Bill responding to NYPD spying advances in NJ
Thursday - 10/18/2012, 4:52pm ET
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - The New Jersey Assembly has approved a bill requiring out-of-state law enforcement agencies to notify New Jersey officials before conducting any counterterrorism surveillance in the state.
The measure was introduced in response to revelations of spying on Muslims in New Jersey by the New York Police Department.
Sponsor Charles Mainor, an assemblyman who is also a Jersey City police officer, says New York police targeted many innocent Muslims during their surveillance.
His legislation allows prosecutors to get an injunction blocking an agency from conducting surveillance if it hasn't complied with the notification requirements.
New York police deny any wrongdoing. New Jersey Attorney General Jeffrey Chiesa (kee-AY'-sah) also found the NYPD broke no state laws.
The notification bill passed Thursday on a 76-3 vote. It is yet to be considered by the Senate.
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