ASSEMBLY COMMERCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 4244

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 14, 2020

      The Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 4244.

      This bill allows members of religious corporations to hold, either solely or in part, meetings by means of remote communication during a state of emergency.

      Pursuant to current law, meetings of members are required to be held at a physical location, with no provision for members to participate by alternative means during a state of emergency. Under this bill, remote communication of meetings will be permitted if a state of emergency is declared by the Governor. During the state of emergency, a meeting of members may be held by means of remote communication to the extent that the board of trustees authorize and adopt guidelines and procedures governing such a meeting.

      The bill will also provide that members are deemed present if participating in a meeting by means of remote communication, regardless of whether the meeting is held solely, or in part, by means of remote communication.

      In times of crisis, remote meetings can offer broader accessibility to members and increase member participation. It also provides religious corporations with the flexibility that they may need to respond to any challenges that may occur because of a state of emergency declaration.