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. It clarifies that, with specific exceptions, 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-related permits. However, the bill introduces provisions that permit such employment under conditions that ensure no interference with the responsibilities of the State officer or employee and no conflicts of interest. Additionally, it removes previous prohibitions on State officers or employees holding interests in these regulated businesses, thereby providing more flexibility for their immediate family members.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the New Jersey Conflict of Interest Law to allow spouses of State officers or employees, who do not have responsibilities for regulating cannabis or casino activities, to hold interests in those areas without conflict. It eliminates the requirement that the spouse must have married after the State officer's or employee's appointment. The bill also mandates the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards and the State Ethics Commission to maintain and update a list of State government positions related to casino and cannabis activities. It includes provisions regarding the solicitation of complimentary services or discounts from these entities and establishes penalties for violations, with the act being 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