Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit use of eminent domain to take active farmland in certain circumstances.
Impact
If approved by voters, this amendment would have a significant impact on existing state laws concerning the government's ability to take private land. It represents a notable shift in property rights, reinforcing protections for farmers and agricultural lands throughout New Jersey. The amendment's clear stance against using eminent domain for non-farming uses may also foster a greater sense of security among landowners involved in agriculture, potentially influencing land investment, farming practices, and local economies reliant on these properties.
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 136 (SCR136) proposes an important constitutional amendment that primarily aims to protect active farmland from being taken by the government through eminent domain. Eminent domain is the power of the government to acquire private property for public use, provided that the owner is compensated fairly. This bill specifically restricts such takings of land that is actively used for agricultural or horticultural purposes unless the subsequent use of the property is restricted permanently to agricultural activities. This change seeks to ensure that valuable farmland remains intact for agricultural use and is not converted for non-farming purposes without just cause.
Contention
Discussions surrounding SCR136 may raise points of contention, particularly related to the balance between public interest and private property rights. Supporters of the bill advocate for agricultural preservation and see the amendment as a necessary safeguard against overreach by government entities that may seek to convert farmland for urban development or other non-agricultural ventures. Conversely, opponents could argue that this amendment might hinder necessary public projects that could benefit from the use of such lands. The debate will likely center around whether the benefits of protecting farmland outweigh possible restrictions on future urban development and infrastructure projects.
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.