Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
Impact
If adopted, ACR84 would have notable implications for how state revenue mechanisms are established and modified in New Jersey. With the requirement for a two-thirds majority, it could become more challenging for the Legislature to enact new taxes or raise existing ones, thereby potentially limiting the state's fiscal flexibility. This could serve to protect taxpayers from sudden tax hikes by ensuring more robust debate and agreement among legislators, thus fostering greater accountability in tax-related decisions.
Summary
Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 84 (ACR84) proposes a significant amendment to the Constitution of the State of New Jersey, stipulating that all bills and resolutions that aim to create or increase state taxes, fees, surcharges, or civil penalties must be approved by a two-thirds majority in each house of the Legislature. This proposed change is intended to enhance the procedural requirements surrounding state taxation, preventing easy alterations to revenue-related laws without broad consensus among lawmakers. Currently, a simple majority is sufficient for such legislation, so this amendment seeks to enforce stricter voting standards for fiscal measures.
Contention
The proposal is likely to generate debate among various political and economic stakeholders. Proponents argue that the supermajority requirement could prevent hasty decisions that may negatively affect constituents. They contend that increasing tax burdens should require broad support, reflecting a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Conversely, critics of the amendment may argue that such a requirement could hinder necessary funding for vital state services, particularly during times of economic need, by complicating the legislative process and obstructing timely tax adjustments.
Implementation
Should ACR84 pass through the legislature, it will be placed on the ballot for public approval in the next general election. This measure underscores the importance of public engagement in legislative changes that may impact state governance and taxation policy. The process outlined ensures that voters will have a direct say in whether this higher threshold for tax legislation should be implemented, placing democratic accountability at the forefront of this constitutional amendment.
Carry Over
Proposes constitutional amendment to require two-thirds majority vote by Legislature for bills proposing a new or increased State tax, fee, surcharge or civil penalty.
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.