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Bill > S4102
NJ S4102
NJ S4102Allocates $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue for preservation of land in Highlands Region.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill would amend and supplement the "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), to allocate $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (council) for the preservation of land in the Highlands Region. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, which dedicates six percent of the CBT for certain environmental purposes. Under the "Preserve New Jersey Act" (act), P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), of the dedicated CBT revenues allocated for open space, farmland, and historic preservation, each year: 62 percent is allocated to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for recreation and conservation purposes; 31 percent is allocated to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation; and the remaining seven percent is allocated to the New Jersey Historic Trust for historic preservation. Under this bill, $5 million of the amount allocated each year to the DEP and $2.5 million of the amount allocated to the SADC would be deposited into the "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund," a new fund created by the bill. These moneys, totaling $7.5 million each year would be used by the council to preserve lands located in the Highlands Region.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Preserve New Jersey Act to allocate $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue specifically for land preservation in the Highlands Region. The funding will be split between two existing funds: $5 million from the Green Acres Fund and $2.5 million from the Farmland Preservation Fund will be deposited into a new "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" managed by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The funds will be used for three primary purposes: acquiring lands for recreation and conservation, acquiring lands for farmland preservation, and providing state matching funds for federal land acquisition programs in the Highlands Region. The bill establishes detailed guidelines for how these funds can be used, prioritizing land in special environmental zones, high conservation or agricultural priority areas, and lands that can improve connectivity to existing preserved spaces. Notably, the funds cannot be used for land requiring condemnation, lands with environmental contamination, or lands already preserved by the state or other organizations. The Highlands Council will be responsible for reviewing and recommending specific land acquisition projects, which must then be approved by the Legislature through appropriation bills.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 02/03/2025)
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/S4102 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S4500/4102_I1.HTM |
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