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SJR 70

SJR 70 - This constitutional amendment, if approved by the voters, provides that, beginning January 1, 2027, the assessed value of residential real property shall be the most recent assessment. For all subsequent reassessments of such residential real property, the assessed value shall not increase while the owner or owners continue to own such property. Residential real property that is purchased, newly constructed, or undergoes a change in ownership shall be reassessed at its true value in money as provided by law, after which the assessed value of such property shall not increase while the new owner or owners continue to own such property. The assessed value of residential real property shall reflect the value added to the property as a result of new construction or improvements, as described in the act. This amendment is identical to SJR 89 (2026), SJR 50 (2025) and SJR 54 (2025), is substantially similar to SJR 113 (2026), HJR 112 (2026), SJR 34 (2025), HCS/HJR 4 (2025), HJR 86 (2025), HJR 89 (2025), SJR 90 (2024), and HCS#2/HJR 78 (2024), and is similar to HJR 85 (2024), HJR 120 (2024), HJR 184 (2024). JOSH NORBERG

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rick Brattin

Designates the last weekend in October as 'Honor Your Hometown Weekend' in New Jersey, urging annual proclamations and local events to celebrate communities and civic life.

Second Read and Referred S Economic and Workforce Development Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SJR 70

Summary — SJR 70: “Honor Your Hometown Weekend”

Bill: SJR 70 (Joint Resolution)
Title: Designates last weekend in October as “Honor Your Hometown Weekend”
Subject: Local Government / ceremonial recognition

Purpose and intent

SJR 70 establishes a recurring, statewide observance — “Honor Your Hometown Weekend” — to recognize and celebrate the towns, cities, communities, and neighborhoods that help form civic bonds in New Jersey. The resolution frames hometowns as unifying community institutions and encourages citizens and public officials to celebrate local history, culture, volunteerism, businesses, and civic life.

Key provisions

  • Designation: Declares the last weekend in October of each year as “Honor Your Hometown Weekend” in New Jersey.
  • Executive action requested: Respectfully requests that the Governor annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and all citizens to observe the weekend with appropriate programs and activities.
  • Federal request: Respectfully requests the Governor to call upon Congress and the President to designate a national weekend honoring America’s hometowns until a national designation is made.
  • Effective date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon adoption.
  • Nature of the measure: A joint resolution — ceremonial/non‑binding. Language such as “respectfully requests” indicates no mandatory actions or funding commitments.

Who is affected

  • Direct legal effect: None — the resolution is symbolic and does not create regulatory obligations, new programs, or funding.
  • Practical/behavioral effect: Encourages state and local officials, civic organizations, businesses, schools, and residents to hold events or observances celebrating local communities.
  • Executive office: Governor’s office is asked to issue annual proclamations (voluntary).

Potential impact

  • Community recognition: May increase local events, civic pride, volunteer activities, and attention to hometown histories and institutions.
  • No fiscal or regulatory impact: The resolution does not appropriate funds, alter statutes, or impose mandates.
  • Possible ripple effect: Could prompt municipalities, chambers of commerce, cultural groups, or the State to organize recurring local celebrations.

Procedural history (selected)

  • Introduced in the Senate (initial action reflected in documents): January 2024 / early 2025 (documents reference introduction and committee referral).
  • Reported out of Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee: September 30, 2024 (statement filed).
  • Passed Senate: January 30, 2025 (37–0).
  • Received in the Assembly and referred to Assembly Community Development and Women’s Affairs Committee: March 7, 2025 (currently pending in the Assembly).

Related legislation

  • Companion measure: AJR 122.

This summary focuses on the substantive content and likely practical effects: a symbolic, recurring statewide observance intended to promote local civic pride and community activities, without creating legal obligations or new state expenditures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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