Want access to post press releases? To sign up, use this form. You must be logged in.
SCALERA/QUIGLEY RAIL YARD SAFETY BILL CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE
By John Duthie
SCALERA/QUIGLEY RAIL YARD SAFETY BILL CLEARS ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE
(TRENTON) - The Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee today released legislation Assembly members Fred Scalera and Joan M. Quigley sponsored to mitigate potential terrorist attacks on railroads.
Under the Scalera/Quigley measure (A-929), a person caught trespassing in or upon railroad property with the intent to commit a crime would be charged with burglary -- an offense punishable by up to five years in jail and $15,000 in fines.
The maximum penalty would rise to 10 years in jail and $150,000 in fines if the offender purposely, knowingly, or recklessly inflicts, attempts to inflict or threatens to inflict bodily harm. A similar punishment would be invoked if the offender is armed or appears to be armed.
The measure also would create the crime of trespassing on railroad property, punishable by up to 18 months in jail and $10,000 in fines.
Railroads and rail yards, by their very design, are hard to secure and are more vulnerable to criminals and the threat of terrorist attacks than other modes of transportation," said Scalera (D-Essex), the chairman of the Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee. "We need to do more to protect our vital transportation infrastructure, and it starts with increasing physical security."
"Unfortunately, we can no longer afford the luxury of passing off a person's unwanted presence at a rail yard as nothing more than an innocent prank or misunderstanding," said Quigley (D-Hudson). "Everyone needs to understand that unauthorized trespassing near our rail lines will not be tolerated and could result in serious penalties."
The committee released the measure by a vote of 5 to 0. The bill now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.
--30--
Contributors
Wally Edge
Two prominent Essex County Democrats will pay tribute to soon-to-be Republican gubernatorial candidate Christopher Christie tomorrow. Essex ... >
Bob Torricelli
There's nothing more difficult to see than the history before your eyes. It sometimes takes generations to understand the significance of ... >
Michael Patrick Carroll
OK, he didn't say precisely that, but when the Chairman of the Budget Committee informs us that governmental spending is the key to prosperity, ... >
Debbie Holtz
Score one for the Governor’s public relations team. For the last few weeks, they have been working overtime to fuel speculation Corzine was being ... >
Dr. Joseph Marbach
I am pleased to report the results from the first national poll conducted by Environmental Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences at ... >
Rob Tornoe
To view a larger version of this cartoon, click here. >
Michael P. Riccards
The media, which loves headlines and knows little history, is trying to sell President Elect Obama as another Franklin Delano Roosevelt. But that ... >
Joey Novick
When I was eleven, way back in 1965, my family was invited for Thanksgiving to my cousins’ cousins, a Jewish-Italian family who lived in the ... >
Juan Melli
Last week's fight between Henry Waxman and John Dingell for chairmanship of the powerful House Energy and Commerce committee also featured a less ... >
Carla Katz
A couple of weeks ago, my mother, Angelina Katz, did her second debate on behalf of Barack Obama. A debate? My mother? If you knew her, you’d be ... >
Patricia Quattrocchi
A rained out MusicFest this past September has provided Union County with $275,000 in insurance monies. The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders ... >
Murray Sabrin
As New Jerseyans get ready to celebrate Thanksgiving the nation's economic outlook is indeed bleak, and there doesn't seem much to be ... >
Hot Topics
| Politicker INTERACTIVE | |
 |
Lawmaker Profile Follow the funding of your representatives |
 |
270 to Win See how Obama got to the magic number |
Most Active Stories
- Norcross picks Beach for Adler Senate seat
- Lonegan to kick off his second gubernatorial campaign today
- David Crabiel, longtime Middlesex Freeholder, dead at 78
- Ariyan not interested in BCDO chairmanship
- Spicuzzo mourns 'Mr. Middlesex'
- County official remembers Crabiel as 'great public servant'
- Team Lonegan
- Lonegan enters race for Republican gubernatorial nomination
- Lonegan to kick off his second gubernatorial campaign today
- Norcross picks Beach for Adler Senate seat
- Ariyan not interested in BCDO chairmanship
- Spicuzzo mourns 'Mr. Middlesex'
- Team Lonegan
- David Crabiel, longtime Middlesex Freeholder, dead at 78
- County official remembers Crabiel as 'great public servant'
- Lonegan enters race for Republican gubernatorial nomination
- Correction: Weiner departure was not his own idea
- Torricelli on COAH
- Two N.J. super delegates go to Obama; Norcross backs Obama; key Clinton supporters endorse Obama
- At energy policy meeting, Rose fights with cabinet and walks away
- Sixteen Democrats are on Norcross' short list for Andrews House seat
- Roughneen in court today on signature challenge
- Jackson will be Corzine's new Chief of Staff
- Obama bundler says he lost $25 billion of N.J. pension funds
- New Jersey's Most Powerful Law Firms
- Jersey City councilman makes it rain in Washington
Quote of the Day
"Joe Ferriero never influenced me not to speak to Loretta. I would never be influenced in that kind of way." -- State Sen. Paul Sarlo, on his relationship with State Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
Recent Press Releases
- Dec 1 2008
In the News
Read the expanded Wake Up Call, our summary of today’s news media coverage.
Today’s Must Reads:
Why can't we find a role for Christie in Washington? ― MIKE KELLY
Christie Gives Notice, and G.O.P. Gains Hope ― DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
Christie's legcy― THE BERGEN RECORD
Corzine for Treasury? Don't Bet on It.― WASHINGTON POST
Immigrants still in New Jersey― THE BERGEN RECORD
Now it's the Dems' chance to be dumb― PAUL MULSHINE
Syndicate
