Proposes Constitutional amendment to limit exercise of eminent domain to acquisition of land for essential public purposes.
Impact
If passed, the amendment will significantly limit governmental powers regarding property acquisition, thus potentially impacting community redevelopment efforts in blighted areas. The amendment defines 'essential public purposes' to include utilities, transportation corridors, educational institutions, correctional facilities, and healthcare services as permissible reasons for property acquisition, effectively narrowing the scope of what constitutes a public need to only these sectors.
Summary
ACR179 proposes a constitutional amendment to restrict the exercise of eminent domain by state and local governments to only essential public purposes. This would fundamentally alter the way in which governments can acquire private property, specifically barring them from taking land solely for the purpose of eliminating blighted areas. Currently, the New Jersey Constitution allows such takings, which is a major point of contention for supporters of the bill, who cite overreach resulting from the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Kelo v. City of New London as a driving force behind this legislative amendment.
Contention
Opponents of ACR179 argue that limiting the government’s ability to resolutely address blight may hinder community revitalization efforts and impede economic development. They express concerns that the amendment could thwart initiatives designed to improve living conditions in struggling neighborhoods, affecting the state's ability to adequately address the needs of its residents. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, advocate for the protection of individual property rights against what they perceive to be government overreach in property acquisitions.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides for the election of constitutional convention delegates and vote requirements necessary for the adoption of a new constitution (RR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
(Constitutional Amendment) Modifies disposition of certain state revenues through repeal of the Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund and deposits of certain revenue streams into the Budget Stabilization Fund (RRF INCREASE GF RV See Note)
(Constitutional Amendment) Provides relative to the application of state monies to the unfunded accrued liability of the Teachers' Retirement System of La. (EN DECREASE SD RV See Note)
Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii Constitution To Specify That The Standard For Voter Approval Of A Constitutional Amendment Proposed By The Legislature Is A Majority Of All The Votes Tallied Upon The Question.