NJ SCR33

New Jersey Legislature expresses support for federal H.R. 7109, the "Equal Representation Act," which passed the U.S. House on May 8, 2024 and awaits Senate action

The federal bill would require a citizenship question on the decennial census and base congressional apportionment and electoral college votes on U.S. citizen population rather than total population including noncitizens

Resolution argues current census methodology counting all residents dilutes representation for congressional districts with fewer noncitizens compared to districts with higher noncitizen populations

Estimates cited claim the total U.S. noncitizen population (including legal residents, long-term visitors, and undocumented immigrants) may reach 30 million people, equivalent to 40 congressional districts and 42 electoral votes

Copies of the resolution would be transmitted to U.S. Senate and House leadership and all New Jersey members of Congress