New Jersey Senate Bill SCR11

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on Legislature's website at least seven days before final vote.

Impact

Should SCR11 be enacted, it will significantly alter the current legislative process. Under the existing rules, there is only a requirement of one full calendar day between the second reading and the final vote. By extending this period to seven days, the resolution aims to give the public more insight and involvement in the legislative process. Proponents believe this change will not only promote transparency but also hold legislators accountable. It's expected to mitigate the potential for last-minute changes and rushed decisions that can lead to poorly thought-out laws being passed without adequate public scrutiny.

Summary

SCR11 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution proposing an amendment to Article IV, Section IV of the New Jersey Constitution. This proposed amendment mandates that all bills and joint resolutions must be made available to the public on the Legislature's website for at least seven days before a final vote can occur. This change aims to enhance the transparency of the legislative process, ensuring that the public has sufficient time to review proposed legislation before it is voted on. It would require each bill or joint resolution to be posted online after its second reading, with the three-day period between readings still allowed only in cases deemed emergencies by a three-fourths majority vote in either house.

Contention

While proponents argue that the amendment is a vital step towards greater transparency, there are concerns about its potential implications. Some legislators may view the additional waiting period as a hindrance to expedient legislative action, particularly in urgent situations that require quick responses. The provision that allows for an emergency exemption still stands but is limited, potentially leading to debates over what constitutes an 'emergency'. Thus, this amendment could spark discussions about balancing transparency with the need for efficiency in legislative operations.