NJ S579

Creates an independent Office of the Consumer within the Legislative Branch of State Government, headed by a director appointed by consensus of the Senate President, Assembly Speaker, Senate Minority Leader, and Assembly Minority Leader

Director serves a six-year term, must work full-time, and can only be removed by the Governor for cause; individuals who serve two consecutive terms are ineligible for reappointment for six years

Office will conduct routine and random phone call assessments of local government, school district, State offices, and regulated health insurance companies to evaluate responsiveness and accessibility

Office will perform periodic assessments of government and health insurance company websites to evaluate user-friendliness and ease of finding information

Director must submit monthly reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing the frequency and ease of reaching live representatives by phone and the user-friendliness of assessed websites