New Jersey Acting Governor Signs Controversial Bill That Directly Benefits His Own Interests

Photo byNew Jersey capitol

Democratic New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari, serving as the state's acting governor while much of the executive branch attends the Democratic National Convention, has signed a bill into law that directly benefits his profession. The bill raises the cap on attorney fees in workers compensation cases from 20% to 25%, a change that could lead to increased earnings for Scutari, who practices as a personal injury attorney and handles workers compensation cases.

The bill had been awaiting Governor Phil Murphy’s signature for nearly two months. Scutari took the opportunity to sign it into law on his first day as acting governor. "We are committed to protecting New Jersey’s workers and ensuring fair wages," Scutari stated in a press release. "Today’s legislation makes a meaningful adjustment to the contingency attorney fee cap, ensuring fair compensation for attorneys and providing workers with the accessible, quality legal representation they deserve."

The new cap allows attorneys to receive a higher percentage from each workers compensation case they manage, a change that directly impacts Scutari's earnings in his legal practice.

In addition to the bill affecting attorney fees, Scutari signed three other bills and renamed an interchange in the state. One of the bills will increase salaries for many judges and county prosecutors in New Jersey.

Scutari, who is third in line for the gubernatorial role after Governor Murphy and Lt. Governor Tahesha Way, took on the acting governor role during the Democratic National Convention, where other Democratic governors, such as Maura Healey of Massachusetts and Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, are also in attendance. Whitmer noted that while she is out of state, she remains the governor 24/7 and can quickly return to Michigan if needed.

Governor Murphy’s office and the New Jersey Senate Republicans have not yet commented on Scutari’s actions as acting governor.

Murphy has recently appointed George Helmy, his former chief of staff, to the U.S. Senate vacancy left by former Senator Bob Menendez, following Menendez's conviction in his corruption trial.