New Jersey Senate Bill SCR63

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/22
• Refer: 2/10/22

Caption

Amends Constitution to require legislative consent for any State approval of a trade agreement.

Impact

If passed, SCR63 would change the procedural landscape for how New Jersey engages with international trade. It mandates that any trade agreement that the state considers must first undergo a rigorous review by designated State Legislative Points of Contact. This ensures that all relevant state agencies analyze the impact of proposed agreements, and the findings are made available to both the Legislature and the public. Additionally, a Citizen's Commission on Trade and Democracy would be established to facilitate public hearings and oversight concerning trade negotiations.

Summary

SCR63, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, proposes a constitutional amendment that requires legislative consent for the state to agree to be bound by any international trade agreement. This amendment aims to give the State Legislature a defined role in trade policy, ensuring that any agreements entered into can only be approved after thorough analysis and public hearings. The resolution emphasizes the importance of having comprehensive reviews of trade agreements, particularly concerning their social, economic, and environmental implications on the state.

Contention

The proposed amendment is set against a backdrop of concerns that certain trade agreements could undermine state sovereignty by imposing regulations that may not align with New Jersey's existing laws, particularly in areas like labor and environmental protections. Critics of the current system argue that without legislative oversight, the state may inadvertently agree to terms that disadvantage local businesses and workers. The requirement for public hearings is also designed to enhance transparency and accountability, responding to criticisms that previous trade agreements were often negotiated without adequate public input.