New Jersey Legislative Process

The New Jersey State Legislature consists of two houses: the Senate and the General Assembly. Bills can be introduced by any member of either house. During the committee stage, a bill is assigned to a relevant committee for study, public hearings ensure public input, and transparency before decisions. If both houses pass a bill, it goes to the Governor, who can sign it, conditionally veto, absolute veto, or take no action (becoming law after 45 days). A veto can be overridden with a two-thirds vote. The legislative process typically takes two years. A "pocket veto" occurs when the Governor does not sign or veto a bill before the legislature adjourns. Citizens cannot propose bills but can influence local legislators and participate in public hearings.