Proposes constitutional amendment to make State trustee of public natural resources and guarantee to the people other environmental rights.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Clifton and 13 co-sponsors

Proposes a constitutional amendment making NJ the trustee of public natural resources, pledging fiduciary duties to protect the environment and grant broader rights to the people.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee

#constitution #environment

What the bill would do

Proposes a constitutional amendment to designate the State as trustee of public natural resources.

Would guarantee to the people of New Jersey additional environmental rights beyond current protections.

The amendment would shift or codify a fiduciary-type duty on the state to manage public natural resources for the benefit of the public, while ensuring respect for the environment in policymaking.

Key provisions (as described in the bill’s synopsis)

Establishes the State’s role as the trustee of public natural resources.

Recognizes and guarantees environmental rights for the people of the state.

The exact scope of “other environmental rights” would be defined in the constitutional text adopted through the amendment (the synopsis notes provision of additional rights but does not enumerate them).

Who or what is affected

State government and its agencies responsible for managing public natural resources (e.g., land, water, air, wildlife, parks, and other public trusts).

The rights of residents and the public to a healthy environment, as interpreted and protected under the new constitutional framework.

Potentially affected areas include resource management decisions, land use, permitting, environmental enforcement, and public trust doctrine applications.

Legislative status and process

Status: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to the Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee.

Introduced date: February 12, 2024.

Classification: Concurrent resolution.

Sponsored by: Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (District 15) and Assemblyman William W. Spearman (District 5).

Co-sponsors: A broad list of Assembly members from both parties (names listed in bill summary).

Related bill: SCR 43 (companion in the Senate).

Procedural/timeline considerations

As a constitutional amendment, passage in the Legislature would be followed by presentation to voters in a statewide referendum. Typically, a constitutional amendment must be approved by the Legislature in two consecutive sessions and then approved by voters at the ballot; the exact timeline would depend on subsequent legislative action and election timing.

The companion Senate bill SCR 43 indicates parallel consideration in the Senate, which is common for constitutional initiatives.

Potential implications and considerations

Could broaden or redefine the state’s obligations toward environmental preservation and public access to natural resources.

May affect administrative decision-making, permitting, and enforcement if environmental rights are interpreted to create new standards or duties.

Legal and fiscal implications could arise, including potential litigation or adjustments to resource management policies to align with fiduciary duties to the public.

Next steps for readers

Monitor committee actions on ACR 119 and SCR 43 for amendments or shifts in scope.

Review the full introduced text when available to understand the exact rights proposed and how “trustee” duties would be operationalized.

Watch for subsequent votes in the Legislature and any voter referendum timelines if the measure advances.

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