Candidates for Public Office will be Subject to Bribery Laws Under the Bill
Assemblyman Paul Moriarty sponsors legislation to strengthen New Jersey’s public corruption laws. The legislation comes after several court rulings determined candidates for public office could not be convicted of bribery. The full Assembly on Thursday advanced the bill by a vote of 76-0.
The bill (A-2472) amends the definition of “public servant” laid out in existing law to include persons who have been elected to, but have yet to assume, public office and candidates whose activities are subject to regulatory oversight by the Election Law Enforcement Commission. Under the bill, these individuals could be convicted of bribery.
Upon Assembly approval of the measure, Assemblyman Moriarty (D-Camden, Gloucester) issued the following statement:
“Elected officials and candidates for office should be held to the same standards. This legislation will ensure no one is able to abuse public office for personal gain.
“By expanding the law concerning bribery, we can ensure elected officials and candidates alike who attempt to undermine our government’s integrity by accepting bribes will face consequences for their actions.”
Having received approval from the full Senate, 37-0, the bill now heads to the Governor.