Bill
Bill > S3077
NJ S3077
NJ S3077Prohibits New Jersey Legislature from solely altering conduct or outcome of any election; reaffirms separation of powers concerning elections.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would prohibit the New Jersey State Legislature from having the sole power to alter the conduct or outcome of any election in this State, and reaffirms the principle of the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government concerning elections. Under the New Jersey State Constitution and various provisions of Title 19 of the Revised Statutes, the conduct and outcome of any election conducted in this State involves prescribed roles for the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. For example, the Legislature may pass laws concerning elections to be signed by the Governor; the Division of Elections in the Department of State and local election officials have multiple roles in the proper administration of local, State, and federal elections; and courts in the judicial branch may adjudicate election-related matters, such as challenger disputes, challenges to certain election outcomes, and the constitutionality of legislative and congressional district maps. This bill prohibits the Legislature from having the sole power to prescribe the conduct or alter the outcome of any election conducted in this State. The bill further provides that all elections conducted in this State must be conducted in a manner consistent with the separation of powers among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government stipulated under the New Jersey Constitution. Under the bill, one branch would not be permitted to exercise any of the powers properly belonging to either of the others, except as expressly provided in the New Jersey Constitution.
AI Summary
This bill ensures that the New Jersey Legislature cannot unilaterally change how elections are run or their results, reinforcing the principle of separation of powers, which divides governmental authority among the legislative (lawmaking), executive (enforcing laws, headed by the Governor), and judicial (interpreting laws, including courts) branches as outlined in the New Jersey Constitution. This means that while the Legislature can pass election laws, these must be consistent with the roles of the other branches, such as the Governor signing them into law, election officials administering them, and courts resolving disputes or reviewing the constitutionality of election-related matters, preventing any single branch from overstepping its designated authority in election matters unless specifically allowed by the Constitution.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S3077 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S3500/3077_I1.HTM |
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