Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.
Impact
The passage of ACR12 would significantly alter the landscape of judicial appointments at the municipal level in New Jersey. By changing the process for appointing judges from a state-level nomination by the Governor to a law that allows for various methods of appointment, the local governments could gain more control over their judicial appointments. This could lead to an increase in local representation and accountability, as municipalities or counties could appoint judges who are more familiar with local issues and needs.
Summary
ACR12 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article VI, Section VI of the New Jersey Constitution to change the method of appointing certain municipal court judges. Currently, judges for joint municipal courts and central municipal courts are appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. This amendment would allow the New Jersey Legislature to create a new appointment process, potentially removing the Governor and Senate from the equation. The new process would establish how judges are appointed based on law rather than existing constitutional requirements, which may include appointments solely by the municipalities involved or the county creating the court.
Contention
However, this amendment is likely to bring about significant debate. Proponents argue that removing the gubernatorial and senatorial approval streamlines the process and allows local governments to have a greater say in judicial matters that directly affect their communities. Opponents may view this as a dilution of checks and balances in the appointment process, fearing that it could lead to the politicization of judicial appointments or a lack of oversight over the qualifications of appointed judges.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.