Requires Legislature to make bills and joint resolutions available to public on Legislature's website at least seven days before final vote.
If passed, ACR41 would require that every time a bill or joint resolution is read a second time in either house, it would need to be made publicly available online for a minimum of seven full calendar days before proceeding to the third reading. This change could lead to a significant shift in how legislation is conducted within the state legislature, compelling legislators to be more thoughtful and deliberate in their considerations, given the extended time for public scrutiny and input.
ACR41 is a concurrent resolution in New Jersey proposing an amendment to the state constitution that mandates the Legislature to publish all bills and joint resolutions on its website at least seven days prior to the final vote. The goal of this resolution is to enhance public access to legislative documents and ensure greater transparency in the legislative process. Under the current rules, there is only a one-day requirement between the second and third readings of a bill, which this amendment seeks to extend significantly to allow the public adequate time to review proposed legislation.
While the resolution is primarily seen as a measure to enhance transparency, there may be contention regarding its implications for urgent legislation. ACR41 maintains the existing provision allowing for an emergency vote, which can bypass the seven-day waiting period if three-fourths of the members agree it is necessary. Critics may argue that this emergency provision could be abused, thus still limiting transparency for pressing matters. Conversely, supporters believe that the majority of legislation should be subjected to this seven-day scrutiny to foster a more informed and engaged public.