This bill amends existing New Jersey law to explicitly define "gift" to include any form of virtual currency and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The bill prohibits public officials from accepting these forms of digital assets as gifts, thereby enhancing the ethical standards governing the conduct of state and local officials. The amendments are made to various sections of the law, including definitions relevant to state officers, local government employees, and school officials.

The bill aims to address the growing prevalence of virtual currencies and NFTs in the digital economy, ensuring that public officials maintain integrity and transparency in their financial dealings. By including these digital assets in the definition of gifts, the legislation seeks to prevent potential conflicts of interest and uphold public trust in government officials. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:13D-13, 40A:9-22.3, 18A:12-23