Bill Text: NJ ACR25 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced

New Jersey Assembly Concurrent Resolution 25 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Amends State Constitution to require tax imposed on premiums of certain fire insurance policies to be paid to New Jersey State Firemen's Association.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 7-3)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-01-14 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Homeland Security and State Preparedness Committee [ACR25 Detail]

Download: New_Jersey-2020-ACR25-Introduced.html

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 25

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

219th LEGISLATURE

PRE-FILED FOR INTRODUCTION IN THE 2020 SESSION

Sponsored by:

Assemblyman RYAN E. PETERS

District 8 (Atlantic, Burlington and Camden)

Assemblyman VINCENT MAZZEO

District 2 (Atlantic)

Co-Sponsored by:

Assemblymen Rooney, Armato, Thomson, Auth, Assemblywoman Murphy, Assemblymen DePhillips and DiMaio

SYNOPSIS

Amends State Constitution to require tax imposed on premiums of certain fire insurance policies to be paid to New Jersey State Firemen's Association.

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel.

A Concurrent Resolution proposing to amend Article VIII, Section II of the New Jersey Constitution by adding a new paragraph.

Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey (the Senate concurring):

1. The following proposed amendment to the Constitution of the State of New Jersey is agreed to:

PROPOSED AMENDMENT

Amend Article VIII, Section II by adding a new paragraph 10 to read as follows:

10. The tax imposed pursuant to R.S.54:18-1 et seq. shall be paid by the taxpayer directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association or any successor organization and it shall not be competent for the Legislature to divert the revenues from the tax for any other purpose.

2. When this proposed amendment to the Constitution is finally agreed to pursuant to Article IX, paragraph 1 of the Constitution, it shall be submitted to the people at the next general election occurring more than three months after the final agreement and shall be published at least once in at least one newspaper of each county designated by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the General Assembly and the Secretary of State, not less than three months prior to the general election.

3. This proposed amendment to the Constitution shall be submitted to the people at that election in the following manner and form:

There shall be printed on each official ballot to be used at the general election, the following:

a. In every municipality in which voting machines are not used, a legend which shall immediately precede the question as follows:

If you favor the proposition printed below make a cross (X), plus (+), or check (a) in the square opposite the word "Yes." If you are opposed thereto make a cross (X), plus (+) or check (a) in the square opposite the word "No."

b. In every municipality the following question:

YES

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE CERTAIN TAX TO BE PAID DIRECTLY TO THE NEW JERSEY STATE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION AND NOT BE USED FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Do you approve amending the State Constitution to require the tax on certain fire insurance policies to be paid directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association? The tax is paid by companies in other states that insure property in New Jersey. The amendment would prevent the State from using the money for other purposes.

INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT

This amendment requires the two percent tax imposed on certain fire insurance policies to be paid directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. The tax is paid by companies in other states that insure property in New Jersey. The money is used to benefit firefighters and their families.

Currently, under New Jersey statute, the tax is paid by the insurance companies directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association. This amendment would ensure that the association continues to receive the money and the money cannot be used for other State purposes.

STATEMENT

This concurrent resolution proposes to amend the State Constitution to require the tax imposed on the premiums of fire insurance policies written by out-of-State insurance companies on New Jersey properties to be paid directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association.

Under current law, this tax is paid by the insurance company directly to the New Jersey State Firemen's Association and is used for certain purposes, including burial benefits for firefighters, financial assistance to needy firefighters and their families, operational expenses of the New Jersey Firemen's Home, convention expenses, and administrative expenses. This constitutional amendment would ensure that the tax continues to be paid to this association, or any successor organization, for the benefit of firefighters and the money cannot be used for other State purposes.

Firefighters play a vital role in protecting the citizens of this State. It is imperative that the tax continues to be paid to this association to assist firefighters and their families in times of need and that the funds not be diverted for other State purposes.