ASSEMBLY FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INSURANCE COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2619

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 13, 2024

      The Assembly Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2619.

      As amended, this bill prohibits a legislative aide who works directly for a member of the Legislature in a district office from making a political contribution or giving other things of value greater than $30 to that legislator.  It also prohibits the legislator or an individual associated with the legislator’s candidate committee or joint candidates committee from soliciting or knowingly accepting such contribution.

      Specifically, the bill provides that an individual who is employed, either full-time or part-time, by a member of the Legislature to work in the legislative district office of that legislator as an aide, personal assistant, manager, advisor or secretary, or is otherwise compensated directly by that legislator for activities or services regarding legislative duties, cannot make a contribution of money or other thing of value greater than $30 to the legislator’s candidate committee or joint candidates committee.

      The bill provides that any individual found to be in violation of these restrictions is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree, which is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to remove the donation restriction from individuals who were employed by a member of the Legislature during the two-year period following the individual’s termination of employment or services.