Lobbying Protocols

NJSBA Lobbying Protocols NJSBA lobbying is conducted in accordance with the following protocols. Sections and committees designate the level of importance of the bill to their members when submitting comments on the legislative position form. The Legislative committee designates bill priority, which may be approved by the Board of Trustees: Low Priority Legislation: The Legislative Department staff writes only to the sponsors of the bill. Our letter informs the legislators of the NJSBA’s position on the legislation. When completing a legislative position form, sections and committees need not designate a contact person. We will conduct no additional lobbying efforts unless a legislator requests further information or assistance from the NJSBA. Moderate Priority Legislation: The Legislative Department writes to the sponsors of the bill, to members of any legislative committee to which the bill as been referred for a hearing, to members of the Senate or Assembly when the bill is scheduled for a vote before either body, and to the Governor. In addition, any section or committee that has indicated its willingness to provide testimony or meet with legislators or the Governor’s Office will be notified as appropriate. Sections and committees may specify a contact person when completing the legislative position form. No testimony before legislative committees will be provided unless a section or committee designates a contact person available to provide such testimony, or unless a legislator has questions regarding the NJSBA’s position at a committee hearing, in which case, Legislative Department staff attorneys will respond to such requests. High Priority Legislation: The Legislative Department will use all of its lobbying resources to advance the NJSBA’s position on legislation designated with a high priority. The Legislative Department writes to the sponsors of the bill, to members of any legislative committees to which the bill has been referred for a hearing, to members of the Senate or Assembly when the bill is scheduled for a vote before either body, and to the Governor. The Legislative Department will prepare and coordinate NJSBA written and oral testimony before legislative committees, testify before legislative committees where appropriate if experts from NJSBA sections and committees are not available, and coordinate meetings with legislators, interest groups and the Governor’s Office to advance the NJSBA’s position. Sections and committees are encouraged to designate two contact persons who will be available to provide testimony and meet with legislators, interest groups and the Governor’s Office. The Legislative Department will also enlist support for the NJSBA’s position by building coalitions with other interest groups and making use of the NJSBA Key Contact Network and County Bar Legislative Chairs.