New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR80

Introduced
2/28/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment restricting use of funds realized from transfer of State government and independent State authority capital assets only for capital projects and not for State government operating expenses.

Impact

If adopted, this constitutional amendment would modify Article VIII, Section II of the New Jersey Constitution. It emphasizes fiscal responsibility by mandating that proceeds from the transfer of real property, either through sale or lease by State departments or independent authorities, be handled distinctly from general revenue. By enforcing this separation, the amendment aims to bolster funding for capital improvements, potentially leading to enhanced infrastructure development across New Jersey.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 80 (SCR80) proposes a constitutional amendment aimed at restricting the use of funds derived from the transfer of State government and independent State authority capital assets. The resolution specifically mandates that these funds can only be allocated for capital projects and explicitly prohibits their use for ordinary State government operating expenses. This amendment seeks to ensure that money raised from the sale or lease of State-owned properties is directed solely towards projects that enhance state infrastructure rather than being absorbed into the daily operational budget of the government.

Contention

The primary contention surrounding SCR80 resides in the balance of resource allocation within the state government. Proponents argue that this amendment is critical for promoting transparency and accountability in state finances by ensuring that economic gains from asset transfers are invested in tangible community projects rather than used for recurring expenses that do not contribute to long-term growth. However, opponents may raise concerns about the implications of restricting funding flexibility for the state's budget, particularly in challenging economic times when operational funds could be at a premium and immediate needs arise.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR99

Same As Proposes constitutional amendment restricting use of funds realized from transfer of State government and independent State authority capital assets only for capital projects and not for State government operating expenses.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR99

Proposes constitutional amendment restricting use of funds realized from transfer of State government and independent State authority capital assets only for capital projects and not for State government operating expenses.

NJ SCR23

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

NJ SCR70

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish a 2 percent cap on annual appropriations increases for certain State government spending.

NJ ACR161

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

NJ ACR89

Proposes constitutional amendment to require voter approval whenever State independent authorities issue bonds backed by annual appropriations.

NJ SCR16

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

NJ SCR39

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

NJ HB1

Provides for the ordinary operating expenses of state government for Fiscal Year 2014-2015

NJ HB1

Provides for the ordinary operating expenses of state government for Fiscal Year 2015-2016

NJ HB483

Local Governments Capital Improvements Revolving Loan Fund; extend repealer on MDA authority to use certain funds for expenses.

Similar Bills

NJ ACR99

Proposes constitutional amendment restricting use of funds realized from transfer of State government and independent State authority capital assets only for capital projects and not for State government operating expenses.

CA ACA11

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CA SB87

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