New Jersey.

The state Assembly last week took a step toward requiring that any new mandates forced on local governments be paid for by the state.

In a 74-to-1 vote, lawmakers approved a resolution asking voters whether the New Jersey Constitution should be amended to require that any new mandates be paid for by the state.

The bill was sponsored by Assembly Speaker Garabed Haytaian, R-Warren, who is running for governor, and Assemblyman George Geist, R-Camden.

Education-related mandates would be exempt.

Under the proposal, New Jersey could force local governments to cover the costs of new programs only if a two-thirds majority of both houses of the legislature approves.

The measure must be approved by the state Senate in order to be placed before voters in a public referendum. The Senate Judiciary Committee is currently considering the bill.

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