Establishes Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services.

S 1283 establishes an independent Office of the Ombudsman for Mental Health and Addiction Services within New Jersey's Department of the Treasury. The office directly serves individuals with mental illness and addiction by helping them find treatment options, ensuring proper care in facilities, providing counseling and job assistance, and offering public education. The Governor appoints an ombudsman with specific qualifications to carry out these duties, maintain confidentiality, and annually report to the Human Services Commissioner, Governor, and Legislature. This bill creates a dedicated advocate to improve access to and quality of mental health and addiction services across the state.