New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR100

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to require every bill and joint resolution introduced in Legislature to be heard in committee.

Impact

If enacted, ACR100 will alter the legislative landscape in New Jersey by enforcing a structured approach to how bills are processed. This change aims to prevent the passage of bills without public insight and committee evaluation, thereby enhancing the lawmaking process. Legislators will be obligated to schedule hearings and make provisions for public input, which could lead to more robust and accountable governance. The proposed amendment may foster improved public trust in the legislative process by ensuring that all voices can be heard during the legislative term.

Summary

ACR100 proposes a significant amendment to the New Jersey Constitution to require that every bill and joint resolution introduced in the Legislature be referred to a standing reference committee and heard in a public meeting during the two-year legislative term. This proposal aims to enhance legislative transparency and ensure that all proposed legislation undergoes scrutiny and public discussion, which is currently not mandated. By instituting this requirement, the resolution seeks to promote greater engagement between legislators and the public, allowing for a more informed legislative process.

Contention

While the intent behind ACR100 is to increase transparency, this proposal may face criticism from those who argue it could slow down the legislative process. Some lawmakers may express concerns that mandatory hearings could delay urgent legislative actions, especially in crisis situations. Moreover, the requirement for committee hearings on every proposed bill could lead to resource strain within legislative committees, potentially resulting in backlogs and inefficiencies in the legislative workflow. The balance between ensuring thorough discourse and maintaining legislative agility may emerge as a central point of contention in discussions regarding the resolution.