jersey continues to lead the nation in showing that second chances can heal communities and restore faith in our justice system. I commend Governor Murphy for his unwavering commitment to fairness, compassion, and the transformative power of grace.”
Governor Murphy Pardons 11 Veterans in Commemoration of Veterans Day
In honor of Veterans Day, Governor Phil Murphy announced 11 pardons for New Jersey veterans, reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to rehabilitation and respect for those who have served our nation. Today’s pardons come on the heels of yesterday’s historic fourth round of clemency actions that surpassed 200 cumulative grants of clemency in the past 16 months. With today’s pardons, Governor Murphy has exercised his executive authority to grant clemency to a total of 228 individuals.
"Actions taken during a person’s hardest chapter should not define them — especially for those who have sacrificed so much in service of our nation,” said Governor Murphy. "Today’s pardons are a declaration of who we are: a state that believes in redemption, responsibility, and opportunity."
"This initiative reflects our values as a state — compassion, justice, and responsibility," said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. "By offering clemency to deserving veterans, we’re ensuring that those who served our country are given a true chance to rebuild their lives and continue to contribute to their families and communities."
The announcement marks a new phase of the Governor’s historic clemency initiative, building on its foundation by recognizing the unique experiences and contributions of veterans and the efforts they have taken to rehabilitate their lives.
"The New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is dedicated to serving those who have served our country," said Brigadier General Yvonne L. Mays, The Adjutant General of New Jersey and Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "Veterans bring enduring values of service and commitment to communities across New Jersey. Our team is committed to ensuring Garden State Veterans receive the support and resources they’ve earned, empowering them to thrive and continue contributing to our state."
NJ TRANSIT Continues Rail Fleet Modernization With Overhaul of Multilevel Fleet
NJ TRANSIT took an important step in the next phase of its fleet modernization efforts as the agency’s Board of Directors authorized $917 million to overhaul its existing fleet of 429 Multilevel railcars.
The Multilevel I and II cars, which are approaching 20 years of service, are due for their recommended mid-life overhaul. Additionally, as NJ TRANSIT is currently in the process of procuring new third-generation Multilevel vehicles, the overhaul will ensure compatibility and interoperability with these new Multilevel III vehicles.
“As I’ve committed to the Governor, modernizing our fleet isn’t just about adding new vehicles—it’s also about keeping our current ones in a state of good repair for the people who ride them every day,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “This overhaul is part of our broader effort to fully modernize NJ TRANSIT’s rail and bus fleets by 2031, ensuring safe, reliable, and modern service for our customers systemwide.”
The NJ TRANSIT Board of Directors authorized funding not to exceed $917,058,512.41, plus 10% for contingencies to overhaul its fleet of 329 first generation Multilevel I vehicles, delivered between 2006-2009, and 100 Multilevel II vehicles, delivered between 2012-2013.
Governor Murphy Signs Executive Order to Bolster State’s Threat and Emergency Response
Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 404 into law, recodifying the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP), established in 2006, to ensure continued robust and efficient responses to threats against the state. The Executive Order clarifies the roles and responsibilities of both the Director of OHSP and the Office as a whole and better aligns OHSP’s legal authority with its actual operations.
“Today’s Executive Order helps to bolster our Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, ensuring the Office is equipped with the information and tools needed to continue protecting our nine-and-a-half million residents from a wide range of potential threats,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, the New Jersey State Police, and the Office of Emergency Management are each critical to keeping New Jersey safe, and today marks an important step in preventing and mitigating future threats. By clearly outlining the division of responsibilities relating to threat response, we are guaranteeing swift and effective cross-agency collaboration when we need it most.”
“Governor Murphy’s action reinforces the evolution of homeland security in New Jersey,” said OHSP Director Laurie Doran. “This modernization ensures our ability to confront a broader spectrum of threats, from foreign intelligence operations to technological and biological risks, with the same vigilance, leadership, and coordination that have long defined OHSP. By formalizing our counterintelligence role and strengthening our partnerships across government, we are enhancing our state’s readiness to identify, deter, and disrupt those who seek to harm New Jersey’s people, institutions, or infrastructure. Our mission remains clear: to protect this state, its residents, and its democratic foundations with foresight, integrity, and unity of purpose.”
The Executive Order makes clear that OHSP is responsible for leading New Jersey’s counterterrorism, counterintelligence, cybersecurity, and related preparedness efforts. OHSP is now officially the central state agency responsible for gathering and disseminating intelligence and information relating to counterterrorism and counterintelligence, and for administering training programs to both state employees and private sector partners. This Executive Order also details OHSP’s emergency management functions to better reflect the separation of responsibilities between OHSP, the New Jersey State Police, and the Office of Emergency Management.
Governor-led Mission to Mexico Deepens Economic, Educational, and Cultural Partnerships
Choose New Jersey, the state’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, this week concluded its three-day Governor-led economic mission to Mexico. The mission, held November 6-9, 2025, in collaboration with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, focused on deepening economic, educational, and cultural partnerships between New Jersey and Mexico.
“This mission showcased the many ways New Jersey and Mexico can grow together, through business innovation, educational exchange, and cultural understanding,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “As I mark the final international Choose New Jersey mission of my administration, I’m reminded of the power of these economic missions to connect people, celebrate shared culture, and foster understanding that strengthens communities and lays the groundwork for lasting growth. We look forward to seeing how these collaborations will continue to advance our enduring partnership with Mexico as part of our great North American alliance.”
New Jersey and Mexico share a long-standing and growing relationship shaped by innovation, entrepreneurship, and deep cultural ties. Mexico is New Jersey’s seventh-largest trading partner and the second-largest market for goods exported by the state, representing $10.6 billion in two-way trade. Both regions are well-aligned for collaboration in key industries, including manufacturing, technology, life sciences, and food and beverage.
“Mexico is a key partner in New Jersey’s trade efforts, and we are now well-positioned as a strong investment opportunity for Mexico in the Northeast,” said New Jersey Economic Development Authority Director of International Innovation Andrew Gross. “Throughout his time in office, Governor Murphy has successfully built strong economic relationships with Latin American countries and other international partners, expanding New Jersey’s presence on the global stage. Our collaboration in sectors like manufacturing, innovation, and education positions us to compete internationally, helping our businesses grow and our economy thrive.”
New Jersey Awards Innovation Dual Enrollment Grants to Expand Access for Economically Disadvantaged Students
The New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education (OSHE) and the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) today announced the third round of Innovation Dual Enrollment Program grants, awarding $250,000 from the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget across four school districts to expand access to college-level coursework for high school students, particularly from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Dual enrollment is a proven strategy to increase college access, affordability, and completion. This cycle of grants will support partnerships between accredited New Jersey institutions of higher education and school districts serving Camden, Keyport, Manville, and Paterson where at least 40% of students in grades 9 through 12 are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
“Dual enrollment is a powerful tool for closing equity gaps and preparing students for success beyond high school,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “By expanding access to college courses while students are still in high school, we’re helping families save money and giving students exposure and a head start on their college journey.”
The grants for fiscal year 2026 build on two previous cycles, which awarded a total of $1 million to support partnerships in seven school districts, including Burlington City Public School District, Hillside Public School District, Keyport Public School District, Middlesex County Vocational and Technical School District, Orange Board of Education School District, Passaic City Public School District, and Vineland Public School District. In the first year, participating students completed more than 1,136 dual enrollment courses and collectively earned 3,554 college credits, saving their families over $290,000 in tuition and fees. Grants from the second year are still being implemented to support over 980 dually enrolled students.
“We’re proud to see the measurable impact of New Jersey’s growing focus on higher education on-ramps through dual enrollment,” said Secretary of Higher Education Brian Bridges. “These grants are helping more students gain access to college courses that reduce their time to degree but also build confidence and the academic skills critical to postsecondary and later career success.”