New Jersey 2026-2027 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR46

Introduced
1/13/26  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

Impact

The passage of ACR46 would have significant implications for the governance of probation in New Jersey. By transferring these functions from the Judiciary to the Bureau of Probation, the legislation aims to clarify and enhance the efficiency of probation services. It ensures that existing contract terms and employee rights will remain intact, as the legislation specifies that no current contracts shall be altered by this transition. This may maintain a degree of job security for probation officers and contractors affected by the shift.

Summary

ACR46 proposes a constitutional amendment allowing the New Jersey Legislature to create a Bureau of Probation within the State Parole Board. This change seeks to transfer all responsibilities and powers related to probation from the Judiciary to the new Bureau, which would include probation officers and related personnel. The goal of this amendment is to establish a more streamlined and efficient probation system by centralizing these functions under the executive branch of government.

Contention

Supporters of ACR46 argue that this change will improve the effectiveness of probation services by creating a specialized Bureau dedicated to these functions. However, opponents may express concerns about the separation of powers, fearing that such a transfer could undermine the Independence of the Judiciary. Historical context reveals past judicial rulings that reinforced the Judiciary's role in defining probation officer duties, suggesting that this legislative change could spark legal debates surrounding the separation of judicial and executive powers.

Companion Bills

NJ SCR39

Carry Over Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

NJ ACR161

Carry Over Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

NJ SCR68

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR68

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

TX HJR124

Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the state school health and safety fund to provide financial support for projects that improve the physical and mental health of public school students and enhance the safety of public schools in this state.

LA HB307

Authorizes the governor and legislators to accept and deposit campaign contributions during a regular session of the Legislature of Louisiana

CA AB1479

An act to add Sections 2006.

NY S08956

Transfers the village of Potsdam housing authority to the village of Canton housing authority; repeals provisions relating to the village of Potsdam housing authority.

LA SB202

Transfers the University of New Orleans to the Louisiana State University System. (2/3 - CA8s5(D)(3)(b)) (gov sig) (EN INCREASE GF EX See Note)

TX HJR8

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the creation of the Texas nuclear development fund to support the development, construction, and operation of advanced nuclear reactor projects for dispatchable electric generation.

HI HB1006

Relating To The Agribusiness Development Corporation.