This bill amends current law to provide for annual cost-of-living adjustments to the allowance for legislative member staff services. Currently, members of the New Jersey Legislature receive a fixed allowance of $150,000 for staff services. The new provision mandates that beginning on January 1 following the enactment of this bill, the annual allowance will be adjusted by the State Treasurer based on the percent change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a specified 12-month period. Adjustments will only occur if the CPI change is greater than zero, and the State Treasurer will determine the adjustment amount by December 1 each year, with the new allowance taking effect on January 1 of the following calendar year.

The bill aims to ensure that the allowance for legislative staff services keeps pace with inflation, thereby maintaining its purchasing power over time. The first adjustment will be determined as soon as practicable after the bill's enactment, and subsequent adjustments will follow the same annual schedule. This change reflects a commitment to providing adequate resources for legislative members to support their staff effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:10A-1