summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires the "Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization, and Consolidation Commission" to study and produce a report, together with specific legislative recommendations to establish a process for the dissolution of county government in New Jersey. As has been demonstrated by Connecticut and Rhode Island, neither of which have county government, and also by Massachusetts, where most county governments have been abolished since the 1990s, all of the functions of county government can be performed by the State, municipalities, or other local units. Many of the functions of county government are redundant and duplicative. This results in an unnecessary and costly governmental layer that is no longer necessary for the taxpayers of this State. Determining the most appropriate approach to abolish county government for the purpose of reducing the property tax burden will be a complex task. This challenge should involve a careful, deliberative process, in which the individuals most recognized for expertise on the functions of government in New Jersey at the State, county, and municipal levels, should be closely involved. This bill requires the "Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization, and Consolidation Commission," established pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2007, c.54 (C.52:27D-503), to study and report on the structure, functions and funding sources of county government, the current relationship between the county and other units of government, the most appropriate approach to reallocating county debt and service responsibilities, and the most efficient process and timeline for the dissolution of county government. The bill requires the commission to produce a report, and recommend specific legislative changes that would abolish county government and allow for more efficient local government operation in the process. Within 18 months following the bill's effective date, the commission would submit its report and legislative recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, and the public.
AI Summary
This bill directs the "Local Unit Alignment, Reorganization, and Consolidation Commission," a body established to study and recommend improvements to local government structures, to investigate the possibility of dissolving county governments in New Jersey. The commission is tasked with examining how county governments currently operate, their funding, and their relationship with the state and municipalities, drawing on examples from states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts where county governments are absent or largely abolished. The goal is to determine if county functions can be effectively handled by the state or local municipalities, potentially reducing redundant services and lowering property taxes for residents. Within 18 months of the bill becoming law, the commission must submit a report to the Governor and legislative leaders, along with specific legislative proposals for abolishing county government and creating a more efficient system for local governance, with this report also being made public.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/A522 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A1000/522_I1.HTM |
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