summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, each judge of a municipal court serves for a term of three years from the date of appointment and until a successor is appointed and qualified. In municipalities governed by a mayor-council form of government, the municipal court judge is appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.The judge of a joint municipal court is nominated and appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. In all other municipalities, the municipal judge is appointed by the governing body of the municipality. In a county that has established a central municipal court, the judge of the central municipal court is nominated and appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. This bill embodies Recommendation No. 32 of the Report of the Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Operations, Fines, and Fees, issued June 2018. According to the report, a longer term of appointment would result in a more experienced bench, provide further stability to the leadership of a municipal court, and represent a shared commitment from all branches of government to provide additional protection to judicial integrity and independence.
AI Summary
This bill, embodying a recommendation from the Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Operations, Fines, and Fees, proposes to increase the term of office for municipal court judges from three years to five years, aiming to foster a more experienced judiciary, enhance court leadership stability, and strengthen judicial integrity and independence. The bill specifies that this change applies to appointments made on or after its effective date, and it outlines the existing appointment processes for municipal court judges, which vary depending on the form of municipal government or whether a joint or central municipal court has been established, involving appointments by mayors with council consent, the Governor with Senate consent, or by the municipality's governing body.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Judiciary Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1653 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2000/1653_I1.HTM |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S2000/1653_I1.HTM |
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