The bill amends Section 4 of P.L.1981, c.142 (C.52:13D-17.2) to allow spouses of certain State officers or employees to hold interests in regulated businesses related to casino and cannabis activities, with specific conditions. It clarifies that while State officers or employees, their immediate family members, and associated entities are generally prohibited from holding interests in or being employed by holders of casino licenses or cannabis permits, exceptions can be made if the employment does not interfere with the officer's responsibilities or create conflicts of interest. The bill also removes previous prohibitions, allowing such employment with approval from the State Ethics Commission or relevant authorities, thereby enhancing flexibility for spouses while upholding ethical standards.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the New Jersey Conflict of Interest Law to permit spouses of State officers or employees to engage in interests related to medical cannabis and casinos without conflict, regardless of when the marriage occurred, provided the officer or employee does not have relevant responsibilities. It specifies that spouses must not be directly employed by entities in these industries and requires the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards and the State Ethics Commission to maintain and update a list of State positions with responsibilities related to casino and cannabis activities. The bill is retroactive to the effective date of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, P.L.2021, c.16.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:13D-17.2