New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A192

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Prohibits use of private funds and personnel in governmental offices and procedures pertaining to administration of elections; establishes crimes and penalties for violations.

Impact

If enacted, A192 would significantly restrict how election administration is funded, delineating that only state or federal funds can be used for these purposes. This would create a clear separation between private funding sources and election operations, aiming to counteract any possible manipulation of electoral processes through private contributions. It would also prevent private individuals from self-appointing themselves in roles that could influence the determination of ballot eligibility, ensuring that such duties remain with authorized public officials.

Summary

Assembly Bill 192 (A192) aims to enhance the integrity of election administration in New Jersey by prohibiting the use of private funds and personnel in governmental election procedures. The bill establishes that no government entity, including the State, counties, municipalities, and school districts, can accept or utilize funds from private entities for electoral processes like preparing, administering, or conducting elections. The intent behind this legislation is to mitigate public concerns regarding the influence of private interests in the election process and to promote trust in the electoral system.

Contention

The bill is modeled on legislation that has been implemented in several other states, reflecting a nationwide trend to address concerns surrounding private donations during elections. However, the prohibition of private funding could raise issues regarding the sufficiency of public funding for electoral processes, especially in local jurisdictions that may rely on additional resources to effectively conduct elections. Critics may argue that these restrictions could hinder the ability of local officials to conduct thorough elections, while proponents contend that it is necessary for safeguarding democracy and ensuring electoral fairness.

Companion Bills

NJ S1863

Same As Prohibits use of private funds and personnel in governmental offices and procedures pertaining to administration of elections; establishes crimes and penalties for violations.

NJ A5385

Carry Over Prohibits use of private funds and personnel in governmental offices and procedures pertaining to administration of elections; establishes crimes and penalties for violations.

Previously Filed As

NJ A170

Prohibits use of private funds and personnel in governmental offices and procedures pertaining to administration of elections; establishes crimes and penalties for violations.

NJ A1286

"Political Donation Transparency Act;" prohibits automatic enrollment in recurring political contributions and establishes penalties for violators.

NJ A4436

Expands "Daniel's Law" protections; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

NJ S3605

Expands "Daniel's Law" protections; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

NJ A180

Prohibits State from imposing mileage-based user fee; prohibits use of State funding for any program, study, or pilot program related to imposition of mileage-based user fee.

NJ A1291

Establishes additional requirements for cannabis testing laboratories and penalties for testing violations.

NJ S2783

Expands protections under "Daniel's Law"; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

NJ A3609

Expands protections under "Daniel's Law"; requires Office of Information Privacy to establish portal for prohibiting disclosure of personal information by private entities and establishes penalties for failure to comply.

NJ A163

Prohibits adoption of State and local rules that prohibit use of fossil fuel-powered kitchen appliances.

NJ A1552

Revises penalties for certain violations of limousine laws.

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