This bill proposes significant amendments to New Jersey's local government budget processes, primarily focusing on extending statutory deadlines and enhancing compliance measures. Key changes include the requirement for mayors and municipal managers to submit their recommended budgets by February 28, an extension from the previous January 15 deadline. Additionally, local governing bodies will now have until March 31 to introduce and approve annual budgets, with the permissible amount for temporary budgets increasing from 26.25% to 35% of the previous year's total appropriations. The bill also raises penalties for non-compliance among governing body members from $25 to $100 and introduces provisions for the Director of the Division of Local Government Services to initiate reviews of local officials' practices.

Moreover, the bill emphasizes transparency and accountability by mandating that adopted budgets be made available for public inspection online, including those from the previous three years. It also clarifies procedures for filling vacancies in key budget-related positions and allows municipalities to mail estimated property tax bills after June 30 and December 31 under certain conditions. The amendments aim to streamline budget operations, ensure qualified personnel are in place, and enhance the overall efficiency of local government financial management in New Jersey. The bill is set to take effect on the first day of the 13th month following its enactment, applying to the next local fiscal year thereafter.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:5A-15, 40A:9-28.4, 40A:9-133.5, 40A:9-140.10, 40A:9-145.5, 40A:9-154.6, 40A:11-9, 54:4-66.3, 54:4-66.4