Establishes bribery in official and political matters applies to person soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to accept benefit as consideration to act even though not yet in office or otherwise qualified to act.

S 2138 amends New Jersey's bribery statute (N.J.S.2C:27-2) to explicitly include candidates for public office and individuals elected but not yet in office as covered under bribery laws. It makes it illegal to offer, accept, or agree to accept a benefit as consideration for influencing a decision, vote, or official action - even if the recipient was not yet qualified to act (e.g., not yet in office). The law clarifies that the recipient's lack of qualification cannot be used as a defense in prosecution, and bribery is classified as a second-degree crime (or third-degree for benefits under $200). This change ensures attempts to influence candidates or newly elected officials before they assume office are prosecuted as criminal acts, while excluding lawful campaign activities like soliciting contributions under state law.