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Bill > A2940
NJ A2940
NJ A2940Prohibits condemnation of farmland actively supporting agricultural or horticultural production for purpose other than agricultural or horticultural production.
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 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 existing law concerning eminent domain, which is the government's power to take private property for public use, even if the owner does not want to sell, provided fair compensation is paid. Specifically, it prohibits the government or any entity using eminent domain from taking farmland that is actively being used for farming or growing produce if the intention is to use that land for anything other than agricultural or horticultural purposes. This measure aims to protect active farms, supporting the state's goal of preserving farmland and ensuring food security, by preventing their acquisition for non-farming development.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources 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/A2940 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2940_I1.HTM |
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