Requires certain bills and resolutions with at least 32 sponsors to be voted on third reading upon notice.
Impact
The introduction of this resolution aims to enhance the democratic process within the New Jersey Assembly by giving a voice to minority viewpoints. By allowing the Minority Leader to designate bills for a third reading and vote with the agreement of the prime sponsor, it provides a formal mechanism through which minority-supported legislation can receive due consideration. This change is particularly notable as it encourages the presentation and discussion of diverse policy ideas, fostering a more competitive legislative environment.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 112 introduces significant changes to the procedures governing voting on bills and resolutions in the New Jersey General Assembly. The resolution mandates that any bill or resolution with at least 32 sponsors, which constitutes 40% of the Assembly, requires a vote on the third reading upon notice from the Minority Leader. This rule seeks to facilitate the legislative process by ensuring that bills backed by a substantial number of sponsors are given appropriate attention and opportunity for voting, rather than being stalled in committee or during debates.
Contention
There may be contention surrounding the interpretative flexibility of the rule. The effectiveness of this resolution may hinge on political dynamics within the Assembly, particularly regarding which bills are chosen by the Minority Leader for designation as deserving a vote. Critics might argue that this creates an imbalanced power dynamic if the Minority Leader favors specific bills, while supporters advocate that it is an essential check on procedural bottlenecks that can hinder legislative progress. Additionally, the provision that requires a 45-day notice period for bills could create strategic delays or challenges in rapid legislative responses.
Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on website at least 14 days before final vote in each house; prohibits consideration of certain bills and joint resolutions given first reading.
Requires House consideration of Senate legislation with 21 or more sponsors; provides for member special order speeches at designated sessions and public comment periods at designated committee meetings.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; provision related to officeholders raising funds when facing a recall; modify, and require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; funds donated to a candidate for recall efforts; require candidate to establish a separate account used for recall purposes. Amends secs. 3, 11, 12, 21, 24 & 52 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.203 et seq.) & adds sec. 21b.
A concurrent resolution recognizing wild rice as sacred and central to the culture and health of Indigenous Peoples in Minnesota and critical to the health and identity of all Minnesota citizens and ecosystems and establishing a commitment to passing legislation to protect wild rice and the freshwater resources upon which it depends.