Cohen Resigns, But His Bills Live On

NJBIZ, Aug 4, 2008 by Goldstein, Scott

After veteran Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D-Union) resigned last week, under allegations he had child pornography on his district office computer, there were endless questions about the charges and the investigation.

A little later, some wondered what would become of all the legislation he has sponsored. Cohen sponsored 342 bills this year, including legislation that would regulate fees charged by ATM operators (A-826), a bill designed to promote technology research centers around Newfersey's universities and hospitals (A-830) and one that would promote private-sector investment for stem cell research (A-3 131).

"He was one of the more prolific members in the Legislature," said Glenn Moore, director of central staff at the Legislature's nonpartisan Office of Legislative Services.

Cohen's bills won't necessarily die, Moore said. "They're still alive," he said. "The co-prime [sponsor] moves up to the first prime [sponsor]. There have been times when that co-prime has deferred to who-ever the successor is, especially if it is related to the district."

The Union County Democratic Party will nominate a successor for Cohen. The successor will serve until the November elections, the OLS said.

Cohen resigned July 28, less than a week after a staff member in his Union Township office allegedly found a computer printout of a nude girl that was traced back to Cohen's computer, according to media reports. The two Democratic lawmakers who share the office with Cohen-Sen. Raymond Lesniak and Assemblyman Joseph Cryan, both (D-Union)-then informed the OLS, which notified the Attorney General's Office. - Scott Goldstein