Requires any individual seeking elective public office to disclose when filing petition of nomination whether he or she has been convicted of a criminal offense.
Impact
Should A713 pass, it will amend existing statutory provisions regarding the qualifications and disclosures required of candidates for public office. This legislation is positioned to potentially affect voters' trust in candidates, as it establishes a formal process for assessing the criminal history of those looking to serve publicly. Furthermore, it aligns with broader efforts to fortify integrity in the electoral process, holding public figures accountable for their past behaviors while ensuring that the public remains aware of potential concerns regarding candidates' histories.
Summary
Assembly Bill A713 requires individuals seeking elective public office in the State of New Jersey to disclose whether they have been convicted of a criminal offense upon filing a petition of nomination. The bill mandates that each petition includes a signed statement from the candidate affirming either no prior convictions or detailing such convictions, including the type and degree of offense, the date of conviction, and any penalties served. This requirement aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the electoral process, ensuring that voters are informed about the criminal backgrounds of those running for office.
Contention
Discussions around A713 have highlighted potential points of contention. Proponents argue that the bill would promote honesty and accountability among candidates and serve as a deterrent to individuals with serious criminal histories from running for office. On the other hand, critics express concerns that such disclosures may disproportionately affect certain groups and could discourage qualified candidates with past non-violent offenses or convictions from entering public service. This tension between transparency and inclusivity presents significant considerations for lawmakers as they navigate the implications of the bill.
Requires any individual seeking elective public office to disclose when filing petition of nomination whether he or she has been convicted of a criminal offense.
Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes.
Requires candidate for elective public office to file with nominating petition specific affirmation that candidate has not been convicted of disqualifying crimes.
Requires elected public officials and candidates for elective public office to disclose if they ever filed for bankruptcy; requires financial disclosure by candidates for public office in county or municipality.
Relating to the ethics of public officers and employees, the disclosure of certain political contributions, and related requirements and procedures; creating criminal offenses.
In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.
Campaign finance: public disclosure; financial reporting requirement for political nonprofits; provide for. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding secs. 29a & 29b. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4270'25
Criminal procedure: evidence; admissibility of certain hearsay testimony in certain human trafficking and prostitution prosecutions; provide for. Amends sec. 27c, ch. VIII of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 768.27c).