New Jersey Senate Bill SCR14

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

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

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit effective period of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by Governor to 14 days.

Impact

If adopted, SCR14 could significantly change the landscape of emergency governance in New Jersey. The proposed amendment would reinforce checks and balances, ensuring that the Legislature plays a role in approving extended emergency measures rather than allowing the Governor to unilaterally decide the duration of such orders. This legislative involvement prevents potential overreach by the executive branch, signaling a transition toward greater accountability and transparency in emergency management. Additionally, it would require emergency measures to comply with the new timeline, fostering a more responsive governance model.

Summary

Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 14 (SCR14) proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the duration of certain emergency orders, rules, or regulations issued by the Governor of New Jersey to 14 days. This amendment aims to ensure legislative oversight over the Governor's emergency powers, establishing a maximum 14-day period for emergency measures unless further extended by the Legislature through a concurrent resolution. Currently, state law does not impose any time limit on such emergency measures, giving the Governor broad unilateral authority during a state of emergency.

Contention

The amendment does contain exceptions, meaning not all orders would be subject to this new 14-day limit. Orders that only apply to the executive branch, those necessitated by federal commands, and specific military orders would remain unaffected. This raises potential concerns about the effectiveness of these exceptions and whether they could lead to possible circumvention of the spirit of the amendment. Some lawmakers may argue that the proposal strikes the right balance between necessary state governance during emergencies and essential legislative control, while others may express that it limits the Governor's ability to respond swiftly in crises, especially in situations requiring immediate action.