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Bill > A5154
NJ A5154
NJ A5154Allocates 10 percent of Green Acres funding to local government units for development of completely inclusive playgrounds.
summary
Introduced
12/19/2024
12/19/2024
In Committee
12/19/2024
12/19/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that 10 percent of the Green Acres funding provided for grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects would be allocated as grants for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds by local government units. The "Preserve New Jersey Act" implements the constitutional dedication of corporation business tax (CBT) revenues for open space, farmland, and historic preservation. For State fiscal years 2020 and after, the act provides that of the amount deposited each State fiscal year: 60 percent shall be used for State open space acquisition and development projects; 30 percent shall be used for grants and loans to fund local government open space acquisition and development projects; and 10 percent shall be used for grants to fund open space acquisition and development projects undertaken by qualifying tax exempt nonprofit organizations. Currently, the Green Acres program requires all development projects to comply with all applicable federal and State requirements of the "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990" and "barrier free" codes. This bill would provide that of the funding for local government open space acquisition and development projects, 10 percent would be allocated as grants for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds, including the retrofitting of existing playgrounds, by local government units. The bill further provides that a grant by the State for development of a completely inclusive playground by a local government unit that is not an urban aid municipality would be for 50 percent of the cost of development of the playground. This bill would provide that a portion of Green Acres funds be specifically allocated for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds by counties and municipalities.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Preserve New Jersey Act to allocate 10 percent of Green Acres funding specifically for the development of completely inclusive playgrounds by local government units. Green Acres is a state program that provides funding for open space acquisition and recreation projects. The bill mandates that within the 30 percent of funds typically allocated to local government projects, a new 10 percent portion will be dedicated to creating playgrounds that are fully accessible to children of all abilities, including retrofitting existing playgrounds. For local government units that are not considered urban aid municipalities, the state will provide a grant covering 50 percent of the playground development costs. This change aims to promote more inclusive recreational spaces by ensuring that playgrounds can be used by children with diverse physical abilities, expanding opportunities for play and community interaction. The bill builds upon existing requirements that development projects already comply with Americans with Disabilities Act standards, but goes further by specifically earmarking funds to create playgrounds that are comprehensively accessible.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee (on 12/19/2024)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5154 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/A5500/5154_I1.HTM |
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