Amends Constitution to require that State tax bills pass both Houses of Legislature by three-fifths majority vote.
Impact
If enacted, SCR35 would fundamentally change the legislative dynamics surrounding the passage of tax legislation in New Jersey. By instituting a three-fifths majority requirement, the amendment seeks to enhance fiscal responsibility and prevent hasty tax increases that may not reflect broader public support. Supporters argue that this change will protect taxpayers from sudden tax burdens and ensure that fiscal decisions are made with considerable legislative agreement, thus fostering stability in the state's fiscal policies.
Voting
The passage of SCR35 would require it to be submitted to the electorate for approval in the next general election. This democratic process ensures that the proposed constitutional changes have direct public support before they are enacted, reflecting the will of the voters in matters that significantly impact the state’s revenue-raising capabilities.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 35 (SCR35) is a proposed amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution, aiming to require that all bills and joint resolutions that levy a new state tax or propose an increase in an existing state tax be passed by a three-fifths majority vote in both houses of the Legislature. This amendment modifies existing provisions in Article IV of the Constitution regarding the legislative process for tax-related bills to ensure a higher threshold is met for such significant financial decisions. The bill specifically amends Sections IV and VI of the article, emphasizing the need for increased consensus among legislators for tax measures.
Contention
Notably, the proposal has generated discussions around concerns of accessibility and fairness in governance. Opponents may argue that requiring a supermajority could lead to gridlock, making it more challenging to address urgent fiscal needs through tax-related legislation. There are also fears that the amendment might empower a minority of legislators to block necessary tax reforms, thereby limiting the state's ability to respond effectively to changing financial circumstances and public needs. This tension highlights the balance between ensuring democratic representation and creating a responsive governmental framework for taxation.
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.