Increases number of bills or resolutions that may be prefiled to 100 and permits withdrawal of certain bills and resolutions.
Impact
The resolution also clarifies that members may prefile an Assembly resolution, aligning the rules with current legislative practices. Additionally, AR205 allows the Office of Legislative Services to withdraw bills or resolutions that were prefiled in a prior session if they were subsequently approved by the Governor or filed with the Secretary of State. This provision is crucial as it maintains the legislative integrity by ensuring that outdated or irrelevant prefiled items can be removed from consideration.
Status
As of January 4, 2024, AR205 was reported favorably by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee, indicating a positive reception in the early stages of the legislative process. This initial support suggests that there may be sufficient backing among legislators, but further discussion and evaluations will be necessary as it moves through the legislative steps.
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 205 (AR205) introduced in New Jersey seeks to amend certain procedural rules of the Assembly regarding the prefiling of bills and resolutions. The key provision of this resolution is to increase the number of bills or resolutions that can be prefiled by an Assembly member from the current limit of 40 to a new limit of 100. This significant change is intended to enhance the legislative capabilities of Assembly members, allowing them to introduce more legislation and thereby potentially address a wider range of issues affecting their constituents.
Contention
The bill reflects an ongoing need within the New Jersey Assembly to adapt its rules to better facilitate legislative activity. However, while the increase in the number of prefilable bills may be viewed favorably by some as a means to improve legislative responsiveness, it could also lead to concerns regarding the potential for overloading the legislative agenda with too many items. This situation might make it challenging for legislators to effectively advocate and manage their introduced bills, possibly diluting the focus on priority issues.
Provides for the appointment of a standing committee on conference to resolve differences between similar, but not identical bills and resolutions; provides that such committee may refer bills and resolutions to sub-committees for disposition; provides for appointment of a non-partisan counsel to make referrals to such standing committee on similar bills and resolutions.
Removes requirement that certain government officers disclose the address of their home or secondary residence, or that of their immediate family on financial disclosure statements.
(New Title) modifying the procedures for withdrawal from a cooperative school district and the discontinuance of elementary and high schools and requiring the review of school district operating documents by school boards.
Water supply: conservation; limits on water withdrawals under part 327 of the natural resources and environmental protection act; amend. Amends sec. 32723 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32723). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0763'25