New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2270

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

Impact

The implementation of S2270 is expected to significantly impact state governance by promoting an organized approach to audits and reviews across various state agencies. The CAO will be empowered to initiate collaborations between agencies to streamline efforts and prevent redundancy. This coordinated oversight is intended to enhance the operational effectiveness of governmental functions and ensure that public services are delivered efficiently and effectively.

Summary

Senate Bill S2270 proposes the establishment of a Chief Accountability Officer (CAO) within the Office of the Governor in New Jersey. The CAO will be responsible for overseeing various state officers, including ombudsmen and compliance officers, ensuring they conduct their duties in compliance with state laws and recognized professional standards. This position aims to enhance accountability and transparency in government operations by centralizing oversight and coordination of state functions engaged in investigations and reviews.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise concerning the CAO's power and independence, particularly regarding appointment and removal processes. Since the officer will be appointed by the Governor with Senate approval, critics might express concerns about potential political influences undermining the functionality and impartiality of the CAO. Additionally, there may be debates on the effectiveness of centralized oversight versus existing decentralized structures, with arguments for and against increased authority resting with a single appointee as opposed to a multi-faceted oversight structure.

Companion Bills

NJ A2242

Same As Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ S483

Carry Over Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ A1468

Carry Over Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

Previously Filed As

NJ S483

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ A2242

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ A1468

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ HB3211

Relating to training requirements for peace officers appointed to supervisory positions.

NJ A328

Requires all elected or appointed local government officers to receive ethics training.

NJ A266

Requires all elected or appointed local government officers to receive ethics training.

NJ S3688

Establishes Office of the State Chief Efficiency Officer and Efficiency Officer positions in each State Executive Branch department.

NJ H3222

Litter control officers

NJ SB1328

Removal of officers; elected officers and officers appointed to elected office.

NJ HB581

Allow police chief to appoint certain officers as court officer

Similar Bills

NJ A1468

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ S483

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

NJ A2242

Requires Governor to appoint Chief Accountability Officer to supervise all State ombudsmen, compliance officers, comptrollers, and other officers with substantially similar positions.

TX HB1421

Relating to a report by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice regarding inmate grievances.

TX SB485

Relating to the creation of the office of independent oversight ombudsman for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

MS SB2613

Mississippi Parental Assistance Ombudsman Act; enact to create ombudsman office in State Department of Education.

MD HB604

Office of the Attorney General - Correctional Ombudsman

MD SB512

Office of the Attorney General – Correctional Ombudsman