New Jersey Assembly Bill A4621

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/22/22
• Refer: 9/22/22
• Report Pass: 2/13/23
• Engrossed: 2/27/23
• Refer: 2/28/23
• Report Pass: 12/18/23
• Enrolled: 1/8/24
• Vetoed: 1/16/24

Caption

Requires issuance of report on certain information and data on processing of applications for professional and occupational licenses and mandates review of training and call intake in Division of Consumer Affairs.

Impact

The impact of A4621 on state laws is significant as it supplements Title 45 of the Revised Statutes, which governs professional and occupational licensing. By outlining a structured approach to data review and collection, the bill is intended to streamline the application process, making it more user-friendly for applicants. Furthermore, it initiates a review of training for new employees tasked with application processing, which may lead to better-trained staff capable of handling diverse applications more effectively. As a result, the bill could lead to an overall improvement in service delivery within the Division of Consumer Affairs.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4621 aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in the processing of applications for professional and occupational licenses in New Jersey. The bill mandates the Division of Consumer Affairs to collect specific data related to licensing applications and create a report for the Governor and the Legislature. This report will include information such as the number of outstanding applications, average processing times, and common reasons for incomplete applications. By requiring this data collection and reporting, the bill seeks to improve both the speed and accuracy of the licensing process, ultimately benefiting applicants and regulatory bodies alike.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding A4621 has been supportive, with proponents arguing that increased accountability in the licensing process aligns with public interest and regulatory efficiency. Many stakeholders, including professional organizations and consumer advocates, view the bill as a necessary step toward modernizing the state's approach to licensing procedures. However, there may be some reservations about the potential administrative burden on the Division of Consumer Affairs and whether the required data collection could slow down the very processes it aims to expedite.

Contention

Notable points of contention include concerns raised about the feasibility of the data collection requirements and the potential impact on the existing workload of the Division of Consumer Affairs staff. Some critics may argue that additional reporting could detract from processing applications, leading to delays in what the bill aims to improve. Moreover, discussions around outsourcing phone call intake to external businesses or associations could spark debate regarding the effectiveness of such measures and their implications for state employment and services.