New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill ACR13

Introduced
1/9/24  

Caption

Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

Impact

If passed, the amendment would specifically affect judges of municipal courts having jurisdiction over multiple municipalities. The proposed change is significant because it would enable local governments or counties to appoint judges directly, potentially encouraging a more localized and responsive judicial appointment process. This shift could lead to variations in how judges are selected across different regions within the state, reflecting local governance preferences and needs.

Summary

ACR13 proposes a constitutional amendment to Article VI, Section VI of the New Jersey Constitution, which seeks to alter the appointment process for judges serving in joint municipal courts and central municipal courts. Currently, the Constitution mandates that these judges be nominated by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. This amendment would allow state legislation to define a new method of appointment, which may exclude the Governor and Senate entirely from the process, thereby granting the legislature the flexibility to determine how judges are selected for these courts.

Contention

The amendment has sparked discussions around the balance of power in judicial appointments. Proponents argue that this change could simplify and democratize the appointment process, allowing local communities a greater say in their judicial oversight. However, critics express concerns about potential politicization of judicial appointments and the independence of the judiciary. They argue that retaining the current system, which involves state-level oversight, is essential for maintaining checks and balances in the judicial system.

Companion Bills

NJ ACR12

Carry Over Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

Previously Filed As

NJ ACR12

Proposes constitutional amendment removing gubernatorial appointment of certain municipal court judges.

NJ A1219

Provides for appointment of certain municipal court judges at the local or county level.

NJ ACR14

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

NJ ACR48

Proposes constitutional amendment to broaden powers of the Council on Local Mandates.

NJ ACR15

Proposes Constitutional amendment to limit exercise of eminent domain to acquisition of land for essential public purposes.

NJ ACR13

Proposes constitutional amendment to restore the death penalty under certain circumstances.

NJ ACR16

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

NJ SCR43

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing Legislature to invalidate certain court decisions.

NJ ACR52

Proposes constitutional amendment to limit assessment of homestead real property, and allow exemption on up to $50,000 of home's value.

NJ ACR89

Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.

Similar Bills

LA HB472

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NJ ACR123

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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

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LA HB678

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LA HB473

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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.