Amends Constitution to require each house of Legislature to convene four times annually solely to debate State issues and policies.
Impact
The amendment, if passed, would enhance government accountability and encourage more transparent legislative processes. Regularly scheduled debates would ensure that representatives are consistently engaging with relevant state issues, potentially leading to better-informed policymaking. Moreover, the ability to raise issues outside the pre-set agenda would empower legislators to address emerging concerns adequately, thus enhancing responsiveness to the public and evolving state dynamics.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 27 (SCR27) proposes a fundamental change to the operation of the New Jersey Legislature by amending the state constitution. The primary aim of this resolution is to mandate that each house of the Legislature convenes four times a year exclusively to debate state issues and policies. This would introduce a structured environment for legislators to engage in discussions about matters affecting the state and its citizens, echoing practices seen in parliamentary systems of governance. Each meeting would allow members to pose questions to one another, fostering a dialogue about pressing state matters.
Contention
However, SCR27's requirement for these quarterly meetings may raise concerns regarding time management and legislative efficiency. Some legislators might contend that mandated meetings could distract from other essential legislative duties or lead to unproductive discussions. The presiding officers of each house would set the agenda for each meeting, but the resolution ensures members retain the right to introduce additional topics for debate. The outcome of this proposed amendment will ultimately depend on voter approval during the next general election, making public perception and support a critical factor in its adoption.
Proposes amendment to Constitution to require each house of the Legislature to meet four times annually solely to vote on bills that provide property tax relief.
Proposes amendment to Constitution to require each house of the Legislature to meet four times annually solely to vote on bills that provide property tax relief.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.
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 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.
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.