New Jersey Legislature

New Jersey Legislature
Name	New Jersey Legislature
Legislature	221st New Jersey Legislature
House type	Bicameral
Houses	New Jersey Senate, New Jersey General Assembly
Leader1 type	Senate President
Leader1	Nicholas Scutari
Party1	(D)
Election1	January 11, 2022
Leader2 type	Assembly Speaker
Leader2	Craig Coughlin
Party2	(D)
Election2	January 9, 2018
Leader3 type	Senate Minority Leader
Leader3	Anthony M. Bucco
Party3	(R)
Election3	December 5, 2023
Leader4 type	Assembly Minority Leader
Leader4	John DiMaio
Party4	(R)
Election4	January 11, 2022
Members	120, 40 senators, 80 assembly members
House1	New Jersey Senate
House2	New Jersey General Assembly
Meeting place	New Jersey State House, Trenton
Website	www.njleg.state.nj.us

Contents

History
Structure and powers
Membership and elections
Legislative process
Current composition and leadership
See also

New Jersey Legislature. The New Jersey Legislature is the state legislature of the U.S. state of New Jersey. Operating under the authority of the New Jersey Constitution, it is a bicameral body composed of the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly. The legislature convenes in the New Jersey State House in the state capital of Trenton.

History

The legislature traces its origins to the Provincial Congress of New Jersey, which first met in 1775. The first state constitution, adopted in 1776, established a unicameral legislative body. This system was replaced by a bicameral legislature under the New Jersey Constitution of 1844, creating the modern New Jersey Senate and New Jersey General Assembly. Significant reforms followed the New Jersey Supreme Court decisions in cases like Jackman v. Bodine and the enactment of the New Jersey Legislative Apportionment Commission rules. The current framework is defined by the New Jersey Constitution of 1947, which mandated a 40-member Senate and an 80-member General Assembly.

Structure and powers

The legislature is constitutionally vested with the lawmaking power of the state government. Its structure is defined by Article IV of the New Jersey Constitution. Key powers include enacting laws, proposing constitutional amendments, overriding a gubernatorial veto with a two-thirds vote, and confirming gubernatorial appointments to agencies like the New Jersey Supreme Court and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. The legislature also holds the power of the purse through its budgetary authority and conducts oversight of the executive branch.

Membership and elections

Members of both houses are elected from legislative districts apportioned by population. All 120 seats are contested in general elections held every two years in November. Senators serve four-year terms, except during the first term of each decade, which is only two years to facilitate redistricting alignment. Members of the New Jersey General Assembly serve two-year terms. Candidates are typically nominated through the primary election process of the Democratic and Republican parties. Vacancies are filled by appointment by the county committee of the departing member's party.

Legislative process

To become law, a bill must pass both houses in identical form and be signed by the Governor of New Jersey. Bills can be introduced in either chamber, except for revenue bills which must originate in the New Jersey General Assembly. The process involves committee review, such as by the New Jersey Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee, public hearings, and readings on the floor. A simple majority vote is required for passage in each house. The governor may sign the bill, veto it, or take no action, resulting in a pocket veto if the legislature adjourns. The legislature may override a veto by a two-thirds vote in both the New Jersey Senate and the New Jersey General Assembly.

Current composition and leadership

Following the 2023 elections, the Democratic Party holds majorities in both chambers. The New Jersey Senate is composed of 25 Democrats and 15 Republicans. The New Jersey General Assembly consists of 52 Democrats and 28 Republicans. The President of the New Jersey Senate is Nicholas Scutari, and the Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly is Craig Coughlin. The Senate Minority Leader is Anthony M. Bucco, and the Assembly Minority Leader is John DiMaio. The legislature is currently serving in the 221st legislative session.