This bill seeks to enhance the investigatory powers and responsibilities of the State Commission of Investigation (SCI) in New Jersey by transferring certain functions from the Office of the State Comptroller and abolishing the Office of the Inspector General. It aims to create a more coordinated oversight mechanism to address waste, fraud, and abuse of public resources, which has been complicated by overlapping investigative missions. Key amendments include expanding the SCI's investigative duties to cover a wider range of misconduct involving taxpayer funds, establishing a confidential complaint submission process for the public, and increasing the annual salary for commission members from $35,000 to $75,000. The bill also emphasizes collaboration with other oversight entities and outlines procedures for referrals of potential wrongdoing.

Additionally, the bill amends various sections of P.L. 1968, c.266 to clarify the commission's powers, including the ability to conduct investigations, hold hearings, and issue subpoenas while ensuring witness rights to legal counsel and protections against self-incrimination. It introduces penalties for individuals who refuse to comply with SCI orders, classifying such refusal as a second-degree crime, and establishes that the executive director of the SCI will serve as the State Inspector General. The bill also mandates confidentiality regarding investigative files and outlines a process for granting immunity to compliant witnesses. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen the SCI's operational authority and improve the accountability framework within New Jersey's governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:156A-8, 52:9M-1, 52:9M-2, 52:9M-3, 52:9M-4, 52:9M-5, 52:9M-6, 52:9M-8, 52:9M-9, 52:9M-12, 52:9M-12.1, 52:9M-14, 52:9M-15, 52:9M-17, 52:9M-17.1