>> Funding for NJ Spotlight News provided by the members of the New Jersey Education Association, making public schools great for every child.

And RWJBarnabas health, let's be healthy together.

Briana: Tonight, unconstitutional.

The attorney weighing in on the state's partyline violet system as Andy Kim gets his day in court.

Oral arguments for the lawsuit he filed to end the ballot design.

>> This watershed moment cannot be walked back.

Voters are ready to have our say and bring back democracy to New Jersey.

Briana: Jersey City Mayor Steve follow-up is switching his support from Tammy to Andy for the U.S. Senate.

>> I have never ever changed support publicly like this.

I do not take it likely -- lightly.

I made a mistake.

Briana: Protecting students, new polls to keeping the gender identity students confidential as a school culture wars continue.

>> They want New Jerseyans keeping kids safe.

Outing kids is the bottom line for this.

Briana: Let the madness begin, two teams from New Jersey going to The Big Dance, the Saint Peter's peacocks get the chance to fly again.

NJ Spotlight News starts now.

♪ >> From NJ Spotlight News Studios, this is NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Thank you for joining us this Monday night.

It has been a bombshell day in New Jersey politics.

Just before a federal judge was scheduled to begin hearing a lawsuit challenging the state's so-called partyline.

Matt Plotkin sent a letter to the court saying that the county line system is unconstitutional and his first reported -- and his office will not defend the controversial route structure against the legal challenge.

The Attorney General told the federal judge in the line provides an electoral advantage for and it its who have disadvantages for candidates who do not.

The decision puts him at odds with the governor whose wife is running in the U.S. Senate primary and has significant County party support.

A spokesperson for the governor outside set outside of the context of any campaign, the Attorney General should have defended the law.

All of this is as oral arguments on the lawsuit brought by Congressman Andy Kim and his bid for the senate seat kicked off at a print in federal court this morning.

All eyes are watching to see if the court bands the line in time -- bans the line in time for the primary.

>> Abolish the line!

Abolish the line!

>> The walls or the county lines are coming down after a weekend of developments in the U.S. in the Democratic primary race.

Including a letter from the attorney general.

>> What we all know is true, the line on the ballot is unconstitutional.

We have the data.

We have the facts.

We have the people on our side and we have the momentum.

We are so close.

We will not stop until we have brought democracy to New Jersey and we will not stop until we abolish the line.

>> Finally, everybody is talking about the line.

National news, people from other states, what is this all about?

They are shocked this is illegal.

Maybe it is not?

New Jersey's Attorney General suggested he thinks it is not legal.

Let us see what the court will say today.

One thing is sure.

This watershed moment cannot be walked back.

The genie is out of the bottle and voters are ready to reclaim our state and bring back democracy to New Jersey.

>> If you thought the Attorney General's letter would make today's hearing moved.

The judge made it clear, I do not know if I should consider that letter at all.

The judge said, the Attorney General is lobbying his objection from the cheap seats.

Despite the opportunity to intervene or file a grief, he was right about the case until this weekend.

The defense agreed and called the letter an insult to the court.

The judge said he would give both sides until the end of the week to decide on the merits of the letter.

>> Andy Kim and Professor Julius were also scheduled to testify today.

The judge warned all parties to be mindful of the time.

You are not going to get three months to depose endless witnesses he said.

While this is difficult to tell what the judge is thinking by his questions, many observers here felt he was casting a skeptical eye towards the defense claims of hardship.

>> The 19 counties named argued that Kim was trying to manipulate the court system in an effort to disrupt the election.

Changing the ballots would require reprogramming machines and reeducating voters about confusing new ballots.

Andrew ate -- it drew a response from the judge asking if they would be more confusing than the current system?

>> I think he wants each side to make their best compelling case and to make it quick and to the point which is what this is all about.

That is why the case was filed.

To get relief in this election.

From the proceedings I have heard so far, I think the judge is really wanting to have both sides.

Make a case here.

Get to the facts.

>> The parties are back in court next Friday, the judge will rule by April 7th whether to order new ballots.

The campaign continues to intensify.

NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: In a stunning reversal, Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steve follow-up holds his endorsement in Tammy.

He said he was one of the first to throw his support behind the first lady.

This is another we can work a Congressman got the overwhelming backing of Atlantic and Morris County Democrats.

The Camden County committee vote that is held through the party machine was a different story.

Members did not hold a vote but gather to ratify party broker George's support for Murphy.

Denying him's attempt to attend or speak before the group, and blocking another candidate, Patricia from entering the building entirely.

That tactic and Tammy Murphy's refusal to denounce it drew a lot of criticism from others in the Democratic Party and likely the scales for Steve Bullock who joins me now.

-- fullup who joins me now.

You are not enamored with Tammy Murphy's campaign.

You have been public about that.

What changed over the past couple of days?

>> OK, I think I have been a public and private critic in many ways among the campaign, look at the conventions, one week that is worth in the previous week.

You saw the caveat, not letting another candidate in, and be benefiting from it and when asking to comment on it, anybody could see there was a right and wrong there and she was unwilling to speak up.

At that point it was a reflection on I think she would be as a senator and it is hard for me to hang in there.

Briana: You are referring to Patricia who was not allowed into the Camden County convention despite being invited by a committee member.

These are practices that have happened over the years.

This is not the first time.

What is different now?

Why is everybody much more quick to call it out?

>> From my standpoint, this has been happening over the years.

I do not think there has ever been a competitive convention process in the 18 years I have been elected in the office like this where people have had the opportunity to see with the convention process is like and the entitlement that certain people have two that power and influence that they wield.

You knew that it existed in the process.

It was wrong.

It is so blatant and overstepping the will of what is seems like every day party activists and voters.

I think it is in our best interest to listen to them and that is why I'm doing what I'm doing.

18 years of elected office, I never ever changed support publicly like this.

I do not take it lightly.

I made a mistake and it is embarrassing to admit but here we are.

Briana: You are backing Andy Kim in his bid, yes?

What he has put forward that made you really sure that he has the right candidate?

>> When I was elected in 2013, the entire New Jersey institution was against me.

Briana: You are an antiestablishment guy.

That is correct.

>> I have never been entirely embraced by the establishment although I have built relationships because it helps Jersey City.

I think to the degree that we have seen the kind of blatant machine politics over the past two or three months has been to the next level and Andy has conveyed that he has the experience and can be the better candidate in November and most importantly, the energy of the party is supporting Andy Kim clearly and we are going to keep a Democrat in November and you will keep that energy.

Briana: You see it as a better choice for the party as a whole in terms of not allowing that seek to be flipped?

>> I do and I think that if we do not listen to the activists and the face of our party where it at our own peril.

Whether it is the law or the elect or transparency that deals with the campaign finance last year.

There is a steady drumbeat of entitlement and it is culminating with the convention process.

Briana: Are you concerned at all about how this decision may affect that?

>> The campaign Iran in 20 13 was outside of the traditional establishment, I have always kind of been comfortable with running in that lane, it is not going to change what I do going into next year.

I am sure that the party establishment and relationships are not happy with it today but I am making the right decision.

Briana: That is Steve Fulop.

Thank you for your time.

>> Thank you for having me.

Briana: A school policy that has been at the center of fiery debates appears to have the backing of most New Jersey residents.

A new records poll find a slim majority believe a teacher should not be required by law to share a Trans student identity of the student does not feel safe coming out on their own.

The policy known as 5756 became a flashpoint in the parental rights conflict with opponents saying that it undermines apparent's relationship with their -- a parent's relationship with their child.

>> School board culture wars over parents demanding to know if their toad is transgender showcases loud voices and politics.

A new poll takes a snapshot of how Jersey residents over all see the issue.

A slim majority say teachers should not be required to out students to parents if the students do not feel safe about it.

>> New Jerseyans recognize that transgender students are are facing bullying and harassment and potentially do not feel safe in their homes.

>> Actually explains when asked should teachers and trans-students do not feel safe, 54% said do not tell, 31% said do tell and 15% were not sure with 2.8 8% margin for error.

72% of Democrats said do not tell and 40% of independents, -- 48 percent of independents.

>> First of all, more New Jerseyans favor keeping kids safe than favor out in kids into unsafe homes.

That is the bottom line and basis for this.

>> Lauren says a politically charged atmosphere and high-profile cases like the death of next Benedict in Oklahoma -- nex Benedict in Oklahoma has sharpened debate, school safety.

What the polls really show?

>> When you phrase the question, you think parents' rights should be taken away?

No one thinks parents' rights should be taken away.

One phrase should we support kids in our school environments to come out in a healthy and safe manner, then yes, you will get a lot more yes, of course.

>> She says the transgender indication guidance policy 5756 remains a flashpoint and advises schools to keep a student gender identity change private even from families.

So far only a handful of districts here have actually repealed or tried to rewrite 5756.

Newly elected board members revoke the policy last month in Old Bridge, new board members may prevail in order to rewrite it at the meeting tonight.

>> I think it will be ugly tonight.

>> A parent notes the New Jersey General has sued this or to try to complete the bill.

They clash with the state law against discrimination.

>> Political slogans notwithstanding, keeping this policy in place is in the best interest of the kids and of the town.

If for no other reason because repealing and replacing could be a lawsuit.

>> He expects a raucous hearing fueled by outside lobbyists who have become regulars at such meetings.

NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: Is it an attempt to eliminate discrimination, or discredit criticism of Israel?

Passionate advocates showed up for a hearing on antisemitism at the Statehouse today are lawmakers were supposed to consider adopting a formal state definition of the term.

Only the meeting got postponed minutes before it was scheduled to start and frustrations boiled over about both the lack of access to the committee and the definition up for consideration.

Joanna Gagis was there.

>> You do not have time for us?

>> A Senate committee hearing scheduled for today was supposed to allow public testimony on a bill that would create a state definition for antisemitism.

That portion of the hearing in the state government wagering tourism and extra preservation committee ended before it even began.

>> My colleagues are in caucuses getting ready for the 11 a.m. voting session.

This meeting is temporarily adjourned.

[INDISCERNIBLE] >> This is disrespectful.

>> One bill would adopt the definition of anti-Semitism that would make criticism of Israel if of anti-Semitism, that would be added to Islamophobia to be included in the state diversity and inclusion policies.

None were heard because the Senators left to participate in a voting session leaving these folks furious.

>> Suspending the hearing while we are all here waiting to testify is doubly undemocratic.

>> I was surprised to see a committee hearing happening in the voting session, I was surprised to see it suddenly adjourned, especially before bills that some people had come to speak out about.

Then saying that they would convene after the voting session with no time given.

>> Surprising for even an insider who came to oppose the bills.

>> I stand against all forms of hate, I also believe in freedom of speech.

I think that all of us should have the right to critique any government whether it is our government or the Israeli government or any government in the world.

>> This bill uses definitions that will criminalize speech against the state of Israel, saying that if you call the state of Israel racists, that is illegal and can be criminally charged.

>> Abdul has lost 45 direct family members in Gaza including his 17-year-old nephew who was shelled to death last week.

>> I have to sit down and watch what is happening to my family without being able to criticize it.

>> Many from the Jewish community says New Jersey should do more to stop the anti-Semitism, but adopting this definition would do nothing to help that cause.

>> The state should engage in the struggle against anti-Semitism.

You do not do that by actually adopting a definition that is designed to protect a state rather than a people from prejudice, persecution, discrimination.

A professor says New Jersey should adopt the version of that have adopted even pro-Israel Zionists groups showed up to oppose these bills.

>> We actively debate people who consider themselves anti-Zionists.

Who will not agree with us on a lot of these things.

We think that is the proper way.

As long as people are not threatening, not promoting violence, New Jersey law covers that kind of thing.

>> It a difference between being opposed to Zionism and or being anti-Semitic.

Those are two different things.

We cannot acquaint them.

The committee chair told some attendees the hearing would be rescheduled although no date has been confirmed.

NJ Spotlight News.

Briana: In our business report keeping a 40-year-old , transportation fund alive.

Both the Senate and assembly today voted to reauthorize New Jersey's transportation trust fund by increasing the gas tax over the next five years and adding a fee on electric vehicles.

It is a move that has been fiercely defended by supporters who say the money is needed to ensure statewide infrastructure projects get done.

Others have been critical about the lack of transparency in the process.

Ted reports from Trenton.

>> Paszek transportation trust fund is a Murphy signature away for contributing for five more years.

Bringing with it annual fees for electric vehicle owners and a higher gas tax.

>> Nobody likes to raise the tax, it was absolutely needed to protect the safety and health of our citizens.

>> Electric vehicles do not pay into the transportation trust fund for the use of the roadways and all of us have a shared obligation to make sure our roadways are kept.

>> This fund has been used to build construction project s statewide and the Senate vote passed mainly along party lines.

State Republicans objected to gas tax increases of two cents a gallon for five years and the process by which the bill was drafted.

>> There was no one here saying do nothing.

What we are saying is do it smarter Do it at a lower cost to , the taxpayers of New Jersey for the most beleaguered -- who are the most beleaguered taxpayers in the country.

>> Why are we slamming through this legislation like it was the last day of lame-duck?

Clearly this is a policy that needs to be addressed.

>> The plan passed by the Senate and assembly will lead to an estimated $.10 per gallon raise over the next five years and new fees for EV owners.

A registration fee which will will increase to 290 dollars in 2028.

A senator says the Republican plan did not raise the gas tax on Democrats argue that their plan was more financially feasible.

>> More money in the transportation trust fund, a longer period of time for the program.

More roads fixed at the local level.

All of these things could have been completed if Republicans had a seat at the table.

>> If we go ahead with my friends and colleagues with her plans on the other side of the aisle, two or three years from now, our entire fund and our surplus will be fully taxed.

>> Some folks support the bill , but not in its entirety.

>> That is a schizophrenic policy sending the wrong message to drivers.

This needs to get fixed.

>> Doug O'Malley says EV owners should not be saddled with fees and hopes Governor Murphy will veto this bill until there are incentives that offset the new charges.

>> No one is saying the EV drivers should not pay their fair share but this is a punitive charge which is going to turn away a potential EV driver at the sales desk at car dealerships.

>> There has been a lot of diligent and has gone into selecting this fee amount making , sure this is appropriate based on what a normal driver would do at the gas pump.

We feel confident that this fee is warranted and also appropriate for everyone who uses the roadways.

>> Not everybody thinks of those fees are appropriate but they will be a part of the deal with EV's of Governor Murphy signed the bill.

Fees are scheduled to go into effect on July 1 and would raise more than $2 billion.

I'm Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight News.

>> Turning to Wall Street investors started the weekend in an upbeat move.

Stocks rebounded after two weeks of losses.

Here is how the markets closed today.

♪ >> Support for the business report provided by the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

Announcing its New Jersey business Summit and Expo March 26th and 27th in Harris and Atlantic City.

Details online at NJchamber.com.

♪ Briana: Finally, it is time to get ready for the madness.

The men's and women's college basketball National championship tournaments kick off this week and a pair of local schools will try to make a splash.

the Princeton women team is heading to Iowa city for a match with West Virginia on Saturday .

if they can win the game, the Tigers will likely face Iowa and their superstar Caitlin Clark.

In the men's tournament Saint Peter's is back.

The peacocks made a surprise run at Atlantic City to clench the Metro Atlantic title.

They are set to play Tennessee in Charlotte on Thursday and they are a heavy underdog.

The last time Saint Peter's was in the tournament the team made a historic run to the elite eight.

The Seton Hall and Princeton men's teams barely missed out on The Big Dance and will instead host first-round games in the national invitation tournament on Wednesday night.

Seton Hall will take on Saint Joseph's while Princeton will face University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Good luck to all.

That does it for us tonight, check out the next episode of off exit.

It is our new podcast that journeys across the state to share a unique slice of life stories from New Jerseyans.

In this episode, NJ Spotlight producer and host Malcolm introduces us to a rising jazz star.

When not performing in New York City, he plays regularly in the church band in Wayne, New Jersey.

You can download off exit wherever you get your podcast.

For the entire NJ Spotlight News, thank you for being with us, have a great evening and we will see you back here tomorrow.

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♪