New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR105

Introduced
5/9/22  

Caption

Amends Constitution to provide $10 million in annual State funding to support public health measures.

Impact

The implementation of SCR105 is intended to enhance public health infrastructure by providing local health agencies with essential financial resources. These agencies will utilize the funding to improve services targeting communicable diseases and facilitate preventative care among the community. The structured approach outlined in the bill ensures that the funds are utilized specifically for public health initiatives, preventing potential misallocations by the state Legislature. Thus, local health agencies will be better equipped to respond to public health needs effectively.

Summary

SCR105 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey proposing an amendment to the state constitution that mandates an annual funding of at least $10 million to support public health measures. This amendment aims to secure dedicated funding from the state's General Fund to the New Jersey Department of Health, which will allocate the funds exclusively to local health agencies. The initiative is designed to bolster local efforts in tracking, preventing, and treating communicable diseases, promoting primary care, and addressing chronic and emergent public health issues.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SCR105 relates to the constitutionality of mandated funding levels. Critics may argue about the implications of entrenching financial commitments in the constitution, citing concerns about fiscal flexibility in future budgetary decisions. However, proponents assert that this protective measure is essential to safeguard public health funding from being diverted to other areas, ensuring consistent and reliable support for health initiatives that greatly benefit the state's residents. Additionally, as this amendment will require voter approval during the next general election, the public's perspective will significantly shape its future.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ S2583

Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding.

NJ S4299

Provides funding for Division of State Police opioid-related initiatives; appropriates up to $5 million annually.

NJ A2162

Requires minimum annual State appropriation of $10 million for Public Health Priority Funding.

NJ A5043

Provides funding for Division of State Police opioid-related initiatives; appropriates up to $5 million annually.

NJ SCR66

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to establish casino gaming at Monmouth Park Racetrack and Meadowlands Racetrack; dedicates State's revenues.

NJ ACR127

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit annual increase in assessment of real property.

NJ SCR60

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

NJ ACR149

Proposes constitutional amendment describing manner in which Legislature provides required maintenance and support of public schools.

NJ SCR99

Proposes constitutional amendment to increase amount of annual veterans' property tax deduction from $250 to $1,250.

NJ SCR64

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing municipalities to provide partial property tax exemption of up to 15 percent of assessed value for primary residence of certain volunteer first responders.

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.