New Jersey Assembly Bill A1355

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Prohibits bill certified for fiscal note or estimate from being released from committee without fiscal note or estimate.

Impact

The introduction of A1355 would amend the existing law under P.L.1980, c.67 (C.52:13B-10). By enforcing the completion of fiscal notes prior to a bill's release from committee, it aims to enhance the budgetary oversight during the legislative process. This could have significant implications for how financial impacts are evaluated, potentially altering the speed at which certain bills advance through the legislature.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1355 aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the legislative process by prohibiting any bill that has been certified for a fiscal note or estimate from being released from committee until a complete fiscal note or estimate has been completed. This measure seeks to ensure that lawmakers have access to the necessary financial implications of a bill before proceeding with further deliberation, thus fostering more informed legislative decisions.

Contention

While one could argue that this would promote better governance and fiscal responsibility, there may be contention around the speed of legislative processes. Some lawmakers might contend that this requirement could delay the introduction of necessary legislation, especially in scenarios where rapid response is required such as during emergencies. Critics of such measures may express concerns about the potential obstruction of essential legislative action due to bureaucratic constraints.