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New Jersey General Assembly

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Article Genealogy
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1. Extracted45
2. After dedup19 (None)
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New Jersey General Assembly
NameNew Jersey General Assembly
LegislatureNew Jersey Legislature
House typeLower house
BodyNew Jersey Legislature
Term limitsNone
New sessionJanuary 11, 2022
Leader1 typeSpeaker
Leader1Craig Coughlin
Party1(Democratic)
Election1January 9, 2018
Leader2 typeSpeaker pro tempore
Leader2Benjie Wimberly
Party2(Democratic)
Election2January 9, 2018
Leader3 typeMajority Leader
Leader3Louis Greenwald
Party3(Democratic)
Election3January 10, 2012
Leader4 typeMinority Leader
Leader4John DiMaio
Party4(Republican)
Election4January 11, 2022
Members80
Political groups1Majority (52), Democratic (52), Minority (28), Republican (28)
Term length2 years
AuthorityNew Jersey Constitution
Salary$49,000/year
Voting systemPlurality voting
Last election1November 7, 2023
Next election1November 4, 2025
Meeting placeAssembly Chamber, New Jersey State House, Trenton, New Jersey
Websitewww.njleg.state.nj.us

New Jersey General Assembly is the lower house of the New Jersey Legislature, operating alongside the New Jersey Senate within the New Jersey State House in Trenton, New Jersey. Established by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, it consists of 80 members elected from 40 legislative districts for two-year terms. The body shares legislative power with the Governor of New Jersey and is central to the state's lawmaking and budgetary processes.

History

The origins trace back to the Province of New Jersey under British rule, with the first assembly convening in 1702 following the surrender of the proprietary East Jersey and West Jersey governments to the Crown. The modern framework was established by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, which created the current bicameral legislature, succeeding earlier bodies defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1776 and the New Jersey Constitution of 1844. Significant historical events include its role during the American Revolution and the landmark Baker v. Carr decision, which led to the redistricting mandated by the United States Supreme Court.

Composition

It comprises 80 members elected from 40 districts, with each district represented by two assemblypersons. Members must be at least 21 years old, state residents for two years, and inhabitants of their district for one year prior to election. The current composition, following the 2023 New Jersey General Assembly election, features 52 members from the Democratic Party and 28 from the Republican Party. Districts are apportioned by population following each United States Census, as overseen by the New Jersey Apportionment Commission.

Powers and duties

Its primary constitutional powers include originating all legislation for raising revenue, a power shared with the New Jersey Senate. The body holds the sole power to impeach state officials, with trials conducted by the New Jersey Senate. It plays a critical role in the state budget process, reviewing and amending the annual appropriations bill proposed by the Governor of New Jersey. Other duties include confirming gubernatorial appointments, proposing amendments to the New Jersey Constitution, and overseeing state agencies through legislative review.

Leadership

Leadership is headed by the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, a position held by Craig Coughlin since 2018, who presides over sessions and appoints committee chairs. Other key officers include the Speaker pro tempore, Benjie Wimberly, and the majority and minority leaders, Louis Greenwald and John DiMaio, respectively. The New Jersey Office of Legislative Services provides non-partisan staff support, while partisan caucuses are led by the Democratic and Republican assembly leaders.

Elections and membership

Elections are held every two years in November, coinciding with gubernatorial elections in odd-numbered years. All 80 seats are contested using plurality voting within each of the 40 New Jersey Legislative Districts. Candidates are selected through primary elections administered by the New Jersey Division of Elections. Recent electoral cycles, such as the 2021 New Jersey General Assembly election and the 2023 New Jersey General Assembly election, have maintained a Democratic majority. Vacancies are filled by special election or appointment by the county committee of the departing member's party.

Committees

The legislative work is conducted through a system of standing reference and statutory committees. Major committees include the Budget Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. Committee chairs are appointed by the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly and hold significant influence over the progression of bills. Key joint committees with the New Jersey Senate include the New Jersey Legislative Services Commission and committees on public schools and state government oversight.

Category:New Jersey General Assembly Category:State lower houses in the United States Category:Government of New Jersey Category:Legislatures of the U.S. states