NJ S3179

Changes how the Cannabis Regulatory Commission chair is selected, requiring designation by a majority of total authorized members rather than by the Governor, and removes the chair's direct supervisory powers over other commission members.

Increases salaries for commission members: chair salary set at $165,000 (up from $141,000 cap), other members at $160,000 (up from $125,000 cap), and executive director salary cap raised to $175,000 (up from $141,000).

Allows commission members to hold local elected office and campaign for such positions if approved by the State Ethics Commission and Local Finance Board, but prohibits accepting campaign donations from anyone with ownership interest in a cannabis business.

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

Removes Cannabis Regulatory Commission members from the list of officials prohibited from having interests in cannabis businesses under the conflicts of interest law (C.52:13D-17.2), while maintaining restrictions for other state officers with cannabis-related responsibilities.