The Assembly State and Local Government Committee, this week, approved an amended A-678, which would mandate additional training and certification of zoning officers and land use board administrators. The League opposes this bill.
While the League endorses continuing education for appointed and elected officials we have concerns that the new requirements envisioned in A-678 are not only unnecessary but bureaucratic and infringe on local discretion of hiring practices. We also have concerns with the impact the new training and certification requirements will have on municipal budgets. While amendments to A-678 address some concerns, the bill maintains the mandate and the League accordingly remains opposed.
A-678 has been second referenced to the Assembly Appropriations Committee but has not been scheduled for a hearing yet in that committee. We will be sure to keep our members informed on the progress of this bill as it occurs. In the meantime, please contact your Assembly representative and ask them to oppose A-678
Contact: Frank Marshall, Esq., Associate General Counsel, fmarshall@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x137.