Police at New Jersey capitol boost COVID rule enforcement

New Jersey State Police have stepped up enforcement of a requirement that statehouse visitors show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or negative test.

Troopers stood guard at entrances around the statehouse complex, including little-used doorways where no state police presence is typically present.

Troopers routed visitors to a single entrance where they were directed to show vaccination proof and undergo a temperature screening. That included those with statehouse badges who work in the complex.

This stepped-up enforcement comes after confusion broke out last week when Republican Assembly members defied the requirement and attempted to gain access to the Assembly chamber without showing vaccination proof or a negative test.