New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S716

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Bars certain public officials from holding elective office and participating in political activities for certain time periods.

Impact

The bill is intended to enhance the integrity of public service by preventing conflicts of interest and the potential misuse of official positions for political advantage. The proposed amendment will further restrict the capacity of these officials to sign or endorse campaign-related materials while in office or during the post-service period, thereby aiming to ensure that their actions are not influenced by their political interests at the expense of public trust.

Summary

Bill S716 aims to implement restrictions on certain public officials concerning their eligibility to run for elective office and engage in political activities. Specifically, the bill targets positions such as the Attorney General, First Assistant Attorney General, county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, and legal assistants to prosecutors. It establishes a three-year prohibition following their tenure during which these officials cannot be candidates for election or hold any elective public office. This is an extension of the current one-year ban for members of the State Commission of Investigation, thus aiming to create consistency among various public positions.

Contention

Opponents of the bill may argue that such restrictions could potentially deter qualified individuals from seeking office due to the lengthy prohibitions in place, which could lead to a diminished pool of candidates, particularly within prosecutorial and investigative roles. Supporters, however, may contend that these measures are essential to uphold ethical standards among lawmakers and to prevent the perception or reality of favoritism in political campaigns stemming from public office.

Further_details

Overall, the bill represents a significant shift in how public officials engage with the political process after their terms, underscoring a commitment to uphold a high standard of ethical governance. The legislation is positioned to take effect 180 days after enactment, impacting all current and future holders of these designated positions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SB510

Requiring certain persons holding a state elective office to serve as an election official.

NJ AB538

Requiring certain persons holding a state elective office to serve as an election official.

NJ A2986

Clarifies and strengthens disclosure requirements for certain complimentary tickets received by candidates, officeholders, political party officials, political committees and continuing political committees.

NJ HB2333

Protecting elected officials and candidates, executive state officers, election officials, and criminal justice participants against threats and incidents of political violence.

NJ SB6095

Protecting elected officials and candidates, executive state officers, election officials, and criminal justice participants against threats and incidents of political violence.

NJ SB5853

Protecting elected officials from political violence by creating the statewide emergency public official notification system.

NJ HB464

Prohibiting certain candidates for political office from participating in counting ballots.

NJ S285

Removes certain part-time elected public officials from eligibility for employer-paid health care benefits coverage; makes elected public officials ineligible for payments for waiving health care benefits coverage; codifies Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit.

NJ A1306

Removes certain part-time elected public officials from eligibility for employer-paid health care benefits coverage; makes elected public officials ineligible for payments for waiving health care benefits coverage; codifies Pension Fraud and Abuse Unit.

NJ HB4063

Public employees and officers: ethics; certain former officers of the executive branch of state government; prohibit from engaging in certain lobbying activities for a period of time. Amends 1978 PA 472 (MCL 4.411 - 4.431) by adding sec. 6b.

Similar Bills

TX HB58

Relating to the creation of the office of state special prosecutor.

TX HB4717

Relating to the creation of the office of state special prosecutor.

NJ S3385

Permits transfer of service credit from PERS to Prosecutors Part of PERS under certain circumstances.

NJ S2612

Includes certain employees of the DLPS as members of the Prosecutors Part of PERS.

CA AB1806

Department of Justice.

NJ A1977

Permits service credit in Prosecutors Part of PERS for judicial clerk service; increases salary of Presiding Judge of Appellate Division and county prosecutor; permits retired judges to collect pension while serving as county prosecutor.

NJ S3755

Concerns sexual assault training for prosecutors.