New Jersey Assembly Bill A2287

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Establishes pilot project to install global positioning system (GPS) devices on certain State vehicles.

Impact

The bill mandates that the State Treasurer is responsible for determining various aspects of the project, including its scope, the selection of departments involved, and the specific GPS technology to be utilized. Additionally, it requires that a comprehensive report be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature within 120 days of the project's conclusion. This report will detail the outcomes of the pilot program, suggesting whether the initiative should be expanded or made permanent, thus impacting laws concerning the governance of state resources and potential employee surveillance practices.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2287 establishes a pilot project aimed at the installation of global positioning system (GPS) devices on certain State vehicles. The expressed purpose of this initiative is to track the usage of these vehicles by public employees in order to assess patterns of use, identify any inappropriate behaviors, and enhance operational efficiency. This pilot program is scheduled to last for a duration of one year following its inception, during which the State Treasurer will oversee its implementation.

Contention

Notably, the implementation of GPS tracking raises significant concerns regarding privacy and employee monitoring. Critics of such measures argue that tracking public employees could foster a culture of mistrust and infringe upon personal rights. They raise questions about how data collected through this program will be used and stored, emphasizing the need for strict regulations to protect employee privacy. Furthermore, proponents argue that the monitoring is necessary to ensure accountability and proper use of state resources, positing that it can prevent misuse of vehicles and improve overall public service delivery.