SENATE COMMUNITY AND URBAN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 724

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 9, 2021

      The Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 724.

      This bill requires the Director of the Division of Local Government Services in the Department of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Office of Information Technology and the State Treasurer, to establish a mechanism by which a municipality may transmit property tax bills, construction permits, and receipts for payment of municipal fees and charges via e-mail.

      The bill permits a municipality to adopt an ordinance designating the use of e-mail as an authorized means of delivery, but does not permit a municipality to designate it as the sole means of delivery.  The bill specifies that a municipality would have to continue providing hard copies though regular mail, at no extra charge, to any taxpayer, applicant, or fee payer who does not request electronic delivery.

      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.