New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2405

Introduced
3/24/22  
Refer
3/24/22  
Report Pass
2/27/23  

Caption

Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints.

Impact

The legislation, if enacted, would require state agencies to take an active role in addressing concerns raised by the public. It mandates that heads of these agencies periodically review the complaints submitted through the website and assess how they can remedy the issues raised. This feedback mechanism aligns with best practices for customer service and governmental responsiveness, potentially leading to improvements in service delivery and public satisfaction.

Summary

Bill S2405 aims to enhance public engagement with state agencies by requiring that each state department, agency, authority, or instrumentality provide a prominently displayed link on their websites. This link would enable members of the public to submit complaints regarding the agency's performance, issues with customer service, or similar matters of concern. This initiative seeks to promote transparency and accountability within state entities, allowing for more direct communication between citizens and their government.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards improved accountability, there may be concerns regarding its implementation and effectiveness. Critics could argue that simply providing a link for complaints does not guarantee that agencies will take meaningful action in response to the complaints received. The bill's success will depend on the commitment of state agencies to genuinely address the issues raised, rather than merely acknowledging them. Furthermore, there may be discussions on how to ensure that these complaints are tracked and addressed appropriately, ensuring that the bill achieves its intended purpose.

Companion Bills

NJ A2659

Same As Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2747

Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints.

NJ A116

Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints.

NJ A2659

Requires State department, agency, authority, or instrumentality thereof to provide link on its website for members of public to submit complaints.

NJ A2619

Requires State, counties, municipalities, and instrumentalities thereof to post public employee contracts on respective websites; requires posting on Civil Service Commission's website when local unit does not maintain own website.

NJ S2207

"Electronic Publication of Legal Notices Act"; permits publication of legal notices by government agencies and persons on official government notice websites instead of newspapers.

NJ S4654

Provides for publication of required legal notices on government Internet websites and through certain online news publications.

NJ A5878

Provides for publication of required legal notices on government Internet websites and through certain online news publications.

NJ S224

"Transparency in Government Act;" provides for establishment of State public finance website; requires certain public entities receiving State funds to establish similar website; makes an appropriation.

NJ S370

"Transparency in Government Act;" provides for establishment of State public finance website; requires certain public entities receiving State funds to establish similar website; makes an appropriation.

NJ A354

"Transparency in Government Act;" provides for establishment of State public finance website; requires certain public entities receiving State funds to establish similar website; makes an appropriation.

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