Relates to collective employment negotiations, notice of the issuance of debt and capital plans and projects of the port authority of New York and New Jersey

2 Co-sponsors

• Martin J. Golden
• Diane J. Savino

Title of bill

An act to amend chapter 154 of the laws of 1921 relating to the port authority of New York and New Jersey, in relation to collective employment negotiations, notice of the issuance of debt and capital plans and projects

Purpose

To amend the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015 to include new reforms added by the New Jersey State legislature.

Summary of specific provisions

Section one of the bill would require that any interview conducted by the inspector general must be in accordance with any applicable provisions of the current collective bargaining agreement.

Section two would authorize the leader of the Assembly and Senate of either State to request the Port Authority to appear before a standing committee to present testimony on any topic or subject requested by the committee. Unless otherwise agreed to by the requesting leader, the Port Authority must be represented at the hearing by the chair or vice-chair, the CEO, the CFO and any necessary staff.

Section three would require the Port Authority to provide sixty days notice to the governors of both states, the leaders of each house of the legislature, and the chair of the budget committees of both houses before the issuance of any debt by a subsidiary of the Port Authority or by the Port Authority on behalf of its subsidiary.

Section four would require all major capital projects, the cost of which exceeds $500 million, to be monitored by independent engineering consultants. The consultants shall prepare annual reports containing, among other information, a comparison of actual and target performance measures, costs and construction schedules, including any discrepancies.

Section four would also require the Port Authority to notify the legislature of both states at least 60 days prior to the adoption of a capital plan. During the 60 days, the Port Authority must conduct a public hearing in NY and in NJ, and would be required to conduct a "status update" public hearing in NY and in NJ at least once every three years after the adoption of the capital plan.

Section five sets forth the severability clause.

Section six provides that this act shall take effect upon the enactment by the state of New Jersey of legislation having an identical effect with this act.

Justification

In December of 2015, Governor Cuomo signed into law, as chapter 559, the PANYNJ Transparency and Accountability Act of 2015. Since similar legislation must be enacted in New Jersey before the reforms can take effect, the New Jersey State legislature are taking the necessary steps to pass a similar bill.

The sponsors of the New Jersey bill have added several new provisions to chapter 559, including clarification that any interview conducted by the Port Authority IG shall be performed in accordance with the provisions of existing collective bargaining agreements. The additional provisions are consistent with the spirit of improved transparency and accountability, and would enhance their value and effectiveness.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

Undetermined.

Effective date

Immediately.