Amends Constitution to require that State tax bills pass both Houses of Legislature by three-fifths majority vote.
If passed, ACR11 would modify key sections of Article IV of the New Jersey Constitution, specifically amending paragraphs related to the legislative process for state tax bills. The proposed amendment asserts that significant changes to tax structures would require broader consensus among legislators, thereby fortifying fiscal conservatism within the state’s tax policy landscape. This change is presented as a mechanism for preventing hasty tax increases that can burden residents and businesses alike, advocating for a more cautious legislative approach to fiscal matters.
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 11 (ACR11) proposes a significant amendment to the New Jersey Constitution, specifically regarding the passage of tax bills. The resolution stipulates that any bill or joint resolution that levies a state tax or increases an existing state tax must be approved by a three-fifths majority vote in both houses of the state legislature. This change aims to increase the threshold for tax-related legislation, moving from a simple majority requirement to a supermajority metric which is seen as a way to stabilize tax policies in the state and potentially limit tax increases.
The introduction of ACR11 may provoke debates regarding the balance of power between the legislative chambers and the potential implications for state revenue. Proponents argue that this amendment could protect citizens from unexpected tax hikes and foster a more deliberate legislative process, enhancing accountability among lawmakers. Conversely, opponents may contend that raising the majority required for tax legislation could hinder the state's ability to respond swiftly to fiscal crises or adjustments needed for rising economic demands, arguing that a simple majority should suffice to ensure responsive governance.