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 require the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Secretary of Agriculture, to establish a "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities that meet the standards established by the Department of Environmental Protection. The standards for a municipal "Pollinator Pathway" designation would include, but need not be limited to: (1) Providing a habitat area for pollinators; (2) Providing host plants which shall include at least one of the following to support at least six butterfly species: (a) Asclepias syriaca; (b) Asclepias incarnate; (c) Asclepias tuberosa; (d) Asclepias verticillata; (e) Asclepias exaltata; (f) Asclepias purpurascens; (g) Asclepias viridiflora; (h) Asclepias lanceolate; (i) Asclepias quadrifolia; (j) Asclepias rubra; (k) Asclepias variegate; or (l) Asclepias amplexicaulis; (3) Providing at least four nectar sources for pollinators during the seasons of spring, summer, and fall; (4) Providing an appropriate water source and shelter for pollinators, and a basking site for butterflies; and (5) Incorporating at least five of the conservation practices from subsection c. of section 1 of the bill. Under the bill, the department would develop and promote a Statewide contest for the establishment of a program logo design for the "Pollinator Pathway" designation sign, to be conducted every 10 years, and would solicit input from the general public prior to announcing the winning design. After the establishment of a program logo, the department would provide a "Pollinator Pathway" designation sign or signs for outdoor use by any municipality that meets the designation requirements.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a "Pollinator Pathway" designation for municipalities in New Jersey to help protect pollinators, which are animals like bees, butterflies, and birds that are crucial for growing crops and maintaining healthy ecosystems, but are currently in decline due to factors like habitat loss and pesticide use. To receive this designation, municipalities must meet specific standards set by the Department of Environmental Protection, including providing habitat and food sources like specific host plants (plants that support butterfly development) and at least four nectar sources for pollinators throughout the spring, summer, and fall. They also need to offer water, shelter, and basking sites for butterflies, and implement at least five conservation practices such as removing invasive plants, avoiding pesticides, using water-saving irrigation, and reducing lawn areas. The Department of Environmental Protection will also hold a statewide contest every ten years to design a logo for the "Pollinator Pathway" signs, which will then be provided to qualifying municipalities.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (5)
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/A3030 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A3500/3030_I1.HTM |
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