New Jersey Supreme Court Upholds and Strictly Construes State Pay To Play Restrictions

The New Jersey Supreme Court today upheld the Appellate Division's decision in the Appeal by Earle Asphalt Co., holding that P.L. 2005, c. 51, restricting contributions by state contractors to county political organizations, gubernatorial candidates and state political party committees is constitutional. The Court also strictly construed the 30 day safe harbor for the return of contributions. This decision carries more significance as this restriction has recently been expanded to apply to Legislative Leadership and Municipal Party Committees pursuant to Governor Corzine's Executive Order No. 117.