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Bill > SCR87
NJ SCR87
NJ SCR87Amends Constitution to require legislative consent for any State approval of a trade agreement.
summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 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 to require the State Legislature's consent before the State can agree to be bound by any international trade agreement, aiming to give citizens and their elected representatives more control over trade policy that impacts the State economy and public welfare. The amendment mandates that four legislative members be designated as "State Legislative Points of Contact" to liaise with the Governor and federal government on trade matters, ensuring information about trade agreements and negotiations is shared with the Legislature. It also establishes a "Citizen's Commission on Trade and Democracy," composed of legislators, state officials, and public members representing various stakeholders, to monitor trade talks, assess the social, environmental, legal, and economic effects of trade agreements, hold public hearings, and make recommendations, thereby ensuring public input and legislative review before the State commits to any trade agreement.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee (on 02/05/2026)
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/SCR87 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/SCR/87_I1.HTM |
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