Bill > A5314

This bill prohibits commissioners or heads of principal departments in the New Jersey Executive Branch from holding additional employment that would require them to spend most of their working hours outside of New Jersey or be absent from the state for an extended period. Specifically, the bill amends existing state law to add a new provision that restricts such officials from taking on secondary positions that would significantly remove them from their primary governmental responsibilities. However, the bill does allow for potential exemptions if the additional employment is deemed to be in accordance with the person's role as a department head. To seek an exemption, the official must apply to the Employee Residency Review Committee, which is a five-member committee established to consider such requests. The committee will evaluate whether the additional employment is compatible with the official's primary governmental duties. The bill aims to ensure that high-level state government officials remain fully engaged and present in New Jersey while performing their primary governmental roles. The new provision will take effect 30 days after enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5314