This bill amends the Municipal Consolidation Act in New Jersey to improve the municipal consolidation process by enhancing flexibility and clarity. It allows governing bodies from two or more municipalities within the same county to apply for a consolidation plan or create a Municipal Consolidation Study Commission without the requirement of contiguity. The bill introduces a new provision that enables a representative committee of registered voters to petition for a study commission, requiring signatures from at least 10% of voters in each municipality based on the last general election. Additionally, it outlines the process for creating a study commission, including qualifications for commissioners, study timeframes, and public hearing requirements, while mandating that a final report with findings and recommendations be made publicly available.

Further amendments streamline the consolidation process by establishing a timeline for the discharge of the Municipal Consolidation Study Commission and ensuring that only one consolidation action can be active in a municipality at a time. The bill also addresses property tax assessments in newly consolidated municipalities, ensuring equity and review by the Director of the Division of Taxation. Employee rights are protected during consolidation, particularly for law enforcement and firefighters, with provisions for seniority, tenure, and pension rights. The legislation also revises the definition of "sparsely populated municipality" and mandates voter approval for consolidations involving municipalities with populations under 100, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency in local governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:65-25, 40A:65-26, 40A:65-27, 40A:65-28, 40A:65-29, 40:43-66.78, 40:43-66.79, 40:43-66.80, 40:43-66.81, 40:43-66.82