Bill Would Allow Christie To Profit From Book Deal Before Leaving Office

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie could profit from a book deal before he leaves office while legislative staff and judges' salaries would rise under legislation moving through the state Assembly and Senate.

Bipartisan backers of say the changes said they are necessary and have long been in the works, but critics said it is all "unseemly."

The legislation was introduced on Monday and is on a fast track toward the governor's desk. Committee hearings are planned for Thursday.

The bill changes New Jersey law that prohibits the governor from drawing any income beyond his $175,000 per year salary.

The legislation also includes an increase of $30,000 to $140,000 in appropriations for each of the state's 120 lawmakers to spend on staff.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)