Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights.
Impact
If enacted, SCR27 would fundamentally alter how New Jersey recognizes environmental rights at the constitutional level. The amendment would assert that the natural resources of the state—such as water, air, and public lands—are held in common by all citizens, including future generations. This change would place a legal obligation on the state to conserve and maintain these resources effectively, thereby reinforcing environmental protection efforts within existing state legislation.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 (SCR27) proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution, aiming to establish the state's role as a trustee of public natural resources. The resolution emphasizes that every individual has a fundamental right to a clean and healthy environment, which includes access to pure water, clean air, and ecologically healthy habitats. The proposal seeks to guarantee that the state protects these rights and does not infringe upon them.
Contention
While the bill has gained support among various sponsors and environmental advocates, it may face challenges or opposition related to its implications on administrative responsibilities and state control over natural resource management. Critics may argue that such explicit constitutional protections could lead to increased legal challenges, questioning whether the amendment might foster claims that overreach established environmental laws. However, the bill's proponents assert that it would fortify environmental protections and public engagement in safeguarding state resources.
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.