Proposes constitutional amendment to broaden powers of the Council on Local Mandates.

SCR 44 proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the Council on Local Mandates' authority in New Jersey. The amendment would allow the Council to review **all existing state laws, rules, and regulations** (not just those enacted after 1996) for unfunded mandates - costs imposed on local governments like school districts, counties, and municipalities without dedicated funding. It would also require the Council to examine **pending legislative bills** before they pass to identify potential unfunded mandates. The Council, composed of nine members appointed through a specific political process, would make non-binding recommendations to the Legislature about eliminating or modifying such mandates. This directly affects local governments facing unfunded state requirements.