New Jersey Assembly Bill A1521

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires independent State authority member to disclose contractual relationship between authority and authority member's relatives.

Impact

The bill directly impacts state laws related to ethics and the operations of independent authorities by instituting clearer reporting requirements. Members who fail to disclose their relatives' contractual relationships with the authority face serious penalties, which include potential removal from office and fines ranging between $5,000 to $10,000 for violations. This introduces a significant change in how ethical standards are enforced within these authorities and may set a precedent for similar legislation in the future.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1521 aims to enhance transparency and accountability for members of independent State authorities in New Jersey by requiring them to disclose any contractual relationships involving their relatives. Introduced by Assemblyman Paul D. Moriarty, the bill mandates that members report these relationships to the State Ethics Commission within thirty days of their appointment or the creation of such a contract. If enacted, this legislation will ensure that any potential conflicts of interest related to familial ties are reported and managed accordingly, bolstering public trust in State authorities.

Contention

While the bill predominantly aims to improve ethics and transparency, its enforcement measures have raised concerns among some legislators regarding the potential harshness of the penalties. Critics argue that the bill could unintentionally lead to excessive punitive actions against members, particularly if the distinction between knowing and unknowing violations is not made clear. However, supporters believe that stringent measures are essential to deter conflicts of interest and ensure compliance with ethical standards.