New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill SCR111

Introduced
5/12/22  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

Impact

Should SCR111 be adopted, it will amend the State Constitution to include provisions for indirect initiatives and referendums. This will allow citizens to collect signatures to propose changes in law or amendments to the Constitution. Specifically, a petition for a constitutional amendment requires signatures from at least 10% of the votes cast in the last gubernatorial election, while 6% of the votes is needed for proposing a law. Additionally, the proposed amendment mandates a structured response from the Legislature, which must act on the proposals within two months.

Summary

SCR111 is a proposed constitutional amendment from the 220th Legislature of New Jersey, which seeks to establish a Statewide initiative and referendum process. The amendment aims to grant the people of New Jersey the authority to propose constitutional amendments or new laws and vote on these proposals, should the Legislature fail to act within a set timeframe. This initiative is designed to enhance public participation in the legislative process and empower citizens to have a direct say in state governance.

Contention

Opponents of SCR111 may be concerned about the implications on local governance, fearing that this process could undermine the existing legislative framework and increase the chances of popular or populist measures that might not be in the best interest of the greater public good. Furthermore, the amendment specifies exclusions on issues related to the siting of facilities in specific regions, which may raise debates about local autonomy and the ability of municipalities to self-govern and respond to their unique challenges.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SCR60

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum.

NJ ACR50

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for Statewide initiative and referendum for directing State fiscal restraint.

NJ SCR59

Proposes constitutional amendment to provide for election of Attorney General.

NJ HJR198

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

NJ HJR23

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

NJ SJR14

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

NJ HJR87

Proposing a constitutional amendment to reserve to the people the powers of initiative and referendum.

NJ SB205

Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE)

NJ AB207

Information provided to voters concerning proposed constitutional amendments and other statewide referenda. (FE)

NJ SJR0024

Initiatives and referendums.

Similar Bills

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

CA SB699

Legislature: constitutional course.

TX SJR54

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

TX HJR98

Applying to the Congress of the United States to call a convention under Article V of the United States Constitution for the limited purpose of proposing one or more amendments to the constitution to impose fiscal restraints on the federal government, to limit the power and jurisdiction of the federal government, and to limit the terms of office of federal officials and members of Congress.

HI SB2265

Proposing Amendments To The Hawaii State Constitution To Enable Legislation By The People.

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.

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.

HI SB2315

Proposing An Amendment To Article Xvii, Section 3 Of The Hawaii State 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.