(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Sheila Y. Oliver on Monday announced she will appoint Assemblyman Peter J. Barnes III as chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
Barnes will replace Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein, who recently won election to the Senate.
“Assemblyman Barnes is among the most passionate and dedicated members of the Assembly Democratic caucus. He brings a thoughtful and nuanced approach to each and every issue and is not afraid to take a stand on the tough ones,” said Oliver (D-Essex/Passaic). “I know he will apply that passion and dedication to his new role as chairman of the Assembly Judiciary Committee.”
Barnes has served in the Assembly since 2007, representing the 18th Legislative District in Middlesex County. A lawyer, he was the Assembly Judiciary Committee vice chairman during the last legislative session.
“I am honored and I thank Speaker Oliver for showing faith in my ability to lead this important committee,” said Barnes (D-Middlesex). “There are few greater responsibilities we have as legislators than to protect the rights of New Jerseyans, ensure the integrity of our judicial process and maintain a healthy system of checks and balances. I look forward to working to uphold these hallmarks of our democracy in this new role.”
Barnes served on the Edison Township Council from 1996 to 2007, and on the Township’s Planning Board from 2001 to 2003.
He graduated in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College in Political Science, received a master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University in 1980 and received his law degree from the Widener University School of Law in 1985.
The Assembly Judiciary Committee oversees legislation dealing with civil justice, civil rights, court administration, crime and punishment, juvenile justice, criminal justice and the overall judicial system.
