Proposes constitutional amendment to require every bill and joint resolution introduced in Legislature to be heard in committee.
Impact
If enacted, ACR136 would amend Article IV, Section IV of the New Jersey Constitution by adding a new paragraph that explicitly requires the procedure for all legislative submissions. This adjustment is particularly noteworthy as it reinforces the role of committees in the legislative review process and ensures that proposed laws are subject to scrutiny before any voting occurs. This change could potentially affect the speed and manner in which legislation is passed, as it introduces a compulsory step that must be fulfilled during each two-year legislative term.
Summary
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 136 (ACR136) proposes a significant amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that mandates every bill and joint resolution introduced in the Legislature to be referred to a standing reference committee for a public hearing. The primary aim of ACR136 is to enhance the legislative process by ensuring that all proposed legislation is vetted in a public forum, thereby promoting transparency and accountability within the state's governance system. The resolution responds to existing concerns about the lack of mandatory public hearings for legislative proposals, which can lead to a perception of a less democratic process.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding ACR136, primarily regarding how this amendment will impact the legislative efficiency and workload of committee members. Opponents of the amendment might argue that mandating public hearings for every bill could slow down the legislative process, making it more cumbersome for urgent matters to be addressed promptly. Additionally, the amendment could lead to debates about what constitutes a sufficient hearing, as well as the resources required to facilitate these public meetings, ensuring that they are accessible to all constituents. The debate may also revolve around balancing transparency with the practicalities of governance.
Proposing a constitutional amendment regarding the powers of the governor, the legislature, and the supreme court following certain disaster or emergency declarations.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation certain perishable inventory held for sale at retail.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation certain perishable inventory held for sale at retail.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
Proposing a constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to exempt from ad valorem taxation tangible personal property consisting of animal feed held by the owner of the property for sale at retail.
Proposing a constitutional amendment to authorize the legislature to provide for an exemption from ad valorem taxation of the amount of the market value of real property that arises from the use of xeriscape on the property.