ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 2117

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 22, 2021

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 2117.

      This bill establishes the Office of the Ombudsman for Federal Funds within the Department of the Treasury.  The purpose of the office and the duties of the ombudsman will be to serve as a resource to enable State agencies to qualify and apply for and receive federal funds, and to oversee the activities of State agencies in this regard. 

      As amended, the ombudsman would be appointed by the Governor and serve at the pleasure of the Governor during the Governor's term of office. 

      The ombudsman must be qualified by training and experience to perform the duties of the office, and be a person of recognized judgment, integrity, and objectivity.

      The bill specifies at length the duties of the ombudsman, and requires annual reports to the Governor and the Legislature on the activities of the ombudsman.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2020-2021 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

      The committee amended the bill to remove the requirement that the Governor appoint the ombudsman with the advice and consent of the Senate.  Under the amendment, the Governor will make the direct appointment of the ombudsman.