Who Makes Laws in New Jersey? The Legislature Explained

Lawmaking authority in New Jersey rests with the New Jersey Legislature—a bicameral body meeting in the State House in Trenton.

Structure

Legislative Process

1. Bill introduced in either chamber (revenue bills must start in Assembly).
2. Committee referral → hearings → amendments → vote.
3. Passage in both houses (identical text).
4. Governor action: sign, veto (override = 2/3 each house), conditional veto, pocket veto (session end).
5. Becomes law (statute) or act.

Key Powers

• Enact statutes (education, health, transport, environment, criminal law, taxes).
• Override gubernatorial veto (2/3).
• Propose constitutional amendments (3/5 each house → ballot).
• Confirm gubernatorial appointments (Senate).
• Impeachment (Assembly) / trial (Senate).
• Budget: Annual Appropriations Act (must balance).

Elections & Schedule

• Elections every odd year (gubernatorial years: Senate 4-yr; midterm: Assembly 2-yr).
• Sessions: Two-year legislative term; typically Mon/Thu sessions, Jan–Jun/Dec.
• Public access: Gallery seating, live streaming, njleg.state.nj.us for bills, statutes, hearings.

Districts & Representation

40 districts of ~230,000 residents each, redrawn post-census by bipartisan Apportionment Commission. Each district elects 1 Senator + 2 Assemblymembers—ticket voting common.