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Bill

S 4338

Requires CRDA board membership to include at least three voting members who are Atlantic County residents.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Polistina

At least three of the six Governor-appointed CRDA board voting members must be Atlantic County residents after the bill’s effective date, strengthening local representation.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4338

Overview

This bill amends the composition rules for the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) governing board in New Jersey. Its main aim is to ensure that a minimum number of CRDA Governors' appointees are Atlantic County residents, reinforcing local representation for Atlantic City and the surrounding area.

Main purpose and intent

  • To require that at least three of the six Governor-appointed voting members of the CRDA Board of Directors be residents of Atlantic County.
  • To codify this residency requirement for appointments made after the bill’s effective date, while not forcing immediate replacement of current members whose terms extend beyond that date.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 5(a) establishes the CRDA and outlines its governance structure and voting composition, including:
    • Six Governor-appointed members with four-year terms (with a specific two-year/four-year distinction for initial appointments under a prior amendatory act).
    • Additional voting members appointed by the Governor on recommendations from the Senate President and the Speaker of the General Assembly.
    • Ex officio, voting members: the Mayor of Atlantic City; the Attorney General; the State Treasurer.
    • Two casino industry representatives who are voting members.
    • A Governor-appointed ex officio voting member from among the Commissioner of the Department of Commerce and Economic Development or the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs, or an additional voting member from the Casino Control Commission (if designated by the Governor).
    • Ensure no more than four of the Governor-appointed voting members (Paragraph 1) share the same political party.
    • Emphasizes consideration of high-quality, diverse experience with focus on banking, finance, investment, housing, and urban development in appointments.
  • Section 5(d) adds a residency requirement:
    • Beginning after the bill’s effective date, at least three of the six Governor-appointed voting members must be Atlantic County residents.
    • The requirement applies only to appointments made after the effective date and does not force replacement of currently serving members whose terms extend beyond that date.
  • Section 5(a)(7) outlines the two casino industry representatives and their term structure, plus restrictions on reappointment and avoidance of representing the same licensee as a predecessor.
  • Section 1 and related sections set forth appointment terms, eligibility, and the ability to fill vacancies for the unexpired term.
  • The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • The CRDA Board of Directors (specifically the six Governor-appointed voting members) will be subject to the new residency requirement.
  • Atlantic County residents and the general Atlantic City area may see increased local representation on the CRDA board.
  • The Governor, the Senate President, and the Speaker of the General Assembly are involved in the appointment process for several board seats.
  • Members serving on the CRDA board, including ex officio and industry representatives, may experience changes in residency composition over time as new appointments are made after the effective date.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: Immediate upon enactment.
  • Implementation timeline: The residency requirement activates for appointments to be made after the effective date; current members’ terms are not automatically altered or terminated to meet the new requirement.
  • Appointments and terms follow existing framework: four-year terms for most Governor-appointed positions, with a staggered initial term structure, and two-year counterparts for certain initial appointments.
  • Policy aims for eventual alignment of CRDA governance with Atlantic County’s local interests, subject to ongoing appointments.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Local impact: Greater Atlantic County representation may influence CRDA priorities and funding emphasis toward projects benefiting Atlantic City and surrounding communities.
  • Governance: The limit of no more than four same-party Governor appointments remains in place, preserving bipartisan balance.
  • Administrative: The residency requirement introduces a new criterion for future appointments, potentially affecting pool size and nomination considerations for the Governor.
  • Fiscal/operational: As CRDA oversees reinvestment, development, and urban projects, shifts in board composition could influence project selection, financing strategies, and oversight practices.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current statute to illustrate exactly where the changes occur or draft a one-page briefing for stakeholders.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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