New Jersey's newest laws: School elections are moving, wine ships to homes

View full sizeAP File PhotoRepublican New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed several bills adopted last week by the Legislature.New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed several bills into law today.

It was the last day for action on the bills that were adopted last week by the Legislature.

The Star-Ledger covered Christie’s State of the State address today. Check out the live blog here.

Here’s a glance of the changes:

School elections
Communities can move their school elections to November from April, when turnout is low. In places that switch, school budget proposals will not need voter approval unless they increase by more than 2 percent.

Sports betting
Casinos and racetracks will be able to take bets on college and pro sports — if federal law, which bans such gambling in New Jersey, can be reversed.

Over-the-counter needles
Pharmacies can sell hypodermic needles to customers without prescriptions as long as they show IDs. The law is intended to slow the spread of blood-borne diseases by making clean needles available to IV drug addicts.

Shipping wine
New Jersey vineyards and small out-of-state wineries will be able to ship their products directly to customers’ homes. Small wineries can also open up to 16 New Jersey retail outlets.