Bill > A5067

This bill requires the establishment of the Peter J. Barnes III Wildlife Preservation Commission, which will consist of nine members from three Middlesex County municipalities (Edison Township, Metuchen Borough, and South Plainfield Borough). The commission will include two residents from each municipality, two elected county officials, and one representative from the Edison Wetlands Association, with the important stipulation that no more than five members can be from the same political party and no more than three can be from any single municipality. A key provision is the requirement for each municipal appointing authority to appoint one alternate member who can vote only in the absence of a regular member. Members will serve five-year terms without compensation but can be reimbursed for expenses, and they must take an oath to perform their duties faithfully and impartially. The commission can select its own leadership, potentially hire an executive director, and make decisions by majority vote, with a quorum defined as a majority of the total authorized membership. Members are prohibited from having direct financial interests in projects within the wildlife preserve, with violations potentially resulting in forfeiture of their office. The bill aims to provide a structured and balanced approach to managing the wildlife preservation efforts in these municipalities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5067