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NJ S4682
NJ S4682Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production.
summary
Introduced
06/30/2025
06/30/2025
In Committee
06/30/2025
06/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill amends P.L.1971, c.361 to prohibit the condemnation, or taking of private property for a public purpose under the power of eminent domain pursuant to that law, of a property that is farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production and the person or entity seeking to condemn the property intends to develop that property for a purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production. New Jersey has a stated goal of preserving 500,000 acres of farmland, which it is just over halfway to achieving. To obtain this goal the State needs to have as much active farmland as possible and should not allow it to be taken through eminent domain for non-agricultural purposes. Eminent domain is a tool to be used by the government to promote public projects, such as damns, roads, and parks, not a hammer to be used to take private property for use by other private entities to make money for themselves and the government that approves it. This bill will narrow the scope of the eminent domain law and protect farms that are needed to provide food security for citizens.
AI Summary
This bill amends an existing New Jersey law about eminent domain to specifically protect active farmland from being condemned for non-agricultural purposes. The legislation prohibits government agencies or entities from using eminent domain to take over farmland that is currently being used for agricultural or horticultural production if their intention is to develop the land for purposes unrelated to farming. The bill requires that any condemnation offer must be made in writing, include a detailed explanation of the compensation calculation, and give the property owner an opportunity to accompany the appraiser during property inspection. Before initiating condemnation, the taking agency must first attempt to negotiate with the property owner and cannot offer less than the fair market value of the property. The proposed law is part of New Jersey's broader goal of preserving 500,000 acres of farmland, with the aim of protecting food security and preventing the loss of productive agricultural land to non-agricultural development. By narrowing the scope of eminent domain, the bill seeks to provide additional protection for farmers and agricultural landowners against involuntary property seizures.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Economic Growth Committee (on 06/30/2025)
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/S4682 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/S5000/4682_I1.HTM |
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