NJ SCR128

Proposes amending Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution to prohibit discretionary State appropriations to non-State agencies unless distributed through competitive, merit-based criteria or a formula established by law.

Requires any appropriation law for non-State agencies to specify the purpose of the funding and prohibits naming specific recipient organizations directly in the legislation.

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

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

If approved by the Legislature, the amendment would be placed on the general election ballot for voter approval, requiring publication in newspapers at least three months prior to the election.