New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has signed 11 bills into law that includes legislation that some critics are calling the "Snooki Amendment." He also signed a bill which will allow for the issuance of amended birth certificates for people who have undergone a change in gender

After conditionally vetoing the bill a month ago, Murphy this week signed Senate Bill No. 122, otherwise known as "the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act," which would provide tax credits to companies that produce films and digital media content in New Jersey. Lawmakers agreed with Murphy's call for "extending eligibility for certain reality TV shows that invest in New Jersey's economy and promote tourism to the Garden State."

Some lawmakers joked that Murphy wants tax credits to help set up something akin to a "Jersey Shore" cast member reunion – most infamously led by Nicole Elizabeth "Snooki" LaValle (née Polizzi) – in the land where they became famous nearly a decade ago. "Governor Murphy's 'Snooki amendment' to provide tax credits to reality television takes a bad bill and makes it worse," said Sen. Joe Pennacchio, R-Morris. "There are a whole host of needs from school aid to property tax relief that deserve $425 million before we consider giving it to Snooki."



Murphy said the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act will encourage production companies to locate in New Jersey, spurring economic growth and industry development.

"The film and digital media industry is poised to become a dynamic part of New Jersey's economy, one that will create good-paying union jobs and countless residual benefits to the economy," Murphy said. "By signing this legislation, we are allowing these companies to take advantage of New Jersey's unique culture, location, and geography. I look forward to seeing the many projects that will come out of our great state thanks to the Garden State Film and Digital Media Jobs Act."

The bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Senator Paul Sarlo and in the Assembly by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty, and Assembly Majority Leader Lou Greenwald.

"We have been fighting for these credits for eight years," said Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg. "I am grateful that Governor Murphy saw the value in them. The film industry has deep roots in New Jersey. Fort Lee is where the movie industry began. These credits will ensure that New Jersey remains a player in this constantly evolving industry."

In addition to the creation of financial incentives for film and digital media companies, the bill also incentivizes companies to make significant efforts to hire diverse cast and crews. The Economic Development Authority will verify that production companies have made good-faith efforts toward that goal before receiving additional incentives.

Also this week, Murphy signed three bills that will provide protections to New Jersey's LGBTQ community.