Addiego, Burzichelli Introduce Bill to Establish Chief Accountability Officer, Oversee State Ombudsmen

Trenton – In a major government accountability effort that will protect the interests of taxpayers, Senator Dawn Addiego and Assemblyman John Burzichelli introduced legislation to establish the position of Chief Accountability Officer. The new position would oversee all state ombudsmen, compliance officers, and comptrollers and directly report to the Governor.

“After recently learning of the failures of the Department of Correction’s ombudsperson, it is clear we need to do more to oversee the work of those charged with holding government agencies accountable. Taxpayers expect and deserve no less!” said Senator Addiego (D-Burlington/Atlantic/Camden). “The Chief Accountability Officer will be charged with overseeing 17 officers of state government, ensuring each carries out their mandate to protect the interests of New Jersey families.”

Under the bill, the officer, who would serve for a five year term, would be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

“A Chief Accountability Officer over state ombudspersons offices will provide the necessary oversight and guidance that is obviously required to ensure these offices are fulfilling their duties,” said Assemblyman Burzichelli (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem). “State Ombudspersons are charged with the important task of investigating and addressing complaints of a department subject to state supervision. When those complaints go unheard and ignored, it can become a bigger, systemic issue that must be addressed immediately. This would be the job of the Chief Accountability Officer as a watchdog for the rights of New Jersey citizens.”

The Chief Accountability Officer will establish a system to ensure that the officers named in the bill conduct their duties, audits, investigations and reviews in consultation, coordination and cooperation with the accountability officer.

Under the bill, the Chief Accountability Officer will supervise the activities of 17 officers of state government, including the Office of Corrections ombudsperson.