This bill aims to impose restrictions on certain public officials regarding their ability to hold elective office and engage in political activities. Specifically, it prohibits individuals serving as the Attorney General, First Assistant Attorney General, county prosecutors, assistant prosecutors, legal assistants to prosecutors, and members of the State Commission of Investigation from being candidates for elective public office or participating in political activities during their tenure and for three years following the end of their service. The bill extends existing restrictions on county prosecutors and their assistants to include the Attorney General and First Assistant Attorney General, ensuring that these officials cannot sign or authorize political campaign materials or hold positions within political parties while in office.

Additionally, the bill modifies the current one-year post-service ban for members of the State Commission of Investigation, extending it to three years to align with the restrictions placed on other officials. This change is intended to create uniformity in the regulations governing public officials with indictment authority and to prevent the potential misuse of their positions for political advantage. The bill will take effect 180 days after enactment and will apply to all relevant officials holding these positions at that time.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:158-21, 52:9M-1