TRENTON, N.J. – The single-subject rule is a state constitutional requirement that initiatives address a single subject, topic, or issue. As written, the Democrat’s bill is too broad, permitting 14 executive orders to remain in place which deal with many different subjects including liquor licenses, statutory deadlines, vaccination, and youth summer camps.
Assembly Republican Leader Jon Bramnick cautioned Democrats to keep legislation aimed at limiting Gov. Phil Murphy’s powers to meet state constitutional requirements.
“Reigning in Governor Murphy’s executive power is not complicated,” said Bramnick (R-Union). “I believe the bill violates the state constitution.”
Republicans introduced legislation, A-4147, in May 2020 which would simply require legislative approval of executive orders that last more than 14 days. Democrats have prevented consideration of the bill on three separate occasions.