Democrat Wants Limits on Christie Helicopter Use

The head of a legislative homeland security panel wants to bar New Jersey's governor from using state helicopters for transportation to personal and political events.

Democratic Assemblywoman Annette Quijano plans to introduce legislation Thursday that would restrict the governor's use of helicopters to official functions and emergencies. An identical bill was introduced by Republicans several years ago, before Republican Gov. Chris Christie came into office.

Quijano chaired a hearing Tuesday that examined Christie's use of the helicopters.

Helicopter use by Christie and his staff came under scrutiny after reports surfaced that he had used state police helicopters twice this spring to watch his son play high school baseball. He later reimbursed taxpayers for the trips.

The state's helicopter fleet is used mostly for emergencies and homeland security missions.