STUDY COMMISSIONS

The New Jersey Legislature creates a large number of special study commissions or committees. As many as 60 of these commissions may exist at one time. The value of their work varies considerably; some never meet whereas some are responsible for major changes in State policy. Members of the commissions are usually legislators appointed by the Assembly Speaker and the Senate President. Many also have citizen members of group representatives appointed by the Governor, the Speaker and the Senate President or a specified group. Some commissions are given funds for staff. More often the Director of the Division of Legislative Information and Research, or other division staff members, are appointed to serve on the commissions.