New Jersey Assembly Bill A3076

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Allows person calling certain State or local government entities to have option of speaking or leaving recorded message with human telephone operator during normal business hours.

Impact

If enacted, A3076 would amend certain provisions related to public service communication in New Jersey. This legislation is expected to make it easier for residents to access government services and obtain information by ensuring that they can communicate directly with human operators, reducing frustration that often arises from navigating automated systems. The bill aligns with broader initiatives focusing on transparency and accountability within state and local government operations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A3076 is a legislative proposal introduced in the New Jersey legislature that focuses on improving telephone communication with government entities. The bill proposes that state agencies and local units, which must provide a public phone number, should offer callers the option to reach a human operator or leave a message during normal business hours when using an automated telephone answering service. This change aims to enhance accessibility and ensure that constituents can connect with representatives more effectively.

Contention

While the bill has potential benefits for improving communication between the public and government agencies, there may be discussions surrounding the logistics and costs associated with implementing such changes. Critics could argue that this requirement may impose additional operational burdens on government entities, particularly smaller municipalities that may currently rely heavily on automated systems to manage public inquiries. The balance between ensuring accessibility and maintaining cost-effective operations is likely to be a significant point of deliberation among lawmakers.