New Jersey Senate Bill S895

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Deactivates certain committees, councils, panels, and task forces of advisory or temporary nature if entity does not meet or have quorum at least once every year.

Impact

The practical implications of S895 would lead to a formalized process for reviewing the operational status of various committees on an annual basis. The bill assigns the Secretary of State the responsibility to oversee and manage the status of these entities, which could result in the termination of those that have not convened within the stipulated time frame. This measure is designed to eliminate redundancy and promote efficiency within state governance, thereby reallocating resources to more active and impactful bodies.

Summary

Senate Bill 895 seeks to streamline state governance by establishing protocols for the deactivation of certain advisory and temporary committees, councils, panels, and task forces. The bill stipulates that if an entity does not meet or lack a quorum at least once every year, it shall be deemed inactive. This legislation aims to ensure that state bodies remain functional and relevant by mandating regular meetings and active participation from their members.

Conclusion

Overall, SB895 reflects an effort to modernize and streamline the operational processes of advisory committees in New Jersey. By imposing stricter criteria for activity and connectivity among state entities, the bill aims to enhance the functioning of government while ensuring accountability. However, the discussions surrounding its implementation will likely focus on balancing efficiency with the need for continuity in advisory roles.

Contention

While the bill presents a logical approach to managing state advisory committees, it may also face opposition. Critics might argue that the provision to deactivate committees could undermine essential advisory roles that need not meet frequently to remain effective. Detractors could contend that certain committees may have drawn-out processes or tasks requiring long-term engagement, and deactivating them due to inactivity within a year may be premature and detrimental to ongoing initiatives.