BillTrack50 logo
Free Signup Login
Bill

Bill > SCR89

NJ SCR89

NJ SCR89
Amends Constitution to require legislative consent for any State approval of a trade agreement.

summary

Introduced
02/15/2024
In Committee
02/15/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this proposed constitutional amendment is to clearly establish the role of the State Legislature in setting trade policy for the State and ensure that the citizens of the State and the Legislature have access to information on the impact of international trade policy on the State economy. The amendment: 1. Requires consent of the State Legislature for any approval by the State to be bound by any trade agreement; 2. Requires the designation of four members of the Legislature to be State Legislative Points of Contact to serve as official liaisons with the Governor's office and the federal government on trade policy; and 3. Establishes a Citizen's Commission on Trade and Democracy to monitor trade negotiations and disputes; assess the social, environmental, legal and economic effects of trade agreements and proposed trade agreements; and hold hearings and make recommendations regarding trade policy and related legislation. While New Jersey participates in the global economy and seeks to maximize the benefits and minimize the adverse impacts of international trade, some recent trade agreements have impacts significantly beyond the bounds of traditional trade matters, such as tariffs and quotas, and may undermine the State's constitutionally guaranteed authority to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Some trade agreements, lacking adequate human rights, labor, and environmental standards, have put New Jersey workers and businesses at a disadvantage when competing with firms operating in jurisdictions with lower standards. Some agreements have eroded the traditional autonomy of states in procurement matters by requiring state and local governments to accord foreign suppliers of goods and services treatment no less favorable than that afforded to in-state suppliers.

AI Summary

This concurrent resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that would require the New Jersey State Legislature to provide consent before the state can be bound by any international trade agreement. The resolution establishes a comprehensive process for trade agreement review, including the creation of a Citizen's Commission on Trade and Democracy and the designation of four State Legislative Points of Contact (two from the Senate and two from the General Assembly) who will serve as official liaisons with the federal government and Governor's office on trade policy matters. Under the proposed amendment, before consenting to a trade agreement, the state must ensure that: (1) detailed provisions and impact analyses are provided to the Legislative Points of Contact and made available to the public, (2) the Citizen's Commission holds public hearings across the state to assess the potential social, environmental, economic, and legal effects of the agreement, and (3) the Legislature votes to authorize specific provisions of the agreement. The commission would be composed of the four Legislative Points of Contact, the Attorney General, heads of key state departments, and 10 public members representing various stakeholders like labor organizations, businesses, farmers, and trade policy experts. The ultimate goal is to provide greater legislative oversight, transparency, and public input into trade agreements that could potentially impact state laws, worker protections, and economic interests.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 02/15/2024)
(1 Companion Bills)

bill text

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/SCR89
BillText https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/SCR/89_I1.HTM
Loading...