Governor Murphy Announces Pardons and Commutations for 93 Individuals in Second Round of Clemency Actions

Governor Phil Murphy exercised his executive authority and announced a second round of clemency actions, providing relief for 93 individuals. This round includes 87 pardons and six commutations, including five commutations of incarcerated persons. This week's announcement brings the total number of grants of clemency during the Murphy Administration to 129 individuals.

“With our Administration’s groundbreaking clemency initiative, we are living up to New Jersey’s reputation as the ‘State for Second Chances,'" said Governor Murphy. “The individuals to whom I have granted clemency today have earned their legal relief by dedicating themselves to becoming responsible, well-rounded citizens who are passionate about contributing to their communities and society as a whole. As we prepare to announce additional clemency actions over the coming months, I am deeply grateful to Justin Dews and the Clemency Advisory Board for their steadfast dedication and commitment to ensuring that nobody is left behind by our criminal justice system. Granting each of these individuals a second chance to rebuild their lives is truly one of the greatest honors of my time as Governor.”

“I applaud Governor Murphy and the Clemency Advisory Board for their second round of clemency actions, changing the lives of 93 individuals for the better,” said Lt. Governor Tahesha Way. “As one of the premier states in the nation for criminal justice reform, we have shown that second chances are accessible to those who have successfully rehabilitated their lives. I am proud to play a part in that lasting legacy.”

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NJ TRANSIT Continues Modernizing Bus Fleet With Authorization to Purchase New Buses

NJ TRANSIT continues to accelerate the modernization of its bus fleet with authorization by the Board of Directors to purchase 208 60-foot articulated buses and 20 Battery Electric Buses. These new buses will replace outdated 40-foot transit buses currently in use. The longer articulated buses, which bend in the middle, provide capacity for 100 customers, compared to the approximately 50 customers on the buses they are replacing. The Battery Electric Buses advance the goal of transitioning to a 100% zero-emission bus fleet by 2040 in line with Governor Murphy’s Energy Master Plan. The purchase is part of a broader commitment to replace all outdated buses and trains, fully modernizing the fleet to improve reliability and enhance the customer experience.

“Replacing outdated buses and rail cars across our system is part of our continued commitment to improving service for our customers — and today’s Board action is a meaningful step forward,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. “Governor Murphy’s FY2026 budget continues to prioritize transit, giving NJ TRANSIT the ability to accelerate advancing a modern, more reliable fleet that will better accommodate growing ridership and significantly enhance the customer experience.”

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DCA Awards $19.5 Million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants to 246 Local Governments Across the State

The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ (DCA) Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) announced the award of $19.517 million in Local Recreation Improvement Grants (LRIG) to counties, municipalities, and school districts across New Jersey to ensure public access to quality outdoor space and recreational facilities. The grants were awarded to 246 local governments – 95 of which were first-time LRIG applicants – after a competitive application process.

“Well-maintained parks, playgrounds, trails, and recreational facilities are an important part of what keeps communities vibrant and healthy because they are so often the places where people gather for fun and friendship,” said DCA Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “By helping local governments take care of these resources, the Local Recreation Improvement Grants make it possible for more New Jersey residents to benefit from quality recreation spaces that are essential to human well-being.”

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NJ TRANSIT and Partners Launch “Gateway to Hope” Program to Support Unhoused Residents at Newark Penn Station

NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri joined the Newark Alliance, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka and his Office of Homeless Services, Prudential Financial, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, RWJBarnabas Health, County of Essex and State of New Jersey to announce “Gateway to Hope”. Building on the success of the City of Newark’s “PATH HOME”, launched with the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, “Gateway to Hope” is a set of focused initiatives aimed to reach, stabilize and house residents in need near Newark Penn Station. “Gateway to Hope” will serve as a model for future improvements at other NJ TRANSIT stations. In addition, Newark Penn Station will become the “Home of” Prudential Financial in a sponsorship agreement.

“We all have a shared responsibility in New Jersey to ensure our residents have access to the resources and help they need to thrive and live healthy, productive lives,” said NJDOT Commissioner and NJ TRANSIT Board Chair Fran O’Connor. “I am proud to join with the Newark Alliance and our partners in a focused effort to reach out to those most in need at Newark Penn Station.”

“NJ TRANSIT is pleased to announce this innovative public-private partnership that delivers support and resources to the most vulnerable in the City of Newark,” said NJ TRANSIT President & CEO Kris Kolluri. "Gateway to Hope is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations come together with a shared mission. By connecting those in need with critical social services, medical care, and housing, we are taking meaningful steps to address a complex challenge affecting transit systems across the country."

“Today’s announcement demonstrates the power of partnerships and the good that can be accomplished when working together. Through our Office of Homelessness Prevention, we’re proud to be able to contribute professional expertise and coalition building to jumpstart the ‘Gateway to Hope’ program at Newark Penn Station,” said New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Jacquelyn A. Suárez. “We’re confident that ‘Gateway to Hope’ will make it much easier for people in need at Newark Penn Station to connect with resources that can meaningfully improve their lives. Without a doubt, this program moves the needle in DCA’s efforts to end homelessness in Newark and all communities in New Jersey.”

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New Jersey Department of Labor Drives Home Importance of Safety During ‘Distracted Driving Awareness Month’

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is dedicated to educating New Jersey residents about the importance of public workers’ safety during "Distracted Driving Awareness Month," aimed at promoting public awareness of attentive driving and observed nationwide in April. NJDOL strongly supports this initiative to help protect public workers including construction workers, crossing guards, emergency personnel, law enforcement, road maintenance crews, and traffic management personnel, who keep the state's roadways safe. This effort follows suit with Governor Murphy’s proclamation. 

"Road safety is a shared responsibility," said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. "Drivers must remain alert and focused every time they hit the road. Eliminating driving distractions can help to protect the lives of our public workers, who work tirelessly to maintain roadway safety for everyone who travels New Jersey’s roads and highways." 

“Distracted driving puts the lives of our public workers at risk while they’re out there making our roadways safer,” New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner and Chair of the Target Zero Commission Fran O’Connor said. “It’s our responsibility to create a culture of safety where distracted driving is no longer tolerated. Everyone deserves to go home to their loved ones at the end of the day.” 

In January, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation establishing the Target Zero Commission, tasked with developing strategies to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries in New Jersey by 2040. The commission will be pivotal in shaping policies that prioritize the safety and mobility of all New Jersey residents.

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