(AP) - If the New Jersey legislature passes a measure that allows state employees to be paid for time they missed during the government shutdown, Gov. Chris Christie intends to sign it.

A Christie spokesman announced his plans Wednesday while reiterating that the Republican governor can't take such action on his own.

Democratic state Senate President Steve Sweeney has said that chamber will soon meet to act on such legislation.

The bill says state employees involuntarily furloughed under Christie's executive order shall receive their salaries or wage payments for the period of the government shutdown, which lasted from July 1-3.

Senators say the funding is already in the state budget so the legislation won't cost any additional money.

Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto says that chamber plans to enact similar legislation, but a voting session has not been scheduled.