SENATE STATE GOVERNMENT, WAGERING, TOURISM & HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 4924

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 1, 2025

      The Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 4924.

As amended by the committee, this bill expands the State Commission of Investigation’s (SCI) investigatory powers and duties. 

     This bill continues the process of consolidating and eliminating duplication among State government oversight entities.  The initial step towards achieving the accompanying efficiencies was the consolidation of the Offices of the Inspector General and the Medicaid Inspector General into the Office of the State Comptroller in 2010.  This bill adopts the same approach to consolidation by transferring to the SCI the powers, functions, and duties which had belonged to the Office of the Inspector General, which had been transferred to and are currently being exercised by the Office of the State Comptroller. 

     The bill also clarifies and enhances the SCI’s duties and powers, strengthens cooperation between the SCI and other State and local oversight entities, and establishes that the qualified individual hired as executive director of the commission will function as a State Inspector General.  This is consistent with the original findings of the Special Joint Legislative Committee to Study Crime and the System of Criminal Justice in New Jersey, also known as the Forsythe Committee, in 1968.  The SCI’s role with respect to other State entities and the criminal justice system includes responsibilities akin to that of an inspector general, who will investigate allegations concerning the misconduct of civil or criminal enforcement personnel at all levels of State and local government.  To do so, the SCI will provide a confidential process for submitting complaints and or other requests for investigations, or both, by the public and government employees.

     The bill reaffirms that the SCI can request information, resources, and assistance from any State department or agency to fulfill its duties and is authorized to collaborate with other State oversight entities, including the Attorney General and the Election Law Enforcement Commission, and may participate in joint investigations with these agencies, in order to fulfill its responsibilities.  The bill requires the SCI and other State oversight entities to meet at least twice annually to coordinate efforts, share information, and prevent duplication of work.

     This bill increases the SCI member salary from $35,000 per year to $75,000 per year.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to make technical changes.