“Soriano, Herbig, and Hernandez Demand Restoration of Parental
Notification Rights”

PARSIPPANY – This morning, Mayor Michael Soriano and Council candidates
Cori Herbig and Judy Hernandez called on the Governor and the state
legislature to restore parental notification rights when a minor is
caught in possession of alcohol or marijuana. Recent legislation
prevents law enforcement agencies from notifying parents of a minor’s
first violation.

“We as parents deserve to know if our child is in trouble – period,”
said Mayor Michael Soriano. “When the voters approved the legalization
of marijuana last year, this is not what they had in mind. I’m relieved
to see that the Governor and legislature are already working to reverse
this provision so parents can fully remain part of our children’s
development.”

Mayor Soriano, Herbig, and Hernandez all have children who are or
recently were minors.

“Being a parent is my first priority,” said Cori Herbig. “Like all
parents, my children’s health and safety are the most important things
in the world to me. It’s my job to make sure they thrive. We all know
that it takes a village, and we are committed to making sure law
enforcement remains a trusted part of our village. The new law, as it
stands, will make it impossible for parents and police to work together
to ensure the safety of our children, and it must be fixed.”

Senator Vin Gopal has introduced a bill, S3532, to reestablish parental
notification on the first offense. Mayor Soriano, Herbig, and Hernandez
are calling on the legislature to pass this bill, and calling on
Governor Murphy to sign it.

“The teenage years are some of the most formative of a child’s life,”
said Judy Hernandez. “The current law does not give us the chance to
help our kids on a first violation. Keeping parents in the loop will
build trust between families and law enforcement, while keeping everyone
safe.”