Proposes constitutional amendment to prohibit person convicted of criminal offense, as defined by law, from holding elective public office.
Summary
SCR70 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that proposes a constitutional amendment to bar any person convicted of a criminal offense, as defined by law, from holding elective public office in New Jersey. The resolution would add a new paragraph to Article II, Section I of the State Constitution establishing this disqualification as a statewide rule for elected officeholders.
If approved by both houses and then by the voters, the amendment would be placed on the ballot at the next general election occurring more than three months after final legislative agreement. The bill also sets out the required ballot question, interpretive statement, and publication requirements for notifying the public before the election.
Impact
The measure would change the New Jersey Constitution rather than ordinary statutory law, creating a direct constitutional bar on eligibility for elective public office for anyone convicted of a criminal offense as defined by law. Its practical effect would be to disqualify affected individuals from running for or serving in elected state, county, or local offices, depending on how the constitutional language is applied. Because the resolution itself is only a proposal, the legal change would occur only if the Legislature finally agrees and voters approve the amendment.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or recorded vote history was provided, so there is no documented debate or formal legislative sentiment in the available materials. Based on the text alone, the resolution reflects a strong law-and-order approach to public integrity and accountability in elected office. The proposal is framed in categorical terms, suggesting support from those favoring stricter eligibility standards, but the available record does not show whether the measure was broadly supported or opposed in committee or on the floor.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely to be the breadth of the disqualification: the amendment would bar anyone convicted of a criminal offense, as defined by law, without distinguishing between types of offenses, seriousness, or whether the conviction is recent or remote. Critics could argue that the proposal is overinclusive, may prevent rehabilitation and second chances, and could sweep in relatively minor offenses depending on the statutory definition. Supporters would likely emphasize public trust, ethical standards, and the need to keep convicted persons out of elected office.
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.