Dear Mayor:

The legislation establishing civil unions in New Jersey has passed both houses of the legislature and is currently on Governor Corzine’s desk.  He is expected to sign it, and the law will take effect sixty days after he has done so.

The new legislation basically allows same sex couples to enter into legal relationships, called civil unions, bestowing upon them all the legal rights and responsibilities of marriage.  The effect of this legislation on municipalities, once signed and implemented,  will include the responsibility of municipal registrars to issue civil union licenses as they now issue marriage licenses, and the equal coverage of civil union partners of municipal employees under any benefit program provided to the spouses of municipal employees. Obviously, the benefit change will have financial implications for municipalities.

The League will be joining with the New Jersey Attorney General, the State Registrar,   The Municipal Clerk’s Association of New Jersey, and the Registrar’s Association of New Jersey to provide statewide seminars in February and March on these changes. Further guidance to mayors and other municipal officials will be forthcoming from the League as more information becomes available.

If you have any questions or concerns about this communication, please contact Deborah M. Kole, staff attorney, at the League, ex. 37.