New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR88

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/22
• Refer: 2/7/22

Caption

Amends State Constitution to provide that general appropriation law will continue in effect until State enacts new general appropriation law.

Impact

The proposed amendment seeks to prevent scenarios that could lead to a government shutdown, which can occur if the state fails to adopt a new budget by the end of the fiscal year on June 30. If enacted, ACR88 would allow the existing budget to continue operating at the previously authorized expenditure levels until a new budget is successfully passed. This is critical for maintaining consistent state services and avoiding interruptions in government functions.

Summary

ACR88 is a concurrent resolution proposing an amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution. The primary aim of this bill is to ensure that the general appropriation law remains in effect until a new general appropriation law is enacted by the State. This amendment addresses the fiscal management practices of the state, particularly concerning the continuity of government operations in the event that a new budget is not passed before the start of a new fiscal year.

Contention

While ACR88 is designed to promote fiscal stability and mitigate the risks of budgetary gaps, it may also raise concerns among lawmakers about the potential for decreased urgency in budget negotiations. Critics could argue that having a continuous budget diminishes the incentive for timely fiscal planning and accountability, possibly leading to complacency among legislators in fulfilling their budgetary responsibilities. Therefore, discussions around this bill may include varied perspectives on the balance between ensuring operational continuity and maintaining robust budgetary oversight.