Bill > ACR19

This joint resolution proposes an amendment to the New Jersey Constitution that would fundamentally alter the state's approach to affordable housing by eliminating municipalities' obligations to provide housing opportunities across income levels. Specifically, the resolution modifies Article I and Article IV to clarify that there is no constitutional right to housing for all income levels in every municipality, and to prohibit the state legislature from creating laws that require municipalities to develop housing through zoning or land use regulations. The proposed amendment stems from the historical context of the Mount Laurel cases, which previously required municipalities to create affordable housing opportunities, and would effectively remove those longstanding affordable housing mandates. If approved by voters in a general election, the constitutional amendment would give municipalities more autonomy in zoning decisions and remove the legal requirement to provide housing across different income brackets. The resolution includes specific language that prevents the legislature from passing laws that would supersede or interfere with municipal zoning ordinances related to housing accessibility, representing a significant shift in how housing opportunities are approached at the local government level in New Jersey.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/ACR19