Proposed legislation would establish minimum age, residency, and legal experience requirements for the role.
Trenton, NJ – A new bill introduced in the New Jersey Legislature would establish formal qualifications for individuals appointed to serve as the state’s Attorney General, setting minimum standards for age, residency, citizenship, and legal experience.
This bill comes days after Democrats moved to make the New Jersey State Police fall under the governor’s office directly, further limiting the power of the Attorney General’s office and position.
The legislation, sponsored by State Sen. John J. Burzichelli of Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties, would amend state law governing the leadership of the Department of Law and Public Safety.
Key Points
• New Jersey bill would establish eligibility requirements for the state Attorney General
• Candidates would need at least 10 years as a licensed New Jersey attorney
• Proposed law also sets minimum age, citizenship, and residency requirements
Under the proposal, a person could not be appointed Attorney General unless they are at least 30 years old, have been a U.S. citizen for at least 20 years, and have lived in New Jersey for at least seven years immediately before appointment.
The bill allows exceptions to the residency requirement if the individual was temporarily outside the state while conducting official business for the United States or the State of New Jersey.
Legal experience requirement included
The legislation would also require the Attorney General to be an attorney licensed in New Jersey for at least 10 years and in good standing with the state bar.
Of those 10 years, at least seven must have been spent actively working in the legal field within New Jersey. Eligible experience would include practicing law, serving as a judge, or working as a professor of law.
The proposal would formally codify qualifications that currently are not explicitly detailed in statute.
Appointment process unchanged
The bill does not change the existing appointment process for the position. Under current law, the Attorney General is appointed by the governor and must be confirmed by the New Jersey Senate.
The Attorney General serves as the head of the Department of Law and Public Safety and oversees statewide law enforcement agencies and legal affairs for the state government.
If enacted, the legislation would take effect immediately.
Tags: new jersey politics, attorney general, new jersey legislature