With the 2024-2025 legislative session officially underway, now is the perfect time to get to know the new faces shaping the statehouse landscape and bid a heartfelt farewell to those leaving Trenton.

Join us in expressing gratitude to the individuals who have made their mark during their time in the State House:

• Ed Durr (R-3), Senate, 2022-2024
• Bethanne McCarthy Patrick (R-3), Assembly, 2022-2024
• Beth Sawyer (R-3), Assembly, 2022-2024
• Gabby Mosquera (D-4), Assembly, 2012-2024
• Fred Madden (D-4), Senate, 2004-2024
• Jean Stanfield (R-8), Assembly, 2020-2022; Senate, 2022-2024
• Brandon Umba (R-8), Assembly, 2022-2024
• DiAnne Gove (R-9), Assembly, 2009-2024
• Christopher Connors (R-9), Assembly, 1990-2008; Senate, 2008-2024
• John Catalano (R-10), Assembly, 2020-2024
• Marilyn Piperno (R-11), Assembly, 2022-2024
• Kim Eulner (R-11), Assembly, 2022-2024
• Sam Thompson (D-12), Assembly, 1998-2012; Senate, 2012-2024
• Dan Benson (D-14), Assembly, 2011-2024
• Sadaf Jaffer (D-16), Assembly, 2022-2024
• Joseph Egan (D-17) Assembly, 2002-2024
• Hal Wirths (R-24), Assembly, 2018-2024
• Steve Oroho (R-24), Senate, 2008-2024
• Thomas Giblin (D-27), Assembly, 2006-2024
• Richard Codey (D-27), Assembly, 1974-1982; Senate, 1982-2024; Governor, 2004-2006
• Nia Gill (D-27), Assembly, 1994-2002; Senate, 2002-2024
• Mila Jasey (D-28), Assembly, 2007-2024
• Ned Thomson (D-30), Assembly, 2017-2024
• Sandra Cunningham (D-31), Senate, 2008-2024
• Annette Chaparro (D-32) Assembly, 2016-2024
• Nicholas Sacco (D-33), Senate, 1994-2024
• Angelica Jimenez (D-33), Assembly, 2012-2024
• Pedro Mejia (D-33), Assembly, 2018-2024
• Jackie Yustein (D-34), Assembly, 2023-2024
• DeAnne DeFuccio (R-39), Assembly, 2021-2024
• Kevin Rooney (R-40), Assembly, 2017-2024

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Now, let’s meet the fresh voices in the Legislature

John Burzichelli (D-3), Assembly, 2002-2022; Elected Senate, 2023

John J. Burzichelli is an American Democratic Party politician hailing from Paulsboro, New Jersey. He officially assumed office as a New Jersey Senator on January 9, 2024. With a rich history in the General Assembly, Burzichelli previously served as Chair of the Assembly Appropriations Committee for a decade. In 2021, Burzichelli, along with Democratic Senate President Sweeney, was unseated by Durr. Before securing a seat in the state Senate, Burzichelli served in the New Jersey General Assembly, representing the 3rd District from 2002 to 2022. During his sixteen-year tenure in the Assembly, he held the significant role of Deputy Speaker. Professionally, Burzichelli is the proprietor, producer, and distributor at Hill Studio and Scenic.

Committee Assignments

• Budget and Appropriations
• Legislative Oversight
• Transportation

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Heather Simmons (D-3), Elected Assembly, 2023

Heather Simmons resides in Gloucester County, New Jersey. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and politics from Saint Joseph’s University in 1991, followed by the completion of her M.A. at Rowan University in 1996. With a diverse professional background, Simmons has contributed significantly to Rowan University, serving in various roles such as director of university business outreach, director of strategic projects, and assistant vice president of strategic initiatives. In addition to her university endeavors, Simmons assumed the role of County Commissioner in Gloucester County, serving from 2011-2023.

Committee Assignments:

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Higher Education
• Science, Innovation and Technology

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Dave Bailey, Jr. (D-3), Elected Assembly, 2023

Dave Bailey Jr. is a resident of Woodstown, New Jersey. He holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Eastern University. Throughout his career, Bailey has served as the CEO of the nonprofit organization Ranch Hope, Inc. His professional journey has been dedicated to advocating for public policies and securing funding to support children, youth, and families, contributing his efforts at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Committee Assignments:

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Higher Education
• Science, Innovation and Technology

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Dan Hutchinson (D-4), Elected Assembly, 2023

Dan Hutchison, a Gloucester Township resident with a J.D. from Widener University Law School, has served as an attorney and been a five-term Gloucester Township Councilman. Committed to fiscal responsibility, he prioritizes public safety, youth investment, open space preservation, and sustainability.

Committee Assignments

• Financial Institutions and Insurance
• Judiciary
• Regulated Professions

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Cody Miller (D-4), Elected Assembly, 2023

A Monroe Township resident in Gloucester County, New Jersey, Miller graduated from Gloucester County College (now Rowan College of South Jersey) and Rutgers University-Camden. He currently serves as the director of foundation and alumni relations at Rowan College of South Jersey. Notably, Miller played a key role in discontinuing health insurance benefits for part-time council members in Monroe Township, citing the unfairness of taxpayers covering generous benefits for certain part-time workers. His career also includes a tenure as a Board Member on the Monroe Township Board of Education from 2021 to 2023.

Committee Assignments

• Higher Education
• Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations
• Science, Innovation and Technology

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Latham Tiver (R-8) Elected Senate, 2023

Latham Tiver, a Vincentown resident born in Tabernacle, New Jersey, is a Shawnee High School graduate with a career centered around IUOE Local 825. Having served as a Southampton Township Committeeman and Burlington County Commissioner, Tiver successfully reduced county property taxes while prioritizing initiatives like farmland preservation, 911 communications upgrades, and enhanced school security. Currently, as a business representative for the Operating Engineers Local 825, Tiver concentrates on infrastructure improvements to stimulate job creation and economic growth.

Committee Assignments

• Environment and Energy
• Military and Veterans’ Affairs
• Transportation

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Andrea Katz (D-8), Elected Assembly, 2023

Andrea Katz, residing in Chesterfield Township, New Jersey, has a professional background as the communications director of the Fair Funding Action Committee. Prior to this role, Katz contributed her expertise as a member of the Chesterfield Township school board. Her election victory not only reflects her individual achievement but also contributes to increasing female representation in the State Legislature.

Committee Assignments

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste
• Transportation and Independent Authorities

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Carmen Amato (R-9), Elected Senate, 2023

Senator Carmen F. Amato, Jr. began his political career in 1993 on the Berkeley Township Board of Education, later being elected to the Central Regional Board of Education in 2000. After serving on the Berkeley Township Council from 2005 and becoming Mayor in 2011, he secured reelection in 2015 and 2019. As Mayor, Amato focused on stabilizing property taxes and spearheaded the Township’s recovery efforts after Superstorm Sandy. He worked on preserving open space, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting public safety initiatives. Dedicated to community involvement, Amato has been part of various civic organizations and political activities, showcasing his commitment to Bayville, where he has been a resident for 53 years. A Central Regional High School graduate, he also attended Ocean County College.

Committee Assignments

• Budget and Appropriations
• Community and Urban Affairs
• Higher Education

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Greg Myhre (R-9), Elected Assembly, 2023

Gregory Myhre, residing in Ocean Acres, New Jersey, holds a B.S. in geography from the University of Maryland. His career encompasses roles as a licensed realtor, small business owner, and operations manager. The former Mayor of Stafford Township, Myhre also serves as the business administrator for Plumsted Township and works as an operations manager for a computer network integration firm. His civic contributions include prior service as mayor, participation in the township planning board, the Ocean County Natural Lands Trust Fund Advisory Committee, Pinelands Municipal Council, and the New Jersey League of Municipalities Resolution Committee. Additionally, he earned a graduate certificate in geospatial intelligence from Pennsylvania State University.

Committee Assignments:

• Appropriations
• Financial Institutions and Insurance

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Paul Kanitra (R-10), Elected Assembly, 2023

Paul Kanitra, a 2001 political science graduate from Texas Christian University, has had a diverse career in government affairs. As president of Lobbyit.com, he worked in government relations for CARFAX, Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, and Associated Locksmiths of America. Having served as Point Pleasant Beach’s mayor from 2020 to 2023, and previously as a Councilman, Kanitra has actively contributed to the New Jersey Conference of Mayors and has received awards, including Distinguished Citizen of the Year in 2021 and recognition in Insider NJ’s Top 100 Millennials in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Committee Assignments

• Children, Families and Food Security
• Public Safety and Preparedness
• Telecommunications and Utilities

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Margie Donlon (D-11), Elected Assembly, 2023

Dr. Margie Donlon, a resident of Ocean Township, New Jersey, holds a bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College, a master’s degree in public health from Yale University, and an M.D. from the University of Rochester. With a career as a physician, she has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Ocean Township. Her priorities include ensuring the safety of Monmouth County families, fostering affordability for families to settle, raise children, and retire in the county, and safeguarding healthcare freedom.

Committee Assignments

• Health
• Tourism, Gaming and the Arts

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Luanne Peterpaul (D-11), Elected Assembly, 2023

In a historic victory, retired Judge Luanne Peterpaul, Esq., has become the first openly-LGBTQ woman elected to New Jersey’s Legislature. Peterpaul holds a bachelor’s degree from Duquesne University and earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law. Her professional background involves practicing law with Peterpaul Law, LLP and she has also served as a county prosecutor.

Committee Assignments

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Aging and Human Services

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Owen Henry (R-12), Elected Senate, 2023

Owen Henry, a Trenton State College graduate, served as mayor of Old Bridge Township, New Jersey. In 1996, he founded Owen Henry Contracting, specializing in industrial construction and maintenance for the utility industry in the state. Born in Mobile, Alabama, he achieved the rank of Specialist Third Class during his U.S. Army service from 1955 to 1957. Additionally, Henry volunteered on the Old Bridge Township Board of Education and Planning Board. The senator earned a B.S. from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. from Louisiana State University. He worked in research, served at the New Jersey Department of Health from 1972 to 1994, and co-chaired the Governor’s Education Task Force in 1994.

Committee Assignments

• Education
• Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens
• Law and Public Safety

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Tennille McCoy (D-14), Elected Assembly, 2023

Tennille McCoy, a Virginia State University graduate in public administration, obtained her master’s in management and employee relations from Rutgers University and earned an M.B.A. from a collaborative program involving the London School of Economics, New York University Stern School of Business, and HEC Paris. With a diverse career, she has worked as a realtor and held various human resources roles, including assistant commissioner of human capital strategies at the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, human resources director at UBS, and HR director at Aramark. Additionally, McCoy is the founder of the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective.

Committee Assignments

• Appropriations
• State and Local Government
• Telecommunications and Utilities

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Mitchelle Drulis (D-16), Elected Assembly, 2023

Mitchelle Drulis, an experienced figure in New Jersey politics, started her career as a legislative aide and later served as Chief of Staff to Assemblyman Joe Egan. In the 2018 midterms, she played a crucial role in Tom Malinowski’s campaign, securing key endorsements and contributing to flipping the Congressional District (NJ07) to Democratic control. After Malinowski’s election, she served as district director, managing a constituent services program and securing federal funding for local projects. Outside of politics, Drulis owns a small business, volunteers in school organizations, and is active in her local church. A Rutgers University alumna, she resides in Raritan Township with her husband and daughter.

Committee Assignments

• Labor
• Public Safety and Preparedness
• State and Local Government

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Kevin Egan (D-17), Elected Assembly, 2023

Kevin Egan, a New Brunswick native, earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and currently resides in the city. He embarked on his public service journey by joining the New Brunswick City Council in 2011, assuming the role of vice president during his tenure. In his professional career, Kevin has contributed his expertise to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 456.

Committee Assignments

• Consumer Affairs
• Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations

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Dawn Fantasia (R-24), Elected Assembly, 2023

Dawn Fantasia, a long-time resident of Franklin Borough and Sussex County, is a single parent of three children. She holds a Wallkill Valley Regional High School diploma, earned her undergraduate degree at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia, and pursued further studies with Rutgers Center for Effective School Practices. Recently, she obtained an MS in Educational Leadership from Capella University, receiving the national Project Working Mom scholarship. Dawn has been actively involved in Franklin Borough since 2014, contributing to the Planning Board, Zoning Board, and Economic Development Committee. With three years on the Franklin Borough Council, she has served on various subcommittees, including finance, personnel, public safety, and buildings and grounds. Her commitment extends to issues affecting seniors and veterans, stemming from her prior involvement with Meals on Wheels and the military service of her father and grandfathers.

Committee Assignments

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Education
• Aging and Human Services

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Mike Inganamort (R-24), Elected Assembly, 2023

Mike Inganamort, the former mayor of Chester Township, previously held a position on the Township Council, where he served for several years, including a three-year term as Council President. During his council tenure, he co-founded a working group among western Morris County municipalities, fostering new shared service agreements aimed at reducing costs. Beginning his political involvement at 18, Mike served on the Sussex County Republican Committee and later coordinated municipal campaigns. He worked as a longtime aide to Congressman Scott Garrett, managing the Garrett campaign for five years. Currently, he holds the position of Chester Township Republican Municipal Chairman. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from American University, a master’s degree in American Government from Georgetown University, and is recognized as a member of the American Enterprise Institute’s Leadership Network, earning a spot on NJBIZ’s Forty Under 40 List.

Committee Assignments

• Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste
• Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations
• Transportation and Independent Authorities

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Rosy Bagolie (D-27), Elected Assembly, 2023

Rosy Bagolie, originally from the Dominican Republic and now a resident of Livingston, New Jersey, holds a B.A. in social and behavioral sciences, an M.A. in elementary education, a D.Ed. in educational leadership, management, and policy, and a master’s in education as a learning disabilities teacher-consultant. Her professional journey includes serving as the superintendent of schools for the East Newark School District. In addition to her educational role, Bagolie was elected to the Livingston Township Council in November 2022.

Committee Assignments

• Education
• Financial Institutions and Insurance

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Alixon Collazos-Gill (D-27), Elected Assembly, 2023

Alixon Collazos-Gill, a Colombian-born resident of Montclair, New Jersey, is the founder of The BGill Group’s Strategic Communications Division, bringing over 15 years of expertise in political consulting, government affairs, and public relations. Renowned for her Spanish-language media and political consulting, she played a crucial role in New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy’s 2017 campaign as the Director of Latino Outreach. Alixon actively contributes to various boards and is an alumna of EmergeNJ, training Democratic women for public office. Leading The BGill Group’s Cannabis Industry division, she navigates clients through New Jersey’s evolving regulatory landscape. With a degree in sociology and Latin American Literature from Rutgers University, Alixon is a sought-after expert in political communication and cannabis laws.

Committee Assignments

• Children, Families and Food Security
• Environment, Natural Resources and Solid Waste
• Regulated Professions

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Garnet Hall (D-28), Elected Assembly, 2023

Garnett Hall has a diverse career background, serving as the Essex County Deputy Clerk, a legal administrator for CoffyLaw LLC, and a business development manager/co-owner of Tri State Group, LLC, among other roles. A Maplewood resident for 35 years, she currently holds the position of Deputy Essex County Clerk after a decades-long career in executive corporate sales. Additionally, Garnett is the Vice-Chair of the Maplewood Democratic Committee for the past ten years and has been a long-time Maplewood District Leader.

Committee Assignments

• Consumer Affairs
• Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste
• Labor

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Avi Schnall (D-30), Elected Assembly, 2023

Avi Schnall holds a bachelor’s degree from Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia and a master’s degree from Beth Medrash Govoha. With a career spanning various roles, he has served as the national director of ChillZone at Oorah Inc and as the director of Agudath Israel of America’s New Jersey office. Over the past decade, his work with Agudath has involved advocating in Trenton, primarily focusing on school funding, safety, and transportation issues. Originally from Brooklyn, Schnall moved to Lakewood to pursue studies at the Beth Medrash Govoha yeshiva.

Committee Assignments

• Education
• State and Local Government

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Barbara McCann Stamato (D-31), Elected Assembly, 2023

Born and raised in Jersey City, Barbara McCann Stamato has an extensive career spanning healthcare, government (as a Council Aide), and politics. Currently serving as Vice Chair of the Hudson County Democratic Organization and Chairwoman of the Jersey City Democratic Committee, Barbara has held past roles as a legislative aide and serves on various committees and boards, including the Hackensack Meadowlands Municipal Committee, Hudson County Schools of Technology board of trustees, and the Madeline Fiadini LoRe Foundation for Cancer Prevention.

Committee Assignments

• Community Development and Women’s Affairs
• Transportation and Independent Authorities

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Jessica Ramirez (D-32), Elected Assembly, 2023

Jessica Ramirez, born in Puerto Rico, is a partner at D’Arcy Johnson Day. In addition to her legal career, she has served on the state Ethics Committee and as an Eminent Domain Commissioner. Ramirez earned her J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Committee Assignments

• Community Development and Women’s Affairs
• Military and Veterans’ Affairs

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John Allen (D-32), Elected Assembly, 2023

John Allen holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Rutgers Law School. His professional background includes working as an attorney at Schenck, Price, Smith & King, LLP, serving as the Chief of Staff for the City of Hoboken, and working as a judicial law clerk for the Superior Court of New Jersey.

Committee Assignments

• Financial Institutions and Insurance
• Housing
• Tourism, Gaming and the Arts

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Julio Marenco (D-33), Elected Assembly, 2023

Julio Marenco, a Union City native and U.S. Navy veteran, holds a bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and a J.D. from Seton Hall University. His career encompasses roles such as the commissioner of revenue and finance for the Township of North Bergen and the assistant director of the New Jersey Department of Corrections. Marenco has also served on the board of education, including as president, and was later elected as a commissioner for North Bergen.

Committee Assignments

• Public Safety and Preparedness
• Science, Innovation and Technology
• Telecommunications and Utilities

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Gabriel Rodriguez (D-33), Elected Assembly, 2023

Gabriel Rodriguez holds a B.A. in psychology from New Jersey City University and an executive M.B.A. from the New Jersey Institute of Technology. His career includes serving as a campaign manager and field representative for Albio Sires, as well as working as an accounting manager for the West New York Board of Education. Rodriguez was elected mayor of West New York in 2019, following four years of service as a town commissioner.

Committee Assignments

• Budget
• Public Safety and Preparedness

Carmen Morales (D-34), Elected Assembly, 2023

Carmen Morales holds a B.A. in speech communications from Montclair State University, an M.A.S. in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, and an Ed.S. in education leadership, management, and policy from Seton Hall University. Her career includes roles such as a preschool teacher and education coordinator at the North Ward Center, as well as serving as vice principal and principal at the Essex County Schools of Technology.

Committee Assignments

• Commerce, Economic Development and Agriculture
• Education

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Michael Venezia (D-34), Elected Assembly, 2023

Michael Venezia, a Monmouth University graduate with a B.A. in political science and government in and an M.P.A. from Fairleigh Dickinson University, has worked as the director of human resources at Essex County Schools of Technology. Additionally, he served as a councilman-at-large before being elected mayor of the Township of Bloomfield.

Committee Assignments

• Budget
• Judiciary

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John Azzariti (R-39), Elected Assembly, 2023

Dr. John Azzariti, a lifelong Bergen County resident living in Saddle River with his wife and son, holds a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and economics from Case Western Reserve University and earned his M.D. from UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. Specializing in anesthesiology, he completed his residency at New York University Medical Center and has practiced at The Valley Hospital since 1996, currently serving as Associate Director, Department of Anesthesiology. Apart from his hospital roles, Dr. Azzariti is actively involved in various medical associations, including serving as Alternate Director and Delegate to the House of Delegates of the American Society of Anesthesiologists and as a Past President of the New Jersey State Society of Anesthesiologists. Locally, he has contributed to Saddle River’s Board of Health and Zoning Board of Adjustment, along with recent service on the Borough Council.

Committee Assignments

• Health
• Aging and Human Services

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Al Barlas (R-40), Elected Assembly, 2023

Al Barlas, with 15 years of experience as a political and legislative strategist, began his career as Legislative Director for Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and later served as Chief of Staff to State Senator Kevin O’Toole. He continued in the Chief of Staff role for Senator-Elect Kristin Corrado after Senator O’Toole’s retirement. Barlas’ involvement in New Jersey Republican politics includes leading campaigns, chairing the Essex County Young Republicans, and heading the New Jersey Young Republican Federation. Currently, he serves as Chairman of the Essex County Republican Committee. Al resides in Cedar Grove with his wife and children and has been recognized on the NJ Globe Political Power List for multiple years.

Committee Assignments

• Budget
• Community Development and Women’s Affairs
• Labor

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New Jersey Legislature Committees and Membership 2024-2025 Legislative Session

Senate Committees

Assembly Committees

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