Assemblywoman Michele Matsikoudis, representing District 21, has taken a proactive step towards fostering ethical governance at the local level by introducing Assembly Bill No. 325 to the 221st Legislative Session.
This proposed legislation aims to bolster the integrity of local government operations by mandating ethics training for all local government officers.
The bill proposes modifications to the existing “Local Government Ethics Law” to include a requirement for comprehensive ethics education, covering ethical standards and relevant codes of conduct for individuals serving in various capacities within local governmental entities.
NJ Gov. Murphy (Credits: Chalkbeat)
The term “local government officer” is broadly defined to include elected officials, members of boards or agencies with legislative or zoning authority, and managerial or confidential personnel. However, it explicitly exempts employees and members of school districts and school boards from this requirement.
The Division of Local Government Services, housed within the Department of Community Affairs, is responsible for developing this ethics training program. This initiative will draw inspiration from existing successful models in New Jersey and other states to make the training accessible and practical.
This program may be delivered by department staff or external contractors. It is envisioned to be offered at least semi-annually to ensure wide participation.
Enforcement of this new requirement includes establishing guidelines by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, who will determine the timeline for compliance, which should not exceed 18 months from the implementation date.
Lawmakers of New Jersey (Credits: New Jersey Monitor)
An exemplary structure will also be implemented to address non-compliance, with penalties ranging between $1,000 and $5,000. This legislative move directly responds to legal and ethical violations within local government entities, highlighting a pressing need for preventive strategies to uphold ethical standards.
By mandating ethics training, Assemblywoman Matsikoudis is spearheading efforts to instill a culture of integrity and accountability among public officials across New Jersey’s municipalities and counties.
The introduction of Assembly Bill No. 325 represents a crucial initiative aimed at strengthening the ethical standards within local governance. It highlights the vital role of continuous education in preserving public trust and fostering responsible conduct among individuals in public service.
