New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2588

Introduced

2/14/22

Refer

2/14/22

Caption

Requires "miscellaneous revenues" in a municipal budget expected to be realized from municipal court to be listed under "Fines and Costs" line item.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will affect how municipalities in New Jersey report revenues derived from municipal courts. By mandating that such revenues be categorized specifically under 'Fines and Costs', the bill aims to reduce the likelihood of misrepresentation or obfuscation of these funds within municipal budgets. This adjustment could also standardize how municipalities report these revenues, aiding in more uniform financial practices statewide.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2588, introduced in the New Jersey Legislature, seeks to amend the existing municipal budget law by redefining how 'miscellaneous revenues' related to municipal courts are accounted for. The primary aim of the bill is to require that any anticipated revenue derivable from municipal courts be classified explicitly as 'Fines and Costs' within the municipal budget documentation. This change intends to enhance clarity and transparency in municipal financial reporting.

Contention

While the bill is designed to streamline municipal budget classifications, it has sparked debate regarding the implications of emphasizing court-based revenues. Critics argue that this categorization may reinforce perceptions of municipalities relying heavily on fines and penal revenues, which could be construed as prioritizing revenue generation over community welfare and public service. Proponents, however, claim that the change is inherently about improving financial transparency rather than altering the fiscal dynamics of municipality operations.

Latest NJ A2588 Activity

View All Events: NJ 2022-2023 Regular Session A2588

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2638

Requires certain municipalities to include certain information concerning beach costs and revenues in municipality's public access plan.

NJ A2293

Requires certain municipalities to include certain information concerning beach costs and revenues in municipality's public access plan.

NJ A2444

Increases distribution to municipalities from Energy Tax Receipts Property Tax Relief Fund over two years; prohibits anticipation of certain revenue in municipal budget; requires additional aid be subtracted from municipal property tax levy.

NJ S1754

NJ S3500

Reduces allowed diversion of funds from stormwater, water, and sewer purposes to municipal and county budgets; requires municipalities and counties to notify Division of Local Government Services of diversions.

NJ S1586

Requires municipal governing body to submit public question to voters if area of municipality with over 10 percent property tax ratables is to be subject to annexation by other municipality.

NJ HB1223

Relating to the publication of a line-item budget by school districts and municipalities.

NJ SB1163

municipalities; budgets; amendments

NJ A1579

Permits municipality to use proceeds of beach access fees for areas near beach facilities that are significantly affected by beach tourism; requires municipality to provide explanation of expenditures on website.

NJ A4649

Requires State reimbursement to municipalities of cost of disabled veterans' total property tax exemption; increases amount of State reimbursement to municipalities for amount of veterans' property tax deduction.

Similar Bills

ID S1361

APPROPRIATIONS – PUBLIC SAFETY – Relates to the maintenance appropriation to Public Safety for fiscal year 2027.

ID S1107

Relates to the maintenance appropriation to Public Safety for fiscal year 2026.

ID S1388

APPROPRIATIONS – DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION – Relates to the appropriation to the Department of Correction for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

IA HF1044

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities commission, and providing for properly related matters including the deposit of captive company premium tax revenue. (Formerly HSB 343, HSB 341.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

IA SSB1217

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations for state government administration and regulation, including the department of administrative services, auditor of state, office of civil rights, ethics and campaign disclosure board, offices of governor and lieutenant governor, department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, department of insurance and financial services, department of management, Iowa public employees' retirement system, public information board, department of revenue, secretary of state, treasurer of state, and utilities commission.