New Jersey Senate Bill SCR116

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/22
• Refer: 6/2/22

Caption

Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on website at least 14 days before final vote in each house; prohibits consideration of certain bills and joint resolutions given first reading.

Impact

The proposed changes would significantly alter the legislative process within the state. It replaces the current one-day waiting period between the second and third readings of legislation with a more extended 14-day period, which aims to provide the public with adequate time to understand and react to new bills. Furthermore, this resolution also stipulates that any bill introduced during the lame duck period following a general election can only proceed if three-fourths of legislators declare it an emergency measure. This would limit the ability to pass last-minute legislation without thorough public scrutiny, potentially reducing the chance of rushed or controversial bills being enacted.

Summary

SCR116 introduces a constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing legislative transparency in New Jersey. Primarily, the amendment mandates that all bills and joint resolutions must be published on the Legislature's website for a minimum of 14 days prior to a final vote in either house. This requirement not only allows the public greater access to legislative materials but also enables civic engagement and scrutiny of legislative actions. The resolution seeks to amend Article IV, Section IV, paragraph 6 of the New Jersey Constitution, thereby establishing a formalized process for public access to legislative documents.

Contention

The proposition has stirred varied responses among legislators and stakeholders. Advocates for SCR116 argue that such measures are essential for ensuring that the legislative body operates transparently, thereby fostering public trust in government processes. However, opponents may view these additional requirements as legislative hurdles that could impede the timely passage of necessary laws, especially in situations that demand urgent attention. Thus, the balance between maintaining operational efficiency and ensuring public access remains a crucial point of discussion surrounding this amendment.