WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

ACR 161

Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Danielsen and 1 co-sponsor

ACR 161 would amend the NJ Constitution to let lawmakers move probation duties from the Judiciary to the State Parole Board via future statute, pending voter approval.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
#constitution #probation #statedepts
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · ACR 161

Summary of ACR 161 (New Jersey)

Overview

  • Bill Number: ACR 161
  • Title: Proposes constitutional amendment authorizing statute transferring probation functions from Judiciary to State Parole Board
  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Judiciary Committee
  • Introduced: March 24, 2025
  • Classification: Concurrent resolution (constitutional amendment path)
  • Subject: Constitution, probation, state departments
  • Companion: SCR 39 (Senate companion)

Purpose and Intent

ACR 161 seeks to amend the state constitution to authorize the Legislature to enact a statute that would transfer probation-related functions currently handled by the Judiciary to the State Parole Board. In other words, if voters approve the constitutional change, a statute could be enacted to move supervision and related probation duties from the judiciary to the State Parole Board.

Key Provisions

  • Constitutional Change: Proposes a constitutional amendment to enable transfer of probation functions via statute.
  • Implementation Mechanism: The amendment would permit, but not itself enact, the transfer; a subsequent statute would define the specifics of the transfer (scope, duties, structure, funding, transition timeline).
  • Scope of Transfer: Not detailed in the introduced text; the bill authorizes the move of probation administration decisions from the Judiciary to the State Parole Board, subject to future implementing law.

Who Is Affected

  • Judiciary: Currently administers probation functions; potential reduction or reallocation of responsibilities.
  • State Parole Board: Potentially gains primary responsibility for probation supervision and related functions.
  • Probationers/Individuals Under Supervision: Could experience changes in supervision processes, case management, and service delivery.
  • State and Local Agencies: Any funding, reporting, or oversight structures tied to probation administration may be reorganized.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Action to Date: Introduced in the Assembly on March 24, 2025; referred to the Assembly Judiciary Committee.
  • Next Steps if Advanced: The proposal would need approval by both houses and then voter ratification in a statewide referendum (as a constitutional amendment). The Senate counterpart is SCR 39.
  • Implementation Path: If the constitutional amendment is approved, the Legislature could pass an implementing statute detailing the transfer, including timelines, funding, training, and transition safeguards.

Additional Context

  • This is a concurrent resolution proposing a constitutional amendment; it does not itself reallocate duties but authorizes the mechanism to do so through a statute if approved by voters.
  • The companion bill SCR 39 in the Senate tracks this same concept in a parallel chamber.

Summary

ACR 161 seeks to modernize and reorganize probation administration by enabling a future statute to transfer probation functions from the Judiciary to the State Parole Board, contingent on voter approval of a constitutional change. It establishes groundwork for potential structural reform in probation governance, pending implementing legislation and voter ratification.

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

Sign in to ask a question.