Section 48:2-32.9 - Discussion with interested parties on policy mattersa. Members of the Board of Public Utilities may engage in a discussion with interested parties on policy matters, which discussions shall not be considered prohibited ex parte communications; provided that nothing in this section shall alter the prohibition on ex parte communications between members and interested parties with regard to a contested case.b. In order to increase transparency and accountability to the public, the board shall hold a public comment meeting at least once every three months in order to hear from the public and interested stakeholders on policy matters before the board, and such matters as the Legislature may from time to time designate. The public comment meeting shall meet all requirements of the "Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act," P.L. 1975, c.231 (C.10:4-6 et seq.) and shall allow for oral or written statements by:(1) any member of the public who is not a party pursuant to paragraph (2) of this subsection, on any topic germane to the interests of the board; and(2) any party to a proceeding or party represented by counsel or a government affairs agent, on specific topics noticed by the board.c. The board shall adopt, within 30 days of the effective date of P.L. 2021, c. 96(C.48:2-10.1 et al.), written policies to govern the conduct of public comment meetings that shall maximize public engagement, provide annual notice of the scheduled dates for public comment meetings in accord with the "Senator Byron M. Baer Open Public Meetings Act," P.L. 1975, c.231 (C.10:4-6 et seq.), allow for post-meeting written comments, and reasonably minimize the inadvertent discussion of pending or impending contested matters.Added by L. 2021, c. 96, s. 4, eff. 8/10/2021.