How Committees Work Within the LegislativeContacting Process Your Legislators Making Legislators value the opinions and suggestions Idea Developed Bill Drafted Bill Introduced of their constituents. Through their profession- Your A legislator from either the Senate or At the legislator’s direction, the The prime sponsor delivers the bill to General Assembly may sponsor a bill Office of Legislative Services, a non- the House. Copies of the “proposed” ally staffed district offices, legislators respond individually or at the suggestion of a partisan agency of the Legislature, bill are printed. The bill title is read to requests for information about legislative aloud at the next session by the Voice Heard constituent, interest group, public provides research and drafting assis- matters and provide assistance in dealing official or the Governor. The legislator tance, and prepares the bill in proper Senate Secretary or General Assembly may ask other legislators in the same technical form. Clerk. This is the first reading. The bill with State agencies. House to join as co-sponsors. is made available in electronic form. To locate your legislator, go to the NJ Legislature’s website, www.njleg.state.nj.us or request a free Roster of Members by calling Understanding Committee Reference Committee Action Second Reading the Office of Legislative Services, Legislative the Public’s Role The President of the Senate or When scheduled by the chair, the When the bill is reported to the House Information and Bill Room: Speaker of the General Assembly committee considers the bill at an (or referred directly without committee in the Legislative usually refers the bill to a committee open public meeting. The committee review), its title is read aloud for the Toll-free in New Jersey: 800-792-8630 for review, but may send the bill may report the bill to the House as is, second reading. The bill can also be Committee Process directly to second reading to speed with amendments, or by a substitute amended at a voting session of the Hearing Impaired: its consideration. bill. If not considered or reported, the House. Dial 711 for NJ Relay bill remains in committee. E-mail: [email protected] You may call or write to legislators at their district offices or: Third Reading House Vote Second House When scheduled by the President or A bill passes each House when When a bill is delivered to the second c/o New Jersey Senate Speaker, the bill is given a third read- approved by a majority of the author- House, it will go through the same New Jersey State House ing. As it is posted for a vote, mem- ized members (21 votes in the Senate, process from first reading and commit- bers may debate the bill. To ensure 41 votes in the Assembly). tee referral through final vote. If the P.O. Box 099, thorough consideration, rules prohibit second House amends the bill, it is Trenton, NJ 08625-0099 a second and third reading on the returned to the first House for a vote on or same day, except by an emergency the changes. A bill receives final legisla- vote of three-quarters of the members. tive approval only when it passes both c/o New Jersey General Assembly, Houses in identical form. New Jersey State House P.O. Box 098, Trenton, NJ 08625-0098 Governor’s Action Law After legislative passage, the bill is A bill becomes law upon the sent to the Governor. The Governor Governor’s signature or after 45 days may sign it, conditionally veto it if no action is taken. If the House of (returning it for changes), or veto it origin is in recess on the 45th day, the absolutely. The Governor may also time is extended until it reconvenes. veto single line items of appropria- (Different rules apply to bills passed tion bills. during the last 45 days of a two-year session.) If vetoed, a bill can become Office of Legislative Services law if the Legislature overrides the The Office of Legislative Services Office of Public Information veto by a 2 /3 vote. A law takes effect Office of Public Information State House Annex, P.O. Box 068 on the day specified in its text or, if State House Annex, P.O. Box 068 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0068 unspecified, the next July 4th. Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0068 www.njleg.state.nj.us 11/2016 Legislative Committee Structure resolutions, and report them to the House; conduct The New Jersey Legislature consists of two investigations of State departments and agencies; Houses, a 40-member Senate and an 80-member and discern whether an agency’s implementation of Providing Testimony a law is in accordance with the Legislature’s intent. General Assembly. Each House establishes standing Legislators are interested in gathering information and insight reference committees to consider bills and examine In considering a bill, a committee may decide from parties involved with an issue. Take the following steps to public policy in specific subject areas such as health, to report the bill to the House or take no action. make your testimony as effective as possible: human services, environment, education, labor, If the bill is reported, it may be advanced with no military and veterans’ affairs, and transportation. changes, with amendments, or by a committee • Become informed. Track the status of proposed legislation The Senate and General Assembly also form joint substitute bill. All reported bills and resolutions on the Legislature’s web site (www.njleg.state.nj.us). The web committees with members from both Houses. In a are accompanied by a committee statement that site provides information about the bill history, committee few instances, ad hoc committees may be created, contains a description of the bill’s provisions and agendas, committee aides, public hearing schedules, and bill by passing a law or resolution, to address special purpose, the nature of any amendments, and any sponsorship. If you do not have access to a computer, call the issues and make recommendations for legislative or background information the committee may New Jersey Office of Legislative Services, Legislative administrative action. deem necessary. These statements are convenient Information and Bill Room (see contact information below) or your The number and scope of committees and sources of information for the public. state legislative district office for assistance. their respective membership are established in the If a committee does not report a bill, it • Know the issue. In addition to the original bill or resolution text, be aware of any rules of the House, and may change in each two- remains eligible for committee consideration at subsequent amendments or proposed changes. Consider opposing viewpoints and other year legislative session. another time during the two-year legislative ses- alternatives, and be prepared to discuss the differences. Make sure that your opinions can be The presiding officer of the House – the sion. substantiated with as many credible facts as possible. President of the Senate and the Speaker of the • Sign up to be a witness. The committee chair establishes protocol for public testimony. General Assembly – appoints committee chairs and Public Participation Witnesses are encouraged to register prior to a public hearing or committee meeting so as to committee members from the majority party. The The public may provide input during most commit- be scheduled in accordance with the chair’s preference. In some cases, pre-registration may be Minority Leader recommends members that repre- tee meetings and public hearings. mandatory. Contact the committee aide to confirm registration procedures. Generally, sent the minority party. The composition of the A committee meets at the call of the chair on a registered witnesses are given an opportunity to speak. However, if the issue draws particularly membership of the committee reflects that of the day and time set aside by the presiding officer. The large attendance, the chair may limit the number of witnesses and duration of testimony. House in regard to party affiliation. Legislators are rules of both Houses require that official committee • Be prepared. Arrive on time and familiarize yourself with the setting, participants and usually appointed to a committee according to their action be taken in meetings open to the general procedures as they relate to the committee. Be sure to confirm the committee agenda a day expertise and interest in a particular subject. public and specify notification timelines. Voting to The Office of Legislative Services (OLS) and report a bill out of committee requires an affirma- before the scheduled meeting. Alert the committee aide in advance concerning any special offices of the majority and minority parties assign tive vote of the majority of committee members. needs, displays or audio-visual equipment. professional staff to serve as committee aides to Committee meetings are generally held on • Presenting testimony. Provide the committee with written copies of the full text of your provide administrative and research support. Mondays and Thursdays during regular business testimony. However, your oral presentation should be brief and summarize only key points. Committee aides are key contacts for obtaining hours at the State House Annex in Trenton. Listen to testimony given by others who share your views and try not to repeat their remarks. information concerning pending committee action Public hearings may be held anywhere and at The most engaging public speakers do not read. Use notes if necessary, but try to maintain eye and operational protocol. any time throughout the state. Bonds, ballot contact with the committee members. Avoid jargon. A list of legislative committees, their members issues and matters that may have Constitutional • Be respectful and courteous. Public hearings and committee meetings are official and professional staff aides is available on the significance warrant public hearing. No voting or proceedings. Refrain from outbursts displaying your support or disapproval. Legislature’s web site (www.njleg.state.nj.us) or in committee action takes place at the time of the hard copy. hearing. Registration to provide testimony is generally requested well in advance of the hearing. The New Jersey Legislative Calendar lists meeting reflects the most recent information available. Committee Action Testimony is recorded and transcribed at the times, locations and agendas for all scheduled For further information, call the OLS Legislative Much of the discussion on the merits of a bill takes discretion of the committee chair. Live and archived legislative activity, including committee meetings Information and Bill Room at 609-847-3905, or place in committee. The primary functions of a audio records of select meetings are available on the and public hearings. Copies are free of charge toll-free in NJ: 1-800-792-8630. standing committee are to consider bills and Legislature’s web site (www.njleg.state.nj.us). from OLS or online. The Legislature’s web site Hearing Impaired: Dial 711 for NJ Relay