"Government Reality Check Act"; prohibits public employers from providing certain benefits to public employees; restricts gifts to public employees; restricts travel by public employees; imposes post-employment restriction on public contracting employees.

S 1733, the "Government Reality Check Act," restricts benefits and travel for New Jersey public employees and legislators. It prohibits state employees from accepting free or discounted entertainment tickets, gifts, or out-of-state travel without approval, limits travel reimbursement to $500 per trip outside New Jersey, and requires Ethics Commission review for certain outside income. The bill also bans public officials from receiving compensation for official duties from non-state sources, except for book royalties, reasonable travel expenses, or specific nonprofit reimbursements. These rules apply to all state officers, employees, legislators, and their offices, aiming to prevent conflicts of interest and ethical violations. The bill is currently pending in the Senate committee.