NJ S3179

Modifies Cannabis Regulatory Commission chair selection process so the chair is designated by a majority of total authorized members rather than by the Governor, and removes the chair's direct supervisory powers over other commission members.

Sets fixed annual salaries for commission members at $165,000 for the chair and $160,000 for other members (increased from previous caps of $141,000 and $125,000), and raises the executive director's salary cap to $175,000.

Permits commission members holding local elected office to campaign and fundraise for local elections, but prohibits cannabis business owners from donating to such campaigns and bars commission members seeking local office from accepting donations from cannabis business owners.

Allows commission members, the executive director, and supervisory employees to meet with any person to discuss pending applications or matters at commission premises or other designated locations, with meetings involving multiple members subject to open public meeting requirements.

Narrows post-employment and financial disclosure restrictions for cannabis regulatory activity compared to casino activity, removing commission members from certain conflict-of-interest provisions that apply to casino regulators.