The Legislative Performance Compensation Reform Act proposes a significant change to the compensation structure for members of the New Jersey Legislature. Specifically, it amends current law to reduce the annual salary of legislators from $82,000 to $0, effective beginning with the 2028 legislative year. This change follows a previous increase in 2024 that raised salaries from $49,000 to $82,000 starting in 2026. The bill emphasizes a performance-based approach to compensation, arguing that if legislators are unable to manage the state's finances effectively, their pay should reflect that performance.

The bill aims to address ongoing concerns about New Jersey's structural budget deficits and the perceived disconnect between legislative pay increases and fiscal responsibility. By setting the salary to zero, the legislation seeks to align compensation with the outcomes of legislative performance, encouraging lawmakers to prioritize public service over financial gain. The proposed change will not affect the current legislative term, allowing for a gradual transition to this new compensation model.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:10A-1