What Makes the SCI Unique?

The framers of the SCI's enabling statute in 1968 felt it was vital for this expert independent agency to function at arm's length from the routine partisan and bureaucratic fray of state government.

To eliminate even the appearance of political influence in the SCI's operations, no more than two of the Commission's four members may be of the same political party. They derive from three separate appointing authorities (the Governor, Senate President and Assembly Speaker), and serve staggered four-year terms. Further, members and staff of the SCI are prohibited from participating in non-federal political activity in New Jersey .

The significant fact that the SCI is funded through the Legislature and is not tethered to the Executive branch is central to the construct that provides the SCI with the integrity and the independent stature necessary to perform its job in a credible fashion. In addition, the Commission also makes recommendations for systemic regulatory reforms.