New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR20

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum for directing State fiscal restraint.

Impact

If enacted, ACR20 would allow voters to directly influence state fiscal policies, potentially leading to significant reductions in state expenditures and taxes. The resolution stipulates that any law approved through this process cannot be overridden by gubernatorial veto. Moreover, it establishes specific procedures and thresholds for bringing an initiative to a vote, notably requiring signatures from registered voters across 14 counties equaling 25% of the votes from the last gubernatorial election. This could significantly alter the legislative landscape in New Jersey, empowering citizens to exert control over budgetary decisions.

Summary

ACR20 is a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to empower the people of New Jersey with the ability to initiate and approve laws governing state spending, appropriations, taxation, and public debt through direct voter initiatives and referenda. This initiative aims to impose stricter fiscal restraints on state government by allowing voters to enact laws that can lead to a reduction of state appropriations or revenues by up to 10%, repeal certain tax laws, and suspend the issuance of long-term debt not approved by voters. The core intent behind this proposal is to enhance direct democracy in fiscal governance, holding state officials accountable for fiscal discipline.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding ACR20, particularly regarding the implications of allowing democratic decisions to override legislative and executive actions. While advocates argue that this measure can restore fiscal accountability and discipline, opponents may raise concerns about the risks of populism in budgetary decisions, such as the ability of special interest groups to rally support for reductions that could undermine essential public services. Furthermore, discussions are likely to focus on the feasibility and implications of implementing such direct democracy mechanisms effectively while still maintaining a balance of power within the state government.