Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on Legislature's website at least seven days before final vote.
Impact
Should SCR47 be enacted, the changes would require a procedural overhaul for how legislation is introduced and voted on in the New Jersey Legislature. Each time a bill or joint resolution is read for the second time, the full text must be available online for at least seven days prior to a third reading. This amendment envisions a more informed public and aims to bolster democratic participation in state governance. The proposed change emphasizes the importance of transparency, suggesting that such access is essential for democracy to function effectively.
Summary
SCR47, also known as the Senate Concurrent Resolution 47, proposes a significant constitutional amendment requiring that all bills and joint resolutions be made publicly available on the New Jersey Legislature's website for a minimum of seven days before any final vote. This amendment alters the current requirement, which only mandates a one-day interval between the second and third readings of legislation. By extending this period to seven days, the bill aims to enhance public transparency and engagement in the legislative process, allowing constituents ample time to review and provide feedback on pending legislation.
Contention
There is potential for contention surrounding this proposed amendment. Critics may argue that the requirement for a seven-day waiting period could hinder the legislative process, especially for urgent matters designated as emergency measures. Notably, SCR47 retains the existing provision that allows for expedited voting if three-fourths of the members agree that a bill is an emergency. Supporters, however, contend that this approach will ensure that all members of the public have adequate time to scrutinize and understand legislation before it comes to a final vote, ultimately leading to better-informed decisions by both voters and legislators.
Carry Over
Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on Legislature's website at least seven days before final vote.
Carry Over
Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on Legislature's website at least seven days before final vote.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.
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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.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State 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.