This bill amends existing legislation to permit spouses of certain State officers or employees to hold interests in regulated businesses related to casino and cannabis activities. It modifies Section 4 of P.L.1981, c.142 (C.52:13D-17.2) by clarifying the definition of "person" in the context of these activities and establishing conditions under which State officials and their immediate family members may engage in employment or hold interests in these sectors. While some restrictions remain, exceptions are made for employment with holders of casino licenses or cannabis permits, provided that such employment does not create conflicts of interest as determined by the State Ethics Commission.

Furthermore, the bill removes previous prohibitions that restricted State officers and employees from holding interests in these businesses, allowing for greater participation by their spouses regardless of when the marriage occurred, as long as the State officer or employee does not have relevant responsibilities. It also clarifies that spouses must not be directly employed by any entity in the cannabis or casino industries and requires the Joint Legislative Committee on Ethical Standards and the State Ethics Commission to maintain and update a list of positions with responsibilities related to these activities. The bill is retroactive to the effective date of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, ensuring that the changes apply to past situations as well.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:13D-17.2