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 establish 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.

Additionally, the bill introduces various provisions to streamline the consolidation process, such as eliminating the need for a joint public hearing on applications and clarifying the petition process. It establishes a five-year waiting period before another consolidation can be initiated after a referendum and mandates that financial agreements between municipalities be reviewed prior to submission of a consolidation plan. The bill also revises the definition of "sparsely populated municipality" and requires voter approval for consolidations involving such municipalities with populations under 100. Overall, the legislation aims to facilitate municipal consolidations while ensuring transparency, fairness, and the protection of residents' and employees' interests.

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