NJ ACR128

Proposes amending New Jersey's Constitution (Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 2) to prohibit discretionary State appropriations to non-State agencies unless the appropriation law specifies the purpose and establishes competitive, merit-based criteria or a statutory formula for distribution.

Prohibits naming specific non-State agencies as recipients in appropriation laws; funds must be distributed through a competitive process rather than direct earmarks.

Defines "non-State agencies" as counties, municipalities, school districts, private universities, non-profit organizations, local authorities, and any other non-governmental entities.

Defines "State agencies" as executive branch departments, legislative and judicial branches, independent State authorities, and public institutions of higher education—these remain exempt from the new restrictions.

If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on a general election ballot for voter approval, with required newspaper publication at least three months prior to the election.