New Jersey Assembly Bill A2402

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Transportation to publish notice of certain transportation-related infrastructure projects and activities on Internet website, and directs State Comptroller to monitor publication of notifications.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to significantly impact state laws by supplementing existing statutes related to infrastructure funding transparency and accountability. By requiring the publication of detailed project information, such as contractor details and project descriptions, the bill would empower the public to scrutinize the use of federal funds more effectively. This requirement could also reinforce the accountability of state agencies involved in transportation infrastructure by providing a structured way to monitor their activities related to federal funding.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2402, introduced in New Jersey, mandates that the Commissioner of Transportation must develop and maintain a dedicated Internet website to publish notifications regarding transportation-related infrastructure projects funded by federal dollars. This initiative aims to enhance accountability and transparency in the governance of federal funds allocated for such infrastructure projects. The bill requires that all public notices about these projects must be accessible to the public free of charge and organized by expenditure type and associated state agency, thereby ensuring ease of access to information for citizens.

Contention

Notably, the bill emphasizes minority and women's business participation by requiring additional reporting on employment generated through federally funded projects. This provision aims to advance diversity and inclusion within state contracts and jobs created as a result of these projects. However, there may be contention surrounding the extent of data collection and reporting required, as some stakeholders may argue that compliance could introduce bureaucratic burdens or complexities that could impact project timelines.