A Senate committee today advanced a bill authored by Senate President Steve Sweeney (D-3) that would

require county governments to replace the title of “freeholder” with “commissioner,” abolishing an outdated designation rooted in racist attitudes and practices.

The bill, S-855, received the support of the Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee by a vote of 4-1.

“This is an outdated name that is rooted in the terminology and practices of bigotry that needs to be eliminated,” said Sweeney. “This may be long overdue, but it is never too late to right a wrong. As we work to bring justice and equality to all Americans we should recognize that symbolism matters and the titles we use for public offices have meaning.”

New Jersey is the last state in the country to continue to use the title of freeholder, a designation derived from an old English term that referred to “free land owners” at a time when only white men could own property – and that property could include slaves, Sweeney noted.

The legislation would require counties in New Jersey to change the title of “chosen freeholder” to “county commissioner” and “board of chosen freeholders” to “board of county commissioners.” It would also require counties to update their letterheads, stationery, websites and other writings within one year, but it would not have them replace signs or other writings if it would require the expenditure of county funds.

The following are statements of support for this legislation from current Freeholders in New Jersey:

“Gloucester County strongly supports and encourages the title change from ‘Freeholder’ to ‘Commissioner,’” said Gloucester County Freeholder Director Robert Damminger. “The name ‘freeholder’ in New Jersey is well past its expiration date. The history of this title is offensive and removing this type of language is an important step towards dismantling systematic racism in our country.”

“County Commissioner more appropriately aligns with and describes the work we do as leaders in Gloucester County,” said Gloucester County Freeholder Jim Jefferson. “We will embrace the new Office of Commissioner and once this becomes law, we will proudly serve all residents in our county with dignity and respect.”

“I applaud the effort of our Governor and State Legislature to immediately break ties with this obsolete terminology that was born out of exclusivity, misogyny, racism and privilege,” said Mercer County Freeholder Samuel T. Frisby Sr. “This shift in thinking shows many people are beginning to recognize that words have meaning and names have power. A name is not just a name, it tells people who you are, and Freeholders are not who we are nor how I want to be remembered. This is a good beginning, but there is much work to be done on our Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion journey.”