Bill
Bill > ACR44
summary
Introduced
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
In Committee
01/09/2024
01/09/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Rising COVID-19 infections in New Jersey prompted Governor Murphy to declare a state of emergency and announce a Statewide curfew on March 9, 2020 and a Statewide stay-at-home-order on March 21, 2020. Churches and houses of worship were affected by the Statewide stay-at-home order and were closed between March and June 2020 for in-person religious services and once re-opened, remained heavily restricted by indoor capacity limits placed by Governor Murphy. Not all secular businesses and services were equally restricted. Many, like grocery stores, pharmacies, and liquor stores were deemed "essential" by executive order and remained open with few or no restrictions. Churches and houses of worship were not deemed "essential" despite the important services they provide New Jersey residents, such as food pantries, homeless shelters, and a sense of community, unity, and hope. Religious liberty is protected by the United States Constitution and the New Jersey Constitution. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution prevents the government from prohibiting the free exercise of religion and the freedom to peaceably assemble and the New Jersey Constitution specifically protects the manner of worshipping Almighty God. The Supreme Court of the United States determined that certain COVID-19 restrictions in the states of California, Colorado, and New York, in particular indoor gathering restrictions and religious household gathering restrictions, violated religious liberty as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Governor Murphy has utilized his gubernatorial powers aggressively since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in ways that have abridged, and not protected, the freedom of New Jersey residents. Restrictions on religious gatherings in New Jersey during the COVID-19 health emergency potentially violated certain unalienable rights protected by the Constitution of the United States, and in light of these violations, the Legislature of New Jersey urges the Governor of New Jersey to protect religious liberty during a declared state of emergency.
AI Summary
This joint resolution urges New Jersey's Governor to protect religious liberty during declared states of emergency, specifically addressing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that the legislature believes infringed upon constitutional rights. The resolution highlights that during the pandemic, Governor Murphy's executive orders restricted churches and houses of worship from holding in-person services, while simultaneously deeming secular businesses like grocery stores and liquor stores as "essential" and allowing them to remain fully operational. The resolution emphasizes that religious institutions provide critical community services such as food pantries, shelters, and emotional support, and that these restrictions potentially violated First Amendment protections of religious freedom. The document references Supreme Court decisions that found similar COVID-19 restrictions in other states unconstitutional, and argues that the Governor should have used his emergency powers to protect fundamental rights rather than limit them. Ultimately, the resolution formally requests that the Governor ensure religious liberty remains protected during future states of emergency, reflecting a legislative perspective that constitutional rights should not be unduly restricted, even during public health crises.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/09/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/ACR44 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/ACR/44_I1.HTM |
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