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Bill > A3749


NJ A3749

NJ A3749
Allocates $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated CBT revenue for preservation of land in Highlands Region.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would amend and supplement the "Preserve New Jersey Act," P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), to allocate $7.5 million annually of constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue to the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council (council) for the preservation of land in the Highlands Region. The funding in this bill is provided from constitutionally dedicated CBT revenues pursuant to Article VIII, Section II, paragraph 6 of the State Constitution, which dedicates six percent of the CBT for certain environmental purposes. Under the "Preserve New Jersey Act" (act), P.L.2016, c.12 (C.13:8C-43 et seq.), of the dedicated CBT revenues allocated for open space, farmland, and historic preservation, each year: 62 percent is allocated to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) for recreation and conservation purposes; 31 percent is allocated to the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) for farmland preservation; and the remaining seven percent is allocated to the New Jersey Historic Trust for historic preservation. Under this bill, $5 million of the amount allocated each year to the DEP and $2.5 million of the amount allocated to the SADC would be deposited into the "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund," a new fund created by the bill. These moneys, totaling $7.5 million each year would be used by the council to preserve lands located in the Highlands Region.

AI Summary

This bill allocates $7.5 million annually from constitutionally dedicated Corporation Business Tax (CBT) revenue for land preservation in the Highlands Region, a critical watershed area. Specifically, $5 million will be diverted from funds typically used for recreation and conservation by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and $2.5 million from funds for farmland preservation managed by the State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC). These redirected funds will be deposited into a newly created "Preserve New Jersey Highlands Preservation Fund" and administered by the Highlands Water Protection and Planning Council. The council will use this money to acquire land for recreation and conservation, purchase Highlands development credits to protect ecologically or agriculturally significant lands, and preserve farmland that may not qualify for other state preservation programs, all within the Highlands Region.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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