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. New provisions include the ability for a representative committee of registered voters to petition for a study commission, with specific requirements for petitions, such as obtaining signatures from at least 10% of voters in each municipality based on the last general election. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of the Municipal Consolidation Study Commission, which must include a representative from the Department of Community Affairs and publish its final report online.

Further amendments include the establishment of a task force to facilitate consolidation, the introduction of a five-year waiting period before another consolidation can be initiated after a referendum, and the requirement for voter approval for any proposed consolidation. The bill also revises the definition of "sparsely populated municipality," increasing the population threshold for such designations, and ensures protections for law enforcement and fire personnel during consolidations. Additionally, it mandates that financial agreements between municipalities be reviewed prior to submission of a consolidation plan and provides for property tax relief for residents facing tax increases post-consolidation. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the consolidation process while ensuring transparency, fairness, and community involvement.

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