The legislative branch in New Jersey consists of two houses: the Senate and the General Assembly. It is the job of these legislators to enact laws by passing bills through both houses and obtaining approval by the governor. The legislature may also propose amendments to the New Jersey Constitution to be voted on by each house and appear on the ballot in November for public vote. The legislature typically meets every Monday and Thursday. During these sessions, bills are introduced and the president of the Senate or the speaker of the General Assembly refers the bill to a committee for review. Throughout the rest of the week, committee meetings and public hearings are held to consider the bill or report the bill with amendments. The bill is eventually read a second and third time before going through both house votes and governor approval before becoming law.
In the upcoming legislative sessions, there are designated days for voting sessions (see below). These voting sessions and any committee meetings are open to the public with no advance arrangements necessary to gain admission. If you are passionate about an issue, plan your visit to a voting session. Every house committee has a schedule for when their bills will be up for vote. Find the committee schedules here. While a member of the public is unable to contribute their opinion at this time, it’s still a great opportunity to see New Jersey legislation in action and stay up-to-date on the issues you’re passionate about.
UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS:
Monday, February 22, 2021
Assembly Group C and D Committees; Quorum
Tuesday, February 23, 2021
Senate Voting Session
Wednesday, February 24, 2021
Assembly, Committees at Call of the Speaker; Quorum
Monday, March 1, 2021
Assembly, Voting Session
Thursday, March 4, 2021
Senate Committees at Call of Senate President; Quorum
Monday, March 8, 2021
Assembly Group A and B Committees; Quorum
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Senate Committees at Call of Senate President; Quorum
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Senate Committees at Call of Senate President; Quorum
Monday, March 15, 2021
Assembly Group C and D Committees; Quorum
Wednesday, March 17, 2021
Assembly, Committees at Call of the Speaker; Quorum
Thursday, March 18, 2021
Senate Voting Session
Thursday, March 25, 2021
Assembly Voting Session