The New Jersey State Bar Association's (NJSBA) governing body met this month to discuss issues of concern to the profession. The meeting was held virtually because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Here is a look at the board's actions:

The trustees voted to support the passage of S-2586/A-4369, which would implement several of the sentencing recommendations of the Criminal Sentencing and Disposition Commission to eliminate certain mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment. The importance of this bill has resonated with NJSBA members, especially with the NJSBA Commission on Racial Equity in the Law, which reviews initiatives with an eye towards removing systemic bias and racism in the law. Mandatory minimum sentencing policies have a disproportionate impact on communities of color and contribute to New Jersey having the highest disparity in the nation when comparing the Black and white incarceration rate. The trustees also approved the Legislative Committee recommendation to support the New Jersey Law Review Commission's report on temporary disability benefits to certain volunteers and other workers.