The final vote was 20-14 during a lame duck session. Current governor Jon Corzine (D), whose term ends later this month, had promised to sign the bill into law if it passed. The New Jersey Assembly did not take up the issue, citing a lack of momentum and instead looking to follow the Senate's lead. Since incoming governor Chris Christie (R) has promised to veto any such bill, this likely means another legislative effort won't take place in the near future.    Continues...

It's not everyday that a state lives up its stereotype, but New Jersey hit a home run on that field yesterday: 3 N.J. Mayors Arrested In Major Corruption Probe.

From the you-can't-be-serious and the need-a-break-from-economic-bleakness files: New Jesery is considering a ban on the Brazillian waxing technique:

The state Board of Cosmetology and Hairstyling is moving toward a ban on genital waxing altogether after two women reported being injured in their quest for a smooth bikini line.
Both women were hospitalized for infections following so-called "Brazilian" bikini waxes; one of the women has filed a lawsuit, according to Jeff Lamm, a spokesman for New Jersey's Division of Consumer Affairs, which oversees the cosmetology board.

President Obama (damn it's nice to write that) is set to allow California and 13 other states to pass a law enforcing stricter automobile emissions and fuel standards within their borders.

"The California law, which was originally meant to take effect in the 2009 model year, requires automakers to cut emissions by nearly a third by 2016, four years ahead of the federal timetable. The result would be an increase in fuel efficiency in the American car and light truck fleet to roughly 35 miles per gallon from the current average of 27."

Together, the states account for about half of all cars in America.