New Jersey Senate Bill S596

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires State employees work in person if job requires face-to-face interaction with public; requires State agency provide alternatives if closure is unpreventable.

Impact

This legislation establishes clear requirements for State agencies, including the necessity for agency heads to develop detailed reopening plans. These plans must be published within a specified period and should address several critical aspects surrounding the return to in-person work, such as personal protective equipment provision, social distancing protocols, and safety measures for employees who interact with the public. These expectations aim to enhance employee safety while maintaining vital public services during the continued state of emergency.

Summary

Senate Bill S596 mandates that State employees who require face-to-face interaction with the public must return to in-person work following the public health emergency declared by the Governor. Specifically, these employees are expected to resume their duties thirty business days after the enactment of the bill. This regulation is deemed necessary to restore public services and ensure that agencies can adequately meet the needs of the populace during ongoing public health challenges.

Contention

While the bill aims to encourage the smooth transition back to in-person work, it may raise concerns about employee safety, especially for those at higher risk for COVID-19 complications. The necessity of face-to-face services must be balanced with health considerations, and some stakeholders may argue that there are insufficient safeguards for employee welfare. Moreover, the bill's approach could be viewed as dismissive of ongoing public health risks while emphasizing the return to traditional operational modes.