LEGISLATIVE FISCAL ESTIMATE

ASSEMBLY, No. 1

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

215th LEGISLATURE

 

DATED: FEBRUARY 21, 2012

 

 

SUMMARY

 

Synopsis:

Enacts the “Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act.”

Type of Impact:

Minimal revenue increase.

Agencies Affected:

Department of Health and Senior Services.  All municipalities that issue marriage licenses.  Administrative Office of the Courts.  Department of Children and Families.

 

 

Office of Legislative Services Estimate

Fiscal Impact

Years 1-3 

 

State/Local Cost

None.

 

State/Local Revenue

Minimal Revenue Increase.

 

 

 

 

·        It is not known how many same-sex couples who have not entered into a civil union would marry pursuant to this legislation.

 

 

BILL DESCRIPTION

 

      Assembly Bill No. 1 of 2012, titled the “Marriage Equality and Religious Exemption Act,” would recognize same-sex marriage in this State.  The legislation would no longer permit same-sex civil unions, sanctioned by P.L.2006, c.103 (C.37:1-28 et al.), and all previously sanctioned civil unions would be deemed to be marriages.  The legislation also establishes that religious figures and organizations are not required to solemnize or provide goods, space, or services for any marriage in violation of their religious beliefs.  Such religious exemptions are intended to uphold the constitutionally protected free exercise of religion in this State.  Finally, the legislation makes various technical changes and abolishes the New Jersey Civil Union Review Commission, as the commission would no longer be needed to evaluate the operation and effectiveness of the State civil union law.

FISCAL ANALYSIS

 

EXECUTIVE BRANCH

 

      None provided.

 

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE SERVICES

 

      Enactment of Assembly Bill No. 1 has no fiscal impact on either State or local administrative costs.

      It is possible that an unknown number of same-sex couples who have not entered into a civil union would marry if this legislation were enacted.  This would result in an increase in the number of marriages and generate some additional marriage license fee revenues that would not otherwise be realized.  Such revenues support the Domestic Violence Fund in the Department of Children and Families.

 

 

Section:

Human Services

Analyst:

David Drescher

Assistant Fiscal Analyst

Approved:

David J. Rosen

Legislative Budget and Finance Officer

 

This legislative fiscal estimate has been produced by the Office of Legislative Services due to the failure of the Executive Branch to respond to our request for a fiscal note.

 

This fiscal estimate has been prepared pursuant to P.L.1980, c.67 (C.52:13B-6 et seq.).