Urges Governor to protect religious liberty during declared state of emergency.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Holzapfel

The resolution urges the Governor to protect religious liberty during emergencies, urging review of orders to ensure worship remains treated fairly under constitutional rights.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation Committee

Summary of SCR 107 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and intent

SCR 107 is a concurrent resolution urging the Governor of New Jersey to protect religious liberty during a declared state of emergency.

The resolution reflects concerns that, during COVID-19 emergency measures, certain restrictions on churches and houses of worship may have infringed on First Amendment rights (free exercise of religion and freedom of assembly) and the New Jersey Constitution’s protections for worship.

It cites the state’s experience with COVID-19 emergency orders in 2020 (curfews, stay-at-home directives, and in-person service limitations) and argues that some secular “essential” businesses remained open with fewer restrictions, while houses of worship faced more stringent limits.

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: The Legislature respectfully urges the Governor to protect religious liberty during a declared state of emergency.

Section 2: Directs that copies of the resolution, once filed, be transmitted to the Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

The resolution itself articulates the rationale, citing constitutional protections and relevant U.S. Supreme Court guidance that some state restrictions on religious gatherings during the pandemic had been found unconstitutional in other states (California, Colorado, New York) when they imposed stricter limits on worship compared to comparable secular activities.

Who/what would be affected

While the bill is a non-binding concurrent resolution, its impact is primarily symbolic but potentially influential:

Signals legislative intent to prioritize religious liberty during emergencies.
Encourages the Governor to review emergency orders and ensure that religious institutions are treated fairly and in a manner consistent with constitutional protections.
No new statutory requirements or changes to law are enacted by SCR 107 itself; it does not create enforceable obligations beyond urging executive action.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced in the New Jersey Senate (bill SCR 107) on March 2, 2026.

Referred to the Senate Committees: State Government, Wagering, Tourism & Historic Preservation.

Co-sponsored by Jim Holzapfel.

As a concurrent resolution, it does not become law or create new mandates but serves to express the Legislature’s stance and request action by the Governor.

Context and potential impact

Context: The resolution references COVID-19-related emergency orders from 2020 that restricted in-person worship and contrasts them with other essential services deemed allowable with fewer restrictions.

Potential impact: If adopted, the resolution may influence executive consideration of religious liberty in ongoing or future emergencies and could inform guidance or future emergency-order review processes. It also provides a formal record of legislative sentiment on balancing public health measures with constitutional rights.

Note: The text provided indicates no statutory amendments or funding implications; the bill’s effect is primarily to declare a policy position and urge executive action.