Amends Constitution to allow public funds to be used for historic preservation of places of worship.
Impact
If enacted, this amendment would alter Article I, paragraph 3 of the New Jersey Constitution, which currently prohibits the allocation of public funds for the repair or maintenance of places of worship. With public support, this change could enable counties and municipalities to establish or continue historic preservation programs that involve churches, thereby aligning state law with public interest in preserving cultural and historic landmarks associated with religious institutions.
Summary
SCR42 proposes an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution, permitting the use of public funds for the historic preservation of places of worship, including churches. This initiative responds to a recent Supreme Court ruling (Freedom From Religion Foundation v. Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders) that determined the prior use of taxpayer funds for church restoration was unconstitutional under the Religious Aid Clause of the state constitution. By allowing public funds to be allocated for this purpose, the bill aims to facilitate the restoration and preservation of historically significant religious sites throughout New Jersey.
Contention
The amendment introduces vital discussions about the separation of church and state, raising concerns about how public funds might influence religious institutions. Proponents of the amendment argue that preserving historic churches benefits the broader community, while opponents may contend that any financial support for religious establishments could undermine the secular nature of government funding. The bill's passage hinges on public perception and the legal framework surrounding public financing of religious institutions.
Constitutional Amendment to provide that the right of freedom of worship in churches or other places of worship is a fundamental right that is worthy of the highest order of protection. (2/3-CA13s1(A))
Municipal historic preservation commissions; municipalities prohibited from designating place of worship as historic property; places of worship authorized to agree to historic designation; retroactive application, provided for
Appropriates $15,564,293 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses.
Appropriates $15,564,293 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses.
Appropriates $17,288,315 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses.
Appropriates $17,288,315 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses.
Appropriates $15,564,293 from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues to NJ Historic Trust for grants for certain historic preservation projects and associated administrative expenses.
Proposes constitutional amendment to require payments by State to State-administered retirement systems and establish in Constitution right of public employees to pension benefit; provides for enforcement of funding obligations and benefit rights.
Proposes constitutional amendment to require payments by State to State-administered retirement systems and establish in Constitution right of public employees to pension benefit; provides for enforcement of funding obligations and benefit rights.
Proposes an amendment to Constitution specifying a method of providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools and allocating all income tax receipts to school districts.
Proposes an amendment to Constitution specifying a method of providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools and allocating all income tax receipts to school districts.
Proposes an amendment to Constitution specifying a method of providing for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of free public schools and allocating all income tax receipts to school districts.