Bill would block potential conflicts of interest
Abill introduced by Assemblyman Declan O'Scanlon (R-12) would bar members of the state Legislature from entering into a contract with any public entity located within their legislative district.

The measure aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest for legislators who operate their own businesses, according to O'Scanlon.

"While having people with experience in running their own businesses is an asset to the Legislature, we must make sure that these officials are not using their legislative positions for personal gain and are not allowing the operation of their business to conflict with their legislative duties," said O'Scanlon, Little Silver. "This legislation will make the ground rules clear and will ensure that no legislator enters into contracts with any of the public entities in his or her legislative district."

O'Scanlon's bill, A-2585, supplements New Jersey's conflicts of interest law to prohibit members of the Legislature from entering into contracts to provide goods or services to, or perform any employment for, any municipal, county, or state public entity located within their legislative districts, according to a press release from O'Scanlon.

The prohibition would apply to any corporation or partnership controlled by the legislator, and to any business in which the member owns or controls more than one percent of the stock. Projects started, or contracts in effect before a legislator is sworn in can be completed, but no new for-profit contracts or projects may be undertaken.

"As someone who operates his own business, I understand the importance of avoiding these potential conflicts and have voluntarily imposed this standard on my own business activities," said O'Scanlon. "This bill would ensure that this standard is mandatory for all legislators."