New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR52

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenue from legal sale of recreational marijuana for mental health, addiction recovery and drug rehabilitation services.

Impact

The passage of this bill would amend Article VIII, Section 1 of the New Jersey Constitution to ensure that tax revenues generated from recreational marijuana sales are not diverted for other state budgetary needs. This dedicated funding could enhance existing programs or establish new services aimed at addressing mental health and addiction issues, which have been exacerbated by the opioid crisis and other substance use disorders. Critics may see this fixation on marijuana tax revenue as a way to legalize and commercialize substance use, which could lead to unforeseen societal impacts. However, proponents argue that this ensures funds are used where they are critically needed.

Summary

ACR52 proposes a constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenues collected from the legal sale of recreational marijuana to fund mental health, addiction recovery, and drug rehabilitation services in New Jersey. This initiative arises from the acknowledgment of the growing need for mental health support and addiction recovery resources as the state continues to embrace the legalization of recreational marijuana. By mandating that tax revenues be allocated specifically for these purposes, the amendment aims to create a steady funding source for essential services that could significantly benefit the community.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding ACR52 include debates over the ethics of using marijuana tax revenues exclusively for mental health and addiction services. Some legislators argue that this could create a dependency on tax income related to drug sales, which may not align with public health priorities in the longer term. Further, concerns about whether the revenue will realistically meet the demand for mental health services are raised, considering the complexity and scope of addiction recovery programs. Lastly, the public debate surrounding the implications of marijuana legalization continues, with ACR52 positioned within a broader dialogue about state health policy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR76

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenue from legal sale of recreational marijuana for mental health, addiction recovery and drug rehabilitation services.

NJ ACR51

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenue from sale of recreational marijuana for property tax relief.

NJ ACR75

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenue from sale of recreational marijuana for property tax relief.

NJ SCR105

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate revenues from additional registration fee for zero emission vehicles to State transportation.

NJ ACR128

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate certain revenues for State transportation system.

NJ SCR96

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate certain revenues for State transportation system.

NJ ACR64

Proposes constitutional amendment to require voter approval of dedicated revenue source for certain bonded indebtedness for State transportation system.

NJ ACR88

Proposes constitutional amendment to require voter approval of dedicated revenue source for certain bonded indebtedness for State transportation system.

NJ HJR5

Proposing a constitutional amendment providing for the dedication of certain sales and use tax revenue to the Texas mental and behavioral health research fund established to fund research, treatment, and access to services in this state for behavioral health, mental health, and substance use and addiction issues.

NJ S3936

Appropriates $60 million from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues for recreation and conservation purposes to DEP for State capital and park development projects.

Similar Bills

NJ ACR76

Proposes constitutional amendment to dedicate tax revenue from legal sale of recreational marijuana for mental health, addiction recovery and drug rehabilitation services.

NJ A2457

Provides that defendant who participated in diversion program for certain marijuana offenses on prior occasion may again participate under certain circumstances.

NJ A1978

Provides that defendant who participated in diversion program for certain marijuana offenses on prior occasion may again participate under certain circumstances.

OR SB5547

Relating to state financial administration; and declaring an emergency.

ND HB1030

AN ACT to amend and reenact subdivision i of subsection 1 of section 12.1-32-02, sections 15.1-19-13 and 19-03.1-23, subsection 6 of section 19-03.4-03, subsection 17 of section 27-20.2-01, subsection 26 of section 27-20.4-01, subdivision c of subsection 4 of section 27-20.4-17, subsection 4 of section 27-20.4-26, subsection 5 of section 29-26-22, section 39-06-36.1, subsection 9 of section 39-06.1-11, subdivision f of subsection 5 of section 39-08-01, and sections 39-08-01.5 and 54-12-27.1 of the North Dakota Century Code relating to changing drug court to treatment court.

IL SR1001

SECOND CHANCE MONTH

MT SB537

Generally revise marijuana tax laws

UT HB0358

Pregnant and Postpartum Inmate Amendments