New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR63

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment to provide for State constitutional convention to reduce government spending and to reform system of property taxation.

Impact

Should ACR63 be adopted, it would facilitate a constitutional convention where 80 delegates—two from each legislative district—will be elected to examine and suggest amendments to both the New Jersey Constitution and statutes related to taxation and spending. This process is designed to ensure that any recommended changes are aligned with public interest, fundamentally altering revenue and funding structures for local governments and potentially decreasing reliance on property taxes. However, substantial changes are only permissible if they do not affect the total revenue collected by the state and local governments.

Summary

ACR63 proposes a temporary amendment to the New Jersey Constitution to allow for the convening of a State constitutional convention aimed at reforming the state's property taxation system and reducing government spending. The primary focus of the convention will be to address the inequities in the current property tax system, making it more uniform and less dependent on property taxes for local revenue. The proposed changes will be subject to the approval of the voters, necessitating an election for the public to decide on the holding of the convention and the proposed amendments thereafter.

Contention

The proposal has generated discussion around its potential impacts and the political dynamics it introduces. Proponents argue that it provides a necessary platform for citizens to engage directly with efforts to reorganize taxation and spending priorities. Detractors, however, voice concerns over the assembly of a convention and the risk of unintended consequences arising from sweeping reforms. Additionally, the restrictions against pursuing a statewide equalized school property tax have been noted as a contentious point that could affect educational funding stability.