New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR191

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/2/24
• Refer: 1/2/24
• Report Pass: 1/4/24
• Engrossed: 1/8/24

Caption

Revises Joint Rules concerning prefiling, district offices, and information technology system.

Impact

The primary impact of ACR191 lies in its updates to the prefiling process. Under the proposed changes, members of the legislature will have until December 15 of the year preceding the start of the legislative session to submit prefile lists to the Office of Legislative Services. Additionally, it precludes members from requesting another member's bill for introduction until late February of even-numbered years. This aims to create a more organized and efficient prefiling process, allowing the Office of Legislative Services to manage submissions better and ensure compliance with legislative rules.

Summary

ACR191 is a Concurrent Resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that aims to revise existing Joint Rules concerning prefiling protocols, district office operations, and the management of the Legislative Information System. The bill proposes to amend various joint rules to update and streamline the legislative process as the new two-year legislative session approaches. This includes setting new deadlines for members to prefile their bills and resolutions, as well as updating rules regarding the operation of district offices to better serve constituents.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding ACR191 is the limitation on the ability of members to introduce bills that are previously sponsored by others. This restriction is set to take effect after the fourth Tuesday in February, which might concern some legislators who feel it could limit collaboration and responsiveness to emerging issues. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the newly adopted rules for district offices and the Legislative Information System remains to be seen, as members of the legislature adapt to these changes in practice.