ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1262

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED: FEBRUARY 22, 1996

      The Assembly Appropriations Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1262.

      Assembly Bill No. 1262 increases the limit on spending imposed on a gubernatorial candidate in a primary election to $3,500,000 for the 1997 gubernatorial primary election. That limit in the 1993 gubernatorial primary election was $2,600,000 as a result of adjustments for inflation in campaign costs. The increase in the spending limit is intended to enhance competition in the primary election and to advance a level playing field among candidates.

      The bill also provides that this amount shall be the basis for calculating the next inflation adjustment to determine the limit for the primary elections thereafter.

      This legislation implements a May 18, 1994 recommendation of the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission.

FISCAL IMPACT:

      There are no additional State costs incurred pursuant to this bill, and the bill would have no impact on State revenues or expenditures.