Proposes constitutional amendment providing laws imposing, extending, or delaying repeal of State tax expire after five years unless extended by Legislature.
Impact
Should ACR185 be adopted, it could have profound implications on the state's approach to taxation. Currently, tax laws can linger indefinitely unless actively repealed by the Legislature. With this proposed amendment, any new tax imposed or any extension of an existing tax would necessitate a re-evaluation and possible renewal, fostering a more dynamic legislative environment. This could potentially affect state revenue stability and influence budget planning, requiring legislators to be proactive about tax policies that might otherwise be left unchecked.
Summary
ACR185 proposes a significant constitutional amendment in New Jersey, wherein any law that imposes a state tax or delays the repeal of such taxes would automatically expire after five years unless the Legislature enacts an extension. This amendment seeks to bring more accountability and discipline into the legislative process regarding state taxation. The mechanism stipulated allows for an extension only if a vote occurs no earlier than one year prior to the sunset of the tax law, thus ensuring that the tax remains under legislative scrutiny every five years.
Contention
The amendment has the potential to spark debate among lawmakers, particularly around issues of fiscal responsibility versus stability in state funding. Proponents may argue that the amendment increases transparency and prevents unwanted tax burdens from becoming permanent fixtures of state law. Conversely, opponents might raise concerns about the potential for revenue shortages or disruptions in funding for essential services if tax laws are not regularly renewed. The requirement for a legislative vote to extend tax provisions could also lead to political maneuvering, where tax extensions become tangled in broader budgetary negotiations.
Proposes constitutional amendment providing laws imposing, extending, or delaying repeal of State tax expire after five years unless extended by Legislature.
Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes constitutional amendment requiring Legislature to enact statute authorizing $200 property tax credit for primary residence of volunteer firefighter or first aid squad member.
Proposes constitutional amendment to establish initiative process for limited purpose of overturning New Jersey Supreme Court decisions and repealing statutes.
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.