ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1484

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  FEBRUARY 1, 2024

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 1484.

As amended by the committee, this bill establishes a task force to study the feasibility of a paperless State government.  The task force will consist of 15 members.  The purpose of the task force will be to study the feasibility and logistics of a paperless system in the Executive branch of State government.  At a minimum, the task force will study:

     (1)  the opportunities and risks associated with using electronic registration and electronic transactions;

     (2) different types of technology available for the State to develop a paperless system;

     (3)  cybersecurity protections and technology upgrades to State computer systems, networks, software, and hardware across all State-level departments, commissions, councils, boards, authorities, offices, or other appropriate agencies;

     (4)  any cost-benefit analysis concerning all needed technology upgrades;

     (5)  a summary of the benefits of a paperless system;

     (6)  how the Legislature can modify current State laws to support a secure paperless system;

     (7)  the feasibility of implementing a paperless system in the State and the best approach to finance the cost of implementing a paperless system;

     (8)  the opportunities and risks associated with a paperless electronic permit submission process;

     (9)  the feasibility of a paperless records retention process; and

     (10)  such other topics relative to a paperless system in State government. 

     The task force will issue an interim report on its activities and progress to the Governor and the Legislature within six months from the date of its first meeting.  The task force will issue its final report within one year from the date of its first meeting.  Following the issuance of its final report, the task force will convene at the call of the chairperson to consider and respond to any written request submitted to it by a legislator or officer or employee of the Executive branch of State government on any issue, item, or decision set forth in its report.  The task force will expire six months after the issuance of the task force’s final report.

     This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2024-2025 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 specifically require the task force to also study the opportunities and risks associated with a paperless electronic permit submission process, and the feasibility of a paperless records retention process.