NJ S658

Bill

NJ S658

Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.

Introduced
01/13/2026

In Committee
01/13/2026

Crossed Over

Passed

Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a leasing program for the lease, development, use, and management of appropriate and suitable State-owned land as pollinator habitat by any person, local government unit, nonprofit organization, or other entity that the DEP determines is qualified and appropriate to manage State-owned land for this purpose. The bill also directs the DEP, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, to adopt rules and regulations providing for: 1) the identification of State-owned lands that are appropriate and suitable for management as pollinator habitat; and 2) criteria for the selection of appropriate entities to lease, develop, use, and manage State-owned land for this purpose.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, to create a program that allows qualified individuals, local governments, non-profit organizations, or other entities to lease, develop, use, and manage suitable state-owned land as pollinator habitat, which is defined as land managed to support pollinators like bees and butterflies. The DEP will establish rules and regulations to identify appropriate state lands for this purpose and set criteria for selecting entities to manage these areas, ensuring the land is beneficial for the feeding, nesting, and reproduction of pollinators.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Linda Greenstein (D)*, Bob Smith (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/S658

(3 Companion Bills)

Version:

Document Type	Source Location
State Bill Page	https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S658
BillText	https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/658_I1.HTM

Bill	Bill Name	Last Action	Type
A1518	Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee	Same As
A3029	Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.	Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment, Natural Resources, and Solid Waste Committee	Carry Over
S259	Directs DEP to establish leasing program for State-owned land to be used and managed as pollinator habitat.	Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee	Carry Over

Bill > S658

summary

Introduced Session

Bill Summary

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Official Document

bill text

bill summary

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bill summary