Redefines governmental affairs agent to include those persons performing activities for more than one hour in calendar year.
Impact
The implications of A688 are substantial as it directly affects how lobbying activities are regulated in New Jersey. By reducing the threshold for who qualifies as a governmental affairs agent, this bill would likely increase the number of individuals and organizations required to adhere to lobbying transparency regulations. This change is designed to enhance accountability and transparency in governmental affairs, aligning with ongoing efforts to combat corruption and increase public trust in the legislative process.
Summary
Assembly Bill A688 seeks to amend existing laws regarding the classification of governmental affairs agents in the state of New Jersey. Under current legislation, a governmental affairs agent is defined as an individual who is compensated to influence legislation or governmental processes, with a threshold of 20 hours of activity being set for such classification. A688 proposes to significantly lower this threshold to just one hour in a calendar year, aiming to bring more individuals into the regulatory framework of lobbying disclosures and reporting requirements.
Contention
The bill may face contention and debate among various stakeholders. Proponents argue that the new definition will close loopholes that allow individuals to influence legislation without accountability, thus promoting greater transparency in political dealings. Conversely, critics may argue that the measure could lead to an overly broad classification that burdens numerous individuals who engage in civic participation or occasional advocacy, potentially stifling grassroots movements and public engagement in political processes.
Increases, for persons subject to the Code of Ethics, the maximum value of an acceptable gift to $50.00 from a single interested person, but in no case can the gift have an aggregate value of more than $250 in any calendar year.
Senate Substitute for Substitute for HB 2060 by Committee on Local Government, Transparency and Ethics - Providing for the treatment of the reimbursement for expenses incurred for travel and activities in attending conferences or events by certain specified nonprofit organizations and discounted or free access to entertainment, sporting events or other activities.
Providing for the treatment of the reimbursement for certain expenses incurred by state officers and employees for travel in attending conferences or events provided by nonprofit organizations and for discounted or free access to entertainment, sporting events or other activities.