This bill amends existing laws related to fire district elections and the process for raising property tax levies. It mandates that if a fire district intends to raise funds beyond the permissible property tax levy increase, a public question must be presented to voters during the general election. The bill specifically inserts provisions requiring that this public question be submitted if the proposed amount exceeds the allowable adjusted tax levy, thereby ensuring that voters have a direct role in financial decisions affecting their fire districts. Additionally, the bill modifies the criteria for establishing a fire district by changing the requirement for applications from "5%" to "percent of the registered voters or 20 legal voters, whichever is greater."

Furthermore, the bill outlines the timing and procedures for fire district elections, allowing them to coincide with the general election on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. It requires fire districts to notify the appropriate clerks at least 60 days prior to the general election if they plan to hold a referendum on tax increases. The bill also prohibits any fire district elections from occurring within 45 days prior to the primary or general election until the results of those elections are certified. These changes aim to enhance transparency, voter participation, and consistency with general election protocols, ultimately promoting greater engagement in the financial governance of fire districts.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 19:63-9, 40A:14-72.1