New Jersey Passes Bill Forcing Presidential Candidates To Release Tax Returns
New Jersey lawmakers this week passed legislation that would force any presidential and vice-presidential candidates to disclose their federal tax returns in order to appear on the state's ballots starting in 2020, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday.
The bill was approved in the Democratic-controlled state legislature along party lines and awaits a signature from Gov. Chris Christie, an ally of President Trump. Christie's office has not yet made an official statement on the legislation.
The bill was inspired by Trump, who refused to release his tax returns on the campaign trail and since entering office, breaking with years of election tradition.
If the bill is enacted, Electoral College voters wouldn't be able to cast a vote for any candidate who didn't disclose their tax returns.
State legislators across the country have started debating new measures that would require candidates running for president to publicly disclose their tax returns to qualify for the ballot.
New Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon and California are pursuing similar bills.