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 A3629

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

NJ S3285

Requires various State departments to provide linkages to information on "baby boxes" and safe sleep education on their websites.

NJ A4440

Requires various State departments to provide linkages to information on "baby boxes" and safe sleep education on their websites.

NJ S1057

Requires State agencies to post Internet links to programs and services for women as applicable.

NJ A788

Requires Executive Branch departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to identify and assess COVID-19 measures and their viability for future potential emergency scenarios.

NJ S1301

"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 A3775

"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 S949

Renames "Delaware Bay" to "Bay of New Jersey"; directs all State departments and agencies to update official publications, signage, websites, and materials to reflect the new designation and notify relevant federal entities.

NJ S2132

Requires public agency receiving State funds to post on website use of State funds for public work contracts with minority, women, and veteran owned businesses.

NJ A3858

Allows certain State agencies to sell Internet advertisements on agencies' websites as pilot program.

Similar Bills

CA AB424

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CA SB1316

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CA SB329

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CA AB935

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WI SB338

Enforcement of the federal Help America Vote Act.

WI AB330

Enforcement of the federal Help America Vote Act.

TN HB1341

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 48, relative to unauthorized filings with the secretary of state.

TN SB1050

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 48, relative to unauthorized filings with the secretary of state.