This bill aims to enhance the integrity of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) by prohibiting the board from hiring certain third-party consultants who have had recent affiliations with public utilities or public utility holding companies. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the BPU cannot engage a third-party consultant who has worked for or contracted with a public utility or holding company within 365 days prior to the board's approval of the contract. This measure is intended to prevent potential conflicts of interest and ensure that the reports provided to the board are fair and unbiased.

Additionally, the bill mandates that third-party consultants disclose a list of public utilities they have contracted with in the past three years. This list must be published on the websites of the respective public utilities, in a format and timeframe determined by the BPU. The bill emphasizes the importance of transparency in the consulting process, as the BPU relies on these consultants for data that directly affects public utility customers in New Jersey. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.