The bill amends Section 4 of P.L.1981, c.142 (C.52:13D-17.2) to permit 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, with the exception of subsection d., no State officer or employee, nor their immediate family members, may hold interests or employment with any holder of, or applicant for, a casino license or cannabis-related permits. However, exceptions are made for certain State officers or employees and their immediate family members, provided their employment does not interfere with their responsibilities or create a conflict of interest, as determined by the State Ethics Commission or relevant authorities. The bill also allows special State officers or employees without responsibilities for casino or cannabis activities to hold employment with or represent applicants for licenses in these sectors, while maintaining post-employment restrictions for individuals in certain positions.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the New Jersey Conflict of Interest Law by removing the requirement that spouses of State officers or employees can only hold interests in cannabis and casino activities if they married after the officer's appointment or employment. This change allows spouses to engage in these interests regardless of the marriage date, as long as the State officer or employee does not have relevant responsibilities. The bill also stipulates 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 related to these 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