Bill
Bill > A2869
NJ A2869
NJ A2869Prohibits planting of non-native species in landscaping at State parks and forests; establishes grant program to support use of native plants at local parks and forests; appropriates $250,000.
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 would prohibit the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from planting non-native plant species as part of the landscaping of a State park or forest. The bill would also direct the DEP to establish a grant program to provide funds to local governments that seek to plant native plants at local parks and forests. As used in the bill, "native plant" means a plant species that occurs naturally in New Jersey or the greater Mid-Atlantic region, either because it evolved here or because it established itself here without human assistance. The injunction on the use of non-native plants would take effect three months after the bill's enactment, in order to allow the DEP to utilize any remaining nursery stock it has acquired or contracted for. Each grant awarded under the grant program would be for a maximum of $5,000, although a local government could apply for more than one grant per year. Under the bill, the DEP would determine the eligibility conditions, priority ranking of projects, and application procedures for the program. The bill would require the DEP to report to Governor and the Legislature on the progress ofthe program in achieving its goals, and would require the DEP Commissioner to request sufficient funds in the DEP's annual budget request to execute the program.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from planting non-native plant species, which are plants not naturally found in New Jersey or the Mid-Atlantic region, in State parks and forests three months after the bill becomes law, allowing time to use existing plant stock. It also directs the DEP to create a grant program to help local governments fund the planting of native plants in their parks and forests, with individual grants capped at $5,000, though local entities can apply for multiple grants annually. The DEP will establish the rules for this grant program, including eligibility, application procedures, and reporting requirements, and will be responsible for monitoring its effectiveness and requesting adequate funding in its annual budget. Finally, the bill appropriates $250,000 to the DEP to initially fund this grant program.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (3)
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/A2869 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3000/2869_I1.HTM |
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