New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR66

Introduced
1/11/22  

Caption

Proposes amendment to Constitution establishing a right to comprehensive, affordable, and accessible health care.

Impact

The enactment of ACR66 would have profound implications for health care laws within New Jersey, obligating the state Legislature to create laws that facilitate access to health care for all. This could potentially lead to a transformation in how health care services are structured and delivered across the state. By framing health care as a constitutional right, the amendment envisions comprehensive reforms that could improve affordability and accessibility, fostering a more inclusive health care system that safeguards the well-being of all residents.

Summary

ACR66 is a proposed amendment to the New Jersey State Constitution that aims to establish a fundamental right for every resident to have access to comprehensive, affordable, and accessible health care. This significant legislative proposal seeks to amend Article I of the State Constitution by adding a new paragraph that explicitly guarantees health care as a right for all individuals, irrespective of their age, sex, race, income, or health conditions. The intent behind this proposal is to ensure that health care services are universally available and to mandate legislative action to secure this right for every citizen.

Contention

Despite its noble objectives, ACR66 is not without controversy. Opponents may argue that legislating health care as a constitutional right could lead to unintended consequences, such as increased taxation or regulatory burdens on health care providers and businesses. Additionally, questions may arise regarding the financial feasibility of ensuring comprehensive coverage for all residents, especially in regard to pre-existing conditions. Stakeholders on both sides of the debate will need to engage on vital issues such as funding, implementation, and the broader impacts on the existing health care framework.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR125

Proposes amendment to Constitution establishing a right to comprehensive, affordable, and accessible health care.

NJ ACR101

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit assessment of homestead real property.

NJ ACR14

Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.

NJ ACR139

Proposes constitutional amendment to require Statewide calculation of affordable housing obligation.

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR73

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide that only Legislature may determine affordable housing obligations.

NJ ACR45

Proposes constitutional amendment recognizing fundamental right to reproductive freedom.

NJ SCR51

Proposes constitutional amendment to require Statewide calculation of affordable housing obligation.

NJ ACR16

Proposes constitutional amendment to preserve right of people to fish, hunt, trap, and harvest fish and wildlife.

NJ ACR122

Proposes constitutional amendment to authorize temporary property tax exemption for value of certain homestead improvements.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

(Constitutional Amendment) Revises Article VII of the Constitution of La. (OR -$139,000,000 GF RV See Note)

NJ ACR123

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR75

Proposes temporary constitutional amendment allowing State constitutional convention convened to reform system of property taxation to propose statutory changes.

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

LA HB244

(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)

LA HB678

(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)

LA HB473

(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)

HI SB1225

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.