New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S2590

Introduced
2/8/24  

Caption

Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

Impact

In practical terms, if enacted, S2590 would ensure that individuals can continue to utilize New Jersey's natural resources and access key government services without interruption, even during financial disputes. During such emergencies, the state would not charge fees for parking at facilities serving the state parks and beaches, which is designed to promote unhindered recreational access. The state’s designation of essential personnel will guarantee that necessary services—such as inspections and licensing through MVC agencies—proceed uninterrupted, benefiting the state's residents.

Summary

Senate Bill 2590 seeks to ensure that state parks, forests, state-owned beaches, and Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) offices in New Jersey remain operational and accessible to the public during a declared state of emergency caused by the failure to enact a general appropriation law by the constitutional deadline. This provision aims to protect public access to these facilities, which are often utilized for recreational purposes and essential services, even when a financial stalemate exists within the government. By doing so, the bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining public services during legislative gridlock.

Contention

While the intentions behind S2590 appear to foster public access and continuity of services, the potential for contention lies in broader debates about budget control and prioritization of state funding. Some may argue this bill could set a precedent where essential government services are maintained at the expense of financial prudence during budgetary crises. Others might raise concerns about the implications for local governments and the autonomy of state operations and responsibilities, particularly if the preservation of public services leads to funding imbalances elsewhere. The bill's passage could ignite discussions on the criteria for what constitutes 'essential services' and how such determinations are made during fiscal emergencies.

Companion Bills

NJ A419

Same As Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ A3180

Carry Over Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ S2448

Carry Over Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2448

Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ A3180

Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ A419

Requires State parks, forests, State-owned beaches, and MVC offices to remain open to public if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ S1133

Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ A3188

Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ A3404

Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

NJ S205

Requires transportation capital project and infrastructure safety inspections to continue if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by State Constitution.

NJ S533

Requires transportation capital project and infrastructure safety inspections to continue if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by State Constitution.

NJ S797

Imposes daily fine of $250 upon each member of Legislature during state of emergency due to failure to enact annual appropriations law.

NJ S545

Imposes daily fine of $250 upon each member of Legislature during state of emergency due to failure to enact annual appropriations law.

Similar Bills

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD HB300

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)