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Bill > S949
NJ S949
NJ S949Renames "Delaware Bay" to "Bay of New Jersey"; directs all State departments and agencies to update official publications, signage, websites, and materials to reflect the new designation and notify relevant federal entities.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill renames the "Delaware Bay" as the "Bay of New Jersey" in all statutes and official references under New Jersey law. The bill directs all State departments, agencies, and instrumentalities to revise their websites, printed materials, signage, maps, and other public-facing documents to reflect this new designation. Additionally, it requires that any reference to "Delaware Bay" in New Jersey statutes, rules, regulations, contracts, or official documents be understood to mean and refer to the "Bay of New Jersey." The bill also requires that relevant federal agencies be notified of the name change, including requests to reflect this designation in federal documents and materials where appropriate. The Delaware Bay lies along the western border of southern New Jersey and has long been integral to the State's environmental, economic, and cultural identity. The renaming recognizes and affirms the bay's strong and direct connection to New Jersey's coastal communities, maritime industries, and natural resources.
AI Summary
This bill officially renames the body of water known as "Delaware Bay" to "Bay of New Jersey" throughout New Jersey statutes and official references, ensuring that any past or present mention of "Delaware Bay" will now refer to the "Bay of New Jersey." It mandates that all state departments and agencies must update their websites, publications, signage, and other public materials to reflect this new designation within 90 days of the bill's enactment, and also requires the Department of State to notify relevant federal agencies of this change. The bill also amends numerous existing laws to replace "Delaware Bay" with "Bay of New Jersey," covering a wide range of topics from port districts and coastal wetlands to fishing regulations and the Delaware-New Jersey Compact, which established the Delaware River and Bay Authority.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
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/2026/S949 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/949_I1.HTM |
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