This bill amends existing laws regarding the annexation of land between municipalities in New Jersey. It mandates that if the land proposed for annexation constitutes 10 percent or more of the property tax ratables of the municipality from which it is being annexed, the governing body must submit a public question to the voters at the next general election occurring at least 45 days after the petition for annexation is received. The municipal clerk is responsible for publishing the public question in a local newspaper 30 days prior to the election. If a majority of voters oppose the annexation, the proposal fails and cannot be resubmitted for one year. Conversely, if the majority approves, the annexation can proceed.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for judicial review in cases where the governing bodies refuse to consent to the annexation. Petitioners must demonstrate that the refusal was arbitrary or unreasonable, detrimental to the economic and social well-being of the majority of residents, or in violation of the results from the public question regarding the annexation. The bill includes several amendments to the existing legal language, such as clarifying the requirements for petitions and the responsibilities of municipal governing bodies in the annexation process.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 40A:7-12.1