Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
Impact
If ACR35 is enacted, it will significantly alter the legislative landscape regarding tax and fee proposals in New Jersey. Specifically, it will ensure that any such proposals must have broad support, meaning they would need to be agreeable to at least two-thirds of the lawmakers in both the Assembly and the Senate. Proponents argue that this will lead to more thoughtful deliberation and ensure that tax increases reflect a consensus among the political spectrum, thereby promoting fiscal responsibility.
Summary
ACR35 proposes a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds majority vote by the New Jersey Legislature for all bills and joint resolutions aimed at introducing or increasing state taxes, fees, surcharges, or civil penalties. Currently, only a simple majority is required for such legislation, which allows for substantial changes to state revenue without widespread legislative consensus. This amendment seeks to raise the threshold for enacting tax-related measures, making it more challenging to increase state revenue without bipartisan support.
Contention
Opponents of ACR35 may raise concerns that the two-thirds requirement could hinder necessary fiscal measures, particularly during economic downturns when increased funds are urgently needed for public services. Critics fear that this amendment could lead to gridlock in the legislative process, making it difficult to respond swiftly to financial crises or to fund important initiatives, thereby potentially harming the state's financial health and public welfare. Supporters, on the other hand, view the proposed amendment as a safeguard against impulsive tax increases that lack substantial legislative support.
Carry Over
Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
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.