SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2290

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 17, 2024

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 2290.

This bill requires the State Treasurer to conduct a State government office space utilization study and identify savings.

     Under the bill, the State Treasurer, in consultation with the head of each State department and agency in the Executive Branch, is directed to conduct an office space utilization study to assess the current status of space leasing and utilization for State government purposes and identify efficiencies and savings that may be realized under the current hybrid and remote work environment. The report would include, but may not be limited to, an analysis of: (1) the current square footage of office space under ownership or lease by each State department and agency; (2) the percent of office space currently being utilized and occupied for State government purposes; (3) the impacts of remote work and hybrid work on the State government office space needs; (4) potential saving that may be realized by a more efficient use of office space, taking remote and hybrid work into account; and (5) any other factor the State Treasurer deems relevant.

     The bill directs the State Treasurer to produce the report within 90 days of the effective date of the bill and to transmit a copy to the Governor and the Legislature. The report would include recommendations for how the State may achieve savings and efficiencies in office space utilization.

     This bill would take effect immediately and expires upon completion of the State Treasurer’s 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.