ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 143 STATE OF NEW JERSEY 221st LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED JUNE 13, 2024 ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 143 STATE OF NEW JERSEY 221st LEGISLATURE INTRODUCED JUNE 13, 2024 Sponsored by: Assemblyman JOHN V. AZZARITI JR., M.D. District 39 (Bergen) SYNOPSIS Requires bills and resolutions to have easily readable title, text, synopsis, and statement. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced. Sponsored by: Assemblyman JOHN V. AZZARITI JR., M.D. District 39 (Bergen) SYNOPSIS Requires bills and resolutions to have easily readable title, text, synopsis, and statement. CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT As introduced. An Assembly Resolution amending Rule 15:6 and adding Rule 16:3 to the Rules of the General Assembly. Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Rule 15:6 is amended to read as follows: 15:6. Sponsor's Statement. The sponsor of a bill or resolution shall attach a brief statement, summarizing the contents of the bill or resolution and the localities or persons it will affect. The statement shall be no longer than 450 words and shall be printed [at the end] on the front of the bill or resolution beneath the synopsis under the caption "Statement." 2. Rule 16:3 is added as follows: 16:3 (New) Readability. The Speaker, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Services, shall develop a formatting style to make the title, text, synopsis, and statement of each bill or resolution easily distinguishable from the remainder of the bill or resolution. 3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the eleventh month following enactment. STATEMENT The resolution would add a rule to the Rules of the General Assembly to require the Speaker, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Services, to develop a formatting style to make the title, text, synopsis, and statement of each bill and resolution easily distinguishable to improve readability, visibility, and accessibility. The resolution would also amend the rules to provide that the sponsor's statement appears on the front of the bill under the synopsis. The sponsor's intent is to recognize the importance of making the legislative process more accessible and transparent to the public, and acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating complex legislative documents. An Assembly Resolution amending Rule 15:6 and adding Rule 16:3 to the Rules of the General Assembly. Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: 1. Rule 15:6 is amended to read as follows: 15:6. Sponsor's Statement. The sponsor of a bill or resolution shall attach a brief statement, summarizing the contents of the bill or resolution and the localities or persons it will affect. The statement shall be no longer than 450 words and shall be printed [at the end] on the front of the bill or resolution beneath the synopsis under the caption "Statement." 2. Rule 16:3 is added as follows: 16:3 (New) Readability. The Speaker, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Services, shall develop a formatting style to make the title, text, synopsis, and statement of each bill or resolution easily distinguishable from the remainder of the bill or resolution. 3. This act shall take effect on the first day of the eleventh month following enactment. STATEMENT The resolution would add a rule to the Rules of the General Assembly to require the Speaker, in consultation with the Office of Legislative Services, to develop a formatting style to make the title, text, synopsis, and statement of each bill and resolution easily distinguishable to improve readability, visibility, and accessibility. The resolution would also amend the rules to provide that the sponsor's statement appears on the front of the bill under the synopsis. The sponsor's intent is to recognize the importance of making the legislative process more accessible and transparent to the public, and acknowledge the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in navigating complex legislative documents.