New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A371

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Creates "Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program."

Impact

If enacted, A371 could significantly influence how the Department of Labor manages and evaluates customer service interactions. The bill mandates that the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development implement surveys at defined intervals to measure the resolution rates of calls, the time between customer intake and resolution, and any correlations with benefit levels received. The outcomes of these surveys will be compiled into annual reports to be submitted to the Governor and legislature, thereby promoting transparency and allowing for informed policymaking based on customer service effectiveness.

Summary

Assembly Bill A371 aims to establish an 'Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program' within New Jersey's Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This three-year program intends to analyze the effectiveness of recording customer service intake calls to the Division of Unemployment Insurance. The primary objective is to enhance the delivery of unemployment benefits by addressing issues surrounding customer service experiences, including reported rudeness during telephone interactions. The pilot is designed to capture a representative sample of calls for detailed assessment and evaluation.

Contention

While the legislation is framed as a necessary improvement to public services based on the expressed dissatisfaction of claimants, there may be concerns about privacy and the efficacy of recording calls. Stakeholders could raise questions on whether the pilot's implementation will genuinely lead to improvements in service quality or merely bureaucratic oversight. The mandate for the reports to be published also implies that any findings will put pressure on the Department to respond to any identified shortcomings, which could lead to nervousness among employees regarding the scrutiny of their interactions with the public.

Companion Bills

NJ S1261

Same As Creates "Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program."

Previously Filed As

NJ A4771

Creates "Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program."

NJ A3780

Establishes Mental Health Awareness Pilot Program in DOE.

NJ A3789

Requires public schools to post curriculum plans online; requires school districts to make textbooks or other materials used in implementing curriculum plans available for inspection by parents and legal guardians.

NJ A3778

Requires Adjutant General of DMVA create program for veterans to receive evaluation and treatment for PTSD and total brain injury.

NJ A3175

Requires DEP to provide public access for boats to certain State-owned lakes; appropriates $1 million.

NJ A3838

Codifies Bringing Veterans Home Initiative.

NJ A1188

Requires MVC to issue blue envelopes that hold documents required to operate motor vehicle to persons diagnosed with autism.

NJ A1759

Establishes pilot program to create student mental health assistance programs in selected school districts.

NJ A3679

Creates temporary grant program for electric vehicle fire suppression technology.

NJ A1746

Appropriates $450,000 for Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs Program.

Similar Bills

NJ A1434

Requires DOLWD to take measures to ensure State unemployment offices reopen immediately and remain open during and after public health emergency.

MN HF3030

Approval of site-specific modifications to sulfate water quality standards during pendency of related rulemaking facilitated, reactive mine waste storage provided, and additional unemployment insurance benefits provided.

MN SF3216

Sulfate water quality standards site-specific modifications approval during pendency of related rulemaking provision, reactive mine waste storage provision, and additional unemployment insurance benefits provision

NJ A4771

Creates "Unemployment Intake Accountability Pilot Program."

WV SB1053

Authorizing Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund to modernize and enhance WorkForce West Virginia

CT SB00271

An Act Implementing The Recommendations Of The Labor Department.

WV HB4978

Permitting Workforce WV to actively reach out to Unemployment Compensation filers with available jobs that fit their prior job history and salary range

NY A09578

Provides that any claimant who has received certain unemployment benefits to which they were not entitled shall not be held liable for the amounts overpaid provided certain conditions exist; directs the department of labor to provide claimants who have previously been denied waivers with applications for individual waivers; repeals certain provisions of law relating thereto.