NJ A4115

Creates an 11-member State Seal Task Force to review New Jersey's State seal, adopted in 1777, and determine whether it should be redesigned to better reflect the modern state.

Task force membership includes the Secretary of State, Commissioner of Community Affairs, representatives from the Historical Commission and Division of Travel and Tourism, one legislator each from the Senate and Assembly, and five public members appointed by the Governor.

At least two of the Governor's five public appointees must be high school students, with those under 18 requiring parental permission and accompaniment at all meetings.

The task force must hold at least three public hearings and analyze the seal's history, assess its inclusiveness, compare the state's population and industry at the seal's creation versus today, and weigh advantages and disadvantages of changes.

The task force must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature within 18 months of its organizational meeting, after which it will expire.