Bill > A5793

Introduced Session

This bill would amend the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law," P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.), to specify that farmland is not a redevelopment area or an area in need of redevelopment under that law. Specifically, this bill amends the definitions of "redevelopment area" and "rehabilitation area" used in the law to specifically exclude any land actively devoted to agricultural or horticultural use that is valued, assessed, and taxed pursuant to the "Farmland Assessment Act of 1964," P.L.1964, c.48 (C.54:4-23.1 et seq.). Some municipalities have undertaken efforts to designate productive farmland as an area in need of redevelopment or rehabilitation under the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law." However, classifying farmland in this manner is detrimental to the State's agricultural economy. Retaining productive farmland is critically important to the State. New Jersey is known as "The Garden State," and agriculture is the State's third largest industry, behind pharmaceuticals and tourism. New Jersey's farmlands are the foundation for a strong agricultural industry and a way of life for generations of farm families. Scenic landscapes of green, productive fields are an important part of what makes New Jersey a desirable place to live and work.

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Eric Houghtaling (D)*,  Parker Space (R)*,  Harold Wirths (R), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee (on 06/01/2021)