New Jersey Assembly Bill A2384

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires cost analysis in certain cases when State department contracts out work.

Impact

This bill will significantly affect state laws by adding a procedural requirement for state departments considering contracts that involve privatization. The stipulated cost analysis must include a detailed breakdown of labor costs, equipment, and any potential unemployment compensation for displaced employees. Moreover, departments will now have to justify why contracting out services is more beneficial than utilizing state personnel, thereby aiming to maintain job security for state employees and avoid unnecessary expenditures for the state budget.

Summary

A2384, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, mandates that state departments conduct a thorough cost analysis before contracting work to private business entities. The primary focus of this bill is to ensure accountability and transparency in the management of state resources, specifically when state functions are outsourced. This bill requires a cost analysis for any contract exceeding $100,000, assessing whether it is more cost-effective to employ private contractors versus using existing state employees. This requirement aims to protect public resources and guarantee that taxpayer money is spent efficiently.

Contention

Notably, the bill contains provisions that restrict contracting opportunities with vendors whose principals have recent ties to the state department in question. This limitation aims to prevent conflicts of interest. However, it may raise concerns among private contractors, particularly small companies that could miss opportunities due to these restrictions. Additionally, the necessary timeframes for public feedback on cost analyses may slow down the contracting process, bringing about debates on balancing efficiency and transparency in state governance.