Bill Targeting Non-Functioning Government Bodies Gains Senate Approval

To Remain Active, Authorities, Boards and Commissions Would Be Required to Meet at Least Once Annually

Trenton – Legislation sponsored by Senate President Steve Sweeney and Senate Republican Leader Tom Kean, Jr. that would shut down do-nothing advisory groups was approved today by the Senate.

“These government bodies that have outlived their purpose are costly and wasteful,” said Senator Sweeney (D-Gloucester/Salem/Cumberland). “They might have served a purpose at one time, but there is no need to keep them in place if they have become inactive.”

“Dormant boards and authorities are useless to the state and the taxpayers,” said Senator Kean (R-Union/Morris/Somerset/Essex). “If a government-established entity doesn’t conduct business, fails to accomplish anything, and hides in the shadows, there is no need to retain it. We can eliminate these useless bodies and reduce bureaucratic paralysis.”

The bill, S-1367, would deactivate authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils, panels, and task forces which do not meet with a quorum at least once every year.

The members of bodies deemed inactive by the bill would be released, and the group would no longer have access to the services of employees of any state, county, or municipality agency.

Under the legislation, the Secretary of State is required to annually review the meeting records of all government bodies and determine if they are active.