New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A3076

Introduced
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.

Companion Bills

NJ A451

Carry Over 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.

NJ S208

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

Previously Filed As

NJ A3663

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.

NJ S965

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.

NJ SR60

Urges health insurance providers and prescription drug providers to offer option of speaking to or leaving message for human.

NJ A798

Requires State entities to offer optional service for businesses to receive certain notices electronically.

NJ S736

Requires State entities to offer optional service for businesses to receive certain notices electronically.

NJ HB892

Professions and businesses; prohibit massage therapy businesses from operating during certain set hours

NJ HF2448

A bill for an act relating to the requirements for business entities' telephone communications with consumers in this state.

NJ A1927

Requires boil water notices to be provided by certain public water systems via telephone, email or text message.

NJ S3332

Requires boil water notices to be provided by certain public water systems via telephone, email or text message.

NJ A1069

Concerns local taxation of business personal property of local exchange telephone companies.

Similar Bills

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TN HB2225

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39; Title 47 and Title 65, relative to consumer protection.

VA SB1339

Virginia Telephone Privacy Protection Act; telephone solicitations by text message, effective date.

NC H936

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CA SB716

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MI SB0351

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ME LD647

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TX SB140

Relating to certain definitions relating to the regulation of and private rights of action arising from certain solicitation-related communications.