NJ S2300

Bill

Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would require that State parks and forests, State recreation areas, State historic sites, State natural areas, and State wildlife management areas would continue to be open to the public for a period not to exceed seven calendar days if a state of emergency is declared due to the failure to enact a general appropriation law by the deadline prescribed by Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 2 of the New Jersey Constitution. The Department of Environmental Protection would be required to develop a plan for the continued operation of those locations if such a state of emergency is declared which would designate those State employees necessary to continue to provide services.

AI Summary

This bill mandates that if a state of emergency is declared because the New Jersey Constitution's deadline for enacting a general appropriation law (the state budget) is missed, all state parks, forests, recreation areas, historic sites, natural areas, and wildlife management areas must remain open to the public for up to seven days. The Commissioner of Environmental Protection is required to create a plan to ensure these areas can continue operating during such an emergency, identifying the specific state employees needed to provide essential services at these locations.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (1)

John McKeon (D)*,

Last Action

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2300

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2300
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2300_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A175	Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee	Same As
A3404	Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly State and Local Government Committee	Carry Over
S1133	Requires State parks, forests, and other natural and historic areas to remain open to public for seven days if emergency is declared due to failure to enact general appropriation law as prescribed by NJ Constitution.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S2300

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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