New Jersey Assembly Bill A2118

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires public bodies to publish detailed agenda prior to public meeting.

Impact

The enactment of A2118 is expected to significantly influence how public bodies perform their functions, particularly in relation to public notices for meetings. The bill stipulates that a minimum of 48 hours' notice must be given prior to meetings, which must detail the time, date, location, and agenda of the meeting. This change seeks to prevent last-minute meetings that could deprive citizens of the chance to participate or comment. Organizations including citizen advocacy groups may find this bill beneficial, as it aligns with the call for greater public accountability in government.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2118 mandates that all public bodies in the State of New Jersey must provide a detailed and thorough agenda prior to holding a public meeting. This requirement is aimed at enhancing transparency in governmental procedures and ensuring that the public has adequate notice of what will be discussed. The bill outlines specific definitions, including what constitutes a 'public body' and an 'agenda', which must include all items of public business scheduled for discussion. The intention behind this bill is to allow citizens greater insight and participation in government operations.

Contention

Although the bill primarily focuses on increasing transparency, there may be opposition surrounding the administrative burden it places on public bodies. Some members might express concern about the implications of strict agenda requirements on the ability of governmental bodies to act quickly in urgent situations. The provision allowing public bodies to hold meetings without notice under certain conditions could lead to discussions about the balance between responsiveness and accountability in a democratic system. Thus, while the bill promotes transparency, it introduces a dialogue about the efficiency of government operations.