Proposes constitutional amendment to establish State right to keep and bear arms.
Impact
If approved, SCR106 will amend Article I, paragraph 1 of the New Jersey Constitution to ensure that the right to keep and bear arms is not infringed. Currently, while the state constitution recognizes the enjoyment and defense of life and liberty, it lacks a specific mention of the right to firearm ownership. The new amendment would fill this gap, thereby reshaping New Jersey's legal framework regarding gun rights. Opponents might highlight that while states cannot infringe on individual rights, this amendment could complicate existing gun regulations aimed at ensuring public safety.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 106 (SCR106) proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that establishes the right of the state's residents to keep and bear arms. This amendment aims to explicitly protect the individual right to firearm ownership within the state constitution, extending the provisions already provided under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution. The proposed change seeks to clarify that New Jersey residents have a constitutional right to possess firearms, aligning state legislation more closely with federal rights outlined by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Contention
The introduction of SCR106 has been met with varied responses. Supporters, particularly gun rights advocates, argue that the amendment is a necessary step towards safeguarding individual freedoms and self-defense rights within New Jersey. They contend that it brings the state in line with broader constitutional interpretations favoring gun ownership. Conversely, critics of the amendment may point out potential drawbacks in terms of public safety and the state's ability to implement measures that regulate firearms ownership effectively. The debate surrounding this amendment represents a larger national discourse on gun rights and gun control.
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.