Thousands of state inmates who have spent the coronavirus pandemic behind bars could soon be released under a bill lawmakers sent to Gov. Phil Murphy on Thursday.

A busy voting day at the Statehouse in Trenton largely focused on passing the $32.7 billion state budget, which is now awaiting Murphy’s signature by Oct. 1. But there are several other high-profile bills also headed to the governor’s desk, which ban plastic and paper bags, give certain military members a tax break, and shore up nursing homes ravaged by the coronavirus. Here’s what passed Thursday.

Environment: NJ legislature passes nation’s toughest ban on plastic and paper bags. Here’s what it does

Inmate releases

One bill, S2519/A4235, would release, by some estimates, up to 3,000 inmates and juveniles from state custody.

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