Pay-to-Play
Information
The items listed below provide information concerning the pay-to-play laws. The laws address political contributions made by business entities that are party to or are attempting to obtain contracts with New Jersey government entities. If you have any questions regarding pay-to-play, please contact the Commission's Compliance staff at (609) 292-8700 or Toll Free within New Jersey at 1-888-313-ELEC(3532).
- PowerPoint Presentation
Updated: February 2017
Summary
Prohibition on Business Entity Contributions (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.3 through 20.25):Contributions by for-profit business entities that have or are seeking New Jersey government contracts, a practice known as pay-to-play, are subject to restrictions. A contribution made prior to the award of a contract may disqualify a business entity from receiving a contract, and the business entity is prohibited from making certain contributions during the term of a contract. These pay-to-play restrictions apply to contracts at the state, legislative, county, and municipal levels of government. In general, regulation of these contributions is a matter of government procurement law.
- For State Pay-to-Play
- Department of the Treasury - For County and Local Pay-to-Play
- Department of Community Affairs
- Office of the Secretary of State
Disclosure of Certain Contributions by Business Entities (N.J.S.A. 19:44A-20.26, 20.27):
A for-profit business entity that has received $50,000 or more through government contracts in a calendar year must file the Business Entity Annual Statement (Form BE) electronically with the Commission to report contract information and reportable contributions it has made. The due date for the annual disclosure report is March 30th for disclosure of information for the prior calendar year. To access the Form BE, please go to the Form and Instructions page.